John Eric Home - December 2014

VOL. 27

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

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DEC | 2014

HOLIDAY DREAMS

CONFIDENCE AND INTEGRITY WITH

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

速

JOHN ERIC +1 703 798 0097 john@johneric.com johneric.com

A NAME YOU KNOW AND TRUST.

WASHINGTON | VIRGINIA | MARYLAND

1206 30th Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 C: 703.798.0097 | O: 202.333.1212 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com

CONTENTS

20 COVER STORY

2014 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE by Sherry Moeller. 15 WAYS TO SPREAD CHEER DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

11 | DETAILS

Measure your way through the holidays with these kitchen essentials

13 | JOHN’S FAVORITES

Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay, The Mandarin Oriental Spa and Orangetheory Fitness are a few of this month’s highlights

16 | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Featuring Award Winning Designer Kelly Proxmire

17 | CULTURE

Just in time for the holidays - Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea – is on at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

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10 DESTINATIONS

Discover beauty on Iceland’s Route 1

24 | CALENDAR

Upcoming events in Washington D.C.

25 | DC FUN FACTS

The National Christmas Tree Edition

26 | LUXE GIFTS

42 | BUZZ

The news that all of Washington is talking about

43 | BLACK BOOK

Celebrating Sydney’s waterside watering holes

5 Luxe Gifts for Your Christmas List

28 | MIXOLOGY

Ringing in the season with cocktails worthy of glass-raising

40 | MONEY & FINANCE

Our Castle and Moat series continues focusing on collectibles

44 | DIPLOMACY

A Nordic wonderland, Japanese trunk show and Thai food for lunch in DC schools celebrate the seasonn

30 FOODIE

Our holiday issue features delicious recipes for braised lamb shank, roasted cauliflower and pumpkin soup, endive and Asian pear salad and blood orange tart recipes

46 PREMIUM LISTINGS

John’s current inventory of spectacular properties in all price points.

14 HOME TRENDS

O Tannenbaum! Time to rock around the Christmas Tree.

36 | STYLIST

Men grab those leather jackets and Women ‘tis the time to accessorize

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CONTRIBUTORS

Charles M. Tappan, Jr., Before joining Republic National Distributing Company LLC,

Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, has been in the

Charles worked in finance, as a broker on Wall Street and as an equity trader. He decided to

Capitol area for over 12 years. Jocko was educated

make the leap into the Hospitality industry in 2011 while looking for the fountain of youth,

at the London Cordon Bleu and The Culinary

and since then he has worked as a bartender at some of the best hotels and restaurants in

Institute of America. Working in the homes of

Washington, DC, including Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt and the Jose Andreas Think

celebrities, politicians, CEO’s and American

Food Group. Not only is he a member of the US Bartender’s Guild and DC Craft Guild,

elite, Jocko combines a flair for the creative in his

but he is highly decorated in the mixology community.

cooking. “I live for fresh, delicious, colorful and

Kristina Messner is a writer and award-winning communications professional who works

hearty cooking.

with clients in an array of technology markets, from emerging technology to consumer electronics, government IT, defense and homeland security.

David Brown became a pioneer of design in

some of DC and Virginia’s most up-and-coming Marc Schliefer has been in the financial planning business since 1978, when he joined

neighborhoods. As an executive with Moët

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

Hennessy Louis Vuitton & Valentino, he has been

1996. With over 33 years of practicing financial planning, Marc has worked mainly on

fortunate to travel extensively across the United

individual financial planning and counsels clients on all aspects of their financial life.

States and Europe through his work. David’s eclectic style and appreciation for architecture is

Sherry Moeller, co-founder and principal of MoKi Media, was a previous editor in chief

reflected in his work thanks to his unique cultural

of Capitol File magazine/Niche Media covering politicians, celebrities, fashion, travel,

perspective gained through his travels.

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.

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JOHNERIC HOME 速

Publisher JOHN ERIC Managing Editor ANGELA CASEY Senior Editor-at-Large LK Creative Director HILLARY BROADWATER Photography AM & SEAN SHANAHAN

CONTACT EDITORIAL e-mail | angela@johneric.com ADVERTISING phone | 703.798.0097 ONLINE www.johneric.com facebook | johnericwdc twitter | thejohneric

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EDITOR ’S LET T E R Happy Holidays! I don’t know about you, but I for one, love this time of year. The beauty of the season is hard to surpass with the lovely decorations, special times with family and friends and a chance to slow the pace down just a little and relax.

It’s in the spirit of the season that we bring you our December Holiday Issue.

We are offering fun articles, gift ideas, trends, great food recipes and libations to help you celebrate in style.

This was an incredible year at John Eric Home and would not have been possible without our amazing and loyal readers. Our readership took us far and wide this year and broke records time and time again. We expanded our base from the Washington, DC Region, with both national and international readership exploding. All of this, I believe, was made possible due to the exceptional redesign of the magazine.

I want to thank the most talented and amazing group of contributors who make John Eric Home such an amazing read. I would not have been able to do it without you and I thank you for your contributions, support and friendship.

I also want to single out two individuals

in particular whose contributions and hard work make it all come together and thrive, Angela Casey and Hillary Broadwater. I can’t thank you enough!

Finally, for me, the holiday season is not about gifts and parties; it’s about relationships. I’m so incredibly grateful and humbled by having the most amazing people in my life that I’m able to call friends and family. And, it’s about giving. I encourage you to give of your time and money to organizations that do exceptional work in helping others less fortunate. Make this a season of giving to others in need, you will feel better about yourself and, these organizations can certainly use all of our help. Please check out “John’s Favorites” for some of my suggestions.

We at John Eric Home wish you the very best this Holiday Season. We hope this time of year brings you much joy and happiness with family and friends.

John Eric John Eric Publisher, Principal and Realtor

One of my favorite charities is City Dogs Rescue. See my other favorites on page 13.

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DREAM THE FIRST STEP IN CREATING A NEW EXPERIENCE

WHERE EVERY ROOM INSPIRES YOU Turn your home into an experience where you can LIVE, CREATE, RELAX, DREAM and DELIGHT in the things you enjoy most in life.

Discover your home’s potential at www.casedesign.com.

ADDITIONS | BATHS | EXTERIORS | INTERIORS | KITCHENS

DE STINATI O N S

GET YOUR KICKS…

On Route 1

As temperatures throughout the United States dip and, as we await another polar vortex, “Destinations” journeys this month to a magical country, a country not unfamiliar with subzero weather, but one which shines in both rain and snow, warmth and cold.

Iceland is home to one of the best and most unforgettable road trips known to man. It is well worthy of everyone’s “bucket list.” Driving its ring road – Route 1 encircling the island - is 830 miles of adventures and surprises. Majestic lava fields co-exist with snow-capped mountains. Glaciers and waterfalls provide backdrops for fantastic photographic opportunities. Small villages and remote towns, many with populations below 100 people, dot the landscape’s natural beauty. It is a dream ride for the adventurous.

