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Health & Wellness YOU R H E ALTH IS YOU R WE ALTH. YOU R JOU RN E Y TO WELLN ESS STARTS H ERE.

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy New Year, NOVA Lifestyle Family!

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Carmen Felder | Carmen.Felder@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Vanessa Oruma | nova@citylifestyle.com SAL E S M AN AGE R

KC Cole | kc.cole@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Melinda Gipson | Melinda.gipson@gmail.com

As we step into 2026, I’m filled with gratitude, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose. A new year always brings with it a powerful energy—one that encourages us to pause, refocus, and embrace new beginnings. This January issue is dedicated to exactly that: health, wellness, and the intentional pursuit of a better, more balanced life. In a world that moves fast, prioritizing our mental, physical, and emotional health is no longer optional—it’s essential. This year, we are committed to highlighting stories, experts, small businesses, and community leaders who inspire healthier living and authentic transformation. Whether it’s finding peace in daily routines, adopting better habits, or stepping boldly into your calling, 2026 is the year we choose ourselves unapologetically. NOVA Lifestyle Magazine will continue to grow, evolve, and uplift the voices that make our community vibrant and strong. I’m excited for the features, partnerships, and fresh opportunities ahead, and I’m honored to take this journey with you. Here’s to wellness, clarity, prosperity, and powerful new beginnings.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Melinda Gipson C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

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Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 NOVA Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the NOVA area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in NOVA Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

10 18

Featured

18 22 6

From Reality TV Chef to Culinary Visionary

Chef Tsarina Inspires Personal Growth

How a Chiropractor Became My Favorite Doctor

Dr. Reza Eftekhar - The Journey of a Healing Professional

The Inn Above Tide

A Zen-Like Retreat in Sausalito’s Seaside Calm

On the Cover

Departments

The Health & Wellness Issue.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Inspired By FOOD + BEVERAGE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

House Call HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See TRAVEL

Mental Wellbeing LIFE + CULTURE

Trend Setter EDUCATION

Events

Your health is your wealth. Your journey to wellness starts here.

Photography: @kapturdbykasper

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

Our visit to Oatlands, preserved through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offered a powerful look at how history and style intersect across generations. Beyond its architecture and cultural artistry, the site holds history of the enslaved African Americans whose lives and labor shaped the Carter family estate. This deeper narrative adds meaning to the landscape, reminding us that the beauty we see today is rooted in stories of rich history. Oatlands stands as a moment where reflection, heritage, and inspiration meet. 1: A powerful look at how history and style intersect across generations. 2: Oatlands stands as a moment where reflection, heritage, and inspiration meet. 3: Finery & Festivity: Garments from the Oatlands Collection 4: Oatlands is preserved through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 5: Natural, classic and historic. 6: Impressive decorations. 7: Finery & Festivity: Garments from the Oatlands Collection Photography by Vanessa Oruma

C I T Y SC E N E

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At Home In a Land-Locked Kitchen Too!

Chef Tsarina Inspires Personal Growth

ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY @KAPTURDBYKASPER, CHEF TZARINA

From Reality TV Chef to Culinary Visionary 10

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Infectious Optimism Marks Chef Tzarina's Journey

In the high-stakes world of professional kitchens and reality TV, few chefs embody resilience, passion and capability quite like Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph. Now 33, British born Chef Tzarina captured the heart of Bravo’s audience in Below Deck Down Under Seasons 2&3 with her infectious positivity, vulnerability and willingness to learn. As she told us in a wide-ranging interview, “I’m a very positive person, and I want to be able to do everything that the world chucks at me. You know, I’m very much a yes person. I don’t like to say no to things. If someone says, you want to come do this Below Deck show, I’ll be like, all right, I’ll give it a go. Let’s see how this comes out.” First, some background for our readers lacking in reality TV obsession. What lends the long-running Below Deck franchise and its now three spin-offs so much cachet, and wins Chef Tzarina so many ardent fans, is that few – if any – of us can afford the luxury of spending $1 million+ per week to charter a super yacht in exotic locales, complete with its own culinary team and crew. Pair this with a young, stunningly beautiful cast and the lifestyles of their super-rich “charters,” and the effect can be mesmerizing. How mesmerizing? Just one episode last season netted more than a million viewers. (We invite the more casual gawker to tour last year’s vessel here: bravotv.com/belowdeck-down-under/season-3/videos/tour-thebelow-deck-down-under-season-3-yacht.) But Chef Tzarina is much more than meets the eye, as she inspires us all to feed our souls with adventure and our bodies with fuel for healing whatever ails us. In real life, this dynamic culinary professional has overcome chronic disease and a rough-and-tumble childhood with determination, creativity, and authenticity.

