Time To Clean Up

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Cleaning is something that no one wants to do. It is time consuming, and we would rather be out having fun. We all get a little lazy with our apartment cleaning. That’s alright, though. The spring weather is sticking around for a while so you still have tons of time to spruce up the place. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to begin before the official start of spring. Here’s how you can get your The Louis apartment back in tip top shape.

Split the work up for yourself. If you try and do it all in one or two days, you’ll stress yourself out about having to get it all done. Spreading it out over the span of a week or so will let you work at a slower pace and give more attention to the details. You won’t miss any spots if you spread all the work out. Create yourself a schedule and you’ll know exactly what needs to be done on what days.

Living Room

Get into those couch cushions and vacuum in between them to get all the built up clutter and dirt out. You might even find some money in there! Take everything off of coffee, side tables and book shelves. Make sure to dust not just under the objects but the objects themselves too. Dust all light fixtures and lamp shades. You’d be surprised at how much brighter it will get in the room once you remove that layer of dust. If you have any rugs lying about make sure to take them outside and shake them out to get the dust and debris off of them.

Kitchen

You wash dishes all the time but you probably don’t think of the place where your dishes live. Get everything out of your cabinets and wipe down the inside of the cabinets as well as the outside of the cabinets and handles. Think of how many hands have been on those handles! Next, empty out the refrigerator and wipe down all the shelves and drawers. Toss anything from the fridge that you know you won’t eat or is out of date. Wipe down your stove and oven. Messes are attracted to the stove so scrub it down extra well. Clean the microwave out by first putting a glass of water in for 30 seconds. This will loosen up all of the gunk caked onto the inside walls. Don’t forget to sweep and mop to clean up all those spills from the last few months.

Bathroom

Wipe down that mirror so you can see your beautiful face in it again! There’s no point in having it if you can’t see yourself in it. Your showerhead has probably built up a lot of residue over the time you’ve used it. Take a plastic zip bag, fill it with distilled white vinegar and tie it up around the shower head using a hair tie or rubber band. Let it sit for and hour and then wipe the head clean with a wash cloth. Take stock of your beauty products and hair care products. Over the next month keep track of what you’ve used or haven’t used and at the end of the month toss everything you haven’t used. You’ll cut down on your clutter and also streamline your routine.


It doesn’t take a lot of work to keep a home clean but it does take a lot of work to get it clean in the first place. So get a head start and get your stylish, luxury apartment back in shape and from here on out you’ll only have to do small things here and there.

What’s your best spring cleaning tip? Share it with us on Facebook page.

Easter Weekend in DC

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Not everyone celebrates Easter but there are some traditions and events that go along with the holiday that everyone can participate in regardless of your beliefs. The holiday is especially fun if you have young children in your family. Easter eggs hunts and photos with the Easter bunny, there’s tons of fun to be had! So grab your baskets for eggs and make sure your bunny ears are on tight because we have some bunny business to take care of. 

On Easter Sunday the 27th, Odyssey is offering Easter brunch cruises. Take a leisurely ride down the river while munching on the most delicious breakfast foods you can get your hands on. Two time slots are offered for the cruise so both early risers and those who sleep in can enjoy the cruise from 10-noon and 3-5. Adults will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa during the cruise. Kids will have access to coloring books as well as a special appearance by the one and only Easter bunny! Brunch on the river? What could be better than that? Book your spot on the river cruise now to ensure your spot at the buffet. Luckily, we won’t have far to travel to reach the boat dock since it’s a short 20 minute hop away from The Louis.

Del Frisco’s Grille will be hosting their very own Easter brunch on Sunday the 27th. Del Frisco’s take on prime rib will knock you off your feet with flavor. They also serve up the most egg-celent Easter dessert around: the signature lemon cake jar! To see their full menu or to make yourself a reservation, check the link above. 

