Northern Virginia Style & Living, Issue 1

Northern Virginia

STYLE & LIVING August 2017, Issue # 1

Celebrating the Good Life, Tastes, & Trends in the Region

EDITOR’S LETTER

What an incredible summer it has been collaborating with so many of Northern Virginia’s many talented artisans, business owners, artists, historians, and experts in the areas of cuisine and dining, health, farm to table eating, fashion, and lifestyle here in Northern Virginia.

I founded Northern Virginia Style & Living because I felt that our region could benefit from a publication that celebrates the life here, and that points to the beautiful places and the wonderful things to do while living here or visiting. From western Loudoun’s rolling hills and equestrianism to Arlington’s city living, Northern Virginia is home to nearly 3 million people who are building a thriving community for all ages and tastes. There is something here for everyone.

We are a diverse region offering a smorgasborg of foods, distilleries, wineries, breweries, art galleries, farms, artisans and artists, as well as education at our fingertips. George Washington University, George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, to name a few, are located here in Northern Virginia. Our region supports and influences the lives of so many who reside or work in Washington, D.C. but we are unique from the Nation’s Capital.

For this issue, we visited a number of gorgeous places in Northern Virginia, tasted the food, the wine, the farm to table lifestyle, and the architecture that inspires home and office design. We photographed Alana Stoyas, owner of Flight of Fancy, at the Sally Mill, which is the first home of the founder of Middleburg. Our journey to Morven Park featured local clothing by Nostalgia and Lou Lou’s Boutique as well as the Nation’s pardoned turkeys and Morven’s Polo in the Park. Holly Chapple, the reknowned wedding florist and floral educator invited us out to her farm Hope Flower Farm. There, she provided a tutorial for our staff on how to put together a floral arrangement for your summer or fall party as well as how to set your table to accompany your florals.

There is so much to this issue that we at NVSL hope will enhance the lives of those who live here and expand the horizons of those who are visiting.

We thank you for picking up this magazine and we hope you enjoy paging through.

All best, Jessica Monte Editor-in-Chief This publication wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of so many people. First I’d like to thank my husband Matt Monte for encouraging me to found and create this publication. I’d also like to thank Vincent Sales who not only designed the layout for this magazine and taught me a few things about InDesign along the way, but who also photographed and styled a good number of the stories featured in this issue. Also, thank you to all of the talented contributors who worked so very hard to make this publication possible.

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Moo Thru Real Ice Cream from Real Dairy Farmers 2

Cover photography by Jessica Monte and Vincent Sales Ice cream by Moo Thru

Table of Contents

Taste Makers Club: 6 | Gena & Zach Casagrande 8 | Mark Metzger 12 | Silas Redd

10 | The Bow Tie

Smoothie Recipes: 14 | Farm to Table 16| Berry Basil

18 | Florals for All Seasons 20 | Holly Chapple: Summer & Fall Florals 24 | Table Setting

34 | The Cottage

38 | French Farmhouse Serving Tray

50 | Beard Life with Chris Little 54 | Harold’s Barbershop

26 | Poolside in Nothern Virginia

28 | Morven Park 32 | Fashion at Morven Park

44 | The Torcedor 46 | Cigar & Spirit Pairing

56 | Native Barre

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Meet the Team SHELLEY GRANDY Chief Financial Officer

Summer/Fall 2017, Issue #1 Published By The Sheridan Group 450 Fame Avenue Hanover, PA 17331 717.632.3535

COMFORT FOOD Grilled Reuben Sandwich dripping with swiss cheese

ON MY PLAYLIST Calvin Harris, Lady Gaga, Jack Johnson, Goo Goo Dolls, Rolling Stones

LATEST ADVENTURE Dancing at a hookah bar until 4 a.m.

MANTRA If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney

FAVORITE DRINK Hendrick’s Gin Basic Smash

STYLE INSPO Boho Chic meets Runner’s World

Editor Jessica Monte

VINCENT SALES

Art Director, Photographer, & Designer MANTRA LATEST PROJECT A cup of tea solves most Painting portraits problems.

COMFORT FOOD ON MY PLAYLIST Fish and chips Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough DESIGN INSPIRATION Brad Holland; his ilRECENT ADVENTURE lustrations for the New London Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone.

Chief Executive Officer Matt Monte Art Director Vincent Sales Chief Financial Officer Shelley Grandy Fashion Editor Sasha Cahir Contributing Editors Chris Little Carlene Thomas Leigh Schoener Social Media Willa Cahir

ps in Ashburn, Virginia. She loves all things fashion, art and design.

Fashion Editor & Stylist

Sasha Cahir

MANTRA Don’t be like the rest of them darling.

ON MY PLAYLIST Drake, Kahlid, Carla Bruni RECENT ADVENTURE Road tripping with my daughters.

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FAVORITE DRINK Wine, water, Matcha

COMFORT FOOD Potato cakes, Fish (Flake) and Chips, Fried Okra DESIGN INSPIRATION Micheal Ong residential and interior design.

CHRIS LITTLE Men’s Lifestyle Expert

ON MY PLAYLIST Today, currently while working...Chet Baker, Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Glenn Miller, Nat King Cole. I MANTRA I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I’m

not where I used to be...

