Shop Small Spotlight : Ladyburg

I couldn’t quite decide when to do my spotlight on this fabulous ‘Local’, NoVA store. However, with Ladyburg getting ready to open a second location I thought this would be the perfect time to do a little spotlight. Not only do I love this store in general – the atmosphere and the product, but I love the owners. They truly believe in the product they are making and selling. Yes, making! Almost all of the products sold in the Ladyburg store are made in the Ladyburg store. Natural products, lots of vegan options, essential oils, local…I mean, it really doesn’t get better than that. I wouldn’t call myself all-natural or crunchy by any stretch of the imagination. However, I see the value and their place in the world. As my children get older, and frankly, as I get older and wiser the value becomes higher. The biggest selling point for me though was the price point. You can satisfy all your natural needs and desires for a reasonable price. That is truly unique. So lets take a look at some of the products.

They had me at ‘Ladybug’ with this little adorable bar. I love ladybugs. So much so that that is my daughter’s nickname, her room was like that until she was 6, birthdays, Halloween costumes, and any clothing I can find…..still. These little bars are like a compact, uber lotion. I have the gardenia scent and its a fairly strong sent; although that isn’t the only option. I’ve been using this fairly consistently for almost a month now and haven’t seen much of a change in its size and its doing wonders for the dry patches on my knees and elbows I tend to get in the summer time.

 2. Shaving
Beer and shaving! Beer and shaving people. Seriously…..Beer. A very cool and kitschy addition to the Ladyburg shelves. Hubby is a shaving snob – we’re talking fancy badger hair brush and wooden handle single blade razor. We have yet to use the Ladyburg product because he still has his “Not to be named” other brand that he has to use up. Otherwise it would be a waste. Isn’t he cute? *sarcasm* But never fear, I’ll have this stuff investigated and checked out well within Christmas gift buying time. The aftershave can be scented on-site from one of Ladyburg’s many Essential Oils.

Nature’s Neosporin, as I’ve been told. Calendula is a gentle and mild oil that does wonders for burns, scrapes, dry or chapped skin, rashes and the like. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin as well. Crystal, Ladyburg’s resident skin expert and proprietor, recommended this lotion for my son’s eczema. Love it! It doesn’t hurt him if he suddenly gets a flare up, and it has kept it from getting worse. I use this baby on my legs, which are so crazy dry right now. This is a whipped creme and a little goes a really long way. Yet another product that really gets a lot of bang for your buck. 
 

 So the picture is of the kid version (which I spoiled by daughter with and bought a ton of them!!), but the link is to the full-size adult bath bombs. Either way, these things are amazing, super fragrant and leave your skin feeling soft. The kids absolutely go nuts over them because they bubble and fizz, as well as spin around the tub. Literally my kids fight over them, so I will be making a trip back to stock up on some more.

5. The Raw Bar 
Now this is a super cool thing that I’ve only ever seen at Ladyburg. Now, you can get all your stuff made here, and I’d be surprised if you didn’t find what you wanted. However, there are those of us {myself included} who spend countless hours scanning Pinterest, and just really really want to make our own. All those ingredients can be expensive, so Ladyburg buys it in bulk so that you can buy it smaller and make your own stuff. How cool is that?!!

Here’s a few shots of a recent party for NoVA blogger we had over at the Fredricksburg location! It was such a fun time. Crystal and the whole Ladyburg family are absolutely wonderful and took the best care of all of us! Make sure to check out the Ladyburg shop, one of my fabulous sponsors, by clicking their link on my sidebar.

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More Cheap Date Nights in Washington, DC

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Washington DC, and the surround DC Metro Area, can be ridiculously expensive. There is also a ton to do here. There are so many amazing places to eat, museums, history (or otherwise) sites to see. Some days Mr. Air Force and I think that we could see something different every day and never repeat anything for years. It can be overwhelming and a little intense on your wallet. So how can you get away with some time together on the cheap, or for the least amount of money.
1. DC By Foot – This is a really cool concept. This is a “no-fee upfront” tour guide company. Yes, you heard me. It’s basically free! Theoretically you could take the tour, say good bye and that would be the end of it. Pay what you think the guide deserves, earned, or tip them. You have so many options and I absolutely love it. There are your typical Arlington Cemetery, National Mall and Capitol tours. This company also does more unique tours including food and photography ones. There’s a calendar on the website so you can see what is coming up.
This is a Georgetown self-guided tour that we’ve personally done ourselves. On that night the hubby and I ventured to Martin’s Tavern ( one of my favorite places to eat in DC ) and then kept up the Kennedy theme by checking out the local landmarks associated with the Kennedy family. You can find out more about this in my first “Cheap Date Nights….” post.
 

3. Geocaching is one of our newest discoveries. We haven’t been doing it for very long but it is a lot of fun, and Mr. Air Force is really good at it. You can do this basically anywhere, so even if you don’t live in DC, you are good to go. We even did it while on vacation. Apple has an app, and I’m sure other carriers as well. The free membership is perfectly suitable for anyone, but you can upgrade to the premium version for a small subscription fee.

one of our first caches
4. Embassy Tours from CulturalTourismDC

There are tons of events held in different embassies all across the city.  If you wanted to see the inside of some of these places, now’s your chance!

