Archive for the ‘MyLife’ Category
MyLife in Metro DC – Movin’ On Up!
April 26, 2011 will mark my official one-year anniversary of living in Metro DC. And after one year, it is once again time for me to sign a lease or look for a place to buy.
While both my roommate and I absolutely love our condo, David has started to consider the idea of purchasing his first home and I’ve realized that if I want to start saving for my first home, I needed to find a place to rent priced closer to my realistic “housing budget.”
And so the search began…again.
I came into work and talked with a few of our agents, asking what prices they were seeing for rentals in the Arlington area. They gave me the overwhelming response of, “Oh Arlington, yeahhhhh, {insert high rent price here} that’s what you are going to pay to live there. If you are looking to save, you should try Falls Church.”
Move out of Arlington?! The idea was hard to process. No metro outside my door? No walking to my favorite stores and bars? Could I do it? All hesitations aside though, “responsible Kristin” told me to give it a chance and take a look. So just like last year, I started with Craigslist…
This time, instead of only looking for apartments and condos for rent, I expanded my search to include rooms for rent. I had been looking for a place to rent on my own but was open to the idea of moving in a house with roommates already there. If you are new to the area or looking to have one or more roommates I recommend this as a great place to start.
A few days and a few hundred posts later, I found something.
A mid-twenties female was looking for a roommate to live in her 3 bed 3.5 bath townhouse. It was located just minutes from where I live now, offered the entire first floor to the renter (room, bathroom and own living room), and was over $400 less than my current rent!
While it wasn’t right IN Arlington, it did happen to be on the same street as some of my friends! It seemed too good to be true, so I contacted the owner right away to find out more.
I’d compare the process of finding a good fit with a “random roommate” online to that of someone seeking a relationship from an online dating site. It’s important to make sure that your personalities complement each other, you have some interests in common and that you have similar views on living etiquette (such as paying rent on time, who takes out the trash, house guests, and so on) before you commit to anything. Knowing this, when I emailed the owner, I included a bit about myself. I told her about my career, interests and what I expect when living with someone. Then I sat back and waited.
She contacted me less than an hour later (Phew! Craigslist rejection can happen frequently and make you start to question if you really ARE that good of a roommate) and was excited to meet up. We scheduled a meeting for her to show me the townhouse and to see if we would be a good match.
A few more emails and two visits later, I was convinced this was the place for me. The owner couldn’t be nicer, and her home (complete with an adorable backyard/patio area) was perfect. Yes, I’ll be living outside of Arlington, but the additional space and added savings are worth it.
Success.
So here I am, one year later, moving again. But this time I’m feeling much more confident in my knowledge of Metro DC, and that my decision to move out of Arlington will put me one step closer to one day being a home owner.
My first year in Metro DC has been a whirlwind of visitors, vacations, new experiences (I finally made it to the Cherry Blossom Festival this year –See below!), new friends and… good news. I am excited to share that I have recently been promoted and am now Avery-Hess, Realtors Marketing Manager. It’s a great honor to be moving forward with a company I love and I can’t wait to see what opportunities the new position will bring.
I thank you for reading along this year, it’s been an incredible opportunity to learn my new city and share what I’ve found. Though my duties with this new position will increase, fear not, you’ll still be hearing from MyLife in Metro DC. I’m even going to start including some “guest” spots from other young professionals in the area to make sure you stay informed on ALL the fun things to do around our city.
With my "Maine" Family at this year's Cherry Blossom Festival
-Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Making Headlines at the Newseum
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – First Amendment to the United States Constitution
After months of planning, rescheduling and anticipation, last Sunday I found myself reading these words on the massive 74–foot–high marble First Amendment wall on the front façade of the Newseum– I had finally made it!
First Amendment outside the Newseum
The Newseum is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave & 6th Street, N.W. While there is no designated parking for the museum, there are a few pay garages on the surrounding blocks. Alternatively, there are also a number of metro stops close by, making it easily accessible through public transit; this is how I arrived to the museum.
Metro stops located close to the Newseum
Admission is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. An adult ticket will cost you $21.95 + tax, and a youth ticket (age 7-18) will cost $12.95 +tax. These tickets give you access to everything the museum has to offer for two consecutive days.
