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MAY/JUNE 2022

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Have You Heard of Some of These Unique National Holidays?

Lavender Organizes

Professional Home Organizer In Alexandria

May/June 2022

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May/June 2022

Table of Contents

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The Simply Magazines Dream Team Camila Santander, Realtor with KW Metro, serves her clients as a realtor and a contractor Lavender Organizes; A Professional Home Organizer in Alexandria 4

A Look Back At Men’s Fashion Week

Best Day Trips around Alexandria

Learn more about unique, national holidays

May/June 2022

How To Eat Healthy While On Vacation

Local Events Calendar

The Best Rooftop Views in the Washington DC Metro Area

Fun, Unique Summer Dates In Alexandria & Washington DC

PUBLISHER Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net EDITOR IN CHIEF Alyson Turner Alyson@simplymagazines.net

Simply Beauty: Latest Makeup Trends for Warmer Weather

How To: Decorate Your Backyard/ Patio for Summer

Trendsetter: Love On Brand

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS Alyson Turner, Courtney Williams Nyah Marshall, Kayla Archer-Buckley, Taniyah Keve CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tracey M. Connor

May/June 2022

LAYOUT & AD DESIGN Natthaphon Foithong ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net

The SimplY Magazines Dream Team

Veronica Fountain is the Founder and Publisher of Simply Bowie Magazine. Her goal is to connect community members and business owners to one another by sharing great content every month with the print magazine, digital magazine, social media, and podcasts. “I am very proud of my team and of our community.”

Publisher

Veronica Fountain Alyson Turner is Editor-In-Chief at Simply Magazines. “I have been working in publishing for the last 10 years. When I am not working, I’m spending time at home with my wonderful husband and three lovely children. I love what I do because of the amazing people that I get to meet and interact with from Bowie and all around because of working for the magazine. One of my greatest pleasures is telling the stories of our community members and seeing everyone connecting with one another.”

Editor-In-Chief

Alyson Turner

Capture The Moment Photography by Ro, LLC @ctmphotographybyro

Ro Moreno is a certified photographer specializing in branding and imaging photography and capturing special moments for clients including engagements for corporations, political figures, individuals, weddings, marathons, and university graduations. Ro enjoys cooking, traveling, and listening to music. “Being a photographer for Simply Bowie has provided me an outlet to express my passion and talents through capturing photos that facilitate the branding and imaging of local entrepreneurs. My goal is to provide them a visual medium that will enhance their unique stories while showcasing their amazing products and services.”

Senior Photographer

Ro Moreno

Tracey MarLené Photo

graphy @traceymarlenemedia

Tracey MarLené has refined her portfolio to include: Commercial, Lifestyle, and Event Photography. A native New Yorker, Tracey has lived in Bowie, MD for more than 10 years, and affectionately refers to the “DMV” as home. “What I aspire to accomplish, and what I love to do is for my photography to honor your story, to be studied, exhibited, and ultimately, memorialized as the evidence of my work as a creative.”

May/June 2022

Contributing Photographer

Tracey Connor

Nyah Tari Marshall is a graduating senior, journalism major at Howard University. A multimedia journalist that has contributed to several Howard affiliated news publications, Nyah founded the journalism platform UnitedStories and is finalizing the thesis ‘Media Fueled Black Protests Movements: The Early Black Press and Black Twitter as the Catalyst.” “I love contributing to Simply Magazines because the platform gives me the creative freedom to write about fun topics! My favorite thing about the DMV is the representation of various cultures and people.”

Contributing Writer

Nyah Marshall

Courtney Williams is a graduating senior, journalism major at Howard University. A passion for writing and storytelling started when Courtney joined the yearbook staff in middle school and has since been pursuing a career as a journalist. “I love watching documentaries, and one day I hope to produce one. In my free time, I like watching home renovation shows and I want to learn more about contracting so I can be my own DIY expert. Interning with Simply Magazines has been such a wonderful experience and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to write for the community.”

Contributing Writer

Courtney Williams

Kayla-Ajanae Archer-Buckley is a graduating senior at Howard University majoring in Broadcast Journalism and minoring in Political Science. “On campus I’m a member of two mentoring organizations, Jewels Incorporated and JustUs. I was also a member of the HU Association of Black Journalists. Outside of school, I’m a writer and creative with a passion for art, film, and poetry.”

Contributing Writer

Kayla Archer-Buckley Natthaphon Foithong is a Graphic Designer, UX designer and Photographer. He is called “O” by his family, and “NATT” in USA. He was born and raised in Thailand. He enjoys using his skills to contribute and inspire others with the beautiful designs. “I believe the only way to create some great art is love and passion.” In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife and friends. He loves blues music and plays soccer once a week.

Layout & Ad Designer

Natthaphon Foithong 7

May/June 2022

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Camila Santander Realtor® for Keller Williams Metro, uses her expertise as a realtor and a contractor to best serve her clients. Article By Alyson Turner

May/June 2022

that allows me to do both. For necessary work on your home, my company can do it all, but the invoice will not be due until you close on your house. You do not need to pay for any of the repairs until after closing. My clients are able to go directly to the source because I am the business owner as well as their agent. I can get things done and coordinate the moving parts much more quickly. It is the biggest reason why I can have these two different careers because they are connected in a way that it allows me to be a contractor and a realtor. “

Camila Santander is a realtor and a licensed contractor in her family-business ASA Roofing, Inc. As a contractor, she has come across many clients that have needed to conduct repairs on their home in order to get the house ready to sell. “It is a beauty contest out there and having those conversations day in and day out; which repairs should be done, which ones are worth it, which is most cost effective, what will give the best return on investment led me to becoming licensed as a realtor in 2019. This seemed to be a service that my clients needed. I thought to myself, “Let me go ahead and learn all that I can to serve my clients even better. Construction goes hand-in-hand with home selling. My expertise as a contractor inspired me to go into real estate to help my clients. Many times, what we think will bring us a high return doesn’t actually work. This is why I decided to get my license, to better educate myself, and be a better tool for my clients,” Camila tells us, “Part of my service means having my construction hat on at some point, and then at another point having my realtor hat on. I never drop one to become the other. There is always a relationship between the two

Camila explains that the best thing you can do whether buying or selling is to interview realtors. “Start talking to realtors and see which one you feel most comfortable working with. Which one can you see yourself having a daily relationship with? That is what these transactions call for is you being your realtor’s best friend. You must find a realtor that you trust, feel comfortable with and that you really like. It is the first step and one that I consider most important because that realtor will help you with everything else. Using a realtor is definitely in your best interest because you will have a professional in your corner who can help you answer questions and guide you to the best path for you. There is a million and one paths in front of you in real state to become a home owner or to sell a property. You have to navigate them based on your goals and your situation which means you need a frank, authentic conversation about what your needs are. Anyone that is thinking of selling or buying, you need start reaching out to realtors to discover who is going to be your person; your go-to, and go from there,” Camila says. Being a small business owner has led Camila to be able to problem solve and navigate issues as they arise overcoming hurdles as

May/June 2022

they happen rather than becoming frustrated. “My experience has allowed me to have any situation or challenge that is presented, and figure out the best game plan. I have faced adversity, I have faced issues and problems, delays. Any issues you can think of when it comes to construction and real estate I have dealt with. Being able to think outside the box, when it comes to real estate is important because there are many components that make up each transaction and something can go wrong in any step along the way. I solve problems for my clients. I come to my clients with solutions and I already have a plan done. That helps me stand out,” Camila says, “I want to emphasize the fact that I am here to take stress away from you as a seller. To make the transaction as easy as possible while getting you as much profit as possible for your investment. I am a one stop shop. You can come to me. We can figure out a plan to prep the house; if there is anything needed from necessary repairs to managing those repairs to valuating the house, staging, marketing, advertising, and bringing a buyer in. Then I can negotiate offers and get the most profit for the house as possible. I am here for my clients and this is what I do best. I am experienced and ready to help. It can be overwhelming and there is so much that goes into it. There can be many issues if it is not done properly. I am here to help sellers from Point A to Point B until you get your check for that investment. In addition, I am an expert in what I do and have resources available to me as a small business owner and contractor that others do not.

