Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: A Festive Guide

The magic of the holiday season comes alive in Europe’s iconic Christmas markets. From medieval settings to modern winter wonderlands, these festive markets are brimming with seasonal treats, handmade crafts, and unique cultural experiences. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets across Europe for 2024.

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

Mulberry Lane Play Café: A New Haven for Parents and Kids in Del Ray

Located in the heart of Del Ray at 2016 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mulberry Lane Play Café is redefining family spaces by blending imaginative play for kids with opportunities for parents to relax, connect, or work—all under one roof. Described as “Balanced Family Fun, Your New BFF,” this innovative café is quickly becoming a favorite for local families.

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Lifestyle Alexandria Stylebook Lifestyle Alexandria Stylebook

What We’re Loving: Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving arrives next week, officially kicking off the holiday season. We all hold dear our traditions and ways of sharing our gratitude. It may be a turkey trot in the morning, Friendsgiving, dinner out at a local restaurant, hosting family from out-of-town or traveling to visit loved ones. We asked our contributors to share their Thanksgiving traditions and a few also shared their favorite dish.

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

40 Questions With Jamie Fortin, Founder of Friends To Lovers Bookstore

"I wanted a name that captured the charm of a romance bookstore. There are so many cute bookstore names out there—Meet Cute could have been an option, but it was taken in San Diego. I wanted something that invites the idea of friendship, like going to a book club with your friends. When you think of love and friendship, that's the vibe I wanted to create for this space."

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Home & Design Britt Patterson Home & Design Britt Patterson

Live Like a Celebrity

From grand estates to chic penthouses, here's a glimpse into the stunning homes that A-list celebrities have bought and sold through Sotheby's International Realty, each property showcasing unique style, elegance, and one-of-a-kind amenities.

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Home & Design Britt Patterson Home & Design Britt Patterson

Staging Your Home To Sell

A beautifully staged home helps buyers envision themselves living in the space, creating an emotional connection that can lead to more competitive offers. Addressing repairs and ensuring the home is spotless reassures buyers that the property is well-maintained, reducing concerns about future issues. These efforts not only enhance the home's appeal but also increase its perceived value, helping it stand out in a crowded market.

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

ArtSpireVa: The Arts For All

Year after year, students auditioned for the team with little to no dance experience, feeling discouraged after the first day and not returning. Those who did come back, despite their uncertainty, often grew to become some of the strongest dancers on the team. Gennifer knew that these students needed a supportive environment and access to arts education, which led her to create ArtSpireVa. 

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Events, Lifestyle Britt Patterson Events, Lifestyle Britt Patterson

Fall Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

From spooky bike rides to vibrant fall festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate fal. Whether you’re looking to support a good cause, snag some great deals, or simply spend a fun day with family and friends, these upcoming events have something for everyone.

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Events, Lifestyle Britt Patterson Events, Lifestyle Britt Patterson

You're Invited to Alexandria Fall Fest 2024!

The Alexandria Fall Fest is BACK! Join us on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the scenic River Farm for a day of unforgettable fun. Hosted by The Patterson Group and Alexandria Living Magazine, this year’s event is packed with activities for all ages, making it the perfect fall day for the entire family.

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

Fall Movies + Drink Pairing

What better way to embrace the new season than with a cozy fall movie night? I’ve seen a fun trend on TikTok where guests host movie marathons, each choosing a film and bringing a drink that complements the movie's ambiance. For instance, pairing a classic James Bond movie with a Vodka Martini, “shaken, not stirred.” See my take:

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

Finding Gilmore Girls in Old Town

As soon as autumn arrives, I always find myself rewatching Gilmore Girls, daydreaming about tasting Sookie's culinary creations at The Dragonfly Inn, or sharing a coffee with Rory and Lorelai at Luke's Diner. Since waking up in Stars Hollow isn’t possible, I thought—why not bring a bit of *Gilmore Girls* magic to Old Town instead?

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Lifestyle Britt Patterson Lifestyle Britt Patterson

For the Love of Pizza — In Alexandria

September 5 is National Cheese Pizza Day, but let’s be honest, we don’t need an excuse to indulge — we do it regularly! Pizza's rich history stretches back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who enjoyed early versions of flatbreads, much like today’s focaccia. However, the pizza we know and love today was born in Naples, Italy.

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