NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
CHERON BURNS RX Catering – DC Metro On Continuing During The Pandemic & Supporting Small Businesses
The Best Places to Go to Get Your Thanksgiving Dinner
The Latest & Greatest Tech of
To-Go
2021
Table of Contents
12 6 4
Publisher’s Corner
6
Take Time To Be Thankful
5
On Continuing During The Pandemic & Supporting Small Businesses
Letter From The Editor Reflection
12
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Cheron Burns, Rx Catering– DC Metro
November/December 2021
Check Out The Best Places To Go to Get Your Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go
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Simply Entertainment
30
The Latest & Greatest Tech of 2021
How to Revitalize Your Sex Life After Lock Down
34
Simply Happening
Local Artists Inspire
21 26
Here Are Local Holiday Events You Don’t Want To Miss
The Healing Art of Dance
PUBLISHER Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net EDITOR IN CHIEF Alyson Turner Alyson@simplymagazines.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alyson Turner Dominique Lassiter Ravyn Hardwick Taniyah Keve CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sheldon Johnson
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LAYOUT & AD DESIGN Natthaphon Foithong ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net
Take Time To Be THANKFUL A
s the end of the year rolls around, we’re anxiously awaiting the approach of Thanksgiving & Christmas, the holiday season and time spent with our loved ones. The winding down of the year always brings about a time of reflection for us—remembering everything we’ve done or accomplished in months past; looking back on turkey disaster stories, mornings watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, gift exchanges or afternoons spent curled up on the couch after one too many pieces of pie after a holiday meal; thinking of the people, experiences and things we’ve been blessed with in the last year. As we press pause on the hustle and bustle of life putting, and together a magazine, we’re able to look back on the past year and, most meaningfully, the stories from all of you that have made what we do possible. We also take this chance to think of those less fortunate and encourage you to take the opportunity this giving season to donate to local organizations giving back to the community. We hope that as you read this issue, you—like us—find inspiration in the lives and experiences of your neighbors and the connections that have been made.
Happy Holidays, Alexandria!
Veronica Fountain
Publisher
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PUBLISHER’s
CORNER
November/December 2021
Letter
from the
EDITOR
REFLECTION A
s the year draws to a close, (we are almost into 2022!), I think about all of the interesting things we have experienced. This was the year that we “started again”. After living and working through the beginning of a pandemic, we entered 2021 with a new resolve and a new normal. This year we have learned not only to take life one moment at a time, but to enjoy those moments fully and gratefully. We have some excellent articles to share from where to go to pick up Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go, to finding a caterer and supporting small businesses, to the discovering the hottest tech this holiday season, and so much more! We hope that you will have as much fun reading this issue as we did putting it together. We are so thankful that you are here with us. We are grateful for your love and support! Light & Kindness,
Alyson Turner
Editor In Chief
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November/December 2021
Rx Catering – DC Metro Cheron Burns, Rx Catering – DC Metro, On Continuing During The Pandemic & Encouraging People to Support Small Businesses. Article By Alyson Turner Photography By Sheldon Johnson
“Small businesses are the backbone of America, and it starts with people supporting small businesses.”
C
heron Burns, owner of Rx Catering – DC Metro, knows the importance of people supporting small businesses even during times as challenging as a pandemic. “A lot of people think owning a small business is easy, and that you can also work in Corporate America at the same time, but it’s impossible because you can’t leave your business to run on its own. I couldn’t start something while I was moving up the corporate ladder. Then, I was surprised when I was laid off. I decided to do something completely different and start a catering company.”
