My FairfaxVille Blog

Fashion Friday: Free Fashion Northern Virginia Event

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 07:00:00 +0000

It has been a while since I have written a section on fashion. On Saturday, September 13, 2014, there will be a free fashion event in Fairfax, VA at Fairfax Corner from 11:30am-2:00pm. Click here to sign up/RSVP for the free event.

Photo Credit: Google Plus

Sunday Shopping List: Veggie Pasta

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 12:28:00 +0000

Veggie Pasta from Safeway

Last week, I mentioned that I purchased food that was already pre-made and just take on the go for lunch. This week, I am back on track purchasing food to cook. This week shopping includes Veggie Pasta that someone inform me about. It seems that I can only find this at the moment at Safeway. I went shopping at several places this week which were: Walmart, Safeway, and Trader Joe's.

As I was taking out my grocery and throwing things away, I accidentally put my Walmart receipt in the bag to put in the trash bin in my apartment building. Below is my shopping list for the week.

Walmart

One lemon
One Green Bell Pepper
Broccoli Crowns
Cucumbers
Bananas
Southwest Salad
Baby Kale
4 Plums
Ragu Garden Combination Pasta Sauce

Total amount estimate - $17.75

Safeway

Veggie Pasta - $1.25
3 Red Apples - $2.61
Hass Avocados - $1.25
Red Seedless Grapes - $6.13

Total amount $11.55

Trader Joe'

2 Finger Rolls - $1.69 each
Veggie Chips - $1.99
Sunflower Seeds - $1.99
6 Greek Yogurts - .99 - $5.94

Total $13.63

Total spent for this week is about $42.73 which makes me under about $7.27.

The plan for this week is to make veggie pasta and include broccoli, green peppers, and onion with pasta sauce with finger rolls from Trader Joe's. Since I purchase veggie burgers last week, I plan to make veggie burgers with veggie cheese with them for dinner and use the kale to make a salad.

What is your meal plan for the week?

Have a great week!

Sunday Shopping: Premade Meals on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Marketside products from Walmart

I truly like cooking and making my meals for lunch for the work week. However, this week, I decided to just purchase food already premade and use throughout the week. But next week I should be back on track in making my own food and sharing this on the blog. I do love sharing my grocery list and seeing what I have purchased for under $50. This week, I spent about $55.65 dollars, went over $5.65. Most of my items came from Walmart, then a few items from Trader’s Joes and Safeway.

Below are my shopping list.

Safeway

Fiber One Bars - $2.99
One Sparkling Ice - $1.00
Kraft Salad Dressing - $1.99
Veggies - $3.49
Corn bread - $1.70

Total amount $11.45

Trader Joe's

Strawberries - $2.79
Bananas - $1.14
Greek Yogurt - 4 for $.99 = $3.96
Finger Rolls - $1.69
Blueberries - $2.99

Total was $13.90

Walmart

Cheerios - $2.58
2 Sparkling Ice Drinks - $2.00
2 Rotini Pasta Salad -$7.96
Veggie Snack Tray - $2.78
Southwest Salad - $3.98
Veggie Burger Patties - $3.67
Pumpkin Pie - $3.98
Potato Salad - $ 2.28

Total amount $30.30

With this, I will split the Rotini Pasta to have for lunch for about four days and hopefully take portions of the Southwest and include the finger rolls on the side.

What is your meal plan for the week?

Medical Office Building Coming to former Sir Walter Raleigh Inn in Merrifield, vA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:15:00 +0000

Photo from LoopNet website

Gatehouse Medical Center will replace the former Sir Walter Raleigh Inn at 8120 Gatehouse Road in the Merrifield, VA area. When I passed by the construction site, I noticed the Sir Walter Raleigh Inn sign has not been taken down.

According to LoopNet website, the newly constructed building will be 15,000 square foot of space and set to open August 2013(However, I am assuming they mean somewhere in August 2014).
The future new home of Fairfax Center Hearing will reside in this medical building as they are currently located at 3299 Woodburn Road in Annandale, VA.

Fashion Friday: Lili The First Fashion Boutique Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:30:00 +0000

Lili The First Exterior

It has been a while since I wrote a section on Fashion Friday but hopefully I can get back into full swing of things as I miss talking about it. This week Fashion Friday is a spotlight on a business that opened in March 2014 which is Lili the First. Lili the First is located in Vienna, VA.

Lili The First holds to style mission as their clothing "Add a little edge to their look while at the same time staying classy and wearing age appropiate, comfortable, high quality clothing". Before entering the fashion boutique, Lili the First has a beautiful entrance having a well- manicured landscaping including beautiful plants and flowers along chairs in the yard.

