One of the most common complaints from myself and other moms is “I don’t have time.” For whatever it may be, there simply are not enough hours in a day to do it all. And when it comes to fitness and working out, unless your gym has child care or you can leave your children with someone, it’s very difficult to get out there. Take it from me, I’ve been trying to get working out for 9 months. I have a four year old and a 9 month old and a husband who works long hours and travel quite a bit.

However, where there’s a will, there’s a way and a few months ago I discovered Stroller Strides! It’s an outdoor fitness class where you work out WITH your baby or babies. Literally, you stroll with them (well more like running).

Part of the Fit 4 Mom franchise, Stroller Strides is offered all over the country and there are several locations here in Northern Virginia — including Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Vienna, Burke, Springfield, Prince William County and Warrenton. 

Join the Junior League of Northern Virginia for the 13th Annual Holiday Wonderland, The Enchanted Forest

When: Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
           Sunday, November 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Westin Tysons Corner
             7801 Leesburg Pike
             Falls Church, VA 22043

Cost: General Admission: $13 Premium Events: $25-$35 (includes General Admission)

From dazzling holiday decorations to the captivating entertainment of Oh Susannah!, The Great Zucchini, and more, this weekend-long holiday festival is filled with fun for the entire family.  Create holiday wonders with hands-on children’s activities featuring the Children’s Science Center and Kids in the Holiday Kitchen.  Marvel at the National Capital Trackers Model Train Display.  Get a head start on holiday shopping at the festive Marketplace. Meander through the silent auction forest of 100-plus theme-decorated holiday trees and handmade gingerbread homes.  

With the arrival of Hanukkah during Thanksgiving week, the holiday rush of 2013 is coming up quickly.  Our favorite children's stores in Northern Virginia have some unique items to make gift giving fun and easy, all while supporting the local economy. 

Ergobaby Swaddler: This product takes swaddling to a whole new level! Not only is it super easy to use, but the unique leg pouch allows for quick access to diaper changing without having to undo the whole swaddle.  Comes in two sizes. 

Where to buy in NoVA: Baby Blossom (locations in Reston & Fairfax)

The entries are in, and we've selected our top three favorites.  Vote ONCE PER DAY from 8 AM on Wednesday, November 6 through 8 AM on November 10, 2013 for your favorite.  The winner will receive 4 Busch Gardens’ 2013 Christmas Town™ Fun Cards which allow unlimited admission to the Christmas Town™ for the price of a single-day admission through Dec. 31.  (The Christmas Town Fun Card does not include parking or in-park discounts. Visit christmastown.com/va for complete details.)

During the holiday season, take time to reconnect with your family and friends and create lifelong memories at Busch Gardens Christmas Town™ in Williamsburg, VA. This epic event is celebrating its fifth year of fun.  Complete with breathtaking shows, amazing décor throughout the park, cool rides, delicious food options and more, Busch Gardens Christmas Town™ has something to awe everyone on your list.    

I am unfortunately NOT crafty, but I adore finding unique gifts for family members and friends during the holiday season.  These local events are filled with treasures and upscale items.  Be sure to support local artisans this holiday season by attending one or more of these great events!

Read some of our top picks here:

Unfortunately the remodeling industry is plagued with preconceived ideas about remodeling companies and the remodeling process.  However if you are working with the right remodeler you will see that the remodeling process can be smooth and before you know it all those preconceived ideas will be gone.  At MOSS we know how important it is to make the remodeling process a smooth one and what it takes to make that happen.

Staying Up-To-Date On the Status of Your Remodel Choosing a remodeler that best suits your needs is half the process.  Now what happens?  We understand the importance of communication throughout your entire remodel.  You’ll want to be able to track the progress, be aware of any changes, and the status of your budget.  We want to make it easy for you to do these things.  Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place you could see your budget, selections, etc AND track the progress of your remodel with photos uploaded by your project manger?  Now there is.


MOSS Online:  Industry Project Management & Communication MOSS Online is the central area for all communication related to the project.  Our clients have full access to viewing their schedule, selections, budget and much more with MOSS Online.  If there is anything you want to know about your project you can feel confident that it will be available to you through MOSS Online.  MOSS Online is intended to keep our customers and project teams on the same page throughout the remodel.  It’s very easy to use and you will be impressed with all that it offers.  MOSS Online keeps our customers and project mangers connected at all times.  It’s the communication hub of the whole project.

When you log into your MOSS Online account it will look like the image below:

We get as far into the details as to provide you will the weather forecast.  Hey, we need to know what to expect to make decisions regarding your remodel- rain or shine!  You can see that it shares how far along we are with your project with the percent complete bar on the left, as well as the balance of your project:  what you owe and what the entire contract cost.

The image below shows you a very detailed schedule that you will have access to through MOSS Online:

Now you can know what to expect and when to expect it during your home remodel.  You can see exactly what needs to happen and when it is scheduled to happen, so there are no surprises.  You will also know who the person is that is coming to your home and when to expect them.  If there is something on the schedule that changes you will have real time access.  Again, we strive to make this process an easy one for you and your family.

If you wish to view your selections you’ll see the following:

We also use MOSS Online to send messages as well.  Every team member on your project will have access to MOSS Online so everyone will be informed at all times, including your  Customer Care Manager, Sales Consultant, and Project Manager…it doesn’t get much better than that!

Northern VA Home Improvement Moss Building and Design specializes in remodeling additions, kitchen remodels, bathroom remodeling and basement remodels.  We also off other home improvements through Moss Home Services, that includes electrical, plumbing, handyman, roofing & siding, structural work and much more.  Whether you’re looking for a new addition, or would like to remodel your kitchen Moss Building & Design can help.  We offer free consultations to listen to your needs and to also show you how you would use MOSS Online during your remodel.  We’ll log in and let you get familiar with our program.  We understand that the remodeling processes should be stress free and we strive to make that possible for you by developing new software and implementing new ideas that allow you to enjoy the final product but the process along that got us there as well.  Call us today to set up a free consultation 703.961.7707.