McLean, VA March 2026

Finding Bright Spots in a Long Month

March has a way of feeling like the longest month of the year. With no major holidays to break up the calendar and winter still refusing to budge, it can test our patience a bit. And while our homes have been our sanctuary—where we curl up with a favorite book or finally watch that movie on a cold winter night—March can finally promise something more. Here in McLean and Great Falls, this month becomes an opportunity to look around with fresh eyes and rediscover the beauty, charm, and everyday magic that make our own backyard such a special place.

March gives us time to take a deeper look at what’s right here at home. Maybe it’s finally taking that unhurried walk through Great Falls Park, where the roar of the falls somehow manages to take your breath away and make you smile at the same time. Or maybe it’s heading to a local play, a school performance, or a community event you’ve been meaning to catch. We forget how much there is to do until we give ourselves permission to look.

And let’s not overlook the treasures just a few minutes down the road. A quick drive into D.C. can lead to the magic of seeing the monuments lit up against the night sky or a spontaneous trip into one of our world-class museums. These are gems people travel across the globe to experience—and yet for us, they’re conveniently, right around the corner. That’s a very welcome bonus in a month without its own built-in festivities.

Of course, spring is quietly waiting in the wings. We’ll almost certainly get one of those glorious “teaser days” when temperatures pop above 60 degrees and everyone emerges outside with renewed hope. With any luck, the crocuses and forsythia will show off early, reminding us that warmer, brighter days are just ahead.

So here’s to March—our long month—offering the perfect chance to rediscover our community, embrace what’s local, and appreciate the places that make living here so special.

Spring is almost here, and you can feel it already.

SUZANNE PURDY, PUBLISHER @MCLEANCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

AJ Jones | aj.jones@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AJ Jones, Haley Williams, Amalia (Amy) Loli, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cassandra Castaneda, Amalia (Amy) Loli, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

Tracing the Dream: Timeless Living in Northern Virginia

James

Finding Home with Laurie Mensing

Award-winning agent Laurie Mensing provides elite service and market knowledge across the DMV region.

Homeland Contractors: Crafting the Heart of the Home Outdoors

Mario Monroy transforms Northern Virginia landscapes into essential,

featured can be found

city scene

TRAIN SMARTER, FEEL BETTER

Locally owned in downtown McLean, FLEXX Fitness is a personal training and group fitness studio that inspires excellence. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, personalized coaching, and focused training that leaves you feeling accomplished.

business monthly

Ready for Spring Entertaining?

As March brings warmer days to McLean, Pembrook Interiors helps homeowners prepare for spring entertaining. We create seamless indoor-outdoor flow—from refreshing dining rooms to designing patios that extend your living space. Whether you need furniture placement guidance, color palette updates, or help creating cohesive rooms for year-round hosting, we tailor services to you. "Thoughtful planning now means effortless entertaining all season," says Jennifer Fordham, AD PRO Directory designer. Pembrook Interiors | PembrookInteriors.com | 703.336.2886

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Clara Sunwoo Spring Jackets Arrive at Scout & Molly’s

Scout & Molly’s in Annapolis Town Center, Mosaic District, and Reston Town Center just received a massive Clara Sunwoo spring shipment. Discover iconic liquid leather and new faux suede in moto and asymmetrical styles. Now available in navy, pink, and sky blue, plus a full spectrum of additional vibrant colors. These washable, wrinkle-resistant jackets offer travel-friendly luxury and a figure-flattering silhouette. Elevate your wardrobe with these lightweight, breathable spring essentials today.

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Discover Brooksfield: March Open House in McLean

Experience the Brooksfield difference this Saturday, March 7, 10:00-11:30AM. Our Montessori programs for toddlers through kindergarten focus on nature, mindfulness, and the arts. Explore our unique campus and see how we foster a lifelong love of learning through outdoor adventure and creative play. Meet our educators and discover why families choose Brooksfield for a nurturing start. To RSPV, please call 703-356-5437 or email sarah@brooksfieldschool.org. Brooksfield School | BrooksfieldSchool.org | 1724 Chain Bridge Road

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Craftsmanship You Can Count On

Homeland Contractors is a trusted Northern Virginia landscaping and hardscaping company with over 20 years of experience transforming outdoor spaces. Specializing in custom patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, drainage solutions, and commercial snow removal, their team is known for quality craftsmanship and reliable service. From residential backyard upgrades to large-scale commercial projects, Homeland Contractors is dedicated to building functional, beautiful spaces designed to last.