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What a Reality TV Style Icon Wears in the Kitchen

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“I’m a very positive person, and I want to be able to do everything that the world chucks at me. You know, I’m very much a yes person. I don’t like to say no to things.” EARLY CHALLENGES, UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS

Growing up in an unconventional but very supportive family in England, Tzarina faced significant challenges in her early years. Coping with ADHD, she was often bullied at school and told she would never amount to anything, but she found solace and purpose in cooking. Attending a Waldorf Steiner School that emphasized biodynamic gardening and holistic education exposed her to alternative approaches to nutrition and wellness and seems to have instilled an enthusiasm for learning in any environment. At 15, she left school with few formal qualifications. She trained part-time as a hairdresser and chef. Quickly discovering her talent wasn’t in hair styling but in the culinary arts, she focused entirely on her passion for food. By 21, she had achieved a remarkable milestone – becoming head chef at a high-end bistro in Birmingham. It was from there that she was discovered by an unnamed celebrity rock star and entered the world of private cheffing for the rich and famous.

Her rapid rise in the restaurant industry came at a steep personal cost. Working relentless hours without a break, she experienced a profound moment of reckoning when she was hospitalized with exhaustion. This traumatic experience became a catalyst for both personal and professional growth. Growing up, her supportive household both instilled a sense of adventure and prioritized homeopathic medicine and natural nutrition. At the same time her neurodiversity made her impatient with the thought of a quotidian, 9-5 career, her awareness of the impact of what she ate on her state of mind helped her gravitate towards learning about health and wellness. Her health challenges only deepened her commitment to understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and healing.

CULINARY VERSATILITY AND A HOLISTIC APPROACH Of course, not everyone has the luxury of tapping the world’s best ingredients, literally from the rice fields of Bali to the

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / N OVA

“I like to live day by day and week by week and see what adventures will come to me.” shores of the Mediterranean. Serving royalty in Paris she was once whisked off to Italy by private helicopter to source organic tomatoes. For their ship-board excursions, her luxury clients can fly in anything from edible flowers to the freshest produce and exotic ingredients. Like a heady, organic bone broth, everything she has learned from the high-pressure kitchens of Birmingham to the Seychelles off the coast of East Africa has gone into the pot that is her life. It all contributes to her holistic understanding of food, nutrition, and human connections. She now sees herself as both an educator and nutrition consultant with a deeply personal approach to wellness. Her philosophy centers on listening to one’s body and understanding cravings as signals of deeper nutritional needs. Just by paying attention, we can all make the connection between our emotional well-being and dietary choices. Her recently published eBook, Inside Out: The Gut-Healthy Kitchen (online at bit.ly/ChefTBook) reflects this philosophy. It includes a 13-day clean eating guide complemented by a bone broth cleanse for which she spent three years perfecting the recipe. As she writes in the preface, “What began as a quiet curiosity evolved into a full-blown lifestyle transformation. I committed myself to learning everything I could about the gut-brain connection, functional nutrition, and the healing power of food. Through study, experience, and travel, I immersed myself in the world of holistic wellness.” She explains, “This journey wasn’t just about food; it was about reclaiming my energy, stabilizing my hormones, supporting my neurodivergent mind, and creating a sense of calm and clarity from within.” In other words, “This isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle reset.”

LIVING LIFE OUT LOUD

Her Below Deck experience catapulted her into the public eye, for which she is thankful, but it may be just an amuse bouche for what’s to come. She’d like