It’s not Easter in the Washington DC area until we’ve had the White House Easter Egg Roll! Taking place this year on Monday the 28th, the annual family event is here and the hunt is on. The race to find the most eggs is fierce competition for the little ones. Enjoy live musical performances and a dance party out on the lawn. Children can gather around while celebrities read stories out loud to them. Participate in Easter egg dying and a challenging obstacle course. There are so many exciting things happening at the White House Easter Egg Roll this year that we hope you got a ticket ahead of time. 

Easter might not be a holiday for everyone but the fun traditions and events surrounding the holiday are great for every family to participate in. Does your family celebrate the pastel holiday? How do you celebrate? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter!

Get Your Green On In DC!

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Get your green on. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and we cannot wait to celebrate. Even if you are not Irish, you can still celebrate with your friends at many events in the Washington DC area. DC knows how to party, and we have found some great events throughout the next week. So go find your green shirt and beads, you are going to have a great time!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is an event that everyone looks forward to all year. Green is everywhere as we see some of our favorite local floats and celebrities ride along Constitution Avenue until 17th Street NW. The St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on March 13th this year. It is super close to your home at The Louis. The parade starts at noon.

Shamock Fest

You can still get tickets for Shamrock Fest in DC. This festival is held on March 12th at RFK Stadium. It features bands for the entire day from 3pm-11pm. You can experience eight hours of dancing to celtic rock bands at this famous event. The festival also includes food, beer and party games to help keep you entertained throughout the day and between bands. 

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

There are a few great pub crawls occurring all throughout the DC Area. The official St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl is March 17th. There are various drink specials as you make your way through your favorite bars in the DC Area. There are various dates for you to choose from on the website. 

Irish Bars

If you want to get your Irish on at a local bar, Washington DC has a few to choose from. You can always go to Fado Irish Pub Washington, D.C. They will have plenty of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend and next week.  

We hope you have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family in Washington DC.

It Is Chili Day!

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Yum! We love a good chili. From a great traditional chili to a five-alarm bowl at a chili cook-off, you can never have enough of this great dish. Did you know that February 24th is National Chili Day? This is the perfect day to make your own traditional chili, or you can get out and explore some of the great restaurants with chili in Washington DC. We hope you and your stomach have a great National Chili Day.

If you are looking for classic chili with a twist, head to Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. This neighborhood joint is a favorite of DC residents. You can get your chill with many different options and styles of serving. From bowls to fries, you will never get bored of Ben’s Chili Bowl. 

If you want chili for lunch tomorrow, you need to find the BBQ Bus Food Truck. Their bowl of chili includes an earthy blend of black beans, kidney beans, white beans, corn, onions, peppers, chilies and tomatoes. It has just the right amount of spice, and it can be served with a delicious buttermilk cornbread biscuit. 

If you want some Mexican food with your chili, you can head to Peacock Cafe. This DC staple is known for their robust and flavorful chili with nutty cheese, creamy sour cream and more served over fresh crunchy tortilla chips. You can also add guacamole or fresh tomato salsa to your chili dish. 

Hard Times has a few locations throughout the DC Area. We love Hard Times because of their many options for the chili fanatics in your life. From vegetarian chili to Cincinnati chili, there is a dish on this menu that everyone can like. You can even try their crowd favorite chili mac and cheese with various add-ins and toppings. 

These are just a few of the many chili options you have close to your home at The Louis. What is your favorite chili recipe? Share with us in the comments underneath this post on our Facebook Page. We hope everyone has a great and delicious National Chili Day.

Get Away This Weekend

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We could all use a little vacation. Even if it is only for a few days, the ability to fly away from home is a great escape. Lucky for you, there are some great getaways from Washington DC that will not break the bank. Do you need some ideas on where to start? We have researched some of the best quick vacations from Washington DC. Keep reading and decide where you will make your escape.

Spontaneous Weekend Getaways

Groupon has great deals on hotels, but they also have great deals on vacation packages. Maybe you have a few more vacation days and a little extra money to spend. You can head to the Tropical Princess Beach Resort & Spa with airfare for as little as $599 a person. This all-inclusive resort has many days to choose from. However, these specials always sell out fast, so make sure to check everyday to find the best trip for you.

