I had such a fantastic experience at Wigenton Candle Co. in National Harbor! The workshop was…read morewell-organized, beautifully set up, and the owner was both knowledgeable and welcoming. She walked us through the process of blending scents, why these candles and oils are health conscious, and pouring our own custom candles. The space itself is bright and inviting, with shelves full of gorgeous candles and décor--it feels like a boutique and creative studio rolled into one. Perfect for a group activity, date night, or even something fun to do on your own. They have multiple items at different price point if you just want to shop!! What really stood out: * Variety of curated scents to choose from (so many amazing combinations!) * Guided experience that's beginner-friendly but still creative * Black-owned business rooted in community and craftsmanship * You leave with a candle that feels personal and luxe and is healthy to burn. Highly recommend booking a session here if you're in the area. I'll definitely be back so worth it!!!

Halloween evening I planned a romantic date night with my SO at National Harbor in Maryland…read more While waiting for their arrival, I walked through the retail district, familiarizing myself with the types of shops, and their offerings. A subtle hint had been dropped before that a couple's event, like painting and wine tasting, was of interest. There was a shop offering that experience, along with one that appeared to pair photography with alcohol?!? After further investigation however, I found 'the one's, Wigenton Candle Co. The experience they offered was much more intimate; creating a candle together. Said candle, would of course be used in the future, and each time memories of its creation would come flooding back. I ducked into the shop for an overview and spoke to the owner, Stephanie. After confirming that it was ideal, I made a reservation for a bit later that evening. Come 7:00, my SO and I arrived for our candle-making session. Being Halloween, most people were interested in far different activities, thus we were the only partipants. Stephanie explained the process to us, then had us sit at a crafting station, which had the ingredients we'd need laid out already. Stephanie provided a thorough explanation of each potential fragrance, including its benefits, and popular fragrance combinations. After testing different fragrances, and combinations, we now had all the ingredients necessary to make 'OUR' candle. Stephanie led us through the process of assembling the candle, and explained that it would need to cook for a number of hours before it could be moved. She also recommended that it not be burned for at least 3 days. As we wrapped up, Stephanie shared candle burning tips including making them last, their optimum placement within a room, etc. I asked what the inspiration was for the store. Come to find out Stephanie suffered the ill-effects that many so when burning commercially manufactured candles. They often include harmful ingredients which can negatively effect one's health (short and long-term), and exacerbate asthmatic symptoms. Needless to say, the candles you make in the store, as well as the pre-made candles and other items, such as diffuser oils, contain none of the 'bad stuff'. As we made our way out the door we learned that it's possible to bring one's own food and drink to a couple's session, adding another layer of intimacy. The reaction to the experience from both me and my SO was outstanding. It blew away all the other couple experience options available at the National Harbor, and left us both looking forward to the day (more likely night) that we would first light 'OUR' candle. We can't recommend Wigenton Candle, and Stephanie highly enough. Get there!!! 'Uncle Mike'

When in Old Town...stop by The Old Town Shop. Lots of fun souvenirs, cherry blossom-themed items,…read moreVA items, and plenty of patriotic doodads (psst - America's 250th birthday coming up). The staff was very friendly and welcoming to all.

This shop is so cute and surprisingly affordable! We recently stayed at Hotel Indigo, a block or…read moretwo down Union from the shop. The hotel partners with the shop, offering guests 10% off purchases, so we stopped in here every single day--even twice one day--to stock up on souvenirs and gifts. The selection of items was great! We found several things for everyone back home. Prices were SO reasonable, especially with the extra 10% off. Staff was nice and remembered us each time we came in, joking on the last day that we were their favorite customers since we had been there so many times LOL! Overall, this shop is great. Will absolutely be back next time I'm in Alexandria!

It is so tempting to purchase lots of lotions and bath products here. I like being able to match…read morethe same scent: lotion, spray, body wash. There are candles, air fresheners and sprays. You may want to have this store be the last one you visit before you leave. That way you aren't carrying a heavy shopping bag all day. Join every free club to accumulate points. Tangier has incentives too.