TIP: If you pre-order your tickets online you can save 10%. The museum also offers a special “family four pack” at a reduced rate. Be sure to check around on the internet for other special discounts like 2 for 1 specials (one ran during the month of February), or a Groupon deal of the day (this is what I had).
The 250,000 square-foot glass museum has seven floors, 14 permanent exhibits, 15 theaters and a number of traveling exhibits to see (whew!). It can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Luckily, the Newseum is prepared.
View of the Newseum from the 5th level
When you arrive and get your tickets, be sure to pick up: a visitors guide (contains maps of the floors and information on the exhibits), a 2-hour highlight tour brochure, the “TOP 10” must see list, and the current special exhibits flyer. Armed with these tools, you can be confident you’ll leave no exhibit unseen.
Be sure to grab these guides when you arrive at the Newseum
TIP: Are you a “Type A” planner? If you want to be extra prepared and have a mapped-out route before you arrive, visit the Newseum’s website here and you can download many of the brochures as printable PDFs as well as read about the current special exhibits.
While there are a number of interactive exhibits, items on display and movies, the museum is still based around “news” and requires quite a bit of reading. So be sure to arrive fully refreshed and ready to learn! If you really want to experience everything the Newseum has to offer, I would start early and devote a whole day to the trip, or spread your visit over two consecutive half days.
For families, I’d recommend your children be old enough to understand the exhibits, mature enough to see some difficult and intense stores, and comfortable in their reading level so they too can fully enjoy the museum.
On my visit, we began by venturing down to the concourse level (there is a food section down here if you get hungry) to watch the 4-D film “I-Witness.” Mixing news history with entertaining special effects, the 20 minute movie was both informative and fun.
Next, we headed over to the Berlin Wall, ATHLETE, and FBI exhibits. These house some notable pieces from major news stories throughout history – including a section of the Berlin Wall and the Unabomber’s actual cabin.
Left - A graffitied portion of the Berlin Wall, Right - The Unabomber's Cabin
Our next stop was the glass express elevators that dropped us off on the 6th level of the museum. Here you’ll find the Pennsylvania Ave Terrace with great views of the city and a moving exhibit currently featuring Hurricane Katrina.
A portion of the Hurricane Katrina exhibit located next to the elevators
On the 5th level, you’ll find one of the largest collections of notable front page headlines spanning over 500 years, including the famous “Dewey Defeats Truman” flub from the 1948 presidential election. I really enjoyed seeing how historic events had been reported and just how much the front page of a newspaper has changed over the years.
TIP: Trying to go from the 5th level to the 4th ? Unless you take the elevator, you can’t! To take the stairs, you’ll have to head back up to the sixth level and use the stairs by the glass elevators. This confused me for a good 10 minutes before I asked.
The 4th level starts out with a gallery that might be too intense for younger visitors. The 9/11 gallery is a moving and powerful exhibit showcasing newspaper’s front pages from around the world and stories from journalists discussing the challenges they faced while reporting on the tragedy. The exhibit’s most prominent feature, the World Trade Center Antenna, rises up from the center of the floor and sent a reminiscent chill through me as I remembered how tragic that day truly was in our history.
World Trade Center Antenna located in the 9/11 Gallery
Throughout the 4th, 3rd and 2nd levels there are a number of engaging exhibits and movies to enjoy – too many to list here, so I’ll leave it to you to experience them on your own. But be sure to visit the interactive newsroom on the 2nd level where you can try out your skills as an on camera reporter or test your knowledge with one of the interactive game kiosks.
Try out your skills as an on camera reporter
Sadly, our late start put us back to the 1st level with growling bellies and only moments left before the museum closed (5pm daily), so we headed out the front door before realizing we had missed the Pulitzer Prize Photography Gallery. I was extremely disappointed I had missed the exhibit, as it was one of the ones I had most looked forward to viewing, but now I have an excuse to go back! (and I would have used the second day pass if it wasn’t a Monday!)
Overall, the Newseum lived up to all my expectations and I left the museum not only enjoying my time spent exploring, but also knowing a little bit more about the world we live in and our history.
To share your Newseum experience, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures “like” MyLife in Metro DC on Facebook!
- Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: TOUCHDOWN in the City
Well, it’s finally happened. My favorite time of the year has come to an end — football season is officially over.
And while my Hokies sadly under performed in this year’s Orange Bowl, I happily cheered on the Green Bay Packers as they claimed victory over the Pittsburg Steelers this past Sunday in the Super Bowl.
