Alexis Williams • January 17, 2014

For Kelley Proxmire, more color is better – especially when designing a room. Her interior design company, Kelley Interior Design, prides itself on brightening up any space with a fun, yet classic, flare.

While always remaining true to her classic style and timelessness, Proxmire believes no room is ever fully dressed without a pop of color. Her L’Orangerie show room, featured in this year’s DC Design House in Spring Valley, is a testament to her holy grail of color hues.

The former ballroom turned intimate sunroom features long, tangerine colored drapes by Ellen Goodman that shade mirrored Palladian windows. Another highlight is the Manuel Canovas toile table skirt accented in an orange, gray and white pattern.

“When you look at that room, you’ll see some things are skirted. Some things are legs, some are soft, some are straight,” she said. “It’s a blending.”

The sophisticated sunroom is merely a prelude to the Bethesda designer’s extensive portfolio. A fixture in the DC metropolitan area for more than 20 years, Proxmire has a wealth of knowledge and accolades that showcase what she refers to as her “innate talent.” Most notably, Proxmire was inducted into the Washington Design Center’s Hall of Fame in 2009.

“I was so happy,” she said of her induction. “I think it was that I use the Design Center a lot, so the design makers probably saw my face too much. But I’m very flattered.”

Before the Hall of Fame honor, Proxmire said her experience working for fellow inductee Bob Waldron impelled her to design. “I started in the ’80s,” she said. “I definitely had on-the-job training. Bob did say to me, ‘Some have it, some don’t. You do, so go.’ And I realized I had ‘it,’ and I’ve worked like a dog over the years.”

Today, if one cannot find Proxmire perusing patterns at the Washington Design Center, she is most likely tailoring her traditional style to set it apart from other designers.

“Everybody says that they’re timeless,” she said. “But I really do like to think that there’s some time-element involved that will be in style for a long time. I’d hate to do something and then have it outdated in five years.”

She chooses to avoid the trendy route by accentuating rooms with unique pieces of art or accessories. “I always like to have some funky pieces in the room, and by ‘funky’ I mean one-of-a-kind,” she said. “Either it’s antique or vintage or something different.”

Inspired by designers such as Billy Baldwin, David Easton and Mark Hampton, Proxmire said she is moved by new styles everyday. “I spend my time at the end of the day either online on blogs, looking at magazines or looking at my files of rooms that I love and I get inspired all over again. Almost every night is spent doing some sort of work.”

Merging her love of design with a strong work ethic and business-minded media team, Proxmire defines her projects as having a “tailored traditional” style that emphasizes three fundamental elements.

“When I look at a space, the first thing I think about is that it has to be practical, especially if I’m designing for a family,” she said. “It has to be pretty or handsome. And then, I want my rooms to look inviting.”

Whether armed with a customer’s vision for a future room, a piece of furniture or simply a section of fabric, Proxmire said her designs reflect a cooperative and collaborative effort from both parties. “I think I have a range, and I think [my projects] reflect my clients unless they come to me and say, ‘I want your look.’ Fine, I can do that, too. But, it’s usually a blending.”

For potential clients, she suggests being prepared for the detailed road ahead. “Number one is choosing a designer and having a plan,” she said. “Look up all the websites and see if you know the designer. A lot of my clients are personal recommendations.”

For those choosing to design themselves, she urges the use of floor plans in order to coordinate between rooms. “In other words, if you’re going to have a design, then be systematic about that,” she said.

As Proxmire’s calendar continues to fill up with more projects, her enthusiasm for interior design and long-standing relationships with clients serve as the driving forces behind her success.

“I’ve done 21 show houses in 11 years,” she said. “That’s sick, but that’s just because I love the design aspect and the free rein, and I can put it all together pretty quickly. Then to see it all come together, it’s just such fun.”

Although designing and managing a business are key to Proxmire, she believes trust is essential between designers and clients.

“Over the years, I think customers become more relaxed and more assured that we’ll do a good job for them,” she said. “Some of them just say, ‘I really don’t know about this, Kel.’ And I’m thinking it’s going to make the room. So, I just really have to try to sell it and say, ‘It’s going to be fabulous. Trust me.’”? [gallery ids="100895,128266,128259,128232,128254,128249,128241" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • November 6, 2012

As the summer winds down, there is still time for one last, luxurious vacation. Whether you are looking for a secluded, romantic getaway or a good, old-fashioned family trip, these lavish hotels are sure to suit your needs.