I stopped in because I walked by. I wasn't entirely sure I would be interested in the Disney…read morescents. I walked in and the employees were nice at first. I didn't love anything and was about to leave. I got sucked into a display up front by the door and questioned if I wanted anything. I was looking at something. I heard an employee say hi to someone. Then I was ran into hard by a metal hand truck handle right into my back. I said ouch what the heck?! Turned around and said you hurt me! You ran right into me! This old guy said he didn't see me. I'm not small. I said to him I was standing here the whole time. He said again. I didn't see you. How?! No employee even acknowledged or even asked if I was ok. I even checked on exit you can see clearly into the store. Nothing is obstructing like tint on the window etc. I wasn't standing in the way of people entering. I was standing in front of a table display. In my mind why have deliveries in the main customer doors if a delivery person is going to not look when entering. At least the employees could've asked if I was ok. After waiting to see if anyone was going to address the guy who ran into me after they just said hi to him I just left. I won't be back to this location.

I don't believe in psychics, but in January, while meeting a friend for brunch near Mrs. White's in…read moreGeorgetown, I decided to walk in. Mrs. White has been a Georgetown staple for years, and January had been a difficult month. Although I'm a firm believer in God, I was vulnerable and wanted reassurance that leaving a relationship was the right decision. I walked in weary and walked out genuinely stunned. Mrs. White immediately identified the toxic nature of the relationship. She said not even the truth could pull me away because he presented himself as a gift. She said I was the gift and all his friends knew this and constantly validated this to him. Said he had never been this in love with anyone but that his pride, arrogance and stubbornness would be his greatest regret. He most certainly was stubborn and his friends would always praise me so this I took as truth. She said he would never apologize and that his refusal would be what I needed most. She told me fear was keeping me from meeting the man truly meant for me. She even said the man I'd eventually meet would offer more than meals and considering that dining out was essentially the only thing my ex and I ever did, that detail struck me. There was no way she could have known that. She then said he had lied throughout the entire relationship, something I already knew but she went further. She described the exact moments I caught him in his lies. Hearing those moments spoken aloud was more painful than living them. There is no way she could have known the details she shared: She said he lied about his age, that was true. She said the women who wouldn't let him go, even knowing about me, were missing a father figure and that explained a lot. She said his friendships with women crossed boundaries, which is exactly why I left. She also said his friendship with the fatherless and estranged mother was the demise of our relationship. This was also true. She said the fact that he had never been married and had no children at his age should have been a red flag and in hindsight, she wasn't wrong. How she knew this about him was shocking! She said he surrounded himself with women who had issues in life so he could feel like a hero and given the constant drama around him via them, that made perfect sense. Then she mentioned something that truly shocked me: she said an older woman with a boat had once mistaken me for his daughter. That moment actually happened, a lady approached us and asked if I was his daughter. Mrs. White said that was the universe showing me the age gap was too large. The fact that she referenced the boat and that this exact situation occurred was jaw‑dropping. She also said his female friend with "wounds" would take me to court, and that time would allow the fool to flee. At the time, I dismissed it. Fast‑forward to April it unfolded exactly as she described. Mrs. White also said he had been texting another woman, apologizing for not being able to meet but suggesting they could at least get drinks. She said their relationship was more than the "one meal a year" story he told me. I already knew this because I had read the message myself, but hearing her say, "You saw the things he hid and you still stayed," hit differently. She said time would reveal the truth and it has. She even told me his mother had recently passed, that was true. Incredible to hear all this from her and she was a complete stranger until that day! I didn't walk in looking for magic. I walked in looking for clarity. And somehow, she spoke directly to the truth I had been avoiding. There is no way she could have known all the times I caught him in his lies, yet she listed them one by one. She even said, "I'm not the first to tell you these things you knew in real time." And she was right. I caught him every single time without prying or snooping. This experience was remarkable. Worth every penny. For those who don't believe, I understand but the clarity this brought into my life was invaluable. She also offers a selection of crystals and other items. Sage to clear the bad aura of people! Candles, everything is cute in there! I'm not a believer in all psychics, but Mrs. White? I believe in. There is simply no way she could have known this much detail. Oh, and the suitors she said I'd find, she said they'd be generous and give me more in a month than he did in a year and honestly that has happened too! Self worth and self respect always win!

I got a very heart felt reading here. It was good to get clarity from the tarot card reader.read more

This is a small store off of Richmond Highway. It has a little bit of everything. From candles and…read moreincense to spiritual statues and Florida water. When I first walked in I wasn't too sure of the place. I think the pictures I saw online made me think the store was bigger and many "intimate" or small spiritual stores can seem unfriendly and standoffish sometimes. Usually they have to warm up to strangers, but the man working there was very friendly. He let me know he was there if I needed anything then let me browse without hovering. The prices seemed fair. Oh, did I mention they also do readings? I don't let just anyone read me so I'd have to go a few more times and get to know the owner (she does the readings) before I take advantage of that offer. Overall I really like the store and plan to go back!

