Of Alexandria, Todd says, “I was immediately impressed. It’s 276 years old and it's not a city stuck in the past. It honors its past and knows its roots, while firmly looking forward. There’s so much flair in this historical place, and it’s been so interesting to learn and experience each of its neighborhoods. Old Town, The West End, Del Ray…and the arts and cultural district that’s growing in North Old Town. Potomac Yard and Virginia Tech’s new innovation campus…

My vision of expansion has taken physical form: Salon deZEN’s second location is now open on Montgomery Street. We’re adjacent to St. Elmo’s, Sisters Thai, and Oak Steakhouse and around the block from AKA Alexandria. It’s such a vibrant area—there’s art, parks, new developments, and a friendly, active community—and we’re still in Old Town.

Art is emotional and complex, it’s individual, reminding us of a moment, a phase, an introduction, a feeling. It speaks to a mood, a transition, a passion – something that strikes you at first glance – and you know you have to have it. It stays with you, becoming a part of your personal landscape.

We still have March to get through, but I wanted to get an early start on the Spring Trunk Show series at The Hive and The Shoe Hive – especially since it’s our first spring all under one roof. We’re starting big. AGL, then Ulla Johnson and squeezing in Veronica Beard before people start heading off on spring break.

My husband Sam and I recently attended the wedding of a beautiful woman who I have been photographing since she was in her mama’s belly. To watch her grow over the years and flourish is a gift. Her mother’s words that day made me smile: ”I just love LOVE!” Enjoy your people in the here and now and – bottle those moments in time!

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I LOVE the Oscars. Every year we try to commemorate the occasion in some way. This year we are hosting our first ever Oscar’s Pool! Compete against friends, neighbors, our team, and complete strangers from around the country to win a $100 gift card to one of our three stores.

There are only about two months left until your individual taxes are due. Now is the time to go through your tax time checklist to make sure you are ready to go!

We tapped two of our local experts, Lauren O’Brien of XML Financial Group and Brittany Patterson of The Patterson Group, for their insight into the current real estate market and how it may affect your financial future. If anyone knows how to invest and make your money work for you — it’s these women. Here’s some advice to consider when making your next real estate decision.

The salon is more than just a place for beauty; it’s a hub where we share the latest buzz in town, discover new businesses, talk about exciting local events, and, most importantly, gain insight into each other’s day-to-day lives. We get to inspire one another with trends, cultural shifts, and meaningful conversations. One of my favorite trends right now is comfort luxury—the idea that things should feel both accessible and special.

When our young associate at the store Emily Montgomery texted me about a fundraising effort for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation that she was helping orchestrate, I knew The Shoe Hive and The Hive had to get involved. We are hosting a fundraiser at The Hive on Thursday, February 27 from 4pm to 7pm.

Every year, rankings from organizations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) highlight the cities that offer the best quality of life. Cities that consistently rank highly in livability, such as Vienna, Zürich, and Calgary, attract residents and investors alike. Their strong infrastructure, stable economies, and vibrant cultural scenes make them highly desirable locations for high-net-worth individuals.

Winter is the perfect time to advance in art. The warmer months bring so many that it’s hard to focus on my work. The cold days, with their muted light, are my ideal backdrop for studio time. It also should be your busiest time as an Artist.

This month we’re sharing what we’re loving in entertainment. From books to podcasts to shows we’ve binged in a single weekend and more. Our contributors highlighted some of their faves and maybe you'll add a few more to your list! Check ‘em out:

Despite how stressed we get when ordering, wondering if we’ve picked the right items, it’s what makes Allude so wonderful. The brand is one that you can’t find everywhere. And even if it were in big box stores, rarely is the same item carried. The sweaters are custom-made for us; we get an edited selection exclusively for The Hive and our customers.

Imagine this: it’s a cozy Old town afternoon, and you’re sipping on a rich, aromatic coffee. The sun is shining, and the world feels just right. Suddenly, he walks in, a cheeky grin on his face, and guess what he’s holding? A decadent selection of Madame Coco’s exquisite chocolates! You can practically hear the angels singing as he presents you with a box filled with delightful confections, each one a little piece of bon bon heaven.

When you pass, the person you name as Guardian doesn’t automatically become your child’s guardian. So is it worth it to even name one in your documents? If you are appointed a Guardian of a Minor in court, there is a lot more financial responsibility to it than you may think.

As soon as customers step into The Cut Butchery, they will be welcomed by an enticing selection of cheeses, charcuterie meats, fresh produce, in-house stocks, soups, and broths—a testament to the shop’s zero-waste philosophy. The butchery is deeply committed to working with local docksmen and farmers, ensuring that all beef, lamb, pork, seafood, and chicken are sustainably and locally sourced.

Tibi just dropped their spring fundamentals and the main spring delivery should arrive by the end of next week. I ordered way too many personals and could somehow get more. The fundamentals are just like they sound: the pieces in your wardrobe you instantly grab because you know they work. The fit and style are proven and that is why they introduce them in different fabrics and colorways.

One diet trend I practiced for 10 years is Intermittent Fasting. But after my twins were born and I hit my 40s, the weight didn’t come off. In fact, I was still putting it on. So I did the research and now do the exact opposite of IF as a woman in her late 50s. And now I feel tons better. There is so much to say about the power of food as fuel in midlife.

Some of the most impactful projects we’ve worked on have involved weaving cherished memories into a home’s design. We’ve incorporated antique heirlooms, like dining tables where generations have gathered, and reimagined childhood homes to accommodate modern living while preserving their sentimental essence.