Health & Wellness

Stressed much? After the last two weeks, it’s no wonder that your stress levels might be higher than normal. Read below for some decompressing and mental wellness tips!

But first…

Welcome to the MAA Team Meg & lauren!

Meg is originally from the mountain west and calls Utah home. She moved to DC in 2019 after graduating from Utah State University in Political Science and Organizational Communication. Prior to joining MAA, Meg worked on the 2018 congressional campaign of Ben McAdams and then at Analyst Institute, a progressive political research firm.

Meg lives in southwest DC but often makes the trek to Arlington to visit her boyfriend. In her free time she enjoys fishing, rock climbing, baking, painting, board games, and searching for the best veggie burger in DC.

Prior to joining the Molly Allen Associates team as a Fundraising Coordinator, Lauren worked as an intern in the offices of Congresswoman Kathleen Rice and Senator Orrin Hatch. During the 2020 election cycle, she also worked on Congressman Ben McAdams’ re-election campaign.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Lauren attended the University of Utah where she received her BS in Political Science. In Lauren’s spare time you can find her on the ski lift or at the National Gallery of Art.

wellness

What do you do to relax? And do just for yourself? If your answer is “I don’t know” or “I don’t relax,” it’s time to reassess your priorities. There are tons of things you can do to prevent burn out—yoga, meditation, walking, exercise classes, shopping, massages, time with friends, watching tv, etc. Here are some recommendations:

If you are a wannabe yogi, Peloton has some excellent yoga classes for beginners or the more advanced. After a long day at work, whether in-person or remote, a Slow-Flow class is a great way to destress and clear your mind. Click here to try a Slow-Flow class.

If you are an early riser and a runner, consider crashing a Wednesday or Friday morning run with the November Project DC. This completely free running and fitness community meets at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesdays at 6:20am and rotating locations at 6:30am on Fridays. Its a great way to explore new routes around DC and meet new likeminded, crazy people who get up that early to chase endorphins! Click here to learn more!

And finally, if you’re idea of wellness and relaxation is doing as close to nothing as you can, sitting on the couch, and watching a movie or tv show, here is a one stop shop for the best things to watch right now across all streaming services.

treat yo self

Did someone say mimosas? A classic way to unwind and relax is to what? Let me hear you say it—TREAT YO SELF! Splurging for yourself looks different for everyone, whether you are someone who likes to go shopping or go out to eat. If you are the latter, click here to see a list of 50 new restaurants opening in DC this fall, courtesy of the Washingtonian.

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This week, take a mental trip with us (and the Washington Post) and indulge the real-life romance between Walnut, a crane, and her zookeeper Chris. For more details with less reading, click here to view a Tweet synopsis.

The Weeks Ahead

As we prepare for Congress to come back, the third quarter to end, and the endless hearings and meetings on the reconciliation bill, take a break from your computer and check out the events listed below!

things to do

This Saturday, H Street is hosting its annual H Street Festival. The festival 11 blocks long and has 14 stages that will feature music of different genres, dance, youth based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and more. There will also be local food and product vendors! Click here for more information about the festival.

For those hoping to escape the PM showers, Saturday is also Museum Day! Across all 50 states, various museums, zoos and cultural centers are offering free admission to all Museum Day ticket holders. This event celebrates a national commitment to access, equality and inclusion. There are several participating museums in the DMV area, so click here to find out more about Museum Day and get tickets!

And looking beyond this weekend, next week is DC Beer Week! There are beer-themed events planned for all over the DMV. Follow the DC Beer Week Instagram for daily alerts on programming and click here for more information about the current schedule!

met gala

The MAA team watched the MET gala from afar and decided we were credentialed enough to determine the best and worst looks. Here are the takeaways (with pictures below!):

Rebecca

Favorite: Kim Kardashian (Honorable Mentions: Lewis Hamilton & Timothée Chalamet)

Least Favorite: Addison Rae

Madison

Favorite: Gabrielle Union

Lease Favorite: Camilla Cabello

Whitney

Favorite: Jennifer Lopez

Least Favorite: Kacey Musgraves

Emma

Favorite: Quannah Chasinghorse

Least Favorite: Whoopi Goldberg

Jacob

Favorite: Lis Nas X (Honorable Mention: Frank Ocean and the baby)

Least Favorite: Justin Bieber

Molly

Favorite: Megan Rapinoe

Least Favorite: Kim Petras

Hannah

Favorite: Timothée Chalamet

Least Favorite: Kim Kardashian

Jaime

Favorite: Jennifer Lopez (Honorable Mention: Jennifer Hudson)

Least Favorite: Kim Petras

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Stay alert and look out for those member pins!

Back to School

Break open the backpacks and sharpen those pencils—its back to school time!

essentials

The school year is back! Get your family back-to-school ready with this Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping Checklist for Fall 2021! The site has compiled best practices for packed school lunches, school hairstyles, and DIY school essentials. The site also has a section dedicated for keeping your children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic with links for the best masks. Here is another list with options for the best masks for children.

And while we have had a busier summer than last summer with more in-person activities, some kids and parents may still experience separation anxiety when returning to school and the school-year routine. Here is some information on how to deal with those anxieties in kids and adults.

study break

With the school year comes more bearable DC weather, so make time to get outdoors with the fam! On a nice night, check out the rooftop/green space Hi-Lawn at Union Market. Hi-Lawn has a regular schedule of events including Nauti Mondays and Live Music on Thursdays.

If you want to initiate a study break in the comfort of your own home or send some study snacks to your kids in college, Georgetown Cupcakes has special September Assortments! Buy a pre-set assortment or make your own. And don’t be afraid to try new flavors—PB&J is one of the best seasonal cupcakes!!

