Gifting in Style This Christmas with Helen Olivia Flowers
At Helen Olivia Flowers, we believe gifting should feel just as enchanting. Whether you’re visiting loved ones, hosting a gathering, or sprinkling a little joy into someone’s season, we’ve curated our most luxurious and festive offerings to ensure your holiday giving is effortless and unforgettable.
The Experience That Reminded Me Why I Created Salon deZEN
Every so often, someone walks into your life and quietly reminds you why your work matters. For us, it was a young woman in Alexandria whose hair disaster hid a much deeper crisis—and whose story unfolded into two days of care, patience, and unexpected connection. This week, we share how Elise, Lee, and a little teamwork helped her leave not just restored, but seen.
How to Give a Thoughtful Gift That Says "I Really Know You"
We've all been there: standing in a store, scrolling through endless products, trying to find the perfect gift for someone who already has everything they need, or a best friend who insists she doesn't want anything. This holiday season, what if you could skip giving anxiety altogether and have confidence that you are giving something meaningful? There’s a wonderfully heartwarming gift that can make a tangible difference in our world: a donation to a local nonprofit.
The 12 Days of Christmas Are Back and Better Than Ever
We’ve missed the magic of our 12 Days of Christmas tradition—and this year, it’s finally returning. Starting December 2, The Hive will share a new deal each morning to make your holiday shopping a little brighter. Check your email and socials daily so you don’t miss out!
Final Opportunity for Exceptional New Construction by Wakefield Homes
Check out 2728 Boswell Ave – a property that represents a rare chance to own a thoughtfully designed, high-quality new construction home in Alexandria, crafted with the superior workmanship from esteemed local builder, Wakefield Homes.
The Art of Stepping Back: How Walking Away Saved This Painting
One thing I’ve learned: the most powerful tool in the studio isn’t a brush, charcoal, or even perfect light. It’s the ability to walk away. Stepping back isn’t quitting. It’s discipline. And it may be the hardest skill an artist ever learns.
Shop Small Business Saturday in Old Town Alexandria
We are all recovering from Thanksgiving, and maybe you’re reading this after a big day of hitting the mall and all the big-box stores, looking for something to do this Saturday that feels a little less intense. If that is you, I have a recommendation: stop by the stores of Old Town for Small Business Saturday.
Ins & Outs: Kitchen Trends for 2026 With Expert Insights from Zack St. Clair of St. Clair Kitchens
2026 is gearing up to be a defining year for kitchen style. To help us break down what’s rising—and what’s fading—we spoke with Zack St. Clair of St. Clair Kitchens, who shared the top trends clients are requesting in the year ahead.
The Gift of Conversation: Talking Estate Planning Over Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, consider starting a conversation that matters. Learn why the holiday table may be the perfect moment to talk with your parents about wills, medical directives, and the documents that protect your family when it counts most.
15 Years of Plaid Friday Magic, Lessons, and Lots of Coffee
It is hard to believe that this is the 15th year we have done Plaid Friday. I will always know exactly when we started because the year prior, 2009, Danielle of fibre space called me and asked me to participate, along with a handful of other stores. That was the last time I traveled out of town for Thanksgiving.
The Plaid Friday Gift Guide from Lauren Bishop
This holiday season, we once again asked Lauren Bishop to sponsor Plaid Friday—the small business community's answer to competing with the big-box stores on Black Friday. Check out her guide to make the most of your Plaid Friday!
Myth or Medicine: Is Red Wine good for you?
We all remember the era when red wine was touted as the shortcut to better health and longer life. Turns out, much of that buzz stemmed from studies in yeast and mice—not humans—and the latest research is setting the record straight. Here’s what you really need to know now.
The Holiday Gift Guide Everyone in Alexandria Is Talking About — Eliana Curated’s Most Wanted Pieces of 2025
Eliana Curated just dropped their 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, and it’s already sending local shoppers into a frenzy. From vintage designer treasures to waterproof everyday essentials and luxurious gold pieces, this guide is basically a cheat sheet for winning holiday gifting.
She Said / She Said: Wellness Edition
We tapped two of our local wellness experts, Sara Acheson of Athena Wellness and Jennifer Szymanski of Vitality-Led Health, to share their perspectives on proactive, whole-body care — from supporting patients through cancer treatment to healing chronic skin conditions from within.
New + Old Ways to Shop with Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co.
Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. are excited to bring new offerings this holiday season. From updated hours to private shopping parties and sensory hours, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get the perfect holiday haul.
Sweater Weather is Here: The Mohair Moment
I am sure you can imagine that your local wool shop gets a bit giddy when sweater weather finally arrives. This season, we love seeing “high pile” textures in knits at our local boutiques and on runways – lots of fuzz, floof, fringe and fur! Oversized fuzzy and furry garments were all over runways for fall and winter, and Mohair in particular is having its moment again.
Why I’m Reaching for Sets Over Dresses
It used to be that sets were reserved for more casual looks—and of course, there are still great casual sets (I live in them). But these days, there are so many great dressy options, especially skirt-and-top combinations. There really are so many great sets at all price points, and for every occasion.
Happy Home for the Holidays: Top Organization Tips
The holidays are fast approaching, and a little planning now can make all the difference later. Here are the tried-and-true tips we swear by to make your season a breeze!
Year-End Prep Made Easy (and Delicious): 1099 Tips + Favorite Holiday Recipes
Who else can’t believe we’re almost at the end of 2025?! November is the unofficial kickoff for year-end prep here at Moneta Accounting Solutions, and one of the things we’re turning our focus to is 1099s!
Thinning Hair, Reimagined: The deZEN Experts Share Their Insights on Strength, Scalp Health, and Fuller-Looking Hair
At deZEN, we believe hair tells a story long before we say a word. For many, thinning hair is one of the most tender chapters. It can surface quietly, shift slowly, and feel deeply personal. But it is also something that can be understood, supported, and softened with the right care.