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If You Are What You Eat, Eat Well

Local nutritionist turns personal challenge into book and health and nutrition practice.

When Teri Cochrane’s son was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with asthma and placed on a variety of medications, including steroids. Less than two years later, doctors warned the Reston mother that he would have frequent seizures, would never have a normal childhood and would never grow taller than 5 feet 4 inches. When Cochrane’s daughter was born three years later, she also suffered from health problems, including chronic, severe abdominal pain.

Lessons in Charitable Giving

Conversations, modeling behavior and hands-on actions can help teach children about benevolence and compassion.

Matthew Mamalian’s holiday shopping list included some items that might seem atypical for a 12-year-old middle school student: shampoo, socks, soap and a few snacks.

Potomac: Haunted House Created to Entertain

Each October Haynes Davis turns the parking lot of American Plant in Bethesda into a wonderland of fear.

Trends in Gift Giving

From charitable to sustainable, shopping ideas to please even the pickiest.

Long Lasting Pumpkins that Don’t Skimp on Style

Hand blown orbs are an elegant alternative to traditional pumpkins.

Pumpkins

Choosing a Private School

Local educators offer advice on selecting the right independent school for your child.

Marta Soltes was sitting in an Arlington coffee shop recently pouring through catalogs and application packets from some of the area’s most elite independent schools. Her stack of brochures was almost as high as her extra-large latte.

Creating a Feast for the Eye

Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.

While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.

While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Local tastemakers offer thoughtful giving suggestions.

Choosing a Home for the Golden Years

Many options for retirement communities in the region.

Jim Harkin, 81, and his wife, Phyllis, 80, have little free time these days. Jim spends his days protecting and photographing wildlife on the 60-acre campus at The Fairfax, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, in Fort Belvoir. He helped build, refurbish and maintain more than 20 birdhouses on the grounds, including homes for tree swallows and purple martins.

Beating the Winter Blues

Locals offer suggestions for finding cheer during the cold-weather doldrums

When the snow falls and temperatures drop, but you can’t hit the slopes, there are still plenty of indoor options for fending off the doldrums.

2013 DC Design House Unveiled

Annual event raises money for Children’s National Medical Center.

Details: The home opens for public tours on April 14. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at HYPERLINK "http://www.dcdesignhouse.com" www.dcdesignhouse.com.Details “It’s exciting to be part of such a wonderful cause and to share in the creation of a design house with such talented designers.” — Jamie Brown, Akseizer Design Group

Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area

Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.

Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.

Time To Plan for Kids’ Summer Camp Adventures

Local camp fair offers sampling of summer programs.

Under a blanket of February frost, summer might seem light years away, but it’s closer than one might think.

Organized for School Year

Local organizers offer suggestions on dealing with the summer mess.

When summer comes to a grinding halt in a few weeks, a new school year will begin. From alarm clocks and school bells to piles of homework assignments and sports schedules, maintaining a coordinated household can be difficult, however. Local organizers are offering simple suggestions to help make the transition from summer to the start of the school year seamless.

Summer Learning Activities

Local educators offer tips to keep children learning during the summer.

When summer vacation begins and school ends in a few weeks, learning doesn’t have to take a hiatus. Students can keep their academic skills sharp without entering a classroom or even sitting down with a pencil and paper.

Outdoor Entertaining

Local style gurus offer tips for alfresco soirees.

The mild temperatures that usher in late spring and early summer beckon many outdoors for alfresco parties. Whether held on a patio, deck or veranda, the necessary logistics for coordinating even a simple gathering can be daunting.

Keeping Resolutions

Realistic goals and specific plans among keys to success.