For almost all its length, the road is only two lanes wide with a single lane in each direction. Don’t expect this trip to be a speedy one, but do anticipate it to be breathtaking.

The route takes you along the Reykjanes peninsula which is the most southwesterly point in Iceland and also the youngest part of the country. The North Atlantic ridge comes ashore here and visible signs of volcanic activity, created by that ridge, can be seen all over this peninsula. Lava fields, lava tubes, rifts and hot springs are found throughout the area.

The road travels to Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, which gives evidence to the wonders of nature where the tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and

the rift valley is clearly visible. From here the route continues, first, to the famous Geysir hot-spring area and then to the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall which is just a five minute drive away. Also, on Route 1, are the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss provides the experience of enjoying the power and might of nature.

The ring road takes drivers through small villages, such as Hella and Hvolsvollur, and along long stretches of lava fields like the Eldgjarhraun and Eldhraun, which are, globally, the two largest fields from historic times. Of course, Iceland is well-known for its glaciers and on this drive, visitors can see and explore many of its bounty. The Solheimajokull glacier, an outlet glacier from the Myrdalsjokull glacier, is picture perfect. The volcano Katla sleeps under the Myrdalsjokull and this area is a must-see stop on the ring road.

The road provides opportunities to create extraordinary memories as one goes. Examples are glacier hiking to the edge of Skaftafellsjokull glacier, which offers extraordinary views, driving through the spectacular East Fjords with their towering mountains and charming fishing villages, stopping at Lake Lagarfljot, which offers both historical and natural places of interest, or whale watching at Husavik.

Iceland’s Route 1 is a magical experience. It gives Route 66 a run for its money…

Spoons

DETA ILS

MEASURING

OXO Mini Wet Measuring Beakers, Set of 4

Williams Sonoma Narrow Measuring Spoons

When your recipe calls for measuring precise amounts of liquid ingredients, these colorful beakers are great for measuring and pouring everything from baking extracts and salad dressing ingredients to spirits and flavorful elixirs for your favorite cocktails.

These specially designed metal spoons fit inside spice jars and other containers with narrow openings, so you can measure your ingredients without pouring ingredients out of their container or having to use a knife to reach into small openings.

MoMA Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Flowerpatch Measuring Spoons (Anthropologie)

With easy-to-grip swooped handles, these eye-catching measurers feature narrow profiles for reaching into canisters and flat bases. Magnets imbedded in the handles enable the nested set to stay conveniently connected when stowed.

Molly Hatch is an artist-of-all-trades whose craft is finely honed. Her designs are whimsically literal and popculturally on-point, like these lovely measurers.

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Your st yle, Our signature.

Architecture | Interior Design | Construction | Remodeling www.wentworthstudio.net 240-395-0705

JOHN’S FAVO RIT E S This is the time of year to give of ourselves and contribute to worthy organizations that need our assistance. Listed below are some of my favorite charities that could use your help.

Please consider contributing to these organizations and add them to your list of favorite charities not only during this season, but throughout the year.

Dress for Success

Dress for Success is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women here in the greater Washington, DC area. www.dressforsuccess.org Point Foundation

I’m a huge believer in education. It has and continues to change lives for the better. This organization in particular helps LGBT students in need of assistance to start or continue their educations. They are helping to create the leaders of tomorrow. www.pointfoundation.org Animal Welfare League of Arlington

I’m a big animal lover and take every opportunity to assist when and where I can. The importance of rescuing animals can’t be overstated. This tremendous organization does it and does it well. www.awla.org

DC Central Kitchen

This exceptional organization serves over 5000 free meals a day. Their mission statement is quite clear, “Our mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.” They also provide rigorous culinary job training program for unemployed men and women who want to replace homelessness, addiction, and incarceration with new careers and changed lives. www.dccentralkitchen.org

City Dogs Rescue

This group does amazing work. They place more dogs in DC than any other rescue organization and work tirelessly to accomplish those tasks. Our dog, Adele came from CDR. www.citydogsrescuedc.org

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Tannenbaum!

HOM E TR E N D S

OH

A

s the holidays quickly approach and 2014 comes to a close, we find ourselves opening up our homes to family and friends. One of the highlights of the

holidays for me has always been decorating our home and sharing family traditions.

The Christmas tree has become the centerpiece of our homes and is a glimpse of the personalities that decorate it. It is one of the most popular and cherished Christmas customs in the world. Each year, 35-40 million live trees are purchased and decorated in the United States alone.

But when, where, and how did this custom begin? What is the origin of the Christmas tree? What does it mean?

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition. In the 16th century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Many people built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is also a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

In 1846, the popular royals Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Unlike the previous royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects. What was done at court

immediately became fashionable—not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree finally made an accepted arrival to the United States of America.

By the 1890’s, Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S. As with most things today, Americans liked their Christmas trees big and bold, reaching from floor to ceiling - quite a contrast to the Europeans who used small trees up to four feet in height.

The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, while Eastern European immigrants continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies.

Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and nuts. Electricity brought about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became an American tradition.

Today, 77 million Christmas trees are planted each year in California, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The top selling trees in the United States are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and White Pine. The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to have been a 122-foot, 91 year old Douglas fir from the town of Woodinville, Washington.

Here are notable highlights of the Christmas tree in our nation: • 1850- The first Christmas trees were sold commercially in the United States.

• 1853- Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, is credited with bringing the first Christmas tree to the White House.

• 1883-Thomas Edison and Edward H. Jonson assembled the first string of Christmas tree lights.

• 1883- Sears, Roebuck & Company began offering the first artificial Christmas trees – 33 limbs for $.50 and 55 limbs for $1.00.

• Late 1800’s- the first glass ornaments were introduced to the United States, again from Germany.

• 1902-President Theodore Roosevelt chose not have a tree at the White House for environmental reasons.

• 1903- General Electric offers the first set of pre-assembled Christmas lights.

• 1923-President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, now held every year on the White House lawn. The first tree had only 3,000 twinkling electrical lights.

• 1933- The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began.

• 1961-First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the White House Christmas tree by decorating with a Nutcracker motif.

• 1966- The National Christmas Tree Association begins the tradition of gifting a Christmas tree to the President and first family each year.

• 1963- The National Christmas Tree was not lit until December 22nd because of a national 30-day period of mourning following the assassination of President Kennedy.

• 1971- The FDA concluded that lead tinsel caused an unnecessary risk to children and convinced manufacturers and importers to voluntarily stop producing or importing lead tinsel after January 1972.

• 1979- The National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament.

This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.

• 1984- The National Christmas Tree was lit on December 13th with temperatures in the 70s, making it one of the warmest tree lightings in history.

