THE ARCHIVE
RECENT BLOG POSTS
A Summer Tasting at Crimson Lane Vineyards
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Linden, Virginia, Crimson Lane Vineyards offers a serene and sophisticated escape for wine lovers. Our recent visit to this exquisite estate was a true celebration of the senses, a perfect blend of elegance, refined ambiance, and the natural beauty of the countryside.
4 Best Dog-Friendly Wineries In & Around Hunt Country
Venturing out to local wineries is one of our favorite pastimes, especially in the picturesque wine and hunt country of Virginia — it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine, supporting a local business, and unwinding/recharging for after a long week at work. My husband and I cherish these outings not only for the exceptional views and exquisite wines, but also because we can bring our two standard poodles, Otto and Adler, along for the adventure. Finding dog-friendly wineries that offer both a welcoming atmosphere for our furry companions and a delightful tasting experience is paramount. With that in mind, here are the four (in no particular order) best dog-friendly wineries in and around hunt country that have captured our hearts.
Chic Summertime Dresses for Every Budget
There's something magical about a summertime dress that effortlessly transforms ordinary moments into scenes straight out of a storybook. Picture yourself in a flowing sundress, twirling amidst a garden of blooming flowers, or sipping on a chilled glass of rosé on your sun-dappled deck. Whether you're strolling through the park or dressing up for a dreamy date night, the perfect summer dress can make you feel like the leading lady in your own enchanting tale. This season, let your wardrobe set the stage for romanticizing every moment, with chic and affordable styles that leave you feeling as glamorous as a Bond girl.
Early Summer Wardrobe Additions & A Quick Equestrian Update
As the early days of summer beckon, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes with timeless pieces that blend style with functionality. Drawing inspiration from some of my favorite brands like Fairfax and Favor, Holland Cooper, Kiel James Patrick, and Beaufort and Blake, I've been curating a collection of wardrobe essentials crafted from quality fabrics and adorned in lighter tones, perfectly suited for the warmer months ahead. From classic linen shirts to breezy cotton dresses, each addition embodies the effortless elegance synonymous with summertime chic.
7 Herbs For a Lovely Kitchen Garden
With sunnier, warmer days now here in Virginia, I have been focusing heavily on cultivating what I think will be summer to remember in terms of the herbs grown in my kitchen garden. As a novice gardener nestled in Zone 7, I've discovered the joy of cultivating a kitchen garden bursting with an array of aromatic herbs — cooking with herbs is not just a culinary delight but also a therapeutic pastime, offering a sensory experience like no other. What I adore most about herb gardening is the forgiving nature of these plants, making them perfect companions for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Picture this: on a sweltering summer's day, there's nothing quite like tending to my herb pots with a glass of rosé in hand, surrounded by the intoxicating scents of basil, lavender, mint, and more.
A Jane Austen Moment
Photos this whimsical deserve their own special moment on this blog, don’t you think? At our most recent photoshoot, I told my photographer (and friend), Savana, that I wanted to capture photos that would leave me looking and feeling like a lady from one of Jane Austen’s classic works. As always, she absolutely nailed the aesthetic!
The Timeless Allure of the White Dress in Summer
The white dress, a symbol of grace and elegance, has long held an indelible place in the realm of fashion. Its ethereal charm evokes a sense of purity and sophistication that transcends eras and cultures. And while I don’t necessarily follow the rule of “no white after Labor Day”, there is no better time in the year to don a flowy, white dress than during the sun-kissed days of summer.
Quarterly Trip to Effingham Manor Winery
Although our visits are often more frequent than quarterly, we stop by Effingham Manor Winery, nestled in the quaint countryside of Nokesville, Virginia, to pick up our Wine Club bottles every three months. This quarter’s wine club, which we picked up over this past weekend, featured a King’s Ransom (a personal favorite), Cabernet Franc, and Petit Manseng. We also took the opportunity to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with a bottle of Effingham’s Sparkling Wine and the lovely views next to the koi pond on the property.