• Home
  • Blog
  • CBD
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Balancing Today

Learning To Balance It All

  • Ashley’s Life
  • Around DC
  • Motherhood
  • Self Care
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Fitness and Workouts
  • Weight Loss

in Around DC

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Sunset
Saturday night we drive into the most beautiful sunset as we headed to Virginia to see Mount Vernon by Candlelight!

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
I am always so thankful for the landmarks, opportunities, and experiences we are able to be a part of living in the Washington, DC area. Mount Vernon by Candlelight welcomes guests to experience the holiday traditions of 18th-century Virginia while on a candlelit character-guided tour around Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Tickets are for specific tour times, so arrive early enough to find parking, but not too early or you’ll have to wait outside of the gates.  They do limit the guests who can enter Mount Vernon based on your tour time.  Once you enter the gates you will have the time to tour the Ford Orientation Center, which is beautifully decorated, until your tour officially begins.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Once the tour begins, you’ll walk from the Orientation Center to the mansion and see many historical buildings along the way.  I absolutely loved the Magnolia tree lined paths! They were beautiful!

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
On your walk to the mansion you’ll stop quite a few times along the way and your tour guide will share stories, holiday history, and Mount Vernon history with your group.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Once inside the mansion, you will walk through the rooms and meet 18th-century characters along the way.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
The tour ends at the Greenhouse where you can experience 18th-century dancing and the moonlit gardens.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Before walking back to the Education Center you’ll have an opportunity to meet Aladdin the camel, that’s right, a camel, and to enjoy apple cider and cookies by the fire.  It’s a wonderful end to the outdoor experience!

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
We had a really wonderful time on the tour and I definitely can’t wait to come back to Mount Vernon in the spring when the gardens are in bloom and the sun is shinning!  There’s so much more I want to see!

Alison
Mount Vernon by Candlelight will run December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17 this year (2017) and is absolutely perfect for a date night!  Whether you’re dating, married, or just looking for a holiday outing in the DC area, I think Mount Vernon by Candlelight is the perfect experience.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Having said that, if you are thinking about taking kids, I’d recommend this event for kids who are old enough to stay with a tour.  Mount Vernon was incredibly accommodating to our family, as I had to feed Kinnick not too far into our original tour (we ended up joining a different tour group after he ate), and Magnolia thought running around was a better way to spend her evening.  It was slightly stressful, as a parent, trying to manage 2 little kids on this tour, so I would just think twice about bringing little kids.  The grounds themselves are perfect for families and kids, but the tour may not be best for little kids.

Mount Vernon by Candlelightf
I will say, my 3 year old loved seeing the camel, playing outside, and touring the Education Center.  She absolutely loved the Education Center!

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
We had such a wonderful time at Mount Vernon and I loved every aspect of the Mount Vernon by Candlelight experience. Next time we go, I’m going to leave the kiddos home with a sitter and enjoy the evening with my husband. We had a great time with our family, but this event really is a perfect date night or event for families with older kids.

Don’t miss this event this year! You have 5 more opportunities to visit Mount Vernon for this candlelight event, but they’re open year round!

Related Posts

  • 24 Days of Self Care24 Days of Self Care
  • A Texas ChristmasA Texas Christmas
  • 2012 Holiday Gift Guide2012 Holiday Gift Guide
  • Girls Night at Anastasia the MusicalGirls Night at Anastasia the Musical
  • Life LatelyLife Lately
« A Joyous Thanksgiving
24 Days of Self Care »

let’s connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

Archives

More about Ashley

I'm Ashley, a full-time working mom who lives in the Washington, DC area. Balancing Today is all about learning to balance family, work, wellness, and most of all, life's simple joys! Read More!

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Looking for something?

I’m doing a lot of change ups! One of those chan I’m doing a lot of change ups! One of those change ups is no longer using my phone as my alarm. The alarm wasn’t the issue, but within seconds of waking up I was looking at my work email, Instagram, and Twitter. Within moments I was filled with anxiety. It has been an awful way to start day each morning. Though I’ll still keep my phone in our room, I’m so excited to break this cycle. To wake up to an alarm and to distance myself from the things that stress me out. I splurged on the @hatchforsleep and can’t wait to tell y’all about my experience.
I woke up early yesterday, journaled, read, and li I woke up early yesterday, journaled, read, and listened to Clubhouse before my kids woke up. 

We all got ready for the day, I took my son to daycare, my daughter started virtual learning, and Neal and I started our work day. 

Our routine went well and the day was smooth, but after lunch I started feeling blah. No rhyme or reason, I just started feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, and discouraged.

A year ago, this wave of thoughts would have paralyzed me. Instead, I really thought about what was going on, what triggered me, and gave myself the space to process. Most importantly, I worked to stop the lies and story I was telling myself in the moment. I know that CBD is what allows me to be able to process everything now!

