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Urban Heights

Out-of-the-box holiday gift guide — with special deals and discounts

December 3, 2015 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

 

 

 

Holiday gifts, deals and discounts

Blue present boxWelcome to our special advertorial holiday gift issue, where you’ll find our picks for some of the best gifts from local businesses, working artists and other stuff we love. We also have great deals and discounts to make the most of your holiday budget. Feel free to forward to friends and family who can use the discounts… or the hints.

 

 

 


 

Pirasta NYC coloring book

 

Giant coloring gifts at Leila

Coloring books for adults and families are a big trend this year — and it doesn’t get any bigger than these giant coloring posters from Pirasta, $40 including a box of markers at Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels. Leila also sells Posh coloring books by Sterling Publishers ($13) with markers or colored pencils for a few dollars more. “Coloring is better than therapy,” says store owner Deb Shalom. “Just light a fire, put on some good music, get some hot chocolate or a glass of wine, and enjoy! The books are great on a winter weekend afternoon, or spread one of the posters out on the floor and let everyone go at it after a holiday dinner.” Not into coloring? Leila has plenty of other gifts for everyone on your list — including jewelry, Judaica and beautiful housewares. Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels, next to Dunkin’ Donuts at Cabin John Shopping Center, 7737 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac. Call (301) 299-5675 or click here for more.

 


 

River Falls Tavern corn dish

 

 A premium restaurant gift card

Everyone loves to receive dinner at a fabulous restaurant. Here’s one gift card that offers nearly a dozen places to choose from. RW Restaurant Group, headed by chef Robert Wiedmaier, sells flexible gift cards that work for almost all of the company’s restaurants: Marcel’s and Brasserie Beck in D.C.; River Falls Tavern in Potomac Village; Boulevard Tavern in The Kentlands; Wildwood Kitchen, Urban Heights and Villain & Saint in Bethesda; and three locations for Mussel Bar & Grill. Pick up a certificate at a restaurant near you — or click here to order online — and let your recipient do the choosing.

 


 

Ibhana paisley scarves wide shot

 

Gorgeous silk scarves from Ibhana Boutique

For a woman looking to dress up a work wardrobe or add some flair to a simple black top, you can’t go wrong with these paisley silk scarves from Ibhana Boutique. Made in India and measuring a generous 66 inches in length, they’re available in a rainbow of colors: red, turquoise, purple, pink, beige and grey. The scarves normally sell for $35, but Store Reporter readers pay just $25 while supplies last. Ibhana, which opened last August, specializes in wrinkle-free, washable and travel-friendly clothing and accessories from designers like Damee, Fridaze, Joanel, Joseph Ribkoff, Lior and Lipault. Ibhana Boutique, Potomac Woods Plaza, 1079 Seven Locks Road. For more information, call (301) 424-0906 or click here.

 


 

On Cloud 9 emoji pillows

 

Express your emojis at On Cloud 9

Emoji pillows are a must-have for many girls and teens this season — and the ones at On Cloud 9 are soft enough for sleeping as well as room decor. (Hint: They also do double duty as both a holiday gift and pillow for visiting friends and cousins.) The store has a variety of emoji pillows, including holiday themes and light-up styles, with prices starting at $20. Shop On Cloud 9 for these and other stylish gifts for babies, girls, teens and women. On Cloud 9, Potomac Woods Plaza, 1085 Seven Locks Road. For more information, call (301) 251-1331 or click here.

 


 

The Bottle Shop with wine bottle 300

 

Holiday deals at The Bottle Shop

The Bottle Shop at Potomac Woods Plaza can help you find the right libation for every occasion. The store carries wine, craft beer, olive oil and chocolates, with an expert staff that can guide you toward premium selections or great deals like this $17 bottle of Carignan. On Saturday, Dec. 12 from 2-5 p.m., The Bottle Shop will host a special year-end tasting event with door prizes plus wine and beer reps pouring premium selections for the holidays. There’s no obligation to make a purchase — but if you do, everything will be 15% off. The Bottle Shop at Potomac Woods Plaza, 250 Fortune Terrace, Suite 102 in Rockville. For more information, call (301) 738-WINE (9463).

