Don’t forget to make sure the men know it’s at 315 Cameron Street this year. We won’t kick them outside like years past; we will instead let them stay warm inside. And one thing that hasn’t changed at all – we’ll have top-shelf bourbon and scotch to make the shopping a pleasant experience.

Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

Picture this: the soft glow of fairy lights, the scent of fresh pine, and a tree sparkling with ornaments that feel like they came straight out of a winter wonderland…this is how I feel when I walk into Boxwood in December. And Jim’s Marvin’s ornaments are one of the reasons why.

One of the biggest complaints an attorney hears from clients, or from clients switching firms is that their attorney didn’t get back to them often enough or fast enough. There are a variety of reasons for this, and I thought it might be helpful for a lay person to understand why.

I’m grateful for a wonderful week celebrating and reflecting on all the goodness that surrounds us…especially at Renée C. Gage Photography. There are so many women in our community that raise each other up to create, help and bring us all together! 

If you’re a regular reader, you know I have written a lot about Tibi. Last year Tibi put out a book called The Creative Pragmatist and I am happy to finally have found something that makes my life and getting dressed easier. 

Let’s face it: great hair doesn’t happen by accident. At Salon deZEN, we know that achieving that effortless, fabulous style requires a few insider tricks of the trade. Lucky for you, we’re not gatekeepers.

As Julia Child famously said,” People who love to eat are always the best people.” I completely agree with this sentiment. If you’re lucky enough to have a foodie in your fam or friend circle, we have some great gifting ideas for you!

The holidays are coming, which means cozy gatherings, cherished traditions and, yes, a bit of chaos. But don’t let the season overwhelm you! With some thoughtful preparation, you can create a welcoming space that lets you focus on what really matters: making memories with loved ones. 

Patina not only has lovely items for your loved ones but we also have gifts for the house. There is still time to add that extra chair(s), art, lamps – anything you need to make your home feel special this holiday season.

Never has there been a Tibi delivery I have loved more than this one. I started to count how many personals I ordered and well, I didn’t have enough fingers. It was an obnoxious amount and I could have ordered more. Despite the long ticket, I actually showed self control. Join us for the trunk show this Friday, Dec. 6.

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.

In Alexandria, Kelley Reynolds’ home has become a haven of warmth and joy during the holidays, thanks to a six-year collaboration with Kristin Try Interiors. Room by room, the partnership has created a space where design and function blend seamlessly, offering the perfect backdrop for celebrating family traditions and hosting loved ones.

There is one particular group in our city who I can always count on to support our events: the real estate community. They devote a massive portion of their marketing dollars to things that help other people and make Alexandria livable. We’re grateful Lauren Bishop is sponsoring Plaid Friday and thought it would be fun for her to share some of her top holiday shopping picks.

Wine and flowers are great go-to gifts. If you want to go that route, then be sure the flowers are in a vase, and you tell them clearly the wine is for later. If you want to go a slightly different route, then here are a few good ideas. Keep in mind that a thoughtful gift doesn’t need to break the bank. The overall theme is to pamper your host and make sure they don’t feel like they have to act immediately.

I’m grateful to my parents for leaving their rural roots behind in pursuit of a better life in Northern Virginia. In their communities, during that time, imagining a career as an artist would have been nearly impossible. Growing up surrounded by art and artists allowed me to dream of what could be. Proximity to museums and galleries can be a powerful spark for a young mind, and it certainly was for me.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the most wonderfully expensive! That new plaid dress for Taste of Scotland, tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Alexandria Little Theatre, and – the big one – holiday gift giving. It can add up quickly and easily, getting swept away by the holiday decorations, marketing enticements, and the ease of tapping that credit card at checkout.

Alexandria has great architecture and history. It always had the “good bones” to be a destination. But what makes it great are the people. After owning retail shops here for 21 years, I know there’s not a more loyal clientele or a more collaborative community of small business owners. And bonus, there’s a core group of phenomenal female entrepreneurs who make big things happen.

If you love movies like I do, you’ll notice that some actresses shine in midlife. Age is just a number, but talent and resilience are timeless. In a world often fixated on youth, the spotlight rarely fades on those who defy conventions and continue to dazzle us with their brilliance. From commanding stages to gracing screens both big and small, these iconic actresses prove that true success knows no bounds of age.