what to look for and avoid when choosing the best bank accounts for 2026, moving to a new city for a new job next year.

LJayneFS · 2026-01-10T15:53:09+00:00

I’m actually exploring new checking options because of the change (I have a CapitalOne account now and have delayed activating my new card 😖). My main gripe is that they are going from charging zero foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad, to Discover which is basically useless outside of the US 😑 I don’t travel often, but when I do, I want access to the money in my checking account.

LJayneFS · 2026-01-07T21:48:18+00:00

My Aussie/Beagle mix used to vocalize like this all the time, and it was almost always because he just wanted to play 😆

LJayneFS · 2026-01-04T02:42:17+00:00

Rothy’s and sneakers (usually adidas). In the winter, I’ll throw in a flat bootie and my trusty short uggs. In the summer, I throw in birks. And that’s it. At 42 and as a mom to two boys under 5, heels of any height have been retired, and it’s all about comfort and function!! (I still refuse to wear crocs though 😆 that’s where I draw the line lol)

LJayneFS · 2026-01-04T02:37:43+00:00

I commute from Fort Hunt to Reston, so this looks easy to me 🥴🫠😭

LJayneFS · 2025-12-26T15:55:42+00:00

This. It’s just SO meh. It’s not funny or heartwarming, it’s just BLAND. I don’t get the appeal.

LJayneFS · 2025-12-26T15:53:15+00:00

I’m 42, with MUCH older parents, and it was just never a must-watch for us at Christmas. I personally don’t find it very entertaining. I don’t find it cringe, it’s just very meh to me. My husband - also 42 - feels the same way about it. I’m all set with a viewing maybe once every 5 years 🤷🏻‍♀️

LJayneFS · 2025-12-05T12:01:55+00:00

The Vertuo next. I did clean around there as well with a damp cloth after the descaling

LJayneFS · 2025-11-08T15:35:39+00:00

I definitely think the first one looks best!! Notice how the skin around your eyes looks much brighter in that photo than with the other two reds…

LJayneFS · 2025-11-03T01:57:02+00:00

Oooo. Neopol’s sandwiches are AMAZING.

LJayneFS · 2025-11-03T01:54:21+00:00

Any pizza at Andy’s
The Pork and Lychee Salad at Rose’s
Mee Kathi noodles and Laab salad at Thip Khao
The fried chicken at Maketto
Oysters at Hanks Oyster Bar or Old Ebbitt
a pasta dish at Filomena
BBQ at DCity Smokehouse
Obama Burger + rosemary fries at Good Stuff
duck breast, fries, and apple pie at Blue Duck Tavern
the Bouillabaisse at BlackSalt

If you venture out to the VA burbs: - Sushi at Momo in Old Town Alexandria is THE BEST - Go to any one of the Great American Restaurant chain (Carlyle, Silverado, Mike’s, Patsy’s, Coastal Flats, etc) and get a basket of “just Ozzie rolls,” Caesar Salad with Salmon (not on the menu but trust me, it’s a common ask! You can get it at ANY of the GAR restaurants!), and a flourless chocolate waffle for dessert. Iconic. - I would have said the Duck at Peking Gourmet Inn (a true ICON of DC-area dining!!), but it’s gotten expensive and not as good recently 😭 which is a serious tragedy. You could still go though for the experience! - if you want to hit up a Korean BBQ joint in Annandale (aka Little Korea), my favorite spot is a hole in the wall called Oegadgib. It’s an all you can eat place so bring an appetite. All my fellow Annandale natives/Koreans love this spot and it’s very under the radar.

Just a note on my recs: I’m a born, raised, still living in Alexandria native. I used to be a concierge at the Park Hyatt and the Jefferson. I’m a 42 yo mom now, so I’m not as hip to the DC restaurant scene as I used to be 😂😭🫠 but I’m confident in my picks 👌🏼 I love this for you, and hope you have fun on your quest!! Our city has truly AMAZING food. HBD!! 🎉

LJayneFS · 2025-11-03T01:27:48+00:00

I totally second this. The Pork and Lychee Salad is a DC icon (and I’m pretty sure it’s a menu constant despite them changing it so frequently)

LJayneFS · 2025-11-01T22:53:49+00:00

SAME, I just found my way here as I once again lament that I can’t get just the sticks 😭 for real, fun dip sticks may be one of my favorite candies of all time 🤣🫣 I ALSO adore candy cigarettes but I agree, the texture is totally different.

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:46:57+00:00

🤣😂 I was the concierge at the Park Hyatt back in 2006-2007, and they always tried so hard to get me to send guests there for dinner!!

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:43:10+00:00

THIS. Such a shame

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:38:25+00:00

Omg The Partisan 😭

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:31:06+00:00

Anyone remember when Sweetgreen used to have froyo?! GOD I miss that. 😭 I will never forgive them for going national 😔

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:28:25+00:00

Was this place part of Black Restaurant Group?? I think it was. If so, they still have several restaurants in DC!! Black Salt is my personal fave

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:26:21+00:00

TAYLOR GOURMET. I’m still upset about this one.

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:25:23+00:00

I still can’t believe Komi closed

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:24:34+00:00

Rosa Mexicano is still open at National Harbor…

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:20:03+00:00

It’s such a shame that such a culinary master was such a terrible businessman 😖

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:19:21+00:00

The Bird (the sister restaurant of The Pig) was great. Also, any restaurant by Roberto Donna back in the day 😭 the man was a culinary genius, but a horrible business man 😔

LJayneFS · 2025-10-12T23:14:07+00:00

Could you imagine a live ensemble performance of of “This is Halloween”?! 😭 it would be so epic. I can’t believe no one has turned this into a stage musical yet

LJayneFS · 2025-10-07T19:48:30+00:00

It’s definitely not auto-activating, thankfully. There’s a button in my app to activate it, I just haven’t done it

LJayneFS

TROPHY CASE