5. Sittercity for Military

Have you ever heard of sittercitty? If you haven’t you’re missing out! I’ve been using them since my oldest was little. It has saved us when we were somewhere without family or friends to help us out. I love the program, I love the background checks that are included in the free membership. The people at Sittercity are amazing as well. They are always looking for ways to improve this program and it is just so cool. Use it!

All that being said, I wanted to also encourage you to rely on your friends, especially when you are in a place without friends or family. I remember my parents doing that and its always been a part of who I am. It creates a better community and encourages relationships that are deeper and more amazing. I whole heartedly encourage you to do that!

**update, Sittercity is no longer free for military, but both Sittercity and Care.com offer great military discounts, as well as having a USAA member discount.

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Selfless Fashion for the Fashion Minded

Self-less fashion: The act of dressing fashionably while helping others

I’m a little partial to this up and coming company, 1) because its right here in my own backyard and 2) one of the people behind this amazing concept is someone I call friend.  When I first heard of it I thought it was genius.  The One-for-One model is very common concept, made famous by TOMS, and copied by many.  While many companies send the other “one” out to the world, Eastern Drift chooses to bless those that live right here.  That is something I love and can get behind.

There’s so potential and room for growth with an idea like that.  It could be and do so many things and I’m definitely excited to see where this company goes in the future.

Dress  Socially.  Help Locally.  
Buying from Eastern Drift will only help them continue to grow their reach.  So, even if you aren’t local to the DC Metro Area you’re doing your part to one day get Eastern Drift to your town.
Currently Available Items (hats are sold out right now – I was so freaking bummed!)

 If you happen to be local to the Northern Virginia area Eastern Drift is one of the 2014 Sponsors of Foxfield Races.  I’m pretty excited to go this year (although that is still in the works).  Ever since I found a ton of Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glasses in my Grandparent’s basement I’ve kind of been obsessed with the whole horse race thing.  Seriously, the pictures alone make me want to check it out.  Boys in pink shirts and mint green bow ties, the hats, the whole deal!  I want it!!!

Find Eastern Drift on social media platforms…spread the word! So far I’ve gotten six of my friends to realize how much they need a little selfless fashion in their lives…I’m winning you all over to the darkside (in a good way).

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See the Circus in the DMV – Military Discount!

It seems as though every day I’m discovering something new about the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia).  There is so much to see here that I just can’t keep up.  I’ve got two posts after this one of great places to see while here; and if you check the tab up top you can see all the posts so far about our adventures here.

I’m particularly excited about this one because, honestly, who doesn’t love a circus.  Telling you about this one is also fun because I get to pass on a great discount for all my military peeps out there (There is also a similar student discount!). 


Big Apple Circus, founded in America in 1977 creates a unique shared experience in their tent, and provides  dedicated outreach programs offered in partnership with healthcare facilities and youth organizations. Big Apple Circus insists upon sensitivity to quality of life both in and out of the ring.This respect and care is shown equally for all of our performers, human and animal alike. Renowned for its award-winning family entertainment, the mission of Big Apple Circus is to invigorate the communities they serve with the joy and wonder of the classical circus. Learn more at http://www.bigapplecircus.org/
I’ve been to the circus once, and the kids went to the circus while the hubby and I were on our Babymoon.  I can’t wait to attend with the kids, and experience the fun of the circus together.  Check out some of these cool acts, and the Ringmaster.

 Here’s the 411 on the discount:

New York, NY – Sept,  2012 – Big Apple Circus is proud to announce that beginning this month a 50% discount will be available on tickets to their spectacular LEGENDARIUMshow for all veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families as a thank you for their service. We invite veterans, service men and women, and their families to join us in the thrill of watching our fantastic performers in an intimate tent setting where all seats are less than 50 feet from the center ring.
When: September 20- October 8, 2012
Where: Dulles Town Center, 45630 Dulles Center Blvd.

Tickets are on sale now for select shows at a discounted rate of $30, $24.50, $18.50, or $12.50 for active duty military and veterans with the promotional code: Military.
Purchase tickets online now at https://tickets.bigapplecircus.org/Online/default.asp

Anyone who has purchased a discounted ticket online will be required to show a current ID and documentation of military service to qualify to receive this special rate at will call. Without qualifying proof, they won’t be admitted to the show and no refund will be issued. Tickets purchased at regular price cannot later be converted to the discounted price. Discounts are also available for college students with a valid student ID. Discounted tickets are available for all weekday shows, Monday-Friday from September 20th– October 8th.
Evening shows begin at 7pm every weekday. On select weekdays, there are also 11am showings. Doors open 1 hour before show time. The performance is 2 hours long, including a 15 minute intermission. Children under the age of 3 are free when they sit on an adult’s lap. One child per lap.
The Big Top is completely wheelchair accessible.

Hurry and grab your tickets, and stay tuned for my post about our Circus adventure later on.

 
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