Organizing the packing and unpacking is crucial for a comfortable move.

Move in day is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time! There are many tasks (which may look endless) to do when you move.  Find out some tips to quickly help you and your family settle in and feel like…home!

1. Make a To-Do Checklist: It sounds obvious, however many new home-owners forget this simple organizational tool. Listing your tasks in your new home, will relieve your stress and help you to not forget anything. Moreover, order them by importance or difficulty level.
2. Organize your unpacking to optimize it: Controlling the anxiety in removing everything from your bags and boxes requires a plan. Skipping this tip may result in endless unpacking and re-organizing everything around the house.
3. Arrange your furniture: It’s normal to take a little while until you are completely comfortable with your new space. Consider rearranging  and getting rid of pieces that don’t fit. Perhaps purchase new items that might work better in your new space.
4. Help the children: For kids and teens it may be more difficult to adjust to the new home, neighborhood and in some cases new school. It’s hard for them to say goodbye to old friends and routine. On the other hand, the excitement of the move can relieve it. Here are some tips for an easy transition.
5. Get to know your new neighborhood: Walking is the best way to get around and make the area familiar to you and your family. In addition, it’s a very good opportunity to meet your new neighbors and maybe introduce your children to some new friends!
6. Host a Housewarming party: After all tasks are complete,  consider hosting a housewarming party. It’s the perfect occasion to get to meet your neighbors and for your children to make new friends in the new area.

Credits to The Spruce.

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Snowshoe is the biggest ski resort in Mid-Atlantic and one of the best places to ski near DC.

Winter is here. Many of us think about a day ski trip. We have listed the best places to Ski and Snowboard near Metro DC. The good news is: we have several options with a reasonable driving distance from the nation’s capital. From Pennsylvania to West Virginia, find our list:

1. Wisp Resort (296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, Md. 301-859-3159.): Located in west Maryland is the perfect option for the lousy ones. Offers novice skiers wide-open trails as well as an abundance of soft natural snow, which makes it easier to control speed and turns. Moreover, there is a large hotel and parking lot right next to the slopes making the visit very convenient.
2. Whitetail Resort (13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, Pa. 717-328-9400.): This Pennsylvania resort is the best option for a day trip being the closest place to Ski and Snowboard near metro DC. In about 90 minutes driving from the capital you can be immersed in a  snow sports day. In addition, Whitetail features trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Snowshoe Mountain Resort: (Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, WV. 877-441-4386): Snowshoe is  the largest resort in the Mid-Atlantic. With 56 trails and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet the resort has an array of high-speed lifts, terrain parks, and an average annual snowfall of 180 inches. A world unto itself off the slopes  including mountaintop village shops, restaurants and bars. Snowshoe offers a spa, hotel and condos with a walking distance of the slopes. Distance from DC: 4 and 1/2 hours.
4. Montage Mountain Resort: (777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, Pa) The ideal option for the ones who wants to avoid crowds. In addition, Montage is a wonderful ski area hidden in plain sight and relatively unknown to Washingtonians. The lodge and entrance are mid-mountain, with beginner and intermediate slopes on the top half and expert runs on the bottom of the mountain—a total of 24 broad, straight slopes along with two terrain parks serviced by seven lifts. Distance from DC: 3 and 1/2 hours.
5. Elk Mountain: ( 344 Elk Mountain Rd., Union Dale, Pa.; 570-679-4400) A very good choice for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. There is no spa, tubing hill and not even on-site lodging, although there are options nearby. This 1,000 vertical feet of mostly intermediate and expert terrain on 27 slopes, including 11 advanced trails.
6. Seven Springs Mountain Resort: (777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, Pa.; 800-452-2223.) Used to be the domain of snowboarders, but now is enjoyed by skiers also. The parks were rated number one on the East Coast by a 2015 readers’ poll in Ski magazine. The southwestern Pennsylvania mountain has a smaller halfpipe, an Olympic-size halfpipe, and seven terrain parks.

Credits to Washingtonian 

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Surround yourself in dazzling Christmas Lights  in Northern Virginia

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  Twinkling lights, animated characters, holiday cheer! NOVA residents can find a few sparkling Christmas Light Festivals close to home! Here are out top picks to get in the Christmas spirit!

1. Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights: Rated as one of the best Christmas light festivals in Northern Virginia. Located in Vienna, Virginia Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers its visitors a unique experience. To illustrate, Meadowlark features over 500,000 lights and displays on a .6 mile outdoor walking trail. Additionally, Animated displays with a nature themes delights visitors. Therefore, we strongly recommend to purchase the tickets in advance.  Opened from Nov. 11, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021. Address: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; VA. Prices: $9-$16
2. Bull Run Festival of Lights: The annual Bull Run Festival of Lights holiday drive-through display brings cozy fun back to Northern Virginia.  Uniquely, Bull Run dazzles with a 2.5-mile drive-through display of sparkly lights. There, cars slowly make their way past and under the Festival of Lights holiday and fairytale vignettes that wow kids and adults. Nov. 6, 2020-Jan. 10, 2021. Address: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; VA. Price: $20-$30 per vehicle.
3. Ice & Lights. The Winter Village at Cameron Run: The annual light display at Cameron Run offers a fun, interactive light show to celebrate the holidays. Especially, this year’s event will feature five new displays, including love letters, polar bears and an interactive orb field. In addition, the waterpark will be transformed mid-November through early January into a winter wonderland with an ice rink with many attractions. Nov. 20, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021. Address: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA. Price: $7.95.

Important: Please note that each place can change their own visit policy due to Covid-19 situation in NOVA.

Credits to Northern Virginia Mag and Fun in Fairfax 

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We have listed 5 places for Christmas Tree cut in Northern Virginia.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, much pleasure thou can’st give me! The family Christmas tree- it’s a strong symbol of the most wonderful time of the year. Want a fun family outing- pack up the kids and head out to one of our top Christmas tree farms to cut your own! Find out 5 places in Northern Virginia where you can cut your Christmas tree. Please note that hours and availability are subject to change. Therefore, we strongly recommend to contact the farm previously. In addition, please stay safe!

1. Snickers Gap Tree Farm: For more than 40 years, the family-owned the Loudoun Valley farm is among the places of Christmas tree cut in Northern Virginia. In order to have our tree cut down,  they encourage vehicles or pickup trucks into which the tightly-wrapped trees can be placed and do sell quick tie cam straps and provide complimentary twine, but staff appreciates customers bringing their own straps to secure trees. Address: 34350 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill.
2. Evergreen Acres:  It’s the largest in Prince William county. Here, trees are priced by the tree for any size including short ones. They have everything that you need to cut down a tree and take one home with you, and a wagon shuttle will transport your tree from the field to the sales shed. Afterwards, stop by nearby Cedar Run Brewing to grab some craft beer to go. Address: 2801 Hazelwood Dr, Nokesville, VA.
3. Country Loving Farm: Located in Leesburg, this farm is strong in business since 1999.  when the owners started the tree field by planting 1,000 seedlings, continuing to plant 1,000 more trees every March. Trees are priced by the foot. They also sell fresh and pre-lit wreaths and garland. Address: 40856 Red Hill Road, Leesburg, VA. 
4. Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm: This Berryville farm has seven varieties and 25,000 trees on its 33-acre farm. Cut-your-own options in the field stop. Cut-your-own options in the field stop Dec. 3 except for those who already have pre-tagged trees, which are $50 for white pines, $90 for spruces and firs besides Fraser firs and $90 for Arizona cypress. They also make wreaths and swags of various sizes daily on the farm. Address: 2425 Wickliffe Road, Berryville, VA.
5. Loudoun Nursery: This nursery has been growing Christmas trees since the early 1970s, first on a 45-acre farm near Watson, later adding on an additional 18 acres on a farm near Hamtil and finally 40 more acres at Bellwether Farm near Purcellville. Prices are around $75 up to 10 feet and $100 for larger trees. Address: 16463 Short Hill Road, Purcellville, VA. 

Credits do Northern Virginia magazine

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1. Dog Sports: Many of them are already very well-known and bring crucial benefits allowing dogs to exercise physically, mentally and learn a new skill all at the same time. Flyball  involves dogs sprinting down a lane to retrieve a ball and then racing back to the finish line. Canicross is an outdoors dog sport well suited to owners who would prefer to go out running with their dog in the cold weather rather than walking. And in the winter, running with your dog helps you to warm up quickly and provides excellent exercise for you both.
2. Indoor Games: Yes, you can exercise your dog inside. The good news is, there are many ways to do it and your puppy will never get bored. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog that will help them burn off some energy as well as get their brain working. Among the games are: Tug of war, Fetch, Hide and seek, finding objects and some brain games.
3. Hydrotherapy and Swimming: It sounds insane for outside swimming, but when it comes to indoor… There are plenty of centers around the country offering hydrotherapy sections.
4. Doggy pay plates:  Snow day? Gather your friends round with their dogs for a winter doggy play date.  Here is a good opportunity to have an outdoor fun cold day with your dog. If you know your dog loves to play with a particular canine pal, invite them round and let them have some playtime.
5. Obstacle course at home: If you’re trying to find a way of exercising your dog indoors, then putting together an obstacle course could be the answer. The course you make could be really simple with a few markers to run around, or you could go all out and create a mini agility course in your lounge (that’s if you have the room!)

