Last year I had the honor of photographing six, local female authors. The portraits had to capture – in a glance – who they are and what they want to share on websites, book jackets and in press materials. No pressure!

Life moves fast, and sometimes we just need a moment to slow down, breathe, and reset. Our Japanese Scalp Spa is where ancient wellness rituals meet modern luxury to transform not just your hair—but the health of your scalp and your entire sense of well-being.

When it comes to Hunter Bell, she really gets how to make a dress for warmer weather. Maybe it’s her Texas roots, but over and over, I find that nobody does it better. I’m not typically a color or pattern person, but I’m always drawn to her dresses.

April is National Letter Writing Month! I love all these fun made up “holidays.” They bring so much silliness and joy. Naturally, one of our Penny Post favorites is National Letter Writing Month. It’s an entire month where we get to celebrate writing letters and connecting with our loved ones near and far.

With the arrival of spring, MGM National Harbor is serving up new and exciting experiences for guests during April. From a dedicated DMV-themed conservatory display and specials for cherry blossom season to an array of talented entertainers at The Theater, there’s no better place to usher in a new season.

Pamela went viral on TikTok at the end of 2021. “I made a video of trends I had observed through the lens of an elder millennial. Overnight I gained 50,000 followers…I had celebs following me,” she shares. “This humorous approach to trends worked for an older audience,” and she kept creating “weekly Cliff notes” for two years as an organic content curator. She struck more gold with spoof reality shows on the platform. “There’s a lot more silliness and physical comedy coming back to social, people need an outlet.”

Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing: the Easter Bunny is hopping into town! But have you ever stopped to wonder where this fluffy, egg-delivering creature originated? It’s a tale as rich as a box of Madame Coco’s chocolate Bon Bons. 

Everyone is loving Freda Salvador and we keep adding more and more styles to our collection. Ann Mashburn does the most comfortable sandal called the Diagnol Strap Sandal. It just molds to your foot and disappears when you wear it. When you look at it, it doesn’t seem like it should be comfortable, but we promise you can wear them all day.

Set along the picturesque banks of the Potomac River, this 5,200 square foot Mediterranean-style villa offers a seamless blend of Old World charm and contemporary innovation. Its warm, earth-toned brick façade and classic terracotta roof exude timeless elegance, while integrated solar panels provide a sustainable touch without compromising its architectural authenticity.

April 9 is Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Day of Giving where we come together to raise nearly $3 million for organizations serving our most vulnerable citizens. Critical federal funding that our non-profits and schools rely on is being stalled at best, and eliminated at worst. As we see more of our neighbors in need, it’s going to be up to the public sector to come to their aid. This is the perfect time to teach children the joy of giving so others may thrive. 

First of all, let’s review whether it’s smart to get a refund to begin with. Not really, and certainly not a sizable one. That’s letting the government take your money throughout the year, earn interest on it for itself, and then return it to you without even a thank you. Now, I don’t want to be swung on the other side too far and face owing a substantial amount either. The sweet spot is something that looks a lot like a non-event.

Right now there’s a lot of chaos in the D.C. area, and some people are wondering if they can relocate either to be closer to family, or for a lower cost of living. If you have children in common with someone you are not living with, and want to move with your children – this is tricky.

The moment you hold your grandchild for the first time, you experience a love that is different from anything else. Not only do you experience becoming a grandparent, but you get to see your child step into the role of becoming a parent. And once I became a grandparent, I saw so many items on our buying trips that the shop just had to have! Here’s a preview.

You know “those” people you see at gyms. They walk in with confidence. They know where to go and what to do. They know the people at the front desk like family. Their workout looks tough, yet (oddly) they seem to be having the time of their life. How do YOU do that?  Let’s start with some numbers.

If you’ve been to The Hive recently, some of these items may already be in your closet. But for many, they are just starting to think about possibly flipping their closets and making sure they have what they need for spring events. I know I am finally admitting I have to buy some dresses for my daughter’s graduation – and it makes me want to cry just thinking about it!

"My first cover shoot for Vogue was with Taylor Swift…she had just cut her bangs, and it was a wild experience," Lauren says with a laugh. “She was so kind and nice and made sure to make everyone feel welcome.” This was one of many unique experiences during her seven years spent at Condé Nast working with world-renowned titles: GQ, Vanity Fair, New Yorker and Bon Appétit.

Next Thursday is Nationals’ Opening Day and Alexandria Little League opens the season that Saturday. To celebrate, on March 29, Red Barn Mercantile will be handing out peanuts and our much better version of Cracker Jacks, streaming games all day, wearing our favorite team’s colors, and hosting Port City Brewing Co. for a tasting of their seasonal sensation ALX IPA.

I love them all. I probably love the ten dollar Old Navy sweats a little too much. So when I have to leave my house and be seen in public and can’t wear the beloved gross gray sweats, I turn to Tibi, obviously. 

The “Old Money” aesthetic—rooted in refined, polished, and understated beauty—is quietly taking over the world of hair. Think Jackie Kennedy’s impeccable blowouts, Gwyneth Paltrow’s sleek layers, or Sofia Richie Grainge’s effortless elegance. This style isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about cultivating a timeless, well-maintained look that speaks to quiet confidence.

More than 100 business professionals gathered at Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus at Potomac Yard last week to attend Visit Alexandria’s “What’s New 2025” Meeting. Highlights included the Public Art at Waterfront Park: Break Water by Nekisha Durrett. The sculpture draws inspiration from Alexandria’s waterfront being a place where natural forces and human activity intersect, often with profound consequences.