It was a bittersweet day as I cherished the last few moments of this year’s beloved football season.
And now that the last play has been called and last trophy awarded, all that’s left is a massive void in my weekend lineup. Hours of the day no longer filled with team rivalries, tailgates and lazy time in front of the TV.
I know I’m not the only one suffering from post-season withdrawals, so for the benefit of us all, I’ve vowed to be one of the FIRST to put DOWN the remote, emerge from my off-season hangover and get out and enjoy the city.
But what to do? DC has no shortage of activities, and even in the frozen tundra that surrounds us, plenty of choices abound.
Here are my top three “Post-Season” picks
1) Get “Iced” with Ovechkin & Washington Capitals
It’s not football, but with a better track record than the Washington Redskins, attending a Capitals game always guarantees a great time and will help you get your sport fix.
Selling out over 89 straight home games and coming off two wins this weekend, the Washington Capitals are on a winning streak that will hopefully continue and propel them into the playoffs for a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
With 12 home games left this season, and 5 of those games on the weekends, there’s no better time to grab your family or friends, throw on your Capitals Red and head to the Verizon Center to watch some of hockey’s best duke it out on the ice.
Hockey not your sport of choice? Fear not, we are extremely fortunate to have a number of professional sport teams right here in DC. Grab a ticket to the next Wizards game and watch the development of the NBA’s #1 overall pick, and future superstar, John Wall – or you can dust off your old baseball glove and get ready to catch a fly ball on March 31st when the Nationals have their first home game of the 2011 baseball season.
2) “Window Shop” at DC’s National Mall
With DC being a hot spot for family vacations and school trips, visiting the National Mall during “tourist season” can be more crowded and stressful than a shopping trip to Tysons Corner during the Holidays!
So take this opportunity during the off-season months to go out and visit some of DC’s finest museums and monuments without having to fight the masses or sweltering temperatures outside. Not sure where to start? Visit the Smithsonian website to get an overview of all their museums or take a peek at the map below and come up with a plan of your own.
3) “Wine” a Little in Loudoun County
Your team might have lost in the playoffs, but instead of sitting at home and sulking, take that sadness, bottle it up and spend an afternoon “wining” at one of the beautiful vineyards located right outside of DC. Loudoun County offers some of the best wines on the east coast and is the perfect destination for a leisurely day trip outside of the city.
One of my favorite vineyards to visit is Notaviva. With a beautiful blue house that has a warm wooden interior and stretching landscapes around back, it’s the perfect place to sample a new bottle of wine, while enjoying the scenery. Craving something sweet? For a dollar, they’ll even give you a “smores” kit to make your own in the backyard fire pit!
With so much to do around the city, the list could go on and on, and while it’s hard to put down the remote and pull myself away from ESPN, I’m excited to spend the football off-season exploring the Nation’s Capital and recommend you join me in doing the same!
To share your cures for the “off-season blues,” learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures “like” MyLife in Metro DC on Facebook!
- Kristin
MyLife In Metro DC: Southern Rockin at Red Palace
This past Friday, I announced the winner of the second MyLife in Metro DC giveaway. I was thrilled to let Laura Dudley know she had won two tickets and a meet and greet for the Truth & Salvage Co. concert that night in DC. Laura lives in Charlotte, NC, but was flying into DC just for the night to celebrate her birthday at the show with some friends here in the city. I couldn’t think of a better birthday present to win and I was so excited to share one of my favorite bands with my friends and Laura!
The concert was held at the Red Palace; a venue spawned from the merger of two existing bars: The Red & The Black and The Palace of Wonders. United the two bars have created a unique bar & concert venue on H Street. (Unders beware, unless otherwise stated entry is 21+ )
The Red Palace - 1210 H Street, NE
Located at 1210 H Street NE, we found it most convenient to cab to the venue (it was around $22.00 from Georgetown). There was street parking available, but it appeared to be pretty limited. The closest metro stop to The Red Palace is Union Station, which is a bit of a hike at 1.2 miles away.
When you first walk in, the bar feels small and understated. As I approached the bar and ordered a PBR (they don’t serve Bud Light) “fancy” was not one of the words that came to mind but I did however find the bar to be very cozy. The bar’s interior channels a New Orleans theme with dark distressed wood and walls, a tin ceiling and red velvet drapes. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a cat (yes, a real cat) curled up next to the bar like I did.
