December 2022

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Gloria Bruni

Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas

Account Executive: Crissy Moore Hall

Designer: Amanda Capehart

Contributing Writer: Katie Culligan, Nyomi Fox

Contributing Photographer: Tatiana Dove

ADVERTISING

Contact: Gloria Bruni Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback, ideas or submissions?

We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE

(5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.)

Content Due Edition December 10

January January 10

February February 10

March March 10

April April 10 May May 10 June June 10 July July 10 August August 10 September September 10 October October 10 November November 10 December

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2022 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Christmas is in the air!

The street was blazing with a roaring fire, our family of five standing together. We were excited it was finally Christmas Eve! “We need to put the fire out,” I exclaimed loudly. I was probably around 8 or 9 years old, I wondered why I was the only one worried. The smoke, the fire. It was almost bedtime and I needed to know Santa was safe to visit and would have no trouble coming through our door filled with fireworks. That Christmas was the last time I recall our family being together. My memories of life during that time are foggy. Often even when I see pictures, the rooms don’t look familiar. It’s like when we moved away, I left the memories behind. Shortly after that Christmas memory our parents divorced and things became confusing. Suddenly we were a single mom with 3 girls. Why this memory seems so vivid is telling. Regardless of everything else, we believed in Christmas. It was a magical time. Even the gifts under the tree multiplied each year. Some years it seemed so weird with my different family members or no celebration, but we knew Christmas always offered an opportunity to have unrealistic expectations for one amazing morning each and every year. There was truly something in the air that gave way to hope and opportunity to dream big dreams.

It was years later when I realized that kind of Hope has a name. Jesus is the reason for the season!

Christmas is in the air. It’s not the decorations. It’s not the music. It’s not Santa. While we can participate in the many sights and sounds of the season, it’s Jesus we feel. That hope. That joy. That undeniable wonder of the child within all of us. Jesus. He is the gift we give and the gift we receive. Receive Him fully. He wants to enter each and every heart that will invite him in. He loves like no other and receives us as we are and promises to make us who He created us to be.

We Christians know all this and sometimes we might not be that accepting, myself included. How amazing HE is that he sends my daughter to ask me to go to mass. WOW!

Surely this is an amazing time and I thank you all for reading me, I love your feedback please never stop sending it.

Happy birthday Jesus. Happy birthday. Merry Christmas To ALL!!!!!!

Love, Gloria

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Dr. Ramin Farboud

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES

Iche Chiu | 360 CPA 866-550-2050 360.cpa

ACUPUNCTURIST

Dr. Sarah Alemi | Eastern Roots Wellness 571-354-6643 easternrootswellness.com

BAKERY

Sandra Penetta | Sweetbites Cafe 703-448-1115 sweetbitescafe.com

CAREER COACH

Kelly Featheringham | Kelly Featheringham ACC, Executive Career Coach 914-489-8856 | kellyfeatheringham.com

DENTIST

Dr. Negar Tehrani | Aura Dentistry 703-748-1900 auradentistry.com

EDUCATION

Jinsil Kim | C2 Education of McLean 703-288-4400 c2educate.com

FURNITURE

Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 frontporchfurniturerescue.com

HAIR STYLIST

Daniel Bechara | Salon Daniel 703-893-5000 salondaniel.com

HEATING AND AIR Brian Anderson TemperaturePro Northern Virginia 703-828-0886 | temperaturepro.com

& HEPATOLOGY

Advanced Gastroenterology & Hepatology 703-345-6655 | aghofgreaterwashington.com

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Pantea Tamjidi, MD, F.A.A.D. Tamjidi Skin Institute 703-345-6677 | tamjidiskininstitute.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Eva-Maria Theodosiadis, MD & Dr. Debra Brosius | Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean, LLC 703-215-4101 debrabrosius.com | ipamclean.com

INSURANCE

Milena Bu | State Farm 225-252-1932 buforyou.com

LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 888-929-8188 | groundguys.com

MASTER PEDICURIST & ONCOLOGY-TRAINED ESTHETICIAN Lisa Tep | Sesen Spa 703-281-0822 | sesenspa.com

MOVER

Gina Kovatch | Petra Moving Company 703-547-7631 petramovingcompany.com

PERMANENT MAKE-UP

Paola Soto | Synergy Beauty 703-734-0772 synergybeautytysons.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 703-936-6501 vinsonshall.org

WARDROBE STYLIST Cemile Caliskan | Chaliskan 571-585-1728 | chaliskan.com

TIME forSparkly Outfits

Christmas is almost here. It is time to take out all the sparkly outfits, given that they are warm of course. Wondering what to wear and how to dress up for this Christmas can be one big challenge because you want to make sure you remain warm but look stylish at the same time.

