John Eric Home - May|Jun|2019

VOL. 46

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

DC | VA | MD

®

MAY | JUNE | 2019

SPRING

HAS SPRUNG!!!

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1232 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 |202.448.9002

MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE DC | VA | MD

JOHN ERIC | Realtor +1 703 798 0097 john@johnandtrevor.com

TREVOR MOORE | Realtor +1 703.915.0869 trevor@johnandtrevor.com

3001 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor Arlington, VA 22201

FEATURES

Issue 46

MAY | JUN | 2019

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DESTINATIONS

HOME TRENDS

FEATURE

MIXOLOGY

NEW YORK

LINEN

JAMES EBBERT

SUMMER DRINKS

Spring in the City That Never Sleeps.

This month David Brown shares his thoughts on the luxury of linen.

The amazing art of James Ebbert.

In this issue, Charles Tappan mixes up some amazing cocktails to sip through the season.

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HANDCRAFTED LUXURY.

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

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ABSOLUT ELYX® VODKA. PRODUCT OF SWEDEN. 42.3% ALC./VOL. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. ©2016 IMPORTED BY ABSOLUT SPIRITS CO., NEW YORK, NY.

DEPARTMENTS

Issue 46

14 | DETAILS Show off one of these amazing planters this spring season.

15 | JOHN’S FAVORITES This issue, John concentrates on Artel Glass , Conrad Hotel City Center DC , Artisan Confections and Amazon 16 | ARTS The art of Nathan Leibowitz.

30 | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Zoe Feldman designs for DC. 31 | CULTURE Superheros at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and Bonsais at the National Arboretum.

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32| DESIGN NEWS The Goldfish Swim School and new water safety guidelines. Room to Rebloom, a nonprofit creating healing environments for domestic violence survivors, is holding its fifth annual fundraiser on May 16.

36| DESIGN FEATURE Black and White will always be a timeless duo.

46 | KID’S CORNER A child’s thoughts on moving.

47 | OUT & ABOUT Upcoming events in Washington D.C. 56 | FOODIE Fig and Brie Tart, Salmon Eggs Benedict and Strawberry Shortcake 62 | STYLIST It’s time for women to think out-of-the-box and for men to keep it traditional.

64 | MONEY & FINANCE Things to consider when planning your retirement.

67 | ARTS FEATURE Melinda Palacino contributes a poem to celebrate the spring.

68 | ARTS FEATURE II Find yourself in art?

Lindsey Jenneman did…

70 | HEALTH & WELLNESS Create your action plan and set your goals!

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72 | REAL ESTATE John Eric | Trevor Moore and Associates bring you the best in luxury real estate from all across the metropolitan region.

78 | BUZZ The news that all of Washington is talking about.

79 DIPLOMACY Celebrate the 2019 Contemporaries Bash: Maravillas de México and join the dance at the Serendib dance reception at the Embassy of Sri Lanka.

80 | BLACK BOOK Amazing rooftop bars from around the world. Cheers!Don’t miss the best the world has to offer…

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 | CONTRIBUTORS 9 | LETTER FROM JOHN

MAY | JUNE | 2019

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

JOHNERIC HOME ®

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

MARC SCHLIEFER has been in the financial planning business since 1978, when he joined Equity Planning Institute, Inc. He became President of Equity Planning Institute, Inc. in 1996.

With over 33 years of practicing financial planning, Marc has worked mainly on individual financial planning and counsels clients on all aspects of their financial life.

SHERRY MOELLER co-founder and principal of MoKi Media, was a previous editor in chief of Capitol File magazine/Niche Media covering politicians, celebrities, fashion, travel, hospitality and lifestyle in Washington, DC and around the country. She now specializes in public relations for interior design, architecture and hospitality clients, among other luxury brands.

DAVID BROWN became a pioneer of design in some of DC and Virginia’s most up-andcoming neighborhoods. As an executive with Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton & Valentino, he has been fortunate to travel extensively across the United States and Europe through his work. David’s eclectic style and appreciation for architecture is reflected in his work thanks to his unique cultural perspective gained through his travels.

MAGGIE O’BRIEN Maggie is an eleven year old girl, that lives in Virginia. She is the oldest of five and has two german shepherds. She loves math, playing piano, writing stories, and soccer.

HANNAH JENNER is the Founder and Head Coach at Achieving Awesome Performance Coaching and host of the “Achieving Awesome” podcast. A former professional sailor, Hannah became the first female captain of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to circumnavigate the globe in 2007-08. After a 15- year career on the ocean sailing some 280,000 nautical miles, Hannah retired in 2017 to set up her coaching practice. Combing her experience in building successful teams along with a life coaching qualification from Erickson College and a nutrition coaching certification from Precision Nutrition, Achieving Awesome coaches women to unlock their true potential from the inside out. Hannah’s mission in life is to help people become the happiest, healthiest and strongest version of themselves so that they may in turn #betheinspiration. Find out more at www.achievingawesome.com.

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FOUNDER | PUBLISHER John Eric MANAGING EDITOR Angela Casey SENIOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE Louis Kwasniewski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hillary Broadwater PHOTOGRAPHY Emilio Pabon EDITORIAL e-mail | angela@johnandtrevor.com ADVERTISING phone | 703.798.0097

ONLINE Facebook | John Eric/Trevor Moore and Associates Twitter | johneric_trevormoore_&associates Instagram | JETMA_RealEstate Instagram | JETMA_Lifestyle LinkedIn | johneric YouTube | johneric

WELCOME SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Spring is my favorite time in Washington, DC, and its surrounding areas. Everything comes back to life. Buds start to bloom showcasing the myriad colors of the spectrum. Birds sing their songs and lighten people’s steps. Denizens throw off the coats and gloves, scarves and hats that have been the necessary requirement through this excessively long winter season. Festivals and parades are held, rooftop bars and sidewalk cafes re-open and the city is alive.

In this issue of John Eric Home, we bring that special spring feeling to you.

Showcasing events in the DC area, providing you with all the buzz of the streets and sharing great spring recipes in “Mixology” and “Foodie.” We want to make sure you are equipped to celebrate the season. In this issue of the magazine we also venture further afield. In our “Destinations” feature, we focus on spring in New York – one of my favorite cities – and reveal many special events that Gotham has to share while in “Black Book”, we explore the best rooftop bars the world has to offer.

We also tip our hats to the arts and its community. This issue, we feature articles on two different medium artists and a poet. James Ebbert, a prominent drawing artist from the Pittsburgh area is highlighted as is Lindsey Jenneman, a painting artist from New Orleans. Award-winning poet, Melinda Palacio, has contributed a special spring poem for the magazine too. They are must reads in anyone’s book.

So, enjoy the spring! Relish in all that it has to offer!

Best,

John Eric Publisher, Principal and Realtor

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New York NEW

YORK

There is nothing like New York in the spring as the city shakes off its winter mantle and comes to life in living color.

Outdoor festivals, exhibits and parties are scattered throughout the city. Although New York City is fun to visit anytime of the year, the spring is super special.

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Of course, New York is known the world over for its theater productions. Every summer, the Public Theater produces one of the best free events to experience in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park.

It is presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater’s series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare.

The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Blythe Danner, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington. This year, the Theater is producing MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING from May 21 through June 23, 2019.

Want to skip others’ performances and put on your own showstopper? Head over to Bryant Park and experience one of its weekly dance parties.