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Cheron’s background is in pharmaceutical sales. She graduated from Florida A & M and realized that she has always had a passion for selling which led her to work in pharmaceutical sales for 10 years. After she was laid off, she started to follow another passion. “I have always loved entertaining and cooking. I have been cooking since I was a little girl. My mom would sit me on the counter and I would always try to take over,” Cheron tells us, “While I was in the pharmaceutical industry, I would prepare fresh, made-to-order waffles for my physicians’ offices. I originally started with business partners and bought into a catering franchise called Rx Catering. Eventually, I went out on my own. I am no longer in the franchise, but the owner allowed me to keep the name. I am now going into my 15th year. I became the sole owner about 8 years ago.” Even during the pandemic, Cheron continued to pour into her catering business with the help of her team. “I love how people respond to food if it is good. This is a win-win, I am doing something that I truly enjoy, and all of our food is made with love. I have a small team between 8 to 13 staff, but with Covid it’s closer to 6 staff. I have taught them, and some of them bring their own skill sets and twists on the recipes,” Cheron says, “I will say that, hands down, the main reason why Rx is successful is because of my team and the loyalty that they bring to the table. As a whole it is like family here, without them and their loyalty to me and Rx I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today. They deserve a shoutout. I would also like to say that in addition to my team that I am so thankful for the support and encouragement of my family, and my close friends.” Rx Catering stands out with its attention-todetail and choice of top-of-the-line ingredients. “As much as I love cooking, I love selling and promoting. I would love to run Rx Catering from afar, but continue with my vision, with the excellent food and service that comes out of here. I have built a team that cooks with love. It is more of a whole experience because
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a lot of people want to see and taste things that are different rather than plain or bland,” Cheron says, “I use a lot of fresh ingredients. I am not a fan of canned vegetables and canned ingredients which have so many preservatives. We try to always use fresh ingredients where possible. We also want to cater to our customer base. The presentation, the detail and the ingredients distinguish the total product that we produce. People eat with their eyes and if it looks good, they try it. We want it to look good and taste good.” Rx Catering – DC Metro handles all types of events from corporate catering a small office breakfast to large events such as an awards dinner with buffet stations. They also do family and individualized meals including meal prep for families. “These are events like family reunions, or corporate events, in which we have catered everything, and brought in everything including glassware, and china. Some people look at it as, ‘Covid changed everything.’ We are bringing intimacy, teamwork and connection back into the workplace. People can relax and feel comfortable in their workspace. We love to bring an experience to you,” Cheron says, “The one thing I can say as a small business owner and entrepreneur for a lot of the things– you just figure it out. I don’t want to say no because I will miss out on the opportunity. We are going to figure it out. You tell me you need something in two or three days, we will make it happen. We want to be able to produce without compromising our quality or brand. We are going to make this work and it’s going to look and taste great.” When it comes to supporting small businesses including Rx Catering, Cheron tells us, “Social media is huge. A lot of times people just bypass a post without liking, sharing or commenting. People are on social media nonstop. So why not support a small business owner in that capacity by promoting on social media. You can also do referrals by sending your friends and family to a small business owner. Step out of your comfort zone and try
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other types of caterers or businesses. When people see a smaller black-owned woman caterer come in they are surprised by the quality. People may be a little hesitant to try someone who is smaller. Yet, we were given the opportunity to cater to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi - a 700 person vegan/ vegetarian spread and it turned out to be a great event. Give someone the opportunity to help small businesses, and quit spending money at all the chain businesses. A lot of times, we need to do more as a community to support each other. There should not be any types of discrimination even though this is a black-owned, woman-owned business.” For the upcoming holiday season, Rx Catering – DC Metro is ready . “For Thanksgiving our fried turkeys are huge. We have been cooking them for the past 7 years. We are doing 50 to 75 more fried turkeys than before. We do Thanksgiving dinner as a whole and really focus on that. Then we transition into holiday corporate parties and home parties,” Cheron says, “Even in the wake of Covid, although we experienced a decline in business, we are still operating when so many small businesses did shut down. Covid was a curse and a blessing. Once everything was exposed I went into survival mode. I started to consider family meals until my friend came to me and said, ‘Hey Cheron, I would love to feed first responders can we cater to hospitals?’, because of that conversation and her idea, we began promoting feeding first responders. We started a campaign, we served almost 8000 first responders individualized meals to different hospitals in the DMV area. People would send money to buy a meal for a first responder and I was able to pay my staff and continue on. It was a feel good moment because people were giving their resources as they were able. We were able to survive, maintain our operation and produce food. We had so many different organizations giving money to feed first responders. Even though it was a lot of work, it was a big deal and it made us feel good.”
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Rx Catering – DC Metro
“We Cook With LOVE!” Cheron Burns Owner/General Manager 703-535-6955 Fax: 703-535-6966 dcmetro@rxcatering.net www.RxCatering-DC.com 6441-D General Green Way Alexandria, VA 22314 Rx Catering DC Metro /Rxcateringdc Rx Catering DC Metro
Call Rx Catering – DC Metro today for all of your catering and meal prep needs at 703-535-6955. 10
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November/December 2021
A d ve r ti s e w i th u s
M A G A Z I N E veronica@simplymagazines.net
PH: 301-346-5634 Local Community • Events • Mobile E-Newsletter • Editorial • Website Podcasts • Social Media Digital Media
@Simply Bowie & Simply Alexandria @SimplyAlexandriaMagazine Simply Magazines
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November/December 2021
Simply Delicious Where to Grab Your Thanksgiving Dinner To Go this Holiday Season Article By Ravyn Hardwick The Thanksgiving holiday usually revolves around family, friends, and food. The food being the delicious Thanksgiving dinner many look forward to indulging in. This year whether you’re looking to outsource your entire Thanksgiving dinner, just need a few sides or simply don’t feel like cooking, to go options are available for you. Here’s a list of some places in the area where you can pick up a Thanksgiving meal to-go this holiday season:
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In Washington, D.C.: Farmers & Distillers Farmers & Distillers is bringing scratch-made food and drinks to your home this season through their Thanksgiving Weekend at Home menu. Their Thanksgiving dinner for 4 options includes a complete dinner with the entree of your choice, bread, starters, included sides, and dessert. The entree options consist of honey-glazed baked spiral ham ($150), herb-crusted prime rib ($220), maple-apricot glazed salmon ($185), readyto-roast whole turkey ($200) and roasted turkey ($150). There is also an option to pre-order pick up and delivery of their Thanksgiving Prix Fixe meal served hot and ready to eat. Order By: All orders must be placed by November 19 at 12 p.m. for the Thanksgiving Weekend at Home menu. Preordering for the Thanksgiving Prix Fixe meal will open 7 days in advance of Thanksgiving. Pick Up: You will be able to select your time to pick up your order on November 24.
