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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
Pretty in pink
I’m getting a touch of spring fever. After being cuddled up with warm blankets and heavy sweaters all winter, I’m ready for the sun to start shining again. One of my favorite things about this time of year is the cherry blossoms begin to turn DC and Northern Virginia pink with bliss. I was planning on heading into DC this week for the kickoff of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. But with the news of several festival events being canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus, I won’t be venturing out much this week. I’m still in the mood to celebrate the cherry blossoms though, so I’ll be packing a picnic basket, heading into my backyard underneath the blooming trees and enjoying a cherry-blossom-themed picnic instead. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor
Extra family time
With everything going on in the world, it looks like I’ll be hunkered down for awhile practicing social distancing while trying to keep life feeling as normal as possible for my young children. Reading together is something we’ll be doing quite a bit. One of my daughter’s favorite books is The Snowy Day by Jack Keats. I’m sure that one will be on repeat, but I’m also going to introduce her to Layla’s Happiness, a book illustrated by local author Ashleigh Corrin Webb. It recently took home the prestigious Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award. The illustrations are lovely (fun fact: Webb used to work at Northern Virginia Magazine early on in her design career) and the book is about a 7-year-old girl growing up in South Carolina, who keeps a happiness book that is both thoughtful and intimate—and we could all use a little happiness these days. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Down to decorate
My week was supposed to be filled with thrilling basketball games and buzzer beaters. Since the NCAA Basketball Tournament has been canceled and I’ll be spending more time at home, I have decided it is time to give my house a major upgrade. I plan to start small and turn my bathroom into a little sanctuary, adding whimsical wallpaper and cute accents to the small, drab space. My parents were always against the use of wallpaper after they spent weeks steaming and peeling patterns off the wall throughout the house (I’m talking the master bedroom, kitchen, dining room, hallways. It was literally everywhere.), but I’ve decided to take the plunge. Inspired by this year’s home trends, it’s time to add some personality to my space. I’ve decided to go for this leafy wallpaper from Home Depot to brighten up the white walls. I love the idea that it will bring the feeling of nature inside and kick-start my morning routine. -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant
Not always hungry, but I can always eat
Spring has sprung and the warm weather has arrived. And as exciting as that is, a global pandemic that nobody had penciled into their calendars has also decided to make an appearance, putting a big wrench in my plans this week. That’s OK though, because my seven roommates and I have stocked up on all the essentials: board games, ingredients for homemade cocktails and, of course, lots and lots of frozen food from Trader Joe’s. We also plan on indulging on local options like burgers from Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co. in Ballston Quarter (yes, it has delivery) and fluffy bagels from Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, which luckily is in walking distance. And when I want something more adventurous, I’ll walk three blocks down the road for spring rolls and baby back ribs from my personal favorite, Nam-Viet, which has landed itself on our 50 Best List several years in a row. So while my calendar may be empty, my stomach will most definitely be full. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant
A sure sign of spring
I spent the first decade of my life in Pennsylvania, and despite my youth, I quickly learned that there were telltale signs when winter was on its way. Coats were zipped up, snow shovels would start to appear in grocery stores and, of course, the local Rita’s Italian Ice location would close up shop until early the following year. My cravings for a swirl of vanilla custard covered in rainbow sprinkles would have to wait to be satisfied until spring. My excitement for the return of Rita’s remains as an adult, which is why you can find me at Rita’s First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway on Thursday. My boyfriend will finally get one of his favorites again (a gelati: Italian ice topped with soft-serve custard), and I’ll call dibs on a soft-serve cone, just like I learned to nearly 20 years ago when spring happily rolled back around. –Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Rita’s Italian Ice: 1606 Village Market Blvd., Suite 100, Leesburg; March 19, noon-9 p.m.; free
For more events, read this month’s “NoVA in 19,” listing out 19 things to do throughout March.
