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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
I doughnut want to hear about your New Year’s diet
We’re six days into the new year and I know for many people that means they’re either sticking true to their “eat healthier” New Year’s resolution, or have already thrown in the towel on the not-so-achievable goal of cutting out sweets. And as for me? I’ve never made that a New Year’s resolution, and don’t see myself doing so in the near future. I just love carbs too much. Speaking of, this weekend I’ll be headed to The Winery at Bull Run for a doughnut and wine pairing event (nope, not participating in Dryanuary either!), featuring a tasting of the winery’s peach sparkling wine, followed by three pairings of wines with Duck Donut holes and a sweet ending with a dessert-style wine. And, really, diet or not, who can say no to doughnuts and drinks on a leisurely weekend? -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville; Times vary Saturday and Sunday; $25
Time to get practical, yet still have fun
This past Christmas, my parents wanted to give me presents that reflected my current state of being. My dad—who has a better sense of fashion than anyone I know—gifted me a few clothing items that add overall sophistication to my wardrobe, as he claims that since I am now in the working world, this is necessary. And my mom—who knows I’m one to play it safe—gave me items that challenge my day-to-day routine, including a generous gift card to Ballston’s Cookology. While I keep saying I want to get better at cooking, she knows I need a little push to actually branch out from my few (but delicious) mastered recipes. That’s why this Saturday, I’ll be spending the afternoon learning how to make four easy yet essential sauces, perfect for any meat or seafood dish. After the class, I’ll bring them all home and make a meal for my roommates, eventually sending a picture to my family as proof that I did, in fact, do it myself. That’s what an adult would do, right Mom? -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Cookology Ballston: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 3110, Arlington; Saturday, Jan. 11, 2-4 p.m.; $85
Reaching for the stars
I am not old enough yet to use the phrase, “Back when I was in college (fill in the nostalgic blank here) …” without having those around me roll their eyes. But hear me out local readers—just a short two years ago (see, it doesn’t have the same ring to it!), my partner wound up in a class he didn’t predict: astronomy. Aside from jumping through the hoops of endless studying to try to get the complicated math and physics to make sense, he thrived. He didn’t end up as an astronomer or an astronaut, but he did let me join him on nights to see the surface of the moon, or to point out easy-to-find constellations in our skies. Lucky for us, we can rekindle our appreciation for the stars and the night sky on Saturday, when Turner Farm Park will celebrate its Astronomy Festival. We will peek through telescopes, search for stars and listen to stories about ancient constellations around the campfire. Ah yes, just like the good ol’ days. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Turner Farm Park: 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls; Saturday, Jan. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; $10
Everything in its place
We moved into a new house last February, which is almost a year ago now. And yet, my house still feels like the movers just left yesterday. In that ongoing struggle for more hours in a day, I have yet to make the time to organize our home office, set up a system for the kids’ toys (So. Many. Toys.) and create a capsule collection in my closet so I can get ready for work with ease. That all sounds so easy, right? So that’s my New Year’s resolution, and I’m determined to get our house whipped into shape. I’m going to follow tips from this local organizer and get my kitchen cute, but orderly, with these fun products. I’ve only got 365 days until the resolution cycle starts anew. Onward! –Katie Bianco, Editor
For more fun things to do, check out our January NoVA in 19, listing out the 19 best events happening across the region this month.
