Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I moved down to the DC Metro area in 2003 when I got engaged and worked as an elementary school teacher.  After having my second child in 2009, I was able to stay home.  I love reading, the outdoors, good food, issues in education, and am trying to get back into exercise. 

How did you first become involved in with blogging?
A friend suggested that I create a website since I always seemed to be on top of local happenings.  One night I was experiencing insomnia and actually sat down and did it!  I am embarrassed of the product that I put out back then.  I was clueless about web design, html, and blogging.  I have learned a lot, and it has been a whirlwind year!

Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on your blog?
I have met amazing people.  It is fun to get invited to press events and meet celebrities like Tia Mowry and John Walsh, but my favorite people are honestly the local entrepreneurs.  Andrea Khoury of novahousewives.com has been an inspiration, and I loved working with her on a charity fundraiser called NoVA Live back in February. (Isn't she too sweet to mention me?)  I am also inspired by the work ethic and drive of Denise Stern from Let Mommy Sleep.  Honestly, this area is filled with talented and dedicated people.  There are too many great ones I have met this year to name!  

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?
My boys keep me insanely busy.  I never want to lose focus that my family is the most important thing in my life, and my kids are growing so quickly!  Besides my blog, I write the online family feature articles for Northern Virginia Magazine.  I am also the chair of a local charity, Mission Sleep and am involved in fundraising for my youngest son's preschool.  

What websites do you visit every day? 
Facebook...it's an addiction.

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia? 
I love the drinks at Monza in Old Town Manassas.  They have an impressive martini menu, and my favorite is called the Sonic Bitch Slap.  If I'm doing beer, I love Guinness at the Auld Shebeen in Fairfax City.  The Irish music is so fun, and it makes a great, casual date night.  

What book do you casually put out on your coffee table to impress visitors? 
My coffee table is actually cluttered with kids' books right now.  We read them while we're waiting for dinner to cook.  

What are your top 3 favorite places in Northern Virginia? 
*Old Town Alexandria.  To me there is nothing more fun that going to the farmers' market there, experiencing all the unique stores and restaurants, and hanging out down by the waterfront.  
*The Fairfax County Park system.  There is nothing like it where I grew up in New York.  It is amazing to me that we can visit farms, nature centers, spraygrounds, and beautiful lakes for free.  Plus they have great free entertainment series and family programs, and the Parktakes classes are really affordable. 
*Cox Farms.  My whole family comes to celebrate my son's birthday there, and we always have a blast.  My sister and I laugh so hard on the hayride that people stare at us, and the kids are amazed by all the slides and activities.  

What is your goal for retirement?
I want a beach involved, and I want to spoil my grandkids as "payback."  Karma!  

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own blog?  
Exercise instead!  (I am not kidding.)