Taking a "Catnap" on the Bar
Finding your way to the stage is a bit of a maze. First, you’ll need to walk to the back of the first bar and through a door that will lead you into the second bar. Then, turn left into the second bar (a right turn will take you to the bathrooms — you’ll want to remember this as there are none in the concert area) and stop at the stairs where you’ll pick up your “will call” tickets, purchase tickets or get your name crossed off the guest list. Finally, once you’ve been stamped you can head up the stairs.
When you reach the top of the stairs you’ll find a red velvet curtain hanging in the doorway. You might find yourself having a moment of hesitation, a “what could possibly be behind this drape” moment, but as you pull back the curtain you’ll be relieved to find that you’ve finally reached the concert stage – not the inner sanctum of a Vodoo Shaman.
The upstairs has a capacity of 200 people and Friday’s show was sold out. We arrived during the A Thousand Horses set (the incredible opening band from Nashville, TN) and quickly found ourselves packed in surrounded by people.
The stage is set in the back corner of the room. And while there is a bar upstairs, it is located in the corner diagonal from the stage. If you are looking to get a good spot close to the front, my suggestion would be to get your drinks early so you don’t end up stuck in the back!
Truth & Salvage Co. on Stage
Truth & Salvage Co. took the stage around 11pm and was greeted by a packed house of cheering fans. The show lived up to all my expectations – the band’s four lead singers keep the room’s energy high and as the audience sang along you could tell the band was having as much fun as we were.
After the show, I took Laura with me to meet the band. The guys cheerfully greeted her, smiled for a few photos, congratulated her on winning the tickets and thanked her for spending her birthday with them. The band was truly a pleasure to talk with and they were all ecstatic to have such a warm welcome in DC.
Laura with Walker, Tim & Scott of Truth and Salvage Co.
When I asked Tim Jones, one of the band’s lead singers and guitar players, what he thought of that night’s show he replied, “We loved playing DC more than if Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington had all taken us out bowling! A sold out show with everyone singing along – couldn’t have been any better!”
Scott Kinnerew, one of the band’s other lead singers and guitar players, echoed Tim’s praises. He told me, “When you live the majority of your adult life sequestered in a van with five grown men, the mission of it all can grow convoluted. And to roll into a town where you don’t know anyone and you have strangers arrive in masses, singing the lyrics to your songs, well that has to be one of the most validating feelings ever, and it all makes sense again. DC wins the band appreciation contest, y’all don’t need more sugar you are too sweet!”
Overall the night was a huge success -I could not have asked for a better Friday night concert or a nicer band to work with on my second MyLife in Metro DC giveaway! Laura left the show with some great pictures and a huge smile on her face and Truth & Salvage Co. left with some newly devoted DC fans. And while I personally forgot to snag a picture with the band, I left with this awesome limited edition poster to add to my collection 
.
Autographed Truth & Salvage Co. Poster
A huge thank you again to Truth & Salvage Co. for making this giveaway a success!
To share your concert experiences, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures “like” MyLife in Metro DC on Facebook!
- Kristin
MyLife in Metro DC: Hectic Holiday Flying Tips
Holiday Travel. Although some of us do our best to avoid it, there seems to always come a time when a tempting trip just can’t be passed up: a tropical Christmas in St. Thomas, a New Year’s ski trip to Aspen, or even just a long holiday weekend home to see your favorite relatives. For me it’s the tradition of spending a “White Christmas” with my family in Maine – something I simply can’t pass up.
I left for Maine out of Reagan National Airport bright and early the Thursday before Christmas. This was my first experience flying out of DC during the Holidays and with many of you gearing up to jet out for New Year’s Eve (I wish I was going to Miami for the Orange Bowl – Go HOKIES!) I wanted to pass along a few tips and suggestions I found useful.
While New Year’s Eve and other major holidays might not be quite as hectic as the Christmas travel I experienced, these suggestions should help you any time of the year.
Getting to the Airport –
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is conveniently located alongside the Potomac River; it is nestled right between Arlington, Alexandria and DC, and is one of the most easily accessible metropolitan airports I’ve ever seen.
If you choose to drive, there are hourly ($2-$3 an hour), daily (max $20 a day), and economy (max $12 a day) parking lots available. While the hourly and daily spots are within walking distance from the airport, you’ll need to take a shuttle to the terminal from the economy lot.
