717 Miller Avenue, Great Falls, VA 22066 - $2,750,000
This exquisite white brick and Hardie Plank home blends timeless elegance with modern comfort on a beautifully landscaped half-acre lot, just steps from local restaurants, parks, Starbucks, and the conveniences of The Village. Through the glass front doors and inside, you’ll find white oak floors, extensive millwork including crown, wainscoting, chair rail, and raised panel moldings that speak to the home’s craftsmanship. The main level includes a formal dining room with exquisite moldings, a butler’s pantry with custom cabinetry and wine fridge. At the heart of the home is a stunning open-concept kitchen and family room. The kitchen is a chef’s dream: commercial-grade Stainless Steel range hood as well as six-burner range with double ovens, a third oven, warming drawer, inset cabinetry with antique mirrored glass, oversized built-in refrigerator/freezer, and gorgeous stone countertops. A spacious breakfast area overlooks the backyard oasis. A richly appointed library doubles as a main-level bedroom with a full bath. The family room boasts built-in bookcases, abundant natural light, and a cozy fireplace. Just off the kitchen, the back hallway leads to two large walk-in pantries, a mudroom with cubbies and coat hooks, and built in cabinets and direct access to the garage. The upper level offers four en-suite bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite that features a spacious bedroom with sitting area, two walk-in closets with custom Built-ins, a separate illuminated shoe closet, and a spa-inspired bath with furniture styled vanities, makeup area, glass-enclosed shower, soaking tub, and a frosted glass wall that separates the water closet. The finished lower level features a rec room, full bar, gym, wine cellar, and guest suite. Outside, enjoy a slate patio, stone fireplace, lush lawn, and koi pond. A rare opportunity in an unbeatable location.
The Magic of August: Warm Days, Lasting Memories
As August unfolds, I’m filled with both nostalgia and excitement in welcoming you to the fourth issue of McLean City Lifestyle. Having grown up in the McLean/Great Falls community—and having raised our three daughters here—this time of year always brings back warm memories of last-minute pool days, the scent of freshly cut grass, and those cherished family beach getaways before the school year begins.
Even our Labrador retriever knew how to make the most of summer—tolerating the heat with patience, but always hopeful for a chance to cool off, whether it meant sneaking a dip in the pool or racing through the nearest sprinkler.
While the hot and humid days can be a challenge, they are also unmistakably summer in the Washington, DC area. There’s something comforting about knowing that, year after year, August delivers the same steamy days filled with laughter, connection, and the joy of slowing down just long enough to celebrate the season.
Thank you for continuing to welcome us into your homes and for embracing the positive energy that flows through our community. Whether you’re gathering with friends, traveling with family, or simply savoring a quiet moment, we hope this issue adds a little inspiration to your summer.
Wishing you joy, sunshine, and one more dip in the pool!
SUZANNE PURDY, PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katie Moore | katie.moore@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Proverbs 3:5-6
Your neighborhood boutique furniture store situated right in Old Town Alexandria.
Creative Classics is your neighborhood boutique furniture store situated right in Old Town Alexandria. We specialize in high-quality, American-made furniture. Buy American products to avoid import tariffs and support American families. All items can be customized to your liking; from different sizes, upholstery in various performance fabrics and full grain leathers, and wood products in many different stain colors and wood species. Our design specialists are available to help you create the perfect space in your home. All deliveries are made by our own delivery team, we never outsource this service. We offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that you will not find at large retailers. Come visit our NEWLY RENOVATED 9500 square foot showroom, we have something for every style and budget.
Design services | Customized options for furniture | White glove delivery and set up
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
MAUREEN VAYETTE
MICHAELA VAIL
CAITLYN PURDY
ELEANOR REED
SEAN MOORE
NICHOLAS HADDAD
CHRISTINE GILGALLON
At The Prendergast Team, we know that buying or selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s one of life’s most significant investments, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With deep roots in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., we combine unmatched local expertise with a personalized, high-touch approach to ensure a seamless experience.