NEW TO GERMAN?

No problem! Our FastTrack program welcomes motivated students and families ready to embrace bilingual learning. With dedication, strong academic habits, and our support, your child can join a community that values effort, growth, and global citizenship.

Discover the German International School Washington D.C.!

With over 550 students from preschool to 12th grade, we offer rigorous academics in a warm, multicultural setting since 1961. Our German curriculum, combined with a global perspective, leads to a dual diploma graduation: the German International Abitur (DIA) and a high school diploma. Focused on world languages and science, we nurture critical thinking and prepare students for top universities worldwide.

Please contact admissions@giswashington.org for your personal campus tour. German language skills are NOT required for admission to all grade levels.

Tradition Meets Modern Care

Our services offer a natural and holistic way to strengthen your immune system, ease anxiety, and help your body smoothly adapt to seasonal changes.

Discover a holistic path to healing and balance at Balance Art Acupuncture McLean — where your well-being is our top priority.

We are a local acupuncture clinic that combines ancient healing wisdom with modern expertise to offer effective acupuncture treatments for pain relief, stress reduction, and natural fertility support. Our clinic is committed to helping our community find natural relief and lasting wellness.

As the season changes, your body deserves extra care and support. Our services, acupuncture and massage, can help strengthen your immune system, relieve stress, and bring your body into balance — naturally and effectively.

Book your wellness session today and feel the calm, energy, and resilience your body needs this season.

Furniture for Every Home

At Michelbach’s Creative Classics, every piece of furniture is crafted to fit your home. We specialize in furnishing the unique and smaller spaces found in the VA/MD/DC Metro areas

Offering American-made, chemicalfree, and high-quality pieces with customizable options in size, fabric, leather, wood, and finish. Visit us for free design consultation.

www.michelbachs.com

ARTICLE BY AJ JONES |

TIMELESS LIVING IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

TRACING THE DREAM:

Architectural focal points, like arched windows, provide framed views of private landscapes, integrating nature into the daily experience.

THE ART OF THE SKETCH

The design process at James McDonald Associate Architects is a collaborative journey that begins with a simple roll of trace paper. McDonald believes in active listening, putting aside ego to truly understand how a family functions. He asks granular questions: Do the kids have space for their activities? How does the family use the kitchen? Is the home office a formal sanctuary or a hub for meeting clients?

As these stories unfold, McDonald begins to sketch in realtime. This tactile approach allows clients to see their vague dreams take physical shape on the page. By layering sketches over site plans, McDonald brings spatial relationships to the forefront. It is common for a client to walk into an initial twohour meeting with only a few ideas and walk out with a handdrawn elevation and floor plans. This rapid, hands-on visualization bridges the gap between abstract concepts and a true sense of home, ensuring that everyone is aligned before the team returns to their desks to add final design finesse.

BALANCING BEAUTY AND LIVABILITY

Achieving aesthetic balance requires a careful sculpting of mass and glass. McDonald views each project as a portrait on the lot, balancing proportions to create visual interest without overcomplicating the façade. This same thoughtfulness extends to the interior, where modern trends favor a more casual, integrated lifestyle. The formal living room is often traded for a high-functioning home office, a prep kitchen, or specialized features like wine display walls and linear fireplaces.

In Northern Virginia, livability also means a seamless connection to the outdoors. McDonald designs with the region’s beautiful spring and fall weather in mind, creating rear loggias and covered porches that extend the living space into the landscape. Whether it is a poolside gathering or a quiet afternoon protected from the rain, the goal is to dissolve the barriers between the interior and the natural world.

HOMEOWNER’S DESIGN CHECKLIST:

• Curate Inspiration: Gather images of preferred styles and materials.

• Define "Why": Pinpoint specific elements that resonate.

• Map Movement: Analyze daily family flow and habits.

