John Eric Home - Apr | May | June 2017 by John Eric

VOL. 39

JOHNERIC HOME TH E PREMIER RE A L ESTAT E A N D L I F EST Y L E M A GA Z I N E

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SPRING AWAKENING

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1232 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 |202.448.9002

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE DC | VA | MD

C: 703.798.0097 O: 202.448.9002 E: john@johneric.com www.johneric.com

1232 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

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FEATURES

Issue 39

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PARIS

NATURE INSPIRED

WALLPAPER

SPRING

Wallpaper is hanging again. Read all about this fantastic trend.

Springing into great cocktail recipes that will keep everyone relishing the season.

DESTINATIONS

Exploring the City of Lights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Loving Paris in the Spring.

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FEATURE

New Collections by Country Casual Teak and Thos. Moser Released Just in Time for Spring

HOME TRENDS

MIXOLO GY

“SIMPLICITY IS THE ULTIMATE SOPHISTICATION.”

DESIGN | PRINT | PACKAGING | WEB

www.qmdesigngroup.com | 661 250 9914

DEPARTMENTS

Issue 39

12 | DETAILS Rain Boots 13 | JOHN’S FAVORITES 14 | ARTS Focusing on rising star Dan Gray 20 | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Shanon Munn 21 | CULTURE Frédéric Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism at the National Gallery and Sharks at National Geographic. 22 | DESIGN NEWS GTM Architects designs first brick and mortar store for Jenni Bick Fine Custom Journals. Online retailer just opened its Dupont Circle shop.

33 | KID’S CORNER Get ‘em up and get ‘em out this spring! 34 | CALENDAR Upcoming events in Washington D.C. 35 | DC FUN FACTS The National Park Service edition.

36 46

38 | FOODIE Review of The Green Pig 39 | SPECIAL 5 great one day escapes to take in the season. 40 | HEALTH & WELLNESS Springing into better shape. 42 | STYLIST All that walked down the runways for spring fashion. 44 | MONEY & FINANCE General financial planning strategies to put yourself in a good financial position while you are in the accumulation phase of your life. 46 | REAL ESTATE John Eric’s real estate highlights 52 | BUZZ The news that all of Washington is talking about. 53 | DIPLOMACY The Embassy Chef Challenge, world-renowned Egyptian multiinstrumentalist and saying bye-bye to Bao Bao.

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28 54 | BLACK BOOK Taking on the tango in Buenos Aires.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 | CONTRIBUTORS 9 | LETTER FROM JOHN

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HANDCRAFTED LUXURY.

ABSOLUT ELYX IS MADE OF SINGLE ESTATE WHEAT FROM THE RÅBELÖF CASTLE IN SOUTHERN SWEDEN. EACH BATCH IS DISTILLED BY HAND IN A 1921 COPPER STILL TO CREATE A REMARKABLY SILKY VODKA. WINNER, DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

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CONTRIBUTORS CHARLES M. TAPPAN, JR. Before joining Republic National Distributing Company LLC, Charles worked in finance, as a broker on Wall Street and as an equity trader. He decided to make the leap into the Hospitality industry in 2011 while looking for the fountain of youth, and since

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then he has worked as a bartender at some of the best hotels and restaurants in Washington, DC, including Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt and the Jose Andreas Think Food Group. Not only is he a member of the US Bartender’s Guild and DC Craft Guild, but he is highly decorated in the mixology community.

FOUNDER | PUBLISHER John Eric

MARC SCHLIEFER has been in the financial planning business since 1978, when he joined

MANAGING EDITOR

Equity Planning Institute, Inc. He became President of Equity Planning Institute, Inc. in 1996.

Angela Casey

With over 33 years of practicing financial planning, Marc has worked mainly on individual financial planning and counsels clients on all aspects of their financial life. SHERRY MOELLER co-founder and principal of MoKi Media, was a previous editor in chief of Capitol File magazine/Niche Media covering politicians, celebrities, fashion, travel, hospitality and lifestyle in Washington, DC and around the country. She now specializes in public relations for interior design, architecture and hospitality clients, among other luxury brands.

SENIOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE LK CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hillary Broadwater PHOTOGRAPHY

DAVID BROWN became a pioneer of design in some of DC and Virginia’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. As an executive with Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton & Valentino, he has been fortunate to travel extensively across the United States and Europe through his work. David’s eclectic style and appreciation for architecture is reflected in his work thanks to his unique cultural perspective gained through his travels. JEANINE FINELLI is a 2008 graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is the founder of Love Yourself to Health, and has a background in the pharmaceutical industry, which includes Sales and Marketing, and Assistant Project Management. She is an Executive Health Coach, a Speaker, and the published author of Love Yourself to Health...with Gusto –Toxic relationships, Toxic food, Toxic thoughts…no more! LOUISE JONES Louise Jones is a 9 year-old, fifth-grader who has been writing her whole life. She has many interests, including playing basketball, taking ballet and art classes, hanging out on Facetime with friends and studying foreign languages. She writes on issues related to kids and what she believes parents should know.

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WELCOME

In Washington, DC, spring is a magical time. The city comes to life as the cherry blossoms bloom, denizens take advantage of warm weather taking walks and visiting parks, and a buzz permeates the air as winter blues are banished and happy moods take hold throughout the city. This issue of John Eric Home we celebrate Spring! Features, such as “Details,” give advice on the best rain boots to have on hand for accompanying spring showers. “Destinations” takes you to Paris, one of the most iconic and romantic cities in which to celebrate the season. “Stylist” shows you the hottest trends while walking down the spring New York runways and “Kid’s Corner” offers advice on how tweens can become active outside while also enjoying the weather. Also, inside, are features such as “Home Trends,” where David Brown exposes the spring trend of pasting up wallpaper and “Health and Wellness” where Jeanine Finelli tells you how to spring into shape. “Mixology” shakes things up with spring cocktails. Of course, don’t forget to read features like “Calendar,” “Culture” and “Diplomacy” to see what the city is offering during the season. Now, that spring has sprung, we at John Eric Home wish you the very best of the season. Enjoy its warmth and friendliness to the max!

Enjoy,

John Eric Publisher, Principal and Realtor

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DESTINATIONS TRAVEL & INSPIRATION

PARIS IN THE SPRING! Paris in the spring! Nothing, ushers in this season like the French capital. Sinatra had it right. Its myriad flowers blooming, Parisians occupying spaces at outside cafes and the feeling of bon vivant that fills the air. This issue, “Destinations” travels to Paris and uncovers some of the best things to do, if, by chance, you are lucky enough to land in the iconic and romantic city during spring.

