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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
Date night, paint night
In my relationship, I’m the artistic one. My boyfriend is the technical one. I write and edit words for a living. He works in IT. I get (really) frustrated with my iPhone sometimes. He recently learned what the rule of thirds is and is trying to get into photography. Needless to say, we’re different when it comes to “left-brain” and “right-brain” skills. We both like creative outlets, just in different ways. Tonight, we’ll embrace a skill neither of us have honed yet: painting. We’re going to participate in a couples’ paint party, where we’ll create one cohesive painting on two separate canvases, and sip and eat between paint strokes. Who knows? Maybe this will be something we’re both good at. Plus, it’s a fun precursor to Valentine’s Day. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // FoxFire Grill: 6550 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria; Monday, Feb. 10, 8-10 p.m.; $30-$60
Something for everyone
If you’ve been keeping up with these notes written by us each week, then you’re well aware by now that I live in a house of eight women. With varying personalities and schedules, it can be hard to find a single activity that all of us want to participate in during the workweek. But, if there’s cookies involved, the chances are pretty high you can count on at least five becoming interested. And then if you add cider into the mix, that’s two more. Last but not least, include the fact that it’s for a good cause and you have all eight on board. That’s why this week’s Girl Scouting for Lost Boys event is perfect for us, consisting of a half-glass tasting of eight different cider varieties paired with eight Girl Scout cookies, all in support of the historic Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House. Plus, it’s happening right in time for our home of single women to celebrate Galentine’s Day together, and I’m definitely feeling the love. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Lost Boy Cider: 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria; Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m.; $40
Currently on repeat
I live every day with a personal soundtrack. At the gym? Give me all of the electronic, upbeat tunes. In the car? Cue those theatrical Broadway songs my partner won’t listen to. Eating dinner? I’ve gotten pretty fond of this Italian cooking music playlist. But my newest obsession is one I can’t wait to jam out to live. On Wednesday, you can find me singing along with Maggie Miles, a 20-year-old NoVA native, who makes her return to the local stage after moving to Nashville in 2019. I caught up with her here, and we talked all about her journey from Round Hill to rock star. If you need a tune now, check out the music video to her single “Shiver” on Youtube, filmed at Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink in Purcellville. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.; $5 in advance, $10 at door
First Valentine’s Day
My husband and I decided after our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple (when we spent the evening in an overcrowded restaurant and paid way too much for a prix fixe menu) that we would forgo the customary night on the town for something more low-key at home. The last few years, in the whirlwind of welcoming back-to-back babies, Valentine’s Day has become an afterthought. I can’t claim we’ll get the romance back this year, but my 3-year-old’s preschool class is holding a Valentine’s Day dance on Friday—and parents are invited. In the run-up to the big day, I’ll be filling out Valentine’s Day cards for her classmates and helping her pick out a sweet red dress for her first dance. Maybe my husband and I will even sneak in a slow dance of our own. For those of you not in the thick of it with young kids, check out our roundup of V-Day-themed hotel getaway packages. Next year, we’ll hire an overnight babysitter so we can sneak off for the weekend too. -Katie Bianco, Editor
For more fun events around town this month, see our February calendar here.
