Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.
Two things tell me 2025 was an epic year: I took a fraction of the photos I take in a normal year, and the photos I did take blow me away to look back on. It was a year that was so busy there wasn’t always time to stop to document along the way, and the projects and events we worked on were exciting, challenging, and beautiful.
Aside from the frequent commute for school events, I try to stay in the Commonwealth—and more specifically, in Alexandria. When I find great new places, I love to share them. Everyone knows where I get my hair, nails, and facials, but this year I added a few new local favorites to the mix.
Just after Christmas, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a post from a creative friend showing a stack of filled journals. She mentioned morning pages and how grateful she was for them. I’d heard the term before, so I decided to dig in: what exactly are morning pages, and what do you have to do?
Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.
Two things tell me 2025 was an epic year: I took a fraction of the photos I take in a normal year, and the photos I did take blow me away to look back on. It was a year that was so busy there wasn’t always time to stop to document along the way, and the projects and events we worked on were exciting, challenging, and beautiful.
Aside from the frequent commute for school events, I try to stay in the Commonwealth—and more specifically, in Alexandria. When I find great new places, I love to share them. Everyone knows where I get my hair, nails, and facials, but this year I added a few new local favorites to the mix.
Just after Christmas, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a post from a creative friend showing a stack of filled journals. She mentioned morning pages and how grateful she was for them. I’d heard the term before, so I decided to dig in: what exactly are morning pages, and what do you have to do?
The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection. We look at our spaces with fresh eyes, considering not just how they look, but how well they support what matters to us. Artwork is often part of that quiet background of daily life, yet the way it is framed plays a powerful role in both its protection and its presence.
As we look ahead to 2026, home design is shifting toward warmth, intention, and spaces that truly support how we live. The era of overly stark interiors is giving way to homes that feel layered, personal, and enduring. Here’s what’s defining the next chapter of residential design, and what we’re happily leaving behind.
When the new year rolls around, I always like to write about a few things that have nothing to do with the store. Let’s be honest—we probably all need a little reset after holiday shopping. This time of year also brings resolutions about being healthier and happier in 2026. That’s part of this post, but only part of it.
As we look toward 2026, the most compelling hair trends aren’t emerging as rigid rules or singular moments. Instead, subtle signals from fashion weeks, beauty brands, and professional hair communities point to a more nuanced shift—one that values individuality, longevity, and care over constant reinvention.
About Alexandria Stylebook
Alexandria Stylebook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the best our city has to offer. We believe that lifestyle inspiration should come directly from the source — local small business owners that cultivate the vibrant community we love to call home!
Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.