• Evaluate Workspace: Determine office privacy or professional needs.

• Plan Seasons: Visualize ideal year-round outdoor experiences.

• Prioritize Wellness: Identify spaces to maximize natural light.

ADVICE FOR THE ASPIRING HOMEOWNER

For those considering a custom build or a major renovation, McDonald suggests starting with a bit of homework. He encourages homeowners to assemble images of their favorite rooms and, more importantly, to ask themselves why they love them. Even if a client brings in diverse elements that do not seem to match, a skilled architect can integrate them into a cohesive design.

Ultimately, McDonald sees his role as a contributor to the well-being of communities like Great Falls and McLean. By focusing on an abundance of natural light—essential during the darker winter months—and creating spaces where children can explore and play, he crafts environments that support wellness and happiness. For James McDonald, the goal remains simple: to listen, to understand, and to create a home that a family is proud to call their own.

CUSTOM

From

OUTDOOR

From

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

Protect

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

02 03 04 05

HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

Creating a HOME

Caregiving with Heart

WHERE MOMENTS TAKE ROOT AT REDWOOD

Redwood K Wellness events offer an elevated way to celebrate with wellness, connection, and relaxation. Your group will enjoy alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, desserts, and light snacks in a serene, luxury setting. Each event includes scalp treatments for four guests, with the ability to accommodate up to eight. For larger groups or custom experiences, guests may contact us for special arrangements.

Book your Redwood event today and treat your group to an unforgettable wellness celebration. Call us to reserve your date or customize your experience

TEXT OR CALL: 703-995-0155 WWW.REDWOODKW.COM 110 PLEASANT ST NW · VIENNA, VA 22180

Finding Home

with Laurie Mensing

The foundation of Laurie Mensing’s real estate success was built on an eye for detail. Before she was a top-tier industry leader, she spent her time mastering the art of design, a skill that now allows her to curate and market homes with unparalleled precision.

While her peers in her college sorority house were receiving standard mail, Laurie was poring over the latest issues of  Architectural Digest  and  Adweek , gifts from her father that fueled an early obsession with design and advertising. This fascination with the power of messaging and spatial potential laid the groundwork for a career defined by vision. Today, as a lead agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, she uses that same “frustrated architect” energy to help clients see past a property’s current state to discover what is truly possible.

Laurie’s own journey to McLean was anything but a straight line. Her husband’s career in private industry took their family across the United States and around the world, moving twelve times in eighteen years. While her roots began on the West

Coast, she has spent over 30 years in Northern Virginia, returning to the area three separate times. She has now lived here consistently for over 20 years, a timeline that allowed her to watch the community transform. “I really don’t have roots here; I’ve created roots,” she explains, noting that her children and four grandchildren now keep her firmly anchored in the community.

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON LOCAL TRANSITIONS

Her extensive background in corporate relocation and national sales management provided a unique toughness. Laurie recalls managing moves for families while she was living in the Middle East, calming the nerves of people moving from Iowa to locations they had never seen. This experience taught her that whether a client is moving around the block or across the globe, the emotional weight remains the same.

“A move is a move. It’s all transition,” Laurie says. She views her role as a stress mitigator, often guiding clients through

“Life is short. Take the job, move the family, buy the house, and you’ll be glad you did. Do not squander the chance to grow.”

high-pressure moments until they reach the finish line “cool as a cucumber.” This philosophy is encapsulated in what she calls the “lunchbox factor,” a reminder to clients that a home’s value isn’t just in its “shiny new penny” appearance, but in how it facilitates daily life. She asks her clients to consider the practicalities: “You might want to remember that you need to get home to get the lunch that your child forgot and get it back to school, or home in time to make the soccer game.”

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SHIFT

To Laurie, real estate is far more than a transaction of wood and stone; it is a psychiatric journey. She recognizes that for many, the process of moving is a period of high vulnerability. Her time spent navigating different cultures and logistics across various continents taught her that a home is a sanctuary, and the act of leaving it can feel like losing one’s footing. By stepping into the role of an advisor who balances logic with emotional intelligence, she helps her clients maintain their equilibrium.