Photo courtesy of Farmers & Distillers
>>> FarmersAndDistillers.com
Teddy & The Bully Bar This Dupont Circle restaurant is offering packages for parties up to 10 that will include roasted cauliflower caesar salad, apple brined Murray farms turkey, sides (homemade cornbread, challah traditional stuffing, pomme puree, green beans almondine) and pumpkin pie bread for dessert. There is also an option to add-on per serving miso glazed salmon ($15) or teddy mac and cheese ($14). The packages available are for 1 person ($50), 2 people ($100), 4 people ($190), 6 people ($285), 8 people ($360) and 10 people ($400). Pick Up: The only pick up date for all orders is November 25 between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. >>> TeddyAndTheBullyBar.com
Photo courtesy of Teddy & The Bully Bar
Whole Foods Whole Foods is offering tons of delicious options ranging from their classic Thanksgiving menu to vegan, vegetarian and unexpected Thanksgiving dinner menu options. Whole Foods is providing options that appeal to various taste buds to keep everyone at the dinner table satisfied. All options will be premade so all you have to do is reheat, serve, and enjoy. Order By: Online ordering begins October 27 up until November 24 and all orders must be at least 48 hours in advance. More information regarding pricing and pick up/ delivery options from their sites will be available then. >>> WholeFoodsMarket.com 13
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Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market
November/December 2021
In Alexandria, VA: King & Rye If you’re interested in southern cuisine, then King & Rye’s Thanksgiving Take Out menu is for you. King & Rye is offering a wide selection for you to enjoy this holiday season which include sweet tea brown brined roasted turkey, anson mills cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, sauteed broccolini, roasted root vegetables, pumpkin pie and more. There is also an option to order half a turkey (serves up to 6 people) for $240. Order By: Family style meal kit orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on November 19. Pick Up: All Take Out Thanksgiving must be picked up on November 25 or by 12 p.m. on November 26. Photo courtesy of King & Rye
>>> KingAndRye.com
Trademark Drink and Eat Trademark is offering a to go menu that comes with their Rums of the Caribbean Turkey that is brined and roasted with their bright and stormy grog cocktail as the main entree in their two to go dinner packages. The full turkey dinner ($149) serves 4-6 people and comes with 3 sides and 1 dessert while the half turkey dinner ($99) serves 2-3 people and comes with 2 sides and 1 dessert. Some of their side selections are roasted brussel sprouts, green beans, and sage and onion stuffing while their dessert options include rum pecan pie, cranberry and apple tart, winter spiced dark chocolate torte and carrot cake. Order By: All orders must be placed by November 20. Pick Up: You will be able to choose your desired pick up date and time online. >>> TrademarkDrinkAndEat.com
Photo courtesy of Trademark
Boston Market Boston Market is offering Thanksgiving heat and serve dinner, catering for large parties, and á la carte options for pick-up or delivery this holiday season. You have the option of ordering chilled complete meals entries, sides, and pies to heat and serve or complete meals served hot for groups of 10 or more. Some of the options include an xl family meal deal ($62.99) that comes with 3 whole chickens, 12 fresh baked cornbread and your choice of 6 sides as well as build your own meal dinner options of roasted turkey, rotisserie chicken or meatloaf (all starting at $28.49). Order By: Á la carte orders must be placed by November 11. Catering orders may be available for same day delivery for hot individually plated and buffet-style orders, but sandwich orders must be placed by 5 p.m. the day before your event. Pick Up: All heat and serve dinners are available for pick up beginning November 15 through November 28 from any site. Catering orders served hot are available for pick-up and delivery any day of your choice. >>> BostonMarket.com
Photo courtesy of Boston Market
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A Look Into the World of Two Washington Artists — Article By Dominique Lassiter —
(RBG Mural 16th and U St NW by Rose Jaffe)
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Art is, universally, a very subjective concept, but one thing’s for sure. Art definitely has made a huge impact on society and the people in it, and it will continue to do so. Many people have dedicated themselves to art. Whether it be painting, sculpting, photography, the list goes on and on. These artists are passionate about what they do, but they’re even more passionate about the impact that their work has on people. We, here at Simply Magazines, researched artists in the DMV area and reached out to them to see what their background was, what their artwork aims to say, how art is important, and many more questions. Keep reading to learn more about these two Washington artists! The first artist is going to be Ms. Rose Jaffe, who was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Jaffe’s love for art was cultivated at a very young age, growing up in an art supportive household where most of her family were some type of visual artists. 