Italian Cuisine/Pizzeria- Sal’s NY Pizzeria

Sal’s NY Pizza

Broadlands Town Center
43145 Broadlands Center Plaza
Broadlands, VA (Ashburn Area)

(703) 729-7791

 

Before marrying a boy from Brooklyn, this naïve Nebraska girl thought pizzas only came in small, medium or large, and were always delivered within 30 minutes or they were free! Ordering a “slice” sounded like just buying 2 eggs instead of a dozen to me- it simply, wasn’t, done. So when he took me to Manhattan in 1994 and gave me a true education in pizza, New York style- I was truly amazed by the massive size, variety of ingredients, and the crisp, thin crust on these slices!  And not until Sal’s NY Pizza, have I experienced this bliss in NoVa.

 

Gotta start with the atmosphere- what a pleasant, casual, family-friendly place to get a slice. Flat screen TV set on Nickelodeon aside, Sal’s is original with charming accents of both New York and Italy. Comfortable seating for two or for large groups, interesting decor, and a welcoming feeling. When the weather is fine, you can dine al fresco near the fountain, and people-watch in the plaza. The service is straightforward and efficient- they take your order, they get the order right, you collect your food, baddaboom, baddabing!   

 

The Man ordered his standard favorite- a Chicken Parmesan sub. It was stuffed with tender, juicy, fried chicken breasts, covered in a hearty, flavorful sauce and mozzarella cheese. It was hot, tasty, on a fresh Italian bread, and simply delicious. He also ordered a rice ball, smothered in sauce and ricotta cheese, an Italian traditional side filled with meat, rice, peas and cheese. The Man’s used to rice balls being just about the size of a baseball; Sal’s are the size of a softball! A wonderful and tasty treat, but do yourself a favor- only order one- it will serve a family of four!  

 

I am somewhat adventurous, so I tried Sal’s White Pie- a sauce-less delight with fresh garlic, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese on thin, crisp, Neapolitan crust. I added sausage- which was not ground, to my surprise, but cut from links and generously covering the slice. Wow. It was spectacular, the ricotta and mozzarella came just about to the edge of the slice, the creamy ricotta melted in your mouth, and the garlic flavor was delicate and a perfect accent to the sausage. What a slice! I can’t believe I ate the whole thing…

 

We finished off with what The Man called the “true test” of Sal’s ability to bring NYC to the Broadlands- the Zeppolis: globes of fried dough covered with powdered sugar, so simple, yet- the only good Zeppoli, is a great Zeppoli!

 

Sal’s staff kept a watchful eye on our progress through our meal and had our Zeppoli’s ready just as we finished stuffing ourselves on our dinner. They were served exactly as we had them at the San Gennaro Feast in Manhattan in 2000- in a brown paper bag, piping hot, the powdered sugar becoming a decadent, sweet paste. Better have clean hands, because you don’t use napkins to get that sugar off of your fingers- you become a kid again, licking every finger clean. It ain’t health food folks, these deep fried treats are the Italian version of homemade cake donuts with no rules and no holes! The bag absorbs most of the grease, the sugar absorbs the rest! (Your thighs will absorb any grease that’s left.) Thick, delicious, and lip-smacking good- a great Zeppoli doesn’t taste greasy at all! From the first bite, the boy from Brooklyn was very impressed, and made it clear that Sal definitely brought Brooklyn home to the ‘burbs.

 

Summer is coming and we look forward to walking to Sal’s for a slice and some authentic Italian Spumoni, to booking Sal’s for Little League end-of-season parties, and to The Man getting a taste of home without driving four hours, because~

 

Sal’s NY Pizza Passes with Flying Colors!

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Plumbing, Heating & Cooling- F.H. FURR

F.H. FURR
Plumbing · Heating · Air Conditioning, Inc.

http://www.fhfurr.com/index.html

703-430-1374

 

There are 3 professionals we must all inevitably deal with- and it’s rarely out of choice, but necessity: lawyers, the IRS, and plumbers. Unless you have suddenly come into a huge amount of money- you rarely contact (or are contacted by) these folks unless there is trouble- and then- they gotcha! So when The Man looked down and saw a puddle in the kitchen, and The Boy looked up and saw a leak in the kitchen ceiling- we knew our tax refund was in grave danger. Turns out the leak was coming from the master bathroom, likely that the tub was the culprit.