Finally, to start off the season, make plans to go apple picking! An MAA favorite is Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland. There are plenty of fruits, flowers, and vegetables you can pick in September, including raspberries, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and of course—apples!

Back to the office

MAA Principal and new mom Hannah Huey is back in the office after her maternity leave! We are so excited for her return and for all the future baby Henry content. Read below for a message from Hannah!

I’m back!

And I’ve adjusted to living life on a lot less sleep. Someone please tell me it gets better!

While I’m thrilled to be back in the office with the team, it’s been a tough transition to leave this little guy at home. That cute face is hard to walk away from (if I do say so myself)!

Luckily, I get some great pictures throughout the day to keep me going. Here are a few samples:

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This week, Steve from Blue’s Clues adorned his iconic outfit and apologized for leaving the show so many years ago to “go to college.” In an adorable speech, he congratulates all of us for the accomplishments we’ve had and made since he last graced our TVs. We love you, Steve!

Labor Day Weekend

Happy September from the team at MAA!

Labor day

Labor Day commemorates the achievements of American workers. Its marked in our calendars with end-of-summer BBQs, parties, and parades. However, many Americans do no know the history behind the holiday; they just know not to wear white pants after it passes. For someone looking to learn more about the holiday’s origin in one of the darkest periods of American labor history, click here.

And if you haven’t made LDW plans, here are some ideas for those in the DC area!

Hurricane ida

Exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina, the Southern coast of the US was hit by another devastating hurricane. Hurricane Ida swept roofs off buildings, flooded the streets of Louisiana and Mississippi, and moved its storm damage up to the east coast. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left without power and businesses have been destroyed.

Here are some lists of organizations raising money for the neighborhoods impacted by the storm:

https://time.com/6093916/how-to-help-hurricane-ida/

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/hurricane-ida-victims-donations-volunteering-79720779

https://www.feedthesecondline.org/

https://labucketbrigade.salsalabs.org/inclusivedonate/index.html

https://unitedhoumanation.org/donate/

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/anothergulfispossible

Afghan refugees

There will be over 3,000 Afghan refugees resettling in the DC area after the crisis in Afghanistan. They are arriving in American airports with the clothes on their back and likely nothing more. There are a variety of local companies and businesses organizing donations or fundraisers to support the refugees. Here are some links to find out more about how you can help:

Learn more about the refugees and their needs at the Afghan Diaspora Hub

Buy a sandwich at one of these restaurants - all proceeds go to Afghan refugees

Donate to these organizations so they can help resettle the refugees

And as we prepare to welcome the refugees to our communities, here is some helpful information about how to be as neighborly as possible.

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A cute dog-duo to brighten your week!

End of Summer Blues

Even though we still have a month left of summer, the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes and birth of the Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiatto has rung in the fall season. If you are experiencing the end of summer blues, read below for some tips on how to take back the reigns and finish the Summer properly.

hot dc summer

There is still plenty of time for fun in the sun (or inside fun) this summer. Here are just a few examples of things you can try out this week:

Along the Potomac River, there are several spots in the city to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Stand-up paddleboarding may look difficult, but can come naturally even to the clumsiest person! Check out the Key Bridge Boathouse location in Georgetown before the season ends in October.

If you are interested in a more adventurous day and don’t mind a short drive, consider taking a trip to one of the outdoor swimming spots located around the DMV area.

The Union Market rooftop Hi-Lawn has lawn games and creative cocktails available every night plus live music on Thursdays!

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a brand-new art exhibit in Brentwood. Tickets are already selling fast, but you can book months in advance.

Skateboarding was new to the 2020 Olympics and has revived a global interest in the sport. If you find yourself in Adams Morgan this weekend, pop into Spacycloud, a “vegetarian restaurant, skate shop, art gallery, coffee shop, tea house, and community hub.” The owner of this shop, Tatiana Kolina, is also hosting a skate-boarding festival this weekend at the Kennedy Center. The program will feature women in action sports and music with plenty of opportunities to pick-up a board and learn the sport!

Click here for some other DC Summer Bucket List items to check off before the season ends

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Bachelor in Paradise is back! And with-it, very funny content. The Washingtonian shared this reminder as to why the end of the DC summer is not the worst thing in the world.

This Side of the Potomac

Congress may be coming back early this recess, but there is still time for a quick getaway! Especially to our next state highlight—Maryland! If you want to spend a weekend away or go on a quick day trip, there are plenty of things to do in the Free State.

Destinations

St. Michaels
St. Michaels is the perfect destination for a day trip. Start the day exploring the historic town with a walking tour from the St. Michaels Museum led by a town resident. Walk through the heart of St. Michaels and learn about the shipbuilding industry, the life of Frederick Douglass, and the War of 1812 battles that were fought in the town. You will take note of the historic and Instagrammable homes throughout town. For lunch, I recommend Foxxy's Harbor Grille, a fun atmosphere right on the water. My table ordered an assortment of appetizers including pickle chips and a pretzel with crab dip (I'd be lying if I said I don't think about these appetizers on a weekly basis, they were that good). I ordered the Classic Crab Cake Sandwich and frosé and was not disappointed. Great food, beautiful views, and friendly staff made for an incredible dining experience. St. Michaels has a great selection of stores and dessert shops on main street for some after-dinner shopping or ice cream...I suggest indulging in both! If you are looking for a charming getaway, head to St. Michaels - you won't regret it!! — Whitney

And one bonus picture of the newest member of the MAA fam—Henry Huey! Living his best life (in the shade!) on a trip to St. Michaels.