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY Camila Santander Realtor® Licensed in Virginia 571.276.8103 realestate@csantander.us www.CSantander.us KW Metro Center 1701 Duke Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314

ASA ROOFING, INC. Camila Santander, Vice President Office Phone: (703) 415-6505 Phone: (703) 459-5781 Camila@asaroofing.net www.AsaRoofing.net 5706 General Washington Drive, Suite K Alexandria, Virginia 22312

For those who are looking for a trustworthy agent, please call Camila at 571.276.8103 or visit www. CSantander.us.

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A Realtor You Can Trust Are you a homeowner that is ready to take advantage of today’s phenomenal market? Are you tired of renting and want to start gaining Equity? Contact me today to get started!

Call Me!

(571) 276-8103 camilab@kw.com

www.csantander.us

Camila Santander REALTOR Licensed in Virginia

KELLERWILLIAMS, REALTY

KW Metro Center 1701 Duke Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314 Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated www.northern-virginia-buying-selling-homes.com

Lavender Organizes Professional Organizer, Chinamelum Menakaya, known as Lavender, is a professional organizer in Alexandria, Virginia who is creating global calmness through organizing. Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Tracey M. Connor

Chinamelum Menakaya, who goes by Lavender, is the founder and namesake of Lavender Organizes. Lavender has been extremely organized since she was a young child. “My room was always neat, and never once did my parents say make your bed or put your toys away. I did that for myself. I remember getting ready for school during high school and on Sunday evenings I would have all of my clothes ready for the entire week. I would have picked out my entire outfit for every day with shoes and jewelry planned. I am a Virgo. This is what I have always been doing. For me it is second nature. I started organizing accidentally. I used to be a nanny, and then I read an article about TaKl where they were offering work for personal organizers. I started that way. I noticed that I was gaining a lot of clients, and [my business] was born from that. It is something that I truly enjoy and I love doing,” Lavender tells us, “Lavender Organizes is a place where we strive to create global calmness through organizing. There is no way your house can be calm with clutter. We are about kindness, teamwork, passion, quality, and clients come first. For many people they have never used a home organizer, but it is someone to come and help you create the space you want it to be.” Lavender is drawn to helping people. Many people do not or cannot organize their own spaces and Lavender wants to help using her passion for organization. “I thought that everyone was extremely organized. I didn’t know that many people don’t like organizing especially for those people who may suffer from ADHD or other things that makes organizing difficult. Organizing houses to me is helping people because I want to help people create a space for everything. Let me help you in a hands-on way by showing you how things can be organized. I like to show people that when you are living in a very cluttered environment you are missing out on more space in your home, and how much lighter the space can feel. A lot of clutter can cause heavy energy in a space. I like to show people that by decreasing clutter, you can feel happier and lighter in your environment,” Lavender says.

Getting Started With Lavender Organizes

The first step in working with a home organizer is understanding that you need help with organizing and decluttering. You can set up a free consultation through Lavender’s website and you can email her as well. There is a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions list on her website that you can read to understand how to get started. “I like to ask for photos in order to determine my estimates and see how much clutter is in the space. Is it in the entire house? When you send photos or email me there is no judgement. If it causes you anxiety, or you are so embarrassed that you don’t want to invite people into your space you can call, email, or do a virtual consultation with me. I offer a free 30-minute consultation. We can do a virtual consultation if you are not in Alexandria, or the Washington DC Metro area. If you are in the area, we can do a walk-through consultation. I also do travel organizing. I can travel to other cities or states to get your home or a family member or friend’s home organized. Alot of times, I will get asked to help organize kitchens and/or a bedroom. I am told by the client that it’s the only place in the home that they need help with, but as I examine the kitchen, or bedroom, there will be different categories of items in the kitchen and/or bedroom that do not necessarily belong there. If I am organizing the kitchen, and have items that I must move into an office or bedroom, but those rooms are not organized, I would just be adding onto clutter by moving those items there. This is the main reason that I like to organize the entire home, before adding things into another space, it needs to be thoroughly sorted and then decluttered,” Lavender says.

May/June 2022

Services

Lavender offers decluttering, deep organizing, simple organizing, and personal shopping for organizational items. “Decluttering – Homeowners or renters who have lived in their home for 5 to 20 years, often haven’t gotten rid of unused things in their house. If you want to start in the basement, we can take these items out of the basement so you have a clear space. We will declutter anything that is unused or out of place. It can take a bit longer especially if you are decluttering large spaces like a basement, garage, or attic or the entire house. Deep Organizing – You have already decluttered. We have already donated or given away things you don’t want or need. I come in and help you organize things in your home in a functional way. I make recommendations on what items to get, baskets, furniture, storage racks, and what stores you should shop at to get organizing materials. I help to make sure everything fits. Simple Organizing – You have already purchased the baskets, the storage racks, the organizing supplies, but you

e r o f Be

don’t know how to make it work. You want to have a Pinterest worthy look, and I will come to help you figure out how to make the items that you have work. At this phase you have already decluttered, you have already purchased the items, I just come in to help utilize the space. Personal Shopping – A lot of times during deep organizing you haven’t really purchased the storage racks, the baskets, the organizing items and this is where people are overwhelmed. I will measure the space. You will pay for the items, then I will go to the stores for you including The Container Store, TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Amazon. There is also a drop off option. Depending on which package you choose, I can drop off the items to your home after doing shopping for them. I also have labels and recommendations of what should be purchased.” Lavender Organizes offers customized packages based on client’s needs. Generally, each space is a minimum of 6 hours (example: a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room). The larger spaces or areas with a lot of clutter and storage will be double that. Clients can purchase packages such from 12 hours to 24 hours based on the concerns for your specific home.

r e t f A

Have more questions? Visit LavenderOrganizes.com. Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions that answer those burning questions you are wondering about professional organizing!

Mission, Vision & Culture Mission Statement Lavender Organizes brings calmness, functionality and serenity into the spaces where people live and work, providing professional organizing services for home owners, renters and businesses with compassion, and kindness whilst putting clients first.