 


 

Fitness Together Female Trainer-3

 

Three personal training sessions for $99

After weeks of holiday parties — and the extra pounds that come with them — couldn’t we all use a little help getting back on track? Fitness Together offers an introductory package of three personal training sessions for just $99. Clients receive metabolic testing, nutrition and weight loss coaching, heart rate zone training and more in the company’s private studios. “We see a lot of people who spend an hour and a half at the gym and they don’t get results,” says co-owner Rick Coe, who runs Fitness Together with wife Robin. “When you have a coach and accountability mechanisms, you’re going to change that dynamic.” Fitness Together, 6708 Wisconsin Avenue above Staples in Bethesda, or 12189 Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg’s Shops of Potomac Valley. For more information, call (301) 219-0094 or click here.

 


 

Dormify whites

 

Fabulous teen decor at Dormify

The teen retailer Dormify has offices in New York, but its roots are in Potomac: It was founded in 2011 when Churchill mom Karen Zuckerman was struck by the lack of stylish options for decorating her daughter’s dorm room. Four years later, Zuckerman and daughter Amanda have turned Dormify into a nationally known website for trendy decor that appeals to teens of all ages. We tested a few of this seasons’s selections and picked some that would work for almost any girl: the cuddly Essentials Throw Blanket and Faux Mongolian Pillow ($49 and $36); the initial-shaped marquee lights ($30); and various accessories with our new favorite slogan: “Namast’ay in bed.” Another popular item this year is the inflatable travel HoodiePillow seen on Shark Tank. Dormify’s holiday sale is going on now, with some items as much as 70 percent off. To shop the site, click here.

 


 

Valerie Nahmani triple ring

 

Something sparkly from Valerie Nahmani Designs

Druzy jewelry is on the wish list for many women this year, and Bethesda-based Valerie Nahmani Designs has some gorgeous examples to choose from. The designer, a Potomac native, says her typical customer is a busy mom who wants pieces that are equally at home on the beach or at a cocktail party. Necklaces, rings and bracelets range from $95 to the mid-$300s, featuring semi-precious stones in 24-karat gold-plated settings. See the pieces in person at the Landon Greens Sale this weekend (Dec. 3-5) or at Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase every weekend starting Dec. 11. Through Dec. 24, Store Reporter readers get 15% OFF any order from Valerie Nahmani Designs. To start shopping, click here.\

 


 

Michael Mullan New York print 300

 

Your favorite city in a frame

Is there someone on your gift list who adores New York or San Francisco? Perhaps a Northwestern grad who love Chicago, or a Tulanian with a soft spot for New Orleans? Vermont-based artist Michael Mullan lends his fun, quirky, mid-century sensibility to colorful illustrations of these cities and more, including Seattle, Los Angeles, London and Paris. Mullan also has prints that celebrate beer, cocktails, camping, the Beatles, vintage jazz and other favorite subjects. Most can be purchased in the form of greeting cards, art prints or cheery canvases that will add a pop of color to any wall. Through Dec. 24, Store Reporter readers can get 25% off anything from Mullan’s site (www.groovy-gravy.com) with the promo code GOODGRAVY. To shop now, click here.

 


 

Christmas with the Mousekins 300

 

An original sketch for your little Mousekin

Maggie Smith, a popular children’s book author and illustrator, has an especially delightful holiday book called Christmas with the Mousekins. If you order directly from Smith’s Etsy shop, she’ll include a personalized inscription (“A Merry Mousekin Christmas to the Perry Family!”) plus some hand-drawn mice and snowflakes for decoration. The book is perfect for snuggling on a winter night with poems and stories about picking out the perfect tree, baking cookies for friends and neighbors, welcoming Nana Mousekin and more. And it’s filled with interactive touches that encourage readers to follow the Mousekins’ lead: recipes for baking gingerbread mice, instructions for cutting out paper snowflakes, and other projects that grow increasingly complex as the kids get older. $25 including shipping and personalization; for details, click here.

 


 

My Gym girl 300

 

A month to play at My Gym

A month of classes at My Gym makes a great gift for parents of little ones or a thoughtful gift from a grandparent. There are Tiny Tykes classes for babies and Waddlers for toddlers, all the way up to Cardio Kids for the “older crowd” of 7-to-10-year-olds. Through Dec. 24, Store Reporter readers can get a month-long My Gym special for $99 including four classes, unlimited free play sessions, lifetime membership and a “swag bag.” Classes must begin by March 31st at My Gym Potomac (Cabin John Mall at 11325 Seven Locks Road) or My Gym Bethesda (5110 Ridgefield Road). For My Gym Potomac, call (301) 983-5300 or click here. For My Gym Bethesda, call (301) 652-2820 or click here.

