Escape the city and explore the world with Hunt DC, DC’s largest Scavenger Hunt!
Returning for its fifth year, Hunt DC is back May 21 at the Waterfront Metro station and bigger than ever. The stakes are HIGHER, the clues are a bit more crazy and fun and the addition of puzzles is the newest TWIST!
Choose from the Arts route, the City route or the Bar route and plot your strategy to win $1,000 in Travel Cash*.
Grab a friend or two, and explore the picturesque scenes of our nation’s capital, all while you answer riddles, solve puzzles and take wacky photos at iconic locations.
After the hunt, hang out and enjoy the night with our outdoor party featuring drinks, live music, games and more!
Visit www.HuntDC.com to get more info and to join today!
Don’t wait too long prices increase May 5. Use Promo Code “HILLNOW” for $5 OFF!
*Prize will be shared by registered Team Members and will be a travel gift certificate.
The preceding post was sponsored by United Social Sports.
Eclectic displays of original art, a vast array of styles and media, and the finest artists in the country will be featured during the 4th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts April 16th and 17th. Produced by Howard Alan Events and hosted by the Clarendon Alliance, this two-day outdoor-juried art show is an ideal opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore the work of many different artists in one setting.
“We are excited to return to Clarendon,” says festival promoter Howard Alan. “The community here is supportive of the arts and truly appreciates and recognizes quality work.”
Bold and vibrant paintings, contemporary and whimsical art, life-size sculptures, photography and jewelry as well as functional art and unique gift items, all with broad appeal, will be on display and for sale. Prices will be set to suit all budgets and range from as little as $25 to $30,000.
“This event is a wonderful celebration of the arts,” affirms Alan. “It is very much like an outdoor art gallery, perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors interested in new quality investments by emerging artists as well as the casual shopper looking for unique gift items. We showcase the nation’s top artists and exceptional local talent with their finest works of art that will appeal to people of all ages as well as collectors with varied interests and budgets.”
The artists are juried by an independent panel of expert judges and hand-selected from hundreds of applicants based on quality and diversity. “Our goal is to provide a unique experience where festival goers can take in the sights, sounds and colors of a first-rate festival with a wide variety of art on display, while interacting with the artists,” assures Alan. “It is a terrific opportunity to explore the works of many different artists and discuss their inspiration and creative process before making an investment.” The exhibitors, present for the duration of the show, will set up their displays along Washington Boulevard.
Howard Alan Events develops and produces some of the nation’s finest juried art shows in more than 40 venues each year, many are ranked among the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. These shows, which attract locals and tourists alike, include the Alexandria King Street Art Festival (Alexandria, VA), the Downtown Aspen Art Festival (Aspen, CO), the Beaver Creek Art Festival (Beaver Creek, CO), and the Las Olas Art Fairs, (Fort Lauderdale, FL).
The 4th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts runs Saturday and Sunday, April 16 – 17, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, admission is free. The art show will take place in Clarendon on North Highland Street. For additional information about this event and other Howard Alan Events shows across the country, visit www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.
The preceding post was written and sponsored by Howard Alan Events.
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
MakeOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
Vida Fitness – A place to work on your body, mind and spirit to achieve a fuller and more balanced life
A Cleaning Service – Quality commercial and residential cleaning at an affordable price since 1985
Spotluck – A mobile app to discover local restaurants and save money
A Cleaning Service
Beatriz Sampaio, Owner
Phone: 703-892-8648
Email: [email protected]
http://www.acleaningserviceinc.com/
Not everyone feels like they’ve been given the chance to live their destiny. But Beatriz Sampaio does.
Sampaio came to the U.S. from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1985 after studying at a university there. After less than a year in the states, she and a friend-turned-business-partner acquired a house-cleaning company based in Arlington. The previous owner was looking to leave the business, and handed over the keys to Sampaio and her partner.
Sampaio had no experience running a business but was eager to take on the challenge. She said she learned by working and watching.
“I was so young then, and so fresh,” Sampaio said. “I had the knack for it. I was born to be an entrepreneur.”
Sampaio’s partner left the business after five years, and since then, Sampaio has been the sole owner of A Cleaning Service, which is a residential and also a commercial cleaning service that serves Arlington and the D.C. area.
One aspect of her company that Sampaio says sets it apart from her competitors is that A Cleaning Service is not a franchise. When customers want to book an cleaning, have a special request or a problem, they can call her directly.
