Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Have you been here YET?
Are you a coffee lover? Do you search for the best local spots? I definitely do! As a regular at today’s spot, we are giving you the insider look at one of the hottest coffee cafes in Downtown Fairfax, De Clieu.
We met with the infamous Jazzii, one of the best baristas around to highlight what makes De Clieu set apart from the rest.
From the opening diverse atmosphere, to house made syrups and drinks that will make you come back again to in-house made bakery yumminess to those amazing sandwiches (can we say Breakfast all day).
Pro-Tip: it’s walking distance to Van Dyck Park, Old Town Square, and Fairfax Library so you can definitely have more fun!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I’ve had the honor of writing this column for Tysons Reporter and now FFXnow since 2018. For years I’ve been writing about events, places you should know, tips for parents, some real estate related content, and small business highlights.
As we approach the end of year, I’d love to hear from you about what you’d like to see more (or less) of in this column. The content is for your enjoyment and benefit so I’d love to share more of what you want.
Here’s an easy poll if you want to weigh in, but if you have specific questions or suggestions please email me at [email protected] or comment on the post.
I’m always open to feedback!
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Don’t forget this Wednesday, October 25 is the Town of Vienna Halloween Parade. For my tips on attending, read this post from 2022.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Thanksgiving may be a month away, but every day is a good day to focus on feeling thankful. That’s because concentrating on feelings of gratitude helps you feel happier and more positive in the short and long term.
“Multiple research studies have examined the benefits of a simple gratitude practice,” says Jennifer Smith, PhD, AVP and director of research at Mather Institute. The Institute is the research arm of Mather, a not-for-profit organization with three senior living communities that plans to open The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, in Tysons in early 2024. The Institute is an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations.
“Gratitude can help us feel more connected to others, increase positive emotions, and reduce negative thoughts,” says Dr. Smith. “And emphasizing the positive can create more positivity.”
The Gratitude-Happiness Link
Many studies have linked higher levels of gratitude to more happiness and satisfaction with life; in other words, it seems the more one feels gratitude, the happier and more satisfied one feels in general. One study that earned an Innovative Research on Aging Award from Mather Institute points out that older adults consistently report the highest levels of gratitude, compared to middle-age and younger adults. That link between level of gratitude and overall life satisfaction does not change with age, which means those over age 60 have a “happiness advantage” due to their high levels of gratitude.
The good news is that you can practice gratitude at any stage of life to actually improve your happiness, positivity, and life satisfaction. One study showed that a regular habit such as daily journaling can enhance your long-term happiness by more than 10%.
Feelings of gratitude have also been shown to make us more resilient, boost optimism, increase self-esteem, and reduce depressive symptoms. Focusing your attention on the positives rather than the negatives — which is what a gratitude practice does — can actually switch your outlook for the long term.
Physical Health Benefits
Feeling grateful also carries some physical benefits. It seems obvious that feeling optimistic and generally positive would impact one’s blood pressure, and research confirms this. A study of people with hypertension who were asked to practice gratitude at least once a week showed a “significant decrease” in their blood pressure. A similar study showed that practicing gratitude can improve quality of sleep.
Give Gratitude a Try
If you want to enjoy the benefits mentioned here, try to focus on feeling grateful at least three times a week, if not daily. Here are some examples of habits you might adopt:
- Gratitude journal: Whether you use a special notebook or scrap paper, take time every day or evening to list five things you feel grateful for. Ideally, you’ll save your lists so you can look back on them over time. Reviewing them will also increase your positive feelings.
- Thank-you notes: Write a note or email to someone who has had a positive impact on your life — whether it was a single action or a lifetime of support. Expressing your gratitude in writing gives you a chance to think more deeply about your thankfulness — and will make the recipient happy!
- Gratitude meditation: Take some quiet time to reflect on what you’re grateful for, then examine the feelings brought up when you identify those items, people, or experiences. Focusing on what you value will bring moments of peace and joy.
- Share gratitude: Find a “gratitude buddy” — perhaps your spouse, child, or a close friend — and take turns listing a few things you are grateful for. This adds extra depth to gratitude, as you can build off of each other’s comments.
- Take a gratitude walk: Take a stroll and look for positive things — from the walkability of your neighborhood to appealing sights and friendly people.