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Romance and history ooze out of Île St-Louis and Île de la Cité, both perfect for a springtime stroll. These two islands on the Seine have quaint car-free streets full of old-world boutiques. Start on the rooftop of Cathédrale Notre Dame, then have a look inside at its famed window. Its stained glass, along with those at the nearby Sainte-Chapelle is dazzling at this time of year with the sunlight streaming in. Of course, there is no better way to see Paris in the spring than by using your own two feet. Walking through its streets is one way to take in the scenes. But, there’s something about seeing Paris at the pace of a bicycle that is just so natural. A mere 1.70€ provides a one-day subscription to the Vélib rental system and 30 free minutes on each new bicycle taken. Keep one longer than that and additional charges apply, or switch repeatedly to a fresh bike within 30 minutes and enjoy a day of springtime cycling at almost no cost. Purchase subscriptions online or at any station kiosk if your credit card has a chip in it. French gardens are masterpieces and during this season they not only shine but literally come

to life. A trip to the French capital in spring is not complete without dropping by the Jardin du Luxembourg. Lounging in this city park is a Parisian spring essential. Watching children maneuver toy boats around the fountain, smelling the bountiful blooming buds and catching a few rays of sun is blissful. Afterwards, head to the lanes of Avenue de Saxe, a traditional food market, to take in other smells: namely, the regional imports of cheese, flowers, honey, truffles, and everything in between. The annual Nuit des Musées (May) is one of the best opportunities to soak in the art that Paris has to offer. A host of museums and monuments stay open all night and admission is free. After relaxing throughout the day, reveling in a Parisian spring, museum hop throughout the night. They complement each other beautifully! Finally, the Eifel Tower is always something to behold. But, there is something about the Tower in spring that makes it breathtaking – particularly when a beautiful cerulean blue sky serves as its backdrop. Take the time to visit, or revisit, the landmark. You won’t be sorry!

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DETAILS IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Spring has sprung and with it comes its rain showers. Looking for a new pair of galoshes? Try one of these on…

1. WOMEN’S HUNTER ORIGINAL HIGH GLOSS BOOT Comfort and quality combine in a glossy, water-tight rubber boot finished with a traction-gripping sole. A subtle tonal design circles the top, while an adjustable buckle at the side adds interest. (Nordstrom) 2. MEN’S BOGS CLASSIC HIGH RAIN BOOTS With rugged rubber construction, the insulated Bogs Classic High rain boots deliver warm, dry comfort and traction, giving you the bounce you need to get through your yard work or muddy outdoor fun. (REI) 3. WOMEN’S EVEDON PREMIUM RAIN BOOTS The Evedon rain boots continue to be a popular choice with discerning boot wearers. Gently sloping away at the back and with the addition of a luxurious ribbon to increase the elegance factor. (Joules) 4. MEN’S LL BEAN DUCK BOOTS LL Bean’s signature “duck” boots are still sewn in Maine – one pair at a time. Warm, dry feet haven’t gone out of style in a hundred years, so they haven’t changed L.L.’s innovative 1912 design. (LL Bean)

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JOHN’S FAVORITES MY PERSONAL BEST

1. COMPASS Launched in 2013, Compass is a technology-driven real estate platform with offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Miami, Boston, Los Angeles and The Hamptons that combines exceptional agents with best-in-class technology to make the process of buying and selling a home intelligent and seamless. Having recently joined Compass, it is #1 on my Favorite’s List this issue! 2. ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ARLINGTON Since 1944 the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has worked to improve the lives of animals. Help them create a world where all companion animals find loving homes. 3. DULCET GIFT BASKETS Dulcet gourmet gift baskets are wonderful choices when you need a gift for someone special. They offer many different delicious products that are sure to satisfy and impress anyone you want to give a special gift. 4. MOO Business cards, postcards, stickers – If you are looking for quality and great people to work with, MOO is THE place to do business with.

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ARTS PROVOKING THE IMAGINATION

DAN GRAY

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Dan Gray is a visual artist whose catalogue is well represented through a mosaic of transformational sculptures, paintings and graphic mediums. His sculptures twist and turn with geometric precision and his painting pop with vivid colors. He utilizes simple materials – from canvases to wooden fence posts – to create. He combines watercolor, oil and acrylics to create intriguing scenes. http://www.dangraystudio.com/

Opposite Page: Clouds 26×36 Oil/canvas Top: Venice Beach Menagerie 72″x40″oil acrylic watercolor and print Left: Gordon Robles Portrait 20″x22″ Above: Finzi’s Egg, Steel 36″ tall

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HOME TRENDS WHERE STYLE & ELEGANCE MEET

COVERINGUP

by David Brown 16

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Wallpaper continues to be a popular choice for decorating. It can add instant color and impact to any interior design scheme. It has a way of going way beyond what can be done with paint. Painted finishes, although great in some spaces, don’t equate to the luxury and opulence that a few rolls of wallpaper can provide. But, with so many designs and wallpaper trends available, how do you choose the one that is right for you? First, you will need to pick wallpaper you love! Avoid wallpapers that appear too trendy, or too far out of your comfort zone. If you have always loved a green room, choose wallpaper with green dominating it. Timeless classics are just that: timeless. You definitely will not want to repaper a room every year, so select wallpaper you can envision yourself living with for a long time. Remember, wallpaper makes a space more luxurious by adding another layer of depth to a room. Think of it as adding another room in your house. Guests and dwellers alike will find themselves transfixed by the art on the walls. Wallpaper can transport viewers into a different place just by being enveloped in the design of the pattern. When tackling an oversized room or highceilinged foyer, consider dividing the space in half by using a chair rail and applying wallpapers to the bottom half. This will visually alter the space to appear less cavernous and cozier. Just as wallpaper can help change the feel of a oversized room, it can also rescue a small space. A clever way to open up a room with low ceilings is to try a vertical stripe. This will help to create the illusion of height. If you want to make the space feel roomier, opt for a horizontal stripe. While bold colors and patterns are a trend for next year, not everyone is interested in using such vivid colors and large-scale patterns all over their room. If you are too nervous to commit to an entire room of wall covering, try putting it on just one accent wall. A great location could be behind the bed in a bedroom or to create a focal point behind a sofa in a living room. It’s a simple way to make a big statement. Feature walls automatically garner attention because the other walls are meant to complement the featured one. Also, some patterns lend themselves well to being used on a single wall, rather than all four walls. For example, if you find a pattern you’re in love with but you think using it on all walls would look too overpowering or complicated,

then consider using it on just one wall. Designers and their clients are looking for ways to impart the ‘wow’ factor without having to add more costly items, such as tiles, stone or expensive textile fabrics and wallpaper does a great job of it. Here are a few of the hottest wall covering trends this year as well as few ways to make them a success in any space: METALIC WALLPAPER • Nothing says “dazzling” quite like metallic silver and gold wallpapers. These two finishes add glamour to any space. • Large prints and designs with a dark background create a more opulent look. • Designs with a pale background and a subtly metallic motif can be used to great effect to make a small room seem larger and brighter, as the reflective surface throws light back into the room. • Wallpapers printed on foil backing tend to be a little more expensive than other metallic designs. However, they look fabulous and the investment is worth it for the extra effectiveness of finish – especially in rooms that don’t get much natural daylight. • Match the glamour of metallic wallpaper with uniquely designed furniture and accessories. • A well-placed table lamp, down light or up light in the corner of a room will make metallicprint wallpaper sparkle as it reflects the light.