The Lodge at Woodloch
If it is relaxation that you seek, sneak away to The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa resort in Hawley, Pa. Treat yourself to the Lodge’s Restorative Herbal massage at the spa, strike a pose during group yoga class, or go on an outdoor adventure through the Pocono Mountains.

That’s only the beginning. Director of public relations for the Lodge, Brooke Jennings, said the serenity of the resort’s location, the multitude of activities and the emphasis on the great outdoors coincide with the Lodge’s mission of “personal awakening and bringing nature in.”

“Sometimes, you get so caught up in life,” she said. “So, it’s nice to go up to the Lodge and realize who you are, find your passions again and get energized and excited about life.”

In its 58 rooms, guests are free to lounge on a private veranda and gaze at the beauty of nature that surrounds them. With three on-site gardens, which produce fresh herbs, the Lodge aims to promote a healthier lifestyle to its guests.

“One of our most popular programs is our Herbal Workshop,” Jennings said. “Our herbalist teaches people how to balance their bodies with nature.”

However, Jennings said, a key element to the Lodge is choice. Guests have an infinite amount of options to choose from to help them clear their minds. Such choices include a game of golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs’s 18-hole championship course, a dip in the Lodge’s Aqua Garden with Hydrotherapy WaterWalls or a group or one-on-one training session in the CardioWeight Studio.

“Some people are going to [the Lodge] to relax and some are going to do a lot of activities,” Jennings said. “We cultivate choice of how much or how little a guest wants to do.”

From Aug. 16 to 18, the Lodge will host an artistically invigorating series of workshops, “Nurture Your Creativity,” at no cost to guests. Activities will include sketching, painting, creative writing, baking, and more. For more information, visit thelodgeatwoodloch.com or call 866-953-8500 to make a reservation.

The Goodstone Inn and Estate

Coziness and comfort are merely an hour away at the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. Sprawling over 265 acres, this historic and pristinely private estate is nestled in the heart of Middleburg, Va. Equipped with a renovated barn that houses a spa and an award-winning restaurant serving Modern American-French country cuisine, the Goodstone is perfect for a weekend escape.

Guests are welcome to partake in the Goodstone’s Goose Creek Picnics where they can enjoy snacking on an assortment of food prepared by executive chef William Walden. For more adventurous guests, hiking, walking and canoeing are also popular activities.

Marketing head Jane Rader said the traditional style of the Goodstone adds to its appeal.
“It’s so old world,” she said. “But it’s got every amenity.”

The 18 guest rooms of the more-than 200-year-old establishment have dramatic views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, and each are decorated in a French country style. Rader said the Goodstone’s peaceful atmosphere is what captures guests’ hearts.

“It has a beautiful feel,” she said. “It’s a little bit of heaven on earth.”

She added that top-of-the-line clientele, including celebrities and politicians, have been known to flee to the Goodstone for a relaxing stay. Moreover, the estate has become a premiere wedding location.

Until Aug. 31, the Goodstone is featuring a “Summer Indulgence Getaway” package for those looking for a weekend of peace and quiet. Featuring a one or two-night stay, two passes to a local vineyard for wine tasting, and a Goodstone Spa gift, this is one soothing stay you won’t want to get away. To learn more about this historic haven of relaxation, explore goodstone.com, or call 570-687-3333 for a reservation.

The Manor on Golden Pond

Fall in love all over again at the Manor on Gold Pond. Owners Brian and Mary Ellen Shields know how to treat guests to a weekend of romance at the luxurious New Hampshire resort.

As the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film, “On Golden Pond,” starring Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda, the Manor’s dreamy allure and 12-acre stretch are bound to entrance guests. Brian said the quietness and quality service are what give the Manor top marks.

“It is targeted as a romantic getaway,” he said. “It has a nice sense of space.”

The 24-room property features real wood-burning fireplaces and two exquisite restaurants. At Van Horn Dining Room, guests are offered season dishes and more than 200 wines to choose from, while M Bistro includes organic French food options. For those in need of pampering, Brian suggests one of the many spa packages.

“All of the spa packages include the spa lunch,” he said. “The ‘Thirst Quencher’ has become very popular.”

Lose your troubles in 100 minutes of ecstasy. Enjoy an herbal body butter wrap, a facial, aromatherapy hand and foot treatments, and a spa lunch served with the house wine. If sports are more your speed, grab a tennis racquet for a game on the Manor’s clay court or slip into a bathing suit for a swim in the oversized, outdoor, heated pool. At the end of the day, delight in the English décor of the guest rooms of this lovely bed and breakfast. If you and your love would like a holiday away, visit manorongoldenpond.com or call 603-968-3348.

