This story appears in our weekly Things to Do newsletter, sent to subscribers every Monday. Get it in your inbox by signing up here.
By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
Seriously, what is lip-rescue treatment?
I like to consider myself pretty knowledgeable on the subject of fashion, which I credit fully to my European father. His style sense is impeccable and thanks to him, I am very cautious about curating the right look. When it comes to beauty though, I know basically nothing. I’ve never washed my face with cleanser, I just started putting lotion on about a year ago and I still can’t figure out what shade of bronzer I am supposed to wear (and apparently that changes with the seasons?). This week, I’m going to challenge myself to learn more about the world of beauty by making my very own makeup remover and lip-rescue treatment (whatever that means) with the experts of local cosmetic company Elodie’s Naturals. As I learn to make products made from all-natural ingredients, I’ll get to sip on a glass of wine from Woodlawn too. Hopefully I have fun, learn something and can finally keep up with my roommates’ makeup skills. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Woodlawn Press Winery: 8733-B Cooper Road, Alexandria; Thursday, Jan. 30, 7-9 p.m.; $55
The taste of Woodford Reserve
I’m not much of a bourbon gal; it has never been my drink of choice. My boyfriend, on the other hand, loves any type of liquor, especially Woodford Reserve, and is a sucker for a good Old-Fashioned. 2941 Restaurant (one of the eateries named to our annual 50 Best Restaurants list) recently launched a monthly tasting series, and this Friday it will host a tasting featuring Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon and Woodfords Rye. I’ll be accompanying my boyfriend to the event, focusing on the foods paired with the tasting and stealing bites off his plate, while he sips out of both his glass and mine. For more information on 2941’s new tasting series, as well as a look ahead to the February and March events, click here. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // 2941 Restaurant: 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church; Friday, Jan. 31, 6-7 p.m.; $25
The best kind of festival
I’m not the healthiest eater. Chocolate, I admit, is a staple in my diet. Hershey’s Kisses at my desk while I meet a deadline? Yes, please. Since you can often find me mainlining M&M’S in my office, it should come as no surprise that the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax is right up my alley. It’s a three-day fest with opportunities to sample all sorts of treats from local makers, from hot chocolate and cake to ice cream and other sweet finds. That sounds much more civilized than keeping my energy up with leftover Halloween candy hidden in my desk. I promise I’ll eat an apple at least once before this weekend. -Katie Bianco, Editor // Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive; Fairfax; Jan. 31-Feb. 2, times vary; free (fees apply for samples)
Breakfast of champions
I’ve written about my love of ice cream here before, so there’s no need to rekindle my relationship publicly with my dessert of choice, but here’s what you need to know: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Old Town Alexandria will be hosting “Ice Cream for Breakfast Day” on Saturday, and you can bet I’ll be there. It’ll be scooping its newest flavor, Skillet Cinnamon Roll (a sweet cream cheese ice cream with dark caramel sauce, pastry and loads of cinnamon), and serving up ice cream floats with locally brewed coffee. The bonus? The company is donating 100% of profits to DoSomething.org, a digital platform that empowers young people to create social change. A start to the weekend that’s as sweet as it can be. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: 102 S. Patrick St., Alexandria; Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m.-noon; free