How do you dress for Christmas?

You can wear almost anything because your look entirely depends on the colour scheme you go with. So do not be afraid to go for skirts, pants, jeans, blazers, skirts etc.

What should I wear to a 2022 Christmas party?

Rich textured clothing items are the best such as velvet, sequins, tweed and tulle.

What do you wear to a casual Christmas party?

You can pair some leggings with a sparkling oversized sweater or jeans with a comfy hoodie.

What should I wear to Christmas dinner?

A dark colored flowy or tight dress, either will work as long as you go for a bold look for the night. Do some smokey eyes along with it and slip on the highest pair of heels you own.

Can I wear black on Christmas?

Yes, in fact, black is a very elegant and classy colour to go with for Christmas.

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Rosé Jacket

This eye-catching jacket is sure to turn heads when you walk in the door at any party. The tulle and leather hand made details all around really takes things to the next level.

Cashmere & fur coat

Any outfit becomes party-worthy once you add this red fur jacket. Bonus: You'll be cozy, no matter how cold it is outside.

Ekol fur jacket

You can choose from five different colors that all have the same design.

Ekol blazer

Who needs a fireworks show when you've got this leopard sequin blazer.

With such an attention-grabbing blazer, you'll want to keep the rest of your party outfit simple so this piece can really shine.

Sparkling blue sweater

This sparkling sweater comes in an eye-catching color so you can grab one for every party. Dress, leather pants which is so trendy, or with a skirt and sparkly jewelry, or keep things casual and cozy.

Lace dress

This eye-catching red cocktail dress is sure to turn heads when you walk in the door at any party. French Tulle detail really takes things to the next level. Available in red, black, khaki, and green colors

Curves leather

Everyone needs at least one leather in their closet. Its a statement piece that you can use lifelong time. Its genuine leather, hand-cut and hand stitched.

SALON DANIEL'S 30+ Years Celebration

Salon Daniel thanks their amazing clients and supporters for celebrating alongside them at their Open House featuring drinks, giveaways, and more in celebration of the team glamming up the DC metro area! With 30+ years of experience in the beauty industry, Daniel, Mer, and the rest of the team are excited to see what the coming decade has in store and look forward to continuing to beautify the community!

Salon Daniel is a family owned and operated luxury salon and spa that strives to ensure clients leave feeling beautiful and confident. Their stylists specialize in hair extensions, keratin treatments, and event hair and makeup. They offer a variety of services including balayage, color and cuts, massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, permanent makeup, and so much more!

Tehrani-Yi Family LIVING

& WORKING IN MCLEAN

Upon entering the Tehrani-Yi Family’s spacious contemporary McLean home, I was greeted by boatloads of holiday spirit including a giant decorated Christmas tree, cozy holiday jazz standards piping in through the foyer and two very energetic dogs ready to come out of their crates to say hello!

The family was getting ready to take the gorgeous photos you see here and were decked out in gem-toned holiday colors. I immediately felt infused with holiday cheer as I began my interview. So without futher ado, let’s go ahead and meet this spirited and friendly family!

First, we have Dr. Chang Yi, affectionately known to the rest of the family as Daddy. Chang came to the U.S. from Seoul, Korea when he was eight years old because his uncle lived here. He then spent the rest of his childhood locally in Springfield, VA.

Next, we have Dr. Negar Tehrani, also known as, Mommy. Negar was born in Iran, then grew up in Turkey. Her brother attended college in the United States for medicine, which actually is what inspired her to go into medicine. She also had family in New England, so she spent some time in Boston.

The couple’s oldest daughter, Sophie Grace Yi, is eleven and in the 6th grade at Churchill Elementary School, which she loves. She is known in the family as the “best older sister ever” and has an affinity for Georgetown Cupcakes!

Seven year old Harper Wyatt Yi, the youngest daughter, is dubbed the family’s “free spirited rascal.” She is currently in 1st grade at Churchill Elementary School. She loves music class, the scooters in PE and painting in art class.

Last but not least are the two “crazy” family Cavalier King Charles dogs, Daisy and Rosie. Both are almost two years old and maintain their roles of being both “leaking and kissing machines.” Harper exclaims that they both love eating and running in the backyard. These two pups joined the family when they traveled up to Pennsylvania to get a puppy for Sophie’s birthday, but ended up coming back with two puppies because Harper fell in love with one as well!