New York, New York

The city that never sleeps is waiting for you to visit. There are so many places to go in NYC that you will fully understand “The City That Never Sleeps” mentality. Whether you want to see a Broadway show or climb the Empire State Building, NYC is a perfect getaway from DC. You can get a BestBus from DC to NYC for $60 dollars round trip. The short five hour drive will give you time to relax, surf the internet and chat with your travel companion. Once you get to NYC, you can use Groupon to find some great deals on NYC Hotels. Groupon has hotels for as low as $75 dollars a night!

The City of Champions

You have so many options to travel from DC to Pittsburgh that it is almost impossible to not find a cheap option. Pittsburgh has three sports teams, but also a thriving arts and foodie scene. No matter what your interest, Pittsburgh has something for everyone on a short weekend trip. 

We hope this blog gave you a few ideas for your next vacation. No matter where you go, we will be happy to see you once you get home to The Louis.

Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts in DC

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and that means it is time to surprise your loved one with presents and gifts. However, are you one of those people that gets completely overwhelmed with shopping for presents? We completely understand, we have been there too. Lucky for you, Washington DC has a wide variety of shops and stores to find the perfect gift. We have gathered some of the best gifts near our home at The Louis. So grab your wallet and take a walk to find your perfect gift for this Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate and flowers are always a great gift to start your Valentine’s Day date. However, there is more to chocolate than the pre-made boxes in your local grocery store. You can head to Co. Co. Sala to get the perfect sweet gift.  Shop their Valentine’s Day collection to find a great variety for each person’s unique tastes. They have everything from your classic chocolate heart to Aphrodisi-Bark.

Maybe you want your gift to be a little more adventurous than chocolate and flowers. There are many Valentine's weekend cruises to choose from the DC area. From a champagne brunch to a delicious dinner cruise, you have your choices for your perfect Valentine's Day weekend. Make sure to book these cruises well in advance because they do sell quickly. There are still plenty of dates and types of cruises available so book today. 

If you want this Valentine’s Day to stand out from the others, head to Brilliant Earth's website to find the perfect piece of jewelry. This store was founded by two Stanford Grads. They sell conflict-free jewelry using recycled previous metals. You can choose from custom made rings, earrings and other pieces. There is no showroom in DC, but you can still order many of their gorgeous designs online. 

These are just three of the many great creative gifts throughout the Washington DC area. Valentine’s Day can be stressful, but thinking about your loved ones' tastes makes the process just a little simpler. Do you have the perfect go-to Valentine’s Day gift? Share it with us on our Facebook Page. 

Washington DC Sports

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Are you a sports fan? Luckily for you, you live in one of the best sports cities on earth. No matter what your sports preference you can always find something that will be great to watch on TV or in person. In Washington DC, we have 5 different professional sports teams for you to choose from. If you are new to the world of sports or an old fan, learn about the history of our cities teams in the blog below. Hopefully, you will learn something new and have an appreciation for Washington DC's great sports history. 

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are a baseball team that plays in Nationals Park in Southeast D.C. near the Anacostia River. The Nationals developed as a expansion club in 1969 named the Montreal Expos. They were the first league team in Canada. The Expos had a semi-successful run until 2001 when fan's interest began to fade. The MLB purchased the team and moved them to DC before the 2002 season with the new name The Washington Nationals.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are the hockey team of the city. They are in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the NHL. The "Caps" were founded in 1974. They have won eight division titles and made it to the Stanley Cup finals once. In 1997, the team moved their home team rink to the suburban Capital Centre before moving to the Verizon Center in 1999. 

D.C. United

D.C. United is a professional soccer club in Washington D.C. The franchise is one of the ten charter clubs of the MLS. This means they have competed since the league's inception in 1996. They are one of the most decorated clubs in the MLS with thirteen international and domestic titles over the club's history. They are also the only American team to win an intercontinental title.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are the only professional basketball team in D.C.. "The Wiz" is part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The team plays their home games at the Verizon Center in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington D.C. 