Vision Create Global Calmness Through Organization

Culture • • • • •

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As Seen In Find Lavender on social media & podcasts sharing her insights and strategies on how to FREE THE CLUTTER • Northern Virginia Magazine • The Washington Post • Podcasts & Social Media

• • • •

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Lavender travels locally to Alexandria, Arlington, Washington DC, and Falls Church. Lavender will also travel to other states when clients pay for travel and accommodations. LavenderOrganizes.com (703)-347-7537 INFO@LAVENDERORGANIZES.COM Lavender Organizes

•

Trustworthy -We will be trustworthy, while handling our client’s confidential belongings and paperwork. Loyal- We are fully supportive of our clients and stand with them through tough decisions. Clients First- We put our clients first, by following through with their needs and offering exceptional service. Communication- We will communicate properly with our clients and have the willingness to accept feedback. Quality- We embrace quality, we believe it is satisfying for our clients and we like the long-term benefits, of using standard to high end items and services. Passion- We will work with creativity while having fun and let our work speak for itself. Diversity- We value culture and welcome all diversity; we choose to represent everyone. Compassion- We operate with empathy we listen and try to see the situation at hand through our clients’ eyes. Calmness- We believe calmness settles even the worst chaotic environments. No matter the situation of the home or business, we start with calmness. Teamwork- Behind every successful company is a powerful team. At Lavender Organizes, we choose to work as a team, within ourselves and with our clients. Luxury- We will provide a pleasant and comfortable environment along with offering personalized Lavender Organizes Services. Kindness- Lavender Organizes agrees that kindness makes the world a better place, we feel better and our clients will feel better through our acts of kindness.

Looking Back On Men’s Fashion Check out which styles for Men have been popular over the last few seasons

Article By Taniyah Keve

Let’s face it, when it comes to putting together a perfect outfit, we sometimes fall short of the image we created in our head. It isn’t always as simple as seeing what your favorite celebrity is wearing, because these days celebrities walk out wearing practically anything! Afterall, they are going for the dramatic, attention-grabbing effect, while you might be looking for something that is a bit more practical and a lot less costume-y. Either way the fashion world is known to shock and awe. We often focus on the trends in women’s fashion, but in honor of our gentlemen, let’s take a look at some of the men’s styles we have seen over the past few seasons debuted at Fashion Week at home and abroad.

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 Collection

The future is sustainable. Bay-Area Designer Tommy Bogo, of TOMBOGO created a sustainable line of workwear entitled “Nature Is Healing.” These convertible and functional designs were made out of recyclable materials including synthetic nylons, vegan leather, woven knits and canvas. These environmentally friendly pieces are eye-catching and adaptable. As more designers look towards ditching fast fashion and lessening pollution, recycled convertible fabrics are the way to go.

May/June 2022

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 Collection

One look that seemed to make its way onto the runway repeatedly during the SS21 Men’s Fashion week was the bomber jacket. From Gucci, Prada, Philip Plein to Hermès and Moschino, the runways couldn’t get enough of this look! This jacket is a timeless outerwear staple that every man needs to have in their closet. No matter the weather, you can always find a bomber jacket that will suit your style and the time of year. Versatility is key! Hermès SS21

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020

If you are looking for new menswear styles to tryout, then all you have to do is look to see what’s happening on the streets. Street style fashion is a style that takes on an approached based on individualism while intersecting culture and current trends. It is about expressing who you are and where you came from through the use of clothing. Over the last few years, this style of clothing has become popular on the runways. Designers, such as Romeo Hunte, have taken streetwear fashion to the runways. Romeo Hunte SS20

Paris Spring/Summer 2019 Collections

For those that like to be a bit more on the adventurous side of fashion, I recommend testing out utility fashion wear. Known for its clean look, utility is a fashion trend inspired by military wear. With an abundance of pockets and multiple perfectly stitched seams, structure is what stands out most about this fashion trend. Louis Vuitton menswear artistic director, Virgil Abloh, curated a runway show that showcased utility fashion with a mix of luxury. Louis Vuitton SS19

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 Collections

Who can resist a man in a nice suit? During the 2018 menswear fashion shows, a theme of suit attire was seen on runways from London to New York. However, these weren’t your typical suits. Rather than the regular everyday suit that most business class men throw on, these suits took on a more unusual approach by using nontraditional colors. Designer Tom Ford showcased his collection of unique suits this year and left the audience in awe of his creations. Showing up to work in style seems to be a trend that is never going to die down. Tom Ford SS18

Over the last few years, men’s fashion has evolved tremendously. Year after year, we are met with styles that seem to never go out of style. From high fashion streetwear to utility looks, men’s fashion leaves a plethora of choices to choose from. So, as you are looking to swap out your closet with something more representative of your style, remember that you have a world of choices ahead of you. You can be practical without having to be boring and out of style.

May/June 2022

Top Best Day Trips around Alexandria, VA & D.C. Article By Kayla-Ajanae Archer-Buckley

If you’re planning a fun day out, a weekend getaway, or a vacation, there are many options in the NOVA and D.C. metropolitan area. From the shore to memorials and monuments there are plenty of options to choose from! A major highlight of this area is that there are also lots of fun things to do for free, which is great if you’re on a budget and still looking for some adventure. We know you’re probably eager to go outside with the weather warming up, so here are five of our favorite day trips in the area.

Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls

Located just 1.5 hours from Alexandria, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for those who love the outdoors. This scenic park spans over 500,000 miles making it perfect for bikers and hikers. If you’re not into biking or hiking, you can still enjoy this park from the comfort of your car on Skyline Drive. There are also several waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, and mountains you’ll see on the way, so don’t forget your camera!

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is on Baltimore’s inner harbor, less than 40 miles from Washington, D.C. The aquarium features several types of tours and activities including Dolphin training, an aquarium sleepover, 4D Films, a dolphin tour, and many more! The prices for these activities vary, but general admission tickets are $39.96 for adults and seniors, $29.95 for children 3-11, and free for children 2 and under. The general admission ticket includes access to all exhibits and presentations.

May/June 2022

DC at Dusk Guided Night Tour

This 3-hour tour allows you to see many of the best D.C. memorials and attractions lit up at night. You also won’t have to worry about transportation because this is a guided mini-bus tour. This tour starts at the U.S. Navy Memorial and visits several landmarks such as the Jackson Memorial, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Tidal Basin. Tickets for the DC at Dusk Guided Night Tour start at $58.

Virginia Eastern Shore

The Virginia Eastern Shore is perfect for people who love the water and nature. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and beaches. There are also fun activities near the shore such as hang gliding, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boating. If you’re looking for an escape you can also visit one of the secluded islands like Tangier Island. Food on the shore is also pretty amazing. No trip to the shore is complete without crab cakes or delicious seafood!

Torpedo Factory Art Center

You should check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center if you love art. This art center serves as an open studio for several artists in the area. Artists can be seen displaying their creations such as ceramics, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and stained glass. You can watch the artists create and purchase art directly from them. They also offer art classes and workshops for adults and children. Another cool thing about the Torpedo Factory Art Center is the archaeology museum on the 3rd floor.

Have You Heard of These National Holidays? Article By Nyah Marshall

We’ve all heard of Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, but have you heard of National Grape Popsicle Day? Or National Smile Day? Or what about National Paperclip Day? From Memorial Day, which marks the start of the summer season, to Labor Day, which traditionally symbolizes the end of the season, there’s a litany of other national holidays in between—many of which you’ve probably never heard of. Ever wondered who comes up with all of these random national holidays? It starts with online calendars like National Day Calendar and Days of the Year, which display lists of over 1,000 supposed «holidays.» Then, marketers and local businesses promote these days for different reasons—often to sell products. And like anything on social media, once a hashtag is made, it becomes a phenomenon and trend that everyone’s hopping on. So what other national holidays are out there during the summer months that’ll make the season even more fun than it already is?