5 years ago, she taught art at middle and high schools while also taking time to build her own business, which she has been doing ever since. Jaffe’s medium of art is constantly evolving, specializing in drawing, painting, sculpting, block painting, etc. After returning to Washington from Michigan, she describes her work as overtly pertaining to social justice, portraying issues such as: prison abolition, environmental justice, reproductive justice, etc. Since then, it has evolved to still being grounded in celebrating the female being through studies of women and more towards spirituality, healing, and collective community strength. When asked about what her artwork aims to say, Jaffe says that she believes in “harnessing the power of art to build the community and heal ourselves”. Jaffe uses art to amplify messages that she thinks are important and she works with people & organizations to amplify their messages as well. She’s done murals, illustrations, posters cards, buttons and stickers in order to bring a visual narrative to the social justice landscape. “Art is just one of the tools that I have to contribute to the conversation,” Jaffe says as she explains that art brings something more broad than just words, and that having images can really amplify messages. Jaffe believes that art is important to society because it challenges people to think in a new way and it expands our minds and consciousness. It is in constant conversation with culture, as humans have been creating in some way since the beginning of time. “Something really special happens when we allow ourselves to express or release creatively.” As for Jaffe’s ultimate career goal, she really wants to inspire people with her artwork. She loves her mural work, in particular, because it exists in a public space where people will see it and potentially be inspired by it. She aims to inspire people to create their own art, to take away a positive message or to just have a moment of joy. “If I can depart this world with my art having made it a better place and inspired people to pave their own creative journey, that would be great.”
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(“Oshun’s Grove Revised” Digital Print 2021 by Asha Elana Casey)
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Our second artist is going to be Ms. Asha Elana Casey, who was also born and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, then made her way to the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University. “I feel like my art is a different understanding of African American culture in regards to spirituality.” Casey’s artwork portrays the black person and godly and she uses different spiritual systems (hoodoo, ifa, etc.) to define what godly is. She says that she is not looking to shed a positive or negative light and her aim is not to change opinions. She looks at people as themselves, who they are and what they deem as something that would make them feel godly, whole and important. Casey began as a printmaker and is now a mixed media painter and artist, as well as an art educator at her alma mater, DESA, since 2015. During her time at GWU, Casey felt that as a black woman attending a predominantly white institution (PWI), she “needed to see herself in that environment and she needed to feel powerful in that environment”. Casey has developed her career as an artist through mentorship, working with different artists and connecting with curators. She finds comfort in knowing that people want to support her career and buy her artwork. “Art reflects society,” Casey says as she explains that the dominant society is the one that is most reflected in culture. She believes that art can be any form of just being, whether that’s fashion, culture, etc. Art is not just a “fine art”. On those days when Casey isn’t up to the challenge of creating, she has learned to be okay with taking time off and not creating when she’s feeling uninspired. Casey says confidently, “I’m not a machine”. Ultimately, Casey wants to be in museum collections around the country and internationally. “Ideally, I have these grandiose dreams of what being a successful artist looks like…” She aims to have art studios all over the world. On that same token, she also wants to give back to different organizations and communities regarding art and education programs. To have that reach as an artist and still be able to teach and support kids with their visions is her ultimate career goal as an artist. In every work of art, the artist was aiming to convey a message. Some use art to shed light on religious purposes, social commentary, storytelling & self-expression, or beauty & emotion. Whatever their message might be, they definitely provide their communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration. As you can see, these 2 artists are not quite the same in their approach or what their artwork aims to say. However, their passion for their art and the inspiration that they hope to bring are one and the same. This proves that although art is subjective, it has a way of bringing society together through creativity, inspiration, education and pure joy.
