When you’re not covering the first family, you’re spending time with your own, who have been here for generations. What’s it like to be back in the fold?
Being around family was a primary reason I came back. My dad is here, my grandmother is here. She’s 93, and she’s my favorite dinner companion. We go to Shanghai Village [in Bethesda] or The Prime Rib. And the whole family goes out for Sunday night dinner at the Pines of Rome in Bethesda. It’s nice because some people call their family once a week, but I get to hang out with them in person instead.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to work out at Solidcore. It’s so damn hard, and it never gets easier. But I’ve taken nearly 200 classes and I’m getting stronger. I’m 44, but I feel better than I did at 34. And I love to watch HGTV. I’m an addict. Pick a show and I’ve probably seen it like a hundred times. I’m currently very into Flip or Flop Vegas because I know how difficult it is to turn those cookie-cutter desert homes into unique places to live.
And you’re doing that to this fabulous Cabin John bungalow that you’re renovating one level at a time. How’d you score it?
This house hadn’t even gone on the market, and it was an estate sale. But my Realtor got me in, and as soon as I walked in, I was both excited and grossed out. Even though it was old and dingy, it felt like it had good bones. And it was a steal. Redoing it has been fun; I planned out the kitchen using West Elm light fixtures and simple cabinets, and had fun buying the Rifle Paper floral wallcovering that’s in the foyer. I’m into Pinterest, and pretty much did it all from pinning inspiration pics. I love that the kitchen is open; it’s a great place for me to cook. I like to do simple French things, like Jacques Pepin’s chicken thighs, which I cook for my daughter at least once a week.
What’s it like bringing up your daughter in your hometown?
It’s cool to me that I’m raising her in the same ’hood I grew up in, taking her to the same mall, going to the same restaurants, seeing her play in the same soccer league I did. We’ll go to Nats games, and to downtown Bethesda. The other night we were at Raku and walked outside to get ice cream. It’s different restaurants than when I was growing up, but a similar feeling. And then I find myself in strange deja vu situations, like buying balloons at the recently shuttered Bruce’s Variety store, where my parents got my party favors.
Does your daughter have any interest in following you into journalism?
My daughter is a phenomenal writer and has a great voice for telling stories. She’s been that way since about age 6, no joke. But as far as what she wants to do, these days she’s leaning towards being a doctor.
Does she watch you on CNN?
Sometimes. She’s a teenager, so anything I do is inherently uncool because I’m her mom. But deep down I think she digs seeing me on TV.
Jennifer Barger is an award-winning local design, travel and lifestyle writer. She’s on Twitter and Instagram @dcjnell.
