When I saw the Janis Midi Dress in Lime and Dove by Veronica Beard, I thought this is the perfect summer dress. The silhouette is so flattering, and the fabric makes it effortlessly versatile. I also love that it isn’t white.

The real secret to successful summer learning – or any learning for that matter – is disguising education as play. When children are having fun, they absorb information naturally. Their creativity and curiosity kicks in and they ask thought provoking questions then seek out the answers on their own.

People often say to me, “My kids are too grown up. I missed my chance to do family photos.” But my friends, I promise you this: as grown up as your children seem today, you’ll look back on photos and think how little they still looked. Tomorrow, next month, next year—you’ll always wish for a glimpse of the now.

About a month ago, my father passed away. If you’re in that club, you know how quickly the ending can come. I thought I had more time—more conversations to have, more texts to send. Funny how often I still think I can text him. But time waits for no one, and peonies wait for no one. They bloom and fade on their own schedule. Maybe that’s why I love them more than other, more predictable flowers.

Imagine a place where the sun kisses the turquoise Aegean, where bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls, and the scent of grilled octopus mingles with the salty air. Welcome to Türkbükü, a captivating coastal town in Bodrum, Turkey, that's ready to steal your heart.

If you're reading this, chances are you've shoulder discomfort or pain. I'm here to help you figure out whether it's time to see a physical therapist (not a surgeon!), how to prevent shoulder issues, and how to address them so you can stay strong and active.

This exceptional 2,100-square-foot residence offers a rare blend of privacy, elegance, and convenience. Overlooking peaceful parkland from every window, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath townhome lives with the grace and scale of a single-family home, yet offers the ease of HOA living.

There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens when your home truly reflects who you are. It’s not about chasing trends or filling every corner with something new—it’s about editing with intention and finding inspiration that speaks to your life, your style, and your story. 

Pre-fall items can be tough. No one wants to try on a heavy sweater when it’s one hundred degrees outside. So we do our best to focus on transitional styles that can be worn right now, but also hold their place in your closet come fall. That’s exactly what I love about Apiece Apart.

From April Fool’s Day pranks to planning Reptile Day at Pippin Toy Co., Leann brings joy and spark to Old Town’s favorite toy store. This week, she shares how life led her to Alexandria, her top Disney tips, her daughter Lily’s toy evolution—and why she’ll never move farther south (unless it’s to Key West!).

You never think about divorce when you’re looking into those cute little wet noses, do you? Of course not! So many of us have pets that are not just animals but cherished members of the family. In Virginia, courts are required to treat pets like any other form of tangible property. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about what might happen.

Looking for family-friendly summer fun — and a chance to tour your future dream home? Join The Patterson Group and Wakefield Homes for a one-of-a-kind Carnival Open House at 8628 Plymouth Road, Alexandria, VA on Sunday, July 13 from 3–6pm.

Headed to the beach (or mountains, or city) this summer? We’ve rounded up our favorite easy, thoughtful host gifts—from candle sets and cocktail kits to notepads, games, and cozy kitchen bundles—that are sure to impress and easy to pack.

Several months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move back to our home state of Pennsylvania to be closer to family. It felt very far off at the time, but now—with boxes nearly all unpacked in Philadelphia—I find myself in my last two weeks at The Hive. Shops and businesses are the heartbeat of places like Old Town. And my biggest takeaway about Alexandria is that it shows up.

There’s a new beauty buzzword making its way into everyday conversations and no, it’s not another TikTok trend. It’s recession hair, and while the name might sound like something pulled from the pages of an economics textbook, the deeper story is one of empowerment, sustainability, and smart beauty choices.

My husband has always wanted to show me where he spent seven years of his life growing up. It just happens to be Switzerland, specifically Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. So here I am, sitting on our hotel balcony. But since Patina isn’t a travel blog or restaurant review site, let’s move on to something a little closer to home—our gorgeous rechargeable lamps

Some of you already know, but we wanted to make sure everyone heard the news: Annette is moving back to Pennsylvania. She tried to do this once before, a few years ago, but I managed to trick her into staying. This time, no amount of begging could change her mind. This is the hardest part of the job. We really are like a family, and when someone leaves, it hurts.

Hooray for summer! The season of carefree sunlit evenings with lightning bugs, dinner on the grill, and sand between your toes. And like most things in my life, I welcome it with a plan in place and a goals list to check-off. So, join me in celebrating summer with my season’s bucket list with something old, something new, something relaxing, and two things red, white and blue!

Get ahead of your finances this season with a smart summer checklist tailored for self-employed individuals and small business owners. From estimated tax deadlines to mid-year planning and cash flow checks, now’s the time to tidy up your books and prep for a strong finish to 2025.

Summer is calling and so are the open roads, coastal breezes, and mountain air. This month, our contributors are sharing the destinations that have captured their hearts and itineraries.  Consider this your invitation to dream, plan, and maybe add a few new spots to your own wanderlist. Check them out!