Assateague
Kristy and I enjoyed the picturesque landscapes and free roaming wildlife when we visited Assateague last year. We stayed nearby in Berlin, and enjoyed the small town's charm and eateries. Highly recommend this for anyone who wants to get out of the city! — Jacob

Larriland Farm
Nothing says "summer" more than a fresh juicy peach! Take the afternoon and head to Larriland Farms to pick your own fruit! Right now the farm is offering fresh peaches, tomatoes, blackberries, and red raspberries. Beets and seedless table grapes will be available soon. Leave your backpacks and larger bags in the car, they won't be allowed in the field, but make sure to apply sunscreen and bug spray before starting your harvesting adventure! Larriland Farms keeps the process simple - pay for either 1 or 2 people to share a container they provide and fill it with as much fruit as possible! Tip: bring a cooler with you to keep the fruit cold on the drive back. Enjoy the fruits of your labor (pun intended) with a delicious peach cobbler or fresh tomato bruschetta! — Whitney

Baltimore
Baltimore is a classic choice for a quick hiatus from DC since its so close! I went on many class trips and day trips during college to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. When in town, catching an Orioles game at Camden Yards is a must. Camden Yards has consistently been rated as one of the best ballparks in the country, so you can’t go wrong! I also recommend heading to Power Plant Live!, which advertises itself as the “premier dining and entertaining destination” in Baltimore. You can see a live show, grab a drink, or of course, eat some crab. Baltimore is also the home of the U.S. based Guinness Factory. During my study abroad semester in Ireland, I lived right across the street from the Guinness Factory at St. James Gate. As a result, I am a huge Guinness fan and love the Open Gate Brewery location. — Emma

Real Housewives

This August, some of the MAA staff have become super fans of The Real Housewives of Potomac. It’s not only a funny reality show that helps distract from the [whatever], but it also showcases great restaurants and venues in the DMV area! Season 6 is currently airing on Bravo and seasons 1-5 are available on Hulu!

If you have enough free time to go deep down the RHOP rabbit hole, click here to take a digital tour of the housewives’ houses!

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Sweet Virginia

Next in the MAA destination series is Virginia! Read below to see recommendations from Virginia natives and lovers, since of course—Virginia is for lovers.

Old dominion

Since many DC professionals technically reside in VA, we often overlook the fabulous vacation destinations the state has to offer. But if the recent decision to gavel the House back on August 23rd derailed your vacation plans, perhaps a quick weekend trip to Virginia is just what you need! Our team has several recommendations, however, for anyone looking to plan a family or friend excursion during August recess.

McLean, Virginia. 
My favorite mini getaway in Virginia is Scott's Run Nature Preserve, a Fairfax County park located near McLean. It has miles of trails that run through the forests along the bank of the Potomac, where wildflowers blanket the forest floor every Spring. The direct trail to the river has you go over tributaries, up and down a hill, and ends at a gorgeous waterfall. It's my favorite place to go on a long coffee walk to catch up with a friend, run around with my family's dog Wander, and even wade around some of the pools to cool off from the DC heat. An unbeatable natural area just a short drive down from the District! — Reed

Charlottesville, Virginia
I recently ventured to Charlottesville, Virginia for the weekend and after hearing a lot about the food scene here, I will confirm it did not disappoint!  I recommend Tavola (Italian food) and the Alley Light (French food). Both had excellent cocktails in addition to their food. Charlottesville also has a couple incredible sandwich shops. Make sure to stop by Ivy Provisions for a specialty sandwich and Take It Away for their famous House Dressing. There are plenty of beautiful hikes and walks you can take as well. My preferred method of enjoying the Blue Ridge Mountains—via vineyard! I went to the King Family Vineyards. The wine was great, affordable, and you did not need a reservation. All in all, if you are looking for a relaxing weekend in a beautiful city, I highly recommend a trip to Charlottesville! — Rebecca

Charlottesville, Virginia

Lexington, Virginia. 
Home to Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, Lexington is a three hour drive from DC, and is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley! For places to stay, I recommend looking at the various Airbnbs. They have some beautiful houses out in the country that are still a close drive to downtown. For dinner, I recommend the Red Hen for a delicious farm-to-table eatery. The restaurant is small and popular—so don’t forget to make a reservation. For a cocktail, head on over to TAPS bar, which is located in the Georges Hotel. If you are looking for a more casual spot, Devils Backbone has an outpost in Lexington, and they have great food in addition to their beers! Finally, hitting House Mountain for a hike is a must for it’s breathtaking views (pictured below). — Rebecca

Blue Ridge Parkway
My sister is a Park Ranger of Interpretation in the National Park Service, and I have been lucky enough to visit some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. while visiting her. Her first position in the park service was an internship at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a visitor center and museum operated by the NPS. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located in Galax, VA and at mile post 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway stretches 469 miles long and through several states, with many wonderful opportunities to stop in Virginia. This includes James River (milepost 63.7), Peaks of Otter (milepost 85.6), and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Roanoke, VA. If you are ready to hit the open road and go on hikes or catch a blue-grass concert, consider hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway. — Emma

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The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) hosted a live-stream of some cute kittens to raise awareness for the AWLA Walk, an event meant to fundraise to help house homeless animals in the Arlington area. Consider learning more about the walk, the AWLA, and maybe even adopting a pet! Cat adoption is free for the month of the August!

August Recess

Congratulations, we have made it to August Recess! After a long couple of months, we all deserve some time for rest and relaxation. This could mean a weekend getaway or a delicious dinner, so read below to see our recommendations for short trips and DC’s upcoming Restaurant Week.

take me home, country roads

Whether you are like John Denver and belong in West Virginia or you simply want a quick trip away from the DMV, there are plenty of possibilities in the Mountain State.