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins play in the National Football Conference in the NFL. The team plays it's home games at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. They might not play right in DC, but they are still DC's favorite football team. 

We hope you can get together with your friends at The Louis and cheer on your favorite DC team. 

More Sources:

Washington Nationals

Washington Capitals

D.C. United

Washington Wizards

Washington Redskins

Food Delivery in DC

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Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking or going out. We have all been there. You get home from work and the idea of leaving the couch is just too much for you. However, in Washington DC there are so many options for delivery that you will never have to leave the couch again. We have gathered some of the best delivery services and options for you to try at the Louis at 14th. We want to hear your favorites too!

GrubHub

When you do not want to google individual restaurants, Grubhub can tell you everything that delivers to your home at The Louis at 14th.  All you need to do is put in your address and let the website do the work for you. Grubhub has Indian, Chinese, pizza and vegan food all ready to be delivered to your door stop. Grubhub even allows you to see the wait time for each place so you can make your decision wisely. Pull up Grubhub on your computer and throw on a Netflix show, you are staying in tonight.

Seamless

Seamless is a company that you hear about in memes, TV shows and all over social media. Any food you want delivered to your door step sounds too good to be true. However, Seamless is pretty close. Seamless is similar to Grubhub. You put in your address and see what Seamless can deliver to you. Los Angeles has so many options it could be hard to choose. We will watch out for your Instagrammed Seamless delivery. 

Caviar

Caviar is a DC business that will deliver food to your home or office. There are over 40 different choices depending on what day it is and the time. There are also various price points to choose from. Fees for the delivery range from 2-6 dollars depending on the distance, there is also an 18% tip included in the bill. You can use the website to check your delivery status, that way you know when it will be arriving. This is just one of the many options in DC Food Delivery available to you.

These are just a few of the many great options for Washington DC delivery. What is your favorite food delivery option in DC?

Instagram Your Way Through DC

Instagram is one of the most popular social networks of all time. The foodies and the travelers both love it to capture their day to day moments. They hope to get as many likes and comments as possible on their adventures. However, even if you are not a professional you can still have a great Instagram photo collection. This is especially true because you live in one of the best places for Instagram Photos: Washington DC. Here are a few spots you can add to your Instagram bucket list.

Image From Pixabay

1. Nationals Park

Let's Go Nationals! Our awesome baseball stadium is the perfect place to start your Instagram journey. You could be there for the game or the hotdogs, and there is always something to capture for your collection. You can even try to get as many unique views as possible. Use it to create your own hashtag and have fun!

2. Ronald Reagan Building 

The Ronald Reagan Building is a great place along Pennsylvania Avenue to snap a few photos. Use the fact that you are local to capture it from a unique angle that tourists might not know. Make sure to use a few hashtags so that non-DC residents know what building you are capturing. 

3. The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center is home to so many unique events that you can create a special Instagram image every visit. Whether you want to go obvious with a picture of your tickets or subtle with a picture of the interior design, this is one photo opportunity you do not want to miss. 

4.  Logan Circle

This location might be a routine walk for some locals, but have you ever stopped to really look at the statues and scenery. Next time you are walking through, take a moment to find a landmark you have never seen before. We think this would be a perfect photo opportunity. 

5. National Gallery of Art

This iconic DC museum is perfect for the Instagram newbie who just wants to find something recognizable to photograph. Make sure to capture the permanent exhibit by Leo Villareal called "Multiverse" for your followers.

These are just a few of the great spots in Washington DC to get that perfect photo. You can also take a few photos from your great home at The Louis. What are your favorite Instagram shots? Share them with us on our Facebook page!