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

to weave deeper stories about how travel and food intersect. And, she’d like to somehow empower other “underdogs” like herself to succeed. Throughout life, she has turned her challenges into a source of energy and creativity. She’s candid about her struggles, including burnouts and emotional crashes, but maintains an overwhelmingly positive outlook. Her approach to life mirrors her cooking philosophy – embrace challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Recently, after seven years of focusing solely on her career, she intentionally sought a life partner, ultimately meeting her current boyfriend through the dating app Hinge. Because they met in Fort Lauderdale, she jokes that her boyfriend “catfished” her by bringing his whole family to meet her in Florida, though he’s really from Edina, Minnesota, where they now live. (She hastens to say she now loves it there, and even makes her own butter!) Because he doesn’t share her life in the public eye, they’re private about the relationship for now, but hope to have an opportunity to share more in the new year. Whatever comes next, she won’t be constrained by traditional expectations. “It’s classic ADHD isn’t it? I think I always have a lot of pots on the stove because whenever I have a business idea, the first thing I have to do is just start it within the first 24 hours of thinking of it. If you fail, then you just learn from those mistakes so eventually you get something that is running perfectly.” Her other rule of thumb: “Just eat the cube of chocolate,” encapsulates her balanced approach to life and nutrition – moderation, mindfulness, and eliminating unnecessary stress. She won’t share a New Year’s resolution, opting for the freedom to constantly re-invent herself. “I don’t like to put that kind of pressure on myself and predict too much, because I don’t like the feeling of being disappointed. I like to live day by day and week by week and see what adventures will come to me.” Follow her @cheftzarina.

Chef Tzarina, Author, Producer, Reality TV Star JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / N OVA

A refined, super-yacht–level take on classic Crab Cake Benedict with elevated ingredients and luxurious flavor.

Ingredients:

CHEF TZARINA’S CRAB EGGS BENEDICT ARTICLE BY CHEF TZARINA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN CLAWSON Chef Tzarina doesn’t typically share her recipes with her audience but made an exception for us. For your first brunch of 2026!

Hollandaise Sauce (Blender Method) • • • • •

3 egg yolks 1 tbsp lemon juice 100 g melted butter (hot but not bubbling) Pinch of cayenne Salt to taste

Method 1. Place egg yolks and lemon juice into a blender. 2. Blend on medium speed for 10–15 seconds. 3. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the hot melted butter until the sauce thickens. 4. Season with salt and cayenne. 5. Use immediately.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6 baby potatoes 500 ml fresh stock (or 1 tsp stock concentrate) 3 baby spring onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp dill, finely chopped 2 tbsp gherkin pickles, finely chopped 1 tbsp capers, chopped Zest of 1 lemon Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped A pinch of saffron threads, bloomed in 1 tbsp warm water 250 g fresh crab meat Salt and black pepper, to taste Pickle juice (to steam potatoes) 1 tbsp flour 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs Neutral oil for shallow frying Optional luxury ingredient: 1 tsp yuzu kosho for a bright, umami citrus kick

Directions: 1. Boil the baby potatoes in the stock for 12–15 minutes until tender. 2. Drain the potatoes in a colander. Pour pickle juice over them to lightly steam and flavour them. 3. Gently crush the potatoes while warm. 4. Finely chop the spring onions, dill, gherkins, capers, tarragon, and mix into the potatoes. 5. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, saffron water, crab meat, and season with salt and pepper. 6. Shape the mixture into crab cakes using chef rings. 7. Mix flour, smoked paprika, salt, and panko to form a light dusting mix. 8. Brush the outside of each crab cake lightly with the dusting mix. 9. Shallow fry the crab cakes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Finish in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes.

How to Poach an Egg 1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer—not a boil. 2. Add 1 tbsp vinegar to help the whites set. 3. Crack an egg into a small cup. 4. Create a gentle whirlpool with a spoon and carefully lower the egg into the centre. 5. Poach for 3–4 minutes for a soft yolk. 6. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

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ARTICLE BY MELINDA GIPSON

FAVORITE DOCTOR In a world where quick-fix medications often mask symptoms rather than address root causes, Dr. Reza Eftekhar, DC, is revolutionizing how we think about pain management. At just 38 years old, this innovative chiropractor has built a rapidly expanding practice that’s challenging traditional medical approaches and offering hope to those struggling with chronic pain.

THE JOURNEY OF A HEALING PROFESSIONAL

Born in Iran and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia, Dr. Eftekhar’s path to becoming a chiropractor began unexpectedly in high school. After a car accident left his mother experiencing severe back and neck pain, a chiropractor provided relief that traditional medicine couldn’t. “She came out saying, ‘I feel amazing,’” he recalls. That moment planted the seed for a career dedicated to helping others heal naturally. But this wasn’t just about following a conventional medical path. Dr. Eftekhar was always gifted with his hands, practicing massage techniques on family members from a young age. What started as a childhood diversion evolved into a profound understanding of how human bodies heal.

UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC PAIN: MORE THAN JUST A SYMPTOM

One of Dr. Eftekhar’s core philosophies is simple yet powerful: “Structure dictates function.” This means that how we position our bodies during daily activities significantly impacts our overall health. “If you sit crooked for eight hours in front of a computer,”

he explains, “it doesn’t matter how much yoga you do before and after work. Those eight hours of poor posture will dictate how your body functions.” This approach challenges the traditional medical model of treating symptoms. Instead, Dr. Eftekhar and the chiropractors he trains to help staff his fast-growing company of local franchise clinics investigate the underlying causes of pain, examining everything from work ergonomics to sleeping positions.

PANDEMIC: A TURNING POINT FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH

The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for Dr. Eftekhar’s practice. As people transitioned to work-from-home setups, improper ergonomics led to unprecedented levels of chronic pain. To address the fear patients had of interacting with others in a medical setting, Dr. Eftekhar first launched virtual appointments. He then realized that he had to also address any reluctance potential patients might have for seeking the help of a chiropractor, so he turned to Instagram. He now maintains a very successful Instagram channel, @my_ favorite_doctor, with more than half a million followers where he shares up to five videos daily of testimonials and real-life examples of how chiropractic care has helped patients address pain from conditions as diverse as migraines, numbness, sciatica, frozen shoulder; neck, back, joint and even jaw pain. He also emphasizes that, far from carrying the risks of orthopedic or other surgeries, chiropractic care is statistically one of the safest medical interventions available. Dr. Eftekhar points to CONTINUED >

H OU SE CA LL | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Dr. Reza Eftekhar, DC, Changing the Way We Treat Pain

The new generation is “seeking holistic solutions that don’t just numb pain but actually address its root cause.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / N OVA

“If you sit crooked for eight hours in front of a computer, it Virtual Consults: Just Another Tool of the Trade

malpractice insurance rates as proof: while brain surgeons pay up to $1 million annually in insurance, he pays just $1,600 for $3 million-$4 million in coverage. It also addresses a real need – people’s need for pain relief – In an era of escalating opioid crises and medication dependency. Chiropractic care is a refreshing alternative. “The new generation understands the adverse reactions of taking medications,” Dr. Eftekhar notes. “They’re seeking holistic solutions that don’t just numb pain but actually address its root cause.” Not content to simply treat pain management, he is also training future doctors to address the root causes of pain beyond simply prescribing pain relievers. He currently is an assistant Professor at The George Washington University Medical School and is a former clinical faculty at University of Maryland School of Medicine. He also practices within GW Integrative Medicine Center and has GW University Medical Students rotating through his practice.

WELLNESS BEYOND ADJUSTMENT: A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

What he teaches, he practices. To treat his patient’s pain, Dr. Eftekhar investigates their entire lifestyle, asking detailed questions about work environments, sleep positions, and daily habits. “I have to get the diagnosis right, the treatment right, and understand what got them into this situation,” he asserts. His recommendations are surprisingly simple yet profound: drink more water, stretch regularly, practice yoga, but most importantly, pay attention to your body’s structural positioning. Drawing from his background in engineering, Dr. Eftekhar explains chiropractic care through the lens of biomechanics. “Motion is lotion,” he says, highlighting how maintaining joint mobility prevents degenerative conditions like arthritis. Each adjustment is a precise intervention aimed at restoring the body’s natural range of motion, preventing long-term damage caused by repeated stress and poor positioning.

EXPANDING ACCESS: A WELLNESS REVOLUTION

Recognizing the need for broader access to quality chiropractic care, Dr. Eftekhar has begun franchising his practice. With eight clinics currently operational and

H OU SE CA LL | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

doesn’t matter how much yoga you do before and after work. Those eight hours of poor posture will dictate how your body functions.”

nine more in development, he’s creating a network of wellness centers dedicated to holistic healing. Locally, readers can find relief at clinics in Alexandria, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Rockville and Bowie, Maryland; with one in Ashburn in the works. His footprint soon will include Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, North Carolina; Houston, Texas and Miami, Florida. These franchises aren’t only available for chiropractic practitioners, but also for their prospective business managers. The investment to open a franchise clinic is approximately $150,000, with potential returns of half a million dollars within three to five years, he says. His approach represents a new generation of healthcare professionals: those who see beyond symptoms to understand the complex, interconnected nature of human wellness. True healing isn’t about quick fixes, but understanding and respecting our bodies’ incredible capacity for self-restoration. For anyone battling chronic pain, his message is transformative. Your body has an innate ability to heal. Sometimes, all it needs is the right guidance, the right touch, and a commitment to understanding its unique needs.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / N OVA