Sampaio says the direct line from clients to her office is something that hasn’t changed in the 30 years she’s been running the business. Clients appreciate her openness and availability in a world in which it’s often difficult to get a real person on the phone, never mind the business owner.
It’s these personal touches that make A Cleaning Service different from regular maid services. Sampaio is also proud of her employees, who have been called dependable, honest and responsive to feedback in online reviews.
The company does have notably consistent employees. Of her 50-person cleaning staff, Sampaio says many of them have been with the company for eight or nine years, and some many more. One woman, Maria, has been with the company the full 30 years Sampaio has owned it.
It’s her creativity as a business owner that Sampaio thinks makes her a good boss. Some of that creativity comes from connection to music. When she was 10, Sapmaio got her first guitar, and immediately fell in love with the sound. She’s particularly fond of classical and jazz music, and still composes and plays guitar today.
Sampaio likes that there’s low turnover in her company because the job gives workers a chance to really learn a how to do their jobs well, clients like getting to know the workers who often work in their homes.
The four-legged family members also appreciate a consistent staff in their homes too, says Sampaio, a long-time animal lover.
Sampaio’s love of animals goes back to her childhood, and it’s something she likes to incorporate into A Cleaning Service’s appointments. When her staff is friendly towards the animals they see every week or month, they also notice if something is wrong, and can tell the homeowners.
The direct line from clients to Sampaio is something that hasn’t changed in the past 30 years, though Sampaio says some things have changed. Like all businesses that have been around that long, she has had to incorporate computer systems and the Internet into her work.
The Internet has worked to A Cleaning Service’s advantage, connecting customers through forums to recommend their services. Angie’s List and Yelp reviews bring attention to Sampaio’s business because of thorough reviews from pleased clients. A Cleaning Service has won Angie’s List Super Service Award three times in the last four years.
“I really love this business, but sometimes it’s challenging,” Sampaio said of trying to keep up with a website and online reviews in addition to social media, especially when business picks up in the busy seasons.
The company’s busiest times, are, as one might expect, in the spring and before holidays and also at the end of the summer when people get back from vacations. But even in those busy weeks, Sampaio and her staff try to promptly respond to requests.
Just like Sampaio came from Brazil to fulfill her dream of being a business owner, the name of her business came from somewhere too.
When Sampaio was given the business, it didn’t have a name yet, but Sampaio was given the chance to give it one. She decided to go for A Cleaning Service because as it started with the letter “A,” it was a name that would appear at the beginning of the phone book.
Plus, she said, it’s simple. And clean.
The preceding was a sponsored feature written by ARLnow.com.
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
MakeOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
Vida Fitness – A place to work on your body, mind and spirit to achieve a fuller and more balanced life
A Cleaning Service – Quality commercial and residential cleaning at an affordable price since 1985
Spotluck – A mobile app to discover local restaurants and save money
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
MakeOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
Vida Fitness – A place to work on your body, mind and spirit to achieve a fuller and more balanced life
A Cleaning Service – Quality commercial and residential cleaning at an affordable price since 1985
Spotluck – A mobile app to discover local restaurants and save money
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
Skin Beauty Bar – A boutique spa offering facials, body massages, waxing and much more. Mention “Hill Now” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to receive spa specials.
Top Shelf Design – Award-winning web development, logo and print design company
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
Skin Beauty Bar – A boutique spa offering facials, body massages, waxing and much more. Mention “Hill Now” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to receive spa specials.
Top Shelf Design – Award-winning web development, logo and print design company
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
Skin Beauty Bar – A boutique spa offering facials, body massages, waxing and much more. Mention “Hill Now” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to receive spa specials.
Top Shelf Design – Award-winning web development, logo and print design company
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
On Fridays, we take a moment to thank the sponsors and advertisers that make Hill Now possible. Thanks!
Lee Murphy, Washington Fine Properties, LLC – Distinctive homes, distinctive style on Capitol Hill and District-wide
Metro Mutts – Insured, professional dog-walking and pet-sitting services. Apply now to be part of the Metro Mutts team
Tom Faison of ReMax Allegiance – Buying or selling a home? Tom Faison specializes in Capitol Hill real estate
Skin Beauty Bar – A boutique spa offering facials, body massages, waxing and much more. Mention “Hill Now” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to receive spa specials.
Top Shelf Design – Award-winning web development, logo and print design company
UberOffices – Office space and affordable coworking
