DC on a Dime

Come checkout DC’s hottest new neighborhood. 

The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District opens its 2009 Holiday Market today, which will run from December 15th – 18th, on the Canal Park site located at 2nd Street and M Street, SE.  Wrap up your holiday shopping and find unique gifts, festive food, holiday greenery, live music and more! 

Date:  December 15th – 18th, 2009 

Time:  12:00 – 6:00 pm

Location:  Canal Park

Cost:  FREE

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets

Leesburg Premium Outlets is having its annual Labor Day weekend sale through Monday, September 7.  Make your way to Leesburg post haste before all the good deals are gone.

For those about to shop, we salute you!

Location:  241 Fort Evans Road N.E., Leesburg, Va.

This weekend, August 1 st  and 2nd, is the 10th annual Dog Days of August sidewalk-sale along and the 14th and U Street corridors.   MidCity shops, galleries and restaurants will take their wares to the sidewalk, along with featured performers and special events.   Below is a sample of the deals you will find:

Cake Love and Love Cafe

cakelove.com
1501 and 1506 U Street
Cupcake special-buy 3 get 1 free.

Boundless Yoga
Boundlessyoga.com
1522 U Street
Free 30-minute energy healing sessions, Saturday 2-4p. Free community yoga class, Sunday 2:30p. 15% off on yoga props and books. 10% off on all class passes$20 for 20 days of yoga (valid August 10 – August 30 for new students only) Raffle to win a free 30-day unlimited pass.

Zawadi
Zawadidc.com
1524 U Street NW
100s of Jazz and R&B albums from the 60s,70s,and 80s. Eco sandals from Kenya, made with recycled rubber tires. Books on African-American politics, culture and history plus 50% off all Eileen Fisher clothing.

Millennium Decorative Arts
millenniumdecorativearts.com
1528 U Street NW (Lower Level)
10%–50% off almost everything in the store!

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For all of the fly-mommies in DC, we got a new website for you:  http://www.flaimahmy.com/.

This site promises to cover:  “Where Fashion Meets Motherhood!”   With recent posts like “Mini Skirts: Should Mommies wear them??” and “I’m Pregnant! What do I wear?” we think they are off to a good start.

From May 25 to May 31, Virginia celebrates its annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Supplies costing $60 or less, as specified in the Guidelines, will be exempt from the sales tax during the holiday period.  So, stock-up on AA batteries, flashlights, and bottled water next week.

Shop It To Me is the best online personal shopper that we have come across.  And not just because it’s free.  This service emails clothing to you – that matches your size and brand preferences – as soon as they go on sale.

Here’s how it works.  You select your favorite brands and sizes, from hundreds of choices, and they send a daily or weekly email summary whenever new items go on sale in your size. 

You can also sign-up for a Shop It To Me Running service to receive updates when your favorite running shoes and apparel go on sale in your size.

Sample Email

Goldstar.com

What Does Goldstar Do?

We help people get out more to live entertainment, like theater, comedy, sports, music, performing arts and even things like wine tastings, sushi making classes and rodeos.

Annapolis - America's Sailing Capital

For Washingtonians looking for an economical vacation spot, you don’t have to look far.   Just 33 miles - 45 minute drive -  Annapolis, MD is the perfect day trip or week-end getaway from DC. 

Annapolis has great shopping, restaurants, and a rich history.  Founded in 1649, it is the Capital of Maryland, and was the Capital of the United States when the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War.  It is also the proud home of the U. S. Naval Academy, founded in1845, and St. John’s College, founded in 1696.

Whether by car, boat, or on foot, you can enjoy what “America’s Sailing Capitol” has to offer.  And please treat yourself to the awesome crab cakes at Carrol’s Creek Waterfront Restaurant, which is tucked away in the Annapolis City Marina. 

View From the Deck at Carrol's Creek

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The National Harbor is poised to become a force to be reckoned with on the DC scene.  Not only does it have nice restaurants, A-list hotels, and upscale shops, it also boasts a healthy roster of upcoming  events. 

However, top shops and activities can call for top dollar, like the  Food & Wine Festival, June 6-7, where one-day adult passes are $65.  Then there’s the 2009 Yacht Show, May 29-31, which will set you back only $16.  And also the American Market every Saturday, May 2-September 5, for FREE! 

Website:  http://www.nationalharbor.com/

Location:  137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD 20745. 

Directions From DC:

• Take I-295 South for approximately 5.5 miles.
• Take National Harbor Exit 1B 

 Today we post our first installment of the “Ask DC on a Dime” series.  As always, we promise to make our advice recession-friendly.

Dear DC on a Dime,

I just moved to DC, and I have a super important job on Capitol Hill as an LC.  I make crap for money, but I still want to shine. What do you suggest I do to build a professional wardrobe for a 22-year-old female Hill Staffer?

As a newly-minted hill staffer, the good news is that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe.  However, with a few smart purchases, your new colleagues will think you have one. 

For starters, we reccomend you purchase the following essentials.  A black and/or navy blue suit for special events.  A couple pair of slacks, a dark skirt, and black pumps for every day wear.  And several neutral tops, to mix-and-match with the other pieces.  

If you have a car, the best bargains are at outlet centers.  Our favorites are Leesburg Premium Outlets  in Leesburg, VA, and Arundel Mills in Hanover, MD.   On the metro, you can find good deals at Filene’s Basement and Ann Taylor.  Also, look for accessories (especially a pearl necklace) at Eastern Market or local consignment shops.

Remember, you want to slowly build a work wardrobe by introducing 1 or 2 outfits each month.  And, before you shop, don’t forget to check out our Steals of the Week.

Best of luck with the new job!  If you follow our plan, you’ll be well on your way to The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful, with change to spare.