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Holiday Gift Ideas

The holiday season is here and it’s time to get shopping and wrapping for holiday gifts. In today’s Virginia Square Blog we have some gift ideas to help you in your search of the perfect presents for your loved ones. We hope you enjoy your holiday season here in Arlington, VA! Digital Wine Bottle For the wine-lovers in your life, this is the perfect gift for them. “Enjoy wine at the perfect drinking temperature using this minimalist digital thermometer. Easily attached to any bottle, the thermometer’s simple digital readout measures the temperature in Fahrenheit, and includes instructions suggesting the ideal serving temperatures for different varieties of wine. Powered by a battery with a 2,000-hour lifespan, this thermometer will keep your wine company for years to come.” Poet Soap This beautiful and wonderfully scented bar soap is great to give to a friend. You could also add this item to a house-warming gift basket for any friends who may have recently moved. Add in some hand towels, lotion, and chocolate truffles. Charger Keychain This keychain charger is so useful and functional for the technology-lover in your life. Give this gift to someone who always seems to have a dead phone. Wrap this up with some holiday chocolates and you’re done! “Charge & Sync your Apple devices in premium style Rubberized, extra durable 3” Lightning to USB cable is built to last." Amazon Gift Card For the picky person you know, give them the gift of purchasing whatever they’d like — give them an Amazon gift card. This will allow them to find the perfect or useful gift that they really need. It takes out all of the guesswork when shopping. We love to provide tips for members of our apartment community. Do you have any gift ideas to share with us? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading today’s blog post from Virginia Square Plaza!

Thanksgiving Movies to Watch This Month

Need a relaxing activity during the Thanksgiving break? Here on the Virginia Square Plaza Blog, we’re bringing you Thanksgiving movies for you to watch this month at your apartment. We hope you get a chance to enjoy time with family and friends this month here in Arlington, VA. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving “Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving, and with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, he attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner.” Dutch “Working-class good guy Dutch Dooley is the current boyfriend of a wealthy, snobbish tycoon's ex-wife. Volunteering to drive the woman's son home for Thanksgiving to Chicago from his boarding school in Georgia, little does Dutch expect the picaresque adventures in store for him. When a blunt, down-to-earth construction worker takes to the road with an insufferable twelve-year-old snob (desperately insecure under the surface) who does not approve of him in the least, quite a little must happen before they can reach their destination as friends -- or, for that matter, get home at all.” Planes, Trains, and Automobiles “All that Neal Page wants to do is to get home for Thanksgiving. His flight has been cancelled due to bad weather, so he decides on other means of transport. As well as bad luck, Neal is blessed with the presence of Del Griffith, shower curtain ring salesman and all-around blabbermouth who is never short of advice, conversation, bad jokes, or company. And when he decides that he is going the same direction as Neal...” You’ve Got Mail “The owner of a large bookstore chain starts putting the owner of a small local bookstore out of business. Meanwhile they have been corresponding over the internet without knowing who either of them are. They can't stand each other in person but over the internet they are very attracted. He finds out who she is but she doesn't know. He starts to like her more but she still hates him. He has to fix it.” Home for the Holidays “After losing her job, making out with her soon to be ex-boss, and finding out that her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia Larson has to face spending the holiday with her family. She wonders if she can survive their crazy antics.” Free Birds “Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history - and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.” What’s your favorite Thanksgiving movie to watch this time of year? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading and visit the blog again soon!

National Golf Day

Did you know that October 4th is National Golf Day? Celebrate by visiting a local golf course. Here on the Virginia Square Plaza Blog, we want to highlight some local golf courses as well as give you some background on the history of golf. Enjoy this month here in Arlington, VA and get out on the green with friends! History of Golf Golf can be dated all the way back to 100 BC where a similar Roman game was played with a bent stick and a stuffed leather ball. The modern game we play now is generally traced back to Scotland in the 15th century. In 1744, the first rules of golf were set in Scotland. To learn more about golf and the rules and procedures of golf, refer to this R&A guide . Washington Golf & Country Club The Washington Golf & Country Club is a beautiful place to go golfing. “Once known as the ‘Playground of Presidents’, the course offers a unique layout winding through the Washington DC area. Measuring just over 6,000 yards from the tips, the sloped fairways and undulating greens keep the low handicapper honest, while other sets of tees keep the mid to high handicapper coming back for more.” It’s about a 10-minute drive from our apartment community. East Potomac Golf Course “East Potomac Golf Course (Also known as Hains Point Golf Course) is located on the Hains Point Island on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. It’s home to the Nation's first Cherry Blossoms. East Potomac contains two 9-hole courses and one 18-hole, (36-Holes total), along with a heated, covered and lighted Driving Range, Miniature Golf, Practice Holes and The Potomac Grille.” It’s about a 15-minute drive away from your apartment. Pinecrest Golf Course “Located at the corner of Little River Turnpike (Rt. 236) and Braddock Road, bordering Alexandria and Annandale, Pinecrest Golf Course is a par 35, 9-hole executive course, measuring 2,462 yards. The challenging, narrow course is dotted with hills and ponds that create a golfing environment suited for novices and more serious players alike. Facilities include a full service clubhouse, pro shop and snack bar. Golf clubs, riding and pull carts are available for rent. Pinecrest features a practice putting green, 10 driving cages and an indoor practice area.” Pinecrest Golf Course is about a 15-minute drive from our apartment community. Rock Creek Park Golf Course “If you're trying to escape the city without actually leaving, look no further. Secluded deep in the woods of beautiful Rock Creek Park, there are no signs of city life as the trees block out the city noise and buildings. Services include a large putting green, snack bar, and the GolfDC Academy. Come to Rock Creek and be one with nature for awhile.” Rock Creek Park Golf Course is about a 40-minute drive from Virginia Square Plaza. What’s your favorite golf course here in Arlington, VA? Let us know in the comments so we can check it out. Thanks for reading our Virginia Square Plaza Blog post!