June June 4: National Cheese Day

June 9: National Donald Duck Day

June 10: National Movie Night

-Wisconsin isn’t the only place you can find quality and a variety of cheeses! Support a local deli on National Cheese Day or celebrate by taking a risk and trying a type of cheese you›ve never heard of.

-June 9 commemorates the birthday of the famous cartoon duck who has left an imprint in all of our childhoods. National Donald Duck Day was first proclaimed by L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley in 1984 on Donald’s 50th birthday. The nation’s most famous duck gave the city a silver statue of himself as a gift in memory of the big day.

-Pop some popcorn and cuddle up with your favorite buddy for National Movie Night day! This national holiday is on the second Friday in June and encourages us to start a tradition of movie nights with friends and family.

(Photo: National Today)

May/June 2022

(Photo: Hebrewnational.com) And don’t forget, to show love to all the Dads in your life this summer on June 19, Father’s Day!

July July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day

July 17: National Tattoo Day

-Skip the traditional vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors this day, and reach for something new!

-Be on the look out, tattoo shops often will have promos and deals on National Tattoo Day! This day recognizes the history, culture and artists dedicated to creating art with permanent ink on skin. If you’ve been contemplating making this commitment for a long time now, today might be the day you finally get inked! If you›re already tatted up, take some time to thank your tattoo artist on this day.

(Photo: happydays365.org)

July 7: National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day -This could be an opportunity for a great bonding day between a father and daughter. Fathers and daughters join each other for a nice stroll, converse and appreciate having each other in your lives.

(Photo: @gentle_jaz)

July 24: National Cousins Day -Our first friendships often form among the relationships that grow between us and our cousins as young children. Celebrate the lifelong relationships you have with your cousins this day by taking a group picture, going out to dinner or simply enjoy each other’s company.

August August 7: National Sisters Day

August 17: National Nonprofit Day

The unbreakable bond and love between two sisters is indescribable. Recognize National Sisters Day by appreciating the connection you have with your sibling or celebrating the friendships of sisterhood you have in your life

Support and donate to a nonprofit on National Nonprofit Day, a day that recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world. What’s a nonprofit that has had a positive impact on your life?

Photo of two sisters taking a selfie: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

(Photo: MobileCause)

August 27: National Just Because Day August 8: National Happiness Happens Day Sometimes everyone needs a little reminder to be happy and grateful, even when it’s difficult to do so. This day encourages happiness all day. It’s a reminder to appreciate every moment of joy in your life, and to be grateful for it.

Buy that dress you’ve been admiring at the mall… just because. Take the day off of work…just because. Surprise someone with lunch…just because. This day is the opportunity to do stuff…JUST BECAUSE! In the late 1950s, Joseph J. Goodwin of Los Gatos, California, created Just Because Day. It began as a family holiday and grew into an annual celebration across the United States. And this doesn›t even scratch the surface. There are hundreds of more national holidays to discover and start celebrating this summer!

May/June 2022

Wine Gallery 108 EncoreAlexandria.com

Your Boutique Wine Shop In Old Town Alexandria Fine Wines, Craft Beer, Artisanal Foods, Handcrafted Gifts & Local Art (703) 549-9463 WineGallery108.com

Located in Old Town Alexandria, Encore offers luxury consignment with premium designer collections and personalized service. There is alway something new to see so stop by on your next boutique shopping trip.

ADDRESS: 119 S. Fairfax Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

FountainsDaySpa.com

PHONE: (703) 683-175

Indulge

108 N. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

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422 S. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-1990

—Eating Healthy On Vacation made Easy With 6 Tips — Article By Nyah Marshall

After the last few years we’ve had, we all deserve a nice vacation. It’s the season for vacations, meaning it’s time to celebrate, unwind, rejuvenate and be carefree. It’s your time to travel to new places, do fun activities and of course, try new foods. If you’re on a path tot maintaining or losing weight, going on vacation this season could make you a lite weary. It’s easy to be tempted to break your diet when everyone’s indulging in fruity cocktails and comfort food! Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to think that they don’t, calories do count on vacation! But don’t worry, being mindful and strategic about what you consume on vacation to maintain your healthy lifestyle is easy! Here are 6 ways to continue your healthy eating streak on vacation while sill being about to have fun!

Photo: BoraBoraislandguide.com

1.) Stay Hydrated

4.) Walk off Those Extra Calories

Hydration is always essential no matter who you are or what your eating habits are. Hydration becomes even more imperative when you›re vacationing under the beating sun or trying to maintain a healthy diet!

If you want to be a little more generous with what you eat on vacation, offset any extra calories you may consume with exercise. Going to the hotel’s gym early in the morning is great and ambitious, but, even a simple stroll after dinner or swim in the resort’s pool could help you maintain your weight on vacation.

Dehydration is common when traveling because you’re often too preoccupied to remember to drink water. Water will keep you feeling full which can stop you from overindulging. Try bringing a reusable water bottle everywhere you go.

Try to go sightseeing on foot, take a walk on the beach or stroll through a museum to get your necessary steps in. (Photo: Nps.gov)

2.) Smart Snacking It’s hard to pass up the arrays of snacks and treats you encounter throughout your vacation. I mean, who can say no to an ice cream cart? To make this temptation a bit easier, carry some healthy, filling snacks with you. These could include pretzels, nuts, peanuts butter snack packs, sliced apples, cut-up veggies and more— get creative and pack snacks that you’ll actually want to reach for throughout your day. It’s better to have something intentional than to reach for the first appealing treat you see.

3.) Resist That Open Bar Unwinding on the beach with a nice Seagram sounds amazing because after all, it’s always happy hour on vacation. But but but… if your goal is to eat healthy on vacation, you might want to watch your drinking habits first. When that minibar is easily accessible and you’re tempted to unwind with a nice, cool cocktail, it’s easy to see how you can drink almost half of your recommended daily calorie allowance. (Photo: Cityview)

5.) Choose a Menu With Healthy Options Before you make the decision to visit a particular restaurant, it may be wise to look up the menu online to see if they have healthy options that’ll fit into your diet. Making a simple, but mindful decision about what you order off of the menu could make all the difference. For instance, instead of having fries with your burger, try subing them for a salad or fruit cup.

6.) To Splurge or to Not Splurge? Now here’s the real question: when is it okay to splurge on a yummy, but unhealthy treat, drink and meal? Well, it’s up to you—it is vacation after all! Some dietitians feel that we should «no longer think of eating out as a special treat and thus give ourselves carte blanche to overindulge.” Splurging on food, particularly when eating out, greatly contributes to higher total calories, grams of fat and milligrams of sodium in your diet. On the other hand, it’s vacation. You deserve to responsibly enjoy yourself. So if you want to splurge on sweets, fried foods and bread, go right ahead! To monitor yourself, try only splurge once a day. Do so by eating slowly and savoring the experience.