 

While The Man called a few buddies who are pretty handy, knocked out bathtub tiles, and speculated about the likely problem, I called the wifeof one of the handy buddies and got a referral for a plumbing service. She instantly recommended F.H. FURR, saying they’ve had a service contract with them for years and have always been pleased with their work.

 

After easing my husband off of the “testosterone ledge” that made him think he could fix the leak himself (you can do it ladies- be persistent!) we set an appointment with F.H. FURR. They showed up right on time- calling first to ensure that we were home and ready for them. Casey, our technician, was personable and professional from the moment he stepped into our house. He covered his shoes in disposable booties before walking through our home- showing the kind of respect for our home that I have rarely seen from a service company- impressive start! My dear friend who referred them to us asked her technician about the booties, and he replied, “Mr. Furr would not want dirty boots walking around his home, he treats his customers the same way.” 

 

Casey carefully assessed then set about fixing our leak. He described every detail to The Man, showed him exactly what caused the leak and what needed to be done to repair it.  Casey provided a static pricing list of what it would take to fix it. This was yet another business practice of FURR’s that we truly appreciated- he didn’t come up with a rate off the top of his head- he had set pricing that was in a book. And to our surprise- the price was below our “pain point”- even lower when combined with one of the coupons on FURR’s website- woohoo!

 

While we waited for some… thing to dry so Casey could check the leak site (The Man paid attention- I didn’t!) before he left, he checked other pipes in the house, offered some advice on several things to watch to avoid future problems, and was just plain ol’ helpful and pleasant overall. They rechecked the leak site, all appeared to be fine, so Casey and The Man settled up and he left, removing his booties at the front door. The site did begin to leak again soon after Casey left- it was the kind of thing where it would take water flowing for awhile to tell if anything would happen, which he had explained in advance.

 

So we called the office, and he responded right away- willing to come back again that same evening to fix it. But The Man was able to temporarily stop the leak (he told me how but again- did he really think I was paying attention?) and we arranged to see Casey the next morning. Again, he called first, arrived right on time, and was as efficient and professional as before. Now, days later, all is perfect, we paid less than we expected to- they have great coupons on their website- and I heard The Man utter the words that made my day: “I’m glad I didn’t try to fix that leak myself…”

 

You can call around, get a bunch of quotes and be given a wide variety of hourly and by-the-minute rates. Or, you can take a chance on non-licensed and uninsured business because of a cheap quote, and later pay dearly by getting a shoddy, unprofessional job, and having that company strangely disappear off the face of the earth, so you have to call another company to get the job done. Or- you can call a solid, professional and well-established home grown business= confident that you will get fair pricing, efficient service from a knowledgeable technician that will respect your home, and a follow up call from their office to ensure that your experience was up to F.H. FURR’s standards. It will be tough to get us to call anyone else for our plumbing, heating and cooling issues, because~

 

F.H. FURR Passes with Flying Colors! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleaning Services- H&R Maids

H & R Maids

571-259-6064

tony@hrmaids.comiews

 

If you’ve read other Aphioni reviews, you know I’m big on judging 3 variables, depending on the business type, then on the experience itself. When we decided to hire someone to clean our home (I had another ankle surgery recently, but that’s no excuse- I’m a lousy housekeeper even on two good feet…) we counted on these 3 R’s: Referrals, Reliability, and Results. Of course price matters, but $20 either way is inconsequential depending on the differences in the 3 R’s.

 

Referrals: a year or so ago, we used H & R Maids based strictly on Referrals. Slick marketing and recognized brands of other companies meant much less than walking into someone’s home and being wowed by how clean and shiny everything is. Friends and neighbors referred H & R Maids repeatedly, so we hired them and were really impressed by their work. But because staff changes sometimes result in performance changes, I felt that I needed to check them out again to confirm all was still well before considering awarding a Flying Colors Review. I’m so glad I did- H & R Maids did yet another amazing job.

