The nose knows. Vote for the most creative florist, soothing aromatherapist, or other purveyor of ode-worthy odors.
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Lamar Brown Carafe Wine Makers
Founder Lamar Brown guides wine lovers through the process of concocting a bespoke vino at Carafe Wine Makers, the first microwinery in the area. Read More
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Originally published on November 9, 2007
House Blend
Carafe Wine Makers
You have mad blending skills. You’re a magician when it comes to covering up an unsightly facial Vesuvius. And you could go into business with your to-die-for smoothies.
Which means you’ll probably be a pro at Carafe Wine Makers, the new microwinery opening tomorrow in Alexandria, where you can concoct your own personalized vino.
No experience is necessary. You just show up, sample selections (think Great White Gewürztraminer, Midnight Cabernet Sauvignon, and Classic Vidal Blanc) from the tasting bar, and work with an expert to determine the right grapes to suit your palate. Then you choose a name and customize your labels.
They take care of the actual winemaking. You just show up to taste, bottle, label, and cork your varietal.
Which is guaranteed not to blend in with the others.
Carafe Wine Makers, 111 South Alfred Street, Alexandria (703-739-5850 or carafewines.com). -
Michael Lanni Volanni
Michael Lanni, a conceptual floral designer, will come to your house and help craft a customized window box or patio planter no matter how small the space. Read More
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Originally published on May 7, 2007
Secret Garden
Spring Gardens by Volanni
The only time you had a green thumb was when you picked up a fungus from that suspicious-looking nail salon.
But Michael Lanni of Volanni florists is about to change that, big time. The conceptual floral designer has just started offering spring planting services. He’ll come fill your window boxes or patio planters with blooms or get your small garden underway — and figure out what works best in your space (light, size, shape) and what you want (color, texture, maintenance) in the process.
Best of all, Lanni will set you up with displays that are more like works of art than average outdoor arrangements. He incorporates sculptural elements (bamboo grids, steel pots), unusual combinations (peonies and rosemary), and varying styles (earthy and contemporary) to come up with something that is unexpected and totally suited to you.
Before long, you’ll have this gardening thing under your thumb.
Sans fungus, of course.
Michael Lanni, Volanni (202-547-1603 or volanni.com). -
Angela Spicer Synergy Day Spa
Angela Spicer, Synergy's founder, incorporates aromatherapy into treatments at the cozy spa. The lavender sinus massage lulls you into a nap for a quick, long-lasting pick-me-up. Read More
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Originally published on October 17, 2007
Nap Time
Synergy Power Nap Treatment
Hush, little lady, don’t say a word,
We’re going to tell you something we’ve heard.Synergy Spa’s got something for you,
The Power Nap treatment will make you feel new.Enter a room filled with beautiful smells,
And soothing scenes with light pastels.She rids your face of dirt and grime,
Then an enzyme mask for a bit of time.And if that fruit-based mask don’t fix,
The lavender sinus massage will do the trick.And if that massage don’t melt the stress,
The antiaging serum will be a success.And if that serum doesn’t solve your probs,
They’ll cover your lids in tea-soaked swabs.And if those swabs don’t make you well,
They’ll top it all off with a hydrating gel.At just 40 bucks it’ll be a hit,
Much, much better than your same old — stuff.
Available at Synergy Day Spa, 1806 Vernon Street NW, between 18th and 19th Streets, suite c (202-667-1855 or synergydayspa.net).