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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
Guiding light
When it comes to personality types, I lean more toward Type A than Type B, meaning I’m more prone to stress than others. I once saw a great cartoon that had a drawing of a mountain on it, with two people at its base. The Type A person said, “Because it’s there!” as he climbed it with grit, and the Type B person said, “Because it’s there …” and sat up against the mountain, looking unbothered. I’m actively trying to teach myself to be a little more Type B, not because I want to change my personality but because my shoulders are usually so tense from stress that they feel sore all the time. To combat this, I’m heading to Yoga Toka this week for a Candlelight Yin Yoga class. Instead of holding poses to engage muscles, the class uses props to target deep connective tissues and to allow your body to release into the posture instead of actively flexing. I’m hoping the mix of the pretty lights and the meditative motions will help me Zen out in no time. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Yoga Toka: 3260 Duke St., Alexandria; Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:15-7:15 p.m.; $20
Thank you, snail-mail advertising
Living in an apartment has its perks, including, surprisingly, getting other people’s mail. The neighbors’ mail gets rerouted accordingly, but to the former residents of my humble abode: Thank you for the endless Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, local event booklets and school flyers. This week, one is getting put to good use. A particularly colorful flyer brought to my attention that Shen Yun is coming to George Mason University this month, bringing a unique performance that celebrates Chinese history through dance, a live orchestra and innovative technology. I can’t wait to see the performance light up the stage and learn more about Eastern ancient history. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // George Mason University Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; Jan. 16-19, times vary, $80-$120
A girl can dream … of the future home she will one day own
I have always been a planner. I plan everything. From what I am going to wear to work the next day to the possible location of my future wedding—I like to know what’s coming before I walk into it. Plus, I absolutely adore decorating, which tend to go hand-in-hand and is convenient for someone who has lived in a different home each year for the past four years. Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking to someone who shares my compulsive need to fix, organize and adorn (and happens to be a Boston native too), Kevin O’Connor, the host of Emmy-winning This Old House. O’Connor, who has hosted the home-improvement series since 2003, will make his way to Chantilly this weekend to share tips and tricks to the home improvement process at the annual Home + Remodeling Show at Dulles Expo Center. Read my conversation with him here, and then find me at the show this weekend, browsing through the elegant collection of soy candles, soaps and kitchenware for sale. I’ll also soak in all the advice homeowners have to share so future me can be well-informed, per usual. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; Jan. 17-19, times vary; $3-$9
Leaning into winter
We’ve entered that post-holiday part of the winter season where it’s all dark nights and chilly temps, but with no merry music to offset it. I’ve decided that instead of dreaming of tropical locales this winter, I’m going to embrace the cold. I’m headed on a quick ski trip next month for a friend’s birthday and, this Saturday, you can find me at the Winter Ice Festival and Mega Block Ice Carving Competition. Rather than stay inside by the fire, I’ll check out the professional ice sculptures, go ice skating and have a winter-themed cocktail. Maybe the cold isn’t so bad after all. -Katie Bianco, Editor // Village at Leesburg: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg; Jan. 18, 1-5 p.m.; free
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.