May/June 2022

Calendar of Events for May & June Check out the exciting events coming up in Alexandria! May 2

May 4 & May 11, 7 p.m.

Joggers & Laggers Port City Brewing Company at 3950 Wheeler Avenue

TRIVIA NIGHT The Light Horse at 715 King Street

Start your week off with a Monday evening run from Port City Brewing Company. The run meets at the brewery tasting room before heading out for a 1, 3, or 5 mile run (it’s an out and back route so really it’s as long as you care to make it). It’s a pleasant route through a park and then picking up a paved path along Holmes Run. Expect a fun crowd, support from Pacers Running staff, and occasionally vendors will be there with shoes to try out on the run. PortCityBrewing.com

“YOU TALKIN’ TO ME?”....Taxi Driver.....

May 4, 6-9 p.m. LIVE MUSIC AT KING & RYE COCKTAIL GARDEN King & Rye at 480 King Street

Join us in our Cocktail Garden for live music, cocktails and a seasonal southern menu. Hear local musician Joseph R. Monasterial’s. Acoustic Covers. Reserve a lounge in our Cocktail Garden! Enjoy a 2-hour Cocktail Garden lounge experience and tasting in our outdoor courtyard. Our lounges can accommodate up to 8 guests are now available Wednesday-Sunday for dinner and brunch! KingAndRye.com

May 12, 7:30 p.m. MARCUS MILLER The Birchmere at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue

Come see renowned jazz musician Marcus Miller at The Birchmere; America’s Legendary Music Hall. Marcus Miller has been dubbed one of the most influential artists of our time. At the top of his game for over 30 years, he is a two-time Grammy award winner, (U.S.), winner of the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement In Jazz (Holland), winner of the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France) and in 2013, was appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace. His characteristic bass sound can be heard on a limitless catalog of musical hits from Bill Wither’s “Just The Two Of Us” , to Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much”, to songs from Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Elton John and Bryan Ferry to name a few. With his distinctive style - a unique combination of funk, groove, soul and pure technical skills - Miller has been referred to as one of the most significant bass players in jazz, R &B, fusion and soul. Bass Player Magazine includes him on its list of ten most influential jazz players of this generation. Birchmere.com 24

May/June 2022

It’s trivia night every Wednesday upstairs at The Light Horse. Grab your mates & head down to 715 King Street for a great evening of Q&A in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Delicious food, cold craft beers and delish cocktails await. Play as teams and win prizes! TheLightHorseRestaurant.com

May 15, 11 a.m. PAINT YOUR PET AT DC METRO’S FIRST DOG BAR Barkhaus at 529 East Howell Avenue

Paint Your Pet’s Portrait events are a great way to hang out with friends and unleash your creativity. Even if you’ve never painted before, Sherry Kendall, painting coach, will guide your group step-by-step through the painting process. Prior to your Pet Portrait Paint event, each painter sends us a good closeup photo of their pet. Our artists will then sketch each pet’s likeness onto their canvas. When the painters arrive their canvases will be ready to paint their pet’s portrait. Painters can get creative by adding their own special touches to their pet’s portrait masterpiece. BrewskisBarkhaus.com

May 21, 7:30 p.m. KATHY MATTEA & SUZY BOGGUSS: TOGETHER AT LAST The Birchmere at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue

Hailed by The Washington Post as “one of Nashville’s finest song interpreters,” Kathy Mattea has enjoyed the kind of success many artists only dream of: two GRAMMY wins, four CMA Awards, four #1 country singles, and five gold albums (plus a platinum collection of her greatest hits). Kathy Mattea teams up with Suzy Bogguss for an incredible night of music at The Birchmere. Birchmere.com

June 15, 7:30 p.m. DEBBIE GIBSON “THE BODY REMEMBERS TOUR” The Birchmere at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue

For more than 35 years, Debbie Gibson has been a true pioneer and force in the entertainment industry. A singer, songwriter, producer, musician, actor, and entrepreneur, she embodies what it truly means to be an icon. With their mini residency, “Debbie Gibson & Joey McIntyre: Live from Las Vegas” at The Venetian® Resort, Debbie and Joey rocked audiences and critics alike. Gibson’s new duet of “Lost in Your Eyes” with McIntyre garnered nearly a million views of the music video as well as launching a hugely successful TikTok duet craze. Her new single “One Step Closer” soared all the way to No. 3 in Switzerland and No. 8 in the U.K. Her first pop album in 20 years, The Body Remembers, was released August 20, on her own label Stargirl Records. The new album promptly shot up to No. 2 on the Apple Pop Charts and achieved one million streams in its first month. Come see the original Pop Princess Live! Birchmere.com

June 3, 4 p.m. SUGAR CUBE COCKTAIL CLASS WITH STORIED GOODS 1121 King Street

Martha Bourlakas will lead a class in how to make three cocktails and two mocktails with Storied Goods Sugar Cubes. She will talk about the history of each cocktail, why sugar is important in cocktail construction, and how these sweet little Cubes can help us savor the small moments in our lives. Participants will be able to laugh, celebrate themselves, and share the joy! Martha Bourlakas is the founder of Storied Goods, makers of infused Sugar Cubes for cocktails, coffee, and tea, based in Roanoke, VA. Must show proof of vaccination to attend. EventBrite.com

Every Wednesday through Sunday until June 5 SEEWORTHY: MODELING MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY EXHIBIT Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N. Union Street

View ship construction through the eyes of maritime archaeologists in SeeWorthy, a new exhibit from Alexandria Archaeology highlighting the technology used to digitally reconstruct historic vessels. Recent development along the waterfront has led to significant discoveries by archaeologists, including the remains of four historic ships. These remnants have been laser scanned to create models showing what they would have looked like in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Scale models of the three historic vessels from the Robinson Landing Site. Find more information at AlexandriaVA.gov/Archaeology. TorpedoFactory.org

June 26, Noon – 5 p.m. 2ND ANNUAL GROWING PRIDE IN THE GARDEN The Garden ALX at 5380 Eisenhower Avenue

This family friendly event at The Garden ALX will feature 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies set up throughout The Garden with locally crafted goods available for sale. Enjoy local food trucks (including snow cones!), live music, and kids crafting available throughout the event. The event will be both inside the event space, the state-of-the-art workshop and outside on the patio. EventBrite.com 25

May/June 2022

Best Rooftop Restaurants and Happy Hour Bars in

... D.C.

Article By Nyah Marshall

Spring is here, and summer is around the corner! The time for brunching on weekends and happy hour drinks after work is here! Kick of the season and celebrate this beautiful approaching weather at one of D.C.’s many rooftop bars and restaurants. What could be better than enjoying the views of the Potomac and catching site on the Washington Monument while drinking your favorite summer cocktail? There are so many restaurants in D.C., with new ones popping up every month. This is why we’ve complied a list for those not sure where to start looking or in need of a new scene for rooftop bar season!

Red Derby

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

The Red Derby describe themselves as a “neighborhood watering hole with good food, canned beer, board games, and decent prices.” They offer a “24/7 Happy Hour” on $3.50 lucky pic beers, tequila and whiskey shots.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon houses one of the largest whiskey collections in the Western Hemisphere. The saloon also serves Southern American comfort food inspired by French classics. During happy hour, they have $35 bottomless mimosas and beers, wine and wings are $2 off.