Aside from the gratis yoga and tai chi classes held on the lawn of Bryant Park, the green space coaxes toe-tappers to its nearly 10-acre expanse with a fun and free Dance Party on Wednesday 12

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evenings starting in May. Folks can cut a rug and learn new styles led by experts starting at 6 pm, when instructors walk you through how to swing, tango, salsa or bachata.

An hour later, a live band plays the appropriate tunes so you can show off your new steps under the stars.

Instead of tapping your toes, perhaps you would enjoy a leisurely boating expedition? If that’s the case, head to Central Park and rent a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse. The boathouse has a fleet of 100 boats, each of which seats four people. Row your way to the heart of the Central Park Lake, the second-largest body of water in Central Park that spans over 22-acres. You’ll be able to get a closer view of water fowl that are hard to see from the shore, including the park’s famous egrets, herons and loons. Classic Venetian Gondola

tours are available, weather permitting. Experience the lake in the way that it was originally designed for by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Finally, for those visiting the City near the end of May – participate in one of NYC’s most traditional events. Kicking off the season at Coney Island. On May 25, New Yorkers will celebrate when their hometown amusement park comes back to life for the summer. The amusement area includes over 50 rides and attractions. Enjoy a fun-filled day riding rollercoasters, eating Nathan’s hot dogs and strolling down the iconic boardwalk.

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DETAILS IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

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Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor patio with some foliage this spring?

Here are some perfect planters to get the job done.

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1. BITTERGURKA Ikea designer Maria Bergström’s bright flower plant is aesthetically pleasing and functional and stands at 12 1/2 inches. The pot is made from galvanized steel and its feet are bamboo. Available at IKEA. 2. EAST BROADWAY MAGNESIUM OXIDE POT PLANTER This East Broadway Magnesium Oxide Pot Planter lets the living things shine. Crafted with magnesium oxide, it provides nutrients to your potted plants. Available at wayfair.com 3. SOLAR ILLUMINATED PLANTER By day, this frosted white planter adds a contemporary accent. When dusk falls, it illuminates from within and casts a glow. You can choose color-changing mode or select a single color. It’s solar-powered and can be displayed anywhere. Available at gardeners.com 4. CEDAR WINDOW BOX PLANTER Ideal for ledges, railings and balconies, this window box planter is a beautiful piece of design. Made from clear grade western red cedar, its hardware is rust resistant zinc plated and/or brass.

Available at jossandmain.com

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JOHN’S FAVORITES MY PERSONAL BEST

1. ARTEL GLASS Stunning crystal glassware that is mouth-blown and hand-engraved by Czech artisans using centuries old production methods. 2. CONRAD HOTEL CITYCENTERDC DC’s own Hilton Hotel Corporation luxury hotel brand is officially opened in DC. This luxury hotel was worth the wait 3. ARTISAN CONFECTIONS This Arlington based chocolate shop in my opinion is DC’s best. They specialize in handmade truffles formed into impeccable squares and imprinted with delicate geometric or nature-inspired patterns. 4. AMAZON I for one am very excited that Amazon has chosen Arlington as it’s HQ2 headquarters.

Welcome Amazon!

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ARTS PROVOKING THE IMAGINATION

NATHAN LEIBOWITZ

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Nathan Leibowitz is a Philadelphia native who holds a B.S. degree from Drexel University. Nathan was greatly influenced both genetically and stylistically by his father, noted architect Lanny Louis Leibowitz. His childhood fascination with the quickly executed, hand drawn plans on his father’s drafting table made a lasting impression and has contributed to his own mastery of architectural illustrations.

Through his graphite and ink illustrations, Nathan combines the discerning eye of an architect with the compassion of a naturalist. He is also an ardent lover of shapes found in nature; his passion for both flora and fauna is evident in many of his pieces, notably “George Washington’s Osage Orange Tree”. One of his goals is to share this appreciation of the natural world from his perspective.

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HOME TRENDS WHERE STYLE & ELEGANCE MEET

WRITTEN BY DAVID BROWN

THE

LUXURY LINEN OF

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O

ne of life’s greatest pleasures is sleeping in a cozy bed, resting atop a plush mattress and enveloped in layers of pillows and irresistibly soft sheets. Comfortable, practical, and beyond gorgeous, linen bedding will transform your bedroom into a blissful retreat—and help you get a restful night of beauty sleep. Sleeping on 100% linen is an experience that no one person can fully convey to another. It’s one of those things you simply must try for yourself in order to get the full, luxurious, now-Iunderstand-the-meaning-of-life experience.

People tend to shy away from purchasing linen bedding for two main reasons: price and wrinkles. Regarding price, gosh, where to start? Linen comes from the flax plant, and cultivation of these crops is extremely expensive; it’s

more difficult to spin, and there are many labor-intensive stages to the production process. It’s an investment, plain and simple. Regarding wrinkles, yes, it’s a fact.

But that’s part of its charming personality.

A quick fold out of the dryer and into the linen closet (or right back on the bed!) and they’re good to go. If you do iron them, rest assured they iron easily, and, in fact, their lustrous shine returns even more beautifully.

As the temperatures start to climb, you’ll need creative ways to stay cool in your own home. Air conditioning aside, a great way to stay comfortable and keep your body temperature chilled out is to invest in linen bedding. Opting for linen breathable sheets, comforters and pillowcases means you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably and avoid all that tossing and turning because you’re overheated.

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My partner and I both “sleep hot,” meaning we get easily overheated at night — but once I introduced linen sheets into the mix, we both felt their cooling benefits instantly. Neither of us woke up sweaty or uncomfortable.

It’s fit for all seasons. Experts tout linen’s “high air permeability.” The fabric keeps you comfortably cool in summer and wonderfully warm in winter (perfect if you and your partner sleep at different body temperatures). It’s also highly absorbent and sweat-wicking— good news if you tend to perspire at night.

Linen is low-maintenance.

Contrary to popular belief, linen is quite easy to care for: Simply machine-wash and tumble-dry.

Strong detergents tend to weaken the fibers, so stick with something on the mild side to keep your linens looking fresh. Avoid bleach altogether and spot-treat stains with dish soap, water and a gentle cloth.

It’s made to last. Yes, linen sheets are often pricier than their cotton counterparts, but it’s well worth making the investment.

Linen is twice as durable as cotton, meaning it can last for decades if properly cared for—which is especially good news considering it becomes softer with age and every wash.

Linen bedding has so many positive characteristics. I thought I would just share the highlights.

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moisture absorbing and evaporating capabilities, linen bed sheets are known as antiallergic, recommended for people with skin diseases, also for children.

Linen fabric has a light massaging effect because of the microscopic breaks throughout the fabric.

Linen has high air permeability and heat conductivity properties – that means, it is a breathable fabric – makes you warm in the winter and keeps cool in the summer.

Linen can absorb as much as 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet… thus, always having a pleasant, fresh, cool feeling when touched or slept on.

Linen sheets have a distinct, distinguished texture and delightful softness to them… in fact, becoming even softer and shinier with each washing.

Linen is anti-static and can even help soften and preserve the skin due to its natural pH balance.

A linen sheet actually repels dirt.

Linen is resistant to bacteria, fungus, dust mites, and is naturally insect repellent.

Linen bedding is twice as durable as cotton bedding and can last the decades (an investment).

It’s perfect for layering. Thanks to its airy, almost cloudlike appearance, linen lends itself well to lots of layering 21

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It is environmentally friendly – all the flax used to make linen is used in other ways – the seeds are pressed to make linseed oil which is used in floor coverings, such as linoleum and paint. Linen is also fully biodegradable.