The whole gang moved to McLean three years ago from Fairfax Corner, with the intention of Negar being closer to their McLean Dentist Practice, because as Chang quite simply put it, “Happy wife, happy life!”

Speaking of happy wife, Negar and Chang have been married since 2007, and just celebrated their 15th anniversary on Nov 3rd. The pair met through Negar’s friend and co-resident in Prosthodontics program at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Rewinding a bit, Negar’s family migrated from Iran to Turkey when she was nine years old. They resided in the coastal city of Izmir for nine more years until Negar finished high school and her younger brother finished middle school. She then moved to the Capital city of Ankara where she attended and graduated from the Middle Eastern Technical University (METU) with a degree in Biology and Pre-Med. After graduation she worked in a private hospital laboratory for two years. At that time, her ultimate plan was to attend medical school. So she packed her bags and moved to her adopted beautiful country, the United States. Specifically, she moved to Burlington, Vermont to learn English in an accelerated program at Saint Michael’s College and live close to her older brother who was in medical school at the University of Vermont. During that time, she reconnected with a family friend’s daughter who was studying to be a dentist. After a couple of visits to see her friend in Boston and seeing what type of school-work was involved, Negar

decided to change her path and apply to dental school.

After graduating from General Dentistry in 2003, she applied and got accepted to specialty program in Prosthodontics (also known as dental prosthetics). After graduating from this specialty program in 2006, she was ready to move somewhere warmer than Boston. She got her first job as an associate in a large office in downtown DC joining three other dentists. After a year, she decided to work with her now husband, Chang, who owned his own practice in Fairfax Corner. Chang attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond spanning from undergrad straight through Dental School, then graduated in 2001.

The couple got married in 2007 and worked together the following year. The opportunity to open a second location in McLean presented itself after that year and they decided to move forward with acquiring an office that was owned by Dr. Goodhand for almost 30 years, as he was ready to retire. After a short renovation to update the office equipment and decor, Aura Center for Dentistry opened its doors in November 2008 under their new ownership. “We worked together in growing the business as our family started growing as well. Our Sophie brightened our worlds in 2011 and our little munchkin, Harper, completed our family in 2015. Hard to believe it has been 14 years since we opened our doors to serve our wonderful neighbors in McLean and help them with their dental needs.” Business is fortunately starting to pick up again after Covid slowed things down a bit. The couple agrees that having two separate Dental Practice locations is good for their marriage.

When it comes to dentistry, Negar loves having the flexibility to get to know her patients and their families over a period of time. She says, in other fields of medicine things can be rushed, but in dentistry she can form long-term attachments with her patients. Functionally, she enjoys replacing patient’s missing teeth when necessary and the aesthetics of a healthy smile. Chang says he loves the instant gratification of dentistry;

seeing people with transformed teeth both in the cosmetic and functional sense. They both agree that it’s a great time to be a dentist due to how far the technology has come. An example of this is the practice of “sedation dentistry” where a patient can still be awake during a procedure to follow commands or even use the bathroom, but doesn’t remember the procedure after it’s over. As a family, they love traveling. They try to squeeze at least one International trip in each summer and other little trips when school breaks and work schedules allow. Europe is the family’s favorite destination, particularly Italy and Spain. Before the pandemic, they were frequent sea-goers on the Disney Cruise Line, sailing to both Northern Europe and Mediterranean coasts. They also love beach vacations in Turkey where they enjoy Turkish hospitality and the Mediterranean Sea. The whole family enjoys music. Chang is a self-proclaimed “walking jukebox” and plays the guitar. Sophie plays the upright bass and has been taking lessons for one year. I had the pleasure of enjoying her impromptu bass solo while I was at their house. Younger sister Harper plays the piano and also performed a lovey rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

by memory. She has been taking piano lessons for a year. The parents enjoy attending concerts in the area. They love to attend performances at The Kennedy Center (especially The Nutcracker) and Wolf Trap in the summertime. They also enjoy wine tasting, often with friends at their respective homes or at Arrowine in Arlington. When it comes to sports, Chang has been playing tennis for a long time, and now both daughters are learning how to play tennis as well. Both girls also started riding horses last spring at River Chase Farm and absolutely adore it.

When it came time to pick a favorite memory, Negar struggled to find just one because for her, those special moments are always the “beginnings of things”. She recalls the noteworthy moments of when they started their family - finding out they would be a family of three and then later, four. She also fondly remembers buying their first house together and subsequently buying their practice together.

