We can all agree that the plunger is gross, and figuring out what to do with it after clearing a clogged toilet is another matter.
You know how it goes, you plunge your toilet and then look at the plunger afterwards and wonder “Do I just put it on the floor and hope and the germs on it die on their own? Should I rinse it in the tub or sink and hope that the germs aren’t transferred there?” Suffice it to say, regardless of what you do, the traditional plunger is a germ spreader.
But does it have to be that way?
That’s not what longtime Arlington resident and Schoon™ inventor Elaine Steele thinks!
The idea for Schoon came to Elaine one morning in January of 2020 after plunging yet another clog in her bathroom in her old house in Arlington. A search of the internet for a plunger that has a way to clean itself yielded no results.
After an exhaustive search of the Patent and Trademark site to find an invention that solves this problem, she found that there were none. Elaine realized that a self-cleaning plunger did not exist.
Elaine approached her longtime friend, Pierre, about the idea of a self-cleaning plunger. Being a germaphobe, he was intrigued, and the two started collaborating on the idea that February. Several designs, a few prototypes, lots of testing, and a patent application later, Schoon was born!
Making Schoon a reality required more elbow grease! Researching and dealing with several manufacturers, part suppliers, and assembly vendors to get a quality product at the right price point was a long journey.
Elaine and Pierre are excited to officially announce that Schoon is now available for purchase online at www.theschoon.com.
So how does Schoon work?
After unclogging your toilet, Schoon allows you to use the included wand to spray disinfectant over the top and the underneath of the plunger cup, cleaning the plunger immediately after use. You can also use your Schoon to disinfect the toilet, sink, floor and surrounding area. Elaine says, “Pierre and I intentionally created a sleek design, so that you can leave your Schoon out and at the ready for use when you need it.”
To learn more about Schoon, visit www.theschoon.com.
Follow Schoon on Facebook and Instagram.
Schoon is a Trademark of ESPM, LLC. Patent number 11808021. Additional Patents Pending.
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 explored the culinary treasure that is Fava Pot?
This local gem not only serves authentic Egyptian cuisine but also embodies the passion and vibrancy of our community.
Fava Pot is definitely passion on the plate. Offering a menu filled with savory delights, showcasing owner Dina Daniel’s dedication to quality and tradition. Dina’s remarkable journey, which began as a humble food truck, has evolved into a beloved local restaurant, captivating the taste buds of locals with its authentic Egyptian cuisine.
Fava Pot offers a menu filled with savory delights, showcasing the owner’s dedication to quality and tradition. From koshari to delightful vegetarian options, each dish is a testament to culinary excellence.
Experience firsthand the fusion of tradition, quality, and community vibrancy that makes Fava Pot a true local gem. Your taste buds are in for a treat — join us in this video as we give you the look into the savoring the rich flavors and stories that Fava Pot has to offer.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
When it comes to interior design, green is becoming a popular trend for creating thoughtful, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
Green, of course, is referring to sustainable interior design — a style that emphasizes the use of ecologically and ethically conscious furnishings and materials. It’s a widely appealing approach already making its way into places like The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
With open floor plans and elegant fixtures, The Mather’s modern apartment homes — some up to 3,300 square feet — are a dream for interior designers like Kelly LaPlante. As a sustainability expert, LaPlante is designing the model apartment homes at The Mather with a heightened perspective on eco-friendly possibilities.
“There are so many more companies who are sustainably minded and are offering eco-friendly products,” LaPlante says. “It’s becoming a much more viable option for everyone.”
Basic sustainable interior design begins with placing an emphasis on longevity and flexibility, while being mindful of product life cycles; in other words, how long the product will be of use before it ends up in a landfill. This puts more responsibility on the designer to prevent materials and products from being discarded if they’re still functional.
Over time, some sustainability pursuits evolve based on the client’s or homeowner’s perspective. For example, a person with health concerns might focus on improving indoor air quality by sourcing low-toxicity carpets, finishes, and paints.
“Sustainable interior design refers to creating spaces that are deeply considerate of the planet and people,” LaPlante says. “There are many factors to it, and one’s focus will depend on their personal values.”
When seeking to lighten your environmental footprint, LaPlante suggests starting with the three Rs:
- Reduce — Reduce waste, especially the act of discarding products just because of it going out of style. Minimize the amount of materials and resources whenever possible. Limit purchasing products made with toxins or poorly made products.
- Reuse — Rather than buying replacement furniture, hold onto pieces that are meaningful to you and find ways to give them new life. Consider what you already own, so you’re not contributing to the need for production and shipping, which are hard on the environment. You can use these items as accents to your decor.