Upon entering the boutique, I was in awe with the layout of the boutique. The boutique interior consists of hardwood flooring, neutral wall-painting, decorative pieces of art. There were several pieces that stood out in this boutique which was the classy-well dressed mannequin with a dog, the red sofa with a black and white chevron designed rug, and the red velvet curtains for the dressing rooms.

Mannequin with dog

Dressing Room

Clothing: I am totally impressed with the clothing. Lili the First promotes emerging American and International designers which are ....Figs and Bella and Tees by Tina.. to name a few. These collections from the designers are new with own unique style.

If you have a chance, stop by and visit Lili The First and take a look not only at their clothing but some of their accessories which include belts, rings, bracelets, earrings, and scraves. This fashion boutique can be found on Facebook and Twitter where they hold other events to attend.

Rings and Necklaces on a barrel

Blouses

Website: http://lilithefirst.com

Location: 101 Pleasant Street, NW
Vienna, VA 22180

Photos taken by MyFairfaxville

Free Uber Rides from Tysons/Reston Corridor July 21st and July 24th

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 21:54:00 +0000

Uber is getting the word out that between July 21st and July 24th to ride the uberX to or from the Tysons/Reston Corridor for FREE!(limit 2 rides. up to $30)

For more information on how to sign up, please visit http://blog.uber.com/silverline

Photo of Silver Lining from Uber Blog - Silver Line

Source: http://blog.uber.com/silverline

Sunday Shopping List: Black Eyed Peas and Brown Rice

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Since I did not have a lot of money to spend this week, it was kind of tough to figure out what to buy. I remember one of my co-workers introducing me to this Veggie Pasta that is sold at Safeway. This week I just purchased a couple of food items for lunch and wanted to share with you what I made with these items.

Safeway Shopping List

Eating Right Pasta Sauce - $2.00
Eating Right Veggie Pasta(Elbows) - $1.49
Safeway Whole Wheat Bread - $1.99
Bananas - $1.50
Go Veggie Cheddar Cheese - $3.79
Strawberries - $2.99

Total was about $14.00

Giant Shopping List

Cheerios -$3.79
Ground Black Pepper - $1.00
Goya Brown Rice - $1.19
Black Eyed Peas $1.43
Nature’s Promise Organic Carrots - $1.29
Yellow Onion - $.76
Hass Avocado - $1.00

I paid too much for Cheerios, maybe next time I will wait for them to go on sale or maybe go to Walmart to buy them.

Total was about $10.72

In total for this week, I paid about $24.72 due to very limited budget I had.

This week lunch plan and dinner plan will be:

Cheerios for snack at work
Pasta with cheese and pasta sauce with shredded carrots
Grilled cheese with avocado
Black eyed peas, onions with brown rice for lunch and dinner

What is your lunch/meal plan for the week?

Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements for Idylwood Road and Chain Bridge Begins 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:30:00 +0000

Idylwood Road

According to VDOT website, it appears that they are making bicycle and pedestrian improvements not only for Idylwood Road but on Chain Bridge Road. The purpose is to provide safer bicycle and pedestrian accces to both areas. "On Idylwood Road, a five-foot wide sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of the Idylwood Bridge across I-495, connecting with the sidewalk on the bridge".

I take this street a lot and I look forward to seeing how this work out. According to the website, the project begin date will be Fall 2015 and the estimate completion date is Summer 2016 for both Idylwood Road and Chain Bridge.

What do you think of these improvements?

Sunday Shopping List: Meatless Tacos and Black Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Today I decided to go to two different stores which were Walmart and Giant. Mostly I had previous food from last week so I did not buy so much this time.

Walmart Shopping List

Bananas - $1.00
Southwest Salad(this comes with chicken but I took the chicken out) - $3.98
Morning Star Farms Meal Starters Grillers Recipe Crumbles - $3.67
Small bottle of syrup - $1.00
Small bottle of Shake and Pour Bisquick Pancake mix - $1.42
Dozen of eggs - $1.68
Soy Milk - $3.28
Nature’s Promise Organic Cranberries - $4.50

Estimate total from Walmart $20.53

Giant Shopping List

Black Beans - $1.50
Twinings Tea - $2.99
Box of Bisquick Pancake mix -$4.00

Estimate Total from Giant $8.49

When shopping at Walmart, I like to buy the big size salad because you can split the salad up for three days to carry to lunch. Instead of constantly eating out and buying things here and there at other stores that add up throughout the week for breakfast, I decided to make my own breakfast this morning. I made Pancakes with maple syrup and included boiled eggs and some blueberries.