COMFORT FOOD Spoon full of peanut butter BEST DRINK Water RECENT ADVENTURE Inn at Little Washington with my lovely wife.

CARLENE THOMAS ON MY PLAYLIST

September by Earth Wind and Fire Bruno Mars Jay Z from 10 years ago No Doubt ,Michael Jackson

LATEST ADVENTURE Copenhagen, Denmark DESIGN INSPIRATION Chef’s Table documentary

Contributor

COMFORT FOOD Grits or a tomato sandwich FAVORITE DRINK New Zealand Marlborough region Sauvignon Blanc MANTRA Embrace progress and process.

LEIGH SCHOENER Contributor

MANTRA Cheers to disconnecting to slow down and connect with life.

ON MY PLAYLIST Country, dance, and pop RECENT ADVENTURE Corolla, Outerbanks, NC

FAVORITE DRINK Water with lemon, lime, and cucumber.

COMFORT FOOD Almond butter DESIGN INSPIRATION My instagram feed consists of food and Southern decor.

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Tastemakers Club ______________ NVSL

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GENA & ZACH CASAGRANDE, owners of Northern Virginia Orthodontics in Ashburn and Reston are two of the most generous and stylish people you’ll meet in Northern Virginia.

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A Northern Virginia native, Dr. Zach Casagrande attended Sunrise Valley Elementary School and South Lakes High School in Reston. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, magna cum laude, from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV)and later earned a Masters of Science and an orthodontic degree from the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Casagrande received grants from Pfizer for work. He remains part of the MCV community as a professor in the Department of Orthodontics.

Gena is a Parent Liason at a Loudoun County Public School and is passionate about design. When you walk through the offices of Northern Virginia Orthodontics, you will admire Gena’s interior design work and the modern and welcoming atmosphere she created.

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GENA & ZACH’S EVERDAY STYLE

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MANTRA: G: Wear what you are feeling, and don’t be afraid to be bold. Z: Comfort, comfort, comfort.​

BLING

STAPLE WARDROBE: G: I do often find myself in athletic wear, but when I am “actually” dressing, I definitely like to mix it up and let my clothing reflect my mood. Z: I tend to mix it up...I don’t get too crazy, but not afraid to wear anything I think looks and feels good.

ENTERTAINMENT

FAVORITE PART OF GETTING DRESSED: G: Carbon 38 (1) for athletic wear...a funky pair of workout tights and a tank. On other days, I also love a romper and easy sandals. Z: Travis Mathew---both for work and weekend, as well as a local brand In the Buff, (2) https://inthebuffapparel.com/ Lululemon for comfort and workouts.

SHOES SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS: G: Christian Dior heels(3), and Hoka Clifton running shoes (4). Z: Big fan of AirMax (5) and anything 80’s retro. And I love color. On the dressier side I’ll do ZeroGrand (6) from Cole Haan. It’s actually a Nike sole on a dress shoe...comes in all flavors. Those are great for seeing patients and being on my feet all day. For dressier times, Salvatore Ferragamos.

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KEEP CALM AND CARRY A FAB HANDBAG: G: Hamm​itt bags (7). My friends got me one 10 years ago and the bags still never fail to disappoint. Z: Travis Mathew backpack (8) everywhere....work, baseball games, beach....it actually doubles as a cooler. Pretty unreal.

SKIN SOLUTION: G: I love Skinceuticals products(9) because they make my face feel better and I feel like I am doing something good for my skin. I also just discovered Milk Makeup...their holographic stick is so fun!

Z: Keil’s facial fuel (10)....the best. SPF 15 and has caffeine in it to wake your face up!

HAAAA! FOODIE, FOOD, FOOD

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BREAKFAST: G: Egg scramble with leftover veggies in the refrigerator, whether it’s sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, or peppers, and then I always add avocado. Z: Greek yogurt with granola.

INDULGENCE: G: My indulgences are cheese and prosecco. Z: Definitely a steak.

Parallel Wine---Jason Bursey knows what he’s doing over there.

G: Erica Meurer, Ransom jewelry designer.

Z: Watches: anything Hublot--can wear with a t-shirt or a suit and tie.

BOOK: G: Plan B. A great book on resilience. Z: Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss (11).

MUSIC: G: I love ALL music. My dad and my brother are music buffs, and I grew up with music always in the background, so I have such a love of music--classic rock, 80’s, alternative, indie pop, electronica, and even rap. My best friend has also gotten me into country music. ​Specifically, I just rediscovered The Naked and Famous (12). I love the Passive Me, Aggressive You album. Simple Forms is great too. Z: Old Dominion...love them.

Local guys that made it nationally. I can listen to them all day. Also Dave Matthews... another product of Virginia. I think I’ve been to over 50 of his shows. Gena and I try to see as much live music as we can.

FAVORITE GETAWAY PLACES: G: We are going to Italy this fall.

For a quick getaway, we love heading over to the Salamander. It’s beautiful, the food, the wine, the scenery!​Z: Love the Salamander in Middleburg for a quick getaway.

Lots of baseball fields this summer with our son----he’s going on to play at University of Arizona next year so we plan to make it out there quite a bit.

CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS G: We are so very passionate about Team Mathias. Mathias and his family are near and dear to our hearts. We have other friends that have also been affected, unfortunately, by pediatric cancer. i​Promise 15 and Kyles Kamp are other organizations we are passionate about. Z: This is a huge part of our family. To date NVO has donated over $1 million to cancer research and INOVA’s new children’s hospital in Fairfax. We also support education and the area schools---having grown up the son of a Fairfax County school principal, education is everything.

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Tastemakers Club ______________ NVSL

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MARK METZGER, owner of Highcliffe Clothiers, Middleburg and 2005 World Carp Fishing Champion, Team USA. Mark Metzger started Highcliffe Clothier back in 1995 with a specialty in custom fitting clothing for women and men. His expertise is understanding the shirt and how it should fit. “I’ve been making shirts for men since 1983. I consider myself a shirt expert. I’ve measured thousands of men all across the country. Tactile feel is very important to me as it is my customers. Second to the fact that things fit well.” His goal as a clothier is to provide his clientele with elegance. “Fashion comes and goes. There are fashion victims but no victims of elegance.”

The name of the store, Highcliffe, is inspired by Highcliffe Castle on the border of Dorset and Hampshire in England. When selecting the name of his shop, he wanted a name that called to mind the finest of men’s clothing in England found on Savile Row. When Mark’s father purchased a clock that was in the foyer of Highcliffe Castle, the name was set for what would become his passion for the next 30 years.

Highcliffe Clothier specializes in custom measured clothing for women and men that is elegant, functional, and comfortable.

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MARK’S EVERYDAY STYLE MANTRA: Fashion comes and goes, elegance is always in. There are no elegance vicitims. Fashion victims, yes.

STAPLE WARDROBE: Being in the country rather than Washington, D.C. or New York City, I now dress more casual, (1) Chrysalis Chatsworth Field Coat Whipcord. It’s in sync with how many men dress for work, (2) Wiley Brothers belt. I wear a tie everyday but I do wear jeans from time to time. My style is all over the place. But I always try to dress with elegance in mind.

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FAVORITE PART OF GETTING DRESSED: I’ve been making shirts for men since 1983. I consider myself a shirt expert. I’ve measured thousands of men all across the country. My favorite shirt is an orange graph check pinpoint button down oxford. Oxford shirts, while less dressy than others, get nicer with age, (3) Musto Aiden Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt.

They get nice and soft. Tactile feel is very important to me as it is to my customers.

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TROTS AROUND TOWN IN: I prefer Alden shoes(4). It is the premier shoe made of genuine shell cordovan, an equine leather made from the fibrous flat muscle beneath the hide on the rump of the horse. It’s a world class material for shoes.

CARRYALL: I personally don’t like to carry anything. If I have to carry something, I like a backpack, (5)Klettersack Backpack by Nordstrom. When I’m traveling, I like to carry hands open. I like to be able to throw something over my shoulder that I can store under a plane seat. I use ballistic cloth bags, a very strong nylon. It goes against my style approach.

SKIN SOLUTION: Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving oil (6). It puts an extra layer between your face and the blade making the shave more pleasurable.

REGIONAL FOODIE BREAKFAST: I’m old school so I like bacon and eggs. I also love a nice fresh pot of coffee.

One of the beautiful things about living in this area is that there is a restaurant or market for every type of food you could imagine. This area provides all the ingredients I need within a 30 minute drive. I love all of the international grocery stores and then making my own homemade meals.

SHOPPING Highcliffe is my passion. I spend more time at work than I do at my home. Highcliffe is my favorite shop.

My next favorite is the Outpost. I have eclectic taste. It’s a unique home furnishings shop.

ON HIS NIGHTSTAND I am a fan of Lee Child. He is the author of the Jack Reacher series.

ON HIS PLAYLIST I’m an old school rock and roller and I go to Austin City limits. I’m a former Dead Head. I’m wearing a dancing bears belt right now, Smathers and Branson (7), $165 https://smathersandbranson. I owned every Parliament-Funkadelic album ever made.

FAVORITE GETAWAY Being an avid fisherman I love to go anywhere there is water. I love to fish in the river, in streams, in lakes. Any place I can wet a line I am happy. I like tent camping. It’s relaxing and fun. I love the smell of a campfire in the morning. That makes me happy.

CLOSE TO HIS HEART Middleburg is a generous town for causes. We like anything having to do with saving wildlife. I have 3 rescue dogs myself. We support the Windy Hill Foundation. Additionally, I have a 91 year old mother that suffers from dementia so causes like the Alzheimer’s Association are important to me. For many years, I did fashion shows for them.

I love Common Grounds which is the coffee shop next door to my shop. It’s good coffee.

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The Bow Tie 10

Wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think.

- Warren St. John I’ve been wearing bow ties for quite a while. The first time I wore a bow tie was circa 1979 for school pictures. A good friend on the West Coast, having never owned one, asked me for the rundown so he could wear one to officiate his cousin’s wedding in August.

I told him, no matter what, he should man up, buy a real one and learn to tie it. A simple search of the Internet will provide a full spectrum of video tutorials on how to properly affix the tie.

