Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Upcoming DMV Weekend Events - December 18 - 21, 2014

Greetings!

Here's this weekend's list with a couple of new events and several event reminders!  It is a day late but hopefully still relevant to your weekend planning!

Enjoy!

Now - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

Fenton Street Market -- Silver Spring MD NEW
Shop the HOLIDAZE Pop-UP! and their BUY LOCAL Holiday Market (12/20 only)


December 19 & 20, 2014
Shaw Holiday Arts, Crafts and Fashion Market -- DC
Admission is free.Over two dozen local and regional artisans will be displaying and selling their work, with artist lineups changing each weekend.  Come back again and again to see the work of artists curated by ArtRave, perfect for holiday gift giving. And when you're done shopping, be sure to visit nearby Shaw restaurants.  Presented by Shaw Main Streets and ArtRave.

December 20, 2014
24th Annual BZB Shop til ya Drop! -- Shiloh Family Life Center, DC
This annual shopping event features vendors various unique and cultural items including designer clothes, Black Angel Tree Toppers, Africa Artifacts, Unique Home Decor and Black Memorabilia.

December 20, 2014
N Naturals Salon Presents:  Winterize Your Hair Event -- Silver Spring MD
Join them for facials, hand massages, and tips on caring for your hair during the colder months.

Little Elves Workshop -- Bethesda MD NEW
Sometimes the little ones need a little guidance on the gift-giving front. Bethesda Row’s Sassanova boutique (7134 Bethesda Lane) hosts their annual Little Elves Workshop to help the kids shop for gifts under $40 for their favorite grown-ups on Dec. 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plus, Sassanova will provide complimentary giftwrapping.


December 21, 2014
The Shop Small Business Soiree -- Alexandria, VA
Leave your concerns behind, grab a complementary beverage and shop for chic jewelry, fashion and lifestyle products all under one roof! Land unique items you won't find in stores.  You will have the opportunity to win over $500 in cash and prizes!!

Future Planning... 

December 27, 2014
Living Wisely presented by excellent living -- Vienna VA
Get a jump-start on making great choices in 2015.  Learn How and Develop Your New Year, New You Action Plan with Cheryl Martin.  Event is Free but you must register.

December 31, 2014
Noon Yards Eve
A fun daytime New Year’s Eve celebration for the family and children, with inflatables, kid’s musical entertainment, face painting and balloon art, kid’s performers, a cool trackless train ride through Yards Park, and a big countdown and balloon drop at Noon to usher in the New Year.


That's all for now...

Until next time,


Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista

Thursday, December 11, 2014

It is Business...Just Business! -- Upcoming Small Business Programs, Conferences, and Events in the DMV -- Vol. 2

Happy Thursday!

Since I *think* I have my Tuesday "Upcoming DMV Weekend Events" posts rolling along, I want to dedicate Thursday to events/conferences/classes/vending opportunities/etc for the Small Business owners.

As you may have picked up, I love small business!  My granddad was a small business owner in the south and while his businesses had closed before I was born, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on through his grandchildren.

So, Small Business Owners, Thursday is dedicated to you!

Here's what I have for you!


Friday, December 12, 2014 -- 10am to 3:00pm (EST)
The ULTIMATE Linked-In Workshop (Monetize LinkedIn & Grow Your Business)
Beltsville, Maryland

LinkedIn is the most powerful sales and marketing tool we have available to us today. It gives us the ability to identify who we know that knows who we want to know and ask for introductions.     Are you preparing to take your business to the next level in 2015?  This class will set you in motion now so that when 2015 hits you are WAY AHEAD of the game!!  VERY LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE.  Our instructor, Brynne Tillman, will teach you how to turn cold calls into warm calls that fills your pipeline with more qualified business and reduces your sales cycle so you will earn more business.


Saturday, December 13, 2014 -- 10am to 1:00pm (PST)
Facebook and Twitter for Entrepreneurs & Small Business 101
Bethesda, Maryland


Learn how to leverage the power of social media and online marketing to improve your business, establish your professional reputation, and achieve your goals! With our advice and instruction we can help you succeed! This 3 hour class will provide basic information about how to create, manage, and use Facebook and Twitter professionally. It will be taught by our CEO and Founder who has 8 years of marketing experience and has taught blogging and social media at the Writer's Center and the City of Gaithersburg. You will receive a notebook of tips and instruction to take home with you. We will provide bagels and coffee! Note: Please bring a laptop computer with you!


