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By Michael Balderston, Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell and Stefanie Gans
Trying to step up my decorating game
My apartment is pretty bland, I have to admit. While I have some pictures and a couple of other things that give a sense of who I am, most of my furniture are hand-me-downs from family and friends that I took because they were free and not unappealing. But, as I get older, I find myself more interested in getting my personality across through my living space, so I plan to swing by the Home + Remodeling Show this weekend and search for some inspiration and tips, including from HGTV’s Tyler Wisler. –MB // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $12
Chalk it up to food halls
Food halls are all the rage across the country. Loudoun gets its own with the opening of a multi-functioning space in Chefscape. It’s a business incubator (the brand already operates one in Ashburn) which also hosts a farmers market, a marketplace with its members’ goods and a food hall with a bar. This Saturday is the grand opening, with free samples, music and starting at 6 p.m., a live chalk art demo by Tonia Priolo of Chalkoholic. -SG // Chefscape: 1602 Village Market Blvd., Suite 120, Leesburg; Free
Amazon is coming … dun, dun, dun?
We’re all in anticipation over Amazon launching its headquarters in Crystal City—er, I mean “National Landing”—but is that anticipation mostly excitement or nervousness? I’m interested in seeing how Northern Virginians are reacting. On Jan. 20, I’ll be sitting in on a town-hall-style meeting at the Charles Houston Recreation Center where elected officials and a panel of experts will be answering questions on what Amazon’s arrival means for housing, transportation, infrastructure and jobs. It’ll be a prime opportunity to learn more. -HG // Charles Houston Recreation Center: 901 Wythe St., Alexandria; Free
Warming up with a stew pot
I’ve lived in NoVA pretty much my entire life, but somehow every winter, I always feel surprised when it finally gets cold. The only times I’ve ever been away were for college in Boston (even colder than here) and a stint living in Florida. I blame those two years in the Sunshine State in my early 20s for my distaste for winter weather. But every season, I try to make the best of it. Eating comfort food is one of the best ways to combat the cold days, and this weekend I plan to settle in with some hearty stew from Sweet Mossie’s. We wrote about the woman behind these delicious stews in our January issue. They are healthy, and delicious and, perhaps the best part, she delivers them to your door. Stay warm this weekend! -KB
