Mother’s Day is sneaking up! If you’re lucky enough to have your mom around this Mother’s Day, make a plan to spoil her rotten. Give her a break, a cuddle, a good meal, and something beautiful that lets them know how grateful you are. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mom-pleasers from Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post that the moms in your life will love.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to sprinkle some sparkle on the serious subject of staying fabulous when surrounded by folks who are, shall we say, less than dazzling. Think of it as your personal guide to looking like a million bucks even when the shade is being thrown your way!  

When concierge members and I discuss how much protein women need, the first words that come to mind are “muscle,” “burn fat,” and “build.” To this, I respond with: “yes, yes, and yes!” Yet, there is SO MUCH MORE when it comes to proper protein intake. Most women don’t realize that protein not only helps us build and maintain muscle, but it is also vital to maintaining the integrity of your tissues and organs. Here are a few benefits to adequate protein intake that women love.

“Maycember.” You may have seen this word begin to pop up again on social channels. It describes the madness of the month of May, compared to the month of December – but without the presents, holiday lights and sparkle. May is host to Mother’s Day, end of year school events, field trips, graduations, recitals, sports tournaments, school plays, summer prep, Memorial Day. Need I go on?

I have been doing retail for 21 years now, and there is no better brand or people in the business. The way the Fortunato sisters treat me and our customers is remarkable. They are generous with their time and they stand behind their product. They have shipped us so many beautiful pieces just for our Trunk Show event. Please come by and say hello and check out their Spring 2025 collection. 

“I didn’t want to only be known as ‘the girl who had been kidnapped.’ I went back to teaching in a traditional classroom until the pandemic hit. And that’s when people started asking me to speak virtually because they needed someone to bolster their teams and employees. I thought ‘I can do this again.’”

One of the great parts of our Ann Mashburn Trunk Show event is the Made to Order shirting. Made to Order is not Made to Measure. When you do Made to Measure, which is common in the men’s clothing world, they take all your measurements to make a custom shirt. Made to Order is a little different. The Ann Mashburn team has sent samples of four different styles of shirts and two different dresses in all the sizing available. You try one of these models on and after you order, it’s made.

At Salon deZEN, we’re passionate about helping our clients feel their most confident, radiant, and true-to-themselves — and when it comes to hair extensions, not all methods are created equal. That’s why we are proud to specialize in Invisible Bead Extensions — a revolutionary technique that’s completely changed the game for those seeking fuller, longer, or more voluminous hair.

I know I always say this is the biggest event of the year, but this time it might be. I can say this with confidence because we aren’t hosting just one trunk show, we are hosting two trunk shows. We also rarely have the actual designer walk through our doors but at this event, we’ll have the fabulous designer duo: the Fortunato sisters in town, and Stephanie, our Ann Mashburn rep, too!

The only way to lure me to watch the NFL Draft is to tell me about all the fashion.  Extremely talented and fit male athletes in an array of fashion – from designer tuxes and studded crocs, to shorts and a polo shirt. It’s definitely all over the place!

This week’s new listings showcase the best of Alexandria living — from a waterfront retreat with a private dock to an updated single-level home just minutes from Old Town. Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious, resort-style escape, a private woodland haven, or a turnkey property with unbeatable convenience, these homes offer something special for every lifestyle.

At the end of a long day, parents just want time to take a deep breath. Then comes that ever so innocent, yet loaded question, “Mommy, can you play with me?” I am here to tell you that something as simple as playing catch or building a tower can help your child expand their vocabulary and develop essential social and cognitive skills.

The first Saturday in May? Pure legend in Louisville, Kentucky. With a week of events, parties, and plenty of seersucker, the Kentucky Derby draws out anyone with a flair for fascinators and a taste for mint juleps. The Kentucky Derby kicks off the three-race gauntlet of securing the elusive title – the Triple Crown. Lucky for you, there’s also a Triple Crown in investing—and this one’s actually within reach.

It’s always such a gift to be included in an exhibit with other artists. There's a sense of community, creativity and appreciation for each other and our life’s passion. When Carrie Garland, a dear friend and owner of Nepenthe Art Gallery, approached me about being in the More Moments of Art exhibit at George Washington’s River Farm, I was beyond excited.

As a small business owner for more than 21 years there is one thing I know for sure, the only reason we’re still around is because of our amazing customers. The women who have supported us and kept our doors open for the last two decades have become our friends and we know a going-out-of-business sign would have been hung in our door many years ago if it weren’t for their loyalty. So stop by this weekend and grab some treats, special discounts, prizes and extra loyalty points to go towards your future purchases.

When Dr. Rina Bansal, President of Inova Alexandria Hospital and SVP of Inova Health Systems, joins us, she’s a vision in blue. She exudes confidence and rocks thick, high heels with ease – but I do notice the comfy pair of Rothy’s loafers nearby. “Burnout in healthcare is a huge problem,” she shares. “We want our people working in an environment focused on their wellbeing, as well as the patients.”

How much time, energy, and money are you willing or able to invest in expressing yourself through your hair—whether that’s color, cuts, or styling? For clients returning to office life or needing more streamlined appointments, we now have options like 10-minute permanent color processing to cover silver strands. You can have your hair cut and colored in about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Did you even know that was possible?

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been on a tariff international press tour. Toys have been the biggest topic, but I get to speak about how it affects all our local businesses. I have been interviewed twice and those stories appeared on ABC World News and Good Morning America and NBC Washington and NBC Nightly News. This is clearly a complicated global issue that is getting a lot of attention. I want to bring it to the local level and give it a bit of context.

What’s that old axiom – if you want something done, do it yourself? The retailers in Old Town started Plaid Friday, The Alexandria Sidewalk Sale, The Alexandria Warehouse Sale and Alexandria Stylebook, and now we are adding a new spring event to the mix: The Old Town Spring Fling. There are 30 stores that are participating and each one has a special event or trunk show they’re hosting.

This basement renovation is part of a full-home project with a dynamic family that lives, hosts, and celebrates with intention. Their home is a revolving door of energy—kids, neighbors, colleagues, and book club friends—and this lower level was designed to keep up with it all while reflecting their fearless love of color and thoughtful design.