Address: 3718 14th St NW Price: $ (Photo: Red Durby/ Facebook)

Address: 2007 18th St NW Price: $$$ (Photo: jackrosediningsaloon.com)

May/June 2022

CORTEZ DC

Colada Shop

12 Stories

CORTEZ is one of the most popular hospitality venues in the DMV. They are a Mexican rooftop bar in the historical Shaw neighborhood known for its Baja-focused interior restaurant décor, spacious rooftop bar and multiple event spaces. During happy house all bears are $6, signature cocktails are $9 and their “shooters of the day” are $7.

Colada Shop is a cute, upbeat Cuban cafe with a bright blue rooftop that opens in the spring. They pride themselves in being a “A social spot serving coffee, food, cocktails, and conversation.” Happy hour is every Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm!

The Wharf is the place to be when the weather finally breaks in thee DMV. Enjoy a day on this beautiful river front at 12 Stories, which is located at the top of The InterContinental Hotel, boasting a nearly 360-degree view of the Potomac and the Washington skyline. Head there for creative cocktails like the ‘Aren’t You a Fineapple’ and tasty bites.

Address: 1405 T St NW (Photo: DCist.com)

Address: 1905 9th St NW

Address: 75 District Square SW 12th floor

Price: $$

Price: $$$

(Photo: cortezbardc.com)

(Photo: Anna Meyer, Courtesy Moki)

La Vie

Smoke & Mirrors

Whiskey Charlie

This is the perfect upscale restaurant and bar serves flavors and aesthetics of the Mediterranean! La Vie is a stunning and sleek restaurant at The Wharf featuring views of the Washington Channel from its rooftop terrace. Enjoy delicious and creative named cocktail’s like “Dip Your Toes,” “Dive In” or ”Off the Deep End.” Happy hour prices, with bar bites and sunset drinks are weekdays from 4-7 p.m.

Smoke & Mirrors sits at the top of AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard, and overlooks the U.S. Capitol Building. Enjoy the charmingly decorated indoor bar and lounge, or rooftop, drink great cocktails and rub elbows with the Capitol Hill crowd, all in one place.

Whiskey Charlie is a premium rooftop lounge perched atop the Canopy Washington DC, aka The Wharf, DC’s famous lifestyle and entertainment destination. Whiskey Charlie has both an intimate rooftop deck, and an indoor lounge, known as ‘The Cabin.’ Cocktail fan favorites are the the Gentlemen’s Pirate and Clouds Over Provence.

Address: 88 District Square SW 5th floor,

Address: 867 New Jersey Ave SE Price: $$$ (Photo: opentable.com)

Price: $$$$ (Photo: La Vie/Facebook)

May/June 2022

Address: 975 7th St SW Price: $$ (Photo: Whiskey Charlie)

It’s springtime which means love is in the air. The great thing about the springtime is that it opens the door for more activities outside. The spring is also the perfect time to take a trip to the nation’s capital. There’s always plenty to do and the experience is sure to get couples talking. D.C. has famous monuments, restaurants, and is overall, a lovely little city. It would be impossible to do everything all in one day but if you have to narrow down your places to go, these are a few spots to try and get to. Article By Courtney Williams

Spring Dates in the DMV Cherry Blossom Festival If you want to enjoy nature and truly feel the springtime, a good date to consider is D.C.’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Not only will you get a chance to see a beautiful blanket of pink and white blossoms, but you’ll be right by the title basin. The blossoms mixed in with some of D.C.’s famous monuments, will make for excellent pictures and the experience is a ten out of ten. Be on the lookout for when the blossoms are at peak bloom. The Cherry Blossom Festival can draw large crowds, but if you don’t mind having to share the sidewalk, it’s the perfect place for a date.

Museums on the Mall D.C. is full of history and it’s all right at the fingertips of visitors. If you want a unique date that will inspire curiosity, heading to the National Mall will put you right by the Smithsonian. One great thing about D.C. is that almost all of its museums are free, and their variety is sure to meet the interests of both guests. Just being on the National Mall is a good date experience. When the weather is nice, the atmosphere is lively, and there are plenty of food trucks to grab a quick bite. You’ll also have the perfect view of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument; a prime photo opportunity to update your memory book.

Scooter Dates Why walk when you can scoot? If you have a good sense of direction and a decent amount of balance, try touring the district with a scooter. There’s a lot to look at in D.C. and walking to all of it can get really tiring, especially in the summer and spring heat. Scooters do the work for you so you can focus on having a good time and enjoying your date’s company. Scooters will also help you save some time so you can visit more destinations before the day is over. D.C. is a walking city, so even if visitors travel by scooter, they have easy access to paths through some of the most popular stops.

National Harbor Right next door to the big city is the National Harbor, most recognized for its big Ferris wheel and close proximity to the MGM casino. The National Harbor is a popular spot and even has family friendly activities. For those not afraid of heights, the Capital Wheel gives you an aerial view of D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The harbor lets you choose between casual or formal dining experiences along the marina. Some restaurants even offer guests a waterfront view. If you don’t want to spend the day just looking at the water, don’t worry, boat tours leave in and out of the Harbor and take visitors up the Potomac and around D.C. Warning, on some of these boat tours, you will get wet but that’s what makes it fun.

May/June 2022

Old Town Alexandria So, there’s much to do at the National Harbor, but why should the National Harbor get all of the attention when there is another great date location right across the bridge. Literally, right across the bridge. If you ever find yourself at the top of the Capital Wheel, look to your left and you’ll see it, Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is a historic district. Its cobblestone roads and lines of shops will give you that old city charm that will take you back in time. A popular spot in Old Town is the Torpedo Factory Art Center; its name an ode to its history as a torpedo factory during World War II. Among the restaurants and shops in Old Town, there is another hidden gem. Located in Old Town is the skinniest historic home in the nation, the Spite House. And if you do see this tiny, blue home, be sure to snap a picture.

Monument Night Touring While some people enjoy the larger, daytime crowds as part of the city experience, if you want to enjoy a quieter walk-through Washington D.C., try night-touring. Night touring lets you beat the heat and skip the crowds. You can also do your night tour with a group. It’s a bit safer and while you’ll still be with a crowd, you’ll probably avoid waiting in line for a good spot to get a photo or take a closer look.

Gravelly Point Park Look up! A visit to Gravelly Point Park is a picnic date with a twist. The park sits at the edge of the runway for Reagan National Airport which makes this place a prime spot for plane spotting. If you want to see planes up close and don’t mind the occasional interruption of a plane overhead, then this park is the perfect date.

The Wharf If you’re driving on the Francis Case Memorial Bridge at night, keep an eye out for a glowing sign on the edge of the harbor. Right behind the line of boats is a glowing sign that reads, “Wharf.” The Wharf is a waterfront strip that has restaurants and shops. The Wharf ’s historic gem is the Municipal Fish Market. Open daily, the fish market opened in 1805 and is still a staple for the boardwalk. Being right on the water, the location is perfect to spice up any dinner date. For all seafood lovers, the Wharf has not one but two oyster bars; however, there are many restaurants to choose from.

