Every parent has the same story to tell. My child doesn’t like to read, therefore he doesn’t read. That was true for my son, Will. We read together and he enjoyed that, but he didn’t read on his own. Nothing inspired him, until my brother gave him Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants.

We are moving into one of Old Town's most iconic storefronts and I couldn't be more thrilled about the enhanced shopping experience that awaits you in our beautiful, expanded space.

I’m sharing my family’s pizza on the patio night along with some of my favorite resources, and hope it inspires you to enjoy an evening at home. Maybe tinker with a creative tablescape or find a new wine or vase for your flowers…anything that will bring you a little dose of joy.

Making sure your beneficiary designations are up to date is a crucial part of estate planning. I recently needed to update mine due to divorce, but it also gave me a chance to revisit who was the beneficiary of what assets, and put that in line with my overall estate plan

Today, The Spitfire Club is reading with 86 kids a week, 90 mins a week at different sites all over Alexandria that include the Boys & Girls Club on N. Payne Street, John Adams Elementary and Cora Kelly Elementary. The program is for students in first through fifth grade.

“It was my senior year of college when we reconnected. We were all in Old Town the night before Thanksgiving; I was with my Ireton girls and he was with the boys. We hadn’t seen each other since high school. After that, we kept in touch…AOL chat,” she says laughing.

Highlights include a full drink and food menu with shareable plates. Megan shared that we should expect, “a great mix of cocktails – dirty martinis, espresso martinis, sangria and lighter cocktails for the summer.” And of course, plenty of neon, rainbows and iconic art for those photo opps!

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.