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Eisenhower 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 morePropane Taxi Alexandria VA
I was waiting at the light at the intersection of Quaker and King when I saw this truck. It spoke to me because we never realize we’re out of propane until its 7:00 on a Sunday night and we’re about to grill. I looked up Propane Taxi on online as soon as I got home and scheduled a delivery. It took five minutes. The rep came out the next morning and switched out the tank and the cost for the service was $5. What a GREAT find! The best part is that you don’t have to be home! Just leave your propane tanks to be...
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