Other Resting Retreats

The Inn at Irving Place (New York) — Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Greenwich Village and Soho, this nurturing nook nestled in two refurbished townhouses treats guests like Victorian socialites. If seclusion is your style, then this very private hotel will suit you perfectly. Without a sign in front to denote its location, the hustle and bustle of New York City is the least of your worries. Revel in the large, European-style guest rooms or enjoy an afternoon five-course tea and delectable finger foods at Lady Mendel’s Tea Salon. Seek out serenity at 212-533-4600, or visit innatirving.com.

The Inn at Montchanin Village (Delaware) – At this timeless estate, guests are welcome to experience a long, relaxing weekend in one of the 11 restored houses dating from 1799 to 1910. Snuggle up to an inviting fire, enjoy the solitude of a private, landscaped courtyard, or take in the amenities of the modern age at the Spa at Montchanin Village. Call 302-888-2133 or visit montchanin.com to find out more.
[gallery ids="100933,129825,129819" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams •

Nestled in the farmlands of New Windsor, Md., Shepherds Manor Creamery is the premiere destination for sheep cheese in the state. As one of approximately 100 sheep dairy farms in the United States, Shepherds Manor produces artisan sheep cheese and soap.

Sheep dairy farmers and proprietors of Shepherds Manor Creamery, Colleen and Michael Histon, participated in this year’s Chefs Go Fresh motorcycle rally. As hosts of the first stop on the excursion, the two gave visiting chefs a private tour of their sheep milking and cheese aging facilities. The Histons ended their presentation with samples of their artisan cheeses including feta and tome for the chefs.

“It was kind of a whirlwind,” Colleen Histon said of Chefs Go Fresh. “I thought it was great to meet all the people that we met but I wish we’d had more time so that we could show people more of the facility.”

The farm was awarded with the Carroll County Department of Economic Development’s Agribusiness Award in 2011 and has gained much notoriety for their agricultural diversity. Histon said that after Chefs Go Fresh, she and her husband were able to network with many of the chefs and restaurant owners.

“I was happy for the exposure and we did try to connect with some of the people that expressed interest,” she said. “We did get a few business cards and are actually planning on trying to use that information to contact them at a later date.”

As the Histons continue to expand their sheep cheese empire, their next big cheese showcase will be at the 29th annual Maryland Wine Festival from Sept. 15 to 16. For more information on Shepherds Manor Creamery, visit shepherdsmanorcreamery.com or call (240) 388-6633 to set up a visit. ?

Alexis Williams •

Can’t shake the cupcake craving? Sprinkles Cupcakes has you covered. There are murmurs around the cobbled streets of Georgetown that the cupcake connoisseurs are planning to open a cupcake ATM. Yes… you heard correctly. A cupcake ATM. And they’re planning to do it as soon as next month!

With the battle of FroYo versus Cupcakes as the trendier anytime snack, Sprinkles ATM might just be the deciding factor. First premiering at their Beverly Hills location, the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM is impossible to miss due to its multicolored paint job.

And with the success of the west coast venture come plans to expand. Sprinkles ATM might just give the famed residential cupcake shop, Georgetown Cupcake, a run for their money. Dieters beware of the blue, green, pink, and magenta hues of the Sprinkles ATM—they’re sure to summon you for a delicious dessert.

The 24-hour ATM is continuously restocked with fresh cupcakes ranging in flavors from red velvet to peanut butter chocolate. They even stock cupcake dog treats for your dog!

At $4 each, Sprinkles Cupcakes won’t break the bank and are sure to satisfy. Be on the lookout for the multicolored cupcake sensation this August in Georgetown at 3015 M St. NW.

Alexis Williams •

The Smithsonian’s Ocean Initiative program hosted “Sustainable Seafood: Ensuring a Healthy Supply,” a sustainable seafood dinner at the National Museum of Natural History. The June 7 event, which addressed the importance of maintaining safe seafood supplies, strategically fell on the eve of World Ocean Day. What does “sustainable” mean to the Smithsonian as well as for fish? “ ‘Sustainable’ means species can maintain a healthy population and the natural balance is not disrupted by harvesting,” according to the Natural History Museum.