Whether you’re a natural pessimist or an optimist, try a regular gratitude practice. It will improve your outlook right away, and could result in lifelong benefits.
The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in early 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Let’s start with the obvious disclosure — I’m not a financial planner or a CPA, just a real estate agent with some well known tips to save money on your mortgage.
Lots of you have mortgage rates under 4%, which is amazing, but there are still ways to save even more money.
- Pay an extra $100 per payment. That might take YEARS off your 30 year loan and significantly reduce your overall interest cost on your loan. Pro tip: make sure you designate that it’s a payment towards your principal or they may just apply it towards interest which is not the goal here.
- If you have a loan with an interest rate under 5%, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to refinance for a lower rate. However, for those of you who bought in 2022 or beyond — keep an eye on rates or reach out to your loan officer about when you should plan to refinance. There are usually costs associated with refinances, so make sure the expenses don’t outweigh the savings (it’s a cost analysis for how long you plan to stay in the house and how many months you’ll need to pay in order to recoup your closing costs). I know of a lender offering credit towards a future refi if you buy now, which will save you money down the road.
- If you put down less than 20% when you bought, you likely have mortgage insurance you’re paying monthly. Prices have continued to increase so you’ll want to pay attention to market value. You can get a new appraisal done and if the current value of your home has gone up enough, where your loan balance hits 80% of the value, you can ask your lender to get rid of your MI payment, otherwise they wait until you’ve paid enough to hit 78% of your loan value. Nobody will look out for your money like you.
If you want a market analysis on your home (general ballpark) to see if you can get out of your mortgage insurance, reach out. I offer a free assessment of value on your home and have a program that will aggregate your neighborhood sales for you to watch.
Just email me if you’d like to receive it (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually).
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change color, Fairfax County transforms into a picturesque wonderland during the fall season.
It’s a time when families gather to create cherished memories amidst the backdrop of autumn’s beauty. As a local expert, I’m excited to share the top 5 family-friendly experiences in Fairfax County this fall.
1. Cox Farms: The Ultimate Fall Adventure
Nestled in Centreville, Cox Farms has earned a reputation as the ultimate fall destination in the region. Here, families can immerse themselves in a world of pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, and thrilling slides. The farm is brimming with exciting activities for all ages, including the infamous “Cornundrum” corn maze and the friendly barnyard animals. Cox Farms has something for everyone and is a must-visit for a fun-filled fall day.
2. Great Falls Park: A Natural Haven
Just a short drive from the bustling city, Great Falls Park offers a serene escape for families looking to appreciate the beauty of autumn. Explore the picturesque trails along the Potomac River, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the cascading waterfalls. It’s a fantastic spot for family hikes and outdoor adventures.
3. Orchard Adventures: Pick Your Own Apples & Pumpkins
Fall is synonymous with apple picking, and Fairfax County boasts several orchards and farms that invite families to pick their own fruit. Places like Hartland Orchard and Marker-Miller Orchards offer apple-picking experiences that kids love. Don’t forget to visit pumpkin patches like Ticonderoga Farms or Frying Pan Farm Park, where you can choose the perfect pumpkin for carving.
4. Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Fairfax County offers a variety of Halloween events for families to enjoy. Burke Lake Park hosts “Goblin Golf,” a spooky, Fall Festival hosted by Citylight with “truck-a-treat”, bounce house, petting zoo, and free food. Another great option is the Workhouse Arts Center’s Haunt,” where you can explore haunted trails (I will be in the not scary part).
5. Scenic Drives: A Journey Through Fall Colors
For those who prefer a leisurely adventure, don’t miss the scenic byways in the area. Take a drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway or the Blue Ridge Parkway, and be captivated by the vibrant fall foliage. These drives are perfect for a relaxing family day out, offering a front-row seat to the splendor of autumn.
Fairfax County truly comes alive in the fall, and these family-friendly experiences make the most of the season’s charm. From the adventures at Cox Farms to the serene beauty of Great Falls Park and the magic of pumpkin patches, there’s something for every family to enjoy. So, gather your loved ones, put on your coziest sweaters, and immerse yourselves in the magic of fall in Fairfax County.
It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn and experience the charm of a small-town?
