Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Potomac River is ‘most endangered’ in the nation
Batman’s sweet wheels headed to D.C.
Dumfries woman wins $100,000 while shopping for milk
Virginia lawmakers consider $44 million in budget amendments
Two men charged with rape in Fairfax County incident
Virginia Supreme Court rules in favor of Fauquier County winery
Alexandria tops Amazon best-read cities list
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Michael Rosenberg)
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Current/Elliott Polka Dot Stiletto Crops, were $218, now $99.95 during the Anthropologie Spring Clearance Sale! (Photo: anthropologie.com)
Rainy commutes can really get you down. Wouldn’t you know the retail world has just what ‘s needed to help you re-energize. Deal. After. Deal. It’s as if the stores are all in a race to outdo one another.
A few of the many sensational sales begging for attention today and for a long time coming:
First, four very sweet words: Anthropologie spring clearance sale.
Assuming you’re not caught up on all things Anthro all day, you may also want to explore some shoe sales, and ASOS (for a limited time, score 20 percent off summer styles) and Endless (nab 20 percent off select orders of $100 or more with code “FRIENDS2″ through May 17) are at your beckon call.
Spring beauty on the brain? Bargains abound in this fine category as well. For starters, you can claim a 20-percent discount on Stila cosmetics through the end of May with the code “20OFF.” Bath & Body Works is also offering 20 percent off, plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more, today only with the code “TWENTY50.” And a 15-percent discount is being offered at Skinstore through May 21 with the code “MAY15.”
Of course NoVA’s swimsuit season is just shy of a week away. Time to really whip that bod into shape. And Curves-Falls Church is answering the call. Ladies, if you’re a non-member of Curves score a free 30-day membership by visiting the fitness center this week in celebration of National Women’s Health Week.
And, remember, this weekend brings Boutiques Give Back, the Old Town Boutique District’s annual Charity Day, this Saturday, May 19, when over 30 local charities will be supported through shopping at the OTBD’s amazing boutiques. There are also opportunities to recycle and save. For instance, donate a gently used bra to Bloomers on Saturday and get 20 percent off on a new one, plus a free tank top while supplies last.
Also this weekend, the uber-popular DKNY PR Girl is coming to Bloomingdale’s Tysons Corner Saturday, May 19, from 1-3 p.m. Join DKNY Style Director Anthony Conti as he presents the season’s top trends and DKNY PR Girl’s favorite pieces from the collection. Shop the collection, and receive an exclusive DKNY PR Girl tote bag with your purchase of $300 or more; spend $500 or more, receive a Bauble Bar bracelet. Plus, score a special gift just for letting Bloomie’s know to expect you. See a sales associate, or call 703-556-4716 to RSVP.
Happy shopping — and saving!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Sally Traynham / Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
Mike Flippo/Shutterstock
McLean area senior high schools students reveal a high underage alcohol consumption rate. [McLeanPatch]
A health-forward Protein Bar is slated to open in Ballston this summer. [ARLnow]
Food icon, Mario Batali throws down and takes part in the Food Stamp Challenge, making major changes for him on his farmily this week on a $31 per person (for the week) budget. [WaPo]
Harris Teeter on S. Glebe Road remains closed indefinitely after a raw sewage backup. [DelRayPatch]
Domino’s takes pride as the first nationwide pizza chain to offer gluten-free crust. However the crust is only suitable for those with “mild gluten sensitivity, calling questions of cross-contamination to the table. [CNN]
7-Eleven launches Slurpee Lite, a low-cal alternative. [DCist]
The Montana State Society’s 8th Annual Testicle Festival (also known as Legends of the Ball) will be pushing the limits of food lovers with exotic fare this Saturday in Arlington. [ARLnow]
The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation launches the first Food Revolution Day this Saturday, May 19 across the nation. [The Wall Street Journal]
Crystal City welcomed Good Stuff Eatery last week. [NVM]
[tips for the food desk]
Lick Your Screen: Put A Fry On It Edition
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Monday, May 14th, 2012
Photo by Stefanie Gans
Plaka Gyro, a pork and French fry sandwich | Plaka Grill | Vienna
[Do you have a lick-worthy photo? Send it in: food desk]
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Monday, May 14th, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Leesburg mother and son reunited on Mother’s Day after 41 years apart
Michelle Obama praises Virginia Tech’s resilience
Alexandria Council approves redevelopment plan
Romney speaks at Liberty U. Commencement
Falls Church congregation vacating historic property
DMV urges drivers to avoid unlucky 13
Virginia ignores marijuana reform proposals
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/re_bekka)
Style Sense with Kate Michael: A True Model Citizen
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, May 14th, 2012
A woman of many hats—one of which, technically a crown—Kate Michael is a regular entrepreneurial, politically-inclined beauty queen. Working as a research assistant for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in Georgia, Michael moved to DC for a job on Capitol Hill. As one motivation led her to the next, Michael’s career expanded. Originally a website intended to document her journey as Miss District of Columbia, Michael explains how she came to develop K Street Kate—an online magazine that features all notable happenings in DC.