STUNNING CUSTOM HOME IN OLDE SWINKS MILL ESTATES.
Small Door Veterinary Brings Personalized Pet Care to McLean
MCLEAN, VA – Small Door Veterinary has opened its first Virginia clinic at 6224C Old Dominion Drive. This membership-based veterinary practice offers same/next-day appointments, 24/7 telemedicine, extended visits, and personalized care plans in a calming, modern space. Led by Dr. Victoria Hensel, Small Door prioritizes convenience and proactive wellness for pets. Flexible membership and pay-per-visit options available. Learn more at smalldoorvet.com
Smart Choice Cleaning Earns Trusted Best Pick Reports™ Recognition
Smart Choice Cleaning has been named a Best Pick Reports™ winner— an honor awarded only to companies that pass rigorous qualification standards, including independent research, verified customer reviews, and a proven track record for quality. Serving Northern Virginia since 2004, they provide expert cleaning services including House cleaning, carpet, tile upholstery and rug cleaning backed by certified technicians and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Homeowners can trust Smart Choice for reliable, vetted service. smartchoicecleaning. com |(703) 750-2626.
Scout & Molly's Rewards their Customers!
Scout & Molly's takes great pride in our customer relationships. Our loyal customers are invited to join our Loyalty Program, where every purchase earns points that quickly turn into generous rewards. Members also enjoy birthday gifts and surprise promotions throughout the year! It's our way of saying thank you for being part of the Scout & Molly’s community. Visit us at our convenient locations: Mosaic District, Reston Town Center, and Annapolis Town Center.
Photography by Small Door Veterinary
The Trillium at Tysons: Where Wellness Lives
Wellness is a way of life at The Trillium. Start your day with yoga or personal training, then enjoy a therapeutic massage in our new Massage Therapy Room or a round in the state-of-the-art Golf Simulator. Just steps from The Boro, our luxury senior living community offers lifelong learning, salon services, and a vibrant social calendar that inspires purpose, movement, and joy—every single day. Learn more at trilliumtysons.com
EXPERIENCE
DENTAL CARE
GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
IN GREAT FALLS, VA
VOTED NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S TOP DENTIST FOR 10 YEARS IN A ROW.
AND A WASHINGTONIAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MOORE
THE FIRST TEACHER WE NEVER FORGET
HOW A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER SHAPED A COMMUNITY
Think back to your very first classroom: the smell of crayons, the tiny chairs, the teacher who knelt to your level and called you by name. For many of us, kindergarten wasn’t just the start of school; it was the beginning of learning how to be in the world. For over two decades, Nancy Stansberry was that first teacher for hundreds of children in McLean, Virginia — and her impact has rippled far beyond the classroom walls.
Stansberry’s path to the classroom wasn’t direct. After an unhappy stint as a secretary, she returned to college with her mother’s encouragement and a deep-rooted love of working with children—one sparked by years of caring for her nieces and nephews, orchestrating impromptu plays, and reading stories aloud. That calling eventually led her to Spring Hill Elementary, where her work would impact not just generations of children but an entire community.
Her teaching philosophy was simple but profound: children thrive when they feel secure, seen, and empowered. “You have to have independence and responsibility,” she says, recalling the back-toschool nights where she encouraged parents to give their five-year-olds real choices and meaningful tasks. “The little decisions they make now equip them for the big decisions they’ll make later.”
That emphasis on capability often surprised parents. “They don’t realize how responsible five-year-olds can be,” Stansberry explained. “Let them choose their snacks. Let them help plan the weekend. The more jobs they have, the more responsible they become.”
Her classroom wasn’t just about learning letters and numbers—it was about building little humans. Each morning began with a choice: a handshake, a high-five, or a hug. “Because I never wanted to hug a child who didn’t want to be hugged,” she said. It wasn’t just a greeting— it was a message: you matter here.
