We went to the Ringling Brother’s Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Verizon Center on Sunday. I got a few pictures, unfortunately I didn’t get pictures of everyone who was there. If you have any nice ones to share, please send them to me.
Monthly Archives: March 2011
Travel Outside of the U.S.
If you are planning to travel outside the U.S. during your first year, your DS 2019 will need a travel validation signature. See “Travel Links for Au Pairs” on the side of this page for link to the Travel Validation Request Form. At least 3 weeks before you travel, you should print this form and send it along with your original DS-2019 form and a self-addressed stamped envelope (so your signed DS 2019 may be returned to you) to the following address.
Au Pair in America
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902
Attn.: Evelyn Blum
You will also need to check whether you need a visa to enter the country you intend to visit. I have a link for Visiting Canada. Other countries requirements can be found by doing a Google search such as “visitor requirement Mexico.” Obtaining a tourist visa is solely the responsibility of the au pair.
Extension Au Pairs: In your extension year, travel outside the U.S. is restricted. Please contact me before making any plans to travel outside the U.S. in your extension year.
Have a great trip!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – St. Patrick is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in the US since 1737. Traditional icons of the day are the shamrock, leprechaun, the color green and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In Chicago, the city celebrates with a parade and the Chicago River is dyed green!
Here is a St. Patrick’s Day Event in our area:
Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sun, March 13
Photo by Uwe Hermann
Navy International Ball
Click here to purchase your Navy Ball tickets
It’s time to purchase your tickets to attend the highly anticipated 45th International Ball at the US Naval Academy!
Date: April 16, 2011
Location: United States Naval Academy
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $10 per ticket, plus $1.50 service charge*
Dress: Cocktail Dress, Formal (check out Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for discount dresses and shoes)
*Tip – If you are going to the ball with friends, purchase your tickets together to save money on the processing fee by buying all the tickets in one transaction.
1/2 Price Deals for Washington, DC Area & Beyond
There are so many great events and things to see and do in the DC Metro area. You can spend a lot of money experiencing it, unless you look for deals. I have three websites that I am subscribed to that send local offers (for the areas of your choice) on a regular basis.
How does it work? All three of these websites allow you to register for free to receive emails with offers in the area(s) of your choice. Groupon and Living Social are daily and Goldstar has a variety of options. I am subscribed for a weekly Goldstar email. If you see an offer you like in the email, you go to their website and buy it. Read the restrictions carefully to make sure of important details such as: at which locations can it be used, the expiration date and special restrictions.
I am signed up for Washington, DC and Baltimore area deals on all of these sites. If I am planning a trip to an area in the future, I sign up for that area as well to look for deals on things I can do on my trip.
Groupon – Click HERE to register.
My fave deals – I bought a Segway Tour of Annapolis for $25 (regular price $50.) I am planning to use this in the spring. I have gotten lots of other deals for things like salon services, Redbox rentals, places to take the kids and restaurants.
Living Social – Click HERE to register.
My fave deals – I bought a $20 Amazon gift card for $10. I just got a great deal on movie tickets.
Goldstar – Click HERE to register.
My fave deal – On Goldstar, they have tickets for the Twilight Convention coming to VA in April for $10 (regular price $20) that are tempting me. They have tickets to all kinds of events, including: theater, kid’s events, sports and more.
Happy International Women's Day
Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organizations, governments and women’s groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
The United Nations theme for Women’s Day 2011 is:
Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women
To find out more visit: http://www.internationalwomensday.com
List of Washington, DC Area Attractions
The National Park Service has compiled a helpful list of the major DC attractions such as museums and monuments and government buildings that offer tours. It includes: days and hours they are open, phone numbers and whether there are fees.
5 Ways to Improve Your English and Enrich Your Cultural Experience
- Make friends with au pairs from other countries. You will be forced to speak English together and you will have the side benefit of learning about their cultures. We even have a few native English-speaking au pairs in our cluster. In addition to being really cool ladies, speaking with them would be a great way to improve your English!
- Check out the International Club of DC for great activities and opportunities to interact.
- Check out Meet Up to find activity groups for any interest. There are groups getting together for sports, book clubs and even ones to improve their English.
- Look for activities and classes through the local Parks & Recreation Departments. These will not count toward your education requirement, but they are a great way to try something new and meet people.
- Look for clubs and activities through your community college.
UCLA Au Pair in America Advantage Course
Time is running out to register for the Spring Session of the APIA Advantage Course through UCLA. The class begins is March 28.
This class is a great option for:
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Serious students who want to master a university level class and earn credits from a major US university.
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Those who are curious about the events that have shaped culture and history, and who would like a taste of the part women have played in US history.
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Those who want to get involved and be a part of the community where they live.
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Self-starters who will make the most of a more flexible, independent style of learning.
Looking for ways to satisfy your education requirement? Have you thought about the APIA Advantage program? By taking this course, you can complete your education for just $500 (or half of the requirement for EduCare) and learn so much about America and the community where you live. The next session will run from March 28 until August 1, 2011. There’s still time to enroll. Register at www.uclaextension.edu/aupairs
Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday with Reading
On this day in 1904, Dr. Seuss was born. Today is a great day to share a favorite Dr. Seuss book with a child or let them share their favorite Dr. Seuss book with you.
Celebrate his birthday with reading and fun activities.
Check out the Seussville website for an endless selection of:
- online activities
- print and play games & activities
- list of events in your area
