I never considered myself a craft or art person. I am in awe of folks who can look at a pile of photos and paper and voila scrapbook it into art. Or people who see tubes of paint or rolls of yarn and visualize a vivid painting or a classic quilt. I have friends who can look inside a cupboard or fridge and create a four-course meal. I see the same things and create pizza delivery!

Although it was rather chilly, or I should just say cold, in Washington D.C., the smiles and happiness was abound. 

A few weeks ago, Allison inquired about my availability to photograph her husband's promotion ceremony in Washington D.C. at The National Archives.  I was over the moon and honored I was available to photograph such a momentous moment in her husband's career and a significant moment for their family. 

Christmas is right around the corner and only a few other holidays have as many wonderful and timeless treats that represent the season.  The fragrance of cakes, cookies, tarts, candy canes, and more saturate the air everywhere you go.  I feel like I’m gaining 10 pounds just thinking about all the great food!

During this time, if you’re like me, many families look for delicious and creative desserts to have for Christmas Lunch/Dinner or for your office holiday parties.  It’s better if you can have delicious desserts and not have to bake or cook them yourself.   

Well, you don’t have to look any further.  Let me introduce you to Jasmine Hardin of Jazzy Cakes.  For the last few weeks, I’ve been seeing videos and pictures of her cakes on Facebook.  I decided to contact Jasmine to learn about her and her business.  After meeting Jasmine, I was fascinated by her story and how she began her business in April 2016.  She articulated, her and husband enjoy cooking and baking.  Jasmine enjoys baking cakes for her family, but one day her husband purchased a bucket of fondant for her to experiment with.  Her eldest child’s birthday was approaching, so Jasmine utilized the fondant to decorate his cake; which was a Monster Car cake.  Being proud and excited about the work she created, Jasmine took to Facebook to share pictures of her creation.  As you can see, her first cake was beautiful.  From there, many of Jasmine’s friends loved her creations as well and was interested in her creating something for them. 

Less than a week to go to one of many favorite holidays: Thanksgiving!

What makes this day so special, you ask?

For starters, there is a lot of yummy food, families hang out together and there is this whole “glad to be alive and to be surrounded by so many blessings” vibe that is spread everywhere which we absolutely adore. So how are you going to spend your Thanksgiving Day and weekend?

Are you looking for things to do over Thanksgiving weekend in Northern Virginia and nearby cities?  Here are a few suggestions which you can try out.

1.  Throw a Thanksgiving Lunch/Dinner
Instead of going to a Thanksgiving Lunch or Dinner yourself, why not host one at your own home? You do not have to invite your entire social circle if you do not want to, but just a few dear and near ones that make your life truly better can all get together at your place for an awesome Thanksgiving party.  Especially since we live in a military community, it’s sometimes easier to just stay local and enjoy Thanksgiving with our friends instead of flying or driving hours to get to our childhood home. 

Have you ever had a stressful holiday, or a family gathering that didn’t end well? If so, you are not alone! The social and family parties that dot your calendar from November to January can be wonderful times of conversation, laughter, and warm memories. But they can also be tense and uncomfortable.
 
Schedules and diets are different. Vacationing kids get bored easily. Time to exercise can be sparse. When all this comes together, tempers flare and relationships become strained. Add in the fact that family visits often expose old, unresolved pain, and you have a recipe for stress.

If you’re in the military or have married into the military lifestyle, there is one statement that ranks high on the annoy list than another “are you coming home for the holidays?”  Thanksgiving and Christmas time seems to be the most popular time of the year when this question is asked, and most military families will tell you this question alone brings up a collective groan.   

As you can imagine, military members and their families are stationed all over the country and around the world.  In addition, military members deal with deployments and temporary duty in other locations.  So, to hear “are you coming home for the holidays” can be a huge burden especially if they have a spouse and children.  Depending on where the military member is located, hearing this statement can be overwhelming and potentially cause a serious financial strain.  In addition, many military couples and families are from different states and/or city than their spouse.  Which makes it even more difficult and expensive to visit multiple locations within a holiday season or even in one year.

Just because you are married, doesn't mean your life has be boring or you become that dreaded married couple!  To set the stage, send the kids away for a night or two to your parents’ place (or hire a babysitter!), while you and your sweetheart gear up for a romantic night out.   For military families, it may be hard to send your children away to your parents, but ask the friends or neighbors you trust to watch your children over night.

No clue where to go and what to do on the pending date? Don’t you worry, for I’ve got a couple of fun date night ideas just for you! 

Although it's morning, the fall skies are dark and awaiting the arrival of the sun and one of the Air Force's newest newest promotee.  The outside of The National Archives is in preparation for the Veteran's Day festivities that will start new week.  One of the newest changes is the American Flag Banner hanging in from of the museum. 

As Major Schwartz arrived, he was greeted by his friends and co-workers.