On Saturday, we had a block of window that was perfect for mommy & B time. Since we had just gone through some pretty rough days post-op and he was finally starting to feel better, I decided to take him somewhere fun for a lunch date. We had been once before and B loved the boats - so we picked Water's Edge in Occoquan.

Yes, it looks like you're driving through a construction site to get there, and yes it's a total dive bar with funky interior dining area - but the two story deck, the fresh breeze, the boats, the water - total perfection.
The food is not the finest dining, but you can't go wrong with a chicken quesadilla and a shirley temple.

It's a fun spot if you're looking for somewhere casual to hang in the breeze. We sat on the deck with Harley riders, hungover college kids, and an older boat-loving couple who were already rocking white pants pre-memorial day. Mixed bag, for sure... but if you don't care, neither do they :)

ps: they have happy hour from 12noon-7pm every weekday.

Guest post by Elyssa Rae
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of Partners in Preservation - American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s program to spotlight local historic gems and give away $1m to 24 historic sites in the greater DC area, which launched last week. If you have had a chance to vote yet, check out the site and make your voice heard – Mount Vernon is looking to knock top-seeded National Cathedral out of first place. It’s also important to support the smaller gems, like Colvin Run Mill and LAMB @ Military Road School, and help them gain awareness.

In addition to supporting the sites, you also help yourself each time you vote.  Marriott is offering 10 FREE three night stays in (almost) ANY of their hotels around the world. The more you vote, the better your chances.  More details here: https://www.preservedmv.com/getinvolved

This weekend is open house weekend. Each site will be doing something special – free admission, behind the scenes tours, food, performance, etc . Out of all of the activities I’ve seen so far, Congressional Cemetery is my favorite – they’re having an all-day scavenger hunt, wine and cheese, performances, tours and a spaghetti sauce judging contest. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to taste spaghetti sauce and drink wine in a cemetery while watching performances and people walk their cute puppies?!

my new favorite made-up recipe for summer drinks! (inspired by the drinks we had at 9 Dragons in Charlestown.)

secret recipe: 
2 parts Grey Goose La Poire,
1 part Peach Schnapps
1 part apple juice
2 parts ginger ale
& a spoonful of Trader Joes mango sorbet to top it off!

shaken over ice - served in martini glasses - because that's what was clean at the time :)

Rich in tradition, culinary indulgences and extraordinary experiences, Spring at The
Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner promises families unique celebrations and extraordinary memories. 

Celebrate Spring and honor your mom this Mother's Day with a luxurious Mother's Day Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. Brunch will be located in our newly
renovated Ballroom on May 12, 2013.
 
Enjoy a lavish presentation of your brunch favorites this Mother's Day. Indulge in caviar, eggs benedict, made-to-order omelet station, savory carving station, sushi, foie gras, braised lamb shank, beef tenderloin, salmon, rock fish and raw
bar featuring assorted oysters, jumbo shrimp and lobster.

Adults will delight in our refreshing French sparkling wine and live harpist, while children enjoy the balloon artists and face painter. The delectable brunch experience culminates with an impressive dessert presentation as a sweet finishing touch.

Seatings are from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., $120 per adult; $40 per child (ages 4 - 12) plus tax and gratuity. For reservations please contact Guest Relations at 703-506-4300.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City invites moms to take a night off and celebrate national Mom’s Nite Out on Thursday, May 9 from 5-8 p.m. Focused on rewarding and recognizing the women who always put others before themselves, Mom’s Nite Out is a chance for mothers to treat themselves to a night of pampering, shopping and prize giveaways from stores and other community organizations. 
                          