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DE SIGNER SP OT LIGH T

Ke lley P ro x m ire Kelley Proxmire has held a lifelong passion for interior design. In her pre-teen years she was fascinated by the transformation worked on the room by an interior

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designer. “I would sit for hours,” recalls Proxmire, “studying the fabric mix, the scale of the furniture, the interplay of color. When everyone else bought Seventeen, I was buying House Beautiful.”

She went on to immerse herself in the rooms of classic design greats such as Billy Baldwin, Mark Hampton, Frances Elkins, and Michael Taylor. These influences laid the foundation for a style defined by what is beautiful and enduring.

Proxmire holds a prolific career in design spanning 21 years. She has participated in 21 show houses since 2001. This designer has garnered repeated national coverage for her contributions to the Washington Design Center’s Design Houses, as well as those benefiting local charities such as Women’s Committee of the National Symphony Orchestra. She was selected as a designer for the DC Design House benefiting Children’s National Medical

Center in 2010 and 2012. These projects, as well as residential projects throughout the Eastern Seaboard, have been showcased in publications such as Traditional Home, Washingtonian, Home & Design, Bethesda, The Washington Post, and The Georgetowner. Proxmire was inducted into the Washington Design Center Hall of Fame in 2009.

Throughout her career, Proxmire has developed a matchless eye for crafting what she describes as “tailored traditional” interiors. Her projects suffuse warmth and hospitality while maintaining excellent balance, proportion and scale. Her love of color is combined with an appreciation for the fresh sophistication of white and the daring elegance of black. Adept at mixing traditional pieces with unexpected finds, Proxmire creates environments that are attuned to the client’s world and faithful to the architecture and setting of a home.

CU LTU R E Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea National Museum of Women in the Arts December 5, 2014–April 12, 2015

In time for the holidays, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is staging an exhibit featuring some of the most magnificent works ever produced in the history of art. Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea is an exhibit that examines how the image of Mary was portrayed by well-known Renaissance and Baroque artists, including Botticelli, Dürer, Michelangelo, Pontormo, Gentileschi and Sirani. More than 60 paintings, sculptures and textiles are on loan from the Vatican Museums, Musée du Louvre, Galleria degli Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and other public and private collections—many exhibited for the first time in the United States. The exhibit offers insight into the manner in which both female and male artists conceptualized their images of this renowned woman.

The exhibition features the work of four women artists: Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi, Orsola Maddalena Caccia and Elisabetta Sirani. Also included is the famous work by Fra Filippo Lippi’s -- Madonna and Child (1466–69) -- which was painted for the influential Medici family, patrons of the arts who helped foster the Italian Renaissance. The artist’s image of Mary reveals wealthy Florentines’ desire for a Madonna who reflected their own lives: the Virgin is dressed in a rich brocade gown and a head scarf trimmed with gold and pearls. The mother and child’s touching cheek-to-cheek pose first appeared in Florentine sculptures of the same period.

Contrasting Fra Filippo Lippi’s image of Mary is Sandro Botticelli’s Madonna and Child (1480–81), which depicts Mary and Jesus in a domestic setting. Mary reads from a book of prayers, her melancholic expression and the darkening sky beyond the window suggesting Mary’s premonition of Christ’s death. Botticelli was favored by the leading aristocratic families of Florence and enjoyed the patronage of Pope Sixtus IV. In conjunction with the physical exhibition, NMWA is presenting an online exhibition, featuring global representations of Mary, including the Virgin of Guadalupe and Black Madonnas from Europe and the Caribbean. In addition, NMWA has

partnered with MapHook, a location-based journal and social networking application, on an interactive program that will enable a global audience to trace the route of exhibition works arriving from major international museums to learn more about them.

National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 783-5000

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DESIGN | BRANDING | PRINT | WEB

LET YOUR VISUAL VOICE BE HEARD.

w w w.q mdesi gn group.co m | 661. 250.991 4

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

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CONFIDENCE AND INTEGRITY WITH A NAME YOU KNOW AND

TRUST

1206 30th Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 C: 703.798.0097 | O: 202.333.1212 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com

TRE N D IN G - 2014 H O LIDAY G I F T G U I D E

Holiday Season 15 Ways to Spread Cheer During the

TAKE IN THE CITY – The Hay-Adams

FASHION, FOOD & FUN 2. THE ART OF BUYING JEWELRY –

An Entertaining and Educational Guide Award-winning journalist Marilyn Campbell’s first book, The Art of Buying Jewelry was written for those who appreciate fine jewelry, but need guidance in their purchases. Whether building your own jewelry collection or buying for family and friends, this invaluable reference to savvy jewelry shopping offers insight into how to add personal style and versatility to your wardrobe, while also selecting quality pieces that enhance one’s appearance and can be passed down from generation to generation. With Lindy Kavanaugh, Published by Gray and Boardman, $17.99 hardcover, $8.89 paperback. #AccessorizingAsArt www. grayandboardman.com, www.amazon.com 3. BEAUTY IN THE BALLET - The

1. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK –

Design Army X Karla Colletto Swimear Line Pum Lefebure, Chief Creative Officer at Washington, DC-based Design Army, collaborated with Virginia swimwear designer Karla Colletto to create Swim At Your Own Risk. It is a capsule collection of fun, sexy black-and-white swimwear, available in January, just in time to take on a winter cruise or save for spring break. Sold at Everything But Water and Bare Necessities. Made in the USA. Prices available at retail locations. #SwimAtYourOwnRisk www.designarmy. com, www.karlacolletto.com (Photo by Dean Alexander)

Washington Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow With limited shows of The Washington Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow at The Kennedy Center, there’s no better time than now to purchase tickets and give the gift of dance to your loved ones this holiday.

Washington Irving’s classic tale will be told through the expressive language of ballet. Creative art

by Design Army will be seen throughout the city in early 2015.

Seven performances from February 18-22. $25 to $125 per ticket. #InspiredDance www.washingtonballet. org, www.designarmy.com 4. A VERY MERRY MEAL – The

Hay-Adams Overlooking Lafayette Square and the White House, The Hay-Adams Top of the Hay offers a holiday buffet that is unparalleled.

With a wide array of poultry, fish, salads, stuffing and desserts made by world-class chefs, The Hay-Adams is a memorable way to spend the holiday. $110 per adult, $50 per children, seating times 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. #LeadingHotelsOfTheWorld www.hayadams.com (Photo courtesy of The Hay-Adams) John Eric Home

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HOME & GARDEN

5. RANGE AND REEF – Where

the Cooking Is Part of the Culinary Experience. Don’t feel like cooking this upcoming holiday season? Hire your very own personal chef to prepare delicious meals from the range and the reef – Shrimp & Seafood Boils, Lobster & Clam Bakes, Grilled Ribs, Top Sirloin & Prime Rib prepared by Jim Holderbaum, who, after traveling to more than 60 countries, became inspired to pursue his passion for creating unique food experiences where cooking becomes part of the event. A one-of-a-kind culinary experience available year-round. Pricing depends on items selected. #DifferentAndDelicious www.rangeandreef.com (Photo courtesy Range and Reef ) 6. TAKE IN THE CITY – The Hay-

Adams This two-hour Monuments at Night tour lets you experience the dramatic beauty of Washington, DC landmarks illuminated with holiday lights, while relaxing and enjoying a deluxe Champagne Goodie Basket. The two-night getaway package includes accommodations, private tour, your own White House chocolates, and a full American breakfast for two.