Georgetown Waterfront and Shopping Like The Wharf, the Georgetown Waterfront sits on the edge of Georgetown’s historic district. The waterfront is beautiful and has a wonderful balance of green space and restaurants. This is a very lively place and anyone who visits will get a chance to appreciate its vibrance. You can also move away from the waterfront and explore the upscale shopping experience in the district. If you get a chance to go to Georgetown (and the line isn’t too long) stop by D.C.’s infamous Georgetown Cupcake for a sweet treat.

Fashion Center If you’re a couple that enjoys shopping, Fashion Center at Pentagon City is a big mall, a really big mall. It has four stores and over 150 stores and restaurants. Now of course, you don’t necessarily have to go to the nation’s capital to go to the mall but if you are in the area and want to get a cool shopping experience, Fashion Center is the place to go. These are some good ideas for a first or even fiftieth date, and they all make a great excuse to get out of the house and have fun doing it. Washington D.C. is a big city that has a lot to offer for any couple looking to get out and enjoy the day. Just visiting the area is a unique experience. Remember, you’re going to the nation’s capital; a city full of history, that’s definitely a date location to take full advantage of.

May/June 2022

5 Summer Makeup Trends for 2022 Article By Kayla-Ajanae Archer-Buckley

Makeup is all about self-expression, and with the number of trends this year there are plenty of options for everyone! From a simple bare-skin look to glitzy Euphoria-inspired glam, there are many emerging trends to choose from. These looks are a great form of self-expression and they’re super fun to re-create!

1. Thin Brows

Going along with y2k-inspired makeup, thin eyebrows have made a comeback. In the past, this look was achieved by over-plucking the brows or shaving them. However, if you want to rock this look temporality, opt for concealing your natural brow instead. Begin by slicking your brows down. You can use Elmer’s glue stick or a sticky hair gel. You want to make sure your brows are as flat as possible before the next step. Next, conceal your eyebrows completely and add finishing powder. At this point, you should look completely eyebrow-less. Once your brows are concealed, create an arch shape with your favorite brow pencil or pomade. We recommend Benefit Cosmetics Brow Pomade, for only $20 this is a great brow product to have in your collection. For a great tutorial check out Itslikelymakeup on YouTube. Her ’90s makeup tutorial is super fun and colorful for those who enjoy bold looks. Even if you don’t, we still recommend this video because her thin brow routine is perfected!

A major trend this year has been the revival of y2kinspired looks. Social media, especially Tok-Tok has played a large role in the reemergence of the 2000s. While this has been a big trend this year, it’s not the only one. There are plenty of trends this summer, and we’ve listed 5 of them as well as product recommendations for re-creating each look. We also included some of our favorite beauty gurus and makeup artists on social media if you want to check out some tutorials!

2. The “Clean Look”

This look provides you with a nice glow and low coverage. This is another makeup trend that’s exploded on Tik-Tok. It’s also known as the “model-off-duty” look because of its simplicity. Achieving this look is very simple so it’s also great if you’re new to makeup. All you need for this look is a good sunscreen, concealer, mascara, brow gel, and lip gloss. That’s it! For sunscreen, we recommend one that leaves you with a nice glow such as the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen. Sunscreen can sometimes leave a cast on darker skin tones, if you run into this problem try my personal favorite, Black Girl Sunscreen. A great brow gel we recommend is the Benefit Cosmetics 24 HR Brow Setter or Glossier Boy Brow. For the rest of the look, you can go ahead and use your staple concealer and favorite gloss! For a tutorial, we recommend MUA @AlissaJanay1 on Tok-Tok. She has truly perfected the clean look!

May/June 2022

3. Neon

There are several ways to incorporate bright neon colors into your makeup routine, but this summer it’s all about the eyes! From bold eyeshadow to the colored liner, neon is making its way back into the makeup scene. We recommend colors such as orange, yellow, blue, or hot pink for this summer. If you want to try adding some color to your routine, try Suva Beauty Hydra Liners, Dior Diorshow on Stage Liner, or Colourpop BFF Liquid Liner. Applying eyeliner can be tricky so you may need to practice a few times. Smitha Deepak on YouTube has a tutorial that includes 9 different eyeliner styles!

4. Bright Cheeks

Blush is a great way to add some color to your face. It is also perfect for giving you that nice spring/summer glow. Powder blush will always be a staple product, but we recommend trying out a cream blush. Cream blush is slightly more convenient since it can be applied with your fingers, and it sets quickly. To achieve bright and glowy cheeks just add a few dabs of blush to your cheekbones. A great and affordable cream blush is the E.L.F Cosmetics

Putty Brush or NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint. For more great blush options check out Samira Belle’s “Best Blushes for Dark Skin & WOC” video on YouTube or Juicy Jas’s video “Drugstore Cream Blushes That Beat High End”.

5. Metallics and Glitter

As seen on the runway, metallics have been a popular makeup look this year. We’ve also seen the use of glitter and metallics on popular Euphoria star, Alexa Demie. If you enjoy bold makeup this is a trend worth hopping on. You can incorporate colors like gold, silver, and copper, or you can go for something brighter. Similarly, to the neon trend, you can incorporate metallics into your routine by using eyeshadow or a simple glitter eyeliner. To achieve this glittery look, we recommend Milani Hypnotic Lights Eye Topper or for more options the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered Eyeshadow Palette. A fun and trending look to try with metallics is floating eyeliner. Unlike traditional eyeliner, this look is achieved by applying eyeliner along the crease. Beautification by Mara on YouTube has a great tutorial on Floating and Graphic Liners using eyeshadow.

May/June 2022

Pinterest Inspired Backyard Article By Courtney Williams

Warm weather is on its way, bringing with it summer clothes, and more opportunities for outdoor entertainment. The only thing to do next is make sure your backyard is as ready for the new season as you are. Whether you have a big backyard or a small one, if built up to its fullest potential, you can make your yard work for you. So, where to find inspiration on how to decorate? Pinterest of course! These are all the different ways to turn your backyard into your own personal oasis. These ideas work for small or large backyards and may make you want to spend more time outdoors.

Grow Upwards Some people absolutely love gardening. Some people absolutely hate it. Regardless of where you fit in, you can’t deny that adding a little bit of greenery to a space goes a long way. Of course, planting a typical garden can take a lot of work and if you’re not one for gardening, this work can get overwhelming. You could do potted plants; but who wants to crowd their patio? As seen on Pinterest, a good alternative may be to plant a vertical garden. If you have unoccupied wall or fence space that you’re not sure what to do with, a vertical garden could add a more personal touch. Another reason to consider putting together a vertical garden is that it’s ideal for smaller yards and may be easier for homeowners to maintain.

Brighten Up

Bring the Kitchen Outside If you love cooking and being outside, why not bring the kitchen to the backyard? Outdoor kitchens are great for grill-lovers and remove some of the hassle of going back and forth. Your outdoor kitchen will bring the convenience of the indoors to your outdoor oasis, especially if you are a fan of hosting outdoor gatherings. Because you’ll have a space for everything you need close by, you can spend more time interacting with your guests and enjoying your party.

May/June 2022

There’s no easier way to light up a space than to just add lights. A good set of string lights can take your yard from average to exceptional within minutes. A warm glow will not only make the space more functional when the sun goes down but will help add to the aesthetics. Most backyard lights are also solar-powered, meaning all you have to do is find a place for them. Even if you don’t opt for string lights, adding light panels to different spots of the yard will immediately beautify the space.