The Blue and Yellow Metro lines stop directly in front of the concourse level of the B & C terminals and if you exit off the metro “street side,” you’ll find an airport shuttle that can give you a lift to terminal A.
And last but not least, you can take a taxi like I did. To make sure I’d have a cab right at 6am, I called the day before to reserve one. If you decide to take a cab, be sure to make your reservation early. I had to call two companies before I could find one with an open reservation as they fill up fast around holiday/event weekends. From Arlington to DCA my travel time was around 11 minutes (there was no traffic at 6am) and it cost me $18 dollars with tip.
Things to Expect when Flying During “Peak Travel Times”
- TSA screening lines can be LONG. People traveling during the holidays seem to have more carry-on items and during the winter months they also have more jackets, scarves, and boots to remove before passing through the metal detectors and Reagan is no exception. While this process only took about 18 minutes for me, I’d give yourself 30+ minutes to be safe, possibly even a bit longer if you are a family traveling with young children.
- Standby can leave you Stranded. After arriving at my gate I noticed a long line of standby passengers hoping to get on my flight. I overheard the attendant telling them that flying during the holidays on a friends and family standby ticket hardly ever works – especially from a major airport. She then, without hesitation, told them all the flights were oversold (which they were) and suggested they “try again tomorrow.” Yikes. My suggestion – if you are trying to fly standby, I’d leave a few days before or after “peak” days to increase your chances of making it on a flight.
- People HATE paying to check bags. And because no one wants to pay, everyone seems to have a large carry-on bag. On my flight, passengers were asked to check their bags through to their final destination at the gate due to a lack of space in the plane’s cabin. Some passengers were able to take theirs on, but if you are in one of the last boarding “zones”, be prepared to take out your iPod and book and put them in your pocket, because chances are you’ll have to check your bag. The only good news – you won’t have to pay to check your carry-on bag at the gate!
- Avoid Tight Connections. I dislike sitting around airport terminals waiting for flights as much as anyone but tight connections around the holidays have continued to fail me. This trip, I took my chances once again and had only 30 minutes to change planes in Philly. So as soon as our flight from DCA was delayed, I knew my whole day was shot. Planes can’t afford to wait for passengers when delays are all around and they will leave without you. I suggest giving yourself at least an hour between flights to account for minor delays. Plus this gives you a chance to stretch your legs and grab the latest issue of People magazine to catch up on the latest celebrity gossip on your next flight. :)
- Be Flexible. Flying can be stressful and paired with the chaos of the holidays it can do a number on your nerves. So the best piece of advice I can offer is to be flexible. Trust me, I know it can be hard but it will make the whole experience a lot less draining if you do. If a flight is delayed, you just have to wait and hope for the best. If a massive blizzard hits the entire east coast leaving you stranded and the next flight out they can get you is 4 days later, you just have to be thankful you were able to get a flight out at all (I write from experience as I’m sitting in my Dad’s office in Maine writing this post instead of in my office in DC). Traveling by plane leaves a lot of variables out of our control and the best thing we can do is go with the flow. When everyone gives a little, and smiles instead of yells, it makes a big difference to the overall flying experience.
So as I sit here waiting for my new flight home to metro DC ( I still have 2 more days), I hope that these travel tips reach you before your next plane departs. Be sure to let me know if you find any tips or suggestions I’ve missed, I’m always looking for new ideas! Safe travels everyone and Happy New Year!
-Kristin
PS – For those of you who didn’t experience the recent blizzard, this is the view from my house in Maine… that snowy area out front is where our driveway and neighborhood street should be!
To share your travel tips, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures “like” MyLife in Metro DC on Facebook!
MyLife in Metro DC: Last Minute DC Shopping Secrets Revealed!
Tis the season to be jolly… and unfortunately in DC… to be stuck in the Holiday shopping madness!
Tysons. Pentagon. Fair Oaks. Take your pick. They are all packed with the same crowds, same lines and same frustrations. And with the “12 Days of Christmas” countdown already on the second day, the days left to shop are quickly running out!
It took only one afternoon waiting 20 minutes to park, pushing through angry crowds and standing in lines that had no end for me to decide there HAS to be a better way to shop during the Holidays in DC.