Packages start at $529. #WhiteHouseLights www. hayadams.com (Photo courtesy of The Hay-Adams)

9. CREATING ELEGANT INTERIORS

7. WREATH LOVE – Custom Wreaths

of Potomac In her Potomac, Maryland studio, floral artist Linda Hobbins creates custom wreaths, wall hangings, table arrangements, and more that “allow the individual elements, such as pods, leaves, branches and blossoms, retain their natural simplicity with minimal adornment so the elegance is unforced,” said one happy customer. Her fresh, dried and silk arrangements bring joy from year to year and give “just the right amount of ‘dress up’ to a room.”

Prices vary. #FeastForTheEyes www. customwreathsofpotomac.com (Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg) 8. WARM & WELCOMING – Lori

Graham Design + Home Bundle up in style this holiday season with a beautifully natural and comfortable linen throw/blanket that graduates in tones of magenta pink with tasseled ends.

This warm 79” x 63” throw is a welcoming accessory in any space. $280. #MagentaMagic www. lorigraham.com

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– Designers In Their Own Words Author Melissa Mather presents a collection of decorating tips from top tastemakers in interior design who provide insightful responses about how to discover one’s personal style. A home should be beautiful, but also livable and attainable.

Among the designers who contributed to Creating Elegant Interiors are Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors, Allie Mann of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., and Jessica Parker Wachtel of GTM Architects. Published by Gray and Boardmand, $18.32 hardcover, $13.56 paperback. #DesignYourWay www. grayandboardman.com, www.amazon.com

10. SITTING PRETTY – Lori Graham

Design + Home Lori Graham Design + Home now features the great GabrielScott line, including the Marx Stool, in its showroom. Making a sleek statement and the perfect gift, the stool is available in a black finish, $850, or a brass base, $1,350. #ChicForSure www.lorigraham.com (Photo courtesy of Gabriel-Scott) 11. EVERYTHING & THE KITCHEN SINK – Boffi Georgetown For those who

resolve to get neater in 2015, gift Boffi Georgetown’s IKO freestanding towel holder series consisting of stainless steel rods with weighted bases in stone – they’ll keep you organized. Known for its highend Italian kitchens and baths, Boffi also offers a variety of wardrobe items and accessories including the new Lotus mirror.

Everything you need to add clean lines and high style to your home. #LookingGood www.boffigeorgetown.com (Photo courtesy of Boffi)

13. NEW BATHROOM IN AN INSTANT –

ibby.com Inspiration Built By You, ibby.com, lets you design your own bathroom in minutes.

Share the free interactive website with your family and friends during the holiday and choose from traditional, transitional and modern designs and various vanities, counters, tiles, faucets, showers and accessories to design a new bathroom you’ll love… with fixed pricing available at design completion. Then contact the ibby.com team to build it for you - A very transforming holiday idea! #LatestInnovation www.ibby.com (Photo courtesy of ibby) 14. HANDYMAN SPECIAL – fred, the

first name in home repairs Give the gift of fred to take care of that “honey-do” list. From painting to window and door replacement to any home repair, large or small, inside and out, contact the handyman experts before, during or after the holidays for peace of mind. Let the fred team make your holiday worry free. Gift certificates available in varying dollar amounts. #NoMoreToDoList www.schedulefred.com (Photo courtesy of fred) 12. LIGHT & BRIGHT – Aidan Design

From Estiluz’s Infiore pendant to Flos’ Smithfield suspension lamp, new lighting in the latest shapes, sizes and finishes will brighten up your kitchen and bathroom this holiday season. A large selection is available to peruse at Aidan Design in its new Silver Spring, Maryland showroom.

Specializing in custom kitchens and bathrooms, Aidan Design is led by co-founder and senior designer Nadia Subaran. #LightingFromAPro www. aidandesign.com (Photo by Robert Radifera)

15. TICKET TO INSPIRATION – 2015 DC

Design House It’s never too soon to purchase your tickets, and tickets for family and friends, for the 2015 DC Design House April 11 to May 10. The 2015 DC Design House will be at a new Mackall Farms home built by Artisan Builders in McLean, Virginia. With more than 8,800 square feet of living space on three levels plus a stone exterior and unique L-shaped floor plan that makes it feel like rooms were added over the years, the new home was designed to depict an Old American Farmhouse that blends in the Virginia countryside. $30 per ticket. #2015DCDesignHouse www.dcdesignhouse.com (Rendering courtesy of Artisan Builders)

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C A LEN DAR The National Zoo November 28-January 1 Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31 Hours: 5-9 p.m.

The National Zoo presents a display of thousands of sparkling lights featuring sculptures of many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, gibbons, a sea lion, an octopus, and a Komodo dragon. Visitors at ZooLights will enjoy winter-themed crafts, ice sculpting demonstrations, choral groups, and storytellers. The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discover Center, Think Tank, and Kid’s Farm will be open every night. Holiday treats will be available for sale including hot chocolate, donuts, and kettle corn. Families can take a photo with costume characters.

Winter Wonderland Veterans Park December 6, 2014 Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.

Bethesda’s annual Winter Wonderland is a community holiday celebration featuring a variety of entertainment and performances, a live ice sculpting presentation and a visit from Santa Claus.

Blocks of ice are transformed into wintery works of art during the live ice sculpting presentation followed by choral performances from local school groups. Santa Claus will make a visit to the park that afternoon, and holiday treats will be provided to children.

Downtown DC Holiday Market Sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th in front of the National Portrait Gallery Through December 23, 2014

Located in the heart of Washington DC’s Penn Quarter neighborhood, the event features more than 150 exhibitors and artisans offering distinctive gifts for sale including fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, pottery, photography, clothing and specialty foods. The Downtown Holiday Market also includes local food and live musical entertainment.

Middleburg Christmas Washington Street December 6, 2014 Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Each December, the Middleburg Hunt takes to the streets creating a spectacular site as approximately 100 horses, riders in red coats and dozens of hounds come through the town. The Middleburg Christmas Parade features a unique assortment of floats, marching bands, local community groups, antique fire trucks and a variety of animals including horses, llamas and dogs. Santa brings up the rear riding on a beautiful horse drawn coach. Throughout the day, there are hayrides, choir performances, the Garden Club’s Christmas Flower & Greens Show and the Craft Show. A Wine Crawl at the end of the day allows adults to wind down and relax while sampling wines from area vineyards, and foods in local restaurants.

