Remember that time you spent 20 minutes hunting for a baseball glove while your kid's friends waited in the driveway? Or when you gave up finding the garden shears and just used kitchen scissors on your shrubs? We've all been there. Your outdoor spaces should work for you, not against you. We've tested dozens of organizing systems to find what actually works, even with kids and busy weekends in the mix.

Whether you're dreaming of a resort-style pool just in time for summer, a historic townhome in the heart of Old Town, or a peaceful creekside retreat, this month’s listings deliver on space, style, and setting. With updated features, unique layouts, and unbeatable locations across Alexandria, these homes are ready to impress.

So, you've taken the plunge and bought your first fountain pen – congratulations! Maybe it's a cartridge-based pen like the Lamy Safari, or perhaps you went bold with a TWSBI Eco and bottled ink. Either way, you're probably wondering about the dreaded "M" word: maintenance. But here's the thing – cleaning your fountain pen is actually easier than getting ragu out of a white shirt. I promise.

From the waterfront charm of Old Town to the quiet elegance of Mount Vernon, these Alexandria residences offer distinct lifestyles defined by luxury, comfort, and location. Whether you’re drawn to Harborside’s riverfront sophistication at 54 Wolfe Street, the expansive upgrades and serene setting of 9103 Chickawane Court, or modern updates of 330 N Patrick Street, each home delivers a unique opportunity to live beautifully in one of the region’s most sought-after communities.

I had goals. I had vision. But turning that dream into what Kristin Try Interiors is today took time. It took consistency, courage, and years of hard work—alongside the unshakable support of my loving husband, who encouraged me at every step. There were seasons where time was scarce, and energy was stretched thin between motherhood and entrepreneurship. But I kept saying yes.

I remember being as excited as my kids for school to let out for the summer. It was always nice to have a change of pace, to enjoy beach trips, eat lots of watermelon, and simply be. Summer is a time to pause, breathe, and reconnect—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Let’s prepare ourselves for summer with fun critters, beautiful birdbaths, and colorful containers.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – an important reminder to take care of yourself. Your mental health is critical to your overall health. One of our favorite ways to improve our mental condition is through journaling. Whether you’re new to the habit or looking to make your journaling practice more effective, we have five tips that can help you get started and stay consistent.

In framing, what matters most isn’t just the image, it’s the feeling behind it. The texture, the memory, the moment. One of our favorite recent projects brought that idea to life in a truly meaningful way.

In the world of fine living, intuition often guides the most meaningful decisions — especially when choosing a home. Just as our zodiac signs can possibly reveal inner truths about our character, they can also offer insight into the kind of space where we feel most aligned. Whether you're drawn to serene coastal escapes or grand, architectural statements, let the stars lead the way.

I sat down today to write an uplifting article about how soothing knitting and crochet are during turbulent and stressful times. But I just opened the pile of mail on my desk to find my first tariff bill from a Canadian import, and really lost my enthusiasm for that topic at the moment.  So here I am, piling onto Amy’s excellent article from a couple of weeks ago with a very specific example of how tariffs are impacting a small business—and ultimately, you, the consumer.

Whether you're dealing with clutter creep or looking to overhaul a whole room, these pro tips are a great place to start for organizing!

Each year, Helen Olivia teams up with some of our favorite industry partners for an over-the-top celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve written about the bash—titled Erin Go Glam, a play on “Erin Go Bragh”—before, and we couldn’t resist sharing some behind-the-scenes details of how it came to life in 2025.

Find your oasis and step into your waterside retreat at 2305 Creek Drive. This 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath Dutch Colonial in Alexandria's Stratford Landing is ideally sited off the Potomac’s Little Hunting Creek, offering nearly half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds and peaceful creekside views.

Mother’s Day is sneaking up! If you’re lucky enough to have your mom around this Mother’s Day, make a plan to spoil her rotten. Give her a break, a cuddle, a good meal, and something beautiful that lets them know how grateful you are. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mom-pleasers from Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post that the moms in your life will love.

“Maycember.” You may have seen this word begin to pop up again on social channels. It describes the madness of the month of May, compared to the month of December – but without the presents, holiday lights and sparkle. May is host to Mother’s Day, end of year school events, field trips, graduations, recitals, sports tournaments, school plays, summer prep, Memorial Day. Need I go on?

This week’s new listings showcase the best of Alexandria living — from a waterfront retreat with a private dock to an updated single-level home just minutes from Old Town. Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious, resort-style escape, a private woodland haven, or a turnkey property with unbeatable convenience, these homes offer something special for every lifestyle.

At the end of a long day, parents just want time to take a deep breath. Then comes that ever so innocent, yet loaded question, “Mommy, can you play with me?” I am here to tell you that something as simple as playing catch or building a tower can help your child expand their vocabulary and develop essential social and cognitive skills.

It’s always such a gift to be included in an exhibit with other artists. There's a sense of community, creativity and appreciation for each other and our life’s passion. When Carrie Garland, a dear friend and owner of Nepenthe Art Gallery, approached me about being in the More Moments of Art exhibit at George Washington’s River Farm, I was beyond excited.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been on a tariff international press tour. Toys have been the biggest topic, but I get to speak about how it affects all our local businesses. I have been interviewed twice and those stories appeared on ABC World News and Good Morning America and NBC Washington and NBC Nightly News. This is clearly a complicated global issue that is getting a lot of attention. I want to bring it to the local level and give it a bit of context.

This basement renovation is part of a full-home project with a dynamic family that lives, hosts, and celebrates with intention. Their home is a revolving door of energy—kids, neighbors, colleagues, and book club friends—and this lower level was designed to keep up with it all while reflecting their fearless love of color and thoughtful design.