Activities include:
 ·   A FREE swag bag stuffed with goodies from participating retailers for the first 100 guests to check in at the registration table on Metro Level along with chances to spin the prize wheel.
 ·   Fashion shows, presented by District Fete, will take place at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the ground level in front of Nordstrom; featured looks from Macy’s and other retailers.
 ·   A Jamaica Tourism Lounge will be set up on the Metro Level with light bites and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, authentic hair braiding, chair massages and steel drum band performances.
 ·   Bare Minerals Go Bare Tour will be set up outside of Brookstone offering makeovers, samples and special deals on Bare Minerals products.
 ·   Aly Jacobs and the Mix 103.7 FM team will be on site, and Aly will emcee portions of the Mom’s Nite Out programming.
·   Madame Tussauds will be on site with a Leonardo DiCaprio wax figure for photo opportunities.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202.  Mom’s Nite Out is free and open to the public.  Mom’s Nite Out is presented by Covidien and Jamaica Tourism.  For more information on the event, please visit the event Facebook page.

With the warm weather making an appearance, I started wearing sandals last week (God bless anyone what has had to look at my toes up until today). I desperately needed a pedicure, but I don't have a salon that I can rely on.

I'm a sucker for a good deal, so when I was searching Yelp reviews for local nail places and read "$25 mani/pedi" I was instantly sold (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only). It was peer-reviewed at 4 out of 5 stars - but with a warning that you get what you pay for... so don't set your expectations too high. This place was not Red Door by any means.

I called ahead and made an appointment (which I suggest you do as well). I enjoyed my pedicure and brief massage while it lasted. Since the price was already pretty cheap, I decided to try a Shellac French Manicure for the first time and absolutely loved it! My nails looked great for just about 2 weeks until I started peeling them off myself.

I walked out of there spending $60 after tip: French on fingers and toes, plus Shellac manicure. I'm guessing that if you can avoid the luxuries and just snag a solid color and pass on the Shellac, you could get out of there for $25 + tip.

hoping all these soft treats will help us with a smooth recovery from B's tonsil removal!

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Megan PodoIsky has over 15 years experience in retail management, buying, and merchandising.  Her love of children and fashion makes owning 529 Kids Consign her “dream come true”. Between her business partner, Pouneh, and herself, they have four growing boys to dress. “Shopping for and dressing these little guys is something that we both love. However, we were shocked at how quickly these wares are out-grown – and we decided that we were probably not alone.”  And so, 529 Kids Consign was born.

Megan realized that she was doing what she loved: Being a mom, starting her business venture from home with her kids at her side, and helping other moms save money. Her dream started as an online boutique and quickly grew into a well-known "pop-up" boutique. Now, you can find 529 Kids Consign with a brick and mortar storefront in historic Old Town, Alexandria.

“I always knew I would own my own store, I just didn't think it would happen 6 months after my second son was born.  I dragged that little guy in his car seat to Home Goods once a week to purchase furniture for the store. Late nights merchandising the store with both boys in tow were both tiring and rewarding…  Now I walk into the store every day and pinch myself!”

Describe yourself in three words:  
Enthusiastic, Motivated, Hard-Working

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?  
Opening 529 Kids Consign. After spending 15 years in the retail industry, it was always my ultimate goal to own my own store – and kids' consignment makes so much sense nowadays!

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
To expand our business and our brand!

How does your company stay connected through social media?
We post pictures of new product on a daily basis to stay in touch with our customers.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?  
Possibly social media marketing- I have become pretty good at it!

How do you maintain a work/life balance?  
My husband is my rock. He, too, works for himself...so together we are raising our two boys and living the American Dream. He helps with everything from cooking to changing diapers!

What websites do you visit every day?  
Facebook, Twitter, Nordstrom

What is your favorite drink – and where can you find it in Northern Virginia?
Grey Hound with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice at Virtue Feed & Grain!

What are your top 3 favorite people/places/things in Northern Virginia?  
-Cameron Station: My Neighborhood in Alexandria where most of the amazingly supportive women in my life live.
-Restaurant Eve: A dinner at the bar with my husband is one of my favorite night's out!
-Hanging with my little boys at any of the wonderful parks in Alexandria. 

What is your goal for retirement?
To be comfortable enough to enjoy our kids/grandchildren and not have to worry. And travel, travel, travel!

Do you have any advice for women who would like to start their own company?
Do not be afraid.  Keep a positive attitude!