D C FU N FACTS

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Creating the design of the National Christmas Tree and organizing the Pageant of Peace is a year-long process.

The idea of a decorated, outdoor, national Christmas tree originated with Frederick Morris Feiker, an engineer who had been a technical journalist for General Electric from 1906 to 1907 and editor of Electrical World and Electrical Merchandising from 1915 to 1921.

The National Christmas Tree can be covered with fewer or greater lights, depending on the lighting scheme. In 1999, 5,000 feet of lights containing 75,000 bulbs were used.

In 2000, 125,000 lights were used.

There were 200,000 bulbs in 2002, but just 13,000 in 2003.

In 1945, President Truman lit the tree, which had not been lit since 1941, and delivered a Christmas message.

Members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts spoke at the lighting ceremony.

Smaller trees representing the U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the inhabitated territories around the National Christmas Tree are referred to as the Pathway to Peace.

6 In 1954, Earl C. Hargrove Jr., with his good friend Bill Law, decorated the National Christmas Tree. Hargrove, Inc. — Earl’s company — has continued that tradition to the present day.

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Unique and Luxe Gifts for Your Holiday List

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Andy’s Drive

Andy Warhol, leading artist of the 20th Century and the figurehead of the Pop Art movement, was extraordinarily successful mixing his artistic talent with commercial success.

During his most commercial period, Warhol bought the most luxurious car money can buy - a 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.

Warhol’s Silver Shadow was ordered on October 14th, 1974, from a New Jersey dealer with specifications of Walnut over Black paint and a Black Leather interior. Famous celebrities, such as Truman Capote and Liza Minnelli, often drove the car. This Silver Shadow was a prized possession of Warhol for his life and was fastidiously maintained in his Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York City garage.

Warhol’s Rolls Royce is now being offered for sale by a private owner. For more info visit www.chriscommsolutions.com.

Treehouse Living in Costa Rica

Treat a special someone to a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. A holiday spent nestled in the branches of a towering tree, lounging in your own grownup treehouse at Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica.

“…On My Flying Trapeze…”

The 10-acre beachfront property, located in the GandocaManzanillo Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, features a sustainably built treehouse made from fallen trees, with solar heating, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a shower.

The four individual bungalows, with wide-open canopy views, are made from fallen tropical hardwoods. The most dramatic of these—the eponymous Tree House—is a bi-level cottage built around the trunk of a rare sangrillo tree. Inside, a whimsical bamboo-walled shower and an elevated master bedroom (reached via palm-thatched suspension bridge) are perfect for watching howler monkeys rustle in the treetops.

Trapeze School New York has opened a location at the Navy Yard.

They offer opportunities for everyone -- from the thrill-seeker to fear-facer, athlete to couch potato, casual flyer to serious aerialist.

With beginner through advanced flying trapeze courses, plus a variety of other aerial and circus arts classes, there’s just no end to the adventure.

A 7-day hotel package pricing starts at $2,500. For more information, visit www.costaricatreehouse.com

How many on your list are impossible to buy presents for? He already has it? She will buy it herself if she wants it? This holiday season, give the gift of charity in someone’s name and do a bit of good in the world.

Sitting Pretty Pondside

Want to present a gift that is both beautiful and can raise a property’s value at the same time? While it may not fit under a holiday tree, giving the gift of a pond is a thoughtful, exotic and pragmatic way of approaching your holiday list.

Dr. Michael Champ, also known as Dr. Pond, is a renowned scientist and pond engineer. He has placed ponds in private residences throughout the Washington region, in a variety of shapes and sizes. Musical ponds, functional ponds, koi ponds – if you have the vision – he can help fulfill it.

For more information or to request a quote please email: drmikechamp@gmail.com

Sometimes it may be tempting to run away and join a circus. Of course, we cannot. However, a fun gift this holiday season is a package of trapeze lessons for a friend or family member.

Prices and costs vary per package per class. Trapeze lessons start at $55 per class per afternoon/evening lesson. For more information, visit www.washingtondc.trapezeschool.com A Gift That Can Change the World

At Heifer, a Gift Ark donation includes two water buffalos, two cows, two sheep and two goats, along with bees, chicks, rabbits and more. Donating a Gift Ark helps to care for entire communities with milk, eggs, honey and wool; provide income by supplying an abundance of goods to sell; sustain farming by providing livestock to work the land; and improve the lives of families for generations. Heifer also offers The Gift of Women’s Empowerment and The Gift of Transformation which provides through gifts of livestock and training.

For more information, visit www.heifer.org. The Gift Ark cost is $5,000, The Gift for Women’s Empowerment is priced at $10,000 and The Gift of Transformation is $25,000. Other options are available.

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M I XOLOGY

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A Royal Elyxer glassware:

Champagne Flute

A Quarter of Renaissance glassware:

Rocks Glass

ingredients:

ingredients:

1 oz. Absolut Elyx .5 oz. Sandeman Sherry Fino 3 dashes Orange Bitters 1 rough cut, white sugar cube 3 oz. Champagne

1.25 oz. Aberlour 12-yr. Single Malt Scotch .75 Martell VSOP Cognac 1 oz. Carpano Bianco .25 Suze .25 Luxardo Cherry Liqueur

In the champagne flute, add the sugar cube and orange bitters. Over sugar cube, pour Absolut Elyx, vermouth, and chilled champagne. Serve and Enjoy! directions:

December, the ultimate holiday month with extended family gatherings for a big meal. Start off with a drink that sets the perfect tone. Light, festive, sparkling, and full of flavor, this defines a Royal Elyxer. Starting with a classic base of sugar and orange bitters, this combination of sweet, sharp and citrus notes is timeless. To build off of the pillar of flavors, the base of the cocktail is set with Absolut Elyx.

Next, a touch of deliciously dry fino sherry enriches the floral notes from the Absolut Elyx and, at the same time, adds layer and complexity to the overall cocktail. The finishing touch crowns the cocktail and the evening, and nothing speaks royally like Champagne. It is the last piece of the puzzle that completes a masterpiece worthy of Kings and Queens. This December, during holiday season and during that crazy holiday meal, control the evening with a tone that impresses and command the evening with a true Royal Elyxer.

Story:

garnish:

Lemon Twist

In a mixing glass combine, cognac, scotch, vermouth, and bitters. Stir around 50 times or until desire dilution is reached, strain over a large ice cube, garnish. Serve and enjoy! directions:

It’s the holidays, and, at some point the exhaustion and fatigue sets in.