 


 

Container Store beverage bottles 300

 

The Container Store — when you need a gift quick

If you’re really in a jam for last-minute gifts, The Container Store on Rockville Pike is always good for stocking stuffers that work for just about anyone. We tested some selections from this year’s batch, and it just so happens that two of our favorites have to do with beverages. The Portable Wine Glass ($11.99) features an incredibly clever design that stores the stem in the bowl for easy travel, then assembles instantly via built-in magnets. And the S’well Water Bottle ($34.99) is prettier than most, with a leak-proof top and a promise to keep your liquid hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. (The wine glass goes in the dishwasher but the water bottle, alas, does not.) Shop these and other stocking stuffers at The Container Store in Congressional Plaza, 1601 Rockville Pike, or shop online by clicking here.

 


 

Filed Under: Current Issue Tagged With: Boulevard Tavern, Brasserie Beck, Cabin John Shopping Center, Christmas with the Mousekins, Deb Shalom, Dormify, Fitness Together Bethesda, Fitness Together Gaithersburg, Fitness Together Potomac, Groovy Gravy, Ibhana Boutique, Karen Zuckerman, Leila Fine Gifts & Jewels, Leila Jewels, Maggie Smith, Marcel's, Michael Mullan, Michael Mullan Illustration, Mussel Bar & Grill, My Gym Bethesda, My Gym Potomac, On Cloud 9, Pirasta coloring books, Portable Wine Glassd, Posh coloring books, Potomac Woods Plaza, River Falls Tavern, Robert Wiedmaier, RW Restaurant Group, S'well Water Bottle, The Bottle Shop, The Container Store Congressional Plaza, The Container Store Rockville, Urban Heights, Valerie Nahmani Designs, Villain & Saint, Wildwood Kitchen

New food, new looks at the mall — plus a grand opening, a contest winner and corned beef on wheels

September 17, 2015 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

 

 

 

Yum CrepesThis fall at the mall: five new eateries to try

The lively dining scene at Westfield Montgomery Mall continues to expand this fall, with two new eateries already open and three more on the way. Jamaican Mi Crazy, a food truck-turned-restaurant, is serving up jerk chicken, curry goat and fried plantains next to Naples Ristorante in the Dining Terrace. Just around the corner, Yum Crepes offers sweet and savory options near the ArcLight Cinema escalator. Shanghai 66 Innovation Kitchen, from the owners of the Bob’s Chinese restaurants in Rockville, will open in the next few weeks next to Chloe’s Deli. November will bring B Bop Q, a Korean fusion restaurant moving into the former Laila Rowe store next to Macy’s Home. Opening around the holidays: a new branch of Tara Thai, breathing new life into the long-empty Legal Sea Foods space.

 


 

J. CrewNew moves, new looks: J. Crew, J. Jill, Journeys and more

There was a bit of reshuffling at Westfield Montgomery Mall this summer, as several retailers moved to new locations while others freshened up their storefronts. J. Crew closed down in June for a months-long renovation, reopening last month with a polished new look for the increasingly upscale Nordstrom wing. J. Jill moved into the space next to Lilly Pulitzer, where it’s better positioned to capture traffic from the nearby Macy’s store. Bose built a posh new storefront in the Sears wing, where customers now linger in the patio-style seating next to Peet’s Coffee. The Specs sunglass store and the Avalon nail salon also are sporting new looks, as will the teen store Journeys at its new home in the Old Navy wing. The empty Caché store near the mall’s center is occupied for now by Storm J, a pop-up store selling soccer apparel. There’s lots more to tell about what’s happening at the mall this season; next week we’ll have details on who’s about to move in.

 


Joseph Ribkoff dress

 

Join the party at Ibhana — with a 15% discount

If you’re a fan of Joseph Ribkoff dresses, Damee jackets and Lior tunics, you’ll want to check out the new Ibhana boutique at Potomac Woods Plaza off Montrose and Seven Locks Road. The store also carries a lovely selection of Joanel handbags and Lipault luggage, plus scarves, belts and jewelry from Canada, India, England, Italy and France. Store Reporter readers are invited to Ibhana’s grand opening party this Friday (Sept. 18) from 6-8 p.m. With the coupon below, take 15% off your purchase on Friday or any day through the end of September. Planning to attend the grand opening? RSVP by phone (301-424-0906) or by email (click here).

