Spiderman Photo Contest Winner!

Congratulations to our Spiderman photo contest winner! Here is the amazing picture they took of our Superhero:

Piola: An Arlington Pizzeria

When it comes to delicious pizza, you can't get more authentic than Piola. Started as a pizza parlor in Italy, Piola now has locations all over the world. How lucky are you to have one in Arlington! Piola has been able to expand because it sticks to the important things, like tasty, authentic pizza. You think that New York style pie has thin, crisp crunch, wait until you taste how they make it in the old country! The dining room is bright and comfy, with cool lighting and art on the walls. There's a nice beer, wine and specialty drink selection to go with your meal. And it you don't want pizza, try the pasta!

Piola is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. To 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m. And on Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

Piola
1550 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 528-1502
http://www.yelp.com/biz/piola-arlington-3

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing all moms a wonderful day filled with much love and happiness!\

Spiderman at Io Piazza

The Amazing Spiderman was scaling the walls and fighting grime on the windows of Io Piazza by Windsor. Check out some of the action shots of our Super Hero!

Book Buzz: Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow and John Tierney’s Willpower

Two recently published books have made waves with their profound insight into workings of human behavior. Both Thinking, Fast and Slow and Willpower explore the physiological roots of processes that we as human beings often consider to be entirely based in mental strength and dexterity.

Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow brings together the years of research that won him the Nobel Prize in Economics. In an incredible tour of the mind, Kahneman lays out the different ways in which we think. The first is fast and emotional, and the second is slower and logic-driven. The way these different types of thinking work together have an incredible impact on our professional and person lives. Kahneman's book is a lively exploration of impulse and intuition.

In Willpower, John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister examine evidence that the will operates like a muscle, and as such can be both strengthened and overworked. In exploring the biological roots of willpower, the authors brilliantly illustrate ways to build and conserve this capacity's strength in a world full of immediate temptations.

These thought-provoking yet accessible works have far reaching implications, and are a must-read for anyone interested in how people function. In revealing some of the machinery behind our most basic ways of thinking and decision-making, the authors also provide a blueprint in how to improve your own thinking.

Theodore Roosevelt Island: Escape the City

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Arlington with a trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The monument to the 26th President is designed to look like a full forest. Miles of trails run through the wooded and swamp lands. Spend a weekend afternoon hiking the picturesque scene. Choose from three trails- Swamp Trail, Wood Trail, and Upland Trail. Make sure you check out the memorial to Theodore Roosevelt for a piece of history on your visit. The small island is a popular spot but there's plenty of room for everyone. Check out the website for a schedule of events like ranger led hikes. 

Theodore Roosevelt Island
George Washington Parkway
Arlington, VA 22216
http://www.yelp.com/biz/theodore-roosevelt-island-arlington

Spend Time Outdoors: Enjoy a Picnic

When the warm spring and summer months invite us outdoors, enjoying a simple picnic is a wonderful way to celebrate a gorgeous day. If you’re interested in planning a picnic outing sometime soon, below are a few picnic tips and staples that will offer you an enjoyable and relaxing time on your blanket.

Pack something to sit on
Unless you’re positive that there are tables available, be certain to pack a blanket or some folding chairs for your comfort. Having a comfy place to sit is key to enjoying your picnic.

Make foods that can be enjoyed at room temperature
When picnicking, it’s a great idea to pack foods that can be served and enjoyed at room temperature. Trying to keep foods hot or cold can be an unnecessary hassle when you're looking to simply relax.

Make finger foods
To keep this easy, especially if you’re out with kids, prepare finger foods. Items that you can eat with your hands are great because you don’t have to worry about packing utensils, which just add to more clean-up afterwards.

Keep it green
Instead of bringing items that will be tossed like plastic water bottles and paper plates, think about packing items that can be used again – like an aluminum bottle for your beverage and reusable Tupperware for your meal. That way your picnic can be both convenient and “green”.

Prepare for sun and bugs
When you’re spending any time outdoors, it’s important to put on sunscreen. Bring some with you to protect your skin, and also think about bringing bug spray if you think you might be joined by any creepy crawlers.

The Curious Grape: The Place for Wine Lovers

The Curious Grape started out as a wine shop, and then expanded to become a top wine bar and casual dining spot. Why? Because wine always goes better with food! Come in and relax in the classy, comfortably decorated bar and dining room. Enjoy a glass or even a half-glass from a nice selection of vintages, and share some equally nice cheeses. Stop in the café for breakfast or lunch, and get a great cup of coffee, a nosh or a sandwich. And the dinner menu is always paired well with some wine (ask your server for recommendations). Or just go to the shop and buy a bottle to take home!

The Curious Grape is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Curious Grape
2900 South Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 671-8700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-curious-grape-arlington-2

Great Books For the Young Adult Audience

Reading is fundamental, in in recent years we’ve discovered a number of hit young adult series that have become pop culture phenomena. If you’ve already gone through Harry Potter and all The Hunger Games, here are some other young adult books that will captivate your kids.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart takes the standard story of kids with special mental abilities and puts them into bizarre, challenging situations. Loaded with puzzles, wordplay, and suspense, this will keep kids turning pages non-stop.

Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway is a modern romance with some unusual twists. When Audrey dumps her wanna-be boyfriend Evan, he writes a song about her that makes his band famous overnight. Now she needs to deal with unwanted fame and more.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson is a gripping mystery about a teenage girl who awakens from a year-long coma to discover that her world has subtly changed in a number of strange ways. It’s the first volume in a popular series.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is one of the classics of the genre, telling the tale of two rival groups of kids in Tulsa, Oklahoma who rumble through the mid-1960s. It’s gripping for both its uncompromising action and its remarkable emotional depth.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is one of the biggest hit series on the stands right now. This science fiction epic describes a dystopian post-oil future in which beautiful people are considered genetically superior, which strikes a chord with many young teens.

Cherry Blossom Festival!

Do you know how lucky we are to be in Washington, DC this time of the year? Thousands will travel miles to come take a peak at the beautiful Cherry Blossoms, and they're basically in your backyard!

Have you had a chance to go gaze at these magnificent flowers? Email us your pictures and we'll post them to our page!

April 13, 2013 at 10 a.m. See wonderful entertainment for the whole family including decorated floats, gigantic colorful helium balloons, marching bands, clowns, horses, antique cars, military and celebrity performances, and more.