“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great.”
Read Our Winter 2023 Issue
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REBOOT. We’re entering 2023 with a renewed sense of purpose for District Fray. My editorial team and I spent the last few months reimagining how we want to tell stories, both narratively and visually, for our readers. Everything we do is through the lens of what we believe resonates with locals, from highlighting individuals making an impact on our community to providing insight into our burgeoning creative scene. While we’re bringing back some of our favorite annual themes, like arts & culture and style, we’re also playing with some new ideas. From a camp-themed adventure issue in June to a celebration of all things spooky in October, we’re really excited for this year’s editorial lineup.
We’re kicking the year off with our Reboot Issue, delving into personal, professional and even community transformation. Chad Kinsman interviews cover subjects Dawson Saint Jour and Mona Laviñia Garcia about exploring fitness that fits your lifestyle, Laura Silverman walks us through the basics of mindful drinking, Annie Agnone deep dives into non-monogamy’s cultural moment and how to transform your personal space, and Alice Hu shares tips for unlocking your intuition. Nearly every piece in this issue touches upon the idea of embracing change and accepting who you are and what you need to be the best version of yourself.
On another note, February is my seven-year mark as editor of the magazine, and I readily admit that I still have so much more to learn. I’m constantly soaking up the knowledge and fabulous ideas of the talented minds around me, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve and where we go next. As always, thank you for supporting local journalism and staying on the ride with us for another year.
Cheers,
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURED
Changing Spaces: Transforming Your Home After a Life Change
In addition to impacting how we spend our time and energy, everything in our space can be seen as a symbol that tells a story about our lives.
Non-Monogamy 101: More Ways to Date in D.C.
Non-monogamy seems to be everywhere.
EAT
It’s All About Love: 5 Chefs Who Will Up Your Dessert Game for Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re a whiz with a whisk or have never cracked open your oven, these tips from five bakers and pastry chefs in D.C. will help you impress with your desserts.
If This Table Could Talk
The four-seat, red accented back booth at Capitol Hill mainstay The Monocle has hosted countless political luminaries.
Manifesting a Bakery
“There is this huge underground community of home bakers across the country that feels very much like a family.”
EAT
Global Appetite: How Food Binds my Mexican Community to its Roots
After marrying a Korean-Jewish woman, I created Mexican Chrismukkah, a new tradition where we open our home to friends and family in the style of a Mexican posada (inn).
DRINK
Off the Clock: Andra “AJ” Johnson
You’re going to go out to eat and drink. You might as well go where the pros eat and drink.
The ABCs of Mindful Drinking
What is mindful drinking, you ask? It’s essentially the practice of being aware of why and how much alcohol one drinks.
MUSIC
DMV Sounds: February 2023
It’s always a good idea to go to a show. It’s an even better idea to go do a new type of show.
Jack Kays: A Cincinnati Punk Kid Who Found Home in D.C.
“Music is an outlet for me. I write as if I were writing in a diary, and it’s all very fast.”
Artist Collective Everything Nice Knows How to Rock D.C.
“We love the D.C. area and scene. If you can rock a D.C. party, you can rock a party anywhere.”
CULTURE
Film Picks: February 2023
Every night in D.C. (and some afternoons), you can catch a limited release screening at world class museums, libraries and art house theaters.
True Grit + True Spirit: A Conversation with D.C. Artist Nekisha Durrett
“Durrett’s artwork lifts a veil, linking the past and present. And it’s everywhere, celebrating the lives and loves of those who call D.C. home.”
Girls Who Paint Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
Sarah Renzi Sanders and Angie Meche Kilcullen look forward to building on the success of their Kensington, Maryland-based gallery.
CULTURE
Arika VanBrunt on the Healing Power of Art Therapy
“Art therapy helps us engage the whole body and expression going past words. Art making helps us tap into that less conscious material and create something tangible.”
Inside Igor’s Custom
For Igor, this is a normal Monday and his little slice of heaven, a chance to leave his literal fingerprints on exotic automobiles and museum-worthy pieces by adding intricate pinstripes and funky lettering.
LIFE
Reading List: Winter 2023
We asked Bold Fork Books owner Clementine Thomas to recommend some cookbooks she’s most excited about for 2023.
Local Tourist: Columbia Heights
While Columbia Heights isn’t the geographical center of Washington, D.C., I like to think it’s really the heart of the District.
Unlocking Your Intuition
Three women of D.C. talk how accessing your intuition is to have a deep understanding of yourself.
LIFE
Skincare is Self-Care: Tips on Finding the Right Skincare Routine
Becky Waddell, owner of Take Care, offers tips to set you on the right path for an attainable, wellness-focused skincare routine.
Members Only: Alyssa Bonk
I champion the businesses I care about and believe in to get them the recognition they deserve.
The Soundtrack of D.C.: 6 Local Podcasts to Follow
The following D.C. podcasters capture this sound in their individual niches, interviewing and highlighting the people, things and thoughts that make the District what it is.
LIFE
Transforming How the District Prioritizes Self-Care with Tara Purnell
“I’m very interested in decolonizing wellness and creating more accessible and inclusive means to wellbeing.”
PLAY
Players’ Club: Thomas Emerick
We feature flag football superstar Thomas Emerick, who fills us in on everything from team nicknames and football strategies to his favorite post-game bar.
Wizards Plan a Spring to Remember
The team has plenty of exciting events happening on and off the court.
Dylan Strome is a Bargain for the Caps
“The team has been doing great and after our long Western Canada road trip, we really came together and started playing a lot better.”
PLAY
Beginner’s Guide: How to Dress for Cold Weather Running
I’ve hit a sustainable cold weather stride mainly revolving around attire.
FUN
Photo Hunt: Winter 2023
It’s not that damn difficult.
Photo Hunt Answer Key: Winter 2023
See the answer key.
Crossword: Winter 2023
However you might change this year, we hope this crossword remains a constant.
FUN
Crossword Answer Key: Winter 2023
No cheating!