If you are looking for a day trip, MAA team member Emma recently ventured 1.5 hrs out of DC to Harpers Ferry. Famous for its significance in American Civil War history, this small community in West Virginia is considered a National Park. There is a ton to do, whether you are someone who likes to go to local shops, traverse long hikes, or relax while tubing down the Shenandoah River. Emma stayed in one of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club cabins, and for a $40 annual fee, anyone can become a member and receive exclusive access to the cabins! See below for a few photos from Emma’s weekend in Harpers Ferry.

If you are looking for an overnight or weekend trip, check out the newest National Park — New River Gorge. A 4-hour drive from DC, this National Park is definitely worth an overnight stay. Despite its “new” status, this whitewater river is actually one of the oldest rivers on the continent. The 70,000 acre-park is full of scenic and recreational opportunities the whole family can enjoy. The National Park Service conveniently broke down all the activities based on how long you can stay, so whether its a half a day or longer, click here for some recommendations!

The New River Gorge viewed from Main Overlook!

And finally, if you are looking for a 5-star vacation that the whole family will love, look no further than the Greenbrier. Some of the MAA team was recently at the Greenbrier for the Blue Dog PAC Weekend, and Madison is heading there later this month!

“The last trip I took was to go home to Illinois, so I’m very excited to take my first real vacation in 20 months. In a couple weeks my family and I will be going to the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia which, if you’ve been reading our blog, you know that our firm is very familiar! I have not had the privilege of attending the Blue Dog PAC weekend, so this will be my first time visiting. The number of activities they offer is overwhelming, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know! I definitely want to tour the Cold War era bunker, hit the casino, play a round of golf, and relax at the spa. If you’re interested in visiting during recess, make sure to plan ahead! There is a train from DC, but it’s only on certain days. I am planning to rent a car and drive (approx. 4hrs). Many activities require reservations, and guests have to adhere to a dress code. Ladies, don’t forget to pack your bonnet!” - Madison

dc restaurant week

Restaurant Week is back in DC from Monday, August 9 to Sunday, August 15! Restaurants around the metropolitan Washington area are offering a variety of dining deals, namely $22 brunch, $35 dinner, and $55 dinner. Similar to the winter version, many restaurants are also including a RW-To-Go option for guests who would prefer to eat at home. Go to https://ramw.org/restaurantweek to peruse the options and menus. 

MAA Recommendations

Last RW, my friend and I ordered from Farmers & Distillers—a DC staple! We ordered the RW-To-Go for dinner because it was prior to when DC restaurants were open for dining. It included a starter, entree, and dessert. For vegetarian readers—my friend ordered the Impossible Meat Loaf and thoroughly enjoyed it! And one of the best things about Farmers & Distillers in the menu diversity, so anyone can find something they like. I would personally recommend Chocolate Sinful Devils Food Cake!

Looking forward to this month’s RW, I will be going to Unconventional Diner. Similar to F&D, Unconventional Diner includes 3 courses in the $35 dinner price. The menu is definitely full of great choices, including options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diners, but I have my eyes set on the Double Cheeseburger and Black Forest Cake! - Emma

*Many DC restaurants and bars are requiring proof of COVID vaccination in order to dine/enter the business. To be safe, consider printing a copy of your vaccination card before going out!

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All in one night, two separate baseball games were interrupted by animal visitors — including DC’s own Washington Nationals.

Return to PAC Trips

The MAA team attended the Blue Dog PAC Retreat at the Greenbrier this past weekend — and had a blast! It was great to be back in-person, and the event had us reminiscing about some of our favorite past trips.

Blue Dog PAC Retreat 2021

Here are a few photos from the Greenbrier weekend!

Past Trips

The Oregon Coast

Seattle, Washington

Detroit, Michigan

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Charleston, South Carolina

La Jolla, California

Pebble Beach, California

Nashville, Tennessee

New Hampshire

All time favorite… visiting Detroit with brothers Sandy & Carl Levin, pictured here in front of their childhood home!

Upcoming Trips!

Wanna getaway? Let us know if you’re interested in any upcoming adventures to…

Nantucket, MA
Detroit, MI
Bretton Woods, NH
Charleston, SC
La Jolla, CA
Islamorada, FL
Pebble Beach, CA - Wait List Only
Bandon Dunes, OR - Wait List Only

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This cross-over episode was the talk of the week! Olivia Rodrigo, Wednesday’s honorary Press Secretary, spoke from the White House podium on the importance of young Americans getting vaccinated.

Fourth of July Weekend!

After missing out on celebrations last year, we are all excited to get back to our Fourth of July parties and holiday traditions. See below for some MAA Independence Day traditions and favorite BBQ recipes!

Traditions

Fireworks, hotdogs, parades, icepops - Fourth of July weekend is notorious for its festivities and traditions. We asked around the MAA office for everyone’s favorite thing to do to celebrate this weekend. Here are the answers:

Whitney loves to eat hotdogs and watch her hometown firework show in Idaho Falls. It’s the biggest firework display west of the Mississippi!!

Reed likes to walk in a small-town parade in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The energy is infectious, and it somehow feels like the size of the town grew tenfold overnight. Throwing candy at kids, singing patriotic songs - what’s not to like!

Rebecca celebrates by eating boiled peanuts with a bud light lime on the beach somewhere in South Carolina. All about enjoying a beautiful place outdoors on this holiday with my favorite snack. What a view!

Madison’s dad usually hosts her whole family for a swim and cook out. That didn’t happen last year, but she is going home to Illinois to participate this year! Every time the Oakley’s get together it’s a riot.

Jacob, like Reed, loves small town Fourth of July parades! Campaigning around the country gives you the opportunity to see towns that most people never think to stop in.

Throw in a parade that brings the people together? Count Jacob in!