Other Sources:
Washington Post

Give Back This Holiday Season

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Tis the season! December and the holidays is a time to celebrate the spirit of giving. But who says you have to limit your gift giving to friends, families and coworkers? The holidays are also a great time to support local and national causes alike! Even better, with so many organizations to choose from, it’s easier than ever to support a cause that speaks to you personally.

At the same time, there are are so many organizations asking for help that it can be hard to decide who deserves your time and attention. To help you with this decision, we’ve listed a small handful of our own favorite local groups:

Capital Area Food Bank. The Capital Area Food Bank is on a mission to end hunger in the area. And to help do that, they distribute million of pounds of food a year! They'll be sponsoring multiple food drives with both schools and businesses during the month - and if you can’t make a planned event or if you’re too busy learn how to donate here.

Washington DC SPCA. Who doesn’t love helping adorable puppies and kittens? Our local SPCA is a wonderful group, and the perfect group to support to help ensure that local animals are given food, warmth, shelter and care during the holidays. If you’ve thought about supporting this group with your time - or even with your spare pennies! - now is the perfect time to do it! (Of course, we’d advise planning on helping these guys for more than a few weeks if you plan on volunteering with them - as any shelter staff member or volunteer will tell you, cute animals need help year-round!)

Children's National Health System Foundation. The holidays can be particularly rough for families in hospitals - and are especially heartbreaking when the patient is a child. The Children's National Health System Foundation exists to help find cures, treatment and help for families and children locally and across the globe. Any donation that you can give helps families and children fight illnesses and get them back home. Check out their website to learn how to donate.

These groups are just three examples of local organizations that are working to give back to the community this season - not to mention year-round! If these three don’t speak to your personally, though, have no fear. Thanks to websites such as greatnonprofits.org, it’s easy to look up organizations that are working out of Washington DC this season. With just a few clicks, you can find a group that you’ll feel good making a difference with!

What do you think - will you donate to one of these groups? Or did we not mention an organization that you personally love to support?

Fireplaces and Happy Hours

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The weather is getting colder, and that means the days of outdoor happy hours are limited. However, in DC there are many bars and restaurants that bring the outdoor experience to the winter months. Cuddle up by a fire at these patio bars and restaurants for your work happy hour. You can stay warm while enjoying the outdoors. 

Biergarten Haus

It might not be Oktoberfest weather, but you can still enjoy the liter beers at the Biergarten Haus. This bar has a large fireplace in the back patio beer garden that keeps the outdoor space warm and cozy during the cold winter temperatures. Monday through Thursday enjoy the outdoors during their 4pm-7pm Happy Hour. They also have a Friday happy hour from 4pm-6pm. Happy hours will get you a $6.00 1/2 liter or a $10 liter. 

Barcelona 14th Street

This bar and restaurant is at the heart of Logan circle. The wine bar is a great place to join with friends and neighbors of The Louis for a few after work drinks. There outdoor area includes heat lamps, blankets and a massive outdoor fireplace for the chilly winter months. Make some time to enjoy the fire with a glass of wine and a gourmet dish this winter. 

Irongate

Irongate is located on the 1700 block of N Street NW. The warm and cozy courtyard is perfect for the chilly weather. Their indoor area includes an actual brick fireplace to keep the inside room at a perfect temperature. You can step into their courtyard for fire pits, heat lamps and candles to keep the temperature warm while enjoying the outdoors. Make sure to also sample their seasonal tasting menu that starts at $65 a person. 

Art and Soul

Come early and grab a table around Art and Soul’s large cauldron. Now that the leaves are starting to fall you will have a perfect view of the Capitol Dome. Art and Soul features a patio happy hour each weekday from 4pm-7pm. You can even get a drink or food item to go for your canine pet back home. 

Candy in DC

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Boo! It is almost Halloween, and we are ready to inhale as much candy as possible. Chocolate, pixie sticks and gummy worms are plentiful on this spooky holiday. We are glad we have these classic treats, but Washington DC has many unique candy shops that we are also excited to try on this “cheat day” every year. Head out with some friends from The Louis and try this unique candy on Halloween this year. 

