Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby

Street Style: Meet Melissa Riddy

Meet Melissa Riddy: a born-and-raised Alexandrian whose deep local roots, community service, and family-first mindset keep her grounded—whether she’s advocating for healthcare access, leading a nonprofit board, or hitting the ski slopes with her daughters.

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Lifestyle Rainbow Kirby Lifestyle Rainbow Kirby

Catching Up With Lucy von Fahnestock of Together We Bake

Meet Lucy von Fahnestock of Together We Bake — the powerhouse nonprofit equipping women with job training, life skills, and confidence through the power of baking and belonging. From humble beginnings to a bold 2030 vision, Lucy shares how the Alexandria-based program is helping women reclaim their futures—one chocolate chip cookie at a time.

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Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq. Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Will After Divorce?

Let’s face it, most of us put off estate planning. Then life changes. You get divorced. And in the middle of everything else—custody arrangements, moving, paperwork—your estate planning documents often fall through the cracks. But what really happens if you don’t update them?

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Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby

Street Style: Meet Leann Burr

From April Fool’s Day pranks to planning Reptile Day at Pippin Toy Co., Leann brings joy and spark to Old Town’s favorite toy store. This week, she shares how life led her to Alexandria, her top Disney tips, her daughter Lily’s toy evolution—and why she’ll never move farther south (unless it’s to Key West!).

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Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq. Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq.

Who Gets the Dog? Divorce, Pets, and What Virginia Courts Say

You never think about divorce when you’re looking into those cute little wet noses, do you? Of course not! So many of us have pets that are not just animals but cherished members of the family. In Virginia, courts are required to treat pets like any other form of tangible property. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about what might happen.

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Style, Lifestyle Annette Ayrapetian Style, Lifestyle Annette Ayrapetian

What I’ll Miss Most Isn’t a Place—It’s the People of Old Town

Several months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move back to our home state of Pennsylvania to be closer to family. It felt very far off at the time, but now—with boxes nearly all unpacked in Philadelphia—I find myself in my last two weeks at The Hive. Shops and businesses are the heartbeat of places like Old Town. And my biggest takeaway about Alexandria is that it shows up.

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Lifestyle Lauren O’Brien, CFP®, RICP®, CPA Lifestyle Lauren O’Brien, CFP®, RICP®, CPA

Live Music, Grilling, and The BallPark: My Summer Bucket List Top 5

Hooray for summer! The season of carefree sunlit evenings with lightning bugs, dinner on the grill, and sand between your toes. And like most things in my life, I welcome it with a plan in place and a goals list to check-off. So, join me in celebrating summer with my season’s bucket list with something old, something new, something relaxing, and two things red, white and blue!

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Lifestyle Alexandria Stylebook Lifestyle Alexandria Stylebook

What We’re Loving: Summer Travel Destinations 2025

Summer is calling and so are the open roads, coastal breezes, and mountain air. This month, our contributors are sharing the destinations that have captured their hearts and itineraries.  Consider this your invitation to dream, plan, and maybe add a few new spots to your own wanderlist. Check them out!


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Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby Lifestyle, Style Rainbow Kirby

Street Style: Meet Erica Gouse Bledsoe

“Junior League has given me a new path that I’m super passionate about—connections with other nonprofits in the area,” Erica says. “The most rewarding part is being surrounded by like-minded women, who are diverse in background and all want to help their community.” Whether she’s organizing fundraisers, exploring Virginia wineries, or reading 150+ books a year, Erica’s story is rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection.

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Home & Design, Lifestyle Rachel Gang Home & Design, Lifestyle Rachel Gang

Let’s Play with Flowers This Summer!

Summer is officially here, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how—surrounded by flowers (and maybe a little rosé). If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at floral design or just need a fun excuse to get out of the house, our summer workshop series at Helen Olivia Flowers is the perfect plan. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially for private events, so don’t wait too long to book!

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Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq. Lifestyle Katelin Moomau, Esq.

How to Choose the Perfect Date Night Spot in Alexandria

We’re lucky to have some amazing date night spots right here in Alexandria. And right now? It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy them—the weather is brilliant, everything is green and gorgeous, and the vibe is just right. Trying to pick the perfect date night spot? My must-haves include a good bar setup!

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