- Recycle — Use repurposed furniture. Mix in vintage or antique pieces — and/or pieces that are made from recycled materials. You can reupholster chairs or sofas, change out legs on chairs and tables, and update hardware like drawer pulls. Be responsible about how you dispose of pieces you are done with by recycling whenever possible.
“As with those moving into The Mather this spring, people moving into a new home will have the opportunity to reuse some of their existing pieces, so I’d always encourage starting there,” LaPlante says. “When you do purchase new items, be diligent about looking for pieces that are well made and will stand the test of time — so that they don’t end up in a landfill in five or ten years.”
Kelly adds another recommendation for those interested in sustainability: purchase organic bedding to set the stage for overall health and well-being. “We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and that is when we do our deepest restoration,” she says. “So make the healthiest possible choices when it comes to your mattress and bedding; your bed should be a toxin-free zone.”
Making healthy choices in interior design — from comforters to couches — can result in a home that’s as ecologically sound as it is attractive.
The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.
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 Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Despite headlines all over the world about interest rates bouncing up and down around 7% and buyer affordability at an all time high, homes in our area are still selling quickly, with multiple offers and sometimes above list.
I publish my list of “buyer needs” on my social media monthly, but this time, I’d like to extend an offer to the community.
If you have been thinking of selling but perhaps you’re overwhelmed with the idea of prepping, or you don’t want to deal with the masses trekking through your home, or you just want an easy private sale, I’m throwing out my list of buyer needs in case you want to explore selling privately:
Vienna
- $1.8-$2.1M, newer construction, 5,000 sq. ft. or more prefer SE/SW side of Town Of Vienna
- Up to $1.8M, in TOV any side, prefer a 1 mile radius to Church Street
- $1.2M-$1.45M, prefer to feed to Madison HS, 4+ bedrooms
- Up to $1.6M, prefer TOV with flat yard and must have a 2 car garage
- Up to $1.5M, prefer Vienna ES, must have 4 bedrooms on upper level and garage
- Up to $1.3M detached home, 4+ bedrooms
- Up to $1M, detached, prefer split level to live in, not tear down
- Up to $950k detached, feeds to Marshall HS (will also consider Vienna*) 4+ Bedrooms
- Vienna Condo up to $500K, 2 bed/2 bath (prefer Marquis/Acadia)
McLean
- Up to $1.5M detached, tend to lean toward colonial but open to any model
Falls Church
- Detached home up to $1M, feeds to Marshall HS (will also consider Vienna*) 4+ Bedrooms
Fairfax
- $725k Townhouse with garage, feeding to Mosaic ES/Oakton
Reston
- Up to $500k, 2 bed/2 bath condo in an elevator building (prefer close to Reston Town Center)
Arlington
- Up to $2.3M detached home feeding to Science Focus ES, 4+ bedrooms
- Condo up to $400k, prefer 2 bedrooms or 900 sq. ft. or larger (not facing 395!)
- Condo up to $700k, prefer 2 bedrooms around the Courthouse metro
Centreville/Chantilly
- Detached up home to $850k, 2 car garage, some yard for a dog, prefer not backing to or on a major road
If you know of anything that might be a good fit, please reach out!
Any and all opportunities are welcome!
Written by Mina Lucks, Synergy Design & Construction
The soul of a home is found in the spaces where we cook, gather, and recharge, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. In this article, we delve into the art and science of maximizing functionality and style in kitchen renovations, and we’ll look at the latest innovations in bathroom design and remodeling.
Maximizing Functionality and Style in Kitchen Renovations
While the functionality of a kitchen is key, the style is equally important, as visually appealing kitchens contribute to the overall ambiance and your experience of the home. But how can you successfully achieve both?
Take, for instance, a recent kitchen remodel, where space was maximized without compromising on a polished aesthetic. Innovative storage solutions are woven into the design, enhancing everyday usability and transforming the kitchen into a space that effortlessly caters to the demands of modern living.
Here’s another project where design boundaries were pushed. This space was maximized by adding cabinets to the right-hand side of the kitchen and taking them all the way to the ceiling. An added island separates the kitchen from the family room and provides additional seating without cramping the space.
In balancing practicality with style, it’s all about thoughtfully using every inch of the space you have.
Innovations in Bathroom Design and Remodeling
We are witnessing an evolution in bathroom design with trends that go beyond the basics to create spaces that are luxurious and rejuvenating.
Picture a spa-like sanctuary within your home. This bathroom was transformed into a haven of relaxation — from a natural marble countertop, a collection of floor tile with radiant heating, and a relocated window for natural light, this space is truly a spa-like retreat.
An additional bathroom trend is the incorporation of patterns as a distinctive touch, adding personality and flair.
This bathroom remodel showcases how the integration of these elements can elevate the bathroom experience.
Feeling Inspired?
If your kitchen or bathroom just isn’t cutting it anymore, it may be time to transform these spaces for you, too!
Contact Synergy Design & Construction today at 706-766-6333 or fill out the form www.renovatehappy.com/contact/ and let us be your partner in crafting a home that energizes your everyday experience.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column alternating with “Exploring Fairfax” that takes a deeper look around Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris and Aaron Nichols of McEnearney Associates Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479 and Aaron at 703-915-9852.
This newly opened golf lounge in Centreville is the perfect place to work on your swing, play a round of golf or simply have some fun with your friends!
Whether it’s during the winter months or the hot and humid summer, golfers no longer need to wait for fair weather to hone their skills or enjoy a round with friends. Boasting cutting-edge simulators and a cozy atmosphere, the No. 1 Golf Lounge recreates the unique experience of playing on world-renowned courses, allowing you to tee off against stunning backdrops without ever leaving the comfort of the lounge.
Join us in this video to see what makes this indoor golf destination unique. Whether you’re a serious golfer looking to fine-tune your swing or a beginner eager to learn the basics, this lounge offers customizable settings and professional guidance to cater to individual needs.
The No. 1 Golf Lounge is also a great venue for events and corporate gatherings. From team-building exercises to birthday parties, the lounge’s flexible space and amenities cater to various occasions, providing a memorable and interactive experience for attendees.
Whether you’re aiming for the green or simply seeking a welcoming environment to unwind, the No. 1 Golf Lounge in Centreville will be a great time!
Aaron Nichols | www.nichols.realestate | aaron@nichols.realestate | @itsaaronnichols | 703-915-9852 | 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Research has shown that older adults who engage with the arts in a group setting — anything from dancing to a poetry group to singing in a choir — enjoy tangible benefits in multiple areas of health. This has to do with feelings of mastery, and with social connection.
“This research, combined with Dr. Gene Cohen’s description of life after 50 as a time of potential and inner growth known as the Creative Age, forms a foundation for using creativity to support personal wellness,” says Caroline Edasis, AVP of resident engagement for Mather. Mather is the organization that’s bringing The Mather, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, opening in Tysons next month.
Mather encourages residents in their existing communities — not just those who are established artists — to try creating new art forms in Open Art Studios. These studios, which position arts engagement as a vehicle for wellness, not just recreation, inviting both lifelong and new artists to explore their own Creative Age in a welcoming group setting.
“While working in diverse media including ceramics and mixed media/painting, participants often realize alongside their peers that they have an untapped expressive ability, a new love for a specific media, or a personal project to pursue,” says Caroline. “One of our master’s-level facilitators, trained in art and psychology, is present to support each individual’s creative journey, and that person helps transform the group into an uplifting community in which residents learn more about each other and themselves.”
Inquiry-Based Art Viewing
Mather also has a signature approach to art appreciation — one that mirrors how contemporary museum practices are evolving. Rather than teaching or encouraging art appreciation with lectures from an expert such as a docent, they focus on inclusive, inquiry-based art-viewing techniques.
“Did you know that the average person spends 17 seconds looking at a work of art in a museum?” asks Caroline. “In our visual literacy programs, we often spend a full hour describing an image, sharing stories conjured by the work of art, or even creating group poems in response to the work. These techniques focus on the interests, experiences, and curiosity of viewers to deliver intellectually stimulating content while challenging us to bring culture down from the pedestal and into our lives.”
The Mather has already formed relationships with local arts organizations, and plans to offer inquiry-based art experiences for residents on-site in museums, theaters, galleries, and more.
Mather recognizes that creativity is about much more than visual art. They encourage everyone to recognize aging as a time of great creative potential, whether through music, poetry, storytelling, dance and movement, or even gardening — the sky is truly the limit.
The Mather, opening in early 2024 in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
This sponsored column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road in Arlington). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Experience Arrowine’s Tastings & Events. Have a question? Email thenose@
Happy February!
We’re two months into the new year and Valentine’s Day — less than 24 hours away — is a time for romance, chocolates and best of all, Champagne. But specifically, Grower Champagne like Champagne Bauser.
Kicking your taste buds and with Special Bottling, Champagne Bauser is now available at Arrowine. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!
How did Champagne Bauser come to Arrowine? A little bit of backstory from Doug Rosen himself…
I was hunting for Champagne from the tiny Village of Les Ricey (the home of Marie and Olivier Horiot, whose Champagnes are the best-known, highly allocated, and twice the price. We have a few right now.)