• Large-scale graphic prints work particularly well in a contemporary scheme or a post-1960s home, while smaller, subtler patterns are a good choice if you have more traditional furnishings or live in a period house. • Consider scale when you are decorating. A big print used on all the walls in a small room or one with low ceilings is too excessive, so use it sparingly or consider using a smaller scale or simpler graphic design. • Tape a large sample of the geometric paper you like to the wall and leave it for a few days to make sure you can live with it. • Avoid having furniture and furnishings that conflict with the print. You don’t have to restrict yourself to ultramodern styles, however, selecting pieces in

GEOMERTIC WALLPAPER • Geometrics have come a long way since they were first popular in the 1960s and 1970s. To recreate these looks, go for wallpapers in greens, oranges and browns. For a less retro scheme, choose colors that are fashionable now, such as chocolate with pink.

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one kind of wood or a simple plain color will help avoid an over-cluttered look. ARCHIVE DESIGN WALLPAPER • You don’t have to live in an old house for these wallpapers to work, but, for best effect, choose a design that suits the scale of your home. For example, the small florals typical of the 1930s can look lost in a high-ceilinged room, while heavily patterned Victorian prints can overwhelm a small or lowceilinged space. • To mix in other prints without outshining the wallpaper, stick to a limited color palette. Alternatively, choose another print from the same collection – they’re grouped to co-ordinate, so the hard work’s been done for you. • To make a beautiful wall covering the focus of the room, pick out key colors from the design and repeat them in plain fabrics and painted woodwork. • If you are looking to add paint match the tones used in an archive wallpaper and look at heritage and period paint collections. • If you like an eclectic look, you can team an archive wallpaper with modern furniture, but echo the design – for example, a pattern with gentle curves will look better with furniture in curved shapes. ASIAN INSPIRED WALLPAPER • Asian print wallpapers have traditionally been used in bedrooms and are considered quite feminine, but they won’t be overpoweringly so if you choose designs that are in more masculine colors. Look out for wallpaper in darker blues, red, black and neutrals. • If you’re using an Asian inspired wallpaper in a bedroom, you can put it on all four walls. If, however, you’re decorating in the main portion of the house, take a more restrained approach and limit it to a feature wall or at most two walls. • You don’t have to go all out for an oriental theme and team opulent print wallpaper with Eastern inspired furniture and furnishings. • The busier, more intricate wallpapers featuring birds, figures and lots of foliage tend to look at their best in rooms that aren’t crammed full of accessories. • A blossom print looks as good teamed with Frenchstyle furniture as Eastern pieces – picking out a color from the wallpaper creates a sense of harmony.

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BOLD FLORAL & NATURE INSPIRED WALLPAPER • Wallpapers that have nature inspired patterns or those that use natural materials, like grass cloth are everywhere. • The latest oversized prints can look fabulous in both small and large rooms. The secret is to stick to a subtle design or one in soft colors if your room is compact, as this will stop the wallpaper from being overpowering. • As an update to traditional flowered wallpapers, bold florals are not only for country cottages. They’re certainly not shy and retiring, but they are surprisingly versatile. It’s how you use them in a scheme that sets the tone. For example, for a contemporary look; team them with furniture in simple modern shapes. • Balance a strong floral print with lots of plain surfaces. Having large pieces of furniture – such as a sofa or cabinet – in one of the colors from your wallpaper will help create a more balanced room. • Try wallpapering unexpected areas, such as the inside of your understair built-in for a big pattern hit every time you open the door, or behind open shelving for a hint of print behind books and ornaments. MARBLED EFFECT & FAUX-FINISH WALLPAPER

monochrome color mixes alongside multi-colored offerings with reflective as well as matt finishes. • This is a full-on design so temper other decorating elements in your room accordingly so as not to overwhelm the senses. • Bear in mind the scale. Choosing a tighter pattern might be more beneficial in smaller spaces. • Brick wallpaper is the hottest trendy faux-finish design. It’s the perfect choice for new, modern spaces. Nothing says “laid back” and “stylish” quite like brick faux finish wallpaper. LARGE SCALE WALLPAPER MURALS • Some of the popular large-scale wallpaper mural categories include urban landscapes, wood-inspired faux finish designs and art-inspired patterns. • They’re super trendy and can boost the level of creativity in a room’s design. • Murals can be customized to fit your walls and you can use your own images to create wall murals. This makes wallpaper murals the perfect choice for those who want to create a truly unique, individualized look for their home or commercial space.

• The marbled look can be used in any rooms, but its liquid imagery seems fitting for bathrooms – especially in aqua and blue shades. Darker schemes are lovely for bedrooms. • Tailor this trend to suit you and your home. It’s versatile, offering

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT THE BEST OF THE BEST

SHANON MUNN AMBI DESIGN STUDIO

Shanon has a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Colorado Institute of Art, is NCIDQ certified and a professional member of ASID. Shanon developed Ambi’s clean, architectural approach to design by combining her residential design skills with her prior experiences in the commercial and hospitality design fields, spanning back to 1997. Throughout her career, Shanon has been fortunate enough to work in some of the DC area’s most prestigious and beautiful residences and select other projects across the country. While all of Shanon’s projects exude a warm and approachable feeling, the styles they are executed in vary widely. Ranging from sleek contemporary to classic traditional, these projects are individual reflections of her clients’ personalities and are as unique and varied as their occupants.

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CULTURE WHERE ART AND LIFE MEET

SHARKS More than a hundred million sharks are killed each year, primarily for their fins. Award-winning National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry has gone to extraordinary lengths to show us why we should not only protect them, but respect and appreciate them as integral species within our ecosystem. From Memorial Day through October, the National Geographic Museum will present some of Brian’s incredible body of work showcasing the impressive fish in an immersive exhibition called “Sharks.” The exhibition will include large-scale images, videos, artifacts, models, and interactive experiences—all highlighting Skerry’s passion, skill and technique.

National Geographic May 24 - October 15

FRÉDÉRIC BAZILLE AND THE BIRTH OF IMPRESSIONISM

National Gallery of Art East Building, Concourse 1 April 9 – July 9, 2017

Despite his contributions to the birth of impressionism, Frédéric Bazille (1841-1870) remains relatively unknown. A thematic presentation of 75 works—including paintings by contemporaries such as Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir—will bring to light Bazille’s place as a central figure in the movement. Several examples from the Gallery’s collection, which houses the largest group of Bazille’s works outside of France, will be featured in the first major American exhibition on the artist in almost 25 years. Paintings by his predecessors, Gustave Courbet and Théodore Rousseau, compared with those of Bazille, explore the sources and influences on his limited but visionary oeuvre.

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DESIGN NEWS CURRENT DESIGN NEWS

Online retailer just opened its Dupont Circle shop by Sherry Moeller Photos courtesy of Jenni Bick

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GTM ARCHITECTS DESIGNS FIRST BRICK AND MORTAR STORE FOR JENNI BICK FINE CUSTOM JOURNALS GTM Architects, www.gtmarchitects.com, an award-winning residential and commercial architectural firm, designed the first brick and mortar retail store for Jenni Bick Fine Custom Journals, www.jennibickdc.com, at 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The formerly online-only handmade journal business moved into the Dupont Circle location earlier this year in a space previously occupied by Riccardi Clothier. GTM Architects Partner Clare Marino and Project Coordinator Lauren Pacheco worked with owners Jenni and Robby Bick to create a space that accentuates the products, which include personalized, handmade and custom journals, notebooks and albums. Marino and Pacheco kept the organic and natural design aesthetic of the online store by incorporating a neutral, modern décor in the retail space that

includes wood shelves, hardwood flooring and light-colored walls. Extensive shelving showcases an array of colorful merchandise, while freestanding tables and shelves provide a place for seasonal and specialty items. Customers can review the products, select fonts and text for personalization, and watch the embossing process. Native Washingtonians, the Bicks began Jenni Bick Fine Custom Journals in 1990 when Jenni started crafting handmade, personalized journals and photo albums and selling them at independent bookstores and fairs. Also in the 1990s, Robby operated the Adams Morgan bookstore Bick’s Books. His first job was working in his uncle’s record and book store at 1342 Connecticut Avenue, the same block as their new shop.