Look no further than the 51st Annual Festival of Leaves in Historic Front Royal! This highly anticipated event, brought to you by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance, promises to be one of the largest in the Valley.
The Festival of Leaves would like to invite everyone to enjoy the magic of small-town living and the breathtaking scenery of the Shenandoah National Forest. Families and individuals seeking a day getaway will be captivated by the autumnal beauty showcased throughout the festival.
Here’s what you need to know about the Festival of Leaves:
- Date: October 13-14
- Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free to the public
Prepare for an exciting day as you explore the offerings of over 180 vendors, crafters, and artisans. This year, we added a Kids’ Zone featuring 2 bounce houses, face painting, an art center, and games for the entire family. Delight your taste buds with delicious treats from 15 food trucks, and enjoy your favorite beverages at the Beer/Wine/Mead Garden.
The festival will be alive with the sounds of 11 live music acts performing on three stages throughout the day. Let the music guide you as you stroll through the historic district, home to over 50 unique shops, eateries, galleries, and museums. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems and support local businesses.
Bring your family and friends for a day of fun, entertainment, and celebration of small-town living.
For more information, check out the Festival of Leaves Facebook page.
Mark your calendar and get ready to experience the magic of autumn!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I’ll admit — I don’t like scary movies, I don’t like scary haunted houses, but when I was a kid in my hometown of Slingerlands, New York the fire department always did an awesome Halloween event where kids could go to a haunted house and younger kids could bob for apples, do crafts, bounce house, donuts, and other activities for more candy.
It’s one of my fondest memories of my neighborhood. That’s why I LOVE the Vienna Halloween parade. But this year, I wanted to expand what I share with you.
You can read my annual list of Vienna Parade tips here. Full Disclosure: I haven’t verified the decorations from last year and whether they will be up again, but if you want to drop an address in the comments section, I’m sure everyone would appreciate it! This year Weichert is doing a Trunk or Treat in the back parking lot from 6-7 p.m. before the parade.
That said, did you know we have Ghost tours around the D.C. area? I knew this was a Boston thing, but turns out, we have several in the area too:
- Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: A walking tour operating since 1985! Led by a costumed guide with a lantern light, you get a ghost tour of Old Town.
- DC Ghosts: A walking tour featuring 8-12 stories from the D.C. history books.
Here’s another resource that features more haunted/ghost tours.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden is doing a Halloween Scavenger Hunt on October 21 through October 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dog O’Ween is taking place Saturday, November 4 at Shipgarten from 1-6 p.m.
Flagship Carwash is having a Car Wash of Doom event. Tickets are available online or in-person, now through October 28.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton has a “Haunt” trail this month, including Sensory Friendly times on October 15 (6:30-7:15 p.m.) for kids who want to experience it without the strong sounds and lights.
Also, word on the street is that the Vienna Halloween Horror house is coming back for 2023! Follow their Facebook page for information.
Regardless of how you spend the night, remember Vienna trick or treaters always go out on October 31st — school night or not!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
When The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, opens in Tysons in early 2024, its modern apartment homes — some up to 3,300 square feet — will offer a great canvas for residents to decorate. With expansive views, open floor plans, and elegant fixtures, the homes are a dream for interior designers and those who love to refresh their décor.
Current design trends are fun and expansive, yet practical. Maximalism is bigger than ever, new textiles are a game-changer, retro is popular (again), and we all want a lighter environmental footprint. Here’s an overview of what’s hot in interior design:
1. Maximalism still going strong. While midcentury modern furniture is here to stay for a while, the maximalist trend of opulent, lush décor featuring layers of sumptuous textures has grown in popularity. Instead of clearing out a lot of your older pieces, the new trend seems to be, if it gives you joy, keep it — only make it bright, to bring happiness in!
Those who prefer minimalism can keep their pared-down décor, but have fun incorporating a bit of maximalism with a single grouping of small items on a mantel or side table, or a short wall devoted to an eclectic art collection.
2. High-performance fabrics changed everything. Manufacturers are creating upholstery and other fabrics that look like velvet and linen but can withstand a lot of wear and tear. So you can have a white sofa, for example, without worrying about how it will hold up. The variety is amazing — even faux-distressed fabrics — and you can layer them for that maximalist look. Unlike older manufactured fabric, these are soft and comfortable.