 

Reliability: the owner, Tony, responded promptly to my last minute request for a cleaning, and answered all of my questions precisely. They arrived on time and ready to go. Tony’s team is down to business, and aren’t there to chat- they started work immediately. Tony followed up and checked in afterwards to ensure we were pleased with their work.

 

Results: first- you need to know they provide all of their own cleaning supplies and equipment. This influences the pricing you get from local housekeeping services, so be sure to ask when comparing quotes. Unless you request that they use your products- they bring everything from the vacuum cleaner to the chandelier and fan brushes. I left them the stainless steel cleaner we like and our preferred granite sealer, and that was it.

 

When I walked- crutched- back into my home after my meeting, the “lemony fresh scent of pure clean” wafted into the garage. I turned corner and felt like they had transformed  my home into a 5 star hotel suite. Beautiful vacuum pattern and stains treated on the carpets, folded corners on the toilet paper, light bulbs were dusted, and my hardwood floor- which suffers from dog and nine year old abuse, was smooth and shiny- no sign that wet sneakers and paws had trekked across it just hours before! The glass showers sparkled, grout white again, and the banisters and baseboards- which I normally wouldn’t notice- were noticeably clean.

 

The attention to detail and pride in a job well done was evident- they even nicely arranged the Sponge Bob Blanket I stole from The Boy, neatly displaying it across bottom of our otherwise matching bed linen set…  whimsical touch- I loved it.

 

Life is already so full of “Have to do” that we sometimes neglect the “Want to do”, can you relate? So on the weekends, when given the choice of having some fun family time with The Boy and The Man, or cleaning baseboards and windows, the choice is it clear. Paying someone else to deep clean now and then is worth of dollar and every minute that I get to spend my family instead. Knowing that I will return to a gleaming home- cleaner than I would ever even attempt to make it, (unless we were moving, of course!) means I accomplished a valuable “Have to do” and enjoyed a “Want to do” at the same time! Now that’s effective multi-tasking… When it’s time to make that choice on who you will trust with your home-

 H & R Maids Passes with Flying Colors!

 

 

 

 

 

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Michelangelo’s

http://www.michelangeloitalianrestaurant.com/

43150 Broadlands Center Plaza • Ashburn, VA 20148

(571) 223-2245

Three words for Michelangelo’s – Authentic Italian Cuisine. Three more words- Italian Mother Portions! One last 3 worder: San Vito’s PLUS. Same family, similar recipes- but some new twists that are sure to please 99.9% of us who have eaten at San Vito’s in the past. Fresh ingredients, original, appetizing dishes and great service all culminated to create yet another satisfying family dining experience.

It goes without saying that the fresh pesto/olive oil mix served with lightly seasoned hunks of fluffy Italian bread just out of the oven- is an excellent way to start your meal. 3 more words: Share A Salad. I ordered a Caesar Salad to start that was large enough to feed me and my husband. With an original Caesar dressing with a tangy full flavor that folded Italian flair into Caesar dressing in a very complementary fashion: generous shavings of fresh Parmesan and bacon flakes topped off a great salad- they should rename it. It was far better – to me than a traditional Caesar salad. 

The Boy and The Man stuck to traditional faves: 4 Cheese Ravioli and Chicken Parm with angel hair pasta, respectively. I went for something new- Penne Francescana- penne with chunks of sweet tomatoes and tender eggplant in a creamy aurora sauce (a smooth mix of alfredo and marinara sauces.) We shared a side of meatballs- each one almost the size of The Boy’s fist, homemade and simply delicious. My pasta dish was fantastic- I added a touch of crushed red pepper to zest it up a bit. The fresh basil leaves were a wonderfully fragrant and delicious touch- and the eggplant melted in my mouth. The Boy polished off quite a bit of this dish as well. 

As always- the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The frescoes on the wall, the brick oven, the straw wrapped Chianti bottles on the table, and the occasional Sinatra or traditional Italian songs in the background… families, couples, groups of friends… everyone seemed to be laughing, eating and truly enjoying themselves. The open layout really creates a unique opportunity to take in the entire restaurant and bar without having to peek around booth corners. For quieter, a bit more private dining, there is a section somewhat separated from the main dining area. 

