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 forever, 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.