Tucked away off the bustling streets of Old Town lies a sunlit courtyard that feels like a secret garden. Today, it's home to one of Alexandria's newest coffee shops and the realization of a dream Ksenia Varakina held onto for years. As the founder of Cherry On Top, Ksenia has transformed this little oasis into a vibrant gathering place where coffee, wine, and community come together.

 Walk into a beautifully designed room and you can feel the difference. The drapery hangs just so, the lighting sets the mood, and the art feels personal. But creating that custom look doesn't require a renovation or starting from scratch. Often, it's the final layers that make the biggest impact. Here are five of my favorite ways to elevate and complete a space.

I hesitated for a while before writing about this topic, simply because it requires so much nuance and detail. I left a decades-long career in science and policy communication before I jumped full time into the wine arena and didn’t think I would be back in the communications space again. However, my synapses have been active since this topic landed on my doorstep.

What defines the true value of a luxury property in today’s global market? From location and currency fluctuations to the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle, explore the key factors shaping international real estate decisions, informed by Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026.

This week, we are hosting not just one great trunk show, but two great trunk shows! I am so excited! To celebrate 24 years in business, we wanted to have a shoe brand and a clothing brand. It only made sense. Starting this Thursday, October 22, we will have Citizens of Humanity and Freda Salvador trunk shows.

Sleeping longer, moving less, craving carbs? Feeling a little blue? Before you blame your busy schedule or your willpower, look at something easy to overlook: the disappearing daylight. The clocks haven't even changed yet, and already you can feel it. The drive home is dimmer, it's dark when the alarm goes off, and by 4 PM all you want is to curl up by the fire with a good book. There's a reason for that.

This Thursday, October 22, we are kicking off our anniversary weekend with a ton of great events. We are so grateful to have been able to keep our doors open for 24 years, and we know we couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful community. There are so many places to shop, and we are grateful that you continue to choose The Shoe Hive and The Hive.