To own bed sheets of pure linen is certainly a status symbol… a choice and reflection of a more prestigious lifestyle (and always has been).

The ultimate in easygoing chic, linen has as much of a place at a beachside picnic as it does in the bedroom. You might think it’s just for summer, but the light, breathable fabric has become increasingly popular year-round for sheets, duvets and shams (not to mention curtain panels, headboards and bed skirts—but that’s another story). The best news of all is that with this ascent into the mainstream has come a far more appealing range of price points. If you are looking to add linen bedding to your home, I suggest these companies: Brooklinen, Parachute, Olive Wren, Cultiver, Libeco, Matouk and Macy’s Hotel Collection.

Linen bedding has a universal appeal, whether you want to refine the look of your bedroom or just sleep on sheets that get softer every time you wash them. I encourage you to dive in and wrap yourself in one of the finest night sleeps you may ever encounter.

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Vita Lounge Collection in cherry

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JAMES e b b e r t

Pittsburgh is an amazing metropolis. Founded at the juncture of three rivers, it is a city that still maintains a hometown feel despite rapid growth over the past several decades. Its citizenry is diverse and its neighborhoods are vibrant. The city is a breeding ground artistic inspiration.

In the hub of its artistic community lives James Ebbert, a native son who sees the world in amazing and critical detail. This artist’s works are extraordinary to behold. The fine detail applied to each of his drawings is generally only seen in artists with a lineage in full-time, professional classical art training. For this artist though, it all comes naturally.

“I have always done some form of art for as long as I can remember,” says Ebbert. “I took art classes throughout school but never really had the time to focus on a career as an artist because I owned a floral shop. The shift occurred after I took care of a terminally-ill friend. When he passed, I had an enormous amount of free time. I started drawing again and used some of my works to decorate my shop.

Customers asked if they were available for purchase.

I sold quite a few of my drawings and then started

producing handmade greeting cards. They became quite successful. I haven’t stopped since.”

The range of subject matter in Ebbert’s drawings is wide. From insects to mandalas to spheres, with his laser-like focus, objects appear nearly threedimensional in frame. They look as close to life as it is possible to create. It makes one wonder how the artist sees these subjects in his mind. What is the inspiration for these drawings?

When asked, Ebbert’s response is simple.

“Animation,” he says. “I often watch animation because it is very uplifting and vibrant with happy music. It always makes me want to draw something colorful.”

Although his drawings are highly sought and the focal point of his portfolio, Ebbert is also a watercolorist. That, too, evolved through circumstance.

“When I was helping a friend move,” begins Ebbert, “he gave me his oil pastel set, his color pencil set, watercolors and acrylic paints. I had no education (instruction) in these mediums but tried them all. I really enjoy the watercolors but don’t seem to keep them very long. I always give them away as gifts.”

Like the pencil drawings, Ebbert has an uncanny

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Bug - 6” x 6” Color pencil/marker $150 26

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Bee - 8.5” x 12” Color pencil/marker $200 27

Sunrise - 14” x 10.5” Oil pastels $250

way of bringing his subjects to life through this medium as well. One of the reasons that Ebbert might have the ability to so finely tune his art is found in the actual process he uses to create. His method undoubtedly keeps his perspective fresh. It also creates a mental exercise in artistic self-elevation. An exercise in returning to the beginning and building on the experience.

“I usually switch mediums when I run out of something,” he says. “Like when I use up the watercolor block, I’ll switch to oil pastels. When I run out of a color crayon I use heavily, I’ll switch to color pencils, etc. I always work for at least a month or two in each medium. With each switch, I kind of have to retrain myself, since they are very different on techniques.”

Artists create art for different purposes. Some use their works as a mode of self-expression. Others to capture zeitgeist. Still others use art in the form of pure commercial practice. For this artist, it is in the name of meditation.

“I started to rely heavily on drawing and then later painting as a way to relax,” he says. “Particularly with

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the mandalas which then morphed into other things.

Most of the time I just sit down and draw whatever comes to mind. Sometimes it’s a still life, sometimes a landscape. Sometimes it is just shapes. It is very relaxing to me to create.”

Although Ebbert’s training may not be of the classical nature, his reference point as to what he wants his art to say certainly is. “When someone looks at one of my drawings or paintings,” he says, “they don’t have to see anything. For me, it is created for a reaction. A sense of calm, peace, amusement … the work should evoke different feelings in different people.”

Isn’t that the true essence of art?

Ebbert has a mischievous side to him. He shared with us something that he has never spoken of before. Each one of his works has a private, humorous name that he tells no one. Not even the owner of the piece. Although, we would love to know the special names of his works – his lips are sealed. It is a private joke between the artist and his work.

For inquiries please visit www.thingsjimmade.com or email James at jamesjrebbert@gmail.com

Ants - 11” x 14” Oil Pastels $200 29

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT THE BEST OF THE BEST

DARLENE MOLNAR

D

arlene Molnar founded her firm in 2011 after working at firms in the UK and US. Educated at Parsons New School of Design in Paris, Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, and the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Interior Design from the Corcoran College of Art & Design.

Molnar is NCIDQ certified and LEED accredited, with a specialization in interior design and construction. She has collaborated with Crate & Barrel and Umbra.

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Formally, a professional member of and national media spokesperson for the American Society of Interior Designers and an adjunct instructor in the Interior Architecture & Design Department at George Washington University, Molnar has also been featured on HGTV. She was also named a “Hot New Talent” by Home & Design.

CULTURE WHERE ART AND LIFE MEET

SUPERHEROES Smithsonian | National Museum of American History Now through September 2 This showcase presents artifacts from the museum’s collections that relate to Superheroes, including comic books, original comic art, movie and television costumes and props, and memorabilia. The display includes George Reeves’s Superman costume from the Adventures of Superman TV program, which ran from 1951-1958, as well as Halle Berry’s Storm costume from the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past.

BONSAI BLING: AZALEA BONSAI IN BLOOM United States National Arboretum National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Special Exhibits Wing May 5 – June 2 In Japan, it is said that the beauty of an azalea bonsai in bloom is like the beauty of a courtesan dressed in her finest brocade kimono. Breathtaking blossoms cover these late-blooming Satsuki azaleas, miniature in form, but covered with full-sized flowers.

This annual spring exhibit showcases the most spectacular examples. Dates are subject to change depending on the timing of this year’s azalea flowering.

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DESIGN NEWS CURRENT DESIGN NEWS

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL ADDRESSES THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS’ NEW WATER SAFETY GUIDELINES

By Sherry Moeller

UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGEST CHILDREN START SWIM LESSONS AT THE AGE OF ONE TO DECREASE RISK OF DROWNING Photos courtesy of Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School—a national children’s swim school franchise with multiple locations in Northern Virginia—is helping spread the word to parents and caregivers to enroll children in dedicated swim lessons starting at the age of one in order to learn proper water safety skills. This is in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) latest announcement recently released. AAP’s newest water safety guidelines suggest children start proper swim lessons at the age of one year old to help decrease risks of drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury death in U.S. children ages 1-4 years and the third leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents ages 5-19 years.

Goldfish Swim School understands the importance of

the area’s growing demand for quality swim lessons.

“The foundation of our swim lessons focuses on water

safety and life-saving skills,” says Gina Bewersdorf. “We are proud that the skills taught at Goldfish Swim School play a large role in the prevention of drowning.”