She often finds herself acting as a mediator for the many voices involved in a move. Whether it is helping a spouse let go of a longheld collection or assisting children in visualizing their new bedrooms, she approaches every interaction with the understanding that she is handling someone’s most precious asset. This holistic approach ensures that when the keys finally change hands, the transition is as much about peace of mind as it is about protecting her client’s asset.

THE VISION TO BUILD AND THE WISDOM TO STAY

Laurie’s expertise is backed by hands-on experience, including the time she acted as her own general contractor when building her home in Northern Virginia. She showed up on the job site every single day, learning that decisiveness is the most critical asset when creating a home. This practical knowledge allows her to advise clients on the age-old dilemma: love it or list it? Her answer always comes back to the one factor that cannot be altered. “The one thing you cannot change is your location,” she notes, advising that if you love your lot and your street, you should stay and build or renovate what you need.

#1 for a reason! Laurie Mensing takes the top spot at Long & Foster Realty.

Meet the Agent: Laurie Mensing

Laurie Mensing’s journey into real estate began with a student’s eye for design, a perspective that continues to benefit her clients today. Now recognized as the #1 agent company-wide for Long & Foster, she balances her high-level career with a heartfelt dedication to service. Laurie believes in the importance of a strong local economy, which is why she consistently supports local vendors throughout her business operations. Her philanthropic efforts are a central part of her life, including active participation with local schools and community, ChildHelp, and P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization. By supporting higher education for women and local charitable initiatives, Laurie ensures her impact on Northern Virginia is both professional and personal. She remains a trusted advisor who is as invested in her neighbors as she is in her listings.

When it comes to the local market in McLean and Great Falls, Laurie describes the environment as invigorating and cerebral. She encourages prospective residents to immerse themselves in the local culture before buying. She even suggests attending a local HOA meeting just to listen and understand the community’s pulse. This deep dive into the neighborhood ensures that a buyer isn’t just purchasing a house but is successfully integrating into a community.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND COMMUNITY

Beyond the contracts and negotiations, Laurie’s life is woven into the local fabric through volunteer work and supporting local businesses. She is a firm believer in the “do unto others” philosophy, whether she is interacting with a server at the McLean Family Restaurant or working with her colleagues at the brokerage. Her involvement with P.E.O. International and ChildHelp reflects a commitment to service that extends far beyond the closing table.

For Laurie, the “why” behind her work is simple: she is grateful to be invited onto someone’s journey. She views each client relationship as a partnership based on trust and mutual respect. She knows that she is often meeting people during some of the most stressful or exciting chapters of their lives, and she takes that responsibility seriously. Her goal is always to leave her clients better than she found them, equipped with the confidence to start their next chapter.

FINAL WISDOM FOR THE BOLD

Her parting wisdom for anyone hesitant to make a change is a call to action. She believes that fear of the unknown often keeps people from experiencing the best parts of life. “Life is short, and do not squander opportunities,” she says. “You have one chance to do something. Live somewhere. Take a risk and grow.”

She encourages people to ask themselves a difficult but necessary question: “Is this the way you want to live?” For those standing on the edge of a major decision, her advice is clear and unwavering. “Take the job, move the family, buy the house, and you’ll be glad you did.” In Laurie Mensing’s world, everything is possible if you simply maintain a can-do attitude and embrace the journey ahead.

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

Homeland Contractors:

CRAFTING THE HEART OF THE HOME OUTDOORS

ARTICLE BY AJ JONES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOMELAND CONTRACTORS

For more than 20 years, Homeland Contractors has been a familiar name in Northern Virginia, built on the belief that a home doesn’t end at the back door. For owner Mario Monroy, the outdoor space is an essential extension of the home experience. His journey began with hands-on experience in outdoor work, where simple lawn care and small planting projects grew into a lifelong appreciation for the craft of transforming landscapes.

“That early exposure laid the foundation for a career dedicated to thoughtful design, precision installation, and long-lasting outdoor solutions,” Mario says.

What began as a job soon evolved into a calling. Mario recalls a defining moment: a full backyard transformation for a family with young children. The finished project became a hub for the entire neighborhood, deeply enriching the family’s time outdoors. This experience reinforced his company’s core purpose: building environments that bring people together.

BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION OF VALUES

“We approach every project as if we were building for our own families,” Mario explains. This personal commitment means prioritizing clear communication, consistent quality, and a meticulous attention to detail that ensures long-term durability.

In a local business, reputation is everything. For Mario, “doing right by people” translates to transparency and reliability. It means showing up, delivering on promises, and remaining accountable from start to finish. Whether a project is a minor repair or a major installation, every homeowner receives the same unwavering dedication.

EXPERTISE AND SEASONAL SUCCESS

With hundreds of projects completed, Mario has gained a wealth of insight into the unique needs of Northern Virginia properties. He often advises homeowners that effective outdoor design requires a focus on foundational elements—such as drainage, grading, and material durability—rather than just visual appeal.

To help landscapes thrive through local seasonal extremes, Mario emphasizes a strategic approach.

“Choosing climate-appropriate and native plants is essential,” he notes. “Proper soil preparation, deep watering techniques, seasonal mulching, and planting at optimal times all contribute to healthy, resilient outdoor spaces.”

For those looking to refresh their home on a budget, Mario suggests high-impact, cost-effective upgrades. Simple enhancements, such as updated edging, fresh mulch, improved lighting, or selective new plantings, can dramatically increase a property’s curb appeal and daily enjoyment.

THE PERSONALIZED APPROACH

In a region where many contractors juggle dozens of jobs at once, Homeland Contractors intentionally limits the number of concurrent projects. This allows Mario and his leadership team to maintain a highly personalized approach, working directly with clients from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough.

This hands-on management ensures that every project is executed with precision. Mario’s goal is for every homeowner to feel a sense of tranquility and a warm welcome when they step into their finished space. “The deepest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing homeowners excited to enjoy their new space, knowing it will serve their families for years to come,” he says.

LOOKING TOWARD 2026

As the community looks ahead to the 2026 season, Mario suggests that late winter and early spring are the ideal times to begin the planning process. Because design, material selection, and permitting require significant lead time, early preparation ensures that the new “heart of the home” is ready to enjoy the moment the warm weather arrives.

The entire Homeland team considers it a privilege to serve families in McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, and the surrounding communities. For Mario Monroy, each project is more than a renovation; it is an opportunity to contribute to the beauty, comfort, and character of the neighborhoods he serves.

“The deepest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing homeowners excited to enjoy their new space, knowing it will serve their families for years to come.”

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 6TH

"HERO: The Boy from Troy"

The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101 | 7:00 PM

Don't miss the powerful musical "HERO: The Boy from Troy" at The Alden on March 6. This inspiring production explores the early life of Civil Rights icon John Lewis, making it a perfect educational and cultural outing for families. Experience the story of a young man who changed the world through courage and conviction. It is an impactful evening of theater that resonates with all ages.

MARCH 7TH

Celtic Music Concert

Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 | 1:00 PM

Get into the St. Paddy’s spirit early at the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse! Join us for an intimate evening of Irish, Americana, and Folk music performed in a beautiful parlor setting. This unique concert offers a cozy, soulful experience for music lovers. Tickets are limited for this special heritage event, so grab yours now for a memorable, melodic night!

MARCH 7TH

Falls Church Farmers Market

City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 | 9:00 AM

Experience the best local flavors every Saturday morning! Even in March, this award-winning market is bustling with fresh winter produce, artisanal baked goods, and handmade crafts. It is the perfect weekend ritual to support local farmers and grab delicious treats for the week ahead. Come see why this community staple remains a top-rated destination year-round!

MARCH 13TH

Pink Tie Party

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 7:00 PM

This glamorous event at Union Station marks the stylish start of the Cherry Blossom season. Featuring world-class cuisine and cocktails, it’s a night of elegance benefiting the festival's mission. Join local leaders and socialites for Northern Virginia’s premier spring gala. It's an unforgettable evening of fashion, food, and blossoms you won't want to miss!