Tuesday, December 16, 2014 -- 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bookkeeping & Taxation for Small Businesses
The George Washington University Virginia Science & Technology Campus
Ashburn, VA 

Want to know how to set up books and meet your tax obligations?
Richard Hall can help! He’s a CPA who founded his accounting firm in 1987 and has, in total, over 37 years of accounting experience. Mr. Hall will inform you on:
•    Set-up of accounting records, including software, fixed asset schedule, etc.
•    Monthly and quarterly filings and bookkeeping responsibilities
•    The four most common tax returns for companies
•    Important areas of corporate accounting
•    Topics related to new taxes

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (CST)
DC Women's Business Center - Small Biz Library 
Washington, DC

In your Business Resource Library Kit You Will Find…
 •“Five good minutes at work” by Jeffrey Brantley
 •“How the wise decide” by Bryn Zeckhauser and Aaron Sandoski
 •“Living the 7 habits” by Stephen R. Covey
 •“Talk is (not!) Cheap” by Jim Mc Cann
 •“The Art of Conversation Leadership” by Jim McCann;
•“Do What You Love - What you Do” Journal
 •Class Gift Certificate.

Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm -- MUST REGISTER
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic
Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Brookland, DC

Meet 1-on-1 With a Lawyer for Free!
If you are an existing or aspiring small business owner, meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice legal clinic. You can get answers to questions about business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other legal matters related to running a small business. Even if you do not have specific questions, come and tell us about your business for general advice. The attorneys may be able to address issues before they become problems!

January 27, 2014 -- 6:30 to 8:00pm
Washington, DC

This program seeks to offer small businesses technical assistance in identifying properties that are available for purchase or lease, and provides feasibility studies and evaluation of financial costs.  This is a bi-monthly event held on the fourth Tuesday

More to come.... 

Until then,

Keep it Resourceful!

~ The ResourceNista
* Note:  The ResourceNista is not affiliated with any of the businesses featured in this blog post nor is she compensated by any of the businesses.  The information provided is FYI only and you are responsible to do your own due diligence before  doing business with any of the companies featured.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Shout Out for the Local Farmer's Market

Happy Wednesday,

In late May, my employer moved us to the heart of DC from the Foggy Bottom area.  And while I had access to several Farmer's Markets in our previous location, I seemed to really gain an interest and a greater appreciation for them when we moved.  I would race out of the office for lunch on Tuesdays to visit the market at City Center and take a late lunch on Thursdays to visit the Penn Quarter Market.  The quality and price of the produce was unbelievable.  I can remember being at the Penn Quarter Market during a spring/summer storm.  Each customer was helping to hold up the tent as they made their purchases...it was definitely an experience.

Again in my quest to support small businesses, I had to include the farmers!  Right?!

But then suddenly, (well not suddenly to them because it was listed on their website) the market at City Center announced it would close for the season.  I was sad but knew, the Penn Quarter Market would still be around so I bounced on my merry way.  Until...I realized...it is December and my beloved Penn Quarter Market will soon close for the season.  What will I do??????

Research, investigate...  As a smart ResourceNista, I've done some research.  Come to found out, there are several year-round Farmer's Markets and one is even located not too far from my home.

Since sharing is what this blogging thing is all about, here's a couple of  websites to make it easier for you to locate a DMV area Farmer's Market:


Fresh Farms


Hope you will get a chance to visit an area Farmer's Market!

Until Next Time,

Keep it Resourceful!

~ The ResourceNista

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Upcoming Weekend Events for December 11 - 14, 2014

Greetings!

Here's this weekend's list!  I was late getting to this so check back because I will probably add some more activities before this weekend!

Enjoy!

Now - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

December 11, 2014 -- RSVP Required
Holiday Open House: A Global Celebration -- DC
Celebrating holiday traditions from around the world.  Free event. Photo identification required. Refreshments will be served.

December 12, 2014
Oyin Handmade Meet and Greet -- Silver Spring MD
Oyin Handmade is now at N!  Meet, mix, and mingle not only with other naturalistas but also Oyin Handmade's own Jamyla Bennu! She will be joining us at the studio to introduce the products, provide some tips and tricks, as well as answer your questions. This event is **FREE** so tickets are sure to go fast!

December 12, 13, & 14, 2014 -- ADDED 12/10  
Yards Fashion Truck Market -- SW DC
Move over food trucks, fashion trucks are the new “It” trucks! Is your closet and jewelry box filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind treasures? Do you love to shop and consider yourself a fashionista? Then, be sure to stop by Yards Fashion Truck Market ! FASHION TRUCKS: Urban Pearl, Tin Lizzy, Street Boutique, Strut Truck, Charm City Mobile Boutique, The Pink Armoire, Go Go Retread.

December 12, 13, & 14, 2014 -- ADDED 12/10 
Parcel Market @ Canel Park -- SW DC
PARCEL is an engaging & urban outdoor holiday market featuring a 10,000 square-foot ice rink, an interactive art installation, a large-scale retail tent & food area showcasing a thoughtfully curated list of talented local designers, artists, food artisans, and restaurants / small businesses, with live and local musical performances - It all awaits you at PARCEL Market!