Emma’s favorite Fourth of July pastime is watching the 1996 classic film Independence Day with her family. While its not a conventional celebration of the holiday, the movie has the same namesake and a very inspiring storyline. 10/10 would recommend watching it this weekend, especially if your BBQ gets cancelled due to weather.

Molly participates in the Lakeside Ohio bike parade with her kids! Nothing says patriotic quite like a red, white, and blue tutu!

Stephen and his family celebrate Independence Day in Maine. They spend the day on and in the water before enjoying a big family dinner.

“Swimming, sailing, lobster, and my mother's fried chicken, what's not to love?!”

Festive recipes

If you are struggling to come up with crowd favorites or last-minute remember you were supposed to bring something to the party, here are some recommendations:

Southern Style Mac and Cheese from Basics with Babish

Boiled Peanuts compliments of She Wears Many Hats

Red, White, and Blueberry Caprese Salad from Brit+Co

Star-Spangled Lemon Icebox Pie by Taste of Home

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Father's Day

This weekend is a busy one with celebrations for Juneteenth planned all over the DMV and hopefully a nice dinner for a dad in your life!

WELCOME TO THE MAA TEAM reed!

Before joining MAA, Reed was the National Finance Assistant on Mark Kelly’s successful 2020 U.S. Senate campaign in Arizona, working primarily in the western region. In 2017, Reed interned in Washington, D.C. at the Brookings Institution.

 Born and raised in northern Virginia, Reed attended the College of William & Mary, graduating in 2019 with a B.A. in Government and a minor in American Studies. On campus, he worked in communications and finance on multiple local elections, as well as heading up the campus tour guide program his senior year.

 At any moment, you could probably find Reed listening to a pop culture podcast, eating peanuts at Nats Park, or lounging on a beach in northern Michigan.

gift ideas

June is the nexus of the end of school, end of spring sports, tryouts for fall sports, start of swim team, start of summer and for MAA, EOQ. Oh wait, and dads too? If you feel like a whirling dervish like Molly, you may have waited a bit too long to start your shopping. Here are some really last minute gifts ideas:

Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker - this little cutie is available at Target, Amazon and Nordstorm. If you order today from Amazon, it should arrive on Saturday (per my experience where I ordered on Monday and it arrived on Wednesday). H/t to one of our readers for this idea, it can be strapped to the side of a golf cart for some tunes while you play. Also handy in other places. And waterproof design. 

Storyworth - A friend told me about this and they loved the experience. Once a week, they email the recipient questions you’ve never thought to ask. At the end of a year, their stories are bound into a beautiful keepsake book.

DiBruno Brothers - Italian meat and cheese. You can still get this with rush shipping.

favorite dads

For some Father’s Day fun, we asked around the MAA office for everyone’s favorite TV or movie dad. Here are the answers:

Jacob’s Pick —> Bob Belcher, Bob’s Burgers

“Funny, inept, doing the best he can. Plus, my wife swears that I am a living embodiment of Bob.”

Whitney’s Pick —> Phil Dunphy, Modern Family

“Phil Dunphy is the quintessential father figure. Goofy and kindhearted, always encouraging, and loves his kids no matter what.”

Reed’s Pick —> Sol and Robert, Grace and Frankie

“Both so loving and tender, and they grow along with their adult children.”

Rebecca’s Pick —> George Banks, Father of the Bride

“The sweetest dad, wants the world for his kids and makes everyone laugh.”

Stephen’s Pick —> Sheriff Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show

“Not only is the widowed Sheriff Andy Taylor a caring and attentive father to Opie, making time for his son, supporting him, and teaching him right from wrong (with the help of Aunt Bee), he serves as a father-figure to the entire town of Mayberry. Whether it's teaching Opie to stand up to bullies, protecting the local citizenry with his refusal to allow his overzealous and bumbling deputy, Barney Fife, to carry more than one bullet at a time (in his pocket), or arresting moonshiners and out-of-town speeders, Andy's pragmatism and compassion are demonstrated time and time again!”

Madison’s Pick —> Hal Cleaver, Malcolm in the Middle

“I mean, who DOESN'T love Hal? He's the best character in the show! He's a lovable goofball and constant source of entertainment. Also worth mentioning Bryan Cranston's incredible range having played Hal and Walter White - the man can act!”

Emma’s Pick —> Schmidt, New Girl

“Ok, now most people don’t watch New Girl to see a cute father-daughter storyline, but Schmidt in the last season is the epitome of a #GirlDad. From the spa days to the over-investment in her education to the evident pride he feels towards her, Schmidt is a great dad to Ruth Bader Parikh-Schmidt.”

Participate in the fun and let MAA know who your favorite dad is by clicking here!

juneteenth

Juneteenth is the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the date that African-American slaves in Galveston, Texas heard that the Emancipation Proclamation, in General Order No. 3, freed them. For this reason, it is considered America’s Second Independence Day. Unfortunately, it has not been widely studied or celebrated in the United States. After the societal changes of the last year and the cultural-racial reckoning that America has undergone, several groups around the nation are working to change this.

On Tuesday, the Senate passed legislation that would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill is on its way to the House, where its expected to pass, and then to President Biden’s desk.

Click here to find where you can celebrate Juneteenth in the DMV area

If you want to learn more about Juneteenth, there are a plethora of resources on the internet, in media, and of course—in books. Here are some examples:

Read How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith. Smith takes the reader on a tour of monuments and landmarks around the U.S. that commemorate the indivisible role slavery has played in our history, including to Galveston, Texas for a Juneteenth celebration.

Watch Blackish Season 4 Episode 1 “Juneteenth,” a popular contemporary TV show that addresses the history of Juneteenth through music. Available on Hulu! And while you’re there, you might as well watch all 7 seasons of the show!