The Sugar Cube

1218 King St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 548-2868

Marshmallows, licorice, chocolate and more are all found within the walls of The Sugar Cube. This gourmet candy store features old and new candies alike with many options to choose from. If you want something that is unique, try their truffles and sea salt caramels for Halloween this year. The Sugar Cube also has unique twists on your favorites like pink grapefruit gummy bears. Make sure to sign up the kids for their own candy making classes or campus. 

The Candy Store

7002 Reisterstown Rd.

Baltimore, MD 21215

(410) 653-9900

Colors, patterns, and candies are all typical elements of your classical candy store. The Candy Shop is not just for little kids. Adults can enjoy the variety of sweets that will make your sweet tooth happy for a very long time. This store has all of the classics like dummies, chocolate and gum. It either has specialty candies such as: kosher candy, sugar-free candy, dries fruits and nuts and other specialty items. 

Sweet Spot

2228 Old Brick Rd.

Glen Allen, VA 23060

(804) 360-7768

Transport yourself back a few decades to when candy stores and soda shops were the most popular places in your town. The Sweet Spot has over 70 glass bottles sodas for you try in your quest for something sweet. You can even find some candies from your childhood that you believed were gone for good. Do you remember Bazooka gum or Astro Pops? You can still purchase them and relive your childhood at the Sweet Spot. 

Do you have a sweet tooth? Here are a few stores that your sweet tooth should be very excited to try out on Halloween.

Don't Miss These DC Restaurants

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Washington D.C. is filled with restaurants that come and go. This makes it hard to figure out when a place is worthwhile to spend your time and money. To cut through the confusion, here are five places in D.C. that won’t let you or your tastebuds down. Grab your friends from The Louis and try these places this weekend.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

1308 G Street NW

Washington DC 20005

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday/Sunday: 9 AM - 3 PM

The name says it all. If you haven’t already, you have to try Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. It can handle your meaty and sweet cravings all at once. The menu changes frequently because they use local and seasonal ingredients, which is great for variety and quality.

Pepita Cantina

4000 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22203

Hours: M-Th 11:30am - 11pm, Fr 11:30am - 12am, Sa 11am - 12am, Su 11am - 11pm

If Mexican food is your style, Pepita Cantina is a must try. They also take pride in offering creative drinks that are sure to compliment your mexican dish. To top it all off, the atmosphere is fun and inviting.

Centrolina

974 Palmer Alley

Washington, D.C. 20001

Hours: Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm,

Dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10pm

Friday-Saturday 5pm-12am

Sunday, 5pm-10pm

Brunch Sunday, 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Hours:

Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8am-9pm

Centrolina doubles as a market and a restaurant. The most noteworthy choices are the fresh pastas and other authentic Italian cooking. Ingredients are also seasonal and local, which ensures quality and freshness.

Buredo

825 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 11am-8pm

Saturday: 11am-6pm

Buredo is owned by two D.C. natives. They offer a unique product for anyone looking to step out of the box for their lunch break. Their creation is a combination of sushi and a burrito. These are fresh and perfect for someone who is on the go. It is also perfect for anyone who is passionate about healthy eating.  

L'Hommage Bistro

450 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

Hours

M - TH: 11:00 AM TO 12:00 AM

Friday: 11:00 AM TO 1:00 AM

Sat: 10:00 AM TO 1:00 AM

Sun: 10:00 AM TO 12:00 AM

French cuisine is the name of the game at L'Hommage Bistro. They make their own homemade bread and of course have a fantastic wine selection. The atmosphere is also charmingly French, but still casual enough to be a relaxed environment.

Best Cookies in DC

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October is National Cookie Month. This means it is the perfect time of year to indulge in our favorite desserts. Washington D.C. has some amazing bakeries and restaurants with unique cookies that you must try. We are so excited to try these amazing cookies throughout October.