Michael competed in the 2007 Miss America pageant as an advocate for the importance of literacy—in every sense of the word. (Photo courtesy: Tim Coburn)
Q: When and why did you move to DC?
A: I came to DC in 2004 to work on Capitol Hill.
Q: You were awarded Miss District of Columbia in 2006. What motivated you to compete?
A: As a Hill staffer, I was surrounded by very impressive people with passionate ideas—and most of them had graduate degrees. I thought that I should pursue one as well, to stay competitive. But financing higher education is expensive! The Miss America Scholarship Program helped me to learn more about myself, serve my city and pay for some of those grad school loans! And to be honest, one of the best things that came out of the entire experience was the opportunity to learn more about DC as a place to live, not just work—and certainly not just politics.
Q: What prompted you to develop your own online magazine? What topics does it focus on and what clientele does it cater to?
A: At first, the site was a place for me to share my journey as Miss District of Columbia, an online diary of the year so to speak, featuring society parties, local openings and other news of interest. But at that time, there was a lack of lifestyle news availability specific to DC. So while I considered a halt to posting, the audience I had attracted was begging me to continue! In the almost six years since we’ve been publishing online, we’ve honed our hyperlocal content to include everything you’d expect from a lifestyle (aka “glossy”) magazine—food, fashion, events, local notables. We’re truly Livin’ La Vida Local!
Q: Is fashion a big component in your life?
A: Fashion is huge in my life, [exclaims Michael, with added emphasis on ‘huge’] particularly because in addition to running K Street Kate I am a fashion (runway) model.
Q: When did you develop your interest in fashion?
A: Working with some of the top names in fashion for the last 6 years or so, I’ve really learned about the industry—and not just the beautiful clothes but also the business behind the brands. I’d say I always loved shopping and showing my personal style, but it was this up close and personal contact that gave me a love for labels.
Q: Who are some of you favorite fashion icons—dead or alive?
A: No surprise, my ultimate icon is Audrey Hepburn, in fashion and life. I’m in awe of her style, her career, and her philanthropic pursuits throughout life. Currently, I like to follow the wardrobe choices of Blake Lively, Rose Byrne and oh so many others. My fashion favorites change all the time—kind of like my own personal style. My “signature” is to change it up!
Q: What are some of your favorite clothing stores in the Washington DC metro area?
A: There are so many! I find great dresses for events and appearances at Saks, Cusp, Intermix, Urban Chic, Wink and so many other boutiques. And a lot of incredibly talented local designers offer to create custom pieces for me as well. K Street Kate also has partnered with Style Owner to curate our own online store of our favorite fashions called DC Style File which I shop from all the time!
Georgia native assimilates to the district like a pro. (Photo courtesy: Joe Reblando)
Q: You’ve competed and won in pageants, appeared on the pages of Elle magazine and been awarded Verizon 2006-2007 Pollin Award for your service and dedication to the Washington DC community. What causes and interests motivate your community work?
A: While I am happy to devote a lot of time, attention and energy to a variety of worthy causes, I think each of us have to look into our souls to find that one—ok, maybe two—causes that really speak to us. I chose literacy, including reading skills of course, but also financial literacy, technical literacy and cultural literacy. I think these are essential tools to be the best you can be, as well as an integral member of society. Literacy was my platform at Miss America and I continue to work with organizations like the Junior League of Washington, the Heart of America Foundation, First Book, Reading is Fundamantal, the Washington Literacy Council and others that have literacy as their core mission.
Lately, I’ve also been very active in breast cancer funding and research. Many of my young friends have been diagnosed—or perished—from this illness which touches too many.
Q: What is your next step? Where do you want to be in 10 years? Do you see yourself staying in DC?
A: The world changes so quickly, it’s impossible to plan. In 10 years, five years, even two years from now I hope I’m still working to better this city that I love so much. I was/am Miss District of Columbia—how could I ever dream to leave?
It seems that for Kate Michael, as long as she can dream it, she can do it.
-Hilary Adleberg
Justin Timberlake’s Newest Designing Gig Making Homes Gorgeous
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 14th, 2012
Justin Timberlake helped make the boy band *NSYNC beyond famous, brought sexy back all on his own, co-founded what has become a renowned denim and lifestyle apparel brand in William Rast and has starred in some of the funniest skits to ever be performed on SNL.
Wishing you could emulate just a bit of the multitalented star’s iconic style? Now you can bring a little Timberlake into your abode. The star has teamed up with esteemed Hollywood stylist/interior designer Estee Stanley in designing and curating the luxury home collection HOMEMINT.
(Timberlake and Stanley welcome shoppers to HOMEMINT. Video: YouTube)
The really cool thing about the HOMEMINT website is that it offers a free, quick style quiz that helps narrow down the amazing items to those that you should be most interested in — gotta love filtering — with new selections highlighted monthly. The site also offers memberships for $9.99 a month, the benefits of said membership being early access to new designs, discounted pricing. But you don’t have to be a member to buy from the collection.
