Miscellaneous
Best Of winners database
Every winner since the inception of the Blade readers’ poll in 2001
2001
Best brunch
Readers — Gabriel
Editors — Perry’s
Best overall dining
Readers — Annie’s
Editors — Mimi’s American Bistro
Best dessert
Readers — Marvelous Market
Editors — Sweetlicks Ice Cream Shoppe and Cafe
Best value
Readers — Trio
Editors — El Tamarindo
Most romantic
Readers — Two Quail
Editors — The Inn at Little Washington
Most trendy
Readers — Laurio Plaza
Editors — Thaiphoon
Tried and true
Readers — Cafe Luna
Editors — Duplex Diner
Best dance club
Readers — Nation
Editors — Badlands
Best country bar
Readers — Remington’s
Editor’s — Sheridan’s 1874 Old West Steakhouse
Best lesbian bar
Readers — Hung Jury
Editors — Phase 1
Best neighborhood pub
Readers — Townhouse Tavern
Editors — Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill
Best happy hour
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Hamburger Mary’s/Titan
Best leather bar
Readers/editors — D.C. Eagle
Best drag show
Readers — Ziegfeld’s
Editors — Feygele Feud
Most interesting crowd
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Club Chaos
Best place to meet people
Readers — JR’s
Editors — The Fireplace
Best DJ
Readers — Michelle Miruski
Editors — Scott Henry
Best bartender
Readers — J.J. Engbert (Annie’s)
Editors — Andreas Ocando (Omega)
Best drag queen
Readers — Lena Lett
Editors — Xavier Onasis Bloomingdale
Best drag king
Readers — Hunter
Editors — Ken Las Vegas
Local hero male
Readers — Frank Kameny
Editors — Phil Pannell
Local hero female
Readers — Annie Kaylor
Editors — Susan Hester
Up and coming local businessperson
Readers — Peter Alexas (Annie’s)
Editors — Rocky Scott (Rocky’s Cafe)
Dynamic couple
Readers — Elizabeth Birch and Hilary Rosen
Editors — Steve Gunderson and Rob Morris
Committed activist — female
Readers — Kathleen DeBold
Editors — Cheryl Spector
Committed activist — male
Readers — Wayne Turner
Editors — Carl Schmid
Best coffeeshop
Readers — Xando Cosi
Editors — Soho Coffee and Tea
Best gym
Readers — Results
Editors — The Fitness Company
Best bookstore
Readers — Lambda Rising
Editors — Kramerbooks & Afterwords
Honorable mention — Sisterspace and Books
Best video store
Readers — Washington Video
Editors — Video Americain
Best art gallery
Readers — Corcoran Gallery of Art
Editors — Kitchen
Best clothing store
Readers — universal Gear
Editors — The Leather Rack
Best theater
Readers — Studio Theatre
Editors — Source Theatre Company
Local artist
Readers — Nicolas Shi
Editors — Sonda Tamarr Allen
Local musician
Readers — Mary Chapin Carpenter
Editors — Arthur Loves Plastic
2002
Best brunch
Readers— Gabriel
Editors — Perry’s
Best overall
Readers — Annie’s
Editor’s — Mercury Grill
Best dining value
Readers — Hamburger Mary’s
Editors — Pepper’s
Most romantic
Readers — Two Quail
Best trendy
Readers — Foodbar DC
Editors — Thaiphoon
Tried and true
Readers — Lauriol Plaza
Editors — Duplex Diner
Best late night
Readers — The Diner
Best dessert
Readers — Afterwards
Virginia restaurant
Readers — Freddie’s Beach Bar
Maryland restaurant
Readers — Cheesecake Factory
Best dance club
Readers — Nation
Editors — Badlands
Best country bar
Readers — Remington’s
Editors — Sheridan’s 1874 Old West Steakhouse
Best neighborhood bar
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Polly’s Cafe
Best lesbian bar
Readers — Phase 1
Best leather bar
Readers — D.C. Eagle
Best happy hour
Readers — JR’s
Best drag show