Ted's Bulletin

This restaurant has some delicious food for lunch or dinner. However, their food is not why we are planing to eat there this month. You can try their delicious giant chocolate chip cookie after your meal for a few dollars. This mouth watering cookie is one dessert that you will always remember to get after your lunch or dinner.

Blind Dog Cafe

Blind Dog Cafe is a cute little diner that is worthy of our cookie list. They are known for their chocolate chunk cookies that are so good we would eat them all day long. They have just the right amount of saltiness which makes this the perfect dessert at any point int he day.

Larry's Ice Cream and Cookies

Larry's might give you a sugar high, but it is worth it in the long run. Their giant rich fudge, coconut, pecan and caramel ice cream topped with a chocolate chip cookie layer is something your taste buds will never forget.

Firehook Bakery

This cookie might be a little bigger than you imagine. Would like to eat a cookie that is the size of your face? That is the challenge at Firehook Bakery. They have many giant cookies you can buy from peanut butter to chocolate chip. You will never be bored of the flavors they have.

Sticky Fingers Bakery

If you are looking for something different other than regular cookies, Sticky Fingers Bakery is the place to go. They have many different delicious treats for you to try, but we are excited to try their cookie sandwiches and whoopie pies. They also have various flavors of regular cookies that are ready for you throughout the day.

These are just a few of the delicious cookies we want to try in the D.C. Area. Do you have a favorite cookie? Share yours with your friends at The Louis and on The Louis Facebook Page. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

Image From Wikimedia

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all across the nation. There are hundreds of events designated to raise money for the research and treatment of breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent breast cancer and help people see a few more birthdays each year. The Making Strides Foundation is focused on raising money for that cause.

Sunday October 18th at the Washington Monument is a walk to raise money for breast cancer research in hopes to make breast cancer eradicated in this century.  These Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. You can sign up for a three to five mile walk and start to raise money for this cause. Your contributions will be helping those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, people who may face them in the future and research in hopes to find a cure.

Check in starts at 9am with the walk beginning at 10am. However, due to the number of participants please make sure your group is at the starting line by 10am. Opening ceremonies start at 9am and they are held to symbolize the commitment each of us makes to eradicate breast cancer.

If you are a survivor, make sure to check in at the tent to receive American Cancer Society information and a pink t-shirt. There is also entertainment throughout the day on the main stage starting at 8:30am.  Since the walk is not a race, the walk will be completed when the final person crosses the finish line. You do not need to finish the walk if you are unable. After the walk, come to the Washington Monument for refreshments, entertainment and snacks.

This event takes place rain or shine, so make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. There is parking available, but public transportation is highly recommended for all participants.

This is just one of the many events that are held to raise money for breast cancer. Get a team together with your friends at The Louis and go support this amazing cause.

Fall in DC

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Fall is here and we are so excited to participate in all of the great events happening this season around Washington D.C.. Fall is more than hoodies, sweaters and pumpkin spiced lattes. There are many great fall events and festivals that we wait for all year. The Louis is in such a great location that it is easy to get to all of these great events. So grab your latte and your favorite hoodie and make your way to one of these festivals, we hope to see you there. 

Wunder Garten Oktoberfest

Beer, food and German music sound like a great place to start celebrating fall. This pop up beer garden at NOMA is one of our favorite fall traditions. From September 28th to October 4th, you can enjoy food, music and activities for the entire week. Tickets are required for the weekend portion of this event from Friday October 2nd-Sunday October 4th. The other days, no ticket is required for entry. We hope to see you there to celebrate fall with Oktoberfest. 

Taste of DC

Start getting your stomachs ready for Thanksgiving with the Taste of D.C. event on October 10th and 11th. The event is held from 3rd-7th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is an all day festival from 12pm-7am. This multi-day culinary event features more than just your favorite foods. Explore new and old D.C. restaurants while enjoying drinks, live entertainment and sponsored events. Paid admission includes a festival ticket, one complimentary beer, wine, soda or water: and one free rice, noodle or salad bowl from ShopHouse from October 12th-November 30th. 