Service has always been more hit than miss- our waiter or waitress typically knows the menu, wine and specials, and make excellent recommendations. Tonight was no exception- our waitress was friendly, energetic and attentive.  I need to add that the presentation of the dishes is simply beautiful. From chiseled lemon garnishes on some seafood dishes, to the sliced strawberries perched on fresh cream- care goes into the preparation and display of each dish. I appreciate a chef who takes in pride in how the flavor and appearance of the meal. 

I almost forgot- the tiramisu. Wow. Creamy and light as air- the espresso perfectly balanced with the ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese filling… how delicious this freshly made tiramisu was. Ashburn has a truly authentic home-style Italian Ristorante right in the Broadlands. When the weather is nice I’m glad it’s within walking distance, because~

Michelangelo’s Passes with Flying Colors!

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Sushi- Samurai Japanese Restaurant

Samurai Sushi

http://samuraisushiashburn.com/ 

43150 Broadlands Center Plz.  #163  

Ashburn, VA  •  703-724-9696  

Let’s clarify one thing right away: I am not a connoisseur of all types of sushi and by NO MEANS an expert. I’ve tried all, and don’t like most- types of sushi. Nigiri: filleted raw or cooked fish atop rice- naaah- too much fish for me. Sashimi: raw fish typically served with a side of daikon, again- more fish than I enjoy. Maki is the type of sushi I truly enjoy- tightly wrapped rolls in seaweed with a smaller portion of fish and a combination of ingredients that complement each other. So if you are serious about Nigiri or Sashimi, skip this review… unless- you know a Maki-sushi lover or want to introduce sushi to a newbie- then, read on- Samurai Sushi will easily satisfy all levels of sushi enthusiasts.   

For my husband and me, a sushi meal has 4 primary facets aside from S.A.M.: the presentation, the balance, the ingredients’ freshness, and the quality of the wasabi. When you enter Samurai Sushi, you instantly know that the A. in S.A.M.- Atmosphere- is guaranteed to be delightful- the lights are pleasantly dim, the very Japanese décor transports you from a strip mall in the Broadlands to a chic, metropolitan sushi bar. The only thing that may seem slightly out of place is the high-def flat screen television next to the bar, but the volume is low and I’m sure lone diners appreciate the distraction. At the bar, the friendly chefs take a moment to greet you with “con-ni-chi-wa!” (hello in Japanese) while they create edible works of art: tightly wrapped sushi rolls made with fine ingredients in a pristine, spotless atmosphere. Your demure, polite waitress waits patiently until she sees that you are ready to order, and will efficiently appear to take care of you.   

The miso soup is quite possibly the best I’ve ever had in Virginia. It’s a hearty broth- normally it’s a thin broth- emboldened with fresh green onion slivers, herbs, and small tofu chunks – steaming hot and full of flavor. Order the manage-ably sized salad to try the zesty ginger dressing over fresh lettuce and shredded carrots- the dressing is not only rich yet light, robust yet nor overpowering- but it is also an excellent digestive aid to help you handle the wasabi to come….!  

The true treat arrives when you receive your sushi rolls- beautifully presented on platters, sometimes with a drizzle of special sauce- always with the gorgeous fresh ginger rosette and a generous dollop of spicy, freshly made wasabi. Why is Samurai Sushi better than several other sushi bars in Ashburn? Balance. The difference from the other 4 sushi bars I’ve tried in this area is that Samurai doesn’t “cheat” you by filling your roll with rice or other cheaper ingredients instead of a generous portion of fish in each bite. Your palate experiences a balance of fish, seaweed, rice, and whatever else you’ve chosen (roe, avocado, cucumber, etc.!) and with a slice of ginger and dollop of that amazing wasabi- oh delish.    