3. The 70s are back! Designers are having fun with 1970s colors and patterns. Current design is using a lot of retro earth tones, especially browns and golds, paired with deep blue, and geometric and basketweave patterns.
4. Reduce, reuse, recycle. A lighter environmental footprint is important to people today, so it’s “in” to use recycled and repurposed furniture. Rather than buying replacement furniture, hold onto pieces that are meaningful to you. You can use them as accents to your new decor. Think beyond painting — you can reupholster chairs or sofas, change out chair or table legs, and update hardware on drawers.
While these trends are fun and offer diverse options, keep in mind you are not obligated to follow any of them. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what makes you happy.
The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in early 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Marijuana is the most cultivated, trafficked, and consumed drug globally. While it remains illegal under federal law, the push for its legalization is becoming more intensive by the day at home and abroad.
Several states have softened their stance on marijuana, making it legal to some extent. The American legal marijuana industry is estimated at $13.6 billion, creating over 340,000 jobs.
However, most states consider driving when high on cannabis an offense, with different states creating different rules and penalties for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.
A New Interactive Map
Since its inauguration in July 2021, the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID) has been trying to deploy different technologies to fight all aspects of impaired driving. The most recent was released in late March 2022, which is a user-friendly online tool enabling criminal justice professionals to navigate the complex cannabis and DUI laws for free.
This tool is created with all parties fighting multiple drugs and impaired driving in mind, including lawyers, prosecutors, and other criminal justice professionals. Before this map became available online, criminal justice professionals had to go through databases and federal and state laws to understand DUI, cannabis, and underage drinking.
According to Darrin Grondel, the head of government relations at Responsibility.org, the organization that runs NASID, criminal justice professionals can access all the information they need by clicking a button.
It Provides the Most Updated Laws
“The days of burning the midnight oil gathering resources for a case are over,” says drug attorney Oleg Fastovsky of the Maryland Criminal Defense Group. The tool was created to allow for regular updates, given the rate at which marijuana laws are changing. This gives users the most up-to-date information helping them stay on top of the evolving laws.
According to Jonathan Adkins, the executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, road safety advocates and other people invested in eliminating DUI related to alcohol, marijuana, or multiple drug impairment should be able to keep up with evolving laws if they are going to win the battle.
This tool came at a critical time when the NHTSA released its comprehensive 2020 report that indicated a significant increase in fatalities recorded since 2007. Sadly, 11,654 deaths were a direct result of alcohol and intoxication, a 14% increase from the figures recorded in 2019. An even worse statistic is the 2021 preliminary NHTSA results released in mid-May. According to the report, DUI-related accidents increased by 5 percent, making it a 19% increase since 2019.
Marijuana Intoxication Tests
If the police suspect a DUI case, they will pull the car over. They will then request the driver to take a sobriety test to establish intoxication, including taking an alcohol breath test. Field sobriety tests are not enough to establish marijuana intoxication, so if the police have reason to believe that you have another substance besides alcohol, they may demand further tests.
One of the most commonly used tests for marijuana is the oral fluid or saliva test. If a person doesn’t have any alcohol in their system, a blood drug content between 2 ng/ml to 5 ng/ml will get them in trouble, but not as much as a five ng/concentration. If alcohol is also present, a blood drug concentration of 2.5ng/ml and 50mg per 100ml of blood will get you in serious trouble.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I often see requests for playgrounds or parks information from new moms, or people new to Vienna or sometimes people just asking for new trails to explore.
When my boys were toddlers we used to frequent the playground circuit to get some energy out. I wanted to pass along the information that lives in my head so residents can enjoy the plentiful opportunities around town to get outside.
If you have a kid who loves to throw rocks in the water, or perhaps an age gap where one kid wants to shoot hoops while another wants to go on a slide, either way, I created a map with details about each location and what they offer.
Looking for a new walking path with NO kids? I have that too.
Want a grassy open field to go toss a frisbee or go do an outdoor work, that’s included also.
There’s something for everyone.
I hope you’ll enjoy this resource as much I have enjoyed creating it. You can access it at www.ViennaPlaygrounds.com.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