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NATURE INSPIRED New Collections by Country Casual Teak and Thos. Moser Released Just in Time for Spring Two pillars in the custom wood furniture industry - Country Casual Teak, www. countrycasualteak.com, and Thos. Moser, Handmade American Furniture, www.thosmoser.com - released new collections just in time for spring enjoyment for both outside and inside the home or commercial space. The family-run businesses have been operating for decades; Country Casual Teak is celebrating its 40th anniversary while Thos. Moser is in its 45th year. by Sherry Moeller Photos courtesy of Country Casual Teak and Thos. Moser

ERICChair HOME Thos.24 MoserJOHN Hancock

OUTSIDE – COUNTRY CASUAL TEAK Country Casual Teak began in 1977 by a husband-wife team inspired by the stately teak benches adorning London’s Hyde Park and the art of crafting benches from salvaged teak sailing decks. With a focus on improving the ergonomics for today’s more casual lifestyles and strengthening the construction of outdoor furniture, these unique designs became the cornerstone of a new business: crafting outdoor furniture that outperforms the classics in both comfort and durability.

Innovation

As a leader in innovation, Country Casual Teak is introducing an online virtual reality experience with the ability to view its showroom, products and installed projects via Google Cardboard, 360°, Samsung Gear or Oculus Rift. Tour its outdoor terrace at the 2016 DC Design House, a nonprofit that Country Casual Teak has participated in and supported for the last three years, as well as installations at select residential and commercial locations. Country Casual Teak provides outdoor furniture for homes, gardens, museums, businesses, parks, schools, churches, and recreation areas across the country. APR | MAY | JUN Country Casual Teak2017 Salon25 Collection

Top Left: Country Casual Teak Brittany Bench Top Right: Country Casual Teak Fiori Square Table Below: Country Casual Teak Casita Sectional Right: Country Casual Teak Salon Loveseat

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NEW DESIGNS The Brittany Bench

In celebration of 40 years in business, Country Casual Teak is introducing a reinvented classic, the Brittany Bench, as well as numerous new designs. The Brittany Bench, inspired by classic hoopback benches popular in France and England, is available in three sizes and features an ergonomic curved seat and sculpted armrest that follow the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural contours. The large sturdy back is fitted with an iconic hoop top rail and wide slats, providing a sturdy backrest, while the slight angle of the back gives a comfortable recline.

The Salon Collection

Country Casual Teak has also rolled out the new Salon Collection, which offers four pieces - the lounge chair, loveseat, sofa and ottoman. It features a midcentury, Danish modern-inspired design with solid teak frame and customizable upholstered panels on the back and side of the seats along with a plush seat and back cushions for exceptional comfort. There are more than 50 water, fade and mildew-resistant solution-dyed acrylic fabrics available to choose from or clients can customize with material of their choice.

The Casita Sectional

Also brand new for 2017, the contemporary Casita sectional provides a new option for flexible seating with low, deep-set seats and cushion backs allowing one to completely relax with full support. Sections are easily secured together with stainless steel brackets that can be taken out and put back on when arranging a new configuration. The side and coffee tables both double as seats or extensions of the sectional with the simple addition of a cushion. Additional new products this year include the Summit Stacking Lounge Chair, Square Umbrellas, Aspen Rocking Chair and Side Table, Windermere Armless Curved and Double Curved Benches, Eclipse Oval Table, Fiori Square, High-Side and Square Coffee Tables, and the Harborside Round Folding Table. The Country Casual Teak Design Showroom at 7601 Rickenbacker Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through August. In April, May and June, the showroom is also open on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.countrycasualteak.com. To view its virtual reality component, go to www.countrycasualteak.com/vr.

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INSIDE – THOS. MOSER, HANDMADE AMERICAN FURNITURE In 1972, Tom Moser committed his life to craft. His mission was to establish a community that would allow craftsmen to make a living doing the work they loved. Today that community comprises some 70 fine craftsmen and women who are designers and makers of functionally-driven, handmade furniture of the highest quality in both materials and woodworking expertise. Each Thos. Moser piece reveals not only how it was created, but also why it will last a lifetime, and in testament to its quality, each bears the signature of its maker.

Innovation

Thos. Moser is guided by its mission to build furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood, is of simple, unadorned and graceful lines, and is crafted for a long, useful life. Technology’s role via Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines is now a daily part of the craft dialogue and the maker movement embraced by millennials who are returning to nature and a slower pace. It’s one of many lifestyle choices; it’s not always about how you get there but the end result. Thos. Moser’s Spring 2017 Collections offer all that and more, not only for its faithful followers and collectors, but also for the next generations who are appreciating the enduring and evolving craft of Handmade American Furniture, made with sustainably harvested American hardwoods and guaranteed for life.

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Top Left: Thos. Moser Atlantic Chair Bottom Left: Thos. Moser Hancock Chair and Hancock Trestle Table Below: Thos. Moser Hartford Dresser

NEW DESIGNS The Atlantic Collection

The new Atlantic Chair and Atlantic Extension Table were designed with a classic, yet contemporary context in mind and are intended for a range of environments. Formally influenced by the architecture of classic café chairs, the result is the product of several steam bent components crafted and assembled with a combination of machine and hand work. Both the chair and table showcase Thos. Moser’s quality through detail and precision craft, such as the hand-stitching at the backrest of the chair and the exposed joinery throughout each piece. Atlantic is deceptively strong and durable, despite occupying a small footprint and presenting a visual lightness.

The Hancock Collection

Originally launched in Fall 2015 as a single arm chair with a cotton shaker tape seat, Hancock now includes a side chair with the option of a vegetable-tanned leather strap seat and accompanying Hancock Trestle Table. Reference to traditional furniture form has long been a practice of Thos. Moser and with the Hancock Side Chair’s ladder back, the chair offers a contemporary take on a historic furniture form. Like the Hancock Arm Chair, which is a winner of a 2016 Good Design Award given by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, the Hancock Side Chair and Hancock Trestle Table are available in white oak, among other woods.

The Hartford Collection

The Hartford Collection now includes the new for 2017 Hartford Dresser, in both vertical and horizontal designs. With the addition of the dresser, the Hartford Collection carries on the use of advanced technology and machining capabilities to elevate what is possible in craft, embracing visible joinery in a new way. The original living collection, consisting of a sofa, lounge chair, media case, side table and coffee table, is the winner of both a 2016 Good Design Award and a 2016 Architizer A+ Award. To learn more about the Thos. Moser Spring 2017 Collections, visit one of its six showrooms across the US in Washington, DC, Freeport, Maine, Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. To view its video stories: Our Founder, Tom Moser and The Holy Grail of Wood and all Thos. Moser furniture, go to www.thosmoser.com.

