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Holiday Guide

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tips for Successful Returns

Know your store policies, and leave the tags on before you try to return the gift you don't want.

Did you get a Chia Pet this year? Or a sweater that really is not your style (or size)? For every great gift you've been given this holiday season, there's probably one that really needs to be returned. Consumers should know store return policies before they head back to the malls. Most “big box” stores and national chains have return policy information on their website. Even if the information is not online, Virginia law requires that all retailers disclose all conditions, charges, or fees relating to the return of goods. Although every store policy is slightly different, here are a few tips: Return it soon. Many stores won’t accept returns after 30, 60 or 90 days. Remember, you may not get cash back. Some stores will only give you a …

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Find Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Greater Alexandria

If the holidays leave you with little time to shop for gifts, try these stores in Greater Alexandria for great last-minute gift ideas.

With all of the tree trimming, cookie baking and partygoing, there is so much to do during the holidays that it's easy to leave shopping for Christmas presents until the last minute. But by then, the malls and chain stores are usually chaotic and the mere thought of battling crowds is exhausting. Here are some ideas for easy gifts that can be bought locally and require little stress: Tell us: What are some of your own last-minute gift ideas? Share in the comments below. 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Here Are Your 2012 Christmas Shipping Deadlines

What's the latest you can send a package this year to ensure pre-Christmas delivery? We run down the options around Laurel.

If you're the type to put off holiday shopping until the last minute, not to worry—there are plenty of speedy ways to ship your items nationwide and ensure that they'll arrive before Dec. 25. Below is a rundown of USPS, UPS, and FedEx deadlines for pre-Christmas arrival. Cost, of course, goes up with the speed of the service. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE Method Last day to ship First Class Mail Thursday, Dec. 20 Priority Mail Friday, Dec. 21 Express Mail Saturday, Dec. 22   FEDEX Method Last day to ship FedEx Express Saver Wednesday, Dec. 19 FedEx 2Day Thursday, Dec. 20 FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx First Overnight Friday, Dec. 21     UPS Method Last day to ship UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air A.M. Thursday, Dec. 20 …

Let’s Fly 'The 12 Days of Christmas'

How much would it cost to fly with all the items from the Christmas carol?

Earlier this month, PNC Bank released its 2012 Christmas Price Index documenting how much it would cost to buy the characters and objects from the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas." Last year, the number crested the $100,000 mark. This year, it grew 6.1 percent to $107,300. At Airline Tariff Publishing Company, where we work with airfares and ancillary fees instead of partridges and pear trees, we thought it’d be interesting to find out how much it would cost to fly with “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Specifically, how much would it set you back to bring those items as checked or carry-on baggage? Well, it depends on which airline you fly, where and in what class you’re traveling (you’re usually allowed one or two free bags on overseas flights…

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

How to Cook a Perfect Prime Rib Roast

Local Harris Teeter stores have prime rib roast on sale through Christmas eve.

My phone is ringing off the hook, and emails are asking for my “Prime Rib” recipe from last year. Prime rib is a very expensive "company's coming" cut of meat, and typically it only goes on sale around the holidays. This year Harris Teeter has its standing HT Rancher Beef rib roasts for $6.99 per pound ($4 savings) with a VIC card. An upgrade to their HT Reserve Angus-USDA Choice standing rib roast costs $7.99 per pound with a VIC card. These prices only last until Dec. 18th. I purchased three of them Sunday — they freeze perfectly for that special Valentine’s Day dinner, or a birthday. As of right now, Harris Teeter has the only prime rib roasts on sale in the area. This has large, traditional prime rib bones on one side. It is typically …

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Friday, December 14, 2012

What Has Your Elf On the Shelf Been Up To?

Our Patch Elf on the Shelf has gotten ahold of our computer and now wants to know what his buddy elves are up to. Share your photos here!

Hi friends! I'm the Patch Elf on the Shelf. Call me Patchy. I've heard about more of my friends hanging around the area lately, and I wondered what they were up to. Could their families post pictures here on Patch to show me? I'd love to catch up with them. We all go back to Santa on Christmas Eve, but in the meantime, we'll be watching you! Cheers, Patchy the Elf Add your photo by clicking on the green "Upload Photos and Videos" icon. What do you think of the Elf on the Shelf tradition? Tell us in the comments below!

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Need a quick holiday cookie recipe? Make one of these for your parties this season.

One of the most important holiday questions to ask yourself is: What kind of cookies will you be baking for your get-togethers this season? From sweet to savory, holiday cookies come in all shapes and sizes. And what’s better than to top off a tray of cookies than a glass of homemade eggnog? These local bakeries specialize in holiday cookies and other treats: Occasionally Cake sells delicious cupcakes. The Mount Vernon cupcake shop features different flavors daily. Order your gingerbread house from Hollin Hall Pastry Shop. This bakery also has yule logs and christmas cookies made to order. You can also check out myrecipes.com to learn how to host a successful cookie swap and view more holiday cookie recipes.  Eggnog In a saucepan over low …

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Woodlawn Elementary Students Perform at Reagan National Airport

The chorus performed holiday favorites in Terminal C.

The sound of holiday songs could be heard in Terminal C at Reagan National Airport Wednesday morning. Members of a Woodlawn Elementary School chorus performed a short concert of holiday favorites for commuters. The choir performed Tuesday morning. Woodlawn Elementary School has participated in these holiday concerts for four years. The chorus performing on Tuesday is conducted by general music instructors Amanda Shealy and Mariko Hiller.

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

PHOTOS: Christmas at Mount Vernon

A local family visits Aladdin the camel.

Christmas at Mount Vernon is in full swing. Families can check out stunning Christmas trees decked out in Mount Vernon-themed ornaments, see chocolate making demonstrations, and visit with Aladdin the camel. Christmas at Mount Vernon runs through Jan. 6, 2013. Christmas at Mount Vernon is included in general admission: $15 for adults, $7 for youth (6-11), and free for children five and younger. Mount Vernon is open daily, including Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Mount Vernon Flutes to Perform at the Athenaeum

Flute quartet will perform holiday songs from around the world.

The Mount Vernon Flutes will perform holiday songs from around the world during a special performance at the Athenaeum in Old Town Sunday afternoon. The quartet consists of Grace Endres, Alison Lattu, Barbara Al-Turki, and Pam Sweeney, four flautists who are also members of the Mount Vernon Concert Band. Peter Lattu will provide narration about the songs, which range from Carol of the Bells to Hanerot Hallu. The concert will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Athenaeum in Old Town. Admission is free.

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