It is funny how paths cross in life. I went to one of Ivy Lane's art exhibits this fall, and there were the most delicious and beautiful macarons. I asked Courtney who made them, and she said, "Oh, her name is Jennifer. You have to meet her; she is here. Her kids go to school with mine."  Courtney makes the introduction, and I am awkwardly staring at her because I knew I knew her. I started to run through the list of how we could know each other in my head. Is it pre-school, baseball, basketball, softball, the stores, or maybe some other random kid activity? Then Jennifer says to me, "I think we worked together." Yep, that was it. Back in 2000, we both worked for companies that did work for the Bush campaign. We probably talked about three times a day back in October of 2000. It truly seems like a lifetime ago.

I will admit, politics might have been easier work. We also both were single at the time with no kids. Fast forward 20 years, and we are both small business owners in Alexandria.

Jennifer Siegel (formerly Oschal) could run anything. She was impressive when she was in her early 20s, and she is even more impressive now. She has three kids and, during Covid, decided to turn her passion for baking into a business. I think it is rare to find people who are very creative and very organized. The two personality traits don't always agree with one another, but when they do, it is amazing to see what someone can accomplish. Jennifer is the perfect example. I love seeing what she creates, and I know she is also someone who is always volunteering at her kids' school; I know her house is perfectly organized, and she always looks put together. She is just one of those people - she gets stuff done.

Her creations are amazing, and you can follow along as she bakes @mixedmacarons or check out her website www.mixedmacarons.com.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Jennifer is styled by The Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Malvern Hill

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 17 years

What is your hometown? Moosic, Pennsylvania

What brought you to Alexandria? My husband brought me to Alexandria, but I lived in the DMV for 10 years prior.

What would surprise people about you? I’m a classically trained pianist.

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower?  Flying

Favorite cocktail: My husband’s whiskey sour.

Last book read or movie seen: The Lincoln Highway, Amor Towles

Guilty Pleasure: Potato chips…. every day!

Phrase you overuse: Put your laundry away.

Facebook or Instagram? FB for personal and IG for business.

Latest binge-watch: Parks & Rec with our whole family.

Bucket list travel destination: To see the Northern Lights.

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee!

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: jeans, tees, flipflops

Favorite trend ever: Swatch watches!

Favorite current trend: a million bracelets

Beauty product you can’t live without: Saint Jane Beauty Serum

Heels or flats? Flats

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My front porch

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Favorite way to entertain: Big parties because we can never figure out where to cut off the guest list.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Both!

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Peloton – all things on and off the bike.

Most fun way to exercise: Hikes with my family.

Group exercise or solo: Solo

Fitness goal: To be able to do a handstand and a pull up (yes, just one).

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Boxing

Proudest fitness achievement:  Running 2 marathons.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Dyke Marsh Trail

Last purchase in Alexandria: Vejas from the Shoe Hive

Favorite local organization: Carpenter’s Shelter

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Spring2Action, Alexandria’s Giving Day