Mother’s Day shopping can feel surprisingly hard: what do you give the woman who has given you everything—and insists she “doesn’t need a thing”? The answer this year is simple: jewelry she’ll fall in love with the moment she opens it.

Big news, friends! Starting May 16, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. will be home to an Inciardi mini print vending machine. If you haven’t heard of Ana Inciardi yet, you’re in for a treat. Her bright red machines work just like a classic vending machine. Instead of snacks, you get a beautiful, handmade mini linocut print for just one dollar.

One thing I can tell you after many trips around Asia is how to Asian Spa. I just got back from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and oh my gosh the spas! Now, there are some nuanced differences from an onsen in Japan, a spa in Thailand and those here in Northern Virginia, but here is a ritual guide of steps you can use for your visits at home or abroad that has you covered!

For years, adding a guest house, garage apartment, or in-law suite meant navigating zoning hurdles, public hearings, and strict local rules. In many cases, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were allowed in theory but difficult to actually build. That’s about to change.

Walk into any gym or scroll through five minutes of fitness content online and you're instantly confronted with choices. Dumbbells here, kettlebells there, a barbell rack in the corner, and someone in the back swinging what looks like a bag of sand….? I’m here to provide some clarity and encouragement.

If you haven’t heard, we are hosting a Lizzie Fortunato and Ann Mashburn trunk show starting Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3. On May 1, the Fortunato sisters will be in the store from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Lizzie and Kathryn will be here to answer all your questions about how to build a “neckmess” and what the inspiration was for their Spring 2026 collection.

Thirty-five years ago, I opened the doors of Mystique Jewelers right here in Old Town Alexandria with a simple mission: to be part of life's most cherished moments. Since that day, I have had the incredible honor of being a part of your proposals, anniversaries, and most cherished family milestones. To celebrate, we’ve made May one of our most exciting months yet.

This is a big week at The Shoe Hive. We have two big trunk shows for Ann Mashburn and Lizzie Fortunato, as well as Made to Order shirting with Ann starting May 1. You really don’t want to miss out.