Blog Posts

Suggestions for Books to Read This Month

The beginning of a new year is a great time to start a good book. In today’s Courtland Park Blog we have a list of suggested books for you to check out this month. Enjoy a good book and a fresh start in your apartment this year here in Arlington, VA. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1605) “Don Quixote has become so entranced by reading chivalric romances, that he determines to become a knight-errant himself. In the company of his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, his exploits blossom in all sorts of wonderful ways. While Quixote's fancy often leads him astray – he tilts at windmills, imagining them to be giants – Sancho acquires cunning and a certain sagacity. Sane madman and wise fool, they roam the world together, and together they have haunted readers' imaginations for nearly four hundred years.” Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (1908) “Everyone's favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them and, consequently, the reader, over.” A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (2007) Propelled by the same superb instinct for storytelling that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once an incredible chronicle of thirty years of Afghan history and a deeply moving story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) “In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit. Telling an unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.” Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) “Pachinko follows one Korean family through the generations, beginning in early 1900s Korea with Sunja, the prized daughter of a poor yet proud family, whose unplanned pregnancy threatens to shame them all. Deserted by her lover, Sunja is saved when a young tubercular minister offers to marry and bring her to Japan.” Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser (2017) “Offering fresh insight and new discoveries about Wilder's life and times, Prairie Fires reveals the complex woman who defined the American pioneer character, and whose artful blend of fact and fiction grips us to this day.” What are your favorite books? Let us know in the comments below.

Celebrate National Cookie Day

Did you know that December 4th is National Cookie Day? In today’s Courtland Park Blog we want to share with you the history of national cookie day along with some tasty holiday recipes to enjoy making in your apartment this month. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season here in Arlington, VA. What is National Cookie Day? “It’s National Cookie Day! Did you know that the English word "cookie" is derived from the Dutch word "koekje," which means little cake? Dutch bakers used to test oven temperatures on small amounts of batter so that they would not waste the entire cake mix if the temperature wasn't right. It was not long before they discovered that these tiny pieces of cooked batter were actually quite tasty!” Nutella Stuffed Sugar Cookies "Old fashioned soft and chewy sugar cookies stuffed with creamy chocolate and hazelnut Nutella. Trust me, this combination is as delicious as it sounds!" This recipe comes from Homemade Hooplah . To make these cookies you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, and Nutella. Grinch Cookie Recipe Eat these cookies while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas . These cookies are tasty and easy to make. This recipe comes from Mom Dot . Gather these ingredients to make them: a vanilla or white cake mix box, cream cheese, butter, an egg, green food dye, and heart sprinkles. Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies No one will be able to resist these cake batter cookies. This recipe was perfected, making them so soft and chewy. Make them for friends and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season. The recipe comes from Sally’s Baking Addiction . You’ll need these ingredients to make them: all-purpose flour, a yellow or vanilla cake mix, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. What's your favorite holiday cookie? Share the recipe with us in the comments below. Thanks for reading the blog!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with These Table Settings

Thanksgiving is an exciting time to decorate and enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Here on the Courtland Park Blog, we want to help you celebrate this season by sharing some table setting ideas for your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy the season here in Arlington, VA. Give Thanks Table Setting Make your preparations for Thanksgiving dinner the star of your home decorating by copying some of the ideas in this beautiful getup. Use butcher paper and paint for the table runner. Make it extra long so you can paint “give thanks” on the bit hanging over the end of the table’s short side. Then put together a short flower arrangement and bust out your best dishes and some warm-toned napkins and mini white pumpkins for the place settings. It will make your guests feel like they’re dining like fall harvest royalty! We got the idea from House of Harper . Traditional Plaid and Turkey Table Setting This table setting is perfect for a cozy cabin feel. It’ll remind you of Thanksgiving as a kid. For this table setting make sure to set out lots of small pumpkins (white and orange). Use some greenery throughout the pumpkins along with small lit candles throughout the leaves. For the tablecloth, use a plaid setting with fall colors such as orange, brown, yellow, and red. Set decorative colored corn cobs next to each plate for additional details. Use turkey painted platters, matching or not. Lastly, use glasses with a colored orange or yellow hue. Enjoy this fun and traditional setting. Visit the link above for images and additional details. This table setting idea came from Home is Where the Boat Is . Fresh & Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting For a very classy Thanksgiving table setting, try out this Fresh & Modern Setting from Southern Living . The design is all about antique, silver, and classy fall color. Use silver or mercury coated platters, antique utensils, and glass goblets. For the tablecloth, use a neutral gray. To add color, set out wheat sheaves bundled together with burlap and orange satin along with other fall floral arrangements. To see images of this table setting along with additional details and ideas, click on the link above. How do you decorate for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading and visit the Courtland Park Blog again soon!