Kindergarten, for Stansberry, was a place of structure and joy. “I loved them to death, but I also helped them maintain the rules,” she says with a laugh. Her legendary Kindergarten Extravaganza — a full-scale stage production that involved all 60 students in songs, lines, and dances — wasn’t just about performance. It was a rite of passage. “I still have former students come up to me and say, ‘I was Chubby Checker, and my line was…’” she remembered with a smile. “They never forget.”
Parents didn’t forget either. In one particularly moving moment, she received a hand-delivered letter from a former student, who now has a kindergartener of his own, who had just come from his child’s first parent-teacher conference. “He wrote to thank me,” she says, her voice full of emotion. “He said, ‘I thought of you and how important you were to my life.’”
In these stories, you can hear echoes of Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten . Stansberry never quotes the book, but she lives by similar principles: Share. Say you’re sorry. Hold hands when you cross the street. Her classroom was a safe place for learning life lessons, offered up gently but consistently, from someone who saw each child not just as a student, but as a person.
Her legacy lives on, not only in the parents who once sat on her rug but in their children now entering kindergarten themselves. “It’s thrilling,” she says, “to be remembered as someone who helped someone feel loved, safe, and capable.”
CONTINUED >
Nancy Stansberry in the Classroom
Parents gift to Mrs. Stansberry
Even after retirement, Stansberry continues to be woven a part of student’s lives “My heart just swells,” she says when former students approach her. One parent, whose child had struggled in another school, credits Stansberry with turning things around. “He still says, ‘You saved my life,’” she recalls, thinking about how other teachers she knows really are our childhood superheroes.
Of course, it wasn’t always easy. Navigating different learning styles, managing high parental expectations, and maintaining high-energy days with five year-olds required not just skill, but soul. But Stansberry never wavered, all while being a mother to her own children whom she’s now immensely proud of and close to.
Nancy Stansberry's career proves that the best teachers aren’t just educators— they’re community builders, memory makers, and lifelong supporters. And if you ask her, the most important lessons are still the same: Be kind. Take responsibility. Work together.
After all, everything you really need to know, you probably learned in a classroom like hers.
NANCY STANSBERRY'S LEGACY LIVES ON, NOT ONLY IN THE PARENTS WHO ONCE SAT ON HER RUG BUT IN THEIR CHILDREN NOW ENTERING KINDERGARTEN THEMSELVES. “IT’S THRILLING,” SHE SAYS, “TO BE REMEMBERED AS SOMEONE WHO HELPED SOMEONE FEEL LOVED, SAFE, AND CAPABLE.”
Kindergarten Classroom
THE WORKS OF MATTHEW JOHNSTON
Art That Grows With a Community
ARTICLE BY KATIE MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW JOHNSTON
Message by Matthew Johnston
Brad and Sylvia Diptych
By Matthew Johnston
Labradoodles by Matthew Johnston
“Johnston brings decades of expertise and a genuine desire
to craft something meaningful.
In a town where history and creativity walk hand in hand, Matthew Johnston has long been a quiet force shaping the local arts landscape. A resident artist at the iconic Torpedo Factory for over four decades, Johnston isn’t just a painter, he’s a pillar of the Alexandria arts community. His studio is more than a workspace; it’s a place where conversations turn into friendships, and first-time visitors often leave as collectors. His work, instantly recognizable yet deeply personal, has become part of the fabric of the city itself — gracing the walls of local homes, galleries, and embassies.
Long before Matthew Johnston’s vibrant tall tulips became a local treasure, he was a boy in upstate New York filling sketchbooks with doodles and drawings. While most children eventually trade crayons for other pursuits, Johnston’s passion never waned. “I’ve got books [of drawings] upstairs from before I even went to grade school,” he says with a smile. “Most kids stop. I just never did.”
That relentless creative spark took detours through creative writing and journalism before finding its full expression in the visual arts. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, Johnston landed in Washington, D.C., where a serendipitous news segment introduced him to the Torpedo Factory Art Center. He visited the very next day and was able to snag a tiny 200 square foot studio thanks to the generosity of the director at the time. “That was 1978 — and I’ve been here ever since,” Johnston said.
