When Facebook reminded me earlier this week that Sarah Walsh and I have been friends for six years, I thought to myself, “No way!” How could this be possible! I feel like I’ve known Sarah for so much longer. While the meta-verse does a great job of keeping us updated on these “friend-aversaries,” it doesn’t know just how special these friendships are!

Sarah is just one of “those friends.” You know what I mean. She is the one that you meet and you just know you have an instant connection that will make you good friends for the long-haul.

I honestly don’t even recall how we met, but I’m sure it was at an event in our beloved neighborhood of Cameron Station. Sarah originally lived on the other side of the “boulevard” from us. Soon enough, she hired my husband, Aaron, to move them onto our street when the model home they wanted became available for sale.  

The rest is history. Sarah quickly became the friend that I knew I could count on to grab one of my boys at school if I was running late, and the neighbor during COVID who dropped fresh-baked sourdough (killing my GF diet) at my door.

On any given Monday, which we have now coined Mom Monday, you’ll find Sarah with all of her amazing creativity, instructing the neighborhood kids, including my sweet Ashton, on how to make a seasonal craft. Last month, it was painting gourds to look like snakes and this month,  it’s collecting leaves to make turkey feathers!

Speaking of Sarah’s creativity, did you know that she owns the high-end paper company Haute Papier that wholesales to over 1,400 retailers nationwide? Her letterpress coasters were even selected as one of Oprah’s favorite things for the holidays in 2015!

But, you would never know that about her. She is so successful, yet so unassuming – it’s part of what I love about her!

As a fellow “boss babe,” we commiserate a lot over our favorite wine and our mutual love of cooking! If you follow me on Instagram you know that Sarah and I have turned Mom Monday into Manic Monday and we cook delicious and themed meals every Monday for our families.

Alexandria Stylebook readers, meet Sarah Walsh – my dear friend, my amazing neighbor, and the baddest boss babe I know!

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography.

Sarah is styled by Mint Condition.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood (doesn’t have to be Alexandria): West End! Cameron Station

What is your hometown? Sheldon, NY

What would surprise people about you? I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Buffalo, New York.

Favorite book you’ve read recently?  I just finished Lessons in Chemistry and loved it!

Guilty Pleasure: Oh geez, now I have to give away all of my secrets. I love most things high or low end. Give me all of the Truffle Tremor & Fromager d'Affinois AND all of the Velveeta!

Latest binge-watch: Yellowstone.

Bucket list travel destination: This list is SO long. My family loves to travel so we’re always thinking about our next destination! At the top right now are the Panama Canal and Croatia.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Classic, clean lines.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Tiiiight jeans, black bodysuit, and blazer

Favorite trend: I’m loving the oversized blazer.

Beauty product you can’t live without: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is a must for me. There’s always a tube in my purse, the console in the car, etc. It works as a primer and just feels so good, let alone the sun protection.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sandals, 100 percent.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Cooking!

Most fun way to stay active: I LOVE SoulCycle and have been a fan for years. I love in-person classes and the at-home bike. It can always turn around my mood and makes my body feel great too!

Wellness goal: I want to get back on track with a little more variety in my exercise routine. I’ve been trying to add strength workouts to my week.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: The kitchen. Not only is it physically the center of the main floor in our home, but it’s always where everyone wants to be. Plus, I love cooking for others, so it makes me happy to have it full of friends and family.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Antiques! I love art that is more contemporary, but when it comes to furniture, I prefer the character in older pieces.

Last item bought for your home: I bought myself the fancy Breville food processor that dices and peels and blends and chops and grates…you get the idea! It’s such a timesaver and I love that the food is always consistently prepared for cooking.

Favorite way to entertain: Themed dinner parties. Who doesn’t love a good Tex-Mex night, homemade Indian feast, or make-your-own sushi party? My husband loves to make cocktails and is great at a playlist, so he’s in charge of those things while I love a deep dive into a specific area for the menu.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Ha! I like clutter-free. We try to keep our “well-lived in” clutter to the playroom and bedrooms. 😂

Next planned purchase: I am in the middle of new window treatments from Calico in Old Town for the primary bedroom.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook?  Streetstyle, of course! I think it’s fun to get to “read into” the personalities of the individuals featured.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: My husband and I have a weekly Sunday walk from Jones Point Park to Oronoco Bay Park and back.  

Last purchase in Alexandria: My favorite Blackwing pencils at Penny Post.

Best food spot: We love Aldo’s. Our kiddos love learning new Italian words from Chef Manny and requesting new gelato flavors. It’s a hidden gem that’s casual and delicious!

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Cameron Station Fourth of July Parade, which is sponsored by The Podolsky Group. It’s a blast to see over a hundred kiddos and their bikes all decked out in red, white, and blue.  We love the Rocklands BBQ picnic and celebration at the end too.