National Fossil Day Visit the Smithsonian

October 18th is National Fossil Day. This is why we suggest taking a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History which is just a 15-minute drive from your Courtland Park apartment. We want to share some information about the Smithsonian as well as some facts about fossils. We hope you enjoy the blog and get a chance to visit the museum this month and celebrate Fossil Day here in Arlington, VA. Fossil Facts The word fossil comes from the Latin word fossilis which means “dug up”. Much of what we’ve learned about dinosaurs and other ancient living species have come from what fossils that have been found. Fossils are still teaching us all about history. “Fossils are the remains of ancient animals and plants, the traces or impressions of living things from past geologic ages, or the traces of their activities... Most fossils are excavated from sedimentary rock layers… Eventually, they are compressed into sedimentary rock. The fossil of a bone doesn't have any bone in it. A fossilized object has the same shape as the original object, but is chemically more like a rock.” The Smithsonian “The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs.” Visit The Last American Dinosaurs: Discovering a Lost World exhibit where you can see fossils that were found that make up some amazing dinosaurs. Or visit The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins where you can also see ancient species. This time it’s the species that evolved into humans. You can find all kinds of other great exhibits to visit about animals, science, humans, and more. Visit the museum to learn about some of these amazing topics. Enjoy! Have you visited the Smithsonian? What’s your favorite thing about visiting? Comment below and let us know. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to The Smithsonian.

New Movies Coming Out This Month

Here on the Courtland Park Blog we have a list of great movies to check out this month here in Arlington, VA. Get out of your apartment and enjoy a movie night with friends this weekend. Buy your tickets today and enjoy! Home Again September 8th “Recently separated from her husband (Michael Sheen), Alice (Reese Witherspoon) decides to start over by moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles with her two young daughters. During a night out on her 40th birthday, Alice meets three aspiring filmmakers who happen to be in need of a place to live. Alice agrees to let the guys stay in her guest house temporarily, but the arrangement ends up unfolding in unexpected ways. Alice’s unlikely new family and new romance comes to a crashing halt when her ex-husband shows up, suitcase in hand.” Stronger September 22nd “Jeff Bauman loses both of his legs when two bombs explode during the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the suspects, but his own battle is just beginning. With unwavering support from his family and girlfriend, Bauman embarks on a long and heroic journey to physical and emotional rehabilitation.” Battle of the Sexes September 22nd “The electrifying 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was billed as The Battle of the Sexes and became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time... With a supportive husband urging her to fight the Establishment for equal pay, the fiercely private King was also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality, while Riggs gambled his legacy and reputation in a bid to relive the glories of his past.” Kingsman: The Golden Circle September 22nd “When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman's journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.” Flatliners September 29th “Seeking answers about the afterlife, Chicago medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland) persuades his fellow pupils to help him end his life, and then resuscitate him in the nick of time. Atheist David (Kevin Bacon), playboy Joe (William Baldwin) and troubled Rachel (Julia Roberts) also journey into the unknown, looking for meaning in their own lives. As the experiments become more perilous, each is forced to contend with the paranormal consequences of trespassing on the other side.” What movies are you excited to see this month? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

National Smores Day

Did you know that August 10th is National S’mores Day? Here on the Courtland Park Blog, we bring you some tips on hosting a s’mores bar as well as places to camp out nearby in Arlington, VA. We hope you get a chance to gather around a fire and enjoy a delicious and sticky s’more with family and friends this month. S’mores Bar We love the idea of hosting a s’mores bar with friends. You can find all kind of interesting and cool s’more recipes. Put out the classic s’more ingredients (graham crackers, chocolate squares, and large marshmallows) along with a variety of candy bars, cookies, and more. Let your guests be creative, but you could also write out some suggested options. Try out some of these fun ideas below. Substitute the regular milk chocolate with different chocolate candy such as a peanut butter cup or a Hershey’s cookies and creme bars. You could also add fruit into the mix such as different types of berries or peaches. Rather than graham crackers use different types of cookies such as a regular chocolate chip cookie or an Oreo cookie. You could also use different spreads to add to the s’more such as jam, nutella, peanut butter, or pie filling. Camping Locations Nearby Burke Lake Park is a great camping location that is nearby. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Courtland Park. You can go fishing, boating, rent rowboats, golf, and enjoy a large variety of other activities. There’s also a carousel, volleyball court, clubhouse, and ice cream parlor. Enjoy the outdoors at this beautiful location that’s the perfect weekend getaway. Another great location to camp at is Pohick Bay Regional Park . It’s about a 45-minute drive from our apartment community. They also have a wide variety of activities. You can go golfing and hiking as well as rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Here’s what one reviewer said about Pohick Bay Regional Park: “Best privately owned campground ever! Very well taken care of like a state Park. Playground, pool, disc golf, and laundry facilities. Bathrooms are clean and have great showers. About 30 minutes away from DC. I am a return customer and will highly recommend this campground to everyone. Park employees are very helpful and kind.” -Kay G. What are your favorite s’more options? What’s your favorite place to camp in the area? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading and have a great month here in Arlington, VA.