It goes without saying that table styling is serious business in my house. And, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of orders we get from our Stylebook community each year, I know that it’s serious business in your homes, too. One of the things I love most about Alexandria is how much we all love a holiday and decorating. We have new tabletop décor items, many of which are transitional from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

One of the things I often think about at Alexandria Classical Christian Academy is what level of independence is appropriate to give children. Especially, when our top responsibility is to keep children safe. It’s because of this commitment that we’ve approached the two matters with a bit of independent thinking in the current school landscape: technology and outdoor time. 

As a local, Traci shares our love for Alexandria and our community so you may already know her bright smile and welcoming personality! In fact our mutual love for Red Barn Mercantile and design helped us meet and now I see Traci at many of my favorite places around town as well! 

Many of us will have friends and family staying overnight in our homes from now until the New Year, so take the time now to make sure it's neat and well stocked. Consider adding a luggage rack or small bin with toiletries. Adding a framed print-out of your Wi-Fi password can be a really nice touch, too!

When we first opened our boutique, we knew from the start that it wasn’t just about the products we were selling—it was about creating an experience. We wanted every single detail, from the lighting to the smell to the color of the walls, to reflect our personal style and make our customers feel comfortable, inspired, and, most importantly, connected.

One of the hardest things for a young artist is finding your own voice. I wanted drama in my work—and life, as it happened, provided plenty. Going through a divorce was that pivotal moment, opening a well of raw emotion. During this time, I painted a series of self-portraits from a mirror, capturing a pain that pushed me deeper into myself than I’d ever been.

Reflect on your jewelry collection and consider the pieces that have quietly remained unworn, gathering dust in your jewelry box. At Mystique Jewelers, we understand that every piece tells a story, and we are committed to providing you with personalized service and thoughtful solutions. We invite you to take advantage of our enticing offer: receive immediate cash on the spot for your unworn treasures or enjoy a generous 20% bonus when you choose to trade them in for store credit.

I know when you think of Ann Mashburn, most people think of clothing. And they should! They make the best sweaters and shirting around. In my opinion, they also make some of the best shoes around. If you haven’t tried them, you should. First, they are made in Italy and the Italians simply know how to make shoes. Second, they are comfortable. I can wear her shoes all day, especially the loafers.

“I’m not an extrovert, I had to develop it, I was the bookworm, the youngest in a big, boisterous family,” says Stephanie Woodland Kelly. “I have five brothers and a sister. When I got to college I had to learn how to develop those skills. I’m glad there were no mobile phones back then. The mistakes I made…it wasn’t a big deal.” 

On November 14, we will host our holiday trunk show for Ann Mashburn. They sent us so much good stuff! The Addie Sweater Dress, Superfine Funnel Neck and Joy Mule are just a few of the pieces I wanted to get for the store and they were nice enough to send for the event. I think the thing they do best is sweaters.

Permanent makeup offers a transformative way to simplify daily beauty routines while enhancing natural features. At deZEN, we’re embracing the latest in permanent makeup trends that prioritize artistry, personalization, and timeless beauty. Here’s what's trending:

After more than 20 years of photo adventuring on the go, I am beyond excited to have a physical space of my own! It was my heart’s desire to open my photography studio in Alexandria at 7946 Fort Hunt Road. The launch of the studio coincided perfectly with a major family milestone—we signed the lease on the very day of my husband's retirement from the US Navy after 26 years of service.

The best time to start decorating for Christmas is when you have energy for it! In my younger years, time got away from me, and I wouldn’t decorate until well into December. If you’re going to spend time making your home look great, I strongly urge you to do it right after Thanksgiving. You then get to enjoy everything for the whole month of December.

With fall settling in and the holidays around the corner, this is the perfect time to plan your cool weather aesthetic treatments – and have your regularly scheduled enhancements timed right for all those holiday parties! 

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.

When we go to New York and place deliveries we try to be mindful about what the weather is going to be like when the items we’re looking at actually arrive. So when we pick pieces from the resort season delivery, we want to make sure you don’t have to wait until spring to wear it!

In this week’s episode of “What kind of nostalgic goodies does Caiti have up her sleeve?,” I am reminded again of those simpler times. No responsibility, carefree and oblivious. Do I miss them? Sure. Would I trade today-me for yesterday-me? Not a chance. Yesterday-me would not have the appreciation for those wild times that today-me does. 

The Family First Law Group has some new faces to share. We’re joining forces with Natalie Page and the Life & Estate Law Planning Center! We’re so excited to have a new partner coming onboard and with so much amazing experience with life planning. We also have a new associate, Ford Morrison!

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.

For us we know that the holidays are full of emotion – love, happiness, stress, and melancholy. It’s our job to make them as joyful and stress-free as possible and we take that job very seriously. I’m extremely excited for the selection that we curated for you this year and can’t wait for you to see it! On November 7 from 6pm to 9pm Red Barn Mercantile will fling open its door to our annual Christmas wonderland!