MARCH 13TH

Women’s Retreat

The Falls Church Anglican, 6565 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Find peace and community at the Women’s Retreat from March 13 to 15. This weekend is designed for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth in a welcoming environment. It is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the busy daily grind and recharge with fellow local women. Open to all—come enjoy a weekend of refreshment, deep conversation, and renewed purpose.

MARCH 14TH

St. Paddy’s Day Festival

Shipgarten at 7581 Colshire Dr, Tysons, VA 22102 o | 1:00 PM

Looking for the ultimate St. Patrick’s celebration? Head to Shipgarten for a massive festival featuring live music, green beer, and plenty of Irish cheer. With Tysons’ best outdoor vibe, it’s the place to be for great brews and high-energy fun. Whether you're wearing green or just there for the atmosphere, this event is a local March highlight you can't miss!

MARCH 20TH

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Tidal Basin in DC

The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicks off on March 20! While the blossoms center on the Tidal Basin, McLean and Falls Church restaurants will be celebrating with themed menus and floral pop-up events. It is the most beautiful time of year in Northern Virginia. Grab your camera, enjoy the pink petals, and celebrate the historic gift of friendship!

MARCH 20TH

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, McLean, VA 22102 | 7:30 PM

The power and prestige of Broadway in McLean. This biographical musical is a masterclass in stagecraft, chronicling the life of the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" with a critically acclaimed score and high-production value that makes for an exquisite night out. Evening shows are typically at 7:30 PM, with afternoon matinees at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

MARCH 21ST

Fiesta del Sol

1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101

Celebrate spring at the McLean Community Center’s Fiesta del Sol. Immerse yourself in a vibrant Latin American and Caribbean festival featuring live music, stunning artisan exhibitors, and authentic cuisine. It’s a perfect evening for families and culture lovers to experience rich traditions in the heart of McLean. Don’t miss this high-energy community celebration—it's the ultimate way to welcome the season!

MARCH 21ST

"The Wizard of Oz"

The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101.

Follow the yellow brick road to The Alden Theatre! This talented youth production of "The Wizard of Oz" brings Dorothy, Toto, and friends to life for a magical family experience. It is a wonderful way to support local youth arts while enjoying a timeless classic. Perfect for kids and the young at heart—secure your seats for this McLean favorite!

MARCH 27TH

The Aznavoorian Sisters

The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 | 7:30 PM

For a sophisticated and intimate musical experience, the Aznavoorian sisters bring their world-class artistry to Wolf Trap. This performance features Marta Aznavoorian on piano and Ani Aznavoorian on cello, both of whom are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotive storytelling. Their repertoire blends timeless classical standards with modern compositions, celebrating their Armenian heritage and contemporary musical innovation.

MARCH 31ST

Teen Adventure: Go-Karting Trip

Old Firehouse at 1440 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 | 8:00 AM

Attention McLean teens! Join the McLean Community Center for an adrenaline-pumping trip to a premier electric indoor go-karting track. This pro-style racing experience is perfect for students looking for spring break excitement. Meet new friends, test your speed on the hair-pin turns, and see who takes the podium! Spaces fill up fast, so make sure to register your teen today!

Care That Supports The Whole You

Holistic Healthcare, Above The Standard Of Care.

Family medicine is about more than office visits. Our team helps manage your overall health through preventive planning, chronic condition oversight, medication reviews, and coordination with specialists when needed. We work alongside you to support informed decisions and long-term wellness - so your care stays organized, proactive, and centered on you. This value-based approach emphasizes proactive management, coordination, and lasting health. We focus on guiding, coordinating, and supporting your health - at every stage of life, for life.

Establish care with a primary care team focused on proactive, coordinated, long-term health management.

www.annafamilymed.com

1892 Preston White Dr Ste 201, Reston, VA 7655 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

Provider Appreciation Gala

Hosted by Annandale OB-GYN At The Sequoia, Washington, DC

Founded by Dr. Anna Le, Annandale OB-GYN celebrates 20 years of advancing women’s healthcare - supporting hundreds of thousands of patients, collaborating with specialists across the region, and delivering care that spans obstetrics, gynecology, and beyond.

This April, the practice will host a Provider Appreciation Gala, honoring leadership, collaboration, and care across the region.

Dr. Anna Le Founder & CEO