Goldfish Swim School advocates for perpetual year-

round swim lessons, allowing students to advance at their own rate. All students start with a beginner class and are evaluated each week before advancing to the next level. The swim school offers classes starting at age four months, with options for parent participation in classes ages four months to two years old. For classes for ages three and older, there is a max of four students per class with one instructor.

All swim school supervisors and instructors are CPR

certified and Ellis certified—the industry leader in lifeguard credentials—on a yearly basis. In addition, Goldfish Swim School requires instructors pass their own rigorous training program.

“The AAP’s emphasis on starting swim lessons at a very

young age supports Goldfish Swim School’s mission to teach life-saving water safety skills to all children,” says Tommy Hamilton, Regional Manager.

learning to swim as a lifelong skill that every child should continue to practice. Local franchise owners Ryan and Gina Bewersdorf operate Goldfish Swim School Reston, Falls Church and Alexandria, VA—with all three locations having opened within the past five years in order to accommodate

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For more information regarding Goldfish Swim School and their year-round swim lessons and water-safety classes, call 703-348-3261 or visit www.goldfishswimschool.com.

DESIGN NEWS CURRENT DESIGN NEWS

REBLOOM ON THE ROOF

By Sherry Moeller

ROOM TO REBLOOM, A NONPROFIT CREATING HEALING ENVIRONMENTS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS, IS HOLDING ITS FIFTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ON MAY 16

Each year Rebloom on the Roof aims to raise enough money to outfit one or more apartments for survivors of domestic violence. New projects underway include a shelter where Room to Rebloom will provide bedding and other accessories for dorm-style living. The nonprofit will be asking for donations specifically tailored to this project at the May 16th event.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Louise Photography

To purchase tickets, visit https://2019rebloomontheroof.

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, Room to Rebloom will host its

eventbrite.com/. For customizable sponsorship

fifth annual fundraising event, Rebloom on the Roof, to

opportunities, contact Sherry Moeller at sherry.moeller@

support survivors of domestic violence. The nonprofit’s

mokimedia.com.

mission is to empower women and families in the National Capital Area who have been victims of domestic violence

About Room to Rebloom:

by providing them with design services and other resources

Room to Rebloom is a 501(c)3 organization centered on

needed to create beautiful home environments and help

the restorative impact of interior design with a mission to

rebuild their lives.

empower women and families in the National Capital Area

who have been victims of domestic violence by providing

Hosted once again by renowned interior designer Barry

Dixon and Emmy-winning journalist Will Thomas, the fifth

them with design services and other resources needed to

annual cocktail fundraiser will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

create beautiful home environments and rebuild their lives.

at La Vie’s rooftop penthouse overlooking DC’s new Wharf

More info at www.roomtorebloom.org, including ticket and

District waterfront. With light fare by La Vie, a champagne

sponsorship info for the May 16th fundraiser.

bar sponsored by In Honor of Her (a nonprofit also supporting domestic violence survivors), a silent auction, designer sample sale, dessert station, and Kendra Scott popup shop and mystery jewelry pull, the event will also include guest speakers who will share their inspiring stories and the stories of others who have overcome abuse.

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BLACK & WHITE A TIMELESS DUO WRITTEN BY SHERRY MOELLER

While the pairing of black and white in kitchens and throughout the design industry seems to be trending right now, as seen at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, the timeless duo has long been a staple in design, but in more subtle ways.

“Although black might be trending in certain aspects of design, it also has a timeless characteristic to it,” says Hope Hassell, designer-interiors specialist at Case Design/ Remodeling, www.casedesign.com. “Black is bold, yet neutral at the same time.

For instance, black and white cabinetry can provide a strong base for a kitchen design, leaving it open to a variety of finish options, such as flooring in a similar palette or colorful appliances and fixtures. Whether the kitchen is traditional, transitional or modern, using black in a creative way gives it a more contemporary appearance, Hassell adds. “Visually it gives the design an amount of drama with minimal risk since it coordinates with pretty much everything,” including light and medium wood tones. “I love using mixed metal light fixtures, too, especially black and gold,” Hassell says.

Black in small doses is also popular right now, especially for kitchen faucets, cabinet hardware and window trim. While white kitchens are here to stay, it’s the black accents that are being introduced slowly, but steadily. “My number one reason to use black in a design is to provide a strong visual distinction between elements,” the designer adds. According to Hassell, when adding black, consider the following: the amount of natural light, the size of the space, the height of the cabinets, and the floor finish.

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Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

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Before+After: Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC Kitchens by Case Design/Remodeling Showcase the Strength of Black and White

Hassell, along with Case Project Developer John Audet, designed this Maryland kitchen with classic black and white elements. Gold hardware accentuates all the cabinets, while a handmade Rohl fireclay sink was installed within the three-inch-thick island. Case added an arched passthrough, special order paper towel holder, and 48-inch range with custom 40-inch Vent-A-Hood. Additional features include a pantry wall with window seat and wine refrigerator.

Black provides a starker contrast, such as along the window wall, while also staying neutral, says Hassell.

“Your eye will focus on the black, whether it’s a horizontal line of a black countertop or a vertical line of tall cabinets anchoring the space.” Black also camouflages dirt, scuff marks and general wear and tear.

Maryland Kitchen Photos by Dan Gross

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Before+After: After completing a classic black and white master bathroom project in this Virginia home, the Case team returned to remodel the kitchen in a similar aesthetic. Project Developer April Case Underwood and Designer Alexandria Hubbard combined black and white cabinetry with a subtle white/gray quartz counter and a simple backsplash. A custom teak wood counter along the black island makes a bold statement. Large format polished porcelain integrated with a black natural stone cut into four-inch squares accentuates the floor.

“My favorite part of the project was modernizing the traditional black and white color palette with the custom teak wood countertop,” Hubbard says. “It immediately makes the space feel warm and inviting, and adds that pop of personality that can at times get lost with this monochromatic color scheme.”

Maryland Kitchen Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

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Before+After: “Everything new is actually well-forgotten old,” says Case Designer Elena Eskandari when describing the popularity of a black and white kitchen palette. From the Dutch Masters black and white checkered floors to the “Old New York” cast iron railings, black millwork and white marble tile, black and white is a classic on the rise.

Eskandari recently updated a Washington, DC, kitchen in a home that the owners purchased because of its historic feel. To accentuate its architecture, Eskandari and the owners chose black and white cabinetry and paired it with encaustic cement floor tile in a graphic black and white pattern. A simple subway tile backsplash, marble-like quartz countertops, and brushed brass hardware and fixtures all combine to make this a striking and timeless new space.

Maryland Kitchen Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

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DESIGN IS THINKING

MADE VISUAL —Saul Bass

DESIGN | PRINT | PACKAGING | WEB

What Inspires You? It’s the question that matters most to us.

Because we’re making something special.

The one place in the world that’s yours.

Inspiring Homeowners Since 1961.

CaseDesign.com | 301.229.4600

KID’S CORNER FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

SPRING MOVES WRITTEN BY MAGGIE O’BRIEN

Spring is a great time to move houses. You have time to meet new friends and unpack before the summer. Moving can be hard.

You just have to explain to your kids that it is a fresh new start. It helps to discuss good things for the future and let your kids in on some decisions. Just convince them in your own way.