Since I know I’m not the only one trying to avoid the mall mayhem, my Holiday gift to you is my top three “mall alternatives” list; helping you find the perfect gifts for anyone on your list while steering clear of the crowds.
photo credit: www.marketcommonclarendon.net
I love living in Arlington and this shopping center has by far been one of my happiest discoveries! Whether I’m trying to nab the latest Apple gadget or cross a fashionista off my gift list, I can do it all here.
Located at 2800 Clarendon Blvd across from Whole Foods, there are ample parking options. There are two pay to park parking garages (one by the Container Store and one across from Whole Foods). Or if you are lucky, you can sometimes find a spot on the street (meters on Clarendon Blvd stop charging at 6pm). There is also the Clarendon Metro stop is located just two blocks away.
Some of my personal favorite stores to find gifts at are: the Apple Store, Crate & Barrel, Ann Taylor LOFT, South Moon Under & Free People. While you’ll most likely have to pay to park, for me, it’s worth it to drop in after work and shop in peace at well stocked stores without the masses.
photo credit: www.mezzogiorno.us/
When I’m looking for a unique gift for “the person who has everything” on my list, I take a trip to Old Town Alexandria. All along King Street and Old Town’s “Boutique” District you’ll find adorable stores filled with home décor items, jewelry, fashion apparel, food and wine and a plethora of other gift ideas.
There are a number of parking garages and street spots available or if you are feeling adventurous (and are bundled up) you take the metro and then hop on the free trolley that runs along King Street.
The best part of Old Town is that sprinkled in with all the boutiques are delicious restaurants you can stop at to grab a bite and re-energize for the rest of your trip!
Some of my favorite stores: An American in Paris, Barkley Square (for the Dog/Dog lover on your list), Bellacera, Silver Parrot and the Potomac Bread Company.
Ok, by now I’m sure you are saying, “Those are great suggestions Kristin, but it’s FREEZING OUTSIDE – I want to stay warm while I shop!”
So for those of you trying to avoid the frigid winds on the streets of DC, I give you my last, but certainly not least, suggestion – Etsy.
photo credit: Pear & Peacock, Lisa Hopkins & Tiffany Roundy for Hipchicks Knits
This is by FAR my favorite place to shop any time of the year for the ultimate original presents. Plus, I’ve snagged the MyLife in Metro DC readers a few discounts**!
Etsy is a website that provides its customers with the ability to search for goods created by artisans all around the world on a single site. Simply type in what you are looking for or browse through showcased items and you’ll find one of a kind treasures that will make the perfect gift. All of this done while sitting in your favorite chair in the warmth of your home.
Three of my favorite vendors on the site are: Pear and Peacock, Lisa Hopkins Design, and Hipchicks Knits.
I love Pear and Peacock not just for the jewelry but also for the extra thought that is placed behind each piece. Designer Erin McCloskey uses earth friendly, non-mined, recycled metals along with vintage beads and components to help lessen its impact on the environment. I think its great to give a gift to someone knowing that designer went the extra mile to be eco-friendly while creating it.
Lisa Hopkins creates etched silver jewelry featuring hand lettered calligraphy and artwork. She takes pride in each of her pieces and is more than willing to work with you on custom orders. I personally have purchased some of Lisa’s jewelry and wear my ginkgo necklace everyday – I absolutely love it.
Finally, there’s Rachel Gallager’s Hipchicks Knits. Rachel started selling hats when she discovered her passion for knitting could be used for good. She learned that a baby loses 80% of his or her body heat through the top of their head and wanted to do her part to help. All of the hats featured on her site are hand knit by Rachel and for every hat you purchase she knits and donates TWO for charity. What an awesome opportunity to help to a baby in need while sharing warmth with a child on your gift list!
**Special MyLife in Metro DC discounts: When making a purchase on Lisa Hopkins Design enter in the coupon code: MERRY2010 at checkout and receive a special 10% discount from now till the end of 2010 and when purchasing from Hipchicks Knits enter Coupon Code: Holiday10 at checkout to receive a special 10% off all her hats! Thank you both for the Holiday specials!
Well there you have it. My DC shopping secrets – revealed. Hopefully you’ll read this early enough for to skip the lines and be able to spend a little extra time enjoying the Holiday season. Happy Shopping!
To share your shopping secrets, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures “Like” MyLife on Facebook!
-Kristin