Readers — Ester Goldberg’s Big Show
Editors — Ella Fitzgerald and the Ladies of Illusion at Zeigfeld’s
Most interesting crowd
Readers/Editors — Lizard Lounge
Best place to meet men
Readers — Cobalt
Editors — 30 Degrees
Best place to meet women
Readers — Liquid Ladies
Best live music
Readers — 9:30 Club
Editors — The Black Cat
Best gimmick
Readers — Feygele Feud at JR’s
Editors — Shirtless Thursdays at Green Lantern
Best Virginia bar
Readers — Freddie’s
Best Maryland bar
Readers — The Hippo
Best theater
Readers — Studio Theatre
Editors — Cherry Red
Best art gallery
Readers — The Phillips Collection
Local hero male
Readers — David Catania
Editors — Brett Parsons
Local hero female
Readers — Eleanor Holmes NOrton
Editors — Carlene Cheatam
Committed activist: male
Readers — Blake Humphreys
Editors — Rick Rosendall
Committed activist
Readers — Kathleen DeBold
Editors — Ellen Kahn
Best drag queen
Readers — Lena Lett
Editors — Aubrey
Best DJ
Readers — Wess
Editors — DJ Kostas
Best bartender
Readers — Reggie Tyson (Nation)
Editors — Mike Ferens (Badlands)
Best drag king
Readers/editors — Ken Las Vegas
Best committed transgender activist
Readers pick — Earline Budd
Editors — Riki Wilchins
Best coffee shop
Readers — Xando/Cosi
Editors — Sparky’s Cafe
Best gym
Readers — Results (Dupont Circle)
Editors — Results (Capitol Hill)
Best bookstore
Readers — Lambda Rising
Editors — Kramerbooks & Afterwords
Best video store
Readers — Empire Video
Best clothing store
Readers — Abercrombie & Fitch
Editors — Universal Gear
Best music store
Readers — Melody Music
Editors — DCCD
Most effective non-profit
Readers — Whitman-Walker Clinic
Editors — The Mautner Project
Best spot to cruise
Readers — Dupont Circle
Editors — Whole Foods
2003
Best overall restaurant
Readers — Lauriol Plaza
Editors — 15 RIA
Brunch
Readers/editors — Perry’s
Dessert
Readers — Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
Editors — Cake Love/Love Cafe
Value
Readers — Duplex
Editors — Mr. Henry’s
Most romantic
Readers — Two Quail
Editors — Russia House
Most trendy
Readers — Health Bar
Editors — Helix Lounge
Best late night
Readers/editors — The Diner
Pizza
Readers/editors — Pizzeria Paradiso
Tried and true
Readers/editors — Annie’s
Dance club
Readers/editors — Velvet Nation
Country bar
Readers/editors — Remington’s
Lesbian bar
Readers/editors — Phase 1
Neighborhood pub
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Polly’s Cafe
Happy hour
Readers — JR’s
Editors — 30 Degrees
Leather
Readers/editors — D.C. Eagle
Drag show
Readers/editors — Ziegfeld’s
Most interesting crowd
Readers/editors — Lizard Lounge
Best place to meet men
Readers — Cobalt
Editors — Green Lantern
Best place to meet women
Readers — Mautner Project dinner
Editors — Between Friends
Live music
Readers/editors — 9:30 Club
Special night
Readers/editors — Club Five “Mass”
Maryland bar
Readers — The Hippo
Editors — Grand Central
Virginia bar
Readers/editors — Freddie’s Beach Bar
DJ
Readers — Rob Harris
Editors — Ed Bailey
Bartender
Readers/editors — Mike Izeta (JR’s)
Drag king
Readers/editors — Ken Las Vegas
Drag queen
Readers — Aubrey
Editors — Ella Fitzgerald
Local hero male
Readers — Frank Kameny
Editors — Paul Smith
Local hero female
Readers — Eleanor Holmes Norton
Editors — Esther Katzman
Businessperson
Readers — Richard Zapata
Editors — Ron Henderson
Dynamic couple
Readers/editors — Deb Price and Joyce Murdoch
Committed activist
Readers — Wayne Turner