Moving can be challenging for kids. Nobody knows you at your new school. Just by explaining that it is a fresh start and new chapter in their life is helpful. It shows kids that there are more adventures to come, and this is one of them. There will be new neighbors, new places to explore. If you move, it will be a great time to have a good personality change.

If you are shy in school, you can become a bit braver. If you were a bad kid in your last school, you can act better behaved.

Teachers won’t know you as the horrible student in your new school.

Don’t take my word for it. Ask your kids what they think about some of the decisions before you make them. I am not saying, ask them on what price you should negotiate for, I’m talking about planning where to put the couch or what bedroom they would want. It shows them that they’re a part

of this too and they can give their opinion.

Sometimes it is hard being the new kid in school. Encourage yours to reach out and get to know some kids before the move or else your kid will feel like they’re all alone at the new school. It helps to know that someone will include you with things like a game at recess or invite you to sit with them at lunch. That kid will know other people and soon you will be friends with many other people.

If it is not working out as you hoped, you can discuss good things for the future.

When we bought our new house, we got a larger yard. Then we got a German Shepherd puppy for Christmas! If you have a larger yard, maybe put a swing-set in.

If your house is larger and you have more rooms, you can say that your child will get their own room. There are a bunch of things that children will want to help convince them – you just have to choose the right one.

Moving into a new home means a new bedroom, so everything can be new and fresh. It is a great time to get new furniture, new bedding and maybe, your own room.

Add some new chairs, like a bean bag chair, or add cool wall stickers and new dressers. My parents let me pick the paint color for my room and I love my ocean blue accent wall!

Moving can be scary sometimes, especially for kids. You just have to embrace the fact that it is a new beginning and that there are a bunch of great things that can come out of it. They will just need a little encouraging push.

OUT AND ABOUT DC’S UPCOMING PARTIES, CONCERTS, CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS

6TH ANNUAL FUNK PARADE

ENO WINE BAR CELEBRATES NATIONAL CHEESE DAY WITH WHEEL AND WINE PAIRINGS

May 11 Festivities begin at 1 p.m.

U Street In honor of U Street’s diverse cultural history, people from all over the District come together to celebrate the spirit of funk at this free, one-ofa-kind parade, street fair and music festival. Watch the street (and side streets) come to life with live musical performances and entertainment from a variety of vibrant dancers, marching bands and visual artists. Get an education on go-go music, made famous by DC’s own Chuck Brown, and then groove to Latin hip-hop, funk brass and frenetic DJ sets, among many activations. The parade also has a new wristband system this year, so make sure to purchase one in order to attend the Night Music Festival, the Featured Showcase and the Funk Parade Conference and receive special discounts throughout the day.

June 4

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN

May 17 – Aug. 23 5-8:30 p.m. | Free admission National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Avenue NW Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden starting May 17. An eclectic mix of DC area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Check out the lineup and the food and drink offerings.

DC BIKE RIDE 2019

May 18 | 8:00 am - 12:30 pm Join DC’s only closed-road and car-free bike ride. See some of the world’s most iconic sites at your own pace and on two wheels. After the epic ride, join fellow riders at the Finish Line Festival on 3rd Street between the US Capitol building and the National Mall. Enjoy live music, your favorite food trucks and activities for all ages.

NAT GEO NIGHTS: AMERICA’S LAST WILD PLACES

June 20 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Every month, National Geographic opens its doors for a night of fun and exploration. This month, join conservation ecologists Daniel Kinka and Rae WynnGrant, who are working in the expansive American grasslands and Great Plains to protect and restore iconic wildlife populations—bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears, cougars and more—in a region once known for its great number of wild animals. They’ll be joined by photojournalist Amy Toensing, who just returned from a National Geographic assignment covering the American West.

To celebrate National Cheese Day, ENO Wine Bar will pair some of its most popular cheese wheels with local, regional and international wines by the glass for an exquisite tasting experience. Couplings to celebrate the festive day will include: Coupole Goat Cheese and Domaine VigneauChevreau Vouvray: A fresh and milky aged goat’s cheese from Vermont Creamery in Websterville, VT paired with a fruity and floral Vouvray from VigneauChevreau in France for $14 a glass Big Woods Blue Cheese and Three Saints Pinot Noir: A robust and fullflavored blue cheese from Shepherd’s Way Farms in Minnesota paired with an opulent and aromatic Pinot Noir from Three Saints Wines in California for $16 a glass St. Stephen Triple Cream Cheese and Mt. Beautiful Riesling: A smooth and fragrant triple cream from Four Fat Fowl in New York paired with a textured and citrusy Riesling from Mt. Beautiful in New Zealand for $15 a glass

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MIXOLOGY TIPSY TEMPTATIONS

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“SWEET SERENITY” Glassware: Chilled Cocktail Glass Method: Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish, serve and enjoy! Serves 3-4 Ingredients: 1/2 cup Absolut Elyx 1/2 cup Lillet Blanc 1 1/2 cup pink lemonade 2 cups crushed ice Garnish: Orange Twist

Spring is bright and follows a hard-fought winter season, full of not great weather, busy work schedules, short daylight, and stress. The months of warmer temperatures and longer days are right around the corner. These good vibes call out for the perfect remedy to de-stress and relax. The foundation of this drink to set the perfect ambiance is pink grapefruit. A little sweet, a little tart, a little light and little floral, all make for one ingredient that is an enjoyment to drink. Its notes are given more energy with Absolut Elyx Vodka added to them. The bright citrus tones, resulting from the distillation process in copper stills, make this vodka the perfect pairing for any classic lemonade recipe. The duo is bridged with a French fortified wine – Lillet Blanc, world renowned for its orange and citrus tones. This trio is akin to 3 legs of a stool, finding perfect balance for that special spring sip.

When you have had a long work day or are spending time with friends over the weekend, pick up a great glass, and take in a little “Sweet Serenity.”

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“LITE BRIGHT” Glassware: Julep Cup Method: Muddle blueberries and sugar free syrup in the bottom of a julep cup. Fill the cup 1/2 way with crushed ice and then stir till the cup frosts over. Add the rest of the items and then pack the rest of the cup with ice, garnish, serve with a straw and enjoy!

Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Absolut Elyx .25 oz. diet cranberry juice .25 oz. sugar free syrup 3 oz. diet lemonade 5 blueberries Garnish: Mint Sprig and Fresh Fruit

One of the beauties of spring is how much more sunlight there is in the day. However, for those days when an extra touch of light is needed to brighten the mood, a great cocktail is normally a good course of action. This spirit mixture, at its heart, aims to provide the most enjoyment possible with little calorie regret. The fresh fruit and sugar free syrup provide a solid foundation. Blueberries, exuberant in flavor, rightly remain atop the perennial favorites of spring flavors. And, a little touch of cooling cranberry and citrus never are an unwelcomed pair. Fresh and vibrant, the tone is set for the delicious vodka. A well-made vodka, like Absolut Elyx, should be radiant and vitalizing, with essences of white pepper, citrus and just enough acidity to make a person want to lick their lips. This Spring, enjoy the sunlight, but even after it is down, turn on the “lite bright” and enjoy a great time with friends and family!

