Every year we collect school supply donations for students. This year we wanted to try something different. Something that has a bit of a multiplying effect. Something that helps the teachers that help the students. Yep, this year we are raising school supplies for teachers!

When I asked our designers how Stylebook readers can keep their home current without breaking the bank, one of the first things they recommended was to refresh a space with a new coat of paint. Here are some of the paint trends and colors they are loving right now: 

This spring, we started concept design for the full basement and an upstairs office for the husband. Currently we’re nearing construction with Harry Braswell, Inc. to create some beautiful dark and moody spaces. We thought we would share how the home is evolving and the design process. 

With fifty states, six continents, and countless trips under my belt, here are my personal Top 5 Areas I like to specifically budget for, and sometimes allocate a bit more in order to get the most out of a trip.

The first two weekends in August are a great time to shop in Alexandria. They are two of my favorite events of the year! We kick off August with Tax Free Weekend, then the following weekend the entire city is basically on sale for Sidewalk Sale weekend.

Summer vacation is here for many, and the excitement of traveling is undeniable. It’s also crucial to keep our spines happy and healthy while on-the-go. Here are some tips to help you avoid travel-related issues like back pain and neck stiffness.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend about three hours from D.C, you’ve been to Deep Creek Lake and want a different adventure— check out Thomas and Davis, West Virginia.

“We’re surrounded by history, American history – not political history. In England, the local pub is part of your community, you walk in and you know people. I want that here. I love the walkability of Old Town, the character in the architecture. Sometimes I close my eyes and can almost hear the hooves clanking from horse-drawn carriages.”

The waiting, the rejection, the reward, it all taught her resilience. “We come to what we’re supposed to come to when we come to it. And you’re the best mother you can be with your child at the time when you’re a mother. We all have different circumstances.” 

The Courtyard Clearance continues and the deals keep getting better and better. This week all three stores will have new markdowns to $125 and $150. The tables will be out and the racks at The Hive will be full of huge savings on some of our biggest brands.

Creating a portrait is not just about the technical skill; it’s about encapsulating the essence of the subject. Maria is more than a muse—she is a source of inspiration, a beacon of creativity. The challenge lies in translating her vibrant spirit onto the canvas. A tall order.

Summer is the ideal season to explore Virginia and discover its abundant waterfalls. Here’s a list of some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls, complete with scenic hikes to satisfy your adventurous spirit this summer!

Whether you dread the summer months and steamy discomfort (yep, that’s me), or you love the summer (because free vitamin D?), or you are indifferent and maybe just tolerate it as the gateway to autumn (the clear winner of Mid-Atlantic seasons) - something we can all look forward to is Planner Season! 

Delia shares this pearl, “You wouldn’t have wanted to choose what you went through, but what you went through is giving you the impetus to share and someone will resonate with some part of it.”

One client dreamed of a traditional home featuring a light-filled dining bay overlooking a spacious backyard oasis. The other imagined a mid-century modern addition with a cool kitchen. We gave both homes a new vibe while maintaining their original essence…

I get asked a lot about intermittent fasting – which is not a diet and is better described as an approach to meal timing. While I understand there are benefits for some, I do have concerns about this strategy for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Ever feel like your home could use a little extra something? It’s come together nicely and you’re happy with it, but…it needs a little oomph. Time to zhuzh it up! Take a look around your home or office. There are zhuzh opportunities everywhere!

It's the end of an era. In a few weeks we’ll be packing up The Shoe Hive and moving it into our clothing space at 315 Cameron Street. We’ve been at 127 South Fairfax since 2009 and it’s been a wonderful home for our little fashion community. I hope you’ll come to the courtyard one more time!

Natalie says, “You can keep an eye on your clients and work out. There’s an energy transfer when we’re doing it together…we know when we’ve fatigued…that’s harder to tell when you’re not actually doing it. I also give my team the freedom to bring their own flair to their class, it’s not plug and play.”

Well it’s week two of our Courtyard Clearance Sale at The Shoe Hive. Things are moving quickly, that’s for sure! This week we have only two price points: $75 and $100. There’s something about the arrival of fall merchandise that makes us grab the red pens and reduce prices on summer merchandise.