Bean Bar and Leesburg Farmer's Market

I love visiting my family relatives in Virginia because they always make everything fun--they know the cool things to do, the places to visit, and the healthiest food to eat.

One morning we had coffee at Bean Bar, a local cafe downtown with a killer European-themed atmosphere. My cousin Michelle pointed out that Bean Bar uses all-natural ingredients, sells fresh baked goods and offers brunch on the weekends. I ordered the Seven Spice Chai Latte with almond milk and a homemade apricot "pop tart" pastry, a breakfast I would happily enjoy on a regular basis.

Seven Spice Chai Latte and Homemade Apricot "pop tart" pastry

Of course one of the many baked goods Bean Bar had was my beloved macaron... These macarons were bigger than the ones I normally buy, but they were just as good. 

Lemon and Salted Caramel macarons

We went to the farmer's market this morning and it was cool to see the different variety of produce and baked goods from the farmer's market in Newport. Virginia is fortunate to have more accommodating weather that permits more things to grow, like this awesome "Green Zebra" watermelon.

I was happy to find even more macarons at a baker's tent... These tasted really good, too. 

Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Raspberry, Lemon and Pistachio macarons

Leesburg, Day 5: A Visit to Middleburg

Middleburg is usually a twenty minute drive from Leesburg, but traffic extended the length of the trip. 

The orange cones and tractors did not distract from the acres of farm land and horse stables. Older farm houses were close to the main road while the mansions from luxury developments spotted the hills in the distance.

When we finally arrived to Middleburg's downtown, we visited a few shops, including Wylie Wagg, an organic pet boutique. There was a wide range of product for dog lovers--like my family--who are dedicated to giving their dogs a healthy lifestyle, like feeding them minimally processed foods. The employees were easy going and happy to help. 

We grabbed some drinks and snacks for the drive back to Leesburg then grabbed dinner at the development's clubhouse down the street. The clubhouse overlooks the golf course and the Potomac River. I guess the Potomac falls under Maryland's state line, so if you were to jump in the river, you would cross the Virginia border. 

I ordered a Caprese salad, but did not realize it was going to be more of an appetizer than a meal. It was probably better off because there were free miniature Southwestern burritos and tortilla chips at the bar. 

The girls wanted to bake cupcakes one more time, so we made strawberry cupcakes with organic vanilla frosting garnished with fresh strawberries for dessert. 

Coolest store window ever

lou lou  boutiques have cute clothes and accessories at fair prices.  In Middleburg, there were two locations across the street from each other--one was clothing, the other accessories.

Seeing this tavern reminded me a little bit of Oxford.

Caprese Salad

Strawberry Cupcake with Organic Vanilla Frosting garnished with Fresh Strawberries

Leesburg, Day 3: Pinkberry and the Pool

Today was another busy day--more grocery shopping, more eating, and more exercise. 

We went to the pool, which is only a two minute walk from the house. The girls had their Disney Princess floaties and loved swimming in the water. Afterwards, while everyone washed up from the pool, I drank several cups of green tea and read Three Cups of Tea and InStyle magazine. 

The girls are eager to bake cupcakes again, so we will try to bake strawberry cupcakes with vanilla frosting before I leave.

While the girls were getting ready for bed, the rest of us went to Pinkberry for dessert. It is located in the same shopping center as the gym and the grocery store. 

It was a rest day from the gym, but spinning class again bright and early tomorrow morning.

Pool house

Favorite macaroni and cheese brand

Turkey cheeseburger served with grilled peppers and  asparagus covered in homemade breadcrumbs

Pinkberry

A small chocolate frozen yogurt served with yogurt chips, chocolate crunch, and fresh strawberries