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“EFFORTLESS EASE” Glassware: Mule Mug Method: Combine ingredients into a shaker tin and shake with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a mule mug. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Absolut Elyx .5 oz. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur 1 oz. coconut water 3 oz. limeade 2 dash cherry bitters

What happens when a bunch of great individuals are put together? Sometimes it can be a disaster; however, when each fit together with seamless effort, the outcome can be beyond satisfying. This cocktail takes its inspiration from spring days spent with friends. Ginger is always a hit. It’s classic and timeless and a notable tone setter for any liquid strategy. Coconut is a famous pairing, adding just a sprinkle of refreshment to the ginger spice. Next, the thirst-quencher calls out for depth, and the zesty and stimulating addition of cherry and lime start to turn this concoction into a true team. The finishing touch is a classic and perfect vodka. In the same fashion that a great drink can bridge divides and bring friends closer, Absolut Elyx acts as an event coordinator to make sure the team could not be happier. This spring let the tough days of winter go. Call the team together and have a great evening full of effortless ease.

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compass.com

Have you found your place in the world?

At Compass, we believe no barriershould stand between where you areand where you belong.

Partner with thenation’s best agents—powered by theindustry’s best tools—to discover a moreseamless real estate experience.

FOODIE TASTE OF THE TOWN

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SPRING BRUNCH

BRIE, FIG AND PROSCIUTTO TARTS INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 5 tablespoons butter (cold, diced) 1 large egg yolk 2 figs (quartered) 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 7 ounces brie (sliced) 2 slices prosciutto (torn) arugula (for garnish) extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling) DIRECTIONS Sift flour and a pinch of salt together into a large bowl. Add butter. Rub in using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add yolk and enough iced water (up to 1 tsp) to make a firm but pliable dough. Knead lightly, then press out to a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 mins.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll pastry out between 2 sheets of parchment paper until 1/8 inch thick. Halve dough and use each half to line a 4 inch round springform tart pan. Chill for 15 mins.

Line each crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Place on a baking tray and blind bake for 15 mins. Remove paper and weights. Bake for another 8-10 mins, until lightly golden.

In a bowl, toss figs and balsamic vinegar together. Arrange Brie, prosciutto and figs in tart crusts. Bake for 8-10 mins, until cheese melts and figs are golden. Serve topped with arugula and drizzled with a little olive oil.

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SMOKED SALMON EGGS BENEDICT INGREDIENTS 4 large eggs 2 English muffins, cut in half (Gluten-free, if needed. See notes for Whole30 + paleo) 4 tablespoons cream cheese (omit for Whole30 + paleo) 3 ounces smoked salmon (salmon lox) 2 teaspoons capers Thinly sliced red onion A pinch of black pepper LEMONY HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 2 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons butter (use ghee for Whole30 + paleo) 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice A pinch of salt

Lightly toast the English muffins either in a toaster or by frying them in a little butter on their cut sides. Place them on the plates you will use to serve them then spread the cream cheese on top. Divide the smoked salmon between them.

When the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat so that it gently simmers. Crack the eggs in one at a time and let them cook for 4 minutes. Remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and place one egg on top of each English muffin.

Pour the hollandaise sauce over the eggs and top with a few slices of red onion, some capers, and a little black pepper.

If you're serving this with arugula, toss a few handfuls of baby arugula with a drizzle of olive oil and place the salad beside the eggs benedict.

NOTES To make this Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict keto, paleo or Whole30 approved, pile a few handfuls of arugula tossed in olive oil on a plate. Make 2 nests of smoked salmon and place the poached eggs on top of the nests. Top with the hollandaise, red onions, capers, and black pepper.

DIRECTIONS Begin by preparing the Hollandaise sauce. Add the egg yolks and water to a small frying pan. Holding the pan 2 inches above an element on medium-high, whisk the eggs until they are frothy and warm. Add the butter to the pan (do not place the pan on the element!) and whisk until the hollandaise is thick. Whisk in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and set the pan aside.

Place a medium-sized pot of water on the stove on high heat.

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STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup shortening 1 large egg, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped 1-1/2 quarts fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced DIRECTIONS In a bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to the creamed mixture. Spread in a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Cut into nine servings. Split each serving horizontally and fill with whipped cream and strawberries. Replace top of cake; garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and more berries. Serve immediately.

NOTES Make sure you mix your dry ingredients really well before adding to the wet ingredients. You don't want any pockets of baking powder in your finished cake.

While strawberries are the most classic, you could use blueberries, blackberries or raspberries in this recipe.

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STYLIST FASHION FOWARD

OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING FOR THIS SPRING SEASON WOMEN’S STYLIST

Do you have some amazing outfits but are thinking of ways to make them stand out? Here are a few helpful tips to schnazz things up…

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•

Add a nautical touch by swapping in white rope as a belt.

Make any outfit casual with metallic Birkenstocks.

Tie your scarf so the ends hang in the back, not the front.

Wrap your ankle straps over your pants and you’ll never worry about too-long hems again.

Trade in your leather handbag for a straw basket.

MEN’S STYLIST

Keep it Traditional this Season Gents Spring is looking to be more traditional then usual in the world of men’s fashion.

Here are a few tips to keep you on trend…

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Tailoring is back – in a big way – and all fashion houses are dabbling in it.

Sage is easily the most wearable shade doing the rounds.

Double-breasted is the suiting shape of the season.

INC.

MONEY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED. Are you confused by most financial advice?

If so, you’re not alone.

Marc S. Schliefer, CFP® | Equity Planning Inc. 7910 Woodmont Avenue | Suite 900 | Bethesda | MD 20814 Phone: 301-652-8702 | Fax: 301-652-9066 www.equityplanning.com | marcs@equityplanning.com | www.linkedin.com/in/marcschliefer/ Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

63 Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

MONEY & FINANCE MONEY SENSE

RETIREMENT WRITTEN BY MARC S. SCHLIEFER, CFP® PRESIDENT AND FINANCIAL PLANNER

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT A large part of what financial planners do is to help people get ready for retirement. This may be for people that are 40 years away from retiring or people that are ready to retire tomorrow. There are a lot of moving parts to consider when you are looking to retire.

We will examine what to look at if you’re far away from retirement but want to get your finances in order so your future retirement can look bright and be successful. We will also look at what you should do if you are close to retirement and what things you should be putting in place to try to have a retirement that works for you and your family.

WHAT TO DO WHEN RETIREMENT IS 30 TO 40 YEARS AWAY

The first thing that you want to do when retirement is far away is to get your debt under control and to minimize your debt service payments.

You want to avoid credit card and high cost debt.

You also want to get your living expenses to a point where they are reasonable and to a point that you will have little to no debt when you retire. To be debt free other than a mortgage is a great thing and can lead to a having cost that is manageable.

The second thing that you want to do is to start saving right away. By having your savings and investments compound for 30-40 years, you will have a long time for your money to work hard for you in retirement. You will want to take advantage of your employer’s retirement plan initially, especially if there is a match. That will help you build up your retirement portfolio. If you can maximize the amount that you put into retirement, that will help you accumulate a large portfolio that can potentially provide you with income your retirement down the road.

The next thing that you should do is to look at risk management. You need to insure your income and to consider disability insurance to help protect it. One of the biggest risks to you and your family would be if your income was cut short due to a disability. You want to maximize your company’s disability benefits, hopefully by paying with after tax dollars or by being taxed on the premium if your employer allows this. This will make the benefit tax free if you were to collect a benefit. You also want to make sure that you have enough life insurance to protect your family if you were to die prematurely and had not accumulated enough to provide a secure

retirement for your family. In addition to life and disability insurance, you need to make sure that you have enough liability insurance to help make sure that your assets are protected in case you become liable for an accident that can put all of your assets at risk.