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Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 6849 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 360, McLean, VA 22101 | 703.310.6111

The Future of Real Estate Arrives in Northern Virginia. With the solutions-driven mindset of a startup and the sophistication of a luxury brand, Compass is redefining the future of real estate. Through its proprietary platform, Compass is changing the way agents and clients navigate the process of finding or selling a home, offering a high-tech, high-touch solution to your real estate needs.

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THE CUMBERLAND COLLECTION

FREEPORT, MAINE . BOSTON . NEW YORK . PHILADELPHIA . WASHINGTON, DC . SAN FRANCISCO

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KID’S CORNER FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

GET’EM UP, AND GET’EM OUT!

Do your kids play video games all of the time? Well, if that was a yes, then I have some tips for you! You can get your kids off those electronics and create an outdoor space with them that includes gardening, birding and creative thinking. by Louise Jones

You can create a garden with your kids! A lot of space is not needed. You can make a big garden or even a garden with a wooden frame, big bucket, tub or a bin. I have a large garden by my driveway. Wondering what to plant? Plant whatever your children like to eat and what flowers they like. You can even have them give your friends and family pumpkin seeds and have a competition to see who can grow the biggest one. At my house, I like to plant cucumbers, tomatoes, snap peas, carrots and strawberries. I like to plant cucumbers because I love to eat them! Even though tomatoes aren’t my favorite I like to make stick teepees and watch their vines grow on them. Carrots are fun to pull out of the ground, snap peas are a tasty snack, and strawberry patches are pretty. The favorite flowers of mine are cosmos and sunflowers. Kids love to plant flowers in memory of loved ones. I plant flowers in memory of my aunt’s sister Suzanne. There are really fun things you can do to decorate the space. Bird houses and bird feeders are always a wonderful thing to put up and they are fun to decorate too! Find old bird houses and feeders and repaint and decorate them. It’s tremendous fun. I paint bird houses at my aunt’s house and hang them all over the garden.

I also love to make gnome villages in the garden. For a gnome village you need little gnomes, people, or creatures. Doll furniture makes the village look real. Putting in colored rocks or gems adds a little sparkle. Also, small pieces of pottery like little cups and plates look amazing when you position them in new ways. You can add anything else you have because it’s not bad to add a little bit of fun. My favorite thing to add is lights and lights and lights because they add magic and look beautiful in the garden, by the bird houses and around the gnome village. Then watch the garden grow. It will look so different and beautiful by the end of the summer. Some things will disappear when new things appear. That is ok. Every day will be exciting. Making and lighting up a garden will make your child’s outdoor spirit light up too!

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CALENDAR DC’S UPCOMING PARTIES, CONCERTS, CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS

TRAM TOUR AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM AZALEA CELEBRATION April 27, 29 and May 4, 8 National Arboretum

ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE IMPOSTERS June 22 Wolftrap For over 40 years, this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has flipped genres like rock, punk and new wave on their heads becoming both a “Liverpool legend” and an enduring American favorite.

Hop on the U.S. National Arboretum’s open air Tram Tour during the two-week celebration of their azaleas in full bloom. The Arboretum has curated and cultivated the most expansive collection of these eye-popping shrubs in the country. PASSPORT DC The Month of May Various Locations Passport DC is a month-long festival celebrating DC’s diplomatic community. Weekend events include workshops, street festivals and exhibitions and take place from May 1-31. During the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 2, dozens of embassies open their doors to visitors interested in learning more about international cultures. Passport DC is hosted by Cultural Tourism DC. NATIONAL CATHEDRAL FLOWER MARKET May 6-7 National Cathedral Celebrating its 77th year, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a family friendly spring event from May 6-7. The Cathedral stairs become a stage for international dancers, talented choirs and craft making. Friends of the Cathedral sell flowering plants and teach gardening, and provide free tours of the stunning Cathedral and Tower.

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ROSSLYN ROCKS! CONCERTS Every Thursday in June Rosslyn | Central Plaza MAGNIFICENT MOVIE MUSIC! AT ROSSLYN SPECTRUM May 4 Rosslyn Spectrum 1611 N. Kent St. The Arlington Philharmonic will host “Magnificent Movie Music,” a three-part multimedia lecture series presented by concert pianist and film music fanatic and expert Rachel Franklin. Using fascinating film clips, witty commentary, and stunning piano demonstrations, Dr. Rachel Franklin will delve into the hidden magic of some of the greatest film music ever composed and discuss the relationships between films and their scores. As she explains, “We frequently fall in love with a movie through its music. Film music can inspire and romance us. It can make emotional statements that a script simply cannot.” DC BIKE RIDE May 14 West Potomac Park to US Capitol If you’re looking for family-friendly fun in the District this spring, you’ve found a gem with DC Bike Ride, happening on May 14. Take part in an outdoor adventure that is sure to create lasting memories. YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS Through May 14 Hirshhorn Museum Yayoi Kusama is one of the most important and celebrated visual artists of modern times. The Japanese artist’s career now spans more than 65 years, and this spring, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden presents the breadth of her incredible work for the first time in Washington, DC.

Bring your friends and head to Central Place Plaza each Thursday evening in June to listen to live music. Enjoy the concerts while sipping on a glass of wine or having a beer in downtown Rosslyn’s newest outdoor space. Proceeds from wine and beer purchases will go to A-SPAN, a charity organization striving to end homelessness in Arlington. DUPONT-KALORAMA MUSEUM WALK June 3-4 Dupont/Kalorama Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend offers a variety of free activities for all ages, including special museum exhibitions, live music, food, demonstrations such as quilt making and sheep shearing, walking and biking tours.

DC FUN FACTS TIDBITS OF INTERESTING DC FACTS

NATIONAL PARKS

The National Park Service has set aside 51 million acres for us all to enjoy, which is about the size of the state of Kansas. The Yellowstone Caldera is a super volcano that is responsible for three of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six biggest volcano eruptions. It is on pace to erupt about 100,000 years from now. The smallest national park is Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas at about 5,500 acres. The biggest, St. Elias National Park in Alaska, which has an area of over 8.3 million acres, is larger than each of the nine smallest states.

Only one state in the country is not lucky enough to currently have either a national park or national monument. It is actually the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first state, Delaware. Death Valley National Park, which has the lowest elevation in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level, is only 76 miles from Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet.