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How to
Reboot Your SEX LIFE After Lockdown
NLP Master Practitioner Lisa Cho gives the low down on ways to revitalize your love life after being trapped at home for most of last year. Article by Alyson Turner Photography by Sheldon Johnson
What is the number one piece of advice that Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner Lisa Cho gives regarding trying to reconnect with your partner or spouse? Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of letting your partner know what your sexual needs are. After a challenging year, many people are feeling stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get out of it. Lisa shares with us some of the reasons why couples’ sex lives might feel stale and how to revitalize that romantic spark. Lockdown, quarantine, stay-at-home orders, no matter what you call it, the circumstances of the past year have caused many issues for people inside and outside of the home, especially within romantic relationships, partnerships, and
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marriages. “I usually liken it and explain to people that it is like incarceration, if you have never been in prison, you do not know what that feels like. You are put in a box; even if that box was your home. The psychological effects are numerous to suddenly be stuck in your home with the looming danger [of Covid-19]. People were not in the best of spirits. Yes, you are stuck with people you love every day, but it is challenging to deal with that. No one wants to be stuck with people for long periods of time. We have our own lives, our work, our friends, engaging activities and experiences outside of our relationships, but during quarantine we were just sitting there trapped with our partner,” Lisa tells us, “You couldn’t leave after an argument, and it breeds animosity. There are disagreements on cleanliness, parenting styles, what
to eat and people took it out on each other. There were also situations where wives or husbands, perhaps, had a lover and those relationships ended as well. There was no connection to one of the things that potentially enhanced their sex life [prior to lock down].” The sudden, extreme shift in lifestyle due to the pandemic caused an increase in stress, anxiety and fear. “I suggest more than ever before that [people] need to get professional help to rebalance your mental health. This Covid pandemic has really made us more introspective. We are worried about ourselves, concerned with whether we would catch Covid, wondering when could we leave lockdown, etc. Our society has become even more selfish about individual rights. As we lead in this direction the
Who Is Lisa Cho? “I am an NLP Master Practitioner - Neuro Linguistic Programming is analyzing strategies. I look at your life. Where did you start to believe certain things? We review your life so that you are able to identify that information so you can move forward from there. It helps to get rid of bad habits and unproductive thinking. It combats depression and anxiety. I do some family dynamic work as well. I focus on human behavior, communication, couples, and women’s issues. I provide therapy sessions, of course, as a wellness check-up like an oil change for the brain. You tell me about what is bothering you, your job, or your relationship. If there are no issues, what can we do to make it more amazing? I invite people to sit with me and talk about areas of their lives to help them get some clarity and inspiration. We are all evolving right now and there is no shame in getting help to reach that new step. I have two types of in person sessions; sixty and ninety minutes. The telehealth sessions are an hour. I also have a group workshop, My Secret Besties, that we also refer to as MAS, Mothers, Aunties, Sisters. The premise of that group is that women can just get together. I send invitations out randomly and we women come together to have straight shooter talk, a person can cry about their circumstances all day to a therapist, but [the therapist] doesn’t necessarily have the same experience. I connect people who have shared the same experience. I created My Secret Besties for that reason. I host it online in Next Door, and in person. My goal is to get this group worldwide. Just to talk, cry, and then go back in the house feeling good. We talk about things like sex, how can I talk to my husband and sharing debt. We are creating our own network and our own female masterclass. I recently started a men’s group as well.” 22
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breakdown comes from inside the home where spouses, partners, are finding it difficult to communicate. We also have technology and it is a great distraction to a marriage. You are not paying attention to what the other partner is saying by staying on your phone or computer,” Lisa says, “That interferes with the bedroom. Your partner doesn’t have the chance to feel desired or craved when one spouse is on the phone all the time. You need a reboot; restart life, meet new friends, have new experiences outside of the home. There was nothing new to talk about last year. If you were going to talk it was negative over and over again. A looming sense of non-interest [in one another].” For partners who are feeling this sense of dread when it comes to sexual interest in your partner, there are ways to renew that connection. Partners need to get out together, explore, appreciate nature and one another. They need to date each other once again. Lisa says, “I believe first that couples need to understand that the day of your wedding, doesn’t need to mean the death of your dating life. Relive some of the excitement of dating. Talk about your interests with one another. Create a love box. [If you and your] partner are interested in having great sex, consider what that will take. Sex is done with all of our senses and encompasses all things, sight, touch, taste,
Connect with Lisa to discover more about life, relationships, careers, and mental health. She can be reached at 240-480-5173 or Lisa@MyWayWellness.net. You can also visit MyWayWellnessAndLifestyle.com or @MyWayWellnessTherapy on Facebook.
smell, hearing. This includes things to enhance intimacy as well as non-intimate physical touch.” “How do you show your partner that you like being close to them? Touch them. Have a great make out session. Licking, kissing, and touching all but disappeared this year because of Covid, but you should reintroduce touch and reintroduce love and the best place to do that is with your partner. Are you visually stimulating? Is your partner visually stimulating? How can you change your routine to stimulate your sense of sight? Do you flirt? Do you compliment each other? Do you make that person feel craved? Where are you having sex? Is the place visually stimulating? We need to start with setting the mood visually. It is nearly impossible to feel sexy, craved and loved in an unsexy environment. Try new sheets, new comforters, or different lighting. It all starts with your brain and using your senses in your sex life is very important. There is no room for ego, embarrassment or shame. The climax is showing you that you are going in the right direction. There should be mutual satisfaction.” Lisa highlights listening to your partner and considering both of your sexual needs. “Don’t be afraid of sex toys. They get a bad reputation, it makes people feel like they are less than, but that is not true, it ups your game. Use
your tools and use whatever tools that your partner likes to orgasm. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your orgasm or your partner’s orgasm. We don’t want to get into that habit of not telling people what we want and what we like. It is not common knowledge because everyone’s level of knowledge is different. You should never be embarrassed to learn what your partner likes, or to learn what makes you tick,” Lisa says, “I highly suggest Masterclass it has so many topics from sex, to creativity, to writing. There is a class on sex that I think everyone should listen to. It is done by Emily Morse. She is so relatable and so phenomenal. Watching a course like that can definitely be helpful. If you can’t tell your partner, you are embarrassed and tell them what you need, Emily discusses that. We don’t really consider sex a topic, you just do it. When it comes to sex our first thought is pornography, but you don’t learn from that. It is not going to tell you how to please your particular partner. She truly goes over all of it. Even down to sexual traumas and how sex is affected by traumas. It is really interesting,” Lisa says.