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MAA team member Hannah gave birth to Henry Huey! Thanks for the shoutout, Politico

Big Announcement!

The MAA team is officially back in-person! Thank you for your support and for joining us on our journey with Confessions of a Teleworker. Now, get ready for our transformation into ~bah-da-da-dah~ Confessions of a Not-So-Teleworker!

Back in the office

After the recent changes in DC COVID restrictions, our fully-vaccinated office has returned to in-person work. With four new employees and a re-structure, this has been an exciting week! So when you are ready to come to the office (vaccinated=no mask, unvaccinated=mask please!), come on down and say hi!

Sit down with a cup of coffee at this new office section entitled “Jacob’s Corner” - signage pending

Return to routines

Back to in-person work also means the return to meal prepping lunch, commuting time, and a morning routine longer than walking from your bed to your desk. If you feel a little lost or panicked in the morning, here are some links to help you better prepare yourself for the work week:

16 Meal-Prep Lunches by Tasty

15 Over-night Oats Recipes by Wholefully

12 Easy Ways to Create A Morning Routine by Bustle

$10 Deposit ThredUp Goodybox because sustainable shopping is the best form of shopping! Get personally chosen like-new business professional and business casual essentials.

Us all week

separation anxiety

If you are like Emma and fell victim to the pandemic pet-boom, you might be experiencing some separation anxiety from your furry friends. Luckily, there are several cures to this! One way is to buy a Petcube, a Wifi camera for pet owners. Petcube has several variations, including cameras with laser pointers and treat dispensers. You can install these cameras by your pet’s favorite napping spot and check-in on them throughout the day. The cameras additionally alert the pets when you open the app and allow you to take photos, which is how Emma snapped this cutie mid-investigation!

Another way to address your separation anxiety is to occasionally ignore it! Check to see if your office is pet-friendly and bring your pal in to meet your coworkers. Luna Silvintosh is a regular at the MAA office, pictured below in her Wednesday best!

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Jacob’s wife Kristy submitted these udderly adorable cupcakes for a contest this week! She is the winner in our hearts and our bellies!

Madison's Gardening Corner

If you thought about getting plants this past year, but did not know how to take care of them or where to begin, MAA Resident Plant Expert Madison has some tips for how to get started!

Madison in her happy place - around plants!

Personal gardens

After seeing this trend on Instagram, I recently bought a glass cabinet from IKEA to retrofit into a greenhouse for my plants. You may have seen it behind me on a Zoom call! Not only is it adorable, but it keeps my plants humid and away from my curious cat, Winston. I got the RUDSTA, but there are several styles that would work. Before I built the cabinet I purchased grow lights, a mini fan for airflow, and a thermometer/humidity meter. I still have some work to make it really functional like weather stripping the walls and door so that it’s airtight, and replacing the glass shelves with wire ones so that there’s more air flow between them. 

Looking to expand (or start) your plant collection? My favorite shop is Ginkgo Gardens near Barracks Row. Or check out Little Leaf near U St, American Plant in Bethesda, or Botanologica in Falls Church. You can also find plants at your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, or Trader Joe’s, but I’ve learned that they aren’t always properly cared for and may have issues like root rot or pests.

Excursion Ideas

Don’t have a green thumb yourself but still want to enjoy some beautiful greenery? There are plenty of places to visit in the DMV, and this weekend will be perfect for getting outside! 

DC

National Arboretum

Dumbarton Oaks Park/Dumbarton Oaks Gardens (you can even tour virtually)

Franciscan Monastery Garden

MD

Brookside Gardens

VA

Green Spring Gardens

Did you know?

Have you ever been on a walk around the neighborhood and seen these flowers?

Little did you know that they were a bush of the official DC flower - the American Beauty Rose!

If you were a plant…

…what kind of plant would you be? Take this Buzzfeed quiz to find out!

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Memorial Day Weekend

While the forecasted weather threatens to drizzle on any weekend plans, Monday is poised to be a perfect day for a BBQ or a day at the pool. See below if you need help planning your weekend!

Memorial Day Parades

This Memorial Day is my first in recent memory that I will be spending away from my home on Long Island, NY. And while to most people, Memorial Day is just like every other weekend with an added day and maybe a family BBQ, it has always been more to me. I come from a family of veterans who are deeply involved in our local American Legion Post 1120. My family has served in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. My uncle has recently deployed to Afghanistan and my mother deployed to Djibouti while I was in high school. We have Army Veterans, Marine Veterans, Navy Veterans, and Air Force Veterans, and I have recently joined their ranks as an Intelligence Officer in the Air National Guard. So on Memorial Day my family has always honored the service of those who came before us and of the fallen. Pictured below is the height of our traditions - the Memorial Day parade! In 2003, I had the honorary title of our American Legion post’s Poppy Girl. The poppy is an honorary symbol of the soldiers who fought and died in American wars, and every year, a child of an American Legion member is chosen to represent our post and our community. I continued to walk alongside my family for our town’s Memorial Day parade as a member of the ladies auxiliary until a few years ago. So if you are like me and associate Memorial Day with parades, tune in to watch the National Memorial Day Parade, streaming on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW all weekend.

- Emma

My family! Adults pictured from left to right are my grandfather (Vietnam Veteran), my father (son of Vietnam Veteran and grandson of WW2 Veteran), my grandmother (head of American Legion Auxiliary, and my mother (current member of the Air National Guard). Children at the bottom are my sister and me!

There are also a variety of other Memorial Day ceremonies, including the Women’s Memorial 24th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at 4pm and all weekend at Arlington National Cemetery.

