Health + Wellness

The Stress-Proof Scalp

Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Courtesy of Redwood K-Wellness In the pursuit of total well-being, we meticulously refine our diet, optimize our sleep, and curate our skincare, but one crucial pillar is often overlooked: the scalp. It truly serves as the essential bedrock for all healthy hair growth. Experts recognize scalp health as central to both hair vitality and overall wellness. The root system, the foundation for strength, growth, and resilience, requires attention just as much as...

Arts + Culture

Wellness in Interior Design

Article by AJ Jones The ultimate modern indulgence is the ability to truly exhale, recharge, and be completely yourself within your own walls. We sat down with Jennifer Fordham, owner and designer at Pembrook Interiors, known for creating homes that feel utterly personal, serene, and deeply rooted, to explore how interior design becomes the blueprint for well-being. Defining a Restorative Sanctuary Fordham defines a restorative sanctuary not just as a beautiful room, but as "an environment...

Health + Wellness

Stop Counting Reps, Start Counting Years

Article and Photography by AJ Jones Where personalized optimization is the ultimate luxury, true fitness is shifting away from short-term aesthetic gains toward a far more valuable goal: sustainable, lifelong vitality. The key is not the intensity of a single workout, but the resilience and capability of the body over time. This approach emphasizes building strength, mobility, and overall function that lasts into later adulthood. Experts note that the most effective programs focus...

Arts + Culture

Joseph Craig English:

A Life in Color, Craft, and Well-Being Article by AJ Jones | Photography by Joseph Craig English Background For Joseph “Craig” English, art has been a lifelong calling rooted in Northern Virginia. “My freshman year I attended Annandale High School. It was there that I was introduced to silkscreen printing and literally captivated by the process,” he recalls. That early spark eventually led to Virginia Commonwealth University's prestigious Communication Arts and Design program, which would...

Arts + Culture

Artist Jill Banks:

Painting Life, Love and Serendipity Article by Yankel Polak “I started this journey in 2003 with drawing and painting classes,” says artist Jill Banks, whose joyful, light-filled paintings have become beloved throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. “It took no time at all before painting was an all-in passion. My dream from almost the beginning was to travel, to capture life in oils, and to support a full, exciting life through my art. I’ve now been painting — almost every day — for 22...

Arts + Culture

The Magic of Gifting

How McLean’s Child’s Play Helps Families Find Joy in Every Gift Article and Photography by The holidays have a way of bringing out the best in all of us — that childlike excitement, the joy of discovery, and the spirit of giving. And when it comes to choosing toys that truly spark imagination and connection, there’s no better place to turn than McLean’s beloved Child’s Play — a local treasure inspiring creativity and generosity for decades. In a season overflowing with wish lists and flashing...

Arts + Culture

Pauline Thompson: Queen of Tysons

A Legacy of Leadership, Generosity, and Gratitude Article by Yankel Polak As the holidays bring warmth and reflection to Northern Virginia, few stories embody the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and generosity quite like that of  Pauline Thompson , Founder, President, and CEO of  Tysons Realty, Inc. Known affectionately as  “The Queen of Tysons,”  Pauline has spent more than four decades helping to shape one of the region’s most vibrant communities. Her name is woven into the very story...

Arts + Culture

Gratitude in Every Brushstroke

Ellen’s Journey from Architecture to Art Article by Yankel Polak Walking into Ellen’s studio at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria feels like stepping into a world of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet reflection. Her landscapes breathe with calm energy, holding both the familiar rhythms of rural America and the refined balance of an architect’s trained eye. This month, as we celebrate gratitude, Ellen’s story is one of transformation, persistence, and the deep sense of thanks she carries...

Arts + Culture

Pay It Forward

The Best Buddies Mission to Empower People with Disabilities Article by Yankel Polak   When Molly Whalen stepped into her role as State Director for Best Buddies Virginia and D.C., she brought with her a personal and professional mission: to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have every opportunity to thrive. Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending isolation for individuals with IDD. Across Virginia and D.C., the program now...

Life + Culture

Style on the Menu:

Inside Scout & Molly’s with Jane Abraham Article by Yankel Polak At Scout & Molly’s, fashion is never just about clothes. For owner Jane Abraham and her daughter, Betsy, style is woven with story, connection, and, like a beautifully curated dinner party, the joy of bringing people together. “When women walk into our stores, we want them to feel like they’re stepping into their best friend’s closet,” Jane says. “Outfits should reflect your personality, and make you feel beautiful. And they have...