My only two recommendations are that on your first attempt, give yourself plenty of extra “learning time,” and if it’s summer in Northern Virginia, turn down the air conditioning 5 degrees because tying your first bow tie can make you sweat.

Last, when wearing your bowtie, enjoy looking dapper and prepare yourself for compliments.

By Chris Little Photography by Jessica Monte Bowties by Highcliffe Clothier 11

Tastemakers Club ______________ NVSL

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SILAS REDD, owner of Nostalgia Boutique, Purcelleville “Everyone owns something that makes them feel good.” Understanding this all too well, Purcellville based vintage merchandiser and owner of Nostalgia Vintage Clothing and Antique Furniture, Silas Redd has created a must visit shop for apparel and home goods in Northern Virginia. “I want to steer clients to select flattering pieces that remind them of another time,” he says. The name of the store, Nostalgia, came to him because it is the very feeling he hopes to create when patrons visit his store. That said, even though the clothing and furniture on display through the store may bring the past to mind, Redd emphasizes that his merchandise is wearable and livable. “We don’t carry costume-y pieces.” He emphasizes, “My customers understand quality and they don’t mind wearing a unique piece to stand out.” In a previous life, Silas styled Richmond socialites while studying Fashion Merchandising at Virginia Commonwealth University. He later worked in retail doing visual merchandising for West Elm, Brooks Brothers and Macy’s. A walk through Nostalgia is something like a walk through a museum, with each piece carefully on display with a story to tell. He does accept vintage consignment.

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SILAS’ EVERYDAY STYLE

ON HIS PLAYLIST

MANTRA: Everyone deserves to look good. Sometimes people feel that fashion is not something they deserve or is accessible to them. Everyone should feel like fashion is within their reach.

I am huge Beyonce fan. Jon Coltran, Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald. I listen to things revolved around 60s soul music and jazz.

STAPLE WARDROBE: I call my style punched up prep. I like buttoned up oxford with crazy patterns. (1) Hollister Stretch Poplin shirt $50, http:// www.puretastepopup.co.uk/designer-mens-bhollisterb-stretch-poplinshirt-in-navy-p-2429.html. I like fun and (2) bright bowties, cool patterns, and stripes, Southern Proper Bowtie, https://www.southernproper.com/collections/bowties-1/products/pineapple-bowtie-quartz, $60.

SHOPPING I’ll go a department store but I’ll also shop at Target. Post recession it became cool to wear clothes that weren’t expensive but look good or cool. I like H&M, I like Zara but I also like Target.

ON HIS NIGHTSTAND

I just finished a book called (8)The End of Fashion. It talks about how the luxury fashion industry lost its luster when fast fashion came along like ForVINTAGE OR NEW: I buy both vin- ever 21 and H&M. tage and new bow ties. I really love Brooks Brothers’ ties and they have a WHY HE LOVES YOUTUBE good finish and tie really really well.

I give guest lectures at VCU, the Fashion Merchandising program. Education is important to me to a certain extent; I feel education is necessary for everyone but it can be subjective.

There are so many platforms you can learn on these days. Even though I have a college degree, I think there are many different avenues for education.

CARRYALL: I have a bookbag so I As long as you are continuously learnlook like I’m going to high school. In ing, that is what is important to me. it is a gray (4)Jansport bookbag, $60, but it is functional for lugging my gear SUMMER VACAY around. It’s got about 20,000 pockets.

I would like to visit my cousin in Paris SKIN SOLUTION: I use (5)Palmer’s this summer. I’ll be staying with her and her husband. I try to steer away coco butter, $6.75. from tourist traps but like the museSIGNATURE SCENT: (6)Armani Di- ums, the food, and the energy of the people, (9) Eiffel Tower Vintage Greetamonds, $50. ing Card, $5.95, https://fineartamerica.com/featured/vintage-eiffel-tower-julie-butterworth.html. I do a lot IN HIS KITCHEN of shopping while I’m there for vintage BREAKFAST: I‘m always on the run so clothing and jewelry.

I’m not a big breakfast person but I am a sucker for bacon. I love the Purcell- FASHION WORDS OF ville diner. I order bacon and coffee. WISDOM Coffee mug by (7)Brian Lacy Pottery, My biggest tip is to try something on; $26. silhouettes are different in past decades than now so I tell clients to try on items.

OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: Personally, I really like Cole Haan shoes and (3)Johnsten Murphy, $155. They have a storied history with leather and footwear--they know what they’re doing. .. classic but also punched up . . . traditional with punched up laces and leather.

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Farm to Table Smoothies Blueberry Beet Ingredients:

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• 1/2 cup Greek/strained yogurt (we recommend Blue Ridge Dairy) • 2 teaspoons honey • 1 small beet, cooked and peeled • 1 cup frozen blueberries • 1/2 frozen banana • 1/4-1/2 cup milk (as needed)

Directions:

Add ingredients to blender. Blend until very

smooth and mix turns purple.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, start with

1/4 cup milk and increase if desired.