Editors — Mark Meinke
Committed activist female
Readers/editors — Elizabeth Birch
Committed transgender activist
Readers — Jessica Xavier
Editors — Mara Keisling
Straight ally male
Readers — Mayor Anthony Williams
Editors — Rev. John Bryson Chane
Straight ally female
Readers/editors — Carol Schwartz
Coffeeshop
Readers — Caribou
Editors — Sparky’s Espresso Cafe
Gym
Readers/editors — Results
Bookstore
Readers/editors — Lambda Rising
Video store
Readers — Empire Video
Editors — Video Americain
Music store
Readers/editors — Melody Record Shop
Clothing store
Readers — Universal Gear
Editors — Pop
Non-profit
Readers — Food & Friends
Editors — The Mautner Project
Spot to cruise
Readers — Dupont Circle
Editors — Whole Foods
House of worship
Readers — Metropolitan Community Church of Washington
Editors — National City Christian Church
College or university
Readers — George Washington University
Editors — American University
Art gallery
Readers — Phillips Collection
Editors — Art-O-Matic
Movie theater
Readers — Loew’s Georgetown 14
Editors — Landmark Bethesda Row
Theater
Readers/Editors — Shakespeare Theatre
Theater company
Readers/editors — Cherry Red
Artist
Readers — Nicholas Shi
Editors — Gordon Binder
Musician
Readers/editors — Outskirts of Town
2004
Best overall restaurant
Readers — Lauriol Plaza
Editors — David Greggory Restau Lounge
Brunch
Readers — Gabriel
Editors — Cashion’s Eat Place
Ethnic
Readers — Thaiphoon
Editors — White Tiger
Vegetarian
Readers/editors — Vegetable Garden
Best value
Readers — Chipotle
Editors — The Cafe Menu at Palena’s
Dessert
Readers — Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
Editors — Cold Stone Creamery
Most trendy
Readers — Komi
Editors — Firefly
Late night
Readers — Annie’s
Editors — Sette Osteria
Best new restaurant
Readers — Rice
Editors — Palette
Tried and true
Readers — Annie’s
Editors — Duplex Diner
Most romantic
Readers — Two Quail
Editors — Obelisk
Best dance club
Readers — Velvet Nation
Editors — Cobalt
Best lesbian bar
Readers/editors — Phase 1
Best lesbian night
Readers — Liquid Ladies
Editors — Merge
Neighborhood pub
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Duplex Diner
Happy hour
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Helix
Best drag show
Readers — Ziegfeld’s
Editors — Chaos
Best place to meet men
Readers — JR’s
Editors — Apex
Best place to meet women
Readers/editors — Liquid Ladies
Most interesting/diverse crowd
Readers/editors — Lizard Lounge
Best special night/party
Readers — Excursion Tea Dance
Editors — Taint
Best Maryland or Virginia bar
Readers — Freddie’s Beach Bar
Editors — The Hippo
Best new bar/club
Readers/editors — Halo
Local non-profit
Readers — Whitman-Walker Clinic
Editors — Equality Fairfax
Bookstore
Readers — Lambda Rising
Editors — Candida’s World of Books
House of worship
Readers — Foundry United Methodist
Editors — Bet Mishpachah
Theater
Readers — Signature Theatre
Editors — Arena Stage
Coffeeshop
Readers — Caribou
Editors — Sparky’s
Gym
Readers — Results
Editors — Body Smith
Video store
Readers — Empire Video
Editors — Netflix
Clothing store
Readers — Universal Gear
Editors — Commander Salamander
Movie theater
Readers — Loews Georgetown 14
Editors — Landmark E Street Cinema
Music store
Readers/editors — Melody Record Shop
Best spot to cruise
Readers — 17th Street
Editors — Whole Foods
Local hero male
Readers — David Catania
Editors — Adrien Alstad
Local hero female
Readers — Cheryl Jacques