Crowd-pleasing recipes

If you have finally got the gang back together for a party this weekend and want to cook something everyone will enjoy, here are a few recommendations from our team:

Orzo Salad from the Food Network

Flag Pizza from Allrecipes, very kid friendly

Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake from Kroger

DC pools

This weekend is opening weekend for the DC outdoor pools and spray parks! Starting Saturday, outdoor pools are open weekends from 10am to 6pm. They are also open Monday, May 31st for Memorial Day. Spray parks are open everyday from 10am to 8pm. If you want to escape the heat completely, there are also indoor pools in each ward.

Click here to find out more information about the pools near you

*Pool use will prioritize DC residents with valid ID and pre-registration

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In a throwback to an older blog post, cicada plushies are now available for purchase!

Game Day Prep

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs underway and the Wizards vying for a spot in the NBA playoffs, we would like to help you plan your game day viewing. After all, there is no “i” in team or outdoor sports bar!

Where to watch

Starting tomorrow, DC restaurants will be open to 100% capacity and bars will be allowed to open at 50% capacity. And as former Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle said,“Sports are like the reward of a functioning society.” So if you want to celebrate this societal milestone and the success of your favorite teams, we have recommendations for you!

If you want to enjoy the lovely weather outside with a cold pint of a local brew, check out The Brig in Navy Yard or Duffy’s Irish Pub on H Street. If these aren’t near you, the Eater wrote an article featuring 15 of the best outdoor bars for watching baseball!

If you are vaccinated and pining to pull up a chair inside at DC’s best sports bar, go 3 blocks south of Capitol One Arena to Penn Quarter Sports Tavern!

If you don’t live in the city, but feel like having a night-out away from the kids or even with the kids, you can try Bugsy’s Pizza in Alexandria, VA or Caddie’s on Cordell in Bethesda, Maryland. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and Caddie’s was voted Best Place to Watch a Caps Game by Bethesda Magazine!

If you’re staying in

Nothing says “Game Day” quite like delicious and high-calorie appetizers! If you are watching the games from home, here are some recipes worth trying:

Smashed and Loaded Crispy Potatoes from Bon Appetit

White Feta Dip with Spicy Honey from Serving Dumplings

Stadium seating

Now that I’m fully vaccinated I ventured to a Nats game—and it was great to be back! The stadium is still at limited capacity right now, so we had empty seats on every side of us and were very spaced out. Everyone also had to keep their mask on the whole time (except when you were eating or drinking). The contactless ordering system was also a game-changer. Download the MLB app on your phone and you can order your food and drinks when you are near a kiosk. I was impressed with how easy and quick the process was. I have to say, my favorite part was the contactless sauce dispensers…condiments of the future! Capacity goes up again soon, but for now if you are craving a good night of baseball I would 10/10 recommend. - Rebecca

if sports aren’t your thing

This year’s cub scout camping trip to Gettysburg was canceled but our Pack quickly pivoted to renting a bunch of individual spots at a nearby campsite at Little Bennett Regional Park. Only a 30 minute drive from Kensington, MD, this campsite was fantastic! The sites were private enough if that’s what you want but our kids were able to run around freely to visit each other. Clark started saying ‘I have to go meet up with my gang’ by the end of the weekend, which is fantastic to hear out of the mouth of a nine year old (talk to me in 5+ years about that one). We went on a hike which was shortened by swimming in a watering hole that we discovered and a dad rigged up a rope swing. My daughter discovered a bunch of creek critters. The parents chilled. There are nightly outdoor movies at their amphitheater (bring camp chairs for adults), gem mining, tie dying, and other treats at the camp store, an in-ground trampoline and some old school go karts. Every ‘loop’ (there are A through E) has its own very clean bathhouse with plenty of hot water. Highly recommend Little Bennett! It’s a short drive to feel far away from DC. - Molly

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COVID Puppies and other furbabies

This week, the Obama’s lost an important member of their family - Bo Obama. This got us thinking about our own furry friends and how much they mean to us! Keep reading to meet the pets of the MAA team and our clients.

In Memoriam

Honorable mention for the pupper that stole the nation’s heart.

Rest in Peace Bo Obama, October 9, 2008 - May 8, 2021

MAA TEAM PETS

Archie Allen Tuesca

Franklin Ritacco

Winston Oakley-Wessells

Luna "Sweet Petunia" Silvintosh

Joey (left) and Koshka (right) Cekuta

Dumpling Gillam

MAA CLIENT PETS

Pennsylvania “Penny” Kilmer!

Max Peters

Gift for the pet lover in your life

If you are planning ahead for the birthday or a holiday gift for a pet lover in your life, look not further! Chloe Bruderer, an artist in Salt Lake City, creates digital and physical prints of anything you want, but especially pets! See below for a custom print and click the photo to access her website!

DC Reopening plan

After Mayor Bowser’s recent announcement regarding COVID regulations, we would love to hear where you are most excited to go when DC reopens!

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Cicadapocalypse

As peak cicada season dawns upon us, we have some tips to help brave the storm!

Welcome to the MAA Team Emma!

In addition to working at MAA, Emma currently serves as an Intelligence Officer in the New York Air National Guard. Emma also worked as a field organizer in New York’s Second Congressional District for the 2020 election. 

Emma is a 2020 graduate of American University, where she studied International Studies with a concentration in U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security. 

Emma is from Long Island, New York and now lives in Shaw with her cat, Dumpling. Despite having gone to college in DC, Emma is not sick of the monuments yet, and enjoys going on long walks while listening to audiobooks. Currently listening to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

Cicada Prep

Cicada Safari is an app that helps track the cicadas—and help you avoid them! Dr. Gene Kritsky, a professor and cicada expert, created the app. Users can also help contribute to the app and submit photos of cicadas and record their location. Download it in the app store.