For the rest of the week, I plan to make the following for breakfast and lunch:

Meatless Taco salad with black beans. I already have Avocado and Go Veggie Cheese as toppings
Continue to make my strawberry and banana smoothies
Quinoa with walnuts and cranberries for breakfast

The total from both stores was around $30 for this week.

What do you have planned for breakfast or lunch this coming week?

Sunday Shopping: Giant and Safeway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:49:00 +0000

The food purchases that I buy focuses on a vegetarian lifestyle in which I live and stay under a $50 dollar budget each week. Today I decided to go to two different grocery stores which were Safeway and Giant. This week shopping list is Safeway and Giant.

My Safeway Shopping List

Cheerios - $2.50
Sparkling Ice Orange - $1.00
Sparkling Ice Crisp Apple - $1.00
Morning Star Garden Veggie Patties - $3.50
Bananas - $1.48
McIntosh Apples - $1.6 5
Onion - $1.24
Haas Avocados - $1.99
Red Bell Peppers - $1.50
Safeway Cranberry walnut Bowl Salad - $3.99
1 Pack of Strawberries - $2.99
Blueberries - $3.99

The total was $27.50

My Giant Shopping List

Black Pepper - $1.79
Go Veggie Cheddar Cheese Slices $3.49
Green Beans (.39 1b) - $1.17
A Dozen of eggs -$1.99
Voskos Yogurt – 5 @1.12 for $5.60

The total was $14.39

The total from both stores are $41.89

I plan to make the following with the food items that I purchased and some of the foods that I purchase from the previous week which include:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Pasta including onions, garlic, red bell peppers, and pasta sauce
Green beans with walnuts
Veggie Burgers with cheese and avocados

What is your meal plan for the week?

Seven Corners First Annual Car Show in Falls Church, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 07:30:00 +0000

Do you like classic, vintage or custom cars? Seven Corners Shopping Center, which is located off Leesburg Pike, held their first free Annual Seven Corners Car Show. This event was held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 12pm-3pm. Below are a few photos of the event.

Dodge Truck

What is your favorite classic or vintage car?

Ted's Bulletin Coming Soon Signage at Mosaic District

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 07:30:00 +0000

The Mosaic District will have a Ted’s Bulletin Restaurant opening late in 2014. Ted’s Bulletin will be neighbors to Federal, Cyclone Anaya's, and Matchbox. I cannot wait to take a tour of this place when it opens.

Ted’s Bulletin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TedsBulletin

Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend Recap at Mosaic District

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 07:30:00 +0000

The Fit Foodie 5K was held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the Mosaic District. The Fit Foodie purpose was to spark interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle and delicious culinary experiences. During this event at the Mosaic District, there were a variety of vendors including chef tastings, cooking and fitness demonstrations, and a lot of Cooking Light and Health magazines.

Below are some photos I took of the event.

Cooking Light Vendor

Posh Seven Magazine

Plain Smart Vendor

For more information about Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend, please visit their website at http://fitfoodierun.com/

Sunday Breakfast Shopping at Trader Joe's

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 08:51:00 +0000

I usually like to go shopping on Sunday to prepare for the week. This section will speak about places that I shop at in the Fairfax, VA area with a budget of 50 dollars or under on a weekly basis.

Since Trader Joe’s is nearby me, I have decided to visit Trader Joe’s. I am trying to get in the habit of eating more breakfast. This time, I decided to pick up a few items for breakfast.

· Maple Syrup- $5.49

· Honey - $3.49

· Breakfast French Toast - $2.29

· Pineapple Fruit Tidbits - $1.79

· Pasta Rigatoni - .99

Purchasing these items totaled $14.40.

Here are some sample breakfast meals that I could make from Trader Joe’s grocery run with the pantry items that I have already on hand.

Trader Joe’s French Toast and Pineapple Tidbits with Maple Syrup with a boiled egg
Pineapple smoothie with strawberry and banana
Trader Joe’s French Toast with honey and strawberries

On the list, I decided to splurge and buy some Pasta rigatoni for the week. I plan to make pasta with onions and pasta sauce for the week.

If you shop at Trader Joe’s what is your favorite breakfast buy?

A Beautiful Photo of Chess Pieces at Mosaic District

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:30:00 +0000

As I was walking in Mosaic District Friday morning, I saw this beautiful chess piece and had to take a photo of it. If you have a chance, stop by and pick up a chess piece.