I got a reading from Michelle and I definitely loved her vibe. Everyone in the shop are super nice…read moreand hopefully. I will definitely be back for more products and soon another reading.

Now that I've gone full in on the Hobonichi planner craze, of course my next life goal is to…read morepurchase as many stickers, pens and supplies as I can to make it work for me. So I couldn't wait to visit Penny Post when I was in town on business recently. This little place is tiny-but-mighty, packed full of allll the planner-related things you could possibly need. From washi tape to notebooks, from fancy paperclips to customized post-its, they had everything I could possibly ever want (and more). The staff is really helpful, too. Perhaps noticing the blank stare/look of overwhelm on my face, a kind employee asked if she could help me find anything. Anything? I had found everything! Luckily, I was doing carry-on only this trip, so only left with a handful of pens and a roll (okay, two rolls) of lovely floral-printed washi tape. If you're into planning, journaling, fancy pens, fountain pens, stickers, or just need a creative greeting card, Penny Post is the place. A quick note about parking: it's sort of a nightmare! I drove around for 20 minutes before I found a spot. But it was worth the hunt.

Simply the cutest stationary store in Alexandria. Upon walking in the smell of paper just wraps…read morearound you. The store is filled with stamps, cards, notecards, pens, stickers, and so much more... so much more. The staff were helpful, and efficient. Check out was a breeze. The pricing is very reasonable and can be a little pricy. But, I found the products to match the pricing. I had to contain myself not to buy too much. I did find out they have a sister store or two and you can find them online. I plan to return!

My friend and I stopped in as a walk-in. We had to wait 15 minutes for the next class to start so…read morewe smelled scent options while we waited. They have mason jar, glass and ceramic options. Ceramic was $38, mason jar / glass was $25-$35 depending on size. You could customize the color and add up to 4 scents. The class was nice, there was music and instruction but also time to jus chat with your group. It took about 40 minutes. My class was at 4 and I came back at 6:30 to pick up my candle. It wasn't fully dry yet but they allowed me to pick it up so I didn't have to drive back later. Overall, I felt the experience was nice, maybe a little pricey but a fun experience!

Was a great time, went for Valentine's Day and they had a ton of scents to chose from. We walked…read moreaway with amazing smelling candles and a fun experience

I cannot rave about the Lumos Collective enough!! I recommend this space to anyone I come across…read more They have created such an inclusive healing space built for bringing the community together. They are all about supporting other small businesses, which i absolutely love. Jade's candles and oils are TO DIE FOR!!!! I have been doing her spell challenges. It's been such a blessing to have access to growing my craft in a safe space. Cant wait for their next event!!

Super friendly staff and comfortable environment! Would recommend stopping by and checking it out!read more

Welcome to Del Ray, Stardust!…read more This cute little vintage and gift shop offers various gifts and collectibles; they will also offer craft class and vintage workshops! There was a great turnout during their Grand Opening day; the staff were all friendly and welcoming, and they allowed all the patrons to peruse at their own leisure. I loved checking out their vintage Pyrex, the vinyls, and their cute little selection of clothing/accessories. Don't miss on their mini Ms. Pac-Man in the back! A cozy, small store, a fun spot to stop by if you're in the area. Plenty of street parking available. +vintage gifts and collectibles +friendly service

Lots of smartly curated items, specializing in mid century home goods but w/ some…read moredresses/jewelry/accessories - both vintage and local artists. Fun, shrewd taste is everywhere - I bought a tiki mug, retooled dangly silver/pearl earrings, and an utterly lovely - and a bit camp - lady head vase. I'll be back for more fun finds!!

I have been meaning to complete a review on this store. I was in the area for Labor Day weekend and…read moreone of the things I was so excited about was visiting Le Cresuet since we don't have one near me. It was everything! I probably spent more money than my husband knows, but it was such a good experience. The sales lady, I think her name is Kathy was absolutely wonderful. She was so bubbly and helpful. I appreciated her help in getting me what I needed and a few things I just wanted

The customer service in this store is fantastic! Let me start by saying that I do not get overly…read moreexcited when shopping for kitchen gadgets and cookware but the pleasure that I had when I was assisted by Kathy has changed that. I came into the store looking for mixing bowls and left with so much more! She was knowledgeable and extremely helpful!