I landed in Ho Chi Minh City with jet lag, zero Vietnamese, and a vacation of two and a half weeks stretching out ahead of me. Saigon did not ease me in. It hit me immediately — the heat, the motorbikes, the noise. But after some delicious Vietnamese food and hitting some amazing shops, I was completely in love with it. Here is what four cities across two weeks actually looked like.

I need to tell you, as your attorney friend who has seen what happens when this conversation doesn’t happen: the moment you say yes is the moment your estate plan needs your attention. Not eventually. Now. This isn’t about being unromantic. It’s about understanding what the law does to your assets—and to your children’s inheritance—the moment you sign a marriage certificate, whether you’ve thought about it or not.

For two-parent families, a PCS is complicated. For families navigating custody orders, it can feel like a crisis. And every year—every single year—I hear from families who received orders in March, waited too long, and are now trying to sort out something that should have been addressed months ago. So let's talk about it now, while there's still time.

One thing I can tell you after many trips around Asia is how to Asian Spa. I just got back from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and oh my gosh the spas! Now, there are some nuanced differences from an onsen in Japan, a spa in Thailand and those here in Northern Virginia, but here is a ritual guide of steps you can use for your visits at home or abroad that has you covered!

Artificial intelligence aims to please, and I understand the temptation to use it in place of your lawyer, given the expense of legal advice. However, it may be hurting you more than helping you. Here is a guide on when and how to effectively use AI in your divorce matter.

Solo travel is having a moment. Nearly 40% of female travelers are planning a solo trip this year, and women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are leading the charge. But here’s what the travel guides don’t always tell you: how you prepare before you leave matters just as much as where you’re going.

Whether you're treating yourself to a solo adventure, escaping with your best girlfriends, or finally taking that trip you've been pinning for years, Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like it was designed entirely for women who know what they want.

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and that always has us thinking about relationships. When it comes to making it legal, should you marry or register as domestic partners? While both options recognize your relationship, the legal differences are significant—and understanding them is crucial for protecting yourselves and your future.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating a special someone, your best friends, or even just treating yourself, we’ve got you covered. We asked our contributors to share their favorite gifts this season, and the results are as thoughtful as they are fun

Are you, like me, bored of being stuck at home surrounded by piles of concrete snow? Not really feeling Valentine’s Day this year? I’ve got a plan. On February 21, 2026, from 7:00–10:30 pm, my favorite Alexandria gala returns: Banding Together. And this year, the timing makes it the perfect excuse for a Glam Rock–inspired Galentine’s night out.

When winter settles in, our kitchens become the coziest place to be. It’s the season for simmering pots, well-loved family recipes, and dishes that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. From comforting classics to a few creative twists we can’t stop making, we asked our contributors to share the winter recipes they return to again and again.

Calling all winter lovers: I love skiing Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley! Canaan offers such beautiful natural scenery around its trails, and Timberline Mountain tends to keep snow on its slopes when other resorts in the area have closed, thanks to heavy base building. See some of my favorite slopes and spots for your winter getaways.

Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.

When Virginia Lawyer Weekly recognized Family First Law Group as a Top Women-Led Law Firm, it affirmed what our clients have been telling us for years: women’s leadership in law creates a different—and often better—client experience.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the moments that made this year memorable. From personal milestones to business wins and community impact, 2025 reminded us that progress often comes in many forms.

Holiday travel with children is stressful, and we frequently receive panicked calls from parents who’ve been stopped and questioned because they don’t have the right paperwork. This holiday season, as you pack gifts and coordinate travel plans, add legal documents to your checklist. It’s one gift to yourself that costs nothing but provides priceless peace of mind.

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.

There's something special about being recognized by your own community. When the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named Family First Law Group as Small Business of the Year, it wasn't just an award—it was validation from the neighbors, families, and business owners we serve every day.

We’re celebrating Alexandria’s own Lonnie Rich—a leader, mentor, and community builder—as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement. His legacy reminds us to lead with purpose, live with balance, and always make time for what matters most.

In Alexandria, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s an art form. Streets glow with purple lights and iridescent spiders, 12-foot skeletons guard front yards and doorways, and friendly rivalries over “most creative” and “most extra” displays are in full swing. Before the candy rush begins, our contributors share how they celebrate spooky season in style.