It isn’t always this easy, but I now recognize my thoughts and feelings. Yesterday, I wrapped up the work day, changed into my workout clothes, went for a run/walk, listened to Clubhouse when I was driving to pick-up my son, watched the sunset, and made a healthy dinner. 

I know I’m not alone in these waves of emotions. What helps you to turn your day around when you can?
Finding joy, peace, and healing in the little thin Finding joy, peace, and healing in the little things. For me, that’s usually found in nature. This sunset was the perfect end to the day light hours. I just love a good sunset.
Anytime I have to write a bio I struggle. Who am I Anytime I have to write a bio I struggle. Who am I? What is my identity? How do I best describe myself? 

Before I had kids, my answer was easy. I felt really confident in who I was and how to describe myself. 

When I became a mom, I wasn’t ready for the identity shift. I figured you’d just tack “mom” onto the front of your bio and the transition would happen seamlessly. 

Instead, it’s been 6 years of adjusting, learning, reconfiguring, and exploring. I’ve had to let go of pieces of me that used to be front and center and make room for new things. I wasn’t expecting such a huge identity shift, but here I am, 6 years later, and still figuring it all out.

All of this is to say, it’s ok if you don’t feel like yourself right now. Its ok to feel unsettled and uncomfortable. It’s ok if you don’t know exactly who you are anymore. It’s ok to still be figuring it out. It’s ok to miss the old you. It’s ok to want to break out and find yourself again. 

You’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
I can’t wait to dig into this nature journal. My I can’t wait to dig into this nature journal. My sister knows me so well! I’m just so excited spring is on the horizon! I’m ready to hike more, enjoy time on our deck, prepare our garden, and tackle some spring cleaning. What are you looking forward to?
Trauma has convinced me over the years that shutti Trauma has convinced me over the years that shutting down and closing myself off will protect me. 

What I am reminded, time and time again, is that hope and healing occur in a space of openness. That I am not alone in my experiences, no matter how difficult they are or how alone I may feel. 

Today on BalancingToday.com I am sharing my story and opening up about secondary infertility and PCOS. I was scared to write this post and though I am nervous even now, I know that I am sadly not alone in this battle. 

I share my story both for me and for the women battling behind closed doors. You are not alone.
This is where it all started for me. 1 year ago I This is where it all started for me. 1 year ago I was depressed, stressed, and my days were filled with anxiety. As I was strolling through Wegmans, I walked by the CBD end cap. I had no idea what CBD was at that point. I honestly thought it was illegal.

I went home and started doing research. I returned to Wegmans a week later and bought my first bottle of CBD. Between March and August I tried a ton of brands, but everything changed when Betty introduced me to Green Compass! 

The quality of CBD was unlike anything I had used before. The color alone was shocking! Green Compass CBD was almost clear and the taste was amazing (not earthy). What mattered most was that the CBD worked like nothing before. With Green Compass my anxiety was non existent after taking my CBD. 

4 months later, in December I took a leap and joined Green Compass and it was the best decision I ever made! Now I help others in need of CBD and it’s the most fulfilling side gig. It brings me so much joy and the money is literally changing my family’s future!

If you or a loved one are in pain, have anxiety, battle stress, or want to explore the many benefits of CBD, let’s talk! 

If you’re looking for a way to make extra income, but don’t like the idea of direct sales or MLM, let’s talk! 

Green Compass has changed my life and I’m actively watching it change others’. I’d love to help you too!
I often think about my childhood and life before c I often think about my childhood and life before cell phones. We played outside, watched Disney movies on VHS, and went on lots and lots of walks. I always joke that my parents had no idea where I was, but the truth is, they knew I was safe outside. I’m so thankful for how this past year has brought me back to the simple life. We go on walks almost every day and have spent so much of this winter outdoors. I’m thankful for how this year opened my eyes to the world around me and brought me back to what fills my cup.
A little of this and a little of that! Everything A little of this and a little of that! Everything is better in a bowl right!?! Frozen veggies, grilled chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, feta cheese, and pickled onions.
One thing on my heart this year is to start each w One thing on my heart this year is to start each week with a reading. To take a few moments to sit, to take weight off my shoulders, and to focus on my root, heart, and crown. 

Crown Card (top) represents the part of me that wants to reach beyond myself. It can give you an idea of how to serve others✨The Bridge - “A gesture of acceptance, of saying yes rather than withdrawing, separating, and saying no”. A Bridge can not be forced. It must be made with love to withstand the weather of life. 

Heart Card (middle) represents what is currently residing in my heart and tells of deep longing, calling, or conflict✨The Offering - A call to action. A time for something to be given or given up. “When we offer up something to the greater good, we lighten our load and become more able to serve”.

Root Card (bottom) represents my grounding and current state✨The Hunter - On a precise mission, seeking far and wide for the prize that calls their heart.

Copyright © 2017 · Balancing Today is running the Genesis Framework using the Market theme and is powered by Accelerated WP.