MIXOLOGY TIPSY TEMPTATIONS

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RUBY RED CRUSH Glassware: Rocks Glass Method: Combine ingredients, except for club soda, into a cocktail shaker. (*Optional – here use a juice press or hand press juicer for the classic MidAtlantic style of creating a crush.) Shake to a 13 count and top with club soda, garnish, serve and enjoy! Ingredients: Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Absolut Ruby Red .75 oz. Cointreau 1.5 oz. Grapefruit Juice Club Soda Garnish: ¼ slice of Grapefruit What more can be said about the eternal summertime shore favorite? The classic of the Mid-Atlantic? The Crush? Simple yet refreshing. This cross between a Tom Collins and a Greyhound has been a mainstay for ages. Bright, crisp, clean, simple yet elegant and always refreshing, the Crush is one of the go-to cocktails for the spring season. Grapefruit Vodka sets the foundation and the tone, and the layer of orange liqueur develops a one-two punch of flavor in need for a libation on demand. Fresh grapefruit juice adds a natural balance and a whole lot of depth, which waits for the cooling effect of club soda. On the beach or in the city looking forward to a day at the beach, the Ruby Red Crush will take you there, ensuring a “Crushing” success.

CLOCKWORK COLLINS Glassware: Collins / Highball Glass Method: Combine ingredients with ice, except for club soda, into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a Collins Glass. Top with Ginger Beer and give a light stir to integrate ingredients. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

drinks. The Tom Collins, the Moscow Mule, the Mojito…just to name a few of the greats. Instead of trying to decide which one to order, it is just best to put them all together in one. How is that possible? The blue print starts out with citrus and soda (by soda it could be any carbonated beverage). Then, lemon juice sets the tone for a bright sour flavor; smoothed over and settled by the simple syrup. Absolut Mandrin, the classic orange vodka, clocks in by layering bright aromatic orange notes on top of the lemon sweet and sour. The rich baking spice from ginger beer adds the quintessential last piece of the puzzle to ensure this cocktail hits the number. Just like clockwork.

INSTANT KARMA Glassware: Collins Glass Method: Combine ingredients into a Cocktail Shaker and shake with ice. Strain over ice into a Tiki Mug (*Optional used crushed ice if available), garnish, serve and enjoy! Ingredients: 2 oz. Absolut Lime 1 oz. Finest Call Passion Fruit Puree 1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice 2 oz. Pineapple Juice .25 oz. Reàl Coconut Cream 1 Dash Vanilla Extract Garnish: Fresh Berries and Grated Nutmeg *Optional Decorate with Pineapple Leaf if available The long, sun filled days of the season can lead to equally inspired long nights filled with wonderful friends and cocktails. However, those long nights don’t always lead to the “sunniest” of mornings, henceforth the opportunity for a liquid cure inspired by the classic painkiller cocktail. A triple threat of citrus flavors begins to weave a comforting quilt, mixed of Lime, Orange, and Passion Fruit. Add the bright, refreshing, and healing notes of pineapple and vanilla, never a sad duo. Finally, the coconut cream ties the design together intertwining texture and flavor into the cocktail with richness that can sooth any soul on a tough next day.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Absolut Mandrin .75 oz. Lemon Juice .75 oz. Simple syrup Ginger Beer Garnish: Flag Garnish of Cherry and Orange Peel *Optional add a Mint Sprig It’s not spring and summer cocktail season without some roaring good long

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FOODIE TASTE OF THE TOWN I recently reconnected with an old friend, the Green Pig Bistro in Clarendon. Sometimes you can’t go back, but this wasn’t one of those occasions. As we settled into our booth (3 hungry people,) the hustle and bustle was in full swing at the restaurant bar and the foot traffic outside made for great theater as we started our dinner. So, what did we have? First up was the starter course. We sampled multiple dishes: the bibb salad with buttermilk dressing, walnuts, grapes, and blue cheese, the onion soup with crouton and emmental cheese, the beet salad with goat cheese and walnut vinaigrette and, finally, the biscuits with butter and honey. We all accepted our membership into the clean plate club with joy. For dinner, the good times continued with the porterhouse pork chop with creamed kale, sweet potato, and apple, the braised pork shank with white bean stew and creamed swiss chard and the pork and veal meatballs with parmesan polenta and tomato sauce. I’d order everything again, but the portions are large, so splitting a starter might be in order. We all took home a doggie bag with our leftover main course and enjoyed a second meal. An exceptional meal with great people. It doesn’t get any better! Dining Tip: Make sure your server knows you aren’t in a rush. They can be a little quick to the table. Last time, we drove. Next time, we’ll walk or take Lyft. Parking isn’t easy, better to avoid the frustration.

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Great One Day Escapes

CHESAPEAKE & OHIO CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (1 HOUR) Established as a National Monument in 1961, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park was created to preserve the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The park offers an 184.5-mile towpath used for biking and hiking. MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER (50 MIN) Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States. The museum’s three stories feature a number of interactive exhibits and informative displays. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK (75 MIN) Shenandoah National Park is a long, narrow park that encompasses part of the Blue Ridge mountains. One of the most popular features of the park is the scenic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile-long road that runs along the entire length of the park. ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK (2 HOURS 45 MIN) Assateague State Park is the only oceanfront park in Maryland. The island is known for being home to a number of wild horses and its beaches, ideal for swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, and surfing. GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (25 MIN) Established in 1959 as NASA’s first space flight center, the Goddard Space Flight Center is now one of NASA’s largest and most important space research laboratories.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS YOUR BEST SELF

SPRING INTO BETTER SHAPE

After a wild ride of weather this year, spring has finally sprung! As the summer and beach season approaches, we decided to share some FAQs with you in hopes of shedding a little sunlight on three complex topics, all while helping you to be as fit and healthy as you can. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever felt lost in the grocery store, or helpless in finding answers that make sense, then read on for some clarity on sugar, sides and sleep!

by Jeanine Finelli

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Q: Is honey better for you than sugar? Yes… and No….. A: Raw, organic, and unprocessed honey is one of the most healing “foods” on the planet, yet much of what is on the shelves is highly processed and deficient in everything that is good about honey. Some honey is so pure and clean that it can cost upwards of $40 a jar but most quality honey costs far less. The anti viral and anti bacterial properties of the liquid gold are through the hive! You can: • Apply it topically to some wounds to see it’s healing power in action – overnight! • Using locally sourced honey year round can decrease allergy symptoms by increasing immunity to local blooms that pop up in the spring. For those of us in the mid-Atlantic and south, that’s a big deal! • Use it as a 20 minute face mask for reduced acne and glowing skin After all, it is food fit for a Queen, and the Queen Bee’s diet consists of a secretion derived from female bees. It’s known as Royal Jelly and is fed to the Queens and the “chosen larvae” to become the next royalty. You can find Royal Jelly in the supplement aisle and also in capsule form. With honey’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria, we can understand why a drizzle in our tea is soothing and is a tradition that has been past down to us from our ancestors. Notice I said a drizzle, though. Here’s the NO part of my short answer - It still contains a ton of sugar. One Tablespoon has 16 grams of sugar -the equivalent amount of 4 teaspoons of the white stuff. Bummer, I know! If you thought squeezing it into your daily smoothie or using it on your oatmeal instead of sugar was a beneficial thing, it’s likely adding a ton of sugar to your healthy regimen. So, instead next time, drizzle it on here and there for a touch of sweetness and immune boosting health benefits. While Queens on the Royal Jelly diet can live up to 5 years, most worker bees live only one to two months, but that includes no vacation…or sleep for those little guys. If you’re trying to kick the white stuff to the curb, be sure to include protein at every meal, and fill up on veggies and water. If you must indulge, implement portion control here. Whatever you do, don’t assume that honey, molasses, and agave