Saturdays at the farmers markets in Northern Virginia continue to offer quite the bounty. And if you were enthusiastic about berries this year, we hope you are taking the time to freeze some to enjoy the rest of the season TIP: to keep berries from sticking together in the freezer, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before bagging.

Northern Virginia is home to many farmers who produce both berries and beets, as well as apiaries that produce beautiful, golden honey. Thanks to the mix of protein rich dairy and the fiber of beets and blueberries, this smoothie is incredibly satisfying and filling. While there are no NoVA banana producers, we couldn’t help but add this essential smoothie ingredient to the mix for an extra creamy consistency.

Photos and content by Carlene Thomas RDN, LD Registered Dietitian Nutritionist www.HealthfullyEverAfter.CO 15

Berry Basil Smoothie 16

Basil is a key ingredient for summer and fall recipes as it grows in abundance this time of year. Sweet savory basil provides excellent nutrition as well. Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which promotes strong bones, a healthy heart, and proper brain function. The aroma of basil helps to reduce feelings of tension and anxiousness. Cucumber, lime and chia seeds provide hydration and lime and chia are also great source of electrolytes, all very important for those hot summer and fall days.

Berry Basil Smoothie 1 cup water 1 cup almond or coconut milk 5-8 Strawberries Handful Blueberries (about ¼ cup) 5-7 Basil Leaves (use to your liking;You can also use 2 drops of doTerra Basil Essential Oil) ¼ Cucumber Juice of ½ Lime ½ tsp Chia Seeds Optional: Vanilla Protein Powder Directions: Add liquid ingredients to your blender followed by all other ingredients.

Blend on high. Add ice to taste. Any berry will taste delicious with this recipe.

Recipe by Leigh Schoener Photography by Jessica Monte and Vincent Sales

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Florals for Nestled among the rolling hills of Loudoun County is Hope Flower Farm, a farm inspired by hope and providing a rural retreat and design destination. At Hope Flower Farm, visitors may take classes in floral design, enjoy local farm to table cuisine, walk the garden, meditate, and relax in the countryside.

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all Seasons Photographs by Jessica Monte and Vincent Sales Interview by Sasha Creswick

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Holly Chapple Summer & Fall Florals

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HOPE FLOWER FARMS: A FIELD OF DREAMS

The garden inspires me. Finding unique elements, things that are aren’t typically used in floral design --that is how I approach design. I’m always looking for inspiriation.

We love using dill for summer arrangements, it’s such a pretty color.

When I’m planning an event, we always like to have our tableware match the flowers.

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Gather your flowers

Prepare Your Flowers

If you’re harvesting the flowers yourself, harvest in the morning or evening, not in the heat of the day. Once harvested, you can give preservatives to the flowers.

Strip the leaves off the flowers before they are put in the water to drink. Leaves can cause bacteria if they are sitting more than a couple of hours.

Let the flowers have a few hours to drink. Place flowers in buckets of temperate water.

Securing Your Arrangement

Designing the Arrangment

As a beginner, floral foam is the most forgiving.

However, flowers drink better and last longer when in water. If you make a mistake in your foam, keep in mind that you’ll create a hole that no longer holds the stem. Another option is to use chicken wire. Crumble it up into a ball and it becomes your grid. It’s a good idea to buy chicken wire coated in plastic from a farm supply store. Uncoated wire will rust in water. Fill the bowl with water with either foundation. Note that if your foam becomes dried out your arrangment will not last as long.

The design of your floral arrangement will be inspired by the size and shape of your table.

Consider the overall space in which you are designing for as well. For an occassion where guests will be moving around the arrangement, you will need to create a full sided design. A recentangular table will require several floral designs. A round table will only require one large design or collection of designs.

Use Greenery to Shape Your Design Begin with your greenery to create the shape of the design. Look at the arch and bend of the design. You’ll want long insertions of your greenery.

The greenery provides the shape, platform or bones of your design. yellow, red, or pink so that you have graduation in the tone of the design. Once you get your focal flowers in, some people like to design in triangles but I prefer to design in a looser and more organic look.

Add Your Focal Flowers Add in focal flowers; these are your large blooms: hydrangeas, sunflowers, peonies, or roses. It is a good idea to have several layers of the same color if possible. You’ll want to try to include two types of yellow, red, or pink so that you have graduation in the tone of the design. Some people like to design in triangles but I prefer to design in a looser and more organic look.

Wispy Flowers Add Shape

Preserve Your Arrangement

Work through the design and add in more wispy flowers that fly through the design: filler flowers include sweetpeas, bupleurum, monarda bee balm, cosmos and dill. The highest parts of the arrangements will extend beyond the structure of the greenery—dainty, not tall and heavy, to keep the shape.

Keep your bowl full of water. Note that all flowers in the arrangement have a different life span.

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When setting a table, remember that all items on the table should somehow work together.

Table

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Choose a runner, candles, and glassware that connects to the flowers that will be used. If you only have one kind of china, be mindful of what color flowers you choose for your table setting.

Match the napkins, the table runner, and the candles. Centerpieces should be under 14 inches tall because it obstructs vision and people will not be able to talk with each other at a dinner party. Napkin placement can change based on your inspiration. There should a flow in the design across the table and everything should feel connected with the way the table is set.

