I don’t sit still. It's virtually impossible for me to sit around watching TV for more than an hour. So, this whole stay at home order was initially very shocking for me. There was definitely a moment on March 23rd when Governor Northam issued the order that I had one of those good deep releasing big crocodile tear cries. Once that was over, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish during this hopefully “once-in-a-life gift of time” and painting a very ugly dresser I inherited from my grandmother was at the top of the list!  My first “call” (i.e. Instagram message) was to Leah at Boxwood. The Instagram went something like this *Insert photo of ugly dresser here* with message “I need to paint this ugly thing” and Leah’s response was “OHHHH (yes four H’s on that ‘Oh,’ clearly she agreed it was ugly) with some paint and new hardware you can really transform that piece” and off I went to the store for a social distancing style tutorial on what this transformation was going to require.So we’ve all been in this position - walk into a store, met the store owner who appears to be nothing like you, *she’s handy, artistic, and laid back all qualities you lack* and think uh-oh I may be in over my head. But that was not the case at Boxwood! Leah could sense my Type A need for instructions and my yearning to make the perfect piece. She handed me a well laid out piece of paper with diagrams and instructions, walked me through the process and then said, “Just call, text or inbox me with any questions!” and I walked out thinking “Wait - I may actually have this!”And sure as heck- I did! I followed the instructions. No sanding required, multiple coats of wax encouraged for my desired high-sheen finish, new hardware off Etsy and wow! It's like I’m creating my own Restoration Hardware piece over here. Now what can I paint next?! We are incredibly lucky to have such thoughtful local store owners in Alexandria that are going above and beyond to make our time in quarantine a little more creative. AR Workshop is offering DIY kits to go, Helen Olivia is offering online floral workshops, the list goes on! Tap into your inner creative. Not feeling so artsy? Every one of our Alexandria Stylebook members is offering curbside pick-up and virtual shopping options - make sure we support these local businesses that make Alexandria, well Alexandria!