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By Katie Bianco Alice Levitt, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Michele Kettner
A pop of style
The last time I bought myself a new piece of jewelry, a pair of shoes or even just a simple T-shirt was months ago, pre-pandemic. Once it was pretty clear that we’d be stuck indoors for weeks and then keeping our distance for (most likely) the rest of the year, I put myself on a tight budget to try to take this time to do something good for myself and my bank account. So while everyone else was panic-buying items on Amazon, I’ve been keeping my wallet closed, and I’ll admit, I miss shopping. I’ve decided to treat myself this weekend (I deserve it after all of the budgeting spreadsheets!) and will be heading to The Shoe Hive to check out DC-based jewelry designer Cynthia Spriggs of 3Shades Chic. She’s one of many tastemakers being featured in The Shove Hive’s recently announced pop-up series, taking place through the fall. Find out more here and let’s get to shopping. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // The Shoe Hive: 127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria; Pop-up dates vary through Oct. 25
Doughnut mind if I do
I have never really been a sweets-obsessed person. For some reason, dessert at the end of a meal isn’t what I crave, and I’ve gotten quite comfortable with my lack of a sweet tooth. Yet, the one dessert that really puts my willpower to the test? Doughnuts. Growing up in New England, I really did run on Dunkin’, being treated to munchkins after every soccer game as a kid, and eventually realizing the deliciousness that is apple cider doughnuts. So, when I found out that New York-born, famed Doughnuttery was making its way to our region this month, to say I was excited would be an understatement. This week, you’ll catch me picking up a dozen treats for my roommates and myself from the newly opened Tysons Corner location. And, while it may not be fall quite yet, I’ll definitely be indulging in an apple cider doughnut and immediately feel right at home. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Tysons Corner Mall: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Cooling off with frozen treats
Ice cream is an important part of my diet at any time of year, but right now, I have an excuse that it will help take the edge off the oppressive weather. For the August issue, I compiled a list of some of my favorite places to get international scoops around NoVA. It’s since become a weekend tradition for me to visit one of them, but really, it happens midweek sometimes too. -Alice Levitt, Food Editor/Critic
Last resort
As far as vacations go, it’s been a lost summer for my family. We canceled a beach vacation with friends in July and we’re opting to wait until September 2021 to go on the Disney World vacation I had meticulously planned for my family this fall. I know it’s the responsible thing to do and, in the grand scheme of pandemic worries that families all across the region are facing, missing out on Mickey Mouse isn’t a big deal. That said, I’ll admit to obsessively researching safe vacations with the hope that we can get away for at least a long weekend in the near future. Luckily, this research also overlaps with my job, and, for our August issue, I put together a roundup of five places that I’d definitely visit with safety protocols in place. Any one of these destinations offer a place to recharge in a surreal world. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Spooky season
With summer almost over and autumn right around the corner, I’m already feeling the itch to get ready for Halloween. Since our usual trunk-or-treat with my nieces and nephews will probably be canceled this year, I have decided it is time to step up our yard decorations. While my family is definitely a Christmas family, we have slowly increased our Halloween decoration game. What started off as some carved pumpkins and cobwebs on the porch will now include a full graveyard scene with tombstones and other Pinterest-inspired projects. After a quick stop at The Home Depot last week for supplies, I expect to spend my free time putting together the graveyard fence with this handy tutorial. With all of this early Halloween planning, my friend and I are also already putting the Workhouse Arts Center’s drive-thru haunted trail on our calendars. We always try out different haunted houses every fall, so why not try out this (hopefully) one-time event? -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant // 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; takes place between Friday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 3
