Decorating
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 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 moreRandom Harvest
If you want to know what the current trend is in home decor look no further than Random Harvest. They sell a combination of old and new furniture from around the world from elegant and classic to rustic styles. Their upholstered furniture is ready to be customized. My favorite furniture has come from this store. I’ve been here too many times to count and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece that I wouldn’t love to have. Their pieces are high quality and unique. You won’t find similar items at Pottery Barn. They...
read moreHistoric Homes Tour Alexandria
70th Annual Historic Homes Tour, is coming to Alexandria on Saturday, September 24, 10:00am to 3:00pm. Restaurateurs Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong are this year’s Honorary Homes Tour Chairs. They are the owners of Restaurant Eve, the Majestic, PX, Eamonn’s and Virtue Feed and Grain. I love these guys (and their restaurants!)! This year’s Tour will include Duvall’s Tavern which has a rich history, since it held a reception for George Washington in 1783. Also on the tour are two beautifully restored and expanded...
read moreOrchids at Trader Joe’s
If you look through any home decorating and design magazine you will see orchids used as a decorative element. They are beautiful, versatile and are a nice touch in any room. They can be expensive (I’ve paid $60 for an orchid at a garden center that will remain nameless), and if you have a black thumb like me it probably doesn’t make sense to spend so much. This is why I was so excited yesterday to see the orchids are back at Trader Joe’s in Old Town for $13.99. At this price you can put one in every room of the house. They...
read moreAntiques In Alexandria To Benefit The Twig
Antiques in Alexandria is an annual event that in part benefits The Twig, a great Alexandria Junior Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital (they’ve raised over 2 million dollars for the Hospital!). The event started over 10 years ago as an “Antique Road Show” to bring antiques for sale to Alexandria. Every year over 100 volunteers help plan and produce a show with nationally known exhibitors from across the country. This year “Antiquers” (is that a word?) and dealers will come from CT, NC, MD, IL,...
read moreAlexandria Garden Tours
We have some Green Thumbs in Alexandria (just sayin’!). There are always wonderful Garden tours and events in April. You can visit historic homes, and talk to Gardening experts about what will work in your yard! You can even have High Tea, while you tour Spring Green Market! Historic Alexandria House and Garden Tour – April 16, 2011, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Town will be the host to Six of Alexandria’s finest historic homes and gardens. The homes are open to the public as part of the oldest and largest Garden Tour in the...
read moreGuide to Alexandria VA Garden Center/Nurseries
It’s that time of year again, when all of my friends with Green Thumbs are pulling out their best garden gloves, and Garden Tours of Historic Alexandria are being planned. I thought it might be nice to find out about some of the local Nurseries! Nature By Design, Alexandria, VA An Environmentally Responsible Garden Center, if you are all about Green, and Sustainable – this is probably your place 300 Calvert Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 703-683-GROW (4769) Applehouse and Garden Center This is kinda’ the “Go To”...
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