It was in that modest studio, amidst discarded scraps of mat board and Plexiglas, that Johnston's most iconic
work was born. After completing a floral commission for The Hay Adams Hotel, he found himself surrounded by leftover narrow panels. “I started experimenting — nine pieces went on the wall. I painted tulips. All nine sold that weekend,” Johnston said, not yet realizing how these experiments would shape his brand. And thus, his now-signature Tall Tulips series was launched, combining playful scale, rich color, and a deep connection to both memory and material.
Equally compelling are Johnston’s diptychs: paired figurative pieces that explore human connection through composition and space. “I love the idea of people being together, but still having their own space,” he explains. “It reflects real relationships.”
The July cover features half one of these thoughtful diptychs, reflecting how art can be beautiful on its own while still being part of a larger narrative.
Johnston paints primarily on paper, drawn to its immediacy and the way it allows line and color to live vividly on the surface. “You just can’t get that same feeling with canvas,” he says. Even in his more abstract work — an area he’s recently begun exploring more deeply — his painterly precision and storytelling instincts shine through.
What makes Johnston's work especially inviting for collectors is how collaborative his process can be. He is currently accepting commissions and welcomes the opportunity to work directly with clients to create art that fits seamlessly into their homes and lives. Whether someone is seeking a custom diptych to mark a special moment or a floral piece to bring joy to a space, Johnston brings decades of expertise and a
CONTINUED >
People trust my judgment once we talk. It becomes a relationship, not just a transaction. “ ”
Cloudburst by Matthew Johnston
Tangerine Tulips by Matthew Johnston
genuine desire to craft something meaningful. “People trust my judgement once we talk,” he says. “It becomes a relationship, not just a transaction.”
That relationship-first approach is part of what has earned Johnston a devoted following in Alexandria and beyond. Many of his clients become repeat buyers, and in fact, many of Johnston’s now closest friends started as buyers. His art has been acquired by embassies, cultural institutions, and private collectors around the world — but his roots remain local. “I’ve grown with this city,” he says. “Alexandria has changed a lot over the years, and I’ve changed with it.”
His studio at the Torpedo Factory — and secondary location further inland near John Carlyle Square in Alexandria — is more than a gallery. It's a glimpse into the creative process and a chance to meet an artist who has helped define Alexandria’s creative identity. Johnston’s presence is a reminder of the value of investing in local art, not just for the beauty it brings, but for the connection it fosters. With Matthew Johnston, you’re not just buying a painting — you’re becoming part of a story that’s been unfolding for over 40 years, and still has much more to come.
Tulips in a Blue Coffee Pot by Matthew Johnston
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ENJOYING SUMMER
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Beach Ball Garland
Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
Materials
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
Instructions
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
Watermelon Cake
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
Ingredients
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY WEDNESDAY
FRESHFARM Reston Farmer’s Market
St. John Neumann Catholic Church 11900 Lawyers Rd Reston, VA | 3:00 PM
The FRESHFARM Reston Market is located in the parking lot of the St John Neumann Church, and offers a bountiful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as decadent charcuterie, and sausages, fresh bread, and prepared food! A simply charming way to pick up groceries on a Wednesday afternoon.
JULY 31ST - AUGUST 3RD
Fairfax County 4-H Fair
Frying Pan Farm Park 2709 West Ox Rd. | 12:00 PM
You and your friends and family can enjoy carnival rides, games and food trucks on the farm! Learn about the Fairfax County 4-H Youth Development program and more. More details will be released about wristband sales and discounts, the Big Truck Night and farm demos, plus a list of food vendors that make this such a delicious event.
AUGUST 1ST
First Friday Artwalk
The Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 | 6:00 PM
Join us for an exciting evening of art, creativity, and community! On the first Friday of each month, step into the vibrant world of The Art School, The Artists' Atelier and Artists' Loft studios, where you'll have the chance to meet and explore the latest works by twelve talented resident artists.