Setting Photographs by Jessica Monte and Vincent Sales As told to Jessica Monte by Holly Chapple

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Poolside in Northern Virginia

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Kennedy and Carter at the Pool Terrace.

The inspiration for our pool came from modern home and architectural magazines. I wanted minimalist design with clean lines, but also a pool to compliment the surrounding nature. To achieve this, I worked with Joe Gwiz of Lewis Aquatech for a pool design that used natural colors and tones.

Photograph by Vincent Sales Text by Gena Casagrande

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MORVEN PARK

Set on 1,000 acres in Leesburg, Virginia, Morven Park is an estate both rich with history, eventing, and gorgeous landscapes.

Morven Park is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as a Virginia Historic Landmark.

The stories of those who lived at the estate are told when you visit the beautiful and eclectic Davis Mansion and take a stroll through the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. Westmoreland Davis, one time Governor of Virginia, invested a great deal to encouragw farming in Northern Virginia. In fact, Davis purchased the influential Southern Planter magazine in 1912 and published it until his death. Davis ran Morven Park farm as a model of efficiency and productivity and shared what he learned with other farmers. His wife Marguerite Inman Davis, daughter of a wealthy New York cotton broker, designed the gorgeous Colonial Revival boxwood gardens. Surrounded by four-foot-high brick wall and wrought-iron gates, the gardens contain not only boxwood but also magnolias, hollies, and a variety of flowering trees. A reflecting pool and the brick mausoleum, the final resting place of Governor and Mrs. Davis, are tucked within this historic garden.

Text and photos by Jessica Monte

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MORVEN PARK

Hounds for the Virginia Foxhound Show held in May are exercised on the grounds of Morven Park.

The White House pardoned turkeys retire to Morven Park and are talkative with visitors.

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A handler with dog at Virginia Foxhound Show at Morven

Be sure to select a great hat when you attend Morven Park’s new Polo in the Park on Saturday evenings through August.

Polo in the Park Photo by Steven Glintz

Morven Park launched its inaugural season of Polo in the Park in 2017 at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center. The program includes arena polo matches, picnicking and dancing every Saturday evening in July and August. Stone Tower Winery, the Official Wine Sponsor of Polo in the Park, offers wine for sale by the glass or by the bottle. Catoctin Creek Distillery – Official Spirits Sponsor – offers cocktails for sale as well as whiskey and gin by the bottle.

Guests are invited to bring their own beverage of choice to enjoy at polo matches. Different food trucks and dessert vendors are featured each week.

Each night of the season will feature two matches, with one starting at 7 p.m. and the other starting at 8:30 p.m. Gates open for spectators at 6 p.m.

Polo in the Park car passes cost $35 if bought in advance online, or $40 cash at the gate. Tailgating spots are available for $150/night. These spots are ideal for birthdays, graduation celebrations, hosting clients, and more. To reserve a tailgate spot send an email to Polo@MorvenPark.org.

Polo in the Park Photo by Bob Tobias

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Fashion at Morven Park Clothing and jewelry available at Lou Lou Boutiques.

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Photography by Jessica Monte Styling by Sasha Cahir & Shelley Grandy Makeup by Morgan Palmedo of Blushin’ Beauty

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The Cottage

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The motto at The Cottage at Lucketts is to provide customers with well loved furnishing. Linda Campbell expanded The Cottage from its original location in Historic Leesburg when she moved to Lucketts. To prepare for the new location, Campbell completed a number of renovations to create an atmosphere that is cottage and farmhouse inspired.

The Cottage includes the main house as well as outdoor open air sheds for customers to shop. 42410 Stumptown Rd. Leesburg, VA 20176 35

The Cottage is not explicitly an antique shop, however furnishing dealers select pieces to refinish and refurbish.

Outside the Window established by Holli Rathman, is a dealer at The Cottage. Inspired by a love of typography, WW has rescued and hand-painted thousands of old wooden windows.

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French Farmhouse Serving Tray

Alana Stoyas is the kind of person who can see the potential in a few cuts of leftover wood and a piece of furniture that has seen better days. Her business, Flight of Fancy, took off because of her ability to see the beauty in old things and her talent to create gorgeous items for the home with a whimsical flair. A big believer in hard work and getting her hands dirty, it’s not a surprise that Stoyas’ vision for a vintage furniture shop and design business is thriving.

What started as something she liked to do turned into friends asking her to design furniture for them and quickly accelerated into a full fledged business where she offers design services as well as instruction.

One hot summer night this July, we accompanied Stoyas to an instructional workshop that she hosted at the historic Sally Mill Farm in Middleburg, once owned by the founder of Middleburg, Leven Powell.

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Gather your supplies.

Materials Used 1x4x8 Furring Strip 1x3x8 Furring Strip Gorilla Wood Glue Grey, White, Black Chalk Paint French Stencils 2 Drawer Pulls

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Let them drink wine.

While sipping wine with good friends, Stoyas’ students learned the chalk paint technique, as well as the artistic use of a drill and a hammer.

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French Country Serving Tray Step-by Step Begin by having your 1x4x8 piece of wood cut into 4 – 19” pieces. Then cut your 1x3x8 board into 2 – 14” pieces.