If you go outside, do not forget important accessories

You get cold, and so does your puppy! If you have a fun winter walk with them or even a simple indoor day, you must not forget important accessories. From coats and vests to boots and blankets, there are plenty of items that will make your dog feel warm and cozy.

Credits to Purelypetsinsurance.co.uk

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There are some hot reasons for buying a home during the Winter months.

It’s chilly outside and you are smiling signing the contract of your new place surrounded by other smiling happy faces. Then, you listen to the lovely sound of the keys that will open the door to a place you can call yours! All unforgettable moments, right? What about giving yourself the best Christmas gift? Your aspired lifestyle? A new place where you will write the next chapters of your life with the ones you love! Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for home buying. However, doing it during the winter can be even better. We have listed 6 reasons why you should buy your home during the winter.

• Less Competition: Few people are thinking about buying a new home during the winter. Although the inventory may be lower, you may be able to find much better deals, since there are less cash offers and perhaps better financing options.
• Sellers are More Motivated to make a Deal: Sellers who decide to sell during the winter, may be in dire straights. Look for the days on market;if it’s been on the market for a couple of months, Sellers may be nore inclined to sell and at a lower price.
• Easier to Hire Movers: You will be able to find plenty of available dates and be in a comfortable position to schedule your move. In addition, you will be able to negotiate a lower price since this is the low season. Packing can be very stressful and expensive, therefore relocating during the low season can give you peace of mind.

Last But not Least…

• Homes Close Quicker: Since mortgage applications are 25-30% lower during this time, your lender will have plenty of time available. Thus, getting your loan is much quicker. It means you will be giving yourself your  Christmas gift before expected. Hence, one powerful reason to buy a home in the winter.
• Potential Tax Savings: If you’re purchasing your first home, buying in the winter gives you a few extra months of potential tax deductions. Depending on your local laws, you can deduct mortgage interest, taxes, and points—although you should consider talking to a professional before getting too excited.

Credits to realtor.com

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Snow removal can prevent serious accidents. Check your local guide and laws.

As the holiday season begins, it’s important to think about winter home maintenance! It would definitely disrupt the festive ambiance should the pipes freeze and burst in the middle of  decorating for the holidays! It’s perfectly avoidable if you follow some very important winter maintenance tips making landlords and tenants winter stress-free.  Read on to find out s few suggestions:

1. Avoid frozen pipes: Firstly, turn off and drain all outside water faucets, including spigots.  In addition, cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers. Turn off the sprinkler system. However, if the temperature is below 20, keep your faucet running slowly at all times. It will prevent the line from freezing. If you find any of the faucets frozen, call your landlord for further actions.
2. Keep yourself warm inside: First and foremost, cover your window air conditioner if you have one. Inspect your fireplace and chimney and clean if necessary. Turn your ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.
3. Prepare the outside: Firstly, bring all the potted plants you might have indoors. Cover the outside plants with insulating material. In addition, remove the ice from trees and plants using a brush after snow.
4. Inform tenants about local snow guidelines: Remind your tenants of the local snow and ice removal laws in your town. If your lease agreement states that your tenant is responsible for clearing snow from the public sidewalk in front of the property, remind them of their responsibility to do so. Fines can be applied when snow is not removed. Check out the snow removal law by state here.

Credits to Rentec Direct

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Perform the must do maintenance tasks before the winter and make your home ready for the cold.

It’s December 21st, a snowy day , 23 degrees and 10 inches of snow outside and suddenly your heat stops working. What would you do? In addition, your fireplace is not working due to lack of maintenance.  Your roof is leaking because you did not remove your fall leaves from the gutters. You will have to deal with these tasks at one of the busiest times of the year. This nightmare can be real if you don’t prepare your house for the cold season and have a risk to ruin your Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Please check carefully the must do home maintenance before the winter.

1. Waterproof Doors and Windows: All that snow will melt down and you will have water all around. Be sure all of your doors and windows are waterproofed. Verify and fill any gaps you may have. You can use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them up. Do it way in advance, since replacement may be needed depending on the situation.
2. Get a Fireplace Inspection: Did you know that clogged chimneys can lead to house fires? In order to avoid a disaster, have your fireplace inspected once a year. Be on the safe side and make yourself comfortable in your living room while enjoying your favorite coffee and movies.
3. Clean the Gutters: During and after the fall, pay special attention. Surely your gutters will be full of leaves, dirts and debris. Hence, you must take care and remove everything before the winter kicks off. Above all, a gutter guard is a much better idea.
4. Test your Heat and Water Heater Beforehand: Check that your heat is working. This is probably the first must do maintenance on your checklist before winter kicks off. Moreover you need warm water! You don’t want to have a cold shower in the cold season, do you? Don’t forget to “winterize” your home by shutting off the water to exterior faucets and draining the lines to help to prevent freezing and pipe bursts.
5. Spray your Door Locks: Don’t end up locked outside as your keys are stuck inside the door locks. Avoid this by lubricating your locks.