Not in the mood for sushi? Their Japanese Ramen is a generous bowl of noodle soup with plenty of beef and vegetables to warm you up on a chilly day.  They have tempura, chicken dishes, a scallion pancake that overflows with flavor, and several other non-sushi dishes that will satisfy the not-quite-ready-for-sushi friends that tag along with you to Samurai. If you live in Ashburn, you don’t have to go far for superior sushi in an inviting, authentic atmosphere.

 

Oh- I almost forgot the sake! Hot or cold- they have a high quality sake menu with a range of prices for all comfort levels. From light and fragrant to deep and complex- there’s a sake for everyone on Samurai’s menu.  I still have several other sushi bars to try in this area- but it is always hard resist heading back to Samurai to my favorite Philly Roll, California Roll or Jazz Roll. I vow to try them all, and while several other may make the grade, none of them will change the fact that~  

Samurai Sushi Passes with Flying Colors! 

Cosmetic Procedures- Aesthetica

Aesthetica

http://www.gotobeauty.com/

19450 Deerfield Ave #275

Lansdowne, VA

703-729-5553 

I’m not the type to spend a lot of time or money on my face- I use an Avon scrub I found under the sink about a year ago, a Mary Kay moisturizer, and if I can’t find either of those- soap and water will do. I don’t go to spas for skin treatments of any kind; typically, I find the process a bit demoralizing. The barely perceptible disapproving look that briefly flickers on the skin specialist’s face when you disagree that you need your eyebrows tweezed or your lip waxed, the “ooh- you should come back every week for $120.00 treatments since your skin looks like that of a woman 25 years older…” So I try not to get extremely close to anyone who might examine my pores. 

But my recent experience at Aesthetica has forever changed my perception of getting my face scrutinized by a professional. I received a free gift certificate for a European facial- which happened to actually be performed by a European- Bettina from Germany. The comfortable waiting area is medically professional with a spa-like welcome. Bettina came to fetch me for my facial and introduced herself with a smile and firm handshake. I laid back on the table ready to subject myself to “hmms” and “tsk tsk tsk” about how little I take care of my skin. Instead, I felt warm hands massaging a cool gel onto my face with gentle circular massaging motions. Then she removed the gel with a soft, warm towel and spread some herbal scrub onto my face and continued soothing strokes on my skin. More warm towels, more cool gel and soft lighting- why didn’t any tell me before that facials could feel so pleasant? 

We chatted amiably- I lived in Germany for 5 years so I took the opportunity to revive my dormant German skills with Bettina. She was very knowledgeable about the other services offered by Aesthetica: laser hair removal, Botox, surgical and non-surgical enhancement procedures, microdermabrasions, and many other services. I’ve met Dr. Chang several times- once being my own free consultation for particular cosmetic procedure. I found him to be so kind, so professional and very forthcoming about what he would recommend. I’ve witnessed the superb work he’s done on several of my friends and neighbors, and have heard rave reviews about his follow up, post-operative care and honest approach to cosmetic procedures. 

I’m looking forward to going back to Bettina for another facial soon- if for no other reason, for the fact that I really enjoyed the entire experience. Oh- and she didn’t insult my face! Check out what Aesthetica has to offer before considering any cosmetic or laser procedures- you may discover what I did- an atmosphere of trust, kindness, lack of judgment, and comfort with confidence in your choices. Vielen Dank, Bettina! 

Aesthetica Passes with Flying Colors!  

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Restaurant- Spicy Pickle

Spicy Pickle

www.spicypickle.com

Who didn’t grow up loving a good grilled cheese sandwich?? Warm, melted, gooey cheese… maybe a little ham or turkey inside- all on warm, toasty bread. Throw in some soup and Kool-aid, and I am 6 years old again sitting cross legged on the floor watching Scooby Doo cartoons! Maybe that’s why one of my favorite sandwiches in world is a Panini- grilled cheese for grown ups. I try them every place they are available, and so far, no local panini has come close to the Spicy Pickle. 