Editors — Janet Miller-Jenkins
Best straight ally
Readers — Carol Schwartz
Editors — Sam Brooks
Drag performer
Readers — Cookie Buffet
Editors — Ella Fitzgerald
Local businessperson
Readers — Eric Hirschfield
Editors — Ron Henderson
Best DJ
Readers — Rob Harris
Editors — DJ Wess
Best bartender
Readers — Mike Izeta (JR’s)
Editors — Darren Phillips (Logan Tavern/Lizard Lounge)
2005
Best new restaurant
Readers: Merkado Kitchen
Editors: Hank’s Oyster Bar
Most romantic
Readers: Two Quail
Editors: Grill from Ipanema
Best Vegetarian
Readers: Mark’s Kitchen
Editors: Great Sage
Best ethnic
Readers: Rice
Editors: W Domku Bar & Cafe
Best brunch
Readers: Annie’s
Editors: Logan Tavern
Best dessert
Readers: Kingsbury Chocolates
Editors: Kramerbooks
Tried and true
Readers: Annie’s
Editors: Duplex
Best value
Readers: Lauriol Plaza
Editors: Coppi’s
Best late night
Readers: The Diner
Editors: Annie’s
Best dance club
Readers: Apex
Editors: Velvet Nation
Best lesbian bar
Readers/editors: Phase 1
Best lesbian night
Readers: Chaos Wednesdays
Editors: A Different Kind of Ladies Night
Neighborhood pub
Readers: JR’s
Editors: Duplex Diner
Happy hour
Readers: Halo
Editors: 30 Degrees
Drag show
Readers: Ziegfeld’s
Editors: D.C. Kings
Place to meet men
Readers: Cobalt
Editors: D.C. Eagle
Place to meet women
Readers: Mautner Project Gala
Editors: Liquid Ladies
Most interesting/diverse crowd
Readers: Halo
Editors: Fuego
Best special night/party
Readers: Cobalt’s flashback
Editors: Taint
Best suburban bar
Readers: Freddie’s
Editors: De Lounge
Best DJ
Readers: Jason Royce
Editors: Rob Harris
Local male hero
Readers: Robert York
Editors: Phil Pannell
Local female hero
Readers: Kathleen DeBold
Editors: Wanda Alston (posthumous)
Straight ally
Readers: Adrian Fenty
Editors: Revs. Dennis and Christine Wiley (Covenant Baptist Church)
Best bartender
Readers/editors: Mike Harrington
Local businessperson
Readers: Rob Kingsbury
Editors: Mike Weber
Drag performer
Readers/editors: Ella Fitzgerald
Best non-profit/activist group
Readers: Mautner Project
Editors: Equality Maryland
House of worship
Readers: MCC-DC
Editors: Unity of Washington
Best movie theater
Readers: Landmark E Street
Editors: AFI Silver
Best theater
Readers: Studio Theatre
Editors: Shakespeare Theatre Co.
Coffeeshop
Readers: Caribou
Editors: Sparky’s Cafe
Best gym
Readers: Results
Editors: Bodysmith Personal Training
Clothing store
Readers: Universal Gear
Editors: Pop
Bookstore
Readers: Lambda Rising
Editors: Candida’s World of Books
Music shop
Readers/editors: Melody Records
Best video store
Readers: The Video Rack
Editors
Video Americain
Best spot to cruise
Readers: Dupont Circle
Editors: 14th Street
2006
Best new restaurant
Busboys and Poets
Most romantic
Two Quail
Best brunch
Shi-Queeta’s Illusion Champagne Brunch at Onyx
Best vegetarian
Asylum
Best dessert
Afterward’s Cafe
Best late night
Annie’s
Best ethnic
Thai Tanic
Tried and true
Annie’s
Best pizza
2 Amy’s
Best dance club
Apex
Best drag show
Bachelor’s Mill
Best lesbian bar
Phase 1
Best Maryland bar
The Hippo
Best Virginia bar
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Best place to meet women:
A Different Kind of Ladies Night
Best neighborhood bar
Best place to meet men
Best happy hour
Halo
Best women’s clothing store
Meeps
Best spa
The Grooming Lounge
Best place to take a first date
L’Enfant Cafe
Best hair salon
Bang
Best gym
Results
Best day trip
Great Falls
Best home decorating store
Go Mama Go!
Best men’s clothing store
Universal Gear
Best bookstore
Lambda Rising
Best house of worship
MCC-DC
Best cruise spot
Dupont Circle
Best video store
The Video Rack
Best live music venue
9:30 Club
Best place to take mom
The National Portrait Galler
Best non profit
HRC
Best music store
Melody Record Shop
Best theater company
Actors Theatre of Washington
Best movie theater
Landmark E Street
Local hero female
Darlene Nipper
Local hero male
Brett Parson
Best DJ
Jason Royce
Best bartender
Mike Harrington (Apex)
Straight ally
Carol Schwartz
Best businessperson
Mike Fine with Tax Masters
Best drag performer
Shi-Queeta-Lee
2007
Best new restaurant
Jack’s
Best vegetarian
Vegetate
Best Indian
Indique
Best dessert
Kramerbooks
Best brunch
Beacon Bar and Grill
Best late night
Best steakhouse
Annie’s
Best romantic
Two Quail
Best thai
Thai Tanic
Best wine list
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Best dance club
Apex
Best Virginia bar
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Best lesbian bar
Phase 1
Best happy hour
Best neighborhood bar
Best place to meet men
Halo
Best Maryland bar
The Hippo
Best karaoke
Mama’s Trailer Park at Remington’s
Best drag show
Chit’s The Bowled & the Beautiful
Best dance party
Best place to meet women
Girl Confidential
Best gay-friendly straight bar
Republic Gardens
Best theater company
Studio Theatre
Best social Club
BeBar
Best day trip
Tie: Rehoboth Beach/Philadelphia
Best live music venue
9:30 Club
Best place to take mom
The Kennedy Center
Best women’s clothing
H&M
Best bookstore
Lambda Rising
Best home decorating store
West Elm
Best gym
Results
Best local blog
DCist
Best coffee shop
Soho Tea and Coffee
Best sports team
Washington Renegades
Best non-profit
Food & Friends
Best neighborhood
Logan Circle
Best spa:
Skin: Cosmetic Dermatology of Georgetown
Best hair salon
Blondie’s Spa/Salon
Best house of worship
MCC-DC
Best men’s clothing store
Universal Gear
Best movie theater
Landmark’s E Street
Best drag queen
Queen Bambi
Best abs
Harold Sanco
Local female hero
Cheryl Spector
Best lesbian actress
Holly Twyford
Best gay actor
Will Gartshore
Best DJ
Jason Royce
Local hero
Best straight ally
Adrian Fenty
Best gay politician
David Catania
Best drag king
E-Clef
Best bartender
Brian Sparrow (Cobalt)
Best businessperson
Mike Fine (Tax Masters)
2008
Best bakery
Tie: Firehook/Cake Love
Best brunch
Best non-D.C. bar
Best date restaurant
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Best burger
Five Guys
Best new restaurant
Cork
Best dessert/sweet shop
Gerogetown Cupcake
Best food store
Whole Foods
Best Indian restaurant
Tandoori Nights
Best late night
Best steak dinner
Annie’s
Best Thai restaurant
Mai Thai
Best wine/liquor
Bin 66
Best dance club
Best place to meet men
Best dance party
Best drag show
Town Danceboutique
Best lesbian nightlife event/bar
Best place to meet women
Phase 1
Best happy hour
Halo
Best cocktail
Mojito at Halo
Best live music
9:30 Club
Best neighborhood bar
JR’s
Most welcoming straight bar
Jack’s
Best pet retail
PetSmart
Best home furnishings
Go Mama Go!
Best theater company
Ganymede Arts
Best gay actor
Jeffrey Johnson
Best cosmetic treatment facility/spa
Skin Cosmetic Dermatology of Georgetown
Best sports team
Washington Renegades
Best hotel
Hotel Palomar
Best social club
Tie: The Academy of Washington/Capital Area Rainbowlers Association
Best art gallery
National Gallery of Art
Best auto retailer
Saturn of Alexandria
Best clothing store
Universal Gear
Best bookstore
Lambda Rising
Best local blog
DCist
Best movie theater
Landmark E Street
Best museum
Newseum
Best nearby getaway
Rehoboth Beach
Best non profit
Food & Friends
Best vet
Colonial Animal Hospital
Best gym
Results
Best house of worship
MCC-DC
Best cleaning service
A Cleaning Service, Inc.
Best weekend getaway
Guest House at Lost River
Best lawn care company
Branches Tree Experts
Best drag king
Xavier Bottoms
Best drag queen
Blair Michaeils
Best personal trainer
Mike Everts at FIT
Best DJ
DJ Wess (Town)
Best real estate pro
Bryan Talbott at Esquire Federal City
Best business person
Michael Fine at Tax Masters
Best local artist
Seroya
Local hero female
Carol Schwartz
Best hairstylist
Bryan Smith (Blondie’s)
Local hero male
Ed Bailey
Best straight ally
Jack Evans
Best bartender
Kymmr Barker (Freddie’s Beach Bar)
2009
Best dessert/sweets shop
Cake Love
Best hotel bar
Point of View at the W Hotel
Best new restaurant
Level One
Best brunch
Beacon Bar & Grill
Best wine bar
Cork
Best late night
The Diner
Best date restaurant
The Melting Pot
Best vegetarian
Vegetate
Best specialty cocktails
Halo
Best dance club
Town
Most gay-friendly straight bar
Black Cat
Best out-of-the-District bar:
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Best happy hour
JR’s
Best neighborhood bar/place to meet men
Nellie’s
Best place to meet women:
Phase 1
Best drag show
Ziegfeld’s/Secrets
Best lesbian nightlife event
Bare at Cobalt
Best theater
Studio Theatre
Best bookstore
Kramerbooks
Best hotel
W Hotel
Best art gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Best museum
National Gallery of Art
Best non-profit
Whitman-Walker
Best social club
Burgundy Crescent
Best sports team
D.C. Aquatics Club
Best home furnishings
IKEA
Best live music venue
9:30 Club
Best food store
Trader Joe’s
Best weekend getaway
Hotel Rehoboth
Gest gym
VIDA
Best auto retailer
BMW of Arlington
Best pet retailer
Dogs by Day
Best vet
CityPaws
Best movie theater
Landmark E Street
Best wine/liquor store
Barrel House Liquors
Best house of worship
MCC-DC
Best local blog
DCist
Best cosmetic treatment/spa
Bang Salon
Best clothing store
H&M
Local hero male
Matt Bamford
Best hairstylist Patrick Guarniere
Local hero female
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Best bartender
Dylan Davis
Best straight ally
Brett Johnson
Best businessperson
Ed Bailey
Best drag king
Xavier Bottoms
Best personal trainer
Mike Everts at FIT
Best attorney
Glen Ackerman
Best local artist
Glenn Fry
Best real estate professional
Mark Rutstein
Best drag queen
Ella Fitzgerald
Best DJ
DJ Wess (Town)
Best actor
John Moletress
2010
Best vegetarian restaurant
The Reef
Best ethnic
Rice
Best dessert
Hello Cupcake
Best hotel bar
POV at the W Hotel
Best brunch
Level One
Best wine bar
Cork
Best plae for food & wifi
Busboys & Poets
Best chef
Allan Javery of Level One
Best date restaurant
Floriana
Best late night
Annie’s
Best dance club
Town
Best out-of-D.C. bar
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Best happy hour
Thursdays at JR’s
Best place to meet men
Cobalt
Best drag show
Ziegfeld’s
Best place to meet women
Phase 1
Best cocktail
Cucumber Ginger Martini (MOVA)
Best gay-friendly straight bar
Cafe St-Ex
Best live music
9:30 Club
Best neighborhood bar
Nellie’s
Best house of worship
MCC-DC
Best movie theater
Landmark E Street
Best home furnishings
Room and Board
Best bookstore
Kramerbooks
Best hotel
The Dupont Hotel
Best art gallery
Gallery planb
Best non-profit
Food & Friends
Best local blog
DCist
Best spa
Bliss
Best place to get married
Hillwood Estate
Best wedding registry
Crate & Barrel
Best clothing store
Universal Gear
Best gym
Vida Fitness
Best theater
Studio Theatre
Best weekend getaway
Rehoboth Beach
Local hero female
Lynda Carter
Local hero male
David Catania
Best drag king
E-Cleff
Best realtor
Mark Rutstein
Best DJ
Chord Bezerra
Best drag queen
Ba’Naka
Best businessperson
David Franco
Best personal trainer
Tyler Sullivan (Vida)
Best gay TV personality
Tie — Roby Chavez/Paul Wharton
Best actor
Jeffrey Johnson
Best straight ally
Phil Hicks
Best Secrets dancer
Christian
Best bartender
Kymmr Barker (Freddie’s)
Miscellaneous
What it means to be an active ally to your LGBTQ+ co-workers TEST
Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks
Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
When Lizzo sings “If I’m shinin,’ everybody gonna shine,” in her hit song, “Juice,” she means it. Proof of that came this week on Instagram when the LGBTQ ally announced the first winner of her annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign is the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, a national nonprofit based in Richmond, Calif., dedicated to the protection and defense of Black transgender people.
And she did so in song: “On the first day of Juneteenth, Lizzo gave to me,” she sang in her video, posted Tuesday, as she revealed her $50,000 gift to MPJI.
“That’s right, we know who Marsha P. Johnson is. We know what Marsha P. Johnson has done for the LGBTQ, emphasis on that ‘T,’ Q community,” said Lizzo to her 13.5 million followers. “Thank you so much to the people at the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. You deserve this, and I hope this helps you so much as you help protect our Black trans family.”
“What the Marsha P. Johnson Institute does is protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing community, advocating for the people, and creating an intentional healing community, developing transformative leadership and promoting collective power,” she said.
“We are overjoyed for the shoutout from Lizzo today, the generosity of her sharing her platform and the recognition of MPJI and its work,” said Elle Moxley, MPJI’s executive director. “The resources from this campaign will ensure the protection and defense of Black transgender people continue at a time where it is so vitally needed. We are so grateful for the support of Lizzo and her fans.”
As one of Time Magazine’s Persons of the Year for 2019 and a 2023 Grammy winner, Lizzo is more than a pop star but an inspiration to millions of fans for her body-positive attitude, her self-confidence on stage and in her videos, her empowering music and her activism. She’s also the founder of her own clothing line, Yitty. In 2021, she made headlines when she publicly corrected a paparazzo for using “she/her” pronouns and misgendering Demi Levato.
As part of her campaign, now in its 4th year, Lizzo recognizes Black-led grassroots organizations and businesses and encourages her fans to join her in supporting each of the five organizations she highlights this week. Fans who take action by donating are entered into a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to see her perform at Fuji Rock in Japan later this year.
This week’s other nonprofits receiving gifts are: Black Girls Smile, Sphinx Music, the University of Houston and Save Our Sisters United.
Find out more about Lizzo’s 4th annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign by clicking here.
Celebrity News
Anne Heche dies after removal from life support
Actress dated Ellen DeGeneres in late 1990s
Actress Anne Heche died after she was removed from life support on Sunday, nearly two weeks after her Mini-Cooper crashed through a two-story house in Los Angeles’ Mar Vista neighborhood. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department believe she was intoxicated at the time.
She sustained a severe anoxic brain injury along with severe burns and was being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, near Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley.
The 53-year-old actress who was a star of films like “Donnie Brasco,” the political satire “Wag the Dog” and the 1998 remake of “Psycho,” had been declared legally dead under California law on Friday, however, her family kept her alive long enough to be an organ donor.
In a statement Friday, the LAPD announced that: “As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case. Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.” LAPD detectives had previously made public that investigators into the crash found narcotics in a blood sample taken from Heche.
The actress’s family released a statement on Friday:
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact,” the statement added.
Heche was married to camera operator Coleman Laffoon from 2001 to 2009. The two had a son, Homer, together. She had another son, named Atlas, during a relationship with actor James Tupper, her co-star on the TV series “Men In Trees.”
Laffoon left a moving tribute on an Instagram reel in which he also gave an update on how their 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon is coping with the loss of his mother.
“I loved her and I miss her, and I’m always going to,” he said adding: “Homer is okay. He’s grieving, of course, and it’s rough. It’s really rough, as probably anybody can imagine. But he’s surrounded by family and he’s strong, and he’s gonna be okay.”
“Rest In Peace, Mom, I love you, Homer,” the actor’s 20-year-old son, Homer, said in a statement after Heche was declared legally dead on Friday.“ My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” read the statement. “After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom. Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”
Tupper, a Canadian actor who starred alongside Heche in “Men in Trees,” had a 13-year-old son, Atlas, with her. “Love you forever,” Tupper, 57, wrote on his Instagram post’s caption with a broken heart emoji, which shared an image of the actress from Men in Trees.
Between 1997 and 2000, Heche was also in a relationship with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres posted on Twitter. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.” The year after her break-up with the comedian, in September 2001, Heche recounted in her memoir “Call Me Crazy,” about her lifelong struggles with mental health and a childhood of abuse.
KTLA’s entertainment reporter Sam Rubin noted that over the past two decades, Heche’s career pivoted several times. In 2017, she hosted a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Jason Ellis called “Love and Heche.”
In 2020, Heche made her way into the podcast world. She launched “Better Together” which she cohosted alongside Heather Duffy Boylston. The show was described as a way to celebrate friendship.
She also worked in smaller films, on Broadway, and on TV shows. She recently had recurring roles on the network series “Chicago P.D.,” and “All Rise” and was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.”
People magazine reported that several of Heche’s acting projects are expected to be released posthumously.
These include “Girl in Room 13,” expected to be released on Lifetime in September, “What Remains,” scheduled to be released in 2023, and HBO Max TV series “The Idol,” created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
In her Instagram post from earlier this year Heche stands between her sons Atlas, 13 and Homer, 20.
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