Les Ricey was a favorite source of Champagne for Louis XIV. It is located at the southern end of the Côte des Bar, far removed from the big-name Champagne Houses in Reims, etc. But this sleepy corner of Champagne is a favorite source of grapes for the “Big Gun” Champagne Houses.
Les Ricey’s Champagnes are richly flavored, extremely mineral (for Pinot Noir,) and very Burgundian. Considering how close Les Riceys is to Chablis and that it enjoys the same Kimmeridgian soils, it should not be surprising.
With such a high demand for Les Ricey fruit, few producers and far fewer Estate Bottlers export to the United States and command hefty price tags when they do. But not at Arrowine. At as low as $44.99 a bottle, Champagne Bauser is a “stupid good” and a steal! Don’t drink this standing up; you might pass out from pleasure.
And don’t forget the chocolates and cheese! What’s Champagne on Valentine’s Day without the cheese, charcuterie and chocolates?
Interested in graduate school?
George Mason University invites you to attend an upcoming open house at Mason Square in Arlington to learn more about the 40+ graduate programs at three Mason academic units: the Schar School of Policy and Government, Costello College of Business, and the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at an in-person open house.
When: Thursday, February 22 | Drop by any time between 5-7 p.m.!
Where: Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room | 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
This is the perfect opportunity to explore your graduate school options, meet your future professors face-to-face, connect with our admissions team, and find out where a Mason graduate degree can take you next.
George Mason University offers in-state tuition to Virginia residents. Plus, incoming Schar School students who reside in Washington, D.C., and Maryland can now qualify for the Regional Pricing Policy for a master’s or certificate program!
Hourly parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage. The campus is also metro accessible (Virginia Square — Orange or Silver lines). To learn more about the 40+ graduate programs at George Mason University’s Arlington campus, register for the open house or fill out our inquiry form.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Financial issues are one of the most common security concerns for security clearance holders or applicants. When facing financial issues, it is important to be proactive in attempting to rectify them before they become a reason for the loss of a security clearance. When you run into these issues, it is important to hire a security clearance lawyer to advise you.
Financial issues are often called “Guideline F” cases in security clearance cases. In Guideline F cases, the Government’s concern involves how a person has handled his or her finances and their vulnerability to financial manipulation. The criteria for evaluating such cases are covered in Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD 4) (pages 15-16).
Here are 5 tips for security clearance holders or applicants when dealing with financial debts and other issues:
- Remain Current on Debts
This can be easier said than done. Most security clearance clients seek our assistance when they have had multiple bills that are past due, delinquent, in collections or have been charged off. In some cases, the debts have been ignored. In financial cases, the existence of multiple unpaid debts is one of the most common reasons for denying a security clearance. The first step is to quickly work to resolve major debts to avoid security clearance issues.
- Work with Creditors (or at Least Attempt to)
A debt cannot always be paid off in full immediately. Additionally, it can be easy to ignore a creditor, especially where the debt is too high or disputed, but that is not a good idea. Clearance holders or applicants who attempt to resolve a debt are far better off than those who ignore it. Sometimes creditors do not return calls or are unreasonable, but the key is to document all of the steps taken to resolve a debt. Even where a creditor is unwilling to respond or resolve matters, this can be very important. It is often the case that a creditor will settle a debt with an individual. Clearance holders or applicants should attempt to work with creditors where possible to resolve their debts. All documentation about such efforts should be retained for possible use later.
- Stay Current with Taxes
Clearance holders in tax trouble or who fail to pay and/or file their taxes take a major risk in losing their security clearance. This risk increases if the issue affects multiple tax years. Tax issues are viewed more significantly for security clearance purposes because they are debts owed to the Government. The Government focuses on both taxes owed and whether or not tax filings were completed on time.
If outstanding taxes or tax liens are too much for the individual to pay off all at once, it is important to try to work out a resolution with the IRS or state/county tax agency. All efforts showing good faith work to resolve tax issues can be helpful if a security clearance issue arises. We often recommend involving a tax attorney or accountant, depending on the severity of the tax issues.
- Report Major Financial Issues to Security Officers
If major financial issues arise, it can be important to report them, in advance, to an individual’s security officer. Doing so in appropriate situations can be used as evidence of mitigation for these security concerns. For example, if a bankruptcy arises, it is important to report that to a security officer. If a clearance holder needs to report a financial issue they should consult with counsel immediately to determine the best course of action.
- Show Financial Stability
When financial security concerns arise, it is helpful for security clearance holders and applicants to show that their finances are being managed well. It is important to show that the individual has a budget, lives within their means, and has a plan for paying off major debts.
Contact Us
When facing financial security concerns it is important to consult with a security clearance lawyer. If you need assistance with a security clearance issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