This cool little sandwich shop won my heart with its Sausalito Bandido- Sausalito turkey, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, pepperjack cheese and chipotle mayo. Balance is so important in a great sandwich- you don’t want to take a bite and taste all mayo but no turkey! Spicy Pickle layers the meat, veggies, cheeses and condiments just right so that you savor each distinct ingredient with every mouthful. I’m also a big fan of the Sinker- Spicy Pickle tuna, lettuce, tomatoes, pepperjack cheese and horseradish mayo. (Try it with honey mustard instead of mayo sometime- excellent!) My biggest complaint about tuna sandwiches is how soggy they leave the bread- not so with a Spicy Pickle Sinker! Their tasty tuna is fresh and not loaded down with mayo, and the fresh sub roll keeps it texture. Petty? Maybe, but little things can ruin a sandwich- am I right?? Like veggies that are too big, or not well drained, meat that’s not tender or too fatty, or a roll that isn’t absolutely fresh.  Never experiences any of these issues at the Spicy Pickle, and I’ve been at least 8 times (make that 12, I recently updated this review!)  

You can even create your own sandwich from a large menu of ingredients and condiments, but so far their combinations have been so well done I haven’t felt the need to do change a thing. They’re not your typical ingredients, so they aren’t your typical sandwiches. Artichoke hearts, corn relish, spinach- combine that with a wide variety of meats and spreads and you can have a new experience every day! 

And of course- the crowning accent- the spicy pickle itself. A fat, juicy pickle soaked in a special brine that has that secret something extra that makes it a darn good pickle with a kick.  Not since the New York delis I’ve dined in while visiting my in-laws have I had such a hearty pickle. You can grab a bag of chips on the side, or better yet- try one of their homemade soups. The She–Crab soup is a rich creamy delight that will fill you up quickly, laden with crab and full of flavor. I wish I could review the other soups but I can’t bring myself NOT to get She–Crab every time I go!  Somebody please come with me and order Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup so I can try a bite…

There are traditional and original salads as well: like the El Rancho- Romaine lettuce, mesquite turkey, black beans, corn relish and chopped tomatoes served with spicy ranch dressing.  

The fast, friendly service makes this a nice place to stop for lunch or a light dinner, and the atmosphere is pleasant: clean, uncluttered, and comfortable. Plenty of local papers are lying around for you to browse through while they build your sandwich.

Outdoor seating adds to the experience when the weather is good- people watching while enjoying a great meal just can’t be beat. If you haven’t given this sandwich shop a try- take the time to go- it’s worth it to try the innovative creations and if nothing else- that special, spicy pickle! 

Spicy Pickle Passes with Flying Colors!   

 

 
http://spicypickle.com/index.htm

44650 Waxpool Rd Ste. 125  

Ashburn, VA 
703.723.9420

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Travel Services- Cruises Inc. with Karen Hart

Cruises Inc. with Karen Hart

Click here for a Promo from Cruises Inc. with Karen Hart! 

888-740-1160  or  703-729-8329

http://khart.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruises/index.do

http://www.locotravel.blogspot.com/

Anyone who has ever booked their own travel online, or used a national travel service, knows the pitfalls: hidden charges, lack of follow up, booking errors that go unaddressed, and never hearing from your contact/agent again after they have your money, or even addressing issues once your trip underway. Who wants to spend their vacation working on – the vacation??  We haven’t got the time or the resources to effectively research the options, shop for prices, sweat the travel details, and find the right vendors for excursions while in the destination. We want someone to put us on a plane, train or cruise ship and simply- relax. So leave it to a pro- and a local one at that. 

When you choose a travel agent, trust is a huge factor. You are putting your precious time, hard-earned money, and “will-never-let-you-live-it-down-if-this-trip-sucks” family in the hands of whoever will define your ultimate getaway. So when family after family recommends a spectacular local travel agent who calls them 48 hours before their trip to ensure that they had everything they need, gives them her cell number in case of any hiccups after they’ve departed, follows up quickly on a detail that you hadn’t even considered- one has to take a second look!  It’s not often that I will do a Flying Colors Review based on testimonials alone, but so many people that I know personally have spoken very highly of Karen Hart of Cruises Inc.- they  unknowingly “wrote” this review.  

