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By Katie Bianco, Alice Levitt, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
Reminiscing through recipes
Just two weeks before the WHO declared the global pandemic, I was on my first international flight. The trip had been months in the making and my boyfriend and I peacefully—and excitedly—watched the sun drop over the horizon on our way up the East Coast. The funny thing is, the one moment I remember all too well was getting our stroopwaffels from the flight attendant. I thought I would save mine as a late-night snack, but a few minutes after looking out the window, they were gone. My partner had eaten them both with his coffee, and I was left wondering what I did to deserve this snack treason. But to make up for the loss, I decided to buy a box of the crisp-and-sweet cookies on my latest trip to Costco, and am eager to use them to make ice cream sandwiches, just like United Airlines suggests. For other recipes that will help you travel without leaving your kitchen, check out these. The Disney World churros are next on my list, but I’ll save that story for another time. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant
Dining out … really!
To be honest, I’m the type of gal who usually chooses to be seated inside where there’s air conditioning. But thanks to phase one of Virginia’s plan for reopening, all my dining for the foreseeable future will be al fresco. Exactly where I’m going will be determined by which restaurants reopen in time for my meals. What I know for sure: I’ll be ready with my sunscreen and my stretchy pants. -Alice Levitt, Dining Editor
Reading with Mary Poppins
There are so many things to miss as we stay at home during this pandemic. While I definitely don’t miss my commute, I do miss having that time to listen to podcasts. With two kids at home, listening to my faves on the couch while they crawl all over me just doesn’t have the same feel. But, I may have found a compromise. It turns out Julie Andrews (see: Mary Poppins, Maria von Trapp) recently started a story time podcast with her daughter. Now this is a podcast the whole family can love. Catch us on the next rainy day listening to Ms. Poppins. Want other family-friendly podcast options? Check out our roundup here. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Pour some more
After isolating with my family in Boston for a few months, I have made my return back to Arlington and I did not come back empty-handed. My parents stuffed my car to the brim with essentials like toilet paper, frozen food, hand sanitizer and—luckily for me—so much wine, a beverage our entire family considers essential, even without a global pandemic. This week I am going to add to my mini collection, as well as enhance my knowledge of vino, with a virtual tasting event hosted by Purcellville-based Forever Farm & Vineyard. If you’re interested in joining me (virtually, of course!) or want to try out a different type of tasting, check out these local offerings also happening this week. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Zoom details will be sent to participants prior to event; Thursday, June 4, 7-8 p.m.; $105
Green thumb
As I finish up my stack of books and DIY projects, it is time to search for my next at-home hobby. With summer around the corner and the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to try something outdoors. My mom is an avid gardener and throughout my childhood, I remember going to the nursery on Mother’s Day and helping plant everything, from flowers to vegetables and even trees (we have about 30 trees in our yard, so I am an unofficial expert). I have decided to start my own herb and vegetable garden with a few tips from Merrifield Garden Center. Hopefully I’ll successfully remember all the tips and tricks, so when the time comes to harvest I’ll have a table full of fresh herbs and produce. I’ll let you know in a few weeks if I inherited my mom’s green thumb. –Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant
Hitting the road
Dear readers, let me admit something: I am so tired of walking. For two months now it seems like one of the few safe and accessible things to do during the pandemic is to go on a walk, but I’m bored of it. I walk around my neighborhood on my lunch breaks. I walk on hiking trails around the region on the weekends. As great as all that is, my brain wants something new, and my legs are asking for a break. That’s why this weekend instead of taking yet another stroll, I’m hopping in the car instead. On Saturday, I’m packing some snacks, filling my car with gas, and riding down the George Washington Memorial Parkway to Mount Vernon to look at the DC landmarks from afar. It’s just one of three scenic drives around NoVA my colleague recently wrote about, which you can find here. If you need me, I’ll be on the highway, with my windows rolled down, hand out the window, radio blasting. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor
