The building that houses Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato is set apart from its neighbors by one distinguishing feature: the cheeky hue of rosy-pink paint that envelopes its exterior. It makes sense, then, that this family-owned gelateria would be named "Casa Rosada," which, translated from Spanish to English, means "pink house."

Here, gelatos and dairy-sorbets are handmade in small batches, relying on fresh, seasonal ingredients and without artificial flavorings or coloring. Flavors run the gamut from the traditional (chocolate, pistachio, strawberry) to the unexpected (PB&J, banana split, soy vanilla). The shining star on the menu, however, might be the dulce de leche. This creamy, caramel-like delicacy draws inspiration from the founder's Argentine roots.

Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
111 S. Payne St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 349-1001
crgelato.com
www.yelp.com/biz/casa-rosada-artisan-gelato-alexandria-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jon Lodder

The coffee table may seem like a fairly standard piece of furniture found in any home, but by using a few designer-inspired home decor tips, you can transform yours into a statement piece that ties the whole room together. Try out these DIY decorating ideas made especially for your coffee table.

1. Add a stack of books. Coffee table books got their name because they were designed for, well, the coffee table, so it only makes sense to use them as such! Place a stack of beautiful books right in the center of your table to provide visual interest and spur conversation.
2. Place an accent piece on top. Once you stack your books, add something pretty on top, like a great smelling candle or a small figurine. This is also a great place for a lush, green plant.
3. Add a tray. Next to the stack of books, place an attractive tray to corral small items. Something in clear plastic, natural wood, or chic metallic are all great options.
4. Place knick-knacks inside. Fill the tray with smaller accent pieces, such as attractive ceramics, a flower vase, or even more candles. This tray can also serve a functional purpose if you use it to store remote controls or hold your keys once you enter the door.
5. Choose a color scheme. Choose a color scheme such as natural wood and white, or forgo the color scheme for an intentionally mismatched effect.

How to Style a Coffee Table [The Everygirl]
How to Style Your Coffee Table [Style Me Pretty: Living]
8 Stylish Tricks to Dress Up Your Coffee Table [Good Housekeeping]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Kalle Schärlund

Alexandria residents know that the one stop for both great tacos and dessert is La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria, a long-running local institution that offers an extensive menu of great dishes. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, nestled in an unappealing strip mall, but once you’re inside you’ll be in for a treat. As you’d expect, the tacos here are exceptional. Made in the classic, authentic style, they’re filled with your choice of meat. Some of the best choices are the moist, flavorful carnitas, the awesome barbacoa, and the carne asada, accented with lime, cilantro, onions, and great house-made salsa. Other intriguing menu items include the great tortas, made on bread baked fresh every hour. Once you’re fill, make room for the desserts. La Mexicana produces a huge variety of cakes, cookies, and Mexican delicacies, with regulars raving about the shell-shaped pastries known as conchas. Prices are very fair and service is fast and efficient.

La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria
2907 Arlington Drive
Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 717-0807
www.lamexicanabakery.net
www.yelp.com/biz/la-mexicana-bakery-and-taqueria-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/avlxyz