Whether sitting by a fire or just trying to sit after a large meal and unwind, it’s time for a little regeneration - a little renaissance if you will. For a cocktail of rejuvenation, start with a base from an ancient world, Aberlour Single Malt whiskey. Light smoke, with rich notes of heather, honey, vanilla, and caramel, encompass the senses in a blanket of comfort. Depth of sophistication of flavor is heightened by Martell Cognac. Soothing as a cool river stone, the grace of the cognac adds tranquility and ease. Bianco vermouth continues forth the elegance and adds notes of flowering lilac and freshly pressed white grapes. No evening is complete without dessert and that role is perfectly filled by the decadent Luxardo Cherry and the digestiff Suze.

This December, when exhaust strikes the evening, don’t worry. There will be time for a Quarter of Renaissance.

Story:

After Midnight glassware:

Coupe

ingredients:

1.5 oz. Kahlua .75 oz. JP Wiser’s Spiced Vanilla 1/16 oz. Pernod .25 oz. cream .75 oz. Simple syrup 1 egg white garnish:

Peychaud’s Bitters

In a metal shaker (Boston or cobbler) combine all ingredients, including egg white, but no ice, and shake a quick 5 times. Add ice to the cocktail and shake vigorously for another 3 minutes. Strain into a coupe, garnish with drops of bitters for aroma. Serve and enjoy! directions:

On the hard hitting mornings after holiday celebrations, reach for the same medicine they did in the 1800’s. A cocktail. Kahlua coffee liqueur provides a great start with excellent natural coffee notes and just enough caffeine to help energize the body. The vanilla in the Kahlua is further displayed to effect with addition of JP Wiser’s spiced Vanilla Rye Whiskey. A touch of anisette conveyed from the historical Pernod, adds a light licorice, reminiscent of childhood comfort. No morning medicinal would be complete without the healing softness of the egg. The egg white, full of protein, attacks the residual alcohol in the system and at the same time provides sustenance and coats the stomach. A little cream and sugar further round out a full bodied and layered texture. This December, remember that when it is After Midnight, sometimes only a special cure will due.

Story:

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Holiday Tastes

F O OD IE

Roasted Cauliflower and Pumpkin Soup 1 garlic bulb 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into 2 inch pieces 1 tbsp. olive oil (for roasting) 1/4 tsp. sea or kosher salt 2 large apples or 3 small (sweeter variety), peeled, roughly cut 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts 1 1/2 cups white beans, rinsed 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree 3/4 tsp. sea or kosher salt (or to taste) 1/4 tsp. pepper (or to taste)

Endive and Asian Pear Salad 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 1 tbsp. water 1 tsp. sugar Large pinch of cayenne pepper Large pinch of coarse kosher salt 1 1/2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 large bunch watercress, thick stems trimmed 2 heads of Belgian endive (preferably red), slice crosswise 1 ripe Asian pear, halved, cored, thinly sliced Combine walnuts, water, sugar, cayenne, and kosher salt in small nonstick skillet. Stir over medium heat until water evaporates and nuts are dry and golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; cool. DO AHEAD. Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Whisk olive oil, vegetable oil, and vinegar in small bowl to blend. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Combine watercress, endive, and pear in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle with nuts.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Using a knife, cut off 1/4 of the top of whole bulb, exposing the individual cloves of garlic. Drizzle a little oil on exposed cloves and wrap in foil. Place wrapped foil in the oven to begin cooking.

Mix cauliflower pieces with 2 1/2 tsp. olive oil and spread on rimmed baking sheet; sprinkle with salt. Peel apples and cut in large pieces. Mix apples with a little oil and spread on the pan with cauliflower but keep them separate. Place the pan in the upper part of the oven with the foiled garlic and roast until tender and lightly browned.

Using a blender, add about half the chicken stock, hazelnuts, beans and pumpkin. Add more chicken stock to blender if needed. If you want more texture in the soup besides the roasted cauliflower, add some of the beans to your soup pot rather than the blender.

When garlic is tender after 20 minutes or so, use a hot pad to turn garlic bulb up-side-down over blender (still filled with blended ingredients) and squeeze from the bottom of the clove, so roasted garlic falls into blender. Add roasted apples to blender, as well, and blend. If the blender becomes to full at any time, just pour some out into the soup pot. Add all ingredients to the soup pot except the cauliflower. Simmer ingredients over low heat for about 30 minutes; stir frequently. Add more chicken stock if soup becomes too thick. Roughly cut up roasted cauliflower into smaller pieces and add to soup. Mix together for a few minutes and turn off heat. Sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seed for garnish.

Braised Lamb Shank with Fennel and Baby Potato 1/2 tsp.fennel seeds 6 lamb shanks (about 1 pound each) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 garlic cloves, chopped 2 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained, chopped 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 tbsp. tomato paste 1 1/2 cups dry white wine or dry vermouth 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 bay leaves 2 large fennel bulbs (about 1 1/2 pounds total), cut into 1-inch wedges 1 pound baby red-skinned potatoes, halved 1/2 pound medium carrots (about 3), peeled, cut into 3-inch lengths, halved lengthwise, if large 1/4 cup pitted, halved green olives (such as Picholine or Lucques), divided 1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Place a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 325°. Toast fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool. Grind in spice mill or with a mortar and pestle.

Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook lamb shanks, reducing heat as needed to prevent overbrowning, until browned on all sides, 8-10 minutes per batch. Transfer lamb shanks to a plate.

Add remaining 2 tbsp. oil to pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Add ground fennel seeds, garlic, anchovies, thyme, and tomato paste and stir just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until wine is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.

Add broth and bay leaves. Return lamb shanks to pot, arranging shanks ‘head to toe’ so they fit in an even layer (the meat should not be completely covered). Cover pot and transfer to oven. Braise for 1 1/2 hours.

Turn lamb shanks over. Add fennel, potatoes, carrots, and 1/4 cup olives and tuck in around lamb shanks, submerging some in the liquid (they will cook whether they are submerged or not). Braise until meat and vegetables are fork-tender, about 45 minutes longer. DO AHEAD: Lamb can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool slightly, then chill, uncovered, until cold. Cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before continuing.

Using tongs and a slotted spoon, transfer lamb shanks and vegetables to a serving platter.

Scatter remaining 1/4 cup olives over and cover with foil to keep warm.

Discard bay leaves from cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Simmer liquid until it thickens slightly, 15-20 minutes (you should have about 1 1/2 cups). Season sauce with salt and pepper and pour over lamb shanks and vegetables. Sprinkle with parsley.

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Blood Orange Tart ORANGE CURD 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/3 cup fresh blood orange juice 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 6 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1 tbsp. grated blood orange peel 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces, room temperature CRUST 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 2 tbsp. whipping cream 1 large egg yolk 8 blood oranges

ORANGE CURD Whisk sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, eggs, egg yolks, and orange peel in medium metal bowl to blend. Add butter; set bowl over saucepan of simmering water and whisk constantly until curd thickens and instant-read thermometer inserted into curd registers 175째F, about 12 minutes (do not boil). Remove bowl from over water. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd; chill at least 1 day and up to 3 days.