Don’t want them landing on you? Check out this stylish yet protective hat.

If you can’t beat em join em

Thanks to Cicada Safari, your kids can have some fun with cicada season!

Make an origami cicada
Cicada coloring page

Cicada Recipes

A guide to cooking cicadas from three Richmond, VA Chefs

The Washingtonian has tips from “Cicada-Licious” author, Jenna Jadin—and try her Old Bay recipe below.

Maryland Cicadas - from Cicada-Licious
Yield: 8 servings

1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
2 tablespoons salt
4 quarts water
1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer (optional)
8 red potatoes, quartered
2 large sweet onions, cut in wedges
2 pounds lean smoked sausage, cut in 2-inch lengths
8 ears fresh corn, broken in half
4 pounds large cicadas

Directions:
1. In an 8-quart pot, bring Old Bay, salt, water and beer to a boil. Add potatoes and onions; cook over high heat for 8 minutes.
2. Add smoked sausage to potatoes and onions; continue to cook on high for 5 minutes. Add corn to pot; continue to boil for 7 minutes. Add cicadas, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Drain cooking liquid. Pour contents of pot into several large bowls, shallow pails, or mound on a paper-covered picnic table. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay if desired.

Smithsonian Reopening

If you need an indoor escape from the cicada swarm, many of the Smithsonian museums and galleries are reopening this month. In order to maintain public safety, most locations require visitors to book free timed-entry passes. See below for the re-opening timeline.

May 5th, 2021 : National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

May 14th, 2021 : National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and National Portrait Gallery

May 21st, 2021 : National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, and National Zoo

Click here to visit the Smithsonian website and book your free timed-entry pass

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Mother's Day

T-minus 10 days until Mother’s Day. Read below for some of our gift ideas and places to find Mother’s Day brunch!

Gift Ideas

Through Friday, April 30 - save $15 on Mother’s Day gift boxes $100 or more! There are some amazing selections here, people!

Fresh Sends Flowers curate fresh and modern arrangements (and they also come with a custom designed card). They focus on freshness and seasonality, so you don’t know exactly what arrangement you will get, but you can check out their Instagram to see their weekly color palette.

And for a free gift idea, try this!

Don’t want the mom in your life to cook?

If you want to dine out, Osteria Morini is offering a 3 course mother’s day brunch for $55 (they have indoor and patio seating!)

For your take out option, Rose’s Luxury is offering a take-home Mother’s Day brunch for two.

The 2021 DC Michelin Stars were also conveniently just released.

ROAD TRIPS

If you’re looking for a summer vacation destination, you may be running into increased competition for rentals this summer - clearly everyone is itching to get out and get to the beach. While the sun and sand are nice, there’s nothing like getting out on the open road. The Washington Post shared a nice spread in their Travel section this weekend on 49 new National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. They also have this earlier piece on covid travel tips.

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Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! We have some Earth Day tips and streaming recommendations for you this week.

DC Day of Action

Volunteer this Saturday, May 1 to encourage DC Residents to register for the COVID 19 vaccine!

Earth Day

10 things we’ve learned about Earth since the last Earth Day

National Geographic kicked off Earth Day with a new series “Secrets of the Whales” on Disney+

Earth Day ways to take action!

Get inspired at home — Buzzfeed’s list of what to watch for Earth Day this year

Tips to help the planet

Courtesy of Nat Geo:

• In its lifetime, one reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags.

• Recycling one can of soda will save enough energy to power a tv for three hours.

• Shutting down a computer when it's not in use cuts the energy consumption by 85 percent.

• For every mile walked instead of driven, nearly one pound of pollution is kept out of the air.

Food Inspo

The Washingtonian mapped every place to eat and drink on the water

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Twitter for the win this week!

A spectacular catch

State tier list

Confessions of an Ikea worker

Picnic Weather

This week we are excited to welcome a new member to the team, and share a little inspiration for your next picnic!

Welcome to the MAA Team Stephen!

Meet Stephen, our newest member of the MAA team! A native of Washington, D.C., Stephen attended Gonzaga College High School and developed an interest in politics and government.  In 2018, he earned his master’s degree in modern history from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he wrote his dissertation on Franklin Roosevelt.

Prior to joining MAA, Stephen worked as a field organizer and regional organizing director on the Biden campaign where he worked in New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, Georgia, and Maine. 

Stephen is happy to be back in Washington, running in Rock Creek Park, and going to the Smithsonian museums, especially the National Gallery. 

Georgtown Glow

Georgetown GLOW is running now through Sunday, June 27. GLOW is a free curated outdoor public light art experience. Admission is free and you can learn more about it here!

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Watch this to feel better about your parallel parking skills.

Picnic Inspo

With the beautiful weather we’ve been having, my biggest recommendation to you all is to take a picnic! Recently, Kristy and I had an afternoon picnic at Lincoln Park and brought our dog, Luna, with. We threw a blanket into a bag, along with crackers, brie, wine and Scrabble. The afternoon sun, mixed with a light breeze made for a perfect environment to relax in.

Whether your way to relaxation is from board games, books/podcasts, or something else, make sure you get outside before the hot and humid weather starts. This spring has brought new florals to the trees, and it has also brought me a new optimism for the rest of the year. I hope you can all find that too! - Jacob

Picnic Catering

The Fainting Goat is delivering group picnic baskets, snack packs, s’mores kits and adult juice boxes to Logan Circle!

Picnic Recipe

A delicious sun-dried tomato, white bean, and goat cheese pasta salad courtesy of Half Baked Harvest!

Masters Sunday

@themasters

Congrats to Hideki Matsuyama — Japan's first ever Masters champion!