nectar are “better” than sugar. While there are healing properties in honey, sugar is sugar is sugar. Q: How can I get better sleep tonight? A: Millions of people struggle with less than quality sleep. The factors are many - stress, caffeine, hormone fluctuation, indigestion, and lack of nutrients are among them. If you struggle with feeling rested in the morning and would pretty much do anything for a good night’s sleep, here are some tips that are crucial to your wellness and rest. When we sleep, our bodies restore, repair, and heal. You may not see immediate results at first, but be patient and you will begin to feel a difference. Consistency here is key! • Shut things down! Unable to avoid computers or LED lights before bed? Consider inexpensive blue-blocking glasses, available for less than $10 on Amazon. These glasses block light colors that prevent your body from making melatonin, our natural sleep hormone. • Cut out all caffeine after 1 pm. That includes soda, tea, coffee, and chocolate. Some people are very sensitive to caffeine. • Magnesium is known as an anti-stress mineral and may help you to get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to talk to your doctor to see if this is a good option for you and to discuss any other medications or supplements you are taking. Two common forms of magnesium supplement are magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate. Note that there is a difference between magnesium citrate as a magnesium supplement, and liquid magnesium citrate sold in drugstores as a powerful laxative -- the two are not the same, know the difference. • Limit sugar, especially after dinner. We know what it does to children - you are no different. • What time of day do you exercise? For many, evening exercise winds them up then it’s difficult to relax and sleep. Try to make the time to exercise earlier in the day. • Too much light in your room? Buy a window shade, or use a sleep mask.

Q: What are some better side dish alternatives? A: How much harm can be done from a small baked potato with butter, or a few spoonfuls of mac and cheese? When you eat these sides daily, or even weekly, you could be sabotaging your efforts. Rethinking your sides will help you to shed pounds and manage blood sugar better. Here are a few simple switches that are not only healthy, but tasty. • Instead of rice, try cauliflower “rice” (sold in stores) • Instead of pasta, try zucchini “noodles.” You can use a spiral vegetable slicer like the Vegetti to turn veggies into pasta! • Instead of a white baked potato or fries, try a baked sweet potato or fries. • Instead of a small side serving of grilled asparagus or broccoli, try to double the portions of all things green. • Instead of mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower. There you go, Sweetie! Big changes start out with small, yet powerful and consistent changes. Within the next 24 hours, you could be sleeping better, eating healthier, and reducing your sugar intake in ways you never even knew you could. Quit being so hard on yourself. Remember that they key to any lasting positive change is falling in love…with yourself. What does self -love look like? It’s stopping at the store to purchase magnesium, or choosing a different side dish for your dinner tonight. Maybe it’s as simple as dipping your finger in that oatmeal and then licking it off. You just may be sweet enough without the calories!

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STYLIST FASHION FOWARD

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

We’ve been waiting for it – for it to be spring and to wear all the fun fashion that comes along with the season. And, this season, fashion is fun! For both men and women. Prepare to see fashionistas across the region sporting these Spring 2017 trends…

YELLOW IS MAKING ITS PLAY Yes, yellow. Be prepared to see a lot of the color this spring and into the summer. Designers, such as Jason Wu and Kate Spade New York, have used every shade of the color to ensure skin tones won’t be petrified. THE RETURN OF KHAKI It’s back and bigger than ever! What seems like every designer invaded their space with this versatile and trendy color. Carolina Herrera and J. Crew to name but two.

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SEASIDE OVERTURES Ripped from beach chairs, Martha’s Vineyard awnings and fanciful sun umbrellas, it is all about the stripe! And, cooling off by the sea. Designers from Rossie Assouline to Banana Republic have repurposed the feel and sent it down their New York runways for spring.

INC.

We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to your finances. We listen to our clients and understand their unique financial situation and develop customized strategies for them.

Marc S. Schliefer, CFPÂŽ Equity Planning Inc. 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 900 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-652-8702 Fax: 301-652-9066 www.equityplanning.com marcs@equityplanning.com www.linkedin.com/in/marcschliefer/

Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, | MAY | JUN 2017named 43entity. an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is under separateAPR ownership from any other

MONEY & FINANCE MONEY SENSE

GENERAL FINANCIAL PLANNING STRATEGIES TO PUT YOURSELF IN A GOOD FINANCIAL POSITION WHILE YOU ARE IN THE ACCUMULATION PHASE OF YOUR LIFE. by Marc Schliefer

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I often get asked by people what are some general things that they can do to make sure that the will be in a good financial position. There are some things that most people should do at first in order to help provide them with a good overall solid financial future. The following recommendations are solid financial planning strategies for anyone that is still accumulating wealth. My next article will focus on people that are retired and what strategies will be best for them to implement to have a solid retirement. The first thing that people should do is to get a handle on their spending and saving patterns. I always recommend looking at what you spend per month and find ways of cutting costs. This can be as simple as reducing cable packages and telephone plans; you can save $50 to $100 per month, sometimes more by shopping and getting better monthly rates. We usually find that people that have budgets that are out of control have it go out of control in $20 to $40 increments; the problem is that there are a lot of $20 to $40 increments that add up to real money. Getting gasoline on a day that your local gas station has a special, if you can hold out, is another way to save. Getting coupons to restaurants and other places that you go to can help save you money that can be used for retirement. Another benefit to doing this is that if you have your monthly expenses reduced before you

are looking at retirement, you will not have to fund as much per month for your basis lifestyle expenses. It will make the goal that you are shooting for your living expenses much easier to hit since your budget will be more in control. The next thing that you want to do is to pay yourself first. In an ideal world you want to set aside 20% of your gross income each year into retirement and non-retirement assets. The first thing that you want to do if you are employed is to contribute up to the match of your employer retirement plan. If your employer matches 5% of your salary in a 401K plan, you want to make sure that you put enough in to get the matching contribution. If you contribute 5% and your employer matches 5%, you are halfway there to the 20% goal. You can then decide if you want to set more funds aside in the retirement plan or to put money away in a non-retirement plan. If you are married or have a significant other that is working, you want to encourage your partner to do the same. If you have a long time to accumulate the assets, you will be pleasantly surprised on how much you will accumulate. You will need to do a fair amount of planning if you accumulate a lot of assets in qualified retirement plans because the funds will be taxed as you withdraw them and you will be required to start taking them out at age 70 and a half. A very important thing to do is to review

all of your insurance from home, auto, life, disability, medical to long term care insurance. You want to make sure that you have good coverage, with reasonable amounts of liability limits and total coverage. You also want to look at having deductibles that are not too low and hopefully high enough that you will get some savings on your premium payments. The most important thing you want to do is to get the most benefit possible for the most affordable premium cost. I would recommend that you do not try to save money by minimizing your benefits; that would not be a good move. I hope these strategies discussed can help you with improve your retirement potential. I am happy to discuss your particular situation to see if we can help you in any way. Please feel free to email me at marcs@equityplanning.com . Next time we will discuss strategies for people that are already retired. Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

APR | MAY | JUN 2017

Real Estate

IMAGINE THE VERY BEST OF EVERYTHING PRESENTED IN ONE SETTING. JOHN ERIC’S CURRENT PROPERTY LISTINGS

These exclusive listings bring you John Eric’s luxury properties that are currently on the market. They illustrate the range of exceptional listings that John represents. No one understands luxury real estate like John Eric. Whether you are a buyer, a seller or someone who is interested in the current market, we invite you to peruse these pages and contact John Eric with any luxury property questions.