CRUST Blend flour, sugar, and salt in processor. Add butter and cut in, using on/off turns, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cream and egg yolk and process until dough clumps together. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Roll out dough on floured surface to 13-inch round. Transfer to 10-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Fold dough overhang in and press onto pan sides, forming double-thick sides. Pierce crust all over with fork; freeze 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375째F. Bake crust until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Cool crust completely in pan on rack. Spread curd evenly in cooled crust. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

Cut peel and white pith from oranges. Using small sharp knife, cut between membranes to release orange segments. Transfer segments to paper towels and pat dry. Arrange orange segments in concentric circles atop orange curd. Chill tart up to 1 hour.

Remove pan sides. Cut tart into wedges.

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John Eric Home

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W OM EN’S ST YLIST

The month of December is known for its opportunities to mix and mingle. And, while you enjoy chatting at holiday parties and gatherings, make sure that your accessories don’t let you down. Make sure that they chat right along with you!

This season’s accessories are as clever as they come, making statements by playing on words. And, they come in all shapes and sizes.

Stubbs and Wooten are offering shoppers “snob slippers” with snob emblazoned across the toes. While Kate Spade celebrates with “pop” and “fizz” shoes that are a treat to ring in the New Year.

Lanvin is showing off its crystal “Love” pendant necklace, to share the warm and fuzzies. And, Eugenia Kim’s simply designed beanie is a direct statement - “Ceci N’est Pas un Chapeau.” Necklaces, hand clutches, beanies and hats – you name it – words are the “it” of right now.

M E N’S S TY LIS T

Leather is popping up everywhere, right now in both men’s and women’s fashion. Leather pieces. Leather trimming.

And, of course, the fabulous leather jacket. These outerwear pieces are being shown in styles from funky bomber to classic design and men are certainly picking and choosing them to strut their style.

Dolce & Gabbana’s collection highlights the sleek leather bomber. The jacket features a gold double zipper placket, which gives it a touch you won’t find on any other bomber jacket out there. But, have biker jackets ever really gone out-of-style? These outwerwear pieces for both punks and motorheads alike are having a moment in menswear. From high-end French labels to fast fashion chains, the look of James Dean is retro-cool.

Burberry Prorsum has taken this American classic and spun its take on the design. Zippers and metallic buttons explode all over the jacket’s front while providing pockets for its wearer. Gap’s take is a touch more calm in its design.

If cross-chest zippers aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the leather craze in a more subtle way. Designers like Cole Haan, Vince Camuto and Hugo Boss are featuring moto-inspired styling in a full-zip jacket cut from rich, buttery-soft lambskin leather.

Whatever your style, there is certainly a design for you.

So, take the plunge and join the rage. Just make sure not to forget your Aviators if the bomber appeals to you.

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WITH YOU!

INC. We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to your finances.

We listen to our clients and understand their unique financial situation and develop customized strategies for them.

For a free initial consultation, call or email.

MARC SCHLIEFER, CFP速 Marc S. Schliefer, CFP速 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 LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through U.S. Financial Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor. U.S. Financial Advisors and U.S. Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

M ONEY & FIN AN C E

COLLECTIBLES This month, we will look at collectibles. With all of the reality shows about finding treasure in your basement, collectibles have become a much talked about subject in our everyday lives. The story of having a very valuable piece of furniture, stamps, artwork and coins, or even baseball cards, has happened frequently and, we need to know how to identify something that may be valuable before you clean out your basement or help someone move and start de-cluttering your house, a family or a friend’s.

There are two parts of the story. The first part is someone who collects something in a very formal way. That something can be coins, stamps, art, antiques, jewelry, glass and many other types of collectables. Some collections are very formal and categorized, photographed, insured and inventoried by the collector. They may buy and sell their collection or they may just accumulate the collection.

The next type is someone that collects certain items and accumulates them, but collects the items because they like them. They do not catalogue them and they do not sell them.

They just enjoy collecting the category and do not look at it as a wealth building tool; they look at it as accumulating the item because they enjoy having the item. This type of collector also can be someone that has collected certain items like antiques and has no idea of their value and may have a very valuable piece of furniture or artwork in their basement and have no clue about its value. This is what you find on “Picker” or “Roadshow” type of reality television show. This can also be someone who has inherited somebody’s possessions and may think that they have junk and with some research they find out that they actually have some treasure.

For what we will call the intentional collector, there are certain things that

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you want to do to protect your collection and preserve the value as much as possible.

The first thing that you want to do is to get appraisals of your collection by a person that your insurance company will accept as an official appraiser. The next thing that you want to do is to add your collection to your homeowners insurance policy. You want to update the appraisal and the insurance coverage every 2 or 3 years as the value hopefully appreciates.

You want to make sure that the true value is properly insured.

The next thing that you want to do is to secure the collection. If it is a coin or stamp collection, you may want to keep it in a safe or safe deposit box.

That way it will be more protected than if it were just on your dining room table and could get misplaced or stolen or have food or water spill on your collection and either ruin it or cause it to lose value. If it is artwork, you should keep it out of the sunlight to protect it from fading and keep it away from dusty areas or areas where the temperature is extreme. That will protect your investment.

For the unintentional collector, you may want to do an initial search on the internet to see what your items are worth. If the internet search shows that there may be a lot of value in your items, then you should seek out an appraiser to verify that what you have is in fact valuable and then get the item or items appraised and insured. Before you get an item appraised, you should check with reputable antique, art, stamp dealers, or whatever type of item that you have to find a certified, reputable appraiser. Sometimes time is of the essence.

If you are cleaning out your house prior to a move, or helping someone clean out their relatives house, you want to search and see if there is anything of value before you start throwing things out.

Sometimes you can call local museums to see if they have people that can help

you get an appraisal or valuation of your items. They tend to have a very good list of experts that can help you determine the value of your items. Sometimes the museums can be specialized, so they can be a good resource for that also.

If you turn your collection into a business, you should keep very good financial records to help you when you buy and/or sell. You may also have tax deductions for storage, insurance or other costs. It is a good idea to discuss this with your tax preparer and they can give you good pointers for record keeping.

I hope this helps you with any collections that you have or that you plan on obtaining.

Next month we will look at real estate investment strategies.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through US Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

US Financial Advisors and Equity Planning are separate entities from LPL Financial.