DC Brew Tour

Grab a few friends and plan a DC Brew Tour for the weekend. Brew tours are a new way to explore our city. Visit the many craft breweries around the DC area without having to worry about driving. You get a behind-the-scenes beer-focused tasting that any beer lover will be thrilled about. This is a great way to see the gorgeous fall scenery, while trying a few new drinks along the way. 

We hope to see our residents at one of these great fall events in D.C..

Who Wants Pumpkin?

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It is starting to feel like fall in Washington D.C.. This means it is time for the leaves to change, sweaters to be worn and for us to eat everything pumpkin. We always crave pumpkin flavored foods, drinks and desserts around this time of the year. Lucky for us, D.C. has some of the best pumpkin flavored foods around the United States. We have found a few of our favorites that we will be tasting this fall. What is your favorite pumpkin flavor food? Share your favorites with your friends at The Louis.

Thai X-ing

Thai X-ng is located on Florida Avenue N.W. in Washington D.C.. You might not immediately think of a Thai restaurant when contemplating what pumpkin flavor food to try tonight. However, the Thai X-ing Pumpkin curry is amazing. Huge chunks of pumpkin are drowned in a sweet and spicy red curry along with other vegetables. We think this new take on a pumpkin dish is the perfect way to start our fall tastings.

Nage

Nage on Rhode Island Avenue may end up having the most popular pumpkin dish among residents. Nage is offering a pumpkin flatbread that we are so excited to eat for lunch. The flatbread is topped with roasted pumpkin, smoked mozzarella, creamy creme fraiche, sweet cipollini onions, wild arugula and toasted pumpkin seeds. This sounds like the perfect lunch for your work day. If you are still craving pumpkin, try their warm pumpkin salad with wild mushrooms and a brown butter sherry.

Sette Osteria

Connecticut Avenue is home to Sette Osteria. This is one of Dupont Circle's most popular Italian restaurants. This is the perfect place for your weekend dinner with friends or loved ones. Made daily in house, the ravioli stuffed with pumpkin is to die for. The ravioli is tossed in a savory sage and butter sauce then sprinkled with amaretti, an almond-flavored macaroon. The sweet pumpkin combined with the amaretti are the perfect contrast to the other flavors in the dish.

These are just a few of the amazing pumpkin dishes we are so excited to try in Washington D.C.. Go explore the city this fall and find out where you want to indulge your pumpkin cravings.

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September 11th Memorials

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14 years ago today the United States sat glued to their computers and televisions watching what happened in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville. Every year there are many memorials and events to remember the victims of September 11th. This anniversary is no exception.

National Day of Service

September 11th is a National Day of Service. This is not only in Washington D.C., but this event happens all across the United States. Thousands of volunteers in over 50 organizations will do a variety of tasks for United We Serve. To give back you can: clean parks, serve the hungry, revitalize playgrounds and more as part of this annual day of giving.

The Pentagon

The Pentagon Memorial in Washington D.C. stands to help remember and honor the heroes of that day. There were 184 lives lost in the attack on the Pentagon. This memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. Special services will be held for the families of the victims of 9/11 at the Memorial today.

5th Annual Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Run

This event will be held September 12th at 6pm. This commemorative run honors all the victims of September 11th. Proceeds go to public safety and military support organizations. The Fisher House Foundation, Wounded Warriors Project and the Survivors' Fund are just a few of the organizations that benefit from this event. You can run in this 5k for a $25.00 donation.

Patriot's Day Wreath Ceremony

A ceremony will be hosted by the Air Force Association and the United States Air Force. This memorial will include a wreath-laying ceremony, a United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performance and an Air Force Birthday Concert featuring the United States Air Force Band. The event is at 7pm at the Air Force Memorial.

These are just a few of the many memorials happening in Washington D.C. and all over the nation. Do you have a memorial you are attending? Share the details with the residents of The Louis on our Facebook Page.

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