While lazily exploring Instagram via the hashtag #RestonVA one day, I stumbled upon the most breathtaking floral arrangements I had ever seen. Literally, these pics were showstoppers. I had to find out more. Who was behind these stunning works of art? Are they local? Could I arrange to renew my vows in the next week so I…
Posts By: Michelle Schoening
Reston Winter Prep: 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home Cheaply
The weather gurus at The Old Farmer’s Almanac are predicting that this winter we will receive another arctic blast with above-normal snowfall. Well, if that doesn’t get you all excited for winter, I don’t know what will! Sarcasm aside, it’s time to actually prepare for this onslaught rather than just cross our fingers and tell ourselves that everyone’s exaggerating….
Cheese Plate Basics: Building a Simple Yet Impressive Spread
This week’s installment in our holiday food series — CHEESE! The holiday decorations are up and a steady stream of friends and family is flowing through your door for hot toddys, mulled wine and yuletide cheer. Why not take this opportunity to impress them with your entertaining skills by putting out a gorgeous spread of cheeses and meats to…
Four Retro Cocktails for a Swanky Holiday Party
‘Tis the season for cocktail parties! What better way to celebrate the holidays than with nostalgic, retro libations? These classic (and classy) drinks are guaranteed to impress your friends and take your party to the next level.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christkindlmarkt
[This article is from 2014. For this year’s schedule, refer to our article about the 2016 Reston Christkindlmarkt.] December is finally upon us! With it come the lights, decorations and festive merriment of the holidays. At Modern Reston, one of our most favorite holiday events is the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) Christkindlmarkt here in Reston. This year it…
Save Room for Dessert: Where to Get the Best Pies Nearby
This week we’ve covered turkey, wine, side dishes and vegetarian options for your Thanksgiving meal. Hopefully, you’ve saved room for dessert because today it’s pie time! We’ve explored Reston and surrounding areas for the next best thing to homemade. Pumpkin, apple or pecan — these pies are sure to loosen some belts and make you the hero…
Unconventional Turkey Ideas & One Local’s Outrageous Recipe
Tired of the same tired dry turkey year after year? You are not alone. Much to the chagrin of family members, I feel no sentimentality towards a plain old roasted turkey. This year, with a slew of houseguests, I have decided to push the envelope and have gone in search of unconventional recipes to blow…
Thanksgiving Wine Pairings: Talking Shop with Wine Guy Andy Creemer
Hosting a crowd of people for Thanksgiving? Tasked with bringing wine to someone else’s house? Then this article is for you! We asked longtime Restonian and resident “Wine Guy” Andy Creemer to select a few wines that best pair with a beloved turkey and all the trimmings. Andy has worked for MacArthur Beverages in D.C. since…
Kissing Cable Goodbye & Saying Hello to Streaming Content
As part of our Guest Writer Series, Reston resident Charlie Schoening relays his experiences unshackling himself from the cable box and replacing it with something more streamlined.
ArtsPlay: A New Literature-Based Art & Drama Program for Preschoolers
I am blessed to have two very different kids with two very different talents. One is extremely imaginative and has been drawing recognizable people since age 2 and the other is a linguist and a realist. In an effort to push child #2 out of his comfort zone, I went in search of an arts program…
The Touring Artist Series and “Parents Time Out” at CenterStage
You are probably privy to the fabulous productions at CenterStage in the Reston Community Center due to their beautiful program arriving at your door each season. But chances are you haven’t heard of their inaugural Parents Time Out program. This year, CenterStage has chosen four of it’s performances to offer complete childcare for the entirety of the show for children…
A Restonian’s Take on The Smithsonian’s ‘Beyond Bollywood’ Exhibit
Modern Reston is excited to present our next guest post! From time to time, we’ll hand the mic to others in our community who have something interesting to say. Please feel free to submit your ideas here. Please give your undivided attention to Reston Resident Shefali Chandan as she explores the current Smithsonian exhibit Beyond Bollywood: Indian…