Monday Musings

While we love spring, this one has felt particularly long and chilly. It's nearly mid-May, and we are excited about summer! Enough with the April showers; it's time for May flowers and gardens and sandals and outdoor get-togethers! Memorial Day is just three weeks away – are you ready?

Elizabeth: Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, so to make sure we are all ready, we are having a sandal and swim sale. We have a great selection at The Shoe Hive with everything from Sam Edelman to Marion Parke and everything in between. Swim is over at The Hive, so come check out our selections from Ulla Johnson, Xirena, Veronica Beard, and Mikoh. And, of course, stop by Yellow Jacket for some swim trunks for the guy in your life. (Shown here: Azalea gold bamboo sandal by Rupert Sanderson, $525)

Adrien: Working out with others often increases the consistency and intensity of your practice. Likewise, sharing wellness struggles, strategies, and successes with others solidifies your commitment to a wellness-centered lifestyle and increases the likelihood that you will stick with desired habit changes. Building your supportive community is a game-changer for your health, wellness, and fitness!

Amy: A good garden kneeling pad is one of those underrated tools that can completely transform the garden experience. This lovely alpaca and wool-stuffed kneeling pad will keep your knees cushioned and dry while you're planting seeds and pulling weeds. (Available at Red Barn Mercantile, $95)

Britt: Last week, my sister Paige and I spent some time shopping at a few of our favorite small businesses along King Street! Between graduations, weddings, baby showers, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, I'm giving a lot of gifts, and I know I can always find something at Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post. Staying local makes it easy - Alexandria has so many small businesses and boutiques to shop at. And we especially love supporting our fellow Stylebook contributors!

Celthia: Going light for the summer? Check out the Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask With Lemon! We all know how harsh shampoo can be on color, but no-poo is a total no-go for our hot and humid summers. This cleansing mask is detergent-free and has an acid pH for the ultimate no-shampoo hair care. It maintains your color's radiance and deeply nourishes hair fibers while leaving hair incredibly shiny. (Available at Bellacara, $49)