Glue the four longer boards together to create the base of your tray. Using a lint-free rag, stain the glued boards and the two short boards with the Varathane stain in the “Carrington” color. Let dry. Dilute your grey paint with a bit of water and grey wash the paint over all the wood pieces. Let dry. Do the same with your white chalk paint.

Let dry.

Glue the two smaller boards along the short edge of your board as the cross strip to hold everything together.

Secure those two boards with 1.25” finishing nails. Place your French stencil in the middle of your tray and secure all edges so there isn’t any bleed through. Using the black paint and a stencil brush or sponge, paint the stencil on. Once dry, distress the stenciled area for a rustic look with 150 grit sandpaper. Seal with an all natural sealant or wax.

Screw your new drawer pulls onto the small wood pieces as your handles.

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“Creativity takes courage. ” ~Henri Matisse

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The torcedor

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Arian Castaneda

Arian Castaneda enjoys a cigar at the rooftop bar of the Graham Hotel in Georgetown.

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CIGAR & SPIRIT

PAIRING

Master Roller, or torcedor, Mr. Arian Castaneda is a Cuban with more than 10 years of cigar rolling experience in Cuba. Castaneda promotes the history and culture of cigars, from Hoplantation, curing, to rolling, packaging, storage, and smoking.

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Full Body Blend  Light Whiskey Mild Blend  White Wine or Beer Medium Full Body Blend  Francis Conner Beer Medium Blend  Brandy or Full Body Wine Medium Full Blend  Bourbon or Coke Full Blend  Whiskey, Scotch, or Dark Rum

For more cigar smoking enjoyment, toast your cigar all the way around in a circular movement. Smoke outdoors in open space, ideally with a breeze. Drink coffee to clear your palate. The length of your cigar affects its flavor; shorter cigars are more concentrated. Castaneda says, “A cigar is about time and enjoyment. Your cigar should be about its flavor and not its strength.”

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The NOVA Diaper Bank Did you know?

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FLORAL GIFT SHOP & DELIVERY

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Beard life with Chris Little

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Interview by NVSL Text by Chris Little Photo by Jessica Monte

I remember back when I first grew a beard in 2008-2009 it seemed like it was rare to see anyone else with one around Northern Virginia. I was more of the odd man out and most people were just curious what I did for work. Then, in 2013, work took me out to Salt Lake City, Utah for a couple months. I remember on one of the first phone conversations I had with my wife stating that, “almost everyone out here has a beard.” In the last couple of years, I’d say beards and facial hair are pretty common place around the region.

Beard Life

Living in Northern Virginia, there’s a good chance that you know someone who wears a beard. Chris Little, owner of Duct Doctoer an indoor air quality company, has worn a beard since 2008. Below are a few of his thoughts on wearing a beard in this day and age in Northern Virginia.

As told to Jessica Monte NVSL: Why did you grow a beard?

CL: Growing up my father always had, and still has, a full beard. I think it really starts there if I’m being honest with myself.

Somewhere around 2008 - 2009 I just decided I was over shaving. I was over purchasing razors, shaving cream and over shave bumps in general. All that together and I’ve had a beard for a while now. My kids have only seen me a couple times without one.

I shaved it for to raise money for a charity event not too long ago and my son was coming home from his grandparents. I remember calling his name and telling him to come into the kitchen. The combination of fear and confusion on his face was pretty priceless when he came around the corner.

NVSL: Is your beard part of your family tradition/background?

CL: Yes, my father has always had a beard. Prior to that, only one that I can verify, during the civil war. Going back to our earliest family record in America is Thomas Little who arrived in the Plymouth Colony from Devon, England in 1631. Unfortunately, he had no beard. Weak sauce. He was a lawyer and a constable in Marshfield, Massachusetts and apparently, they didn’t dig on beards.

NVSL: Are you friends with other men who have beards?

CL: Yes, I am. However, I’m not sure if I’m friends with them because of the beard per se. I just like to be around good people, beard or no beard.

NVSL: Why do you think beards are trendy right now?

CL: I think life moves in waves like the ocean. In the 60’s it was initially more of a counter culture move. A statement saying, “I’m dropping out of society, man.” Then the Vietnam war, a long sustained war effort, ended and I think the 70’s gave way to beards being more accepted and mainstream. I believe it had a lot to do with the Veterans coming home, getting out of the service and growing beards to be honest. I know that’s when my father grew his beard and it’s been there ever since. That coupled with rock goups and Hollywood getting in on the push. If you do a search for 7os rock stars you might be surprised who you see rocking a beard.

So, given that story line, it could be possible that financial crisis in 2008 set the overall stage for a beards making a comeback. I think the overall feeling across the country on main street was, “we just collectively got the short end of the stick, man.” If you then overlay that timeline with the “wind down” of the war on terror, another long sustained war effort, under the Obama administration. Then again look to Hollywood and you might start to see some parallels that may explain the current trend.