How To Create a Love Box Dating Love Box
Sex Life Box
“Our couples write on a post-it note, something that they would like to try or do together. Go to dinner at a fancy restaurant, go to Top Golf, try a new cuisine. Suggest something they would enjoy and something that they hope their partner would enjoy. They put those notes in the box. I suggest they do this once a month. Pick two things to try. This builds anticipation and that subconsciously re-sparks that dating vibe. Dating can simply be something like watching movies, doing couple questions about things you never knew or things more intimate. Game nights are fun. You can also suggest a couples’ massage class. I usually suggest that after each person writes some notes, you put it in something fun. We are very visual people and like to see a fun box. Don’t include things you have done before regularly. Choose something to get you excited, something you have never done before. All of your senses light up, your brain lights up. It awakens something inside of you while being immersed in that entire experience with your partner.
I do this a little differently. First of all, I have my couples write down 5 [sexual or intimate] things in each category; there are 5 like it, 5 love it, and 5 gotta have it from each person. We are able to have your partner look at it and think, “This is what my partner wants.” People get shy or embarrassed saying it aloud, but once it is written down your partner knows this is what you want. We write them on little pieces of paper and put them into the decorated box. I suggest taking one out twice of month, one for each spouse at the beginning and middle of the month. Then, you try it. There has to be authentic conversation. Those who are willing to make a love box or a sex box are usually pretty open. People get shy and embarrassed. They might not know what they like or they get so focused on their partner’s pleasure. I suggest having an authentic conversation with one another and ask some questions that they never thought to ask each other.
RX Catering - DC Metro
Full Service Catering Company • • • • • •
Family & Individual Meals Meal Prep Corporate Catering Large & Intimate Events Fresh Ingredients Excellent Customer Service
CHERON BURNS Owner / General Manager
Tel: 703-535-6955 Fax: 703-535-6966 www.rxcatering-dc.com
6441-D General Green Way Alexandria, VA 22312 dcmetro@rxcatering.net Rx Catering DC Metro
/Rxcateringdc
Rx Catering DC Metro
Dance More, Talk Less tu-anh Love, Fashion Designer and Teacher of the Feminine & Sensual Arts, shares with us why it is time to embrace the healing art of dance. Article by Alyson Turner Photography by Charles Martin
Why have you chosen to focus on the healing art of dance during this season of life? Dancing has been a part of my life since childhood. It has always been a way for me to express my emotions, my sense of self without much talking needed, my creative energy, my fashion expression, and most importantly, it makes me feel feminine, free, fit and happy. Talk therapy has never worked for me when it comes to my problems and issues. I usually go within, and to prayers and meditation to seek answers. Dancing is one form of spiritual healing that I apply often and almost daily in my life to clean my aura and clear my mind of unwanted energy and darkness. Currently, dancing is a main part of my daily spiritual practice. It is my most therapeutic and most awakening form of Therapy for my Divine Feminine energy. Not only that, dancing keeps my inner child happy and playful while helping me to stay healthy and fit. Dancing does not require much. You can dance anywhere and anytime. When I am teaching dance, I style my students according to their Chakra needs, I channel into their energy, teach them posture and breath work, and guide them through their hearts to allow the music to be felt rather than to be heard. I love seeing my students release and let go. Their energy becomes more powerful, they 26
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shed tears, they feel alive again and most importantly, seeing them loosen up, being more free, more light-hearted and filled with much creative joy.
What do you hope that your clients come away with after dancing with you? Dancing awakens your Sacral Chakra, the second Chakra which is associated with sexuality, Sensuality and Creativity. It is your life force. Have you ever encountered someone who was naturally friendly, open-hearted, fun, free, and loving, and so wonderful to be around? Most likely, their Sacral Chakra is balanced and awakened and they radiate rays of light when you are around them. That energy is contagious. As for my clients, I like seeing the men become more powerful and take charge, more confident, more action-oriented, and more masculine after dancing with me, and for the women, I love seeing them become more fun and free, more sensual and vulnerable, and more fearlessly feminine.
How can one sign up for a dance session with you? They can email me at tuanh@tu-anh.com or call me at 703.919.4025 to schedule a private or group session. These days, I rarely teach virtually. The weather is beautiful. I like teaching outdoors most of the time if weather permits.