Photo from MyFairfaxVille

Chick-Fil-A Coming Soon Signage Next to Golfsmith in Tyson's Corner

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:30:00 +0000

I saw this coming soon signage as I was driving down Leesburg Pike this weekend. Chick-Fil-A will be neighbors with Best Buy and Golfsmith which is the block of 8449 and 8459 Leesburg Pike. Looking forward to learning more details of when it will open.

Home Decor: Plenty of Decorative Throw Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 07:00:00 +0000

I must say, it is truly amazing that the smallest accessories can make a big difference to a room. This week home décor will focus on throw pillows for the chair and sofa. When I moved about a couple months ago to a different location, I got rid of my old chair and purchase a new chair at Value City Furniture for about $250.00 that looks like the chair below but mine is in orange. Included in my bright orange accent chair is one of the basic yellow throw pillow that I purchased at Target.

Along with my sofa were the originals throw pillows but I definitely wanted to make a change as it did not complement my color scheme for the living. In order to change the original, purchase a pillow cover from Target or Walmart to change the personality of the sofa. So, if you want to personality to your sofa or chair, why not try using fun throw pillows. Here are a few other inspired throw pillows I found on the Internet.

1. Target Room Essentials Applique Toss Pillow($17)

2. JCPenney Abigail Quartz Decorative Pillow($16.99) 3. Target Room Essentials Patterned Decorative Yellow Pillow($16) 4. JCPenney Studio Alto Oblong Decorative Pillow($14)

What decorative pillows bring personality to your sofa? Where did you purchase them?

Fairfax Friday: Fifteen Minutes to Fabulous Skin Care Ratliff Events Webinar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 May 2014 09:03:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to listen to a webinar yesterday from Ratliff Events on Fifteen Minutes to Fabulous: Sip and Learn which was hosted by Kristus Ratliff and co-hosted by Ann Morris. I must admit, I have not been the best at my own my skin care. This made me realize that it is time to work on my own skin care which last night’s webinar pointed out that it only takes 15 minutes to do so. Here are three of my take-a-ways from last night’s webinar.

Beauty starts on the inside. This is two-fold. One, focus on your positive traits rather than your flaws. Two, make sure you have good eating habits and a workout routine.
Investing in a good skin care regimen now will pay off later. This include: face washing, moisturizer, foundation, and makeup essentials (blush, bronzer, and mascara).
Split your regimen into three, five minute segments which include the following steps:

Step 1: Skin care. Moisturizing should be done morning and night. When moisturizing, do not forget to include the neck area. You also want to use eye cream that does not contain mineral oil.
Step 2: Create a flawless foundation by using a dime size foundation and blend it in completely.
Step 3: Enhance your features. One way could be shaping your eyebrows.

Washing your face both day and night was noted. It made me realize that I need to take a look at the current skin care products I have and see if that is working for me. I would like to follow up with another post soon on the skin care products I have chosen to use as part of my skin care regimen.

What skin care products or regimen do you use?

Ratliff Events can found at the following:
Ratliff Website: http://www.ratliffevents.com/
Ratliff Events can be found on Twitter: @RatliffEvents

Welcome to Home Decor from MyFairfaxVille

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000

MyFairfaxVille will create a new section which will be about home décor. I am not a professional

interior designer. I just like home décor and like to write about what inspires me about home décor. This section will be based mainly on apartment style/condo living but can also relate to living in a townhome or a single family home. Home décor will based on updating your home style on a budget (more likely $100 dollars) and also do it yourself projects. Welcome to MyFairfaxVille home décor for Wednesday’s.

Photo of Frangipani Flowers: Photo Credit from Wikipedia

Chop't Creative Salad Coming Soon in Vienna, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 May 2014 07:00:00 +0000

180 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA

The coming soon signage for Chop’t, which is a restaurant that offers salads, sandwiches, and dressings, will be located in the former Magruder’s space in Vienna, VA. I definitely like to try their Vegetarian Powerhouse from their menu. What about you?

Chop’t restaurants also have other locations throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Website: Chop’t Creative Salad Company

Fairfax Fashion Friday: Six Ways to Incorporate Pastels in Your Wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 May 2014 07:30:00 +0000

When I think of pastels, I think of light greens, light blues, yellows, lilac, and peachy colors. I decided to take a look in my closet and some of my accessories to see what type of pastel items I already have. With that in mind, I would like to share six inspired ways to incorporate pastels in your wardrobe.