No surprise to me, my top match after taking the quiz was a pillow, and I do love it. Another hand-picked pick I prefer is the Moroccan basket.
And you thought Pinterest was addictive?!
Happy shopping! Bag up some beauties!
–Natalie Kaar
Our Favorite TV and Movie Moms
Posted by Matt Basheda / Sunday, May 13th, 2012
Mother’s Day should of course celebrate our own mothers and moms we know. But there’s no denying the impact of imaginary moms from our favorite shows and movies.
So to accompany this important celebration, here are some of the most memorable on-screen moms.
Who can forget Marty McFly’s mom, Lorraine? Hilarity and Oedipal references flew across the screen in “Back to the Future.” Here she is, as played by Lea Thompson, in one of “Back to the Future’s” pivotal scenes.
Nothing tops sheer parental hilarity like the parents of Seinfeld–Frank and Estelle Costanza, Morty and Helen Seinfeld, and even Susan’s parents. Each offers pure neurotic bliss. Sure, you might not want them in your house, or anywhere near you, but they spread plenty of joy nonetheless.
Sometimes on-screen moms inspire us. And perhaps a mom with superpowers, a la Helen/Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” is not so far-fetched compared to your own superhero mom.
Elastigirl’s tough, but no mom–besides your own of course–is tougher than Sarah Connor. Battling indestructible robots is pretty insane. And even though Linda Hamilton created the role, Lena Headey stepped up to the plate and delivered a home run in “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”
These are just my favorite. But feel free to point out my glaring omissions!
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, May 11th, 2012
By Lynn Norusis
Inspiration comes in many forms: a magazine spread, a scene on the screen or a blog. We’re inspired on a daily basis by those who make interior design a lifestyle, and a hobby. Here are just a few of those who are inspiring us through their home and design work.
Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home
Pure Style Home
Lauren Liess at Pure Style Home brings followers on a journey of work for her clients and her own home. With a casual tone, Liess lets us know it is OK to decorate, then redecorate, then redecorate again, changing the interiors of our own home as often as our tastes and the trends change.
Not only does she give a rundown of the things that inspire her, but she also keeps us up to date on the happenings in her own life, making her feel more like a friend that just someone dishing design advice.
Her palate trends along the lines of traditional with a twist—her open-shelved kitchen with chalkboard-painted fridge was the lynchpin in our devoted following—and the casual breeze that her designs show make us want to vacation in any of her designs.
Chalkboard-Painted Fridge (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)
Lauren's Home (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)
Family Room (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)
Office (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)
Jennifer Wagner Schmidt of JWS Interiors
JWS Interiors
Jennifer Wagner Schmidt started her blog, JWS Interiors, in October 2011, and has consistently been inspiring homeowners with bold designs that can be incorporated into any design, and she does it in an affordable way.
Her showcase of client projects and celebrity abode peeks, give followers a sense that any whim can become a well-thought out design. Her latest post that had us making a renovate list was her musings on outdoor inspirations. The variety of bohemian backyard paradise to urban-cool hangout, with southern garden gathering in between is giving us some weekend projects to seriously think about.
Katie's Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)
Kitchen Design (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)
Rossiter Brigter Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)
Stephanie's Living Room (Photo Courtesy of JWS Interiors)
Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs
Lauren Nicole Designs
“I Listen and Beautiful Happens” is Lauren Clement’s mantra, and boy does she deliver, not only in her one-on-one work with her clients but also through her blog.
What draws us to this site is Clement’s project snapshots—not only of her clients’ homes but her home as well—that show a space that is already set in stone and the ingenious ways of taking it to another level. Simple fixes include dramatically changing the feel of a vanilla hallway into a room of its own, and transforming a backyard full of green into a relaxing retreat.
Another plus, Clement takes readers through the steps not only of the designs, but the relationships that are part of the renovations as well—who hasn’t wanted to take over a husband’s “space” and make it their own?
Dining Room (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)
Living Room (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)
Office (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)
Patio (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Nicole Designs)
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, May 11th, 2012
By Lynn Norusis
Go vertical with your plants in any space you’d like, with any theme you desire.
c.byatt-norman/Shutterstock.com
What you’ll need:
Ladder
Paint (metal or wood specific depending on type of ladder)
Paint brush
Tarp
Chosen planters
Potting soil
Drill or hole puncher
Seeds
What to do:
Decide on the vibe you want to focus on, and choose a paint color that will really pop.
Paint the ladder your desired color (make sure to use appropriate paint for the material of the ladder.)
After choosing the containers for your plants (could be theme-focused: watering cans, vintage tin cans, colorful beach buckets or simple pots), poke or drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
Plant seeds, with potting soil, into containers.
Place ladder in appropriate sunlit/sun-shaded place (per needs of specific plants).
Sit back and watch your artwork grow to life.