Sponsored Content

 

 


 

Corned Beef King food truck

 

Another move for the Corned Beef King

The Corned Beef King food truck has a new home in Potomac: the parking lot of Potomac Petals and Plants, the nursery that replaced Behnke at 9545 River Road. Truck owner Jon Rossler says he gave up his previous spot at a Falls Road swim club after too many altercations with an unhappy neighbor. At the nursery, he’s serving up a varied menu with matzoh ball soup, knishes and lobster rolls. But in Potomac, he says, most customers are looking for the basics: “plain corned beef on rye with mustard” is far and away the best-sell

 

 

 


 

Sandy NesbitWho won our Urban Heights gift card?

Congratulations to Store Reporter reader Sandy Nolan Nesbit, who won our gift card to Urban Heights on Norfolk Avenue in downtown Bethesda. She’ll get to sample the fresh Tuna Bar and the Asian-influenced menu from new executive chef Cliff Wharton. We have more great giveaways in the works; keep reading Store Reporter for your chance to win.

Sponsored Content

 


 

Filed Under: Current Issue Tagged With: ArcLight CInema, Avalon Westfield Montgomery Mall, B Bop Q, Bob's Noodle, Bose Westfield Montgomery Mall, Caché Westfield Montgomery Mall, Corned Beef King, Corned Beef King Potomac, Ibhana, J. Crew Westfield Montgomery Mall, J. Jill Westfield Montgomery Mall, Jamaican Mi Crazy, Journeys Westfield Montgomery Mall, Laila Rowe Westfield Montgomery Mall, Legal Sea Foods Westfield Montgomery Mall, Lilly Pulitzer Westfield Montgomery Mall, Macy's Home Store Westfield Montgomery Mall, Peet's Coffee & Tea Westfield Montgomery Mall, Potomac Woods Plaza, Sandy Nolan Nesbit, Shanghai 66, Specs Westfield Montgomery Mall, Storm J, Storm J Westfield Montgomery Mall, Tara Thai, Tara Thai Westfield Montgomery Mall, Urban Heights, Westfield Montgomery Mall, Yum Crepes

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Recent Issues

  • Two openings at Cabin John, construction near Life Time, designer shoe store closes
  • New golf store, new booze store, new fitness options for Potomac & Rockville
  • Rockville movie theater reaches “The End,” Party City goes bankrupt
  • Macy’s closing sale, new Potomac pet shop and a sushi sneak peek
  • Amazon grocery stalls, Bed Bath & Beyond at a breaking point, home-baked desserts & new teen store at the mall
  • Year-end wrap-up: The biggest openings & closings in Rockville, Potomac & North Bethesda
  • Last-minute shopping for kids & “kidults,” new teen store on the way
  • New sushi & Chinese BBQ, new place to chill at Wintergreen Plaza
  • New Potomac salon, Pike & Rose restaurant & Squishables
  • Cabin John sushi, new owners for Amalfi, Popeyes goes dark
  • Holiday deals, unhappy returns and kosher bowls at Cabin John
  • New Indian & Italian food for Rockville Pike, holiday pop-up bar at the mall
  • Dick’s on the Pike, Red Orchard expands, Slapfish is fried
  • Middle Eastern & Greek food, collectible sneakers, latest on Pike & Rose
  • Hello Thai food, goodbye Vera Bradley, new jewels for the mall
  • Hello Toys R Us, goodbye Sport & Health — plus a store that will knock your socks off
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  • Latest on Wegmans, Rockville shopping center auctioned — plus Psycho Bunny & more at the mall
  • Rockville rundown: Town Square is sold, Dick’s on the way, bye bye Bambū
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  • Nordstrom Rack, Cabin John Village, designer watches & more
  • New hope for Bed Bath & Beyond — plus halal platters & southern soul food
  • New drinks for Rockville Pike, new scoops for Cabin John & the first sign of Halloween
  • New sushi scene in Potomac Village, last call for Rockville sports bar
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  • Wegmans update, new development on Rockville Pike, HomeSense sets a date
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  • French bakery opens, farmers market on the way to Cabin John Village — plus J. Crew debuts on Rockville Pike
  • Last days for Lahinch — plus new restaurants & new boutiques at the mall
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Who's the Store Reporter?

Cheryl Kane Heimlich has been a staff writer, columnist, editor and contributor to a dozen publications including the South Florida Business Journal, Bethesda Magazine, Miami Today, Miami Metro, Vista Magazine, St. Louis Magazine, the Boca Raton Observer, Washington Jewish Week and Variety. She has won numerous awards for her magazine profiles, parenting columns and business news coverage.

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