Get Nice and Comfy Whether you want to use your backyard as the neighborhood hangout space or as your own personal hideaway, investing in some quality furniture can add an element of comfort to the outdoors. A set of patio furniture will allow you and all of your guests to take your party from the living room to the yard in just seconds. Just like your indoor spaces, you can pair your furniture with accent pieces such as colorful pillows and outdoor rugs. Bringing the luxury of the indoors to your backyard will make everyone want to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine a little longer.

Pool Together Adding a massive, in-ground pool to your backyard is not exactly something you can do overnight but if you want to change it up, adding a pool is the way to go. Building a pool is a great way to unwind, especially for those months where it seems impossible to bear the heat. Adding a pool can become the centerpiece of summertime activities for friends and family alike. This is not surprising since they are loved by kids, adults, and even pets. It’s not just swimming pools that can spice up the backyard, hot tubs can also be great entertaining spaces. Unlike swimming pools, hot tubs can be used all year and for any occasion.

Get a Gazebo Gazebos can make your yard more functional and for many reasons. For starters, there’s no wrong way to use them. If you are in a state where the weather doesn’t always agree with your desire for outdoor fun, a gazebo can be a nice shelter to protect your yard furniture or dining set. A gazebo can also be heavily decorated to make your year more comfortable all while offering a cover from the elements. While a gazebo is great for the summer months, you can surely find ways to use it all year round.

Fireplaces and Firepits Summer nights would not be complete without a glowing fire. A fireplace or fire pit can set up large entertainment spaces where friends and family can gather round and relax. Creating a fire pit is relatively quick and relatively easy. All you need is some gravel, materials to build the pit and enough lawn chairs to accommodate your group. If you want to add a more permanent, statement piece, a tall brick fireplace will add a more elegant look. They can also make your yard more inviting on nights when the temperature drops. If you do add a firepit and fireplace to your yard, remember, it can be used all year round which means your outdoor entertaining can go beyond just the summertime.

Add Artwork So, how do you spruce up a backyard? One of the easiest ways to do this is to add weather-proof artwork. These artwork pieces can become a statement piece of your yard, especially if they have bright colors. These little pieces can personalize your space and become the highlights of your yard. Yard art is not terribly expensive, and the materials used to make these little accents tend to be very durable, so you won’t have to worry about the weather.

These were just a few ideas on how to take your yard to the next level. Whether you want something long term or short term, arranging your backyard to emphasize comfort and functionality will help you better enjoy the summer months. The possibilities for yard decor are endless and no matter what you choose, you can always make your backyard reflect you.

May/June 2022

LOVE ON THE BRAND LOVE ON THE BRAND LOVE ON THE BRAND Article By Courtney Williams

Chanel? Gucci? Birkin Bags? Does it ever end? One thing about this new generation is that they absolutely love luxury and who can blame them? Who doesn’t want to say that they own the same shoes as their favorite pop icon or the same purse as their favorite fashion supermodel? Sure, everyone wants to feel like they’re part of what’s in and what’s trendy but truthfully, most of us don’t have the budget to buy that $6,000 tote bag or that $11,000 diamond ring. And while it’s true that we may not be able to wear the exact same outfit as our Hollywood idol, that doesn’t mean we can’t look like a million bucks. It’s easy to look at the glitz and glamor of luxury brands and feel like it is way out of your reach but is it really? Luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. or Michael Kors maintain that the quality of their products make up for the hefty price tag. While the quality may be top tier, for every $100 product, there is a $20 product that looks exactly the same. That’s not to say that a $20 product can’t be just as good for the buyer. If you’re okay with trading the certified brand for a smaller price tag, you may find that differences in quality are not all that noticeable.

A good example of similar products with different price tags are gold ring stud earrings. One is from Old Navy and the other from Adinas Jewelry. Adinas Jewelry has a large selection of rings, earrings, necklaces, and other accessories. One look that Adinas offers, is a pair of thick gold hoop earrings perfect for any night outing. These studded earrings are absolutely gorgeous; however, there are cheaper alternatives out there. Old Navy sells a similar pair of earrings for only $8. While not as expensive, Old Navy’s earrings still give a mature, elegant look. Adinas’s earrings are about $60, not terribly expensive, but this example shows that you can still look the part without paying the price. If you really want a brand name behind your purchase, you might want to consider looking in your local discount store. I’m talking about stores like Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc. Of course, you could go shopping at the mall for brands such as Calvin Klein, Steve Madden, or Michael Kors, but you may be surprised that some of these luxury brands can be found at half the price. For example, a Calvin Klein dress that you find in the mall may be set at

May/June 2022

over $250. At a store like Ross, the very same dress could be discounted at around $120 which sounds like a good deal. Why pay over two hundred dollars when you can save for the same item?

arguments on both sides of the issue; however, it could be beneficial to ask how important a brand really is.

Now let’s think back to real expensive luxury brands. The kind where $1,000 is the discounted price. The kind that celebrities flaunt on the runway at New York Fashion Week. The kind that leaves you scratching your head, wondering how good a purse can be to equal three months’ worth of rent. For most people, super luxury brands do not make a whole lot of sense and yet when we see that certified logo, we can’t help but imagine it in our possession. This isn’t necessarily our fault, though. According to an article in The American Reporter, there is a psychology behind our desire for that lavish $12,000 Birkin Bag. Jennifer Ross, author of the “Why Do People Buy Luxury Items” article, cites four reasons: our rationale, our self-esteem, our sense of accomplishment, and our desire to have something authentic. We want what we can’t have, and most Americans do not have the finances to spend the equivalent of a car on a leather purse, even if it is authentic crocodile skin.

As it turns out, there could be a reason why that a $60 lace blouse looks the same as one that costs $35. The price tags are different, and the brand names are different, yet looking at the two blouses, it’s hard to tell what exactly is different about them. According to a Jungle Scout article by Dave Hamrick, the blouses may look the same because, well, they are the same. Hamrick writes, “While some brand groupings align based on product similarity (ie. exercise apparel from one supplier, or formal fashion wear from another), there is still a broad range of average price points for each brand from a single supplier. This could mean a supplier is providing clothing of comparable quality to a pricey clothing line as it is to a major discount store.” Hamrick goes on to explain that major apparel companies often source by material while brands may source different items from different places. By sourcing from different factories, assuring quality can be difficult for larger brands. In these cases, it can be difficult for unsuspecting consumers to determine if the quality of a product really justifies the price tag.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting luxury but has our obsession gone too far? In 2018, a school in Merseyside, England placed a ban on luxury clothing items to prevent incidents of poverty-shaming. While some people supported the ban, the decision stirred some controversy online. Some believed the ban put the idea of having luxury items back into perspective for impressionable youngsters. Others thought the ban was unfair and was punishing students whose parents could afford the expense. There were good

So, what does this all mean? It depends on how you feel about brands and fashion. If you want that luxury brand, then go for it. If you’re more interested in finding less expensive alternatives, then be confident in your treasure hunt. Afterall, fashion is about developing your own style and showing your personality. Fashion means you can wear what you want and feel happy in your own skin. Whatever your style, embrace it, make it yours and be your own trendsetter.

May/June 2022

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