Northern VA 2023

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Yayla Bistro

Authentic Turkish restaurant serving traditional dishes in a stylish, contemporary setting.

2201 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213

Phone: (703) 533-5600 | Web: yaylabistro.com

Tuscarora Mill Restaurant

High-end New American fare & Virginia wines served in a refined dining room, rustic bar or atrium.

203 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175

Phone: (703) 771-9300 | Web: tuskies.com

Virtue Feed & Grain

In a revamped 18th-century granary, this hip tavern offers elevated pub grub & a lively bar scene.

106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: (571) 970-3669 | Web: virtuefeedgrain.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Artie’s

A menu of American seafood & meat classics, plus a bar & boathouse decor with scale models.

3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA

Chadwicks

Neighborhood bar with English pub decor, happy hour, burgers & American fare, plus patio seating.

203 Strand St, Alexandria, VA

The Wine Kitchen

Rustic-chic choice offering a seasonal New American bistro menu with a range of wine pairings.

7 S King St, Leesburg, VA

Green Pig Bistro

Scot Harlan’s nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.

1025 N Fillmore St Suite D, Arlington, VA

Lightfoot Restaurant

Chandeliers & fireplaces fill this elegant former bank now issuing inventive New American fare.

11 N King St, Leesburg, VA

The Warehouse

Steak, seafood & classic American dishes are served in a casual yet elegant historical space. 214 King St, Alexandria, VA

The Espositos

Down-to-earth dining space offering familiar Italian eats such as pasta, pizza & meat dishes. 9917 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA

Ada’s on the River

Trendy venue serving steak & seafood, plus weekend brunch, cocktails & a robust wine list.

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA

Trungo’s

Brewpub offering craft beers & local wines plus American bar eats in a vintage storefront.

2C Loudoun St SW, Leesburg, VA

Cowboy Cafe

Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.

4792 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA

JUN 24 Arlington Pride Festival

The Arlington Pride Festival returns to Rosslyn’s Gateway Park for an allday outdoor fest on Saturday, followed by an afterparty that goes into the night. Keep the fun going with a drag brunch the next day. Learn more at arlvapride.com.

JUL 4 Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate American Independence with a fantastic parade through downtown Fairfax featuring bands, entertainers, civic groups, and the ever-popular Fairfax Library Precision Book Cart Drill Team. Then head to Fairfax High School for live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.

AUG 16 Arlington County Fair

The Arlington County Fair is one of the largest free events on the East Coast and has been providing quality entertainment for over 40 years. In recent years, attendance has reached over 84,000 as people come from Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro region to enjoy competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. Learn more at arlingtoncountyfair.us.

SEP 2

Virginia Scottish Games and Festival

The Pipes are calling... celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Commonwealth as top athletes from around the country compete in traditional competitions of strength and skill. The event includes music, dance, crafts, a car show, sheep-herding demonstrations, children’s activities, and plenty of Scottish food and drink. Learn more at vascottishgames.org.

OCT 7

Bram Fall Fest

Fall Fest, Brambleton’s largest event of the year has something for the whole family to enjoy, including live music, food, amusements, and more! Mark your calendars for this fun-filled afternoon. Learn more at brambletonhoa.com.

NOV 9

Alexandria Film Festival

See screenings of the best in independent filmmaking from around the world and our own Alexandria neighborhoods. Viewers can watch two days of in-person films or during a two-week virtual streaming period. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.

DEC 15

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights up for the holidays with over 500,000 lights and displays on a .6 mile outdoor walking trail. After your walk, enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores at the fire pit. Visit novaparks.com.

JAN 2 Bull Run Festival of Lights

A perennial favorite of the holiday festivals in Northern Virginia, the Festival of Lights is a 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday lights. This is an ideal family activity even for the youngest kids, who stay warm and cozy as you slowly drive through the fun, animated displays. Learn more at novaparks.com.

MAR TBD

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The 41st annual Ballyshaner’s Parade will return to Alexandria in 2024! This family-friendly Alexandria celebration includes a great parade and a fun dog show. This is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Northern Virginia. Learn more at ballyshaners.org.

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

LGBTQ+ PROTECTIONS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

On June 14, 2021, the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs (OHREP) in partnership with Aging Rainbows hosted a virtual event “LGBTQ+ Protections in Fairfax County.” Web: www.fairfaxcounty.gov

AGING RAINBOWS

Our mission is to provide community outreach, education, supportive programs, foster inclusive care communities and care providers, expand socialization opportunities, and intergenerational programs in the Northern, VA area and throughout the country for LGBT older adults. Web: agingrainbows.org

SAGE

The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country’s first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers. Web: lgbtagingcenter.org

EQUALITY VIRGINIA

Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia is the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. equalityvirginia.org

AGLA

AGLA is a vibrant, grassroots membership organization that strives to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community and allies. AGLA respects diversity and builds relationships with civic groups and community leaders. Web: agla.org

NOVA PRIDE

Cultivate and grow a coalition to educate, advocate, and celebrate in service to LGBTQ+ Northern Virginians and its’ straight allies. Web: www.novapride.org

RESTON PRIDE

Reston Pride is made up of LGBTQIA+ persons and their allies. For the past few years, we have had the honor and privilege of providing the Reston area with resources and opportunities to engage, celebrate, empower, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Web: restonpride.org