While the Ocean Initiative’s sustainability message was prominent throughout the night, the hors d’oeuveres and entrees prepared by some of Washington’s top chefs, including Victor Albisu, Jeff and Barbara Black and Mike Isabella were equally enticing. With a reception in the Sant Ocean Hall, guests were treated to an array of dishes, cocktails and wine while perusing various educational stations run by scientists and chefs who explained the nutritional risks and benefits of seafood. Some of the appetizers included Upper Bay Eastern Shore oysters from Rappahannock River Oysters, Blue Bay Mussel salad from Hank’s Oyster Bar and smoked trout panna cotta with smoked steelhead trout caviar from RIS. Majestic Café provided Maryland striped bass sashimi, Thai chili, sesame seeds, nori and daikon, while Moorenko’s Ice Cream Café brought a selection of ice cream. Finally, BlackSalt arranged bronzini ceviche with squid and small shrimp.

In the museum’s rotunda, a four-course dinner followed the reception where guests listened to a keynote address by Steven Phillips, CEO of Phillips Seafood restaurants. The meal included velvet corn soup, jumbo lump Maryland crab, and roasted peppers from The Source by Wolfgang Puck. A grilled fillet of red grouper with diver scallop, yellow potato mousseline, fava beans, silver queen corn reduction and tempura soft shell crab from chef Richard Hetzler of Mitsitam Native Foods Café complimented those dishes. The meal was topped off with a cheese course and an almond and peach tart tatin, caramel ice cream, apricot gastrique and streusel for dessert, which were also provided by The Source.

The dinner was sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Marine Fisheries Service, Wegman’s Food Markets and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. [gallery ids="100881,127499" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • September 21, 2012

Who said museums are a no-play zone? The National Building Museum’s interactive miniature golf course exhibit features a one-of-a-kind, 12-hole course that people of all ages are welcome to play on.

Designed by some of the D.C. area’s most innovative architects and construction firms, such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Hargrove Inc., and District Design, the indoor mini-golf course debuted on July 4 and will stay open until Sept. 3. With mini-golf history facts highlighted on the museum walls, the exhibit allows visitors to learn about the game while playing on the designers’ challenging courses.

For $5 per round or $3 per round with purchase of the full-price museum exhibition admission ticket, the mini-golf course is a nice afternoon get-away for families, co-workers or friends. Visit www.nbm.org for more information, or call 202 272 2448. [gallery ids="100898,128282,128270,128275" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams •

Georgetown has always been the center of flourishing fashion in D.C., and the Sept. 6 fashion and retail festivities proved up to the task. The streets were alive with the sound of clicking heels and ringing cash registers as shoppers flocked to their favorite boutiques for the third annual Georgetown Fashion’s Night Out.

A block party of epic proportions, FNO is a global initiative sponsored by Vogue Magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America and is held in the most fashionable cities in the world including New York City, Los Angeles, Milan and Paris. In addition to supporting local fashion businesses, FNO also serves as a philanthropy event. This year, volunteers sold FNO themed t-shirts, tank tops, and tote bag to benefit the DC-based Vital Voices Global Partnership.

The after-hours shopping extravaganza, sponsored by the Georgetown Business Improvement District, brought out some notable faces including celebrity stylist and image expert Paul Wharton of “Real Housewives of D.C.” fame and local NBC4 news anchor Angie Goff. Fashion lovers dressed up in their most stylish clothes with women working it in maxi skirts, fitted tops, dresses and more to men donning dapper three-piece suits just in time for fall.

With a myriad of events to choose from and more than100 stores, restaurants, and salons participating in FNO, crowds of all ages invaded M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. For instance, under a huge, white tent on Dean and Deluca’s patio, attendees were invited to sip free drinks and dance the night away at a party sponsored by BrightestYoungThings. Along with shopping bags, those who stopped into Georgetown Cupcake also carried around a free red velvet cupcake. DC Scout hosted an FNO party of their own at Cusp that included a styling session with personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, Meredith Liberty. Men’s clothing store, the Streets of Georgetown, celebrated its “Man’s Cave”; Tari offered a “Glamourazzi Makeover Contest”; Ella Rue held a “Positively P Street” party.

Following the success of this year’s FNO and with autumn on the horizon, we can bet that D.C. will continue to be one of the best-dressed cities in the world. [gallery ids="102477,120509,120546,120533,120517,120525,120539,120553" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • August 10, 2012

Impending Fourth of July celebrations did not stop members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from detonating fireworks and explosives June 26 on the National Mall. As part of its annual fireworks safety demonstration, the commission reenacted seven dangerous scenarios based on information staffers collected in 2011 of injuries sustained by fireworks. The demonstration also featured guest speakers from introduced the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

