Live
Restoration Hardware-20% off for Alexandrians
20% off for Alexandria Residents at Restoration Hardware Restoration Hardware in Alexandria is closed. The closing coincided with my realization that I hate my bedroom and need to redo everything. I ordered a matlasse and pillow shams online. They were the wrong color. I had to drive out to Tyson’s today to exchange them today. It doesn’t matter what time of day you go to Tyson’s because its basically a given - you will run into traffic. I hit traffic coming and going. In any case, I made it to Restoration Hardware and...
read moreFinding My Holiday Spirit
Now that a super busy week and the craziest weekend of the whole year is over I was finally able to relax and do some fun holiday things around my house. I started buying Christmas decorations 3 years ago (when we had our first tree as a family) and every year I add to my still small collection. When I was Black Friday shopping last week (which seems like a month ago) the window display at European Country Living caught my eye and I ended up buying these really pretty garlands and some sparkly blue ornaments and decorations. This year I...
read moreBook Your Family Photo
Call Amanda today and make sure you tell her Alexandria Lifestyle sent...
read morePhoto Shoot in Old Town
As a Realtor I need to use a photo head-shot in my marketing. Real Estate is the only business I know of where its customary to put your photo on your business card. I’ve always felt like this was totally cheezy. My former broker at Re/Max convinced me to put my photo on my business card (I was still in my 20s at the time) but I was never really comfortable with it and when those cards ran out I ordered new ones sans the photo. When I moved to McEnearney it wasn’t really an issue because they don’t use photos on their...
read moreEisenhower Consignment
When it comes to home furnishings I have an affinity for consignment shops. I’ve furnished much of my living and dining rooms with craigslist finds and consignment pieces. Upscale Resale in Merrifield was a long-time favorite of mine which has sadly gone out of business. So as I was leaving Whole Foods on Saturday and saw a sign for “Eisenhower Consignment” I didn’t waste any time looking into it. Open normally on Saturdays, they happened to...
read moreMums for Fall
Its time to throw away the geraniums and dress your porch for fall Apple House not the cheapest place in town but darn if its not convenient (and they always do have a nice...
read moreKitchen Envy
I love kitchens. Who doesn’t? As a Realtor I can assure you that kitchens do sell homes. According to the National Association of Realtors the average return on investment for a major kitchen renovation is 64.1%. This ROI is good in terms of home improvements. It pains me when so many people decide to make kitchen updates just when they are about to list their home. I tell my clients that if they would enjoy a new kitchen and have the means to do it and might be selling in 3-5 years, do it sooner rather than later....
read moreTake a Virtual Tour of Green Springs Garden in Alexandria
The Green Spring Garden is a favorite spot for all Gardner’s in Alexandria. We are so lucky to have this Botanical Garden in our area, because it is a great show case of our history! It’s easy for children to imagine living here just after we earned our Independance! The property was donated by The Straights, and includes a restored 1784 historic home and the beautiful gardens that are kept in the “spirit” of the original owners. The American Horticultural Society’s is very active in Alexandria, and they offer...
read moreHome Office Chic
Here is a photo of my home office Well…… not really but isn’t it pretty? The fact is whether you work at home or you’re are the CEO of the household you need your own space to work and stay organized. At times your home office can also serve as sanctuary from the chaos going on in the rest of the house. There is no reason why this room can’t be functional and beautiful. Good lighting and storage are key. If you don’t have a space with much natural light (a basement or closet for example) keep your...
read moreWhere Designers Shop
I’m going to share a secret with you. I know where the interior designers shop. It’s called Classic Home Consignment. A few years ago I had some business at a kitchen and bath store on Gen. Washington Drive (that office park behind Marlo). I noticed a little consignment shop next door with antiques and Oriental rugs. This was right after we bought our house and I was completely obsessed with decorating. The owner is a lovely Afghan lady who goes by “Q” and she has a great eye. Her shop is filled with so many...
read more
