I met Sarah two years ago and I remember it very clearly. She asked me to meet with her at Junction Bakery to talk about TSG and I just remember thinking "woah, those earrings are epic." Yup, that's what I said to myself. At the time all I knew about this person was that she was a super cool fashion blogger and she was the person taking over The Scout Guide. Throughout the course of the year (leading up to the release of last year's guide) I got to know Sarah through various collaborations and it was crystal clear that TSG chose an amazing person to fill some pretty big shoes!It's obvious that Sarah is the epitome of style, I mean her fashion blog has over 50,000 followers on instagram (@FiftyTwoThursdays)!!! She's always wearing something amazing and we all want to know wear she shops. Why, she shops local of course (world's best segue right there)! Fitness, dining, wellness, fashion, homegoods, pets...you name it, Sarah has identified so many local businesses that you need to know about. Conveniently, she tied them all up in one very pretty package-The Scout Guide!  What's not as obvious about Sarah is her behind the scenes workhorse hustle. She is very swift about this, you see. She gets so many things done and makes it look so easy. At last year's release party I went up to her husband, whom I'd never met and said "your wife is a hustler" and then awkwardly walked away. It must be noted that this man is around 6'5" and looks like he just got off a viking ship so this took some guts, but I was so impressed by her and I just had to tell someone. One second Sarah will be out capturing instagram stories throughout old town, then she will be at six photoshoots and then she will also make it to your party to support whatever promotion, cause, or product you are highlighting just because she cares! All of this is done without an ounce of complaining and her hair manages to look great throughout it all.The amount of time, effort, energy, creativity, thoughtfulness, and drive that Sarah has put into this year's book is unbelievable. After all it it is her pride and joy. She has really created something so very special in this year's volume. Cheers to you Sarah! Thank you for showing the world how amazing Alexandria is! 

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? I’m the editor of TSG Alexandria, so I’d say 75% of my time is focused there. It’s been one of the most challenging yet rewarding career moves I’ve ever made. I’ve always loved The Scout Guide publication and honestly dreamed of being an editor one day, so it’s crazy to say that that dream has finally come to fruition. I come from a background in sales and most recently in blogging/social media, so my goal is to share my knowledge and background in these categories with my clients. Not only is TSG a gorgeous print publication and social media outlet for small businesses but it’s also about relationships, business development, and community growth. I’ve met so many inspiring business owners in my short time here and look forward to building lifelong friendships and helping drive home how important it is to support your local businesses as much as I can in my years to come! Look out for my latest book, V5, launching on December 5th!

When I’m not working on TSG, you can find me blogging about fashion, fitness, and everything in between on 52 Thursdays (I’ve had my blog with my sorority sister Michelle going on seven years now), writing the style/beauty column for Strong Fitness Magazine, managing our Airbnb in Arlington and occasionally I still take on a client or two in social media consulting and content creation. When I’m not on the grind, I’ll most likely be at the gym, shopping local, traveling with the hubs, hanging with friends, or snuggling my two rescue pups Hank and Blanqui!

Neighborhood:I live in Mount Vernon with my husband and two rescue pups! It’s so peaceful and the community has been so warm and welcoming. We absolutely love it!How long have you lived in Alexandria: 2 years, we moved here from Arlington where we lived for 10 years. We have always loved the Alexandria vibe and were so lucky to find our dream home here.What is your hometown? Warrenton, VA born and raised! My family is still out there on a horse farm so we try to visit whenever we can!What brought you to Alexandria? We were looking for more space and for a more homey community. Luckily the Patterson Group was selling an amazing home that we happened to tour and we fell in love immediately! We pinch ourselves every day that we get to call Alexandria our home.Favorite cocktail: Spicy Margarita.Last book read or movie seen: The Bell Jar - Book Club lol.Facebook or Instagram? IG all the way!Latest binge-watch: The Morning Show.Bucket list travel destination: Tulum - going this winter on a girls trip! Can’t wait!If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? WINE for sure!  

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Edgy.The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Blazers - they pull any look together to look polished and put together.Favorite trend ever: High waisted jeans - holds everything in and I don’t see myself ever going back to low rise!Favorite current trend:The western trend! I’m so excited it’s back! As the wife of an actual cowboy, I have all the gear!Beauty product you can’t live without: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer - it’s magical.Favorite fragrance: Gucci - Bloom.Heels or flats? Heels.  

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living Room - I love how open it is and the cozy fireplace.Antiques, modern, or a mix? Our home is super modern. Very different from our last house (country chic) so we are having fun learning as we decorate!Last item bought for your home: A framed photo from our wedding. We are creating a gallery wall and it’s been so fun to choose the photos from our travels and life experiences!  

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Crossfit, Lifting, Orange Theory - I like really intense workouts but also enjoy mixing it up with barre, yoga, cycle, and pilates. I love it all!Most fun way to exercise: With friends!Group exercise or solo: Group exercise. I’ve made some of my best friends at the gym!Fitness goal: To stay active and continue to push myself as I get older.Proudest fitness achievement: Passing my Crossfit Level 1 certification and deadlifting over 300lbs!  

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Cedar Knoll, Stomping Ground, and Brut Champagne Bar.Last purchase in Alexandria: Brown Loefler Randal Crocodile Boots from Bishop Boutique.Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Stomping Ground for coffee, People’s Drug for Happy Hour, Cedar Knoll for date night.Favorite charity: The Seaport Foundation - It was such a wonderful experience to be able to work with Kathy Seifert and her team last year and to learn more about what they do. When I became Editor of TSG Alexandria, it was my mission to serve our community but also to give back. Each year we partner with a different charity to help raise awareness and funds for that specific non-profit’s cause. Each cover color represents the charity we support. I can’t wait to announce who we are partnering with this year and what color the cover is!Favorite annual Alexandria event: Wine On the Water - I had so much fun working on the planning committee last year as a part of our partnership with The Seaport Foundation, party planning is kind of my thing, but had an even better time at the main event. Wine, friends, raising money for charity...how could you go wrong?