Chang states “McLean is a very international community with a good amount of diversity.” The family all agrees they have great neighbors who are incredibly friendly and supportive. Negar loves McLean and says “it is a tight knit community. You go shopping and can always run into people you know.” Moving to live in McLean after practicing Dentistry for some time at her office on Elm Street brought her sense of community to a whole new level. I imagine this family’s holiday spirit will spread good tidings of comfort and joy to the greater McLean community!

The SPATZ adjustable ballon offers patients outstanding weight loss results.

The adjustablity feature extends the weight loss trend, helping people change their existing habits and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System is the world’s first and only adjustable gastric balloon. This non-surgical weight loss solution offers patients a higher weight loss success rate than ever before. With the highest weight loss results and highest success rates of all 8-month gastric balloons, the Spatz3 has proven to have an 84% success rate and 15% weight loss, far exceeding every non-adjustable balloon in non-comparative studies. In addition, FDA Clinical Trials show that Spatz balloon patients lost five times as much weight as those on diet alone.

Spatz Medical is committed to the patient’s journey, helping them achieve their weight loss goals, while learning to listen to body cues that ultimately contribute to long-term weight management success. The Spatz3’s proven success rate encourages and inspires those looking to start their journey to health and happiness.

Best Foods for a Healthy Brain

A healthy diet may just keep your brain healthy too. The MIND diet (MediterraneanDASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is specifically designed to slow the decline of brain health and reduce the risk of the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

This “brain diet” focuses on an overall eating pattern that includes specific types of foods that optimize brain health. Rather than counting calories, the goal is to eat more brain-boosting foods while limiting those that sap your smarts. Taking the principles of the well known Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, the MIND diet focuses on foods with neuro-protective compounds. The idea is to protect against brain diseases by eating brain healthy foods and limiting unhealthy food choices.

1. Green leafy vegetables - Research suggests brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene may help slow cognitive decline.

2. Other vegetables - Antioxidant and flavonoid-rich foods like carrots, celery and cucumbers are associated with lower cognitive decline.

3. Nuts - Walnuts are especially high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid which is linked to brain health.

4. Berries - Studies show that flavonoids which give berries their brilliant hues help improve memory.

5. Beans - High in protein, carbohydrates, anti-oxidants and minerals, this super food fuels brain functions like thinking, memory, and learning.

6. Whole grains - A “complete package” of benefits and rich in B vitamins whole grains reduce inflammation of the brain, potentially preserving your memory.

7. Fish - Incredibly important for brain function, fresh fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout or mackerel has an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

8. Poultry - Chicken contains choline and the B vitamins to provide neuroprotective benefits.

9. Olive oil - Antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil have been shown to reverse age- and disease-related learning and memory deficits.

10. Wine - A large Harvard study found that women who drank between ½ an ounce and 1 ounce of alcohol per day were more likely to remain free of chronic illness and memory loss as they aged.

“Eating healthy can be delicious,” says Margaret Radzikowski, Vinson Hall Retirement Community’s dietician. “We have several fresh and delicious options every day and at every meal that follows the eating patterns of the MIND diet. Plus, our seminar series, Eating Well=Aging Well, provides nutrition recommendations for older adults and offers participants a taste of healthy cooking. Our goal is to ensure that residents have the tools they need to eat healthy, age well, and enjoy!” says Margaret.

THE DRIVEN

Porsche of Tysons and Mclean Living Magazine hosted a sunset filled with exotic cars, fashionable people, and an amazing ambiance. It was definitely first class treatment, from the valet parking leading to a red carpet where a wall had champagne to welcome you at the entrance.

The tone was set by the DJ Michael Angelo from DC Finest Group, you entered to a “loungy/clubby” vibe, then walked out to view the exotics with beautiful models having a photoshoot, good appetizers, great cocktails, and the best people definitely dressed to impress. We can just say it was a night to remember for this exclusive group from NoVa.

© Best Version Media

Raising the Bar in Resort -Style Living.

DISCOVER HOW WE ARE CONSTANTLY RAISING THE BAR IN RESORT-STYLE LIVING.

We’re taking the luxurious, carefree lifestyle Westminster-Canterbury is known for to a higher level. Introducing the Bay Tower — our new 22-story waterfront Independent Living expansion with the best views in Virginia Beach.

With sweeping, panoramic views overlooking Chesapeake Bay, the Bay Tower will offer the most exclusive views in senior living, with the same inclusive philosophy of Westminster-Canterbury. There’s never been anything like it, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

The next chapter begins here.

For more information, call 757-541-2315 or visit www.wcbay.com/expansion.

Want to learn more about our expansion? Scan the QR code. Reserving a Bay Tower apartment, but want the carefree lifestyle sooner while we build? Check out our sister rental community, Opus Select, at www.opusliving.com.