A Z E N - L I K E R E T R E AT I N S A U S A L I TO ’ S S E A S I D E C A L M ARTICLE BY AMY DUVALL & GLEN COX | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THE INN

ABOVE TIDE Perched directly above the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay, The Inn Above Tide is a restorative haven for travelers who crave beauty, serenity, and effortless access to Northern California’s most popular attractions. Whether you’re visiting San Francisco, continuing north to Napa and Sonoma’s wine country, or simply seeking a peaceful coastal escape, this luxurious boutique hotel offers a rare combination of tranquility and convenience, minutes from downtown San Francisco, yet seemingly a world away.

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

WHERE DESIGN MEETS SERENITY

Inside, the Inn’s interiors echo the calming rhythm of the bay. Its 33 rooms and suites feature warm, natural materials, soft neutral palettes, and contemporary coastal décor that brings the outdoors in. Many offer fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and wide glass doors that open to private balconies suspended above the water. The effect is soothing and cocoonlike: an atmosphere designed for unwinding. Subtle artistic touches, elegant furnishings, and thoughtful lighting create a modern, understated sophistication without ever feeling formal or fussy.

SERVICE, TAILORED TO YOU

The hotel’s service mirrors its ambiance: attentive, personal, and refreshingly unhurried. Staff greet guests as if welcoming them into a private home, and the concierge team excels at crafting tailored experiences. They’ll happily arrange everything from guided hikes, paddleboard excursions, wine-country tours, and sunset seaplane flights above the Golden Gate Bridge. If deep relaxation is what you’re after, in-room massages can be scheduled with ease, allowing you to sink into bliss without ever leaving your suite.

A TASTE OF SAUSALITO

Each morning begins with a sumptuous, locally sourced continental breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the inviting lounge or delivered to your room. In the evenings, a complimentary wine and cheese reception adds a warm, communal touch before guests disperse for dinner in town.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / N OVA

And what a town Sausalito is. Just steps from the Inn, boutique shops, art galleries, and a world-class dining scene unfolds along Bridgeway, the town’s main promenade that hugs the winding coastline. Barrel House Tavern features a locally sourced, seasonal menu and jaw-dropping views of the Bay; Fish, located next to the marina, serves sustainable seafood dishes in a casual waterside setting; and Sushi Ran, the local star, is widely considered one of the finest Japanese restaurants in all of California. After dinner, the waterfront stroll back to the Inn feels like a quiet meditation.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

For outdoor enthusiasts, the options are nearly endless. Borrow one of the Inn’s complimentary mountain bikes and ride through Sausalito’s elegant hillside neighborhoods or along the paved bike paths that trace the coastline past Sausalito’s iconic houseboat communities. Trails in the surrounding hills offer spectacular panoramic views, and Muir Woods, with its towering redwoods and miles of peaceful hiking trails, is just minutes away. When it’s time to explore San Francisco, the ferry departs right next door to the Inn, an easy, scenic alternative to driving across the Golden Gate Bridge.

THE RETURN TO STILLNESS

And at day’s end, nothing compares to returning to your private balcony, where sailboats glide past and the water laps softly beneath you. For those seeking a peaceful, Zen-like alternative to staying in the city, The Inn Above Tide is pure coastal bliss.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Discover more at theinnabovetide.com and experience Northern California’s most serene waterfront retreat, where every sunrise feels like your own.

M UST SE E | TRAVEL

A Thoughtful Approach to Wealth, Retirement, and Legacy Planning.

Bob Howard, RICP® Financial Advisor

Chad Sigmon, CFP® Financial Planner

703.245.5027 | 703.245.5024 integratedwealthadvisors.com 20 W Market Street #1 Leesburg, VA 20176 Chad Sigmon is a Financial Planner and Bob Howard is a Financial Advisor with, and offers securities and investment advisory services through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial.

Chad Sigmon, CFP®

LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Integrated Wealth Advisors.

Bob Howard, RICP®

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ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values

Health

Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment, and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | L IF E + CU LT U RE

to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:

“The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health.” CONTINUED >

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5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | L IF E + CU LT U RE

There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!