Quick Dinners for Busy Students

Preparing healthy dinners can be a pain. Whether you’re a student or a busy employee, we want to help you out and make your life a little easier. Here on the Virginia Square Plaza Blog we have some simple and quick dinner recipes to share with you. Pick up the ingredients from your favorite local grocery store and enjoy a delicious and easy meal in your apartment’s kitchen here in Arlington, VA. One Pan Ranch Pork Chops and Veggies This is a very quick meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes — and most of that time is the time it’ll take for the food to cook in the oven. This recipe comes from Damn Delicious . You’ll need the following ingredients: pork chops, baby red potatoes, green beans, olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic cloves, salt and pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Skillet Chicken Fajitas This meal also takes just 30 minutes to prepare. It comes from Recipe Runner. You’ll need chicken breasts, fresh cilantro, olive oil, dried oregano, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, lime, bell peppers, and yellow onion. This is a tasty and quick meal. 5-Ingredient Creamy Taco Alfredo This recipe is great for the pasta lovers out there. This meal is creamy, tasteful, and perfect for a busy night. It comes from Everyday Cooking . You’ll need chicken breasts, taco seasoning, olive oil, butter, cream, Mexican cheese blend, chopped tomatoes, penne pasta, and chopped cilantro. Sheet Pan BBQ Smoked Sausage Dinner For this a delicious smoked sausage meal from Meatloaf and Melodram a. You’ll need olive oil, white potatoes, salt, garlic powder, pepper, smoked sausage barbecue sauce, broccoli florets, and shredded cheddar cheese. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Incorporating slow cookers into your nightly meals can make your life so much easier. This meal is perfect for your slow cooker. It’s from Natasha’s Kitchen . The following ingredients are needed: boneless skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, onion, olive oil, worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. You can serve the chicken on a roll with coleslaw for a tasty dinner. What’s your favorite quick and easy dinner meal? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Summer Book Suggestions

Did you know that August 9th is National Book Lover’s Day? The Virginia Square Plaza Blog has some book suggestions for you to read this month. Check out a book from the Arlington Public Library and get reading! Books Coming Out This Month If you’re looking for an intriguing murder mystery, read See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt. This book comes out this month. It’s the story of Lizzie Borden who some suspect murdered her father and stepmother in 1892. If you’re looking for a book that’ll change your perspective and make you think, read Sour Heart: Stories by Jenny Zhang. This book came out on August 1st. It’s a collection of stories from Chinese American girls who grew up in New York. Learn about all sorts of different and interesting stories from the perspective of these girls. Nobel Prize Winners If you haven’t already read I Am Malala , we highly suggest it. It’s a book written by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb. It tells Malala’s story of how she fought against the Taliban in Pakistan for her right to an education. She even survived a shot to her head and continued the fight. You might also like Lord of the Flies . It’s a book that has been a favorite by students and critics for decades. Coming-Of-Age Books The Secret Life of Bees is a great coming-of-age book. It’s written by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s the story of Lily Owens who lives with her abusive father and housemaid, Rosaleen. The book tells Lily’s story of accidentally killing her mother as a toddler. As a teenager she tries to discover who her mother was and meets people who may be able to help her and help her find healing. The House on Mango Street is another great option. It has been taught and read by people all over the world. It tells the story of Esperanza Cordero who learns to invent herself and discover who she is while living in Chicago. Fairy Tales We could all use a good fairy tale every once in awhile. Cinder is a non-traditional fairy tale about a sixteen-year-old cyborg living in New Beijing in a dystopian era. It chronicles her story of surviving her stepmother, stepsisters, and the plague, which starts to spread through their city. It’s written by Marissa Meyer. The Snow Child is another great fairy tale about Jack, Mabel, and their snow child. This book was written by Eowyn Ivey and delights many who have read it. What are your favorite types or genres of books? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading and visit again soon!

Welcome to the Virginia Square Plaza Blog

Living at Virginia Square Plaza means coming home to a wonderful and luxurious apartment community in Arlington, VA. Our blog will highlight the community, local events, apartment living, information about area attractions, and other topics related to living in the great city of Arlington. In this blog post we will spotlight some of the wonderful amenities available to residents of our community and apartments. We may include history about the area, movie reviews, book suggestions, and more. Don’t be surprised to find the insider scoop on upcoming festivals, plays, and concerts in our blog as well. Check back often to see what’s new on the Virginia Square Plaza Blog. This month we’re featuring some of the unique amenities that Virginia Square Plaza has to offer our residents. Private Courtyard There is just something about being outdoors that is good for the soul. Sit back, relax, and sip on a pina colada in our beautifully landscaped, private courtyard area provided for the use of our residents. Fitness Center Get the motivation to workout in our state-of-the-art fitness center where you will find all the equipment you need to get and keep your body in the shape you’ve always wanted. No need to travel across town to a gym or pay for a pricey gym membership, just head on over to our convenient fitness center located in the same building as your apartment. TV Lounge Come relax and watch a movie with your fellow Virginia Square Plaza residents in our community TV Lounge. Pop some popcorn and get comfy on our cozy couches while watching your favorite tv series after a long, busy day. Game Room Come blow off steam and have some fun in our game room, equipped with a pool table, ping pong table, multiple tvs, and plenty of seating area. Hang out with friends and have a ping pong tournament in an inviting, stress-free environment. Have any specific topics you’d like to see covered in our blog in the upcoming future? Let us know in the comments and we will try our best to accommodate. Thanks for reading!