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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
Eat to live, live to eat
My relationship with food has always been complicated. I spent a majority of my life eating chicken nuggets and French fries. When I first met my partner, there was no way to know that I would go from a lifetime of picky eating and food avoidance to a delicious world I had never experienced before. Food changed for me with him by my side. Now, we cook everything from Indian dal to Sichuan homestyle tofu. And since Wednesday is his birthday, it’s time to celebrate in the best way we know how. I’ll be taking him to Thompson Italian in Falls Church, a recent semifinalist of an “Outstanding Pastry Chef” James Beard Award. We’ll eat pasta and drink wine, and I’ll try to be my own “Outstanding Pastry Chef” by baking him his favorite cake too. -Jenn Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Thompson Italian: 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Pretending to be a high roller
I don’t often dress up to go out on the town—I’m much more of a casual socialite. (Read: Let’s go sit at a brewery for a few hours instead of having to spend money on expensive, fancy events every weekend.) But, every once and awhile, it’s nice to put on a cocktail dress and head to a “high-society” event. On Friday, I’ll be attending the fourth annual Monte Carlo Night, featuring games of chance, dancing, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles and a silent auction to benefit the Junior League of Northern Virginia. You can catch me at the blackjack table acting like I know what I’m doing. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Army Navy Country Club: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington; Friday, March 6, 8-11 p.m.; $125-$500
Whoa, baby!
To my nieces and nephews, I’m known as the fun aunt. I’m always the one playing around, starting a rowdy game of Uno or watching their favorite shows (yes, I’m talking about Paw Patrol). A few months ago, I found out my sister was pregnant with her second child, bringing my niece and nephew total up to six. With a new baby boy entering the family and her baby shower coming up this month, I want to create something extra special that will grow with the baby. I plan to ditch the classic baby shower gifts of onesies and diapers for a more personal craft project. Luckily for me, AR Workshop has the ultimate SaturDIY! Family Canvas & Plank Sign Workshop this weekend, which is full of a variety of projects and design options to help me create the perfect gift for Baby D. -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant // AR Workshop Loudoun: 1601 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite 116, Leesburg; Saturday, noon-3 p.m.; $48-$90
Totally rad
There are hundreds of time-wasting Buzzfeed posts dedicated to “You know you’re an [insert decade here] kid if …” I’m not ashamed to say I eat these up. Born in the late ’70s, I was an ’80s kid. Throwback music from the decade of New Coke and Molly Ringwald is totally my jam (do the kids still say “my jam?”). This weekend, I’m going to rock out at Tally Ho Theatre with ’80s cover band The Reagan Years and remember the soundtrack of my childhood. Not your decade? Check out this roundup in our March issue of a cover band for every era. -Katie Bianco, Editor // Tally Ho Theatre: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; Saturday, March 7, 9 p.m.; $17-$25
Embracing my old soul
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been told I’m an old soul. I don’t know if it’s because I am obsessed with classic film or because I use words like “lovely” and “shall” in casual conversations, but nonetheless, it’s part of who I am. Among the list of interests that tend to confuse my generation of texting-dependent counterparts is my love for handwritten notes. Something as simple as translating your thoughts and feelings from pen to paper immediately appeals to my romantic side. This weekend, I will be spending the entire day at the 37th annual DC Antique Photo & Postcard Show, reading snapshots of stories from the Roaring ’20s, observing photographs of small towns I’ll probably never visit and gawking over movie stills. Yes, I will most likely be attending by myself and yes, I can’t wait. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Holiday Inn Rosslyn: 1900 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington; Sunday, March 8, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; $7-$25
For more events, read this month’s “NoVA in 19,” listing out 19 things to do throughout March.