You can purchase liability coverage for a reasonable premium.

Wealth advisors, like myself, can help you figure out how much you will need to accumulate at retirement, and we can work in reverse to see how much you need to start saving now. Then, with all of the protection components in place, you can start the plan and review the strategy every year to see where you are and to see if you are on target. The constant monitoring will help get you into a position for a successful retirement while having many of the potential risks covered also.

WHAT TO DO WHEN RETIREMENT IS COMING UP SOON

If retirement is coming up shortly, you’ll want to make sure that your expenses are under control.

You want to minimize your debt and loan payments and make sure that the income that you expect in retirement will cover all of your living expenses. You 65

should run a budget first and determine if there are items that you may want to add or subtract in retirement while taking into consideration where you want to live along with the associated costs.

You’ll want to see what your guaranteed income is so you have a floor of income. Guaranteed income includes pensions, social security, annuity payments, and any regular guarantee flows of income that you’ll receive after you stop working. You’ll want to determine how much of your retirement expenses the guaranteed income will cover. If there is a shortfall, you can look at re-balancing assets to generate income.

You can also look at what expenses you can eliminate or reduce to make the income match or exceed your expenses. This can mean downsizing your housing or moving to a less expensive area, reviewing your bills like cable and cellphone plans and it may involve having a part time job or renting out part of your house to generate extra income.

It is always a good idea to sit down with a wealth manager before you retire to help you plan for 66

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retirement and to make sure that inflation and debt do not hurt your retirement plans. Please feel free to reach out and I would be happy to provide an analysis on your current situation or help you design a retirement plan tailored to you. Please feel free to email me at marcs@equityplanning.com . I am happy to answer your retirement questions.

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

Elvis

All bluebirds are named Elvis. Elvis sighted on my patio. Elvis pecking too close at leftovers during happy hour. Elvis, not in blue suede shoes, but in soft down, blue fades to gray and brown, a white mottled belly, jet crown despite his feeling so lonely. Elvis, all shook up and fat on corn and sunflower seeds. Elvis crooning and shaking his tail feathers. Elvis, oh how he loves my fruit trees, takes the sweetest notes from the middle of the orange and leaves the shell hanging, until a second look reveals his avian trick. Elvis turns loose on smaller birds who try to take his place at the rotating stage of a bird feeder. Elvis, louder than any school girl fan. Hungry cries, a song I cannot ignore. Elvis leaves the building, flies towards the neighbor’s house. *** Poem in Bird Forgiveness

MELINDA PALACIO is an award-winning author and speaker who lives in Santa Barbara and New Orleans. Her books include the novel, Ocotillo Dreams, and poetry collections Folsom Lockdown, How Fire Is a Story and Bird Forgiveness.

LINDSEY J e n n e m a n

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My painting business, Lemmepaintdat, is a silver lining to a large, dark cloud that every pet owner eventually goes through. When I was in 8th grade, our family brought a dog home from the local pet shelter. My sister and I begged for a family dog for many years. My mom finally gave in and on December 8th 2001, Eve officially became a part of our family.

Eve was the sweetest and most playful pup on the block. She looked like a stuffed animal. She was the perfect family pet. She became my parents’ third daughter, especially when the nest started to empty.

She was there for every important stage of life that came to follow, including junior high, high school, college and marriage.

Then, the dreaded day came. My parents, husband and I were helping my sister move from her college dorm. Eve was the little engine that could, until she couldn’t. This was the day we would have to end Eve’s suffering and say goodbye to her. Putting her down was the one of the hardest things we had to do as a family. We were wrecked, and only time could heal us.

I had always loved art. I taught high school visual art and graphic design, but I never thought of selling any sort of work or wanted anyone to purchase items from me. With the heartache of Eve’s loss, I decided to compose a portrait of her for my grieving family to memorialize her forever. I gave the portrait to my parents at Christmas, tears were shed, and hearts began to heal.

I posted a photo of the painting on social media.

I had so much fun painting her that I casually mentioned in the caption, “Lemme paint a pet portrait for you. I’ll even let you pay me.” From there, my side project turned to a business in which I feel I am providing a wonderful service to pet owners. I have since painted over 150 paintings for people who love their furry friends. It brings me so much joy to paint the pets who warm our home and hearts.

You can now order pet portraits on the famous Royal and Magazine streets in New Orleans, LA. These designs are sold as completely customizable original pieces, and soon, prints of these designs will be available for purchase.

While losing a member of our family was a great loss, a great subject matter was found. Thus, proving the theory of, “tis better to have loved and loss, then not loved at all.”

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HEALTH & WELLNESS YOUR BEST SELF

WRITTEN BY HANNAH JENNER

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A goal without an action plan is a bit like a building without a foundation. It might appear structurally sound, but it’s not likely to stay standing for very long.

I am interested to know how your 2019 goals are going so far? I ask this because we are now around three months in after the most significant goal setting date of the year - January 1st. Perhaps you wanted to lose that 20 pounds for the last five years and despite every year making it a goal, you have yet to do it. But this year, this will be your year. So, what has changed?

A goal is only as good as the effort applied to achieving it. A statement of intent will not actually lead you over the finish line, it merely gives you an option to start. Goals are things we aspire to achieve, so naturally, they will take some time, effort and commitment to realize. If you made a list to kick start your year, did you also make an action plan to go with it? If you have already found yourself promising to start next week or finding those small excuses as to why ‘now’ just won’t work, maybe you need to dedicate a little time to creating that action plan (it’s not too late!). If you are off to a flying start then high fives all round and after reading this article, check back over your plan to see if there are ways to refine and clarify the steps you have laid out that will lead you to success.

If the goal you set is your ‘what’, then your action plan is your ‘how’ and your value system creates your ‘why’. They are all interdependent. Without a what, you don’t know what it is you are striving for.

Without a why, the what is just an idea without any commitment to the cause. And, without a how, the what and the why are as good as being lost without any means of navigation.

An action plan should be simple and easy to follow, it is, after all, your roadmap for success. Before I begin to create a plan, I like to start out with a visualization exercise. Find a quiet spot, get comfy, close your eyes and begin to imagine what achieving your goal looks like. If you are visual person this should come easily, if not, rather than try to create a picture, use this time to imagine how you will feel when you have achieved your goal. Think of how your success affects you, those around you, your home and work life and how success will ultimately shape your future. Once you have spent some time seeing and feeling your achievement, you can begin to think about small steps that will help you get there. In your

visualization, were there friends or family present who could help you? Were you in a particular location that supported success and was there an activity that came up that inspired you to get involved? These could all be clues as to how best to succeed. If this is your first action plan, the most important element to it is creating manageable steps that you can actually check off of a list. Ask yourself the following?

- What can I add to my life to achieve my goal rather than take away? For example, if your goal involves losing weight, start out by trying to add more veggies to your diet which can slowly replace refined carbs.

- What can I reasonably and realistically achieve in one week, one month, three months? Having something to check off is critical to longer term success. If the only box to check is seeing the scale drop by 20 pounds you will quickly become frustrated, as this will take a while to check off.

- Who can I enlist to help with accountability?

Surrounding yourself with a great support network is vital to getting started and staying committed to your goal.

- Look at your diary and take note of travel, significant work/life/family events and factor them into your plan. If you have an all-inclusive two-week cruise coming up, is it reasonable to expect 2 pounds per week weight loss? Or, would it be better to try to focus on maintaining and enjoying your time off?