Credits to House Beautiful and American Home Shield. 

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Fall leaves can create gutter nightmares.

Not following these gutter cleaning tips after the fall can lead you into a frustrating beginning of winter. Can you imagine yourself on the first snow day of the season, instead of enjoying the beautiful white views you are dealing with problems on your roof. However, this is totally avoidable. Your gutters have remaining objects from summer storms such as leaves and sticks. The fall is here with many more leaves slowly dropping in your roof. Get your gutters ready for the cold season with these fall gutter cleaning tips.

• Be Safe: Safety is the most important aspect of cleaning your gutters. It’s mandatory to have a very resistant, non slippery ladder. In addition, it must be footed. A good idea is to ask for someone else’s help by holding the ladder while you work.
• Remove Debris: You can use a garden trowel or even children’s plastic shovel to clean out the leaves and debris, also try a gutter scoop from a hardware store.
• Flush the Gutter: After you remove all debris, flush the gutters using a hose. That’s the time you will make sure it is totally cleared.
• Repair Small Leaks: If you notice a leak or small hole, you can likely seal it yourself. A tube of caulk costs under $10 and can be used to seal leaky joints and very small holes.
• Tighten the Gutters: Over time, gutters usually pull away from the fascia board. Therefore, you will likely have leaks. Use your tools in order to put the gutter back to default position.

Sometimes the Best Gutter Cleaning Tip is to Find a Specialist

• Too High: DO not risk your safety if your gutters are placed too high. Instead, call a specialized company who has vast expertise with appropriate equipment.
• Large Leaks: It means that the problem requires special equipment and specialist eyes. Do not hesitate and call a specialist for an accurate diagnosis, since a spot of caulking itself will not work.
• Rotting Fascia Board: Fascia boards are made of wood, so over time they will soften and rot to the point that they cannot securely hold gutters. This is usually a problem that needs to be resolved by a gutter professional as it involves uninstalling your gutters, removing the damaged board, and replacing the components.
• Old Age: If you keep your gutters healthy with frequent maintenance, they should last around 30 years. However, after this average age you must replace it. Therefore, you will need a professional in order to get it installed properly.

Credit to Brother services

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1. Fredericksburg, VA: Just down I- 95, Fredericksburg is a cure for boredom! History and many other adventures await you! From battlefields and museums to water fun, hiking trails and children’s activities. Moreover, the city features top attractions including University of Mary Washington, George Washington’s boyhood home, Kenmore Plantation and the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Distance from DC: 53 miles.
2. Harpers Ferry, WV: Not only the paradise for hikers, but also the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Don’t miss the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you and your family can learn old-fashioned bread-baking methods to local archaeology. Head into town to browse the diverse array of shops, dine at a cozy restaurant, and discover the darker side of town with a ghost tour. Distance from DC: 63 miles.
   

   Harpers Ferry offers fun for all ages.

3. Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton, MD: Located just north of Baltimore offering a fun family day trip experience. It offers 22 acres of topiary gardens, a manor house, visit a butterfly house and hike the nature trails. The sprawling grounds are especially splendid in the fall. Kids will love the themed gardens like the Hunt Scene. Distance from DC: 70 miles.
4. Charlottesville, VA: The city shines in the fall. Among the top attractions are the Downtown Mall and the Virginia Discovery Museum. First of all, don’t miss Monticello. Located outside of the city, where  you can tour the house and gardens.  Throughout October, the Mountaintop Activity Center invites kids to play 18th-century games. In addition, you can enjoy a bucolic experience at the Carter Mountain Orchard for apple-picking, cider-sipping and doughnut-eating.
5. 

   Shenandoah National Park- natural beauty at its core.

   Skyline Drive, Shenandoah, VA: Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia just west of the nation’s capital. This gorgeous stretch of road offers you breathtaking views and trails that lead you into waterfalls. This entire route takes approximately 3 hours to traverse. There is a charge of $30. You can also hop off to check out cute little towns like Staunton, where you can grab lunch and browse bookstores and toy stores. Another option: Luray; where you’ll find the amazing Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the Eastern United States. In a nutshell, this trip may be the most nature connected among the fall day trips from DC.

Credits to Mommy Nearest. 

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