EVERY SUNDAY IN AUGUST
Sunday Concerts on the Green
Village Centre Green, 754-C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066 | 6:00 AM
Join us at the gazebo on the Village Centre Green for a laid-back evening of good music and good times with your neighbors. Each concert is sponsored by one of our Foundation Sponsors as a way to bring the community together. Come enjoy the free, live music!
EVERY TUESDAY IN AUGUST
Ruff Tuesdays Pet Event
Caboose Commons, 2918 Eskridge Road Fairfax, VA 22031 | 8:00 AM
Bring your pups to the Commons on Tuesdays for outside eating and drinking all day long!
AUGUST 5TH
Tuesday Sunset Parade at Marine Corps War Memorial
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial Arlington, VA 22209 | 7:00 PM
The Tuesday Sunset Parade begins at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. This 45-minute ceremony features "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, showcasing Marine Corps precision, discipline, and tradition. Admission is free, and no reservations are required.
Want to be featured?
AUGUST 9TH
Purple Heart Commemoration
Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway | 10:00 AM
Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony to recognize Purple Heart recipients.
AUGUST 16TH
Summer Renaissance Festival
Shipgarten 7581 Colshire Dr Tysons, VA 22102 | 1:00 PM
Come out to Shipgarten for our Summer Renaissance Festival from 1-6pm. Enjoy sampling a wide variety of drinks, food, compete in festival events for prizes, or take pictures in our photo booth! Shipgarten is 100% dog friendly, whether on-leash or in our off-leash dog park!
AUGUST 16TH
Leesburg Festival of Crafts and Kites
60 Ida Lee Drive Northwest, Leesburg | 11:00 AM
Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Leesburg Festival of Kites and Crafts! Join us at Ida Lee Park for a family-friendly celebration of colorful kites, creativity, and community fun. Whether you're flying your own kite or watching the incredible displays, you’ll be surrounded by the open sky, vibrant arts and crafts, and delicious food and beverages!
AUGUST 17TH
Poetry Beneath the Stars
925 Springvale Rd Great Falls, Virginia 22066 | 7:30 PM
Come celebrate the last installment of “Poetry Beneath the Stars,” hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate. This event will include telescope viewing in the Roll Top Observatory, weather permitting.
AUGUST 17TH - 21ST
Rhea Lana's of Falls Church Back To School Shopping Event
9616 Courthouse Road Vienna, VA 22181 | 10:00 AM
Rhea Lana's of Falls Church is a locally owned, award-winning, upscale children's consignment event! We'll be hosting our BACK TO SCHOOL event at the Vienna Moose Lodge August 17-21 with PRE-SALE August 15 & 16. Don't miss getting your kids school clothes for a deal, or prepping for the holidays with high-quality toys and gifts for your children!
AUGUST 23RD
2025 Around The World Cultural Food Festival
Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria, VA | 11:00 AM
Step into a world of flavor, music, and culture at the 2025 Around The World Cultural Food Festival, the only festival of its kind in the DMV. More than just a food event, it’s a celebration of the global experience, where every bite, performance, and artisan craft takes you on a journey through the world’s diverse cultures.
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
This magazine is how Suzanne redefined success.
This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters. The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?
McLean City Lifestyle
Published by Suzanne Loved by McLean
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WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
BY JANIE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
A LEGACY OF ELEGANCE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
For over thirty years, our clients have joined us on transformative journeys. From our beginnings in Vienna to our current presence in Northern Virginia’s prestigious neighborhoods, we remain committed to exceptional service, community engagement, and strong family values.
Discover the ancient tradition of relaxation with our Moroccan Hammam at Nordine Salon & Day Spa. This authentic ritual purifies and softens the skin through ceremonial steam and rejuvenating exfoliation, offering a unique journey to wellness.