From bottle rocket blunders and sparkler slip-ups to homemade firework flops, the CPSC displayed the consequences even the slightest misuse could cause. As onlookers watched and heard the snaps, crackles, and pops of products such as m-1000s, quick match professional fuses, and aerial shells, test mannequins lost limbs and watermelons were obliterated. The finale of the demonstration featured a replication of a homemade firework that killed a 51-year-old man last year. Once detonated, the tiny living room display was instantly blown to pieces within seconds.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said that 9,600 persons were treated in U.S. hospitals last year for fireworks-related injuries and four deaths occurred. Some of these injuries included severe burns and loss of fingers. As for the deaths, which were caused by illegal devices, the victims suffered from head and face trauma when the device exploded. In one instance, a victim was decapitated. Moreover, according to the CPSC, 65 percent of all fireworks injuries in 2011 were sustained during the 30 days surrounding Independence Day. In regards to illegal fireworks, Tenenbaum urged the public to heed the CPSC’s warnings. “Don’t make them, don’t purchase them, and don’t go near them,” she said.

She went on to introduce the PHMSA Administrator, Cynthia Quarterman, who provided guidelines on fireworks transportation safety. Quarterman said PHMSA is responsible for approving the safety of fireworks used for both the annual Independence Day and the Cherry Blossom celebrations held on the National Mall. Quarterman added that although PHMSA, CPSC, and ATF are separate entities, they are bound by one, common goal. “We want to assure that everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July,” she said. An overlooked aspect of fireworks safety, she mentioned, was the transportation of fireworks. As a result, Quarterman provided five tips to prevent firework transportation fatalities. First, never attempt to light fireworks in a car. Second, never smoke while lighting fireworks. Third, when transporting fireworks, place them in the trunk. Fourth, always transport fireworks in a spark-proof container such as a cardboard box. Finally, when driving a vehicle that does not have a trunk, keep fireworks out of the sunlight.

Following Quarterman, the Assistant Director of Enforcement Programs and Services for ATF, Arthur Herbert, explained how to spot the differences between legal and illegal fireworks and explosives. While legal fireworks are typically brightly colored, illegal fireworks, some commonly known as m-80s, m-1000s or cherry bombs, are either wrapped in plain, brown or silver tubes and are unlabeled. “Know the difference before you buy,” Herbert said. “Both are extremely dangerous even if they aren’t misused.” His personal safety tips were two-fold: leave firework detonations to the professionals and, more importantly, abide by the law. Federal permits are required to detonate and distribute fireworks. With Independence Day quickly approaching, be sure to check out the CPSC’s fireworks statistics to help keep you and your family safe this holiday. [gallery ids="100868,127176,127169" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • August 2, 2012

There is still time to catch a show at the Seventh Annual Capital Fringe Festival, which continues until July 29. With more than 140 productions, the vast selection has performances for all age groups.

For adult audiences, comedienne Vijai Nathan’s one-woman show, “McGoddess,” is grade-A humor with a side of religious insight. As the only American-born member of her Indian family, Nathan grapples with which traditions to embrace and ignore. The main issue is her family’s unabashed love of McDonald’s, which conflicts with her mother’s Hindu beliefs in the sacredness of cows. Nathan, who also wrote and directed the play, expands upon her journey of understanding the concept of God — all while influenced by a traditional Hindu mother, a born-again Christian sister and a cynical, Marxist father. With non-stop jokes and countless embarrassing yet relatable family stories, “McGoddess” is a provocative and clever performance that will have you craving for more laughs and a Big Mac.

As for a family affair, hear ye, hear ye, fair subjects of Georgetown! All ye in attendance at Scott Courlander’s “Medieval Story Land” are in for a treat. Noble and naïve elf Todd must fulfill his destiny by going on an epic quest to save the kingdom of Medieval Story Land from its impending doom. But fear thou not, for this show is the furthest thing from “Lord of the Rings.” With sword in tow, a disgraced knight, an overzealous dwarf, and a wisecracking troll accompany Todd on his pursuit. Along the way, he must wrestle up the courage to slay dragons, fight an evil army, triumph over a mystical wizard and defeat the eerie “dark, black darkness.” Entertaining for both children and adults, “Medieval Story Land” gives a wonderfully effortless twist on the classic renaissance hero story.

Visit capfringe.org for ticket information, or call 866-811-4111. Catch “McGoddess” on July 26, 7:30 p.m., or July 28, 9:15 p.m.; “Medieval Story Land,” July 28, 7:15 p.m., or July 29, noon. Both shows are performed at the Milton Theatre at the Studio Theatre located on 1501 14th St., N.W. [gallery ids="100914,128721" nav="thumbs"]