Small steps may not seem significant, but they add up. Simple steps may not be glamorous, but they are achievable and afford you the opportunity to succeed. Supportive environments will keep you on track and help you when you struggle.

Take a moment to review the goals you set early in the new year and your progress towards achieving them. Now consider your action plan. Did you have one? It’s not too late to start. So, grab a notebook and map out some simple, clear steps and that all important short, medium and long term checklist.

Good luck, you got this!

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FROM DC TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA TO SUBURBAN MARYLAND John Eric | Trevor Moore and Associates bring you the best in luxury real estate from all across the metropolitan region.

johnand trevo r.co m

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guar as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 3001 Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201 | 703.822.7400

ranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and

mcclean, virginia

COLONIAL TRADITION

6708 Lupine Lane $1,395,000 Private Placement

bluemont, virginia

MONTE SUBASIO

18599 Calumet Lane $2,950,000 Private Placement

arlington, virginia

BELLEVUE FOREST

3849 30th Street North $1,379,000 Private Placement

1. 8104 Spring Hill Farm Rd. Mclean, Virginia 22102 $3,750,000 2. 1787 Light Horse Lane Delaplane, Virginia 20144 $1,950,000

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3. 4247 Vacation Lane Arlington, Virginia 22207 $1,355,000

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4. 1515 N. Colonial Ct. Arlington, VA 22209 $1,300,000

Helping Our Clients Achieve their goals‌ A Sampling of our Quarter One Success 3 5. 726 Girard St. NW, #1 Washington, DC 20001 $835,000 6. 718 Jackson St. NE, Unit 3 Washington, DC 20018 $569,900.00 7. 6712 Lee Highway, Unit D Arlington, VA 22205 $545,000

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8. 718 Jackson St. NE, Unit 2 Washington, DC 20018 $495,000 9. 718 Jackson St. NE, Unit 1 Washington, DC 20018 $485,000.00

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10. 522 Victorianna Dr. Capitol Heights, MD 20743 $339,000

10

BUZZ DAILY DC

WORKCHEW An innovative new startup is transforming D.C. restaurants into coworking spaces during their off-peak hours. WorkChew offers an alternative to coffee shops, libraries, and places like WeWork and Cove.

Washingtonians can choose between a day pass or two monthly membership plans.

One allows you to WorkChew in restaurants concentrated in one neighborhood while the other, an all-access pass, lets you WorkChew at all participating locations. Fourteen D.C. restaurants have signed on so far: HalfSmoke, RedRocks on H Street NE, Bareburger, Homestead, The Ministry, Osteria Morini, MXDC, Pitango Gelato on Columbia Road NW, Kaliwa, Casolare, Cork Wine Bar and Market, Matchbox on 14th Street NW, Shaw’s Tavern, and Fare Well. Across the river in Northern Virginia, Cheesetique in the Mosaic District, Colada Shop in Sterling, and Red’s Table in Reston are also WorkChew locations.

AMAZON Amazon.com Inc.’s HQ2 is coming along ahead of schedule.

Executives with the e-commerce and cloud computing giant told reporters and editors at The Washington Post the company will begin operating out of its second headquarters in Arlington in June as opposed to the initial plan of October. The company recently advertised its first jobs for HQ2, and more listings are expected. Those are to include jobs related to Amazon Web Services, its Alexa virtual assistant technology and the consumer sector, according to the report. (WBJ)

(WCP)

HISTORIC FLIGHT A specially designed drone carried a donor organ between two hospitals in Maryland in April, making medical history in less than nine minutes, officials who orchestrated the project said.

The historic flight lifted off just after midnight on April 19, carrying a kidney on a 2.6-mile trip to the University of Maryland Medical Center, where a patient was waiting. The effort was a collaboration among medical professionals, engineers, the Federal Aviation Administration, pilots and the patient. During the flight, the Baltimore Police Department briefly blocked ground traffic below the flight path, and pilots kept in radio contact with each other and kept a visual line of sight on the drone.

(NBC4)

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JOHN ERIC HOME

DIPLOMACY DC INTERNATIONAL

2019 CONTEMPORARIES BASH: MARAVILLAS DE MÉXICO (WONDERS OF MEXICO) May 10 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. | Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE

Held at Dock 5 at Union Market, this event welcomes you to enjoy the art and culture of Mexico through music, dancing, food and creative cocktails. The Phillips Collection and the Embassy of Mexico have joined together to bring you this evening that offers ice cream tacos, a balloon lounge, mezcal, agua frescas and a soaring tribute to Mexican women and their artistic contributions.

SERENDIB DANCE RECEPTION June 8, 2019 Embassy of Sri Lanka 3025 White Haven St. NW Washington, DC 20008

The embassy of Sri Lanka is hosting a Serendib Dance reception featuring dancer Asagana Domask. This unique dance performance showcases intricate movements, powerful drum rhythms and elaborate costumes. The choreography is built upon thousands of years of tradition, and truly represents the lives of those in Sri Lanka. The event will begin at 5 PM in dress is business casual. Tickets, including the buffet and wine reception, are $95.

WRITTEN BY KATHERINE ESCHENBACH

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BLACK BOOK INTERNATIONAL FAIRE

ROOFTOP BARS

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JOHN ERIC HOME

AFTER A LONG DAY OF TOURING OR A HARD DAY OF WORK, IT’S NICE TO KICKBACK AND ENJOY A DRINK AT A FABULOUS ROOFTOP BAR. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE VISITING ONE OF THESE FOLLOWING CITIES, MAKE SURE NOT TO MISS THESE BARS. YOU WILL BE HAPPY THAT YOU DID… CASA GANGOTENA: QUITO, ECUADOR

The third-floor terrace of this small luxury hotel features views of the historic city and its famous churches, including the neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the Cayambe volcano in the distance. Perfect for a romantic afternoon, this bar invites travelers to spend time lingering over a glass of wine while enjoying the scenery.

TOMO: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Take the elevator to TOMO’s Tatami Terrace for cocktails, dinner and impressive views of the surrounding glistening skyscrapers such as Emirates Towers and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Located in the Raffles Dubai hotel, this authentic Japanese restaurant features a menu with Wagyu beef, sushi and other traditional dishes, such as Toubanyaki and Yakitori.

PERCH: LOS ANGELES

The 16th-floor rooftop lounge of this French-themed bistro features unrivaled, 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles. Listen to live music while dining on classic French cuisine, then head outdoors for the rest of the evening. You can sip Parisian-inspired cocktails under the night sky and relax on the outside patio, with its manicured green space and decorative fireplaces.

SKY BAR: BANGKOK

This famous rooftop bar, perched on a precipice 820 feet in the sky, is billed as one of the highest rooftop bars in the world. Visitors can experience the best views of the city at sunset and the glittering lights of Bangkok at night while sipping specialty cocktails like a Hangovertini, created for the crew of the “Hangover Part II” movie.

HOTEL RAPHAËL: ROME

The views of the Eternal City from the landscaped Bramante Terrace are lovely. It appears as if you can reach out and touch nearby rooftops from this multilevel bar and restaurant. You should start the evening with cocktails, then dine on organic cuisine while watching the sunset between St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo.

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The new Bentayga V8.

Be Extraordinary.

Discover advanced technology and exquisite craftsmanship. Schedule a test drive by calling 703-712-8324 or visiting BentleyTysons.com The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2019 Bentley Motors Inc. Model shown: Bentayga V8.

BENTLEY TYSONS