John Eric Home

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BUZZ Eastbanc is planning to build a residential building or hotel at 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, currently the site of an Exxon station. The firm engaged Portuguese architect, Eduardo Souto de Moura, to work on the project. Eastbanc President Anthony Lanier reportedly asked residents to have “an open mind” about the presumably bold design for the project, which has not yet been finalized, and mentioned that the company paid “the highest price paid for land in D.C.” for the property. Souto de Moura is a 2011 Pritzker Prize laureate. At the time the head of the prize’s jury, Peter Palumbo, said de Moura’s buildings “have a unique ability to convey seemingly conflicting characteristics—power and modesty, bravado and subtlety, bold public authority and a sense of intimacy—at the same time.” (Urban Turf )

The Smithsonian Institution has unveiled a $2 billion, 10- to 20-year master plan for its south campus, under which the agency’s oldest assets will be overhauled to create what architect Bjarke Ingels called a “poetic and magical experience.” Led by the Bjarke Ingels Group (B.I.G. Architecture PC), the master plan calls for the total renovation of the Smithsonian Castle, the replacement of the roof under the Haupt Garden, interior renovations and underground additions to the Arts and Industries Building, new connections between the various underground spaces, installation of greener mechanical systems and the lowering of the walls surrounding the Hirshorn Museum. (WBJ) International think tank and foundation, Intelligent Community Forum, named Arlington as one of the world’s Smart 21 Communities of 2015. It was one of four communities in the United States to receive the honor. The Smart 21 list reflects 21 communities around the world that are making innovative, intelligent moves to improve the area. The communities are selected based on five indicators: broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital inclusion and marketing and advocacy. The 2015 ranking makes it the fourth time Arlington has made the Smart 21 list.

(WTOP)

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BL ACK BO O K

Part of the fun in spending time Down Under is enjoying Australia’s fabulous weather and interacting with its friendly locals. What better way to experience both than dining or having a cocktail in some of Sydney’s best waterside establishments.

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island and enjoy stunning Sydney Harbour vistas at The Island Bar. Try Water Bar at Blue Sydney on Woolloomooloo Wharf or take in superb views from the Flying Fish Bar in Pyrmont.

The Island Bar Eastern Apron Cockatoo Island

Blue Sydney 6 Cowper Wharf Road Woolloomooloo

Flying Fish Bar 19 Pirrama Road Pyrmont

Integrated within The Wharf precinct at Woolloomooloo, Blue Sydney is an exciting restaurant complex offering a wide array of dining experiences. It presents both a chic café and sophisticated Water Bar showcasing the best of modern Australian cuisine.

Set over two levels at the end of historic Jones Bay Wharf, Flying Fish is everything you’d expect from a harborside restaurant, and more. The menu is awash with quality seafood, with one of Sydney’s largest oyster selections and a serious sashimi bar.

Cocktails are served in the outdoor bar while indoor diners can enjoy the amber glow of the wooden beam and glass dining space. All visitors get to share in the magnificent views.

The Island Bar on Cocktaoo Island is well worth the 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. The bar itself has been constructed from recycled shipping containers, giving it a funky industrial look that’s in keeping with the history of Cockatoo Island as a shipbuilding yard and Commonwealth naval base. It is constructed in two levels with extensive covered areas and, of course, complete with deck chairs for relaxing in the sun, drinking and enjoying the views and ambience.

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DI PLOMAC Y The Royal Thai Embassy

Past News: On 6 November 2014, the Royal Thai Embassy and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) jointly organized Thai Food Day, in which nearly 45,000 students in over 100 public schools in the D.C. area received Thai food for breakfast and lunch. The Embassy and DCPS launched the Thai Food Day event at H.D. Cooke Elementary School - the school adopted by the Embassy under the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) with the aim of providing American students with opportunity to learn about Thailand.

Kyoto Kimono Trunk Show

From 11am – 5pm, the Sackler shop will host the annual trunk show from Kyoto Kimono, which offers one-of-a-kind vintage Japanese garments straight from the temple markets and auction houses of Kyoto, Japan.

Embassy of Japan Kyoto Kimono Trunk Show Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave SW December 6

Nordic Wonderland

The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the other Nordic Embassies are hosting NORDIC WONDERLAND at the Phillips Collection December 13, 2014 from 1 - 4 PM. Embark on a family friendly art adventure to celebrate the delights of the Nordic Winter. Stay warm inside the museum’s galleries and enjoy traditional art projects, stories, films and performances from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

To make reservations, visit phillipscollection.org Embassies of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland The Phillips Collection 1600 21st Street, NW December 13

Arlington and Washington at Your Fingertips.

Take a glimpse into Arlington’s and Washington, DC’s past and discover the Arlington and Washington of today …

JE JOHN ERIC

®

R E A L E S TAT E

To browse through our Buyer’s Guides or to request additional information regarding these guides, visit www.johneric.com John Eric Home

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PRIVATE PLACEMENT 1 5 9 6 N ORTH COLONIAL T E RRAC E A RLI N GT ON, VA

HIGHGATE IMPECCABLE TOWNHOME IN SOUGHT-AFTER HIGHGATE IN NORTH ARLINGTON Elegant and sophisticated are but two of the words to describe this beautiful, recently renovated, Federal-style luxury townhome.

• 3,176 (approximate) • 3BR | 3.5BA • 3 Fireplaces • 2 Garge Spaces

$1,339,000

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34 0 3 OLD DOMINION B L V D. AR LI N GT O N, VA

BEVERLY HILLS THIS STUNNING COLONIAL HOME IS LOCATED IN THE SOUGHT-AFTER COMMUNITY OF BEVERLY HILLS, Beverly Hills, with its lush green canopy and lovely, manicured homes with federal and colonial architecture enjoys a vibrant and friendly environment. Here, community is cherished and respected.

• 4BR | 3.5BA • Expansive Living Room • Breathtaking Views • Gourmet Kitchen • Balcony/Patio

$899,999 John Eric Home

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2 3 0 8 N ORTH VAN BUREN C O U RT A RLI N GT O N, VIRGINIA

FENWICK COURT “STYLISH, CONTEMPORARY AND ELEGANT” DESCRIBE THIS LOVELY PROPERTY. are but several of the words one could use to This townhome has a wonderful presence and welcomes you with exquisite brickwork and large proportioned windows and an abundance of natural light.

• 4BR/3.5BA • Gourmet Kitchen • Stainless steel appliances • Granite countertops • Garage Spaces: 2

$890,000 48 | Dec

2014

12 0 1 N . NAS H S TREET # 1 0 6 AR LI N GT ON, VIRGINIA

ROSSLYN “LOCATION OF A LIFE TIME” BEST DESCRIBES THE QUIET AND INTIMATE SETTING. This premier condominium building is nestled behind Iwo Jima Memorial Park and the Netherlands Carillon. Its location in the urban village of Rosslyn is steps away from shops and restaurants and minutes from the Rosslyn Metro and has easy access to National Airport, Georgetown, the White House, Kennedy Center and other downtown destinations.

• 3BR/2.5BA • Breathtaking Views • Gourmet Kitchen • Two Garage Spaces • Balcony/Terrace

$585,000

John Eric Home

49

BMW of Fairfax

8427 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031

800-591-2541

www.BMWofFairfax.com