Welcome to 2024 everyone! I hope your winter break is taking off fabulously, and you’re enjoying the time off from school. With it being a new year now, has anyone set any goals for 2024? I know a lot of people do “Dry January” or focus more on living a healthier lifestyle. Regardless of what you chose, here are some ways I thought would be fun to kick off the new year!

1. UNWIND AT THE SPA - Why now relax and start the year off with a wonderful massage or facial? Hand and Stone have locations in Gaithersburg (the Kentlands to be exact), and Olney. Right now, for first time visitors they are offering introductory pricing on a 1hour massage, or 1 hour facial, your choice for $79.95! I had my facial done at the Olney location and it was so relaxing, I practically fell asleep! My husband did the 1-hour massage, and if you need someone to really work the kinks out of your back, ask for Kenneth he said, because his back has never felt better! Here’s a link to their site to book: https://handandstone.com/spa-deals\

2. CHANGE UP YOUR HAIR – Have you ever wanted a drastic change for your hair needs, or wanted to try something new? Well Floyd’s 99 has got you covered! They are a full-service salon, as well as a barbershop, thus they cater to everyone. I personally get my hair colored and styled by Lillian at the Gaithersburg location; she does great work. However, if you need a good fade, or a straight razor shave, go see my girl Thuy there as well. She’ll made you look so sharp! They also have a location on Rockville Pike as well, Dru is a great barber who works at that shop too! You can view pricing information and everyone’s schedule on their website: https://www.floydsbarbershop.com/gaithersburg/

3. JOIN A GYM – If you were thinking of joining a gym, now is the time to do so. A lot of gyms in our area offer specials in January to help jumpstart your fitness goals. Right now, it seems as if Onelife Fitness is offering a discount on their fee to sign up from $199 down to $79! They have multiple locations in our area so why not check them out here: https://join.onelifefitness.com/

4. VISIT A BREWERY – We have so many breweries in our area, to be honest it’s hard to pick just one to talk about. Also, to be quite frank, I’m more of a cider girly myself. But after a few visits and some research, I came across a cidery and a brewery all in one! Two Story Chimney Ciderworks has great cider! I personally love the Bee Sting a honey cider, and I always like to try their seasonal flavors too. But wait there’s more! They also share their space with Silly Yak Beer aka they sell Gluten Free beer they brew themselves. How cool is that for all my gluten intolerant people. I really like that they cater to people’s allergies here, and they always rotate different food trucks too. Did I mention they also have axe throwing? You can find them on the edge of Damascus and Gaithersburg off of Route 108. Here’s all the juicy info for you too: https://twostorychimney.com/ https://sillyyakbeer.com/beer/

Whatever you choose, I wish everyone a safe and fun break! It has been fun writing for this blog this last semester. I can’t wait to start up again soon! But until then, take care everyone. Don’t forget to sign up for the classes too! Any thought on what we should review next? What are some blogs you want to read? Drop your suggestions below in the comments!

Bye for now 🙂