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Mayor’s Corner ARTICLE BY LEESBURG MAYOR KELLY BURKE

Welcome to 2026!! As I was thinking about this issue of the magazine it got me started on thinking about the month’s name…January. I remember from my high school Latin class, January originated from the Latin word, Janus, the Roman god of doorways, which signifies new beginnings and rising/setting suns. What an appropriate name for this month. We are now starting a new year…January 2026. January is usually cold, wet and at times windy. People tend to stay home and huddle around family and friends. Venturing out in the dark and cold seems challenging but that is not the case. This January let’s go through doorways to experience new beginnings with businesses such as Shutters on King, Ebisu Sushi and Thai, Casa De Avila Tacos, or Deli Italiano, and long-established restaurant businesses like Lightfoot, Tuscarora Mill or Loudoun Kitchen and Bar, or Melt. They are all waiting to share an experience with you.

T R E N D SE T T E R | EDUCATION

There are a lot of fun, historic and exciting things going on in Leesburg during January. Did you know that Leesburg has a “Tree Walk of Historic Leesburg? This is a self-directed tour of important and significant Leesburg trees. Pick up the tour guide to all the tree locations at the Leesburg Town Hall. As you walk to each of the trees you get a glimpse of the beautiful old houses of Leesburg. In January you can join “Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this opportunity, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice,” according to the LWC webpage.

Shutters on King

Historic Leesburg

There are no less than four breweries in downtown Leesburg, all within walking distance of each other. Loudoun Brewing Co, Black Hoof and cozy nook Crooked Run make crisp lagers and malty IPAs, and we love the summery front yard at Dynasty Brewing Company. Stop by after your Leesburg Tree Walk. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Leesburg, Catty Corner Café is a cozy and welcoming cat lounge where cat lovers of all ages can relax, connect, and meet the adoptable kitties. The cat cafe is unique, and happily welcomes children. Cats are social, gentle, and wonderful with families. Every visit helps make a difference – the purrs are worth the visit. Maybe take a cute kitty to a new forever home. The George C. Marshall International Center operates Dodona Manor as a historic museum at 312 East Market Street in Leesburg. The house is home to the Marshall Center, as it was home to George and Katherine Marshall from 1941 to 1959. The staff conduct tours and events CONTINUED >

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Dodona Manor

at Dodona Manor, that provide a full picture of General Marshall’s life. They also host educational programs that reflect Marshall’s principled approach to leadership. One of the most important events of January is the Martin Luther King, Jr. March to celebrate his life and his accomplishments. There is a program at the Loudoun County Courthouse that starts the march. It begins at 10:00am with everyone assembling at the courthouse steps and marching to the Douglass Community Center on Market Street. At the community center there will be a program of speeches, dancing and singing. Food trucks will be available for lunch and of course the immersive playground will be open for the children. These are just a few of the events that can educate you, entertain you or make you fall in love…. with a cat. The Tally Ho Theater has a full schedule of music to enjoy, and the downtown is always ready to welcome you to enjoy the retail shops, breweries, and restaurants.

T R E N D SE T T E R | EDUCATION

“The Tally Ho Theater has a full schedule of music to enjoy, and the downtown is always ready to welcome you to enjoy the retail shops, breweries, and restaurants.” Lightfoot Restaurant

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Jammin Java Band Battle Jammin Java - 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA, 22180, US | 6:00 PM Come enjoy local bands of all ages and genres as they compete for a Grand Prize of $2,000 cash, a one-day professional studio recording, and a headlining show at Jammin’ Java. F EB RUA RY 6T H

34th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival 10415 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030 | 5:00 PM The Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee was founded in 1992. A collaboration between the City of Fairfax, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fairfax Coalition, Downtown Fairfax Merchants Association, and George Mason University. The mission of the Chocolate Lovers Festival was to draw visitors to Old Town Fairfax, foster community engagement, and strengthen the partnership between the city, businesses, and residents. F EB RUA RY 2 8T H

2026 NAACP Freedom Fund Gala- Soul Train Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, VA. | 6:30 PM Get ready for the NAACP Loudoun Freedom Fund 2026 as we Present -"Soul Train" – on February 28th, 2026. NAACP Freedom Fund is a critical source of funding for the NAACP's work to advance civil rights and racial justice. The NAACP Loudoun branch kindly requests your assistance to support our annual Freedom Fund Scholarship Gala.

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