Best Version Media

McLean REAL ESTATE

MCLEAN 6 7/2 DETACHED $3,650,000.00 C/S 6935 HECTOR RD MCLEAN 6 6/3 DETACHED $3,598,000.00 C/S 1606 BROOKSIDE RD MCLEAN 7 7/1 DETACHED $3,395,000.00

C/S 6907 BLUE STAR DR MCLEAN 6 6/1 DETACHED $2,800,000.00

C/S 6606 FAIRLAWN DR MCLEAN 7 7/1 DETACHED $2,595,000.00

C/S 6702 HAZEL LN MCLEAN 7 6 DETACHED $2,575,000.00

C/S 6208 KELLOGG MCLEAN 4 4/1 DETACHED $1,999,900.00

C/S 1454 HARVEST CRSG DR MCLEAN 4 4/1 TOWNHOUSE $1,800,000.00

C/S 710 POTOMAC RIVER RD MCLEAN 4 3/1 DETACHED $1,450,000.00

C/S 6433 ALHAMBRA CT MCLEAN 4 3/1 DETACHED $1,375,000.00

C/S 1839 MACARTHUR DR MCLEAN 4 3 DETACHED $1,289,000.00

C/S 8220 CRESTWOOD HTS DR #204 MCLEAN 2 2/1 APARTMENT $1,099,000.00

C/S 1401 LAYMAN ST MCLEAN 5 3 DETACHED $975,000.00

C/S 8220 CRESTWOOD HTS DR #514 MCLEAN 1 1 APARTMENT $515,000.00

C/S 1951 KENNEDY DR #1951 MCLEAN 2 2/1 TOWNHOUSE $450,000.00

C/S 1800 OLD MEADOW RD #915 MCLEAN 1 1 APARTMENT $279,900.00

C/S 6800 FLEETWOOD RD #313 MCLEAN 1 1 APARTMENT $274,900.00

Social4Good

Social4Good (S4G) is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings

a difference.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and S4G teamed up

economic stability, and improved mental health. Its’ Advocacy and Counseling Program supports women survivors through the provision of mental health

designed to support their journey to wellbeing. Members and guests learned more about the state of domestic violence and needed support from the Director of Domestic Abuse and Social Violence Services at The Women’s Center and a graduate of the Break the Cycle Program who presented on her journey and role as an ambassador to help others. In addition to the 30 Comfort Baskets, Social4Good members generously donated over $2,300 to be used by The Women's Center to provide advocacy and counseling to women in their Break the Cycle program.

Jessica Miller:Coach and Teacher

Jessica Miller, also known as Coach Miller, is the head coach of Varsity cheerleading at our very own Langley High School. In addition to being named Coach, Miller was also recently named District Coach of the year and Region Coach of the Year. She advanced her team to state championships for the first time in 20 years. One of her athletes, Morgan Kim, earned Cheerleader of the Year. But at the end of the day, Miller is not only a coach, she is also a teacher — of third graders.

Miller is a community leader, exemplifies in her coaching and teaching. She has former students from Chesterbrook Elementary who currently cheer at McLean High School. She said that McLean andLangley cheer teams share “amazing sportsmanship” and camaraderie, possibly due to Miller herself being the bridge between the two

programs.

But coaching and teaching is not all fun and glory. The days can be draining. She is motivated by her love for the athletes and the sport -- which extends back to her days cheering as a 2nd grader.

As a child, Miller competed on an All-Star team that placed top 10 at the Cheerleading Worlds.

She was captain on multiple squads, and was awarded one of the top 10 scholarships from that national tournament. But her career did not end as a child. Miller went on to cheer at Penn State University for all four years, which involved cheering at football, basketball, volleyball, and hockey — just to name a few.

Transitioning from teaching eight-year-olds to coaching teenagers may sound exhausting, but Miller used a different word to describe it: “fun.”

And even with all that goes into coaching cheerleading, some people still claim that it does not qualify as a sport. To that, Miller suggests attending a practice. Doing so would prove that “ the endurance and strength that these athletes need to possess for competitive cheerleading is that (if not more) of any other

sport,” Miller said.

Due to her occupations, Miller has a lot of influence on students. As they head towards college and eventual adulthood, Miller hopes to instill a sense of :teamwork, determination, and motivation within my athletes.”

“Teamwork is an integral skill to have in life and I feel that cheerleading teaches amazing team working skills. I also hope they know that they can continue to come to me for anything they might need,” Miller said.

Milena

Cell: 225-252-1932 Bus: 703-799-1111 milena.bu.t2lp@statefarm.com

Milena