We tapped two of our local wellness experts, Sara Acheson of Athena Wellness and Jennifer Szymanski of Vitality-Led Health, to share their perspectives on proactive, whole-body care — from supporting patients through cancer treatment to healing chronic skin conditions from within.

I am sure you can imagine that your local wool shop gets a bit giddy when sweater weather finally arrives. This season, we love seeing “high pile” textures in knits at our local boutiques and on runways – lots of fuzz, floof, fringe and fur! Oversized fuzzy and furry garments were all over runways for fall and winter, and Mohair in particular is having its moment again.

Who else can’t believe we’re almost at the end of 2025?! November is the unofficial kickoff for year-end prep here at Moneta Accounting Solutions, and one of the things we’re turning our focus to is 1099s!

Every parent wants their child to succeed. But as the pressure mounts—for full schedules, packed curricula, polished transcripts, and strong test scores—many families are beginning to pause and ask a quieter, more important question this admissions season: What makes a school truly good?

As Margaret O’Meara Douglas transitions into full-time sales, she’s opening up her playbook. Today’s Real Estate Terms 101 dives into the Home Sale Contingency—a powerful tool she’s recently used to guide buyers through selling and purchasing with confidence.

 Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand. 

Poker is a game that’s been around for centuries and continues to be one of the world’s most popular pastimes. It has become a passion for millions as it is a game that requires skill, strategy and a little luck. However, if players want to take their skills to the next level, nothing compares to the environment of a live poker room.

There's something special about being recognized by your own community. When the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named Family First Law Group as Small Business of the Year, it wasn't just an award—it was validation from the neighbors, families, and business owners we serve every day.

This year marks Jeff Erickson’s and my 32nd holiday season together as business partners. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that never does is the last-minute framing rush. Every December, our shop hums with the energy of people trying to turn their affection into something tangible — a framed piece of love, nostalgia, or memory.

 Local author Brittany Mazique turned grief into creativity, transforming her love of storytelling into a thriving career writing children’s books for Disney and beyond. Read how this Alexandria mom balances family life, creative work, and the joy of helping all girls feel seen and celebrated.

If you’ve lived in Alexandria long enough, you know that the holidays officially begin when the sound of bagpipes rolls down King Street and the tartan scarves come out in full force. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is one of the most beloved celebrations in town, and it all kicks off with one of the best events of the season: The Taste of Scotland, benefitting The Campagna Center.

Inspired by her great-grandmother, Mimi Lowery, and her father, Maggie has created a store where classic charm meets personality — a place that’s as much about creativity and connection as it is about décor, with something for everyone to discover and adore.

Meet Jane Collins—a woman who’s redefining what it means to start over. Once an Air Force Colonel, now a model and makeup artist, she’s channeling her passion into helping women regain their confidence and embrace their next chapter with style and purpose.

When I was asked to photograph two “heart babies,” I had no idea how deeply they’d impact me. Capturing Bryce and Sophie for the US News and World Report campaign for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center reminded me what true strength looks like — and how much love can shine through even the hardest journeys.

We’re celebrating Alexandria’s own Lonnie Rich—a leader, mentor, and community builder—as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement. His legacy reminds us to lead with purpose, live with balance, and always make time for what matters most.

In Alexandria, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s an art form. Streets glow with purple lights and iridescent spiders, 12-foot skeletons guard front yards and doorways, and friendly rivalries over “most creative” and “most extra” displays are in full swing. Before the candy rush begins, our contributors share how they celebrate spooky season in style.

What happens when powerful women talk money, purpose, and passion over steak and salmon? I joined the Next ChaptHER: Women & Wealth on HER Terms luncheon and left feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take charge of my next chapter. Read on for highlights and a few familiar Alexandrian faces who are redefining what success looks like.

Discover one of Old Town’s most extraordinary residences, the only home in the city featuring an elevator to all four levels, a private fenced yard with a jetted pool, and a separate apartment above a two-car detached garage. Completed in 2019, every detail reflects thoughtful design, timeless craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Women, in particular, are often the financial gatekeepers of their households—protecting your credit is one of the simplest ways to guard that financial foundation. Freezing your credit is a really useful—and very simple—way to protect your credit from fraudulent behavior.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins made history as the first African American woman to serve as Alexandria’s mayor — and she’s just getting started. From public health and urban planning to City Hall, she’s reimagining what it means to lead with heart, faith, and community.