I read several glowing testimonials from her return clients. I called my friends who had booked vacations with Karen- they thought I was looking to take a trip and were effusive with their praise. They shared personal stories about how she pulled off miracles with their “unique requests” and how her genuine enthusiasm & attention to detail gave them even more confidence that it would be a vacation to remember. Within all of the sincere compliments Karen’s clients paid to her- the common thread is professionalism & incredible customer service.

Karen impresses her clients with her endless knowledge about the travel industry, and her expertise in matching the vacationer with the appropriate experience. Whether you are booking a romantic couple’s getaway, a family Disney cruise, a group vacation for your organization or even a family reunion- Karen focuses on personalized service and pays close attention to your smallest needs. A family with toddlers doesn’t end up on a cruise with 100 college spring breakers, because Karen won’t let her clients make a bad decision. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the travel world and its trends, and gives you the best possible prices; she has no overhead or marketing costs to pass on to clients. When your referral and word of mouth business is that strong… your service speaks for itself and your customers speak for you! 

As a budget conscious traveler herself, Karen “gets” what travelers in LoCo need and appreciate: accurate information, swift follow up, valuable insights, great prices, and above all- the ability to shape a personalized and seamlessly executed getaway.  

Savvy LoCo travelers put themselves in Karen’s capable hands and rest easy knowing that they have a caring, knowledgeable, professional ambassador of the travel industry on their side. Karen Hart has booked multiple vacations for my friends, my neighbors, and eventually- me- because~ 

Karen Hart of Cruises Inc., Passes with Cruising- and Flying- Colors! 

“Voyage, travel, and change of place impart vigor”” ~ Seneca, Roman Philosopher  

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Pet Supplies- Doggone Natural

Doggone Natural

http://doggonenatural.com/index.html  

20693 Ashburn Rd Ashburn, VA 20147

703-858-1112

After reading the ingredients in Sunny D, I swore to never let my son drink it again! The same thing happened in my brain when I read the ingredients in my dog’s food and treats- I couldn’t believe how much corn syrup and empty fillers were used in many of the standard pet treats. Find me one dog owner that says “Gee, I wish my dog was more hyper and pooped more…”  So, I went on a quest for better food for my dog. When a neighbor told me about Doggone Natural- a new, natural, holistic pet supply shop for dogs and cats- I was excited, but wary about overpriced hoity-toity pet accessories.

I envisioned a bunch of Paris Hilton wanna-bes with their dogs in purses, buying toenail polish and ribbons for their pampered pooches. I was afraid that I’d find nothing but rhinestone studded collars and pâté for Persian cats, and a pretentious matron holding a 3 lb. yapper under her arm. But instead, I was greeted by a down to earth couple with the coolest Dachshund I’ve ever met and learned a ton about how a typical grocery store diet affects our pets’ behaviors and health. There were toys, training aids, organic dog and cat foods and yes- even a selection of rhinestone collars!   

A short conversation showed their true interest in and knowledge about animals. After discussing my dog’s needs, they stuffed my bag with samples so I could see what he liked, and gave me some wonderful insights on the changes these products would make in my pup. He was a good dog anyway, but now that his diet is Candidae® dog food, which is protein based instead of wheat flour and corn syrup based, he eats less, sleeps more, and yes- poops less! No sugar crash after a burst of hyperactiveness, because there is no hyperactivity. His coat shines, and he sheds less because of the Grizzly Salmon Oil™ that we add to his breakfast. We’ve found some durable toys and delicious treats for our 4-legged son as well. 

Aside from the superior products, Doggone Natural reminded me of what I grew up with in Nebraska: warm, caring shop owners whose work is their passion. A local store where you get more than a bag & a receipt on your way out the door- you get personalized attention, they know your pet by name, and they give you breed-specific recommendations based on your needs, not what’s currently in stock. Best of all- the prices are not bloated, and their products are often regionally made, and truly are organic and natural. 

One visit to Doggone Natural will let you see the other side of pet stores- the side that focuses on smaller selections of higher grade products rather than row after row of lower grade food, snacks and toys. If they start selling snacks for 9 year old human boys- I will have a one stop shop… 

Doggone Naturals Passes with Flying Colors!

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”
– Robert A. Heinlein

 

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