Local Author Launches New Book at Hooray for Books!

A new children’s book is coming out next week called PEEP and EGG: I’m Not Hatching. It’s the first installment in a new series featuring the eternally optimistic Peep and shyly hesitant Egg.

Egg’s resistance to hatching—and the delay tactics she uses—will be hilariously recognizable to toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents! Author Laura Gehl, a neuroscientist by training and mother of 4 from Chevy Chase, MD, developed the character with an eye toward helping children overcome the fears at the root of stubborn behavior.      

The PEEP and EGG series will officially hatch on February 10 at Hooray for Books in Alexandria.  

check out this cute trailer for the book 
 https://youtu.be/lHjZ6_W1I_4

Come listen to local author Laura Gehl read her new picture book, Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching! There will be crafts, treats and games at 4 pm, followed by a special 5 pm story time.

When: Wednesday, February 10^th at 4 pm

Where: Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. in Alexandria, Virginia

More information is available at http://www.hooray4books.com/events.htm

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week

January 29 - February 7, 2016

Alexandria, VA -- For 10 days and two weekends, more than 60 Alexandria restaurants offer a $35 three-course dinner OR a $35 dinner for two during Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week, January 29 - February 7, 2016. More than two dozen restaurants are also offering lunch deals at $10, $15 or $20 per person in addition to the dinner specials.

New Restaurant Week participants include Alexandria newcomers Magnolia’s on King and Carluccio’s. Returning participants include Restaurant Eve, Bastille Restaurant and Wine Bar, La Bergerie, Virtue Feed & Grain, Geranio, Del Ray Café and many more, all with fresh new twists on Restaurant Week.

Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End. At a range of locales, from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites, guests will savor the flavors of Alexandria's distinctive collection of eateries.

In January, guests will find a flip-book of menus on www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com

         WHAT: Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week

         WHEN: 10 Days – January 29 - February 7, 2016

         WHERE: Neighborhoods throughout Alexandria, Virginia, including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End

         HOW: $35 three-course dinner OR $35 dinner for two; select locations offering lunch from $10-20/person

         INFO: www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com; 703-746-3301

This semi-annual event spans two weekends, making it an extraordinary time to transform Restaurant Week into a delicious Restaurant Weekend with special rates at luxurious hotels just steps from eateries. To find hotel information, go to www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/Hotels.

About Alexandria Restaurant Week
Alexandria Restaurant Week was launched in 2009 by Visit Alexandria and has since been a favorite amongst patrons and restaurateurs, occurring biannually in the winter and summer. Visit Alexandria coordinates and markets the event, which is free for participating restaurants. In addition to serving as an economic driver for Alexandria restaurants, Alexandria Restaurant Week bolsters the city’s reputation as a culinary destination, popular amongst presidents and well-versed foodies. VisitAlexandriaVA.com

Are You Ready?

Things to do to get ready for a big snow storm
not in any particular order

• Get and gather batteries 
• Gather all the flashlights
• Gather all your quilts, blankets, comforters and throws
• Fill the refrigerator and freezer with water bottles - the more full the fridge and freezer are the better they will keep your food fresh if/when the power goes out
• Once you lose power, tape the fridge and freezer closed so that no one opens them and food will stay for longer 
• Make sure all your devices are fully charged
• Make sure the firewood is easy to get to, close to the door or inside, covering it with a tarp would be helpful. 
• Bring the shovels inside so that they are warm and easily accessible in case you need to shovel out 
• Make sure you have enough of your medications 
• Make sure your pets are ready - 
• make sure you have enough dog or cat food for several days 
• make sure you have enough treats 
• make sure you have enough kitty litter 
• make sure you have enough of your pets' medications 
• Make sure your downspouts and gutters are free of debris 
• Bring in or put away anything that may blow away - flags, patio furniture, etc.  
• Make sure you can access your big trash cans - don't want the trash to pile up in the house.  so bring them close to the house or where you can shovel a path easily. 
• Make sure you have some things to keep your kids occupied that are not electronics - puzzles, cards, games, Mad-Libs, etc.. 
• Make sure you don't run the dryer if you haven't cleared the outdoor vent!  
• Make sure your smoke detector is in working order