December 12 &13, & 19 & 20, 2014
Shaw Holiday Arts, Crafts and Fashion Market -- DC
Admission is free.Over two dozen local and regional artisans will be displaying and selling their work, with artist lineups changing each weekend.  Come back again and again to see the work of artists curated by ArtRave, perfect for holiday gift giving. And when you're done shopping, be sure to visit nearby Shaw restaurants.  Presented by Shaw Main Streets and ArtRave.
December 13, & 20, 2014
24th Annual BZB Shop til ya Drop! -- Shiloh Family Life Center, DC
This annual shopping event features vendors various unique and cultural items including designer clothes, Black Angel Tree Toppers, Africa Artifacts, Unique Home Decor and Black Memorabilia.

December 14, 2014
Yelp Totally Bazaar -- Brookland Area DC
The marketplace will feature some of the area’s best offerings, all handpicked by the Yelp team for optimal gift giving. From artisans to crafts and fine retailers there is something for everyone on your list. And, a price point for every budget! Yelp takes the experience up another notch with a host of complimentary treats. Yes, FREEBIES in the form of specially crafted drinks, a Do it yourself (DIY) S’mores bar, a cookie buffet, fresh mozzarella balls a la &pizza, a Manicures-N-Motion relaxation station, a photo booth and an ornament making station.

December 14, 2014
Grump Holiday Arts & Crafts Show --  Arlington VA
75 vendors, make and take, gift wrapping, music, snacks, fun! 

Future Planning... 

December 20, 2014
N Naturals Salon Presents:  Winterize Your Hair Event -- Silver Spring MD
Join them for facials, hand massages, and tips on caring for your hair during the colder months.

December 27, 2014
Living Wisely presented by excellent living -- Vienna VA
Get a jump-start on making great choices in 2015.  Learn How and Develop Your New Year, New You Action Plan with Cheryl Martin.  Event is Free but you must register.


That's all for now...

Until next time,


Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Upcoming DMV Weekend Events for December 5 - 7, 2014

Greetings!

This area is alive with so many activities this month!  While a number of them do involve shopping, there are lots of sights to see.  Best of all, many are cost free such as visiting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse.  Unfortunately, the ticket lottery for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is now closed but you can catch the event live on PBS on December 4th. 

In any event, I hope you enjoy this list and let me know if you were able to take part in any of the activities!

Now - December 23, 2014
Downtown Holiday Market --  DC
Bringing a unique and festive shopping “village” to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods.

December 5, 2014
ArtfĂȘte Open House & Holiday Party -- Alexandria VA
The Art League's annual open house and holiday party kicks off the season with artwork exhibits, the opening of our holiday ceramics sale and jewelry sale, live music, food and drinks, artist demonstrations and more. Our students will also present a fashion show of wearable art created in Art League classes! Admission free of charge.

December 6, 13, & 20, 2014
24th Annual BZB Shop til ya Drop! -- Shiloh Family Life Center, DC
This annual shopping event features vendors various unique and cultural items including designer clothes, Black Angel Tree Toppers, Africa Artifacts, Unique Home Decor and Black Memorabilia.


December 6, 2014
Holiday Bazaar-- Lanham MD
Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping at Days Inn Hotel on Annapolis Road in Lanham MD from 1 to 5pm!

Holiday Book Fair -- Bethesda MD
Meet workshop leaders and editors from area literary journals and small presses at our Holiday Book Fair.


Holiday Baking Class for Kids -- District Commons Restaurant, DC
Special items for the kids to bake at the holidays!  Best for kids aged 9-12.  A full luncheon buffet will be served.  You will may bake:  Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies, Gingerbread Men, and Magic Bars.

Parade of Lights -- Alexandria VA Marina
Alexandria's harbor lights up as more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront, led by Alexandria's fireboat Vigilant and Washington, DC's fireboat John Glenn. New this year, DC media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer. At the marina before and after the parade, stop in to the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Holiday Open House between 4 and 9 p.m. to enjoy performances by the Alexandria Choral Society plus gift shopping in open artist studios.

December 6, 2014
Montpelier Arts Center Annual Holiday Open House  -- Laurel MD
CAROLING SESSION with National Symphony Orchestra soprano Pamela Simonson, OPENING RECEPTIONS for exhibitions featuring the Patuxent Art League and Montpelier resident artists, WORKSHOP SESSIONS to create your own crafts, POTTERY SALE in the ceramics studio,  ART DEMOS in the studios and RED TAG SALE while touring artist studios & REFRESHMENTS, too!  This event is FREE and open to the public.

Future Planning... 
December 11, 2014 -- RSVP Required by 12/5/14
Holiday Open House: A Global Celebration -- DC
Celebrating holiday traditions from around the world.  Free event. Photo identification required. Refreshments will be served.

December 14, 2014
Grump Holiday Arts & Crafts Show --  Arlington VA
75 vendors, make and take, gift wrapping, music, snacks, fun!

That's all for this week!  Hope you are able to attend at least one event!


Keep it Resourceful!

The ResourceNista