November/December 2021
“Dancing heals your wounds, clears away your darkness and brings out your inner fire, and the right Fashion awakens the Feminine confidence within that you never knew you had.” ~tu-anh love 27
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November/December 2021
To learn more, visit www.tu-anhboutique.com
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Full-Service Wedding Photographer Events & Fashion Photography Owner Sheldon Johnson ShelshotPhotography.com sheldon.johnson@verizon.net @shelshotphotography Sheldon Johnson Shel Shot Photography
301-213-5187
The Latest & Greatest Tech of
2021
Article By Ravyn Hardwick
Gifts for the Holidays, Anyone? With the massive amount of tech releases in the past decade, it may sometimes feel as if there’s no longer room for innovation. The same brands putting out the same products and upgrading them every other year or so. However, believe it or not after a year of many trials and tribulations, 2021 has been a year of new, cool, and technologically innovative gadgets waiting to take their place in any home. From mothers to gamers to kids, there is something in this list for everyone if you find yourself getting bored with the same old devices.
FOR THE STYLE-CONSCIOUS Samsung Frame TV Samsung truly perfected the intersection between technology and design with their new unique frame TVs. What may look like a framed simple work of art transforms into a TV with the quick click of a button. With many frames and art styles to choose from, this is the ultimate statement piece to add to your home. Design aside, this television also features a crisp 4K screen and 16- bit color mapping technology, making it a work of art whether it’s in “Art mode” or not.
(Samsung, $599+) Galaxy Z Fold3 5G The reveal for this phone took the world (and the internet) by storm, and with good reason. Though many may be used to the old-fashioned flip phone, this can be considered the ultra-modern version of it. With one of the largest smartphone screens - ever - this phone doubles in size when it’s open, giving it the look and functionality of a tablet. Along with this groundbreaking design, the Galaxy Z Fold3 also includes multitasking, super-fast charging (with the option of wireless charging), as well as fingerprint ID and a 10MP under display front facing camera.
(Samsung, $999+)
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November/December 2021
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
FOR GAMERS
Ampere Shower Power
Infinity Game Table
Singing in the shower has never been easier with Ampere’s new revolutionary shower speaker. Not only is it understandably 100% waterproof, but it runs on hydropower. What that means is that the speaker runs on the water that you use to shower, eliminating the need of batteries or constant charging. When showering, the power is endless, and once it’s charged it can last up to 14 hours.
Gamers aren’t only limited to consoles and the computer screen - bring your old board games to life with the Infinity Game Table. This innovative table combines classic analog board games with a sleek 24” or 32” inch HD touchscreen. Up to six people can play at one time, and it also supports online gaming, so you can play with anyone worldwide.
(Ampere, $99) Apple AirPods Max Apple is no stranger to the audio market, but their new AirPods Max combine top tier sound quality with a pleasing aesthetic design fit for any music junkie. With this, these wireless headphones include active noise cancellation as well as “dynamic hard tracking”, which can make any song sound like surround sound. Combined with the Apple H1 chip, these headphones create a listening experience like no other.
(Apple, $549)
(Target, $699.99+)
Razer Kishi Universal Gaming Controller Take your mobile gaming to the next level with Razer’s innovative new gaming controller fit specifically for iPhones and Androids. It connects directly to the phone’s charging port, which makes for seamless button responses as well as having an ergonomic design optimized for comfort. Additionally, according to the company, the controllers do not require charging as it uses smartphone power to operate. It’s compatible with many popular gaming cloud services such as Stadia, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and Steam Link and supports popular mobile games such as Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite.
(Razer, $99.99)
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FOR THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
FOR THE AT HOME WORKERS
Earlier this year, home security company alarm.com announced its plans to release the first touchless video doorbell. Built for the pandemic era, instead of physically touching the doorbell, guests are required to step on a special mat which triggers the chime. With this, its integrated video capacity will begin recording live HD video and incorporates two-way audio. While not readily available online, the company is distributing these doorbells through their network of security service providers.
Since March 2020, home workers have been using what they can to make working at home as productive as possible. One thing that has been extremely popular in the past year is smart home devices. For example, the Google Nest Hub makes it easy to take care of everyday tasks such as controlling thermostats, routers, and security for times when you may be too busy to take care of it all yourself. Along with this, you can stream shows and videos, manage a calendar, and use it as an alarm. The second generation, released this year boasts a sleeker design as well as improvements and additions with audio, sleep tracking, and gesture controls.
alarm.com Touchless Video Doorbell
(Alarm.com, $200)
Google Nest Hub 2nd Generation
Awair Element Air Quality
(Google Store $99.99)
Monitor
Bose QuietComfort 45
Air quality in the home is something that is often overlooked when it comes to home health and security. According to the EPA, while Americans on average spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, the concentration of some pollutants are sometimes 2 to 5 times higher in these environments. With the Awair Air Quality Monitor, you’ll never have to wonder again. The device shows you your air data (temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, & PM2.5) in real time, while also syncing with its app so you can track the air quality both inside and out.
