When I met with Leslie Combemale on Wednesday morning, she was cheerful and energetic even though she had been working all through the night. But if your job was to see an early release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the middle of the night, and then write a film review before coming to the art gallery that you…

Internet shopping might be the best thing to happen to gift-giving since Santa Claus, and it’s even easy to support local talent online. To help with your holiday shopping, we’ve assembled this list of books released in 2015 by Reston-area authors. So pull up your cozy blanket and glass of wine, check those gifts off your list, and make some local writers…

The author of one of my son’s favorite books, Dozi the Alligator Finds a Family, lives right here in Northern Virginia. My son has excellent taste, too; the book is a gorgeously illustrated story with charming rhyme and humor. The whole premise is funny — the book stars a young alligator who secretly hitches a ride in a kid’s stroller at…

These days, there are a slew of specialized gyms and fitness studios to choose from. Some are familiar, like yoga and boxing, but some are shrouded in a veil of mystery and myths, like CrossFit. Last month we challenged ourselves at Pure Barre Reston. This month, I (Michelle) stepped out of my comfort zone and walked into…

During my interview with artist Anne Smyers in the Reston Community Center about her current exhibit there, she was frequently stopped by admirers of her work. “Are you the artist? Your work is extraordinary!” “There are no words, wow.” “My grandmother used to quilt, and I’d love to learn to make ones like yours.” “Your handwork is magnificent.” And…

We have officially entered into Fall. Gone are the light ceviches and heirloom tomato salads that dotted menus across town. Chefs are busy revamping their offerings with autumnal flavors and slightly heavier dishes. We thought it would be fun to see how some of our favorite restaurants in and around Reston are incorporating Fall produce such as…

There has been a lot of buzz lately about barre workouts — ballet/yoga/pilates-inspired classes that focus on isometric strength training with high reps of small movements. These exercises are typically done at a ballet barre or on a mat with props like resistance bands and light weights. Studios have been popping up like mushrooms, touting benefits…

This has been a week of reflection as we celebrate the life of Bob Simon and the founding of Reston. Much has been said about Simon’s community vision where people work together, live together and inspire one another. Reston is one of the nation’s most successful planned communities because of these concepts, but what does that look like…

There’s a new sport that’s catching on around the country, and it was invented right here in Reston. It’s called Paddle Polo, and it’s a combination of lacrosse and stand-up paddleboarding. This sport originates from a product created by local entrepreneur Steve Gurney, who also runs the paddleboarding company Surf Reston. He created a lacrosse stick attachment for paddles…