I remember back when I first grew a beard in 2008-2009 it seemed like it was rare to see anyone else with one around Northern Virginia. I was more of the odd man out and most people were just curious what I did for work. Then, in 2013 work took me out to Salt Lake City Utah for a couple months. I remember on one of the first phone conversations I had with my wife stating that, “almost everyone out here has a beard.” In the last couple of years, I’d say beards and facial hair are pretty common place around the region. My cousin James grows a very disturbing mustache that screams, “take the candy and get into my creeper van”.

NVSL: Is it difficult to maintain and groom your beard?

CL: Not at all, I have a great barber and it’s basically maintenance free. (Chris visits Harold of Harold’s Barber for his beard maintenance.

NVSL: How frequently do you visit the barbershop for your beard?

CL: Currently, I go to the Harold’s Barber Shop in Sterling about every two weeks. I find the inverse relationship between beard grooming and personal space when out and about socially very interesting. I’ve found that the less I keep up with my beard, the more people just leave you alone and actually avoid you out in public.

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Take Care of Your Beard

And Your Beard Takes Care of You 52

EVERY ROAD HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES facebook.com/projectroadwarrior

@roadwarriorfoundation

@projectroad

The Road Warrior Foundation provides adventures to improve the lives of veterans and empower them through challenges that honor their service.

With the support of our corporate partner, Can-Am BRP, we are able to offer once-in-a-lifetime crosscountry journeys on Can-Am Spyders so everyone can experience the exhilaration of the open road.

Wind therapy at its finest.

Show your support. Visit us at www.roadwarrior.org to make a tax-deductible contribution.

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FRESH CUT AT HAROLD’S BARBERSHOP

One of my favorite things to do in life is get a fresh hair cut. It was a long journey to find a solid barber in Northern Virginia. When I was in the military, I knew what kind of cut I was in for. In college we cut each other’s hair too. New to the area, I wanted to find a barber I could trust, authentic with a sense of humor, and who could give a consistent fade. The old adage is, “the early bird gets the worm”, so it’s fitting that the first time Harold Westbrook cut my hair years ago, he had just opened the doors to the shop.

Harold is a local, an unusual pedigree in the Northern Virginia region. He grew up here, was a basketball stand out and graduate from George Mason University, and is a diehard Washington Redskins fan. When the weather is right, he’s a Harley rider and typically Harold finds that the weather is always right.

Harold actually started cutting hair at Mason for his basketball teammates and friends. When he graduated, he did the corporate thing for a while with his degree, but quickly realized it was the trade he taught himself in school that was going to be his career. I’ve heard him say, “I can go anywhere in the world and people will need a good haircut.”

Harold is a master barber with, what seems to be, endless hustle and skill. I’ve observed him numerous times over the years “remembering” to eat lunch at the 2:00 – 3:00 pm time range while having been consistently turning over his chair, every customer pleased with the results.

And no, I don’t mind hanging out in this barber shop to wait for my turn in his chair. The conversation is ongoing and there are always familiar faces at Harold’s.– Harold’s Barbershop is an authentic urban barbershop, welcoming to all who walk through the door. The Northern Virginia region is diverse and Harold and his team of Kay, Dominique, and Calvin have fully embraced the diversity in their clientele. They even joke, “If you have hair on your head, we can cut it.”

Every barber on the team has skill and at one time or another each one has done a bang up job cutting my hair.

Harold Westbrook mans chair one, this is his shop after all, but it’s also so he can personally greet everyone who comes through the door. He gives walk-in clients a heads up on the order of who’s next and if anyone has a standing appointment with a particular barber that may alter the order. There are TVs, water, magazines, and candy for the kids. What you won’t find at Harold’s Barbershop is foul language, bad vibes, mean mugs and hate. At its core, it’s a barbershop and the real draw is the on point cut, the conversation, and the humor.

Harold’s Barber Shop 22034 Shaw Road Sterling, Virginia 20164 Text by Chris Little Photo by Jessica Monte

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Native

BARRE Looking for a fun workout that will leave your body toned and strong, and your mind at ease?

Then look no further than Native Barre. When you first walk inside, the studio is zen-like with streamlined minimalism decor, fur throws and succulent potted plants. The dance studio with ballet bars at first glance creates an atmosphere that seems to blend yoga studio with dance. However, the carpeted floors, weighted balls, required socks, and native jump boots are a fast reminder that this is no ordinary exercise studio.

Owner Bridget Wilson developed Native Barre with the intent to help her students build a strong core, create long and lean muscles, lift the “seat,” increase flexibility, and improve posture. Her website proclaims “Off the record, the true reason why we love Native Barre is that it’s an amazing exercise that’s made for people who hate to work out and love to have fun.”

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If you live in Northern Virginia or are visiting, you can drop in for a class with Native Barre in both Middleburg and in Ashburn.

There are three classes for participants to try: Mid-Level, Express, and Native Jump.

Early morning classes and evening class times are perfect for those who have work or family to tend to. The space and staff are friendly and welcoming to new students or those who may be traveling from out of town and simply need a good sweat.

To learn more about Native Barre, visit: https://www.nativebarre.com Native Barre Locations: 8 Jay Street, 2nd Floor, Middleburg, VA 20117 Tel. 540-687-4643 21020 Sycolin Road, Suite 110, Ashburn, VA 20147 Tel. 571-707-8021

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