1. Target Mini Merona Crossbody Handbag($22.99) 2. Burlington Coat Factory Lace Scarf($7.99)
3. Kohl's Turquoise Lace Headwrap($8.40) 4. e.lf. Lilac #1557($2.00) 5. Modcloth's Round Up the Fun Rings($11.99) 6. Dorothy Perkins Lemon Pastel Eden Capri Pants($35)

1. Three things I adore about this handbag is: the mint color, the flap closure with a simple gold detail and the adjustable strap including the single handle on the handbag.

2. I love the peachy color infused with lace. This might be ideal with a pair of denim jeans and a white shirt.

3. This turquoise is beautiful in detail as it has elements of lace. It made me think about going to Baltimore Aquarium or just go to the Botanical Gardens in Washington, DC.

4. Why not do your nails in a pastel color especially in lilac? I do love Essie, Sally Hansen, and OPI brands, but have you tried e.l.f nail polish? I have seen this brand sold in Target stores and the price is only $2.00 for nail polish.

5. I do love accessories especially small, medium, and large rings. Modcloth's have some pastel fun rings for $11.99. If you do not like these fun rings, why not try Claire's.

6. I like the lemon color capri pants. Pair this with a printed shirt and possible white shoes.

Do you have pastels items in your wardrobe? What are some of them you would like to share?

Another Peet's Coffee & Tea Coming to Tysons Station

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 May 2014 07:30:00 +0000

7516-A Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

I am surprise to see this signage and not sure how I missed it. It appears that once home to PC Retro and Caribou Coffee, this spot will be home to another Peet's Coffee and Tea in the Tysons Station. According to Washington Business Journal, "Caribou Coffee was acquired by Peet's Coffe & Tea's parent company".

What do you think about Peet's Coffee replacing Caribou Coffee?

Idylwood Towers Community Yard Sale Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:39:00 +0000

On Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 8am-2:00pm, there was a community yard sale held at 2300 Pimmit Drive in the parking lot. The community yard sale ranging from baked goods, selling foods, stuffed animals, handmade jewelry, and other furniture items. Below are some photos of the event.

Homemade baked breads, muffins, and chocolate chip cookies

Handmade bracelets by Praveena

Vendor selling a variety of stuffed animals

People gathered at community yard sale

Fairfax Fashion Friday: Feeling Floral

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 May 2014 07:30:00 +0000

1. Old Navy Women’s Floral Bouquet Graphic Slub Knit-Tank($15) 2. Macy’s Charter Club ($30) 3. Dorothy Perkins Black and White Tunic ($60) 4. Kohl’s Rosetti Floral Tote ($31) 5. Zappos Nine West Able ($59) 6. Forever21 Fancy Floral Necklace ($14)

Since we are still in the spring season, I feel like purchasing a couple more floral items in my wardrobe. This week Fashion Friday is: "Are you feeling floral?" Here are my six inspired floral items.

1. This floral knit tank comes in various colors. Wear this tank with a solid pin t-shirt and a pair of jeans for the weekend.

2. I have noticed a lot of women wearing floral pants. I do not own a pair but would like to purchase one. I found this particular item at Macy’s from Charter Club for $30 dollars. Match these pants with a basic blouse, black flats, and a white sweater for a casual Monday office wear.

3. The pattern and the design is what capture my eye with this floral tunic from Dorothy Perkins. Match this with a black pair of leggings and black flats shoes.

4. I like this Rosetti Floral tote having a beautiful floral design. Nice brown braided should strap design. Floral umbrella is included with the tote.

5. I like these floral shoes as it seems very versatile. It can be worn at work and also during a night out on the town.

6. This fancy floral necklace comes in peach and yellow. I like the rhinestone trim with the lobster clasp.

What are your floral favorites?

Food Talk: Raouche Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 May 2014 07:30:00 +0000

Located in the Merrifield shopping center is a small restaurant/café that offers a good bundle of good Lebanese eats. When you walk into the café, the interior is not fancy but has a very casual setting having small tables and a glass case for desserts including Baklawa.

From the menu options, I had the Falafel sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, parsley, and tahini sauce wrapped in a warm pita bread. I paired this sandwich with some fries which was really good.

I definitely like to go back to Raouche Café and try other menu options such as their hummus, their spinach pie, lentil soup and again the falafel sandwich. The staff was pleasant, and it seemed like Raouche Café have both carry-out and dine-in options and the food prices are definitely within a reasonable price.

Name: Raouche Café
Location: 2839 Gallows Road Falls Church, VA 22042
Phone: 703-205-9099
Website: http://www.raouchecafe.com/