(Awair, $299)
One of the biggest complaints about working at home is the melding of the home and work environment, which aren’t always compatible. These high-tech noisecancelling headphones make it easy to forget the world around you and let you focus solely on your Zoom meetings of the day. On days where you can’t block out everything, there is also an “aware mode”, which gives you the ultimate control of how much of the world you can hear around you. Add in comfort, improved voice pickup, and a battery life spanning 24 straight hours, these headphones are a great option for people with productivity in mind.
(Bose, $330) 32
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November/December 2021
Lisa Cho
| Neuro Linguistic Programming | Master Practitioner Specializes In: • Self Awakening • Solution Driven Therapy • Couples • Women’s Issues • Family Dynamics Offering 60 and 90-minute therapy sessions as well as telehealth sessions. Call Lisa today to discuss life, relationships, careers, and mental health.
240-480-5173
MyWayWellnessandLifestyle.com
Lisa@mywaywellness.net
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Fall Activities to Keep You in the Holiday Mood
Article By Taniyah Keve
Fall time in Alexandria has finally made an appearance. You know what that means, right? It means it’s time to pull out your favorite camera-ready fall outfits and hit the town. From concerts to extravaganzas, the list of events to attend is endless this season! As always, we have entered the season where spending time with your family and reflecting on how grateful you are to have them is a must. This means that while you soak in the holiday spirit, be sure to drag your loved ones to at least one event this fall. It’s always fun to spend quality to with someone you enjoy being around, while participating in an activity that neither of you have ever done before. A great moment for laughs and memories! With so much to do and see this Fall, there is no reason you should be inside getting the “Autumn Blues”. We know that finding the perfect fall activity might be a bit of a hassle, so we decided to do it for you! Below you will find six of the most interesting and autumn inspired activities bound to brighten up your day.
1. Gladys Knight Concert at MGM National Harbor
2. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
3. Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
It’s time to go back in time and celebrate one of the most soulful women in the music industry today! The lovely Gladys Knight will be doing a concert at the Theater at MGM National Harbor on November 5th at 8 p.m. Don’t slip up on your opportunity to sing along with this soulful beauty queen live and in-person! Who knows, you might get the chance snag her infamous chicken and waffles recipe for a delicious fall breakfast at home. For more information, visit MGMNationalHabrbor. MGMResorts.com.
I know it isn’t Christmas time just yet, but the anticipation for it is killing me and apparently many others. That’s why to help us prepare for the most “magical” time of the year, Modell Performing Arts Center will be doing showings of “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical” beginning on November 13th with ticket prices starting at $59. Be sure to bring the whole family out for a night of fun and nostalgia as memories are sure to be made here! To learn more, visit ElfOnTheShelfMusical.com.
Are you sucker for sweets like I am? If so, I know the perfect fall activity for you! On November 20th, Fran’s Cake and Candy Supplies will hosting a sugar cookie decorating class starting at 11 a.m. For only $85, you are being offered the opportunity to learn a delicious and festive skill, which you can use to surprise your guests come Thanksgiving Day. Let’s get that sweet tooth ready because it is time to bake! For more information, visit FransCakeAndCandy.com
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4. Hanukkah & Thanksgiving Fundraiser for Afghan Refugees We are still in the season and spirit of giving back to those in need, so on November 21st Sephardic Heritage International D.C. is hosting a Hanukkah & Thanksgiving Fundraiser for Afghan Refugees who need help settling, adjusting, and adapting in the DMV area. The event will be held via Zoom at 4 p.m. and is free for all to attend! Those attending will get an experience of a lifetime by enjoying many performances from Silk Road Dance Company. Donations are not required to attend but can be made by anyone starting now! For more information, visit ShinDC.org/Mozaic.
5. Pre-Thanksgiving “All Black” Extravaganza
6. 2021 Gobble Til’ You Wobble
Let’s kick this holiday season off right with a PreThanksgiving “All Black” Extravaganza being hosted at Hilton Crystal City on November 24th beginning at 7 p.m. Remember I told you to pull out your best outfits, right? This is the perfect time to wear them! This night is going to be filled with dancing, great selections of “go-go” music and a delicious buffet! Tickets are starting at $30 and going to $250, so you don’t miss your chance to show up and show out! Tickets and info at EventBrite.com.
Thanksgiving Day has finally arrived, and what better way to show your very own appreciation than by giving back? Virtual Run Events felt the same way, so they decided to host their fifth annual Gobble Til’ You Wobble event! With registration costing $25, you are able to participate from your very own home in runs that range from one mile to a full on a marathon! I’m getting an adrenaline kick just thinking about it! The best part is that 20% of all proceeds collected from the event will be donated to Feeding America, so pull out those running shoes and let’s hit the living room! To learn more, check out VirtualRunEvents.com.
This time of year always has endless activities for you to choose from, and we just made it much easier for you. Go out and make as many memories as you can with whoever you can because they will last a lifetime! From concerts to fundraiser, this holiday season will be short of boring!
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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CHERON BURNS Rx Catering – DC Metro
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