JE JOHN ERIC

R E A L E S TAT E

To browse through our luxury listings or to request additional information regarding these properties, visit www.johneric.com

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate.This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1232 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 |202.448.9002

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705 NORTH FLORIDA STREET ARLINGTON, VA 22205

4931 33RD RD NORTH ARLINGTON, VA 22207

6594 SQ.FT. EST. BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 6.5 $1,585,000

5000 SQ.FT. EST. BEDROOMS:4 BATHROOMS: 4.5 UNDER CONTRACT

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705 NORTH FLORIDA STREET ARLINGTON, VA 22205

2818 CONN AVE WASHINGTON DC

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2089 SQ.FT. EST. BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 2.5 SOLD $1,200,000

854 SQ.FT. EST. BEDROOMS:1 BATHROOMS: 1.5 SOLD $585,000

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BUZZ DAILY DC

JAMES CORNER FIELD OPERATIONS James Corner Field Operations, the urban design and landscape architecture firm behind the High Line in New York City, has been selected by Georgetown Heritage to complete a similar transformation of a historic canal in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Georgetown. Working with the National Park Service and the D.C. Office of Planning, the team will design a comprehensive master plan for a one-mile section of the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) to update the site from a historic location into a community asset. The full design team, which includes MakeDC, Robert Silman Associates, ETM Associates and Dharam Consulting, will re-envision the already popular section of the canal by seeking input from the community on how best to preserve and improve the park’s unique stone structures, locks, towpath, street crossings and plazas. The aim is to create a master plan that will maximize the park’s educational, recreational and aesthetic potential. (Arch Daily)

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BAYOU BAKERY, COFFEE BAR & EATERY Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery will close its Capitol Hill location after two years and Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls chef and owner, Aaron Silverman, has signed a letter of intent to assume its lease. Guas approached Silverman about taking over the converted carriage house, which was once used by the nearby naval hospital for horse-drawn ambulances. Silverman is still negotiating a lease with the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, which leases the property from the city of DC. Assuming all goes as planned, Silverman says he will move the daytime cafe portion of his fine dining restaurant, Pineapple and Pearls, to the new location and expand it. (Washingtonian)

METRO’S BOARD Metro’s board green-lighted a plan that includes fare hikes and service cuts, proposed by Wiedefeld to close a $290 million budget gap. Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel told DCist that the changes will likely go into effect late June or early July. Metro will announce the actual dates soon. It’ll cost a minimum of $2.25 to ride Metrorail during peak hours and a minimum of $2 for off-peak trips. Riders will pay $2 per bus trip, but weekly bus passes will stay at its current price of $17.50 so that frequent riders who purchase them won’t have to pay an extra quarter per ride like everyone else. And, some buses will run less frequently or have shorter routes. Most trains will run every eight minutes during peak hours, instead of every six minutes. And off-peak times remain the same. (dcist)

2017 FORBES LIST OF BILLIONAIRES At least five Montgomery County residents have made a 2017 Forbes list of billionaires. Altogether, the list includes nine Marylanders. David Rubenstein, who co-founded the Carlyle Group, is worth $2.5 billion and lives in Bethesda. Bernard Saul II is worth $3.6 billion and lives in Chevy Chase. Mitchell Rales of Potomac is worth $4.5 billion and made his money in manufacturing. His brother, Steven Rales, is also from Montgomery County and is worth $5.1 billion. Ted Lerner of Chevy Chase owns the Washington Nationals and made his money in real estate development. His net worth totals $5.3 billion. (Baltimore Sun)

DIPLOMACY DC INTERNATIONAL

EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE May 24 Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center The Embassy Chef Challenge is back! Often described as Washington, DC’s best kept secret, this event is the perfect way to expand your palate! Sample delectable dishes from around the globe, prepared by the talented embassy chefs. Each chef will be serving small appetizers and competing for the People’s Choice Award, which is ultimately decided by you! In addition to the decadent food that will be served, a live and silent auction will be held featuring world class items including a full course meal for 6 prepared by the an embassy chef. For just $65 for general admission and $95 for VIP admission, which includes a meet and greet as well as other perks, you can be part of this exclusive experience! Attire is business casual and event will begin at 6:00 pm. KARIM NAGI- EGYPTIAN MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST AND FRIENDS April 28 Embassy of Egypt As an active performer in the United States for two decades, Mr. Karim Nagi has a mission to spread the joy and beauty of Arab music across the globe. He has represented Egypt at numerous regional Arab festivals in the US including ones in Michigan and California. On April 28, 2017, Nagi will be accompanied by Arabic zither harpist Kylie Hilali and bamboo flute player Abderrahim Amthgal. The event will begin at 7pm and will be approximately two hours. The concert will truly give one an insight into Arab music and culture. Tickets are $30.

THE EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HOLDS FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR BAO BAO

Scientists from both countries had to work closely to ensure the safety of the panda during its arrival and departure. Bao Bao was a major attraction at the national zoo, he will be missed by all visitors!

On February 21 of this year, giant panda Bao Bao left the National Zoo to return to China. Cui Tiankui, who is the Ambassador to China, reflected on the importance of the panda as a symbol of China and America’s relationship.

by Katherine Eschenbach APR | MAY | JUN 2017

BLACK BOOK INTERNATIONAL FAIRE

GALA TANGO This show combines the best of tango and Argentine folklore. The orchestra is formed by a quintet of piano, accordion, violin and bass, plus the voices of two great tango singers and four couples dancing. A highlight is the performance of a charango player and an exhibition of typical pampa Argentine bolas. in operation for over 200 years. EL QUERANDI More than a tango show, El Querandí proposes a real musical journey through the history of tango. From its influence of immigrants to the mythical figure of Carlos Gardel and to singing a cappella, it represents the dance from milongas to its more modern expressions. A brilliant cast of 14 artists composed of an acoustic quartet of violin, piano, bandoneon and double bass, accompanied by three dance couples and three singers. ROJO TANGO Designed by Philippe Starck, it recreates a French cabaret form the early century in the Hotel Faena. His show traces the history of tango, from the 20s until Piazzolla, with some touches of modernity. It is a dynamic and intense show. The interpretation by its orchestra, female singer, male singer and 5 couples of dance are led by two geniuses of the tango world -- Sandra Bootz and Gabriel Ortega. honest, Irish cuisine. Located on Leeson St Bridge in the heart of Dublin, this city gem is a smart bistro style haunt which offers unforgettable fare in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

THE TANGO Although, spring has just sprung in the Washington, DC area, perhaps you are pining for autumn and are heading south to Buenos Aires. If that’s the case, make sure to take in one of these shows – the best tangos the city has to offer!

JOHN ERIC HOME

THE SINGLE MALT THAT STARTED IT ALL

BMW of Fairfax

8427 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031

800-591-2541