Last summer, I set out to reconnect with my love of flowers through visiting several gorgeous flower farms right in our backyard. In addition to soaking in a little country air, the views (and flower smells) were incredible!

Father’s Day is fast approaching (Sunday, June 16th) and we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas, local activities, and weekend getaways to celebrate the fathers in your life. Check it out!

Don prefers to paint live, and not from a photograph. When someone is sitting for him, “the real personality traits come out, and you have to put that in the painting.” A portrait can take up to six months to complete; he’s not churning them out. “The sittings are part of the experience.”

Mystic BBQ is a great spot to grab a drink at the bar, have dinner with family and friends, or even host a private event – it’s that spacious. My husband always jokes that I’m more into the ambiance and vibe than the food, which is true. But both are good at this place – and there’s outdoor seating, too.

I had an amazing college experience. And if you have kids, I know you want that for them, too. Yet, the sticker shock of the cost of higher education can be daunting. So, on 5|29, let’s review the 529 education savings accounts with a few commonly asked questions.

Your child has turned 18, they’re going to college or trade school, or starting a job. Huzzah! Good job parents. But what about their information, grades, finances now?

This month is typically crazy for our family, as I know many of us joke about Maycember, but THIS May is next level! I’m lucky to have two kiddos with May birthdays, but this week my oldest, Lilly turns 18 and we are hosting her graduation/birthday party! 

By far the most beautiful drive in the DMV, the George Washington Memorial Parkway is a gem full of scenic stops, wildlife, and activities. We’ve compiled a list of must-visit places along the GW Parkway from on-land activities to water adventures. 

“Storytelling is so important to me, digging in and explaining the art and science behind architecture. All of my experiences in operations and comms led me here, and I’m so grateful for my career and to work for a local small business, where I’m raising my family.”

I had walked by Ms. Moxie’s Moonshop more than a few times and was always curious about what was inside. The name kind of intrigued me, too. Did they sell crystals? Was it a hippie shop and did they howl at the moon?

We discussed all the things – relationships, spring events, retirement planning, the wealth transfer and the language of money. That’s what I love about smart, confident women—the conversation goes much deeper.

Something you may not know about me: I had a not-so-awesome childhood. Well, that’s not all true. Until the age of eight it was pretty idyllic. But in the fourth grade, my parents divorced and it was a doozy. 

We tapped two of our local home and entertainment experts, Amanda Mertins of Patina Polished Living and Rachel Gang of Helen Olivia, for tips on outdoor entertaining.

From nightly happy hours to curated on-site entertainment, there’s always something to do at Alate Old Town, making it easy to stay engaged and socialize with friends

It began with an email forwarded to me, “Read this.” Alexandra shared that with the passing of her mother she had taken over the reins of American in Paris on King Street.

A common thread I hear and even feel myself: there is no divide between home and work – when you work from home.

As knitters, we feel a connection to the animal who provided the wool as we work with their fibre in our fingers.

My aunt always joked that she didn’t need to get a new man, that she had a dog who farted and snored. When I was little I didn’t get the joke, I do now.

As I walk up to Goodies Frozen Custard on Commerce Street, a woman walking in front of me in heels runs to our photographer, Renée and hugs her.

“I don't sleep, I’ll be up at 5:30am, in the office by 7:30am, and up till 1am that morning,” said Brandi Yee of Spring2ACTion, Alexandria's annual 24-hour giving day.