Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.
We're Going to the Backyard and We're...Gonna Get Married
It’s #NationalWeddingMonth and what better way to save duckets by having your celebration…
“For me it was holding onto the magic of it all. What woman doesn’t want to sip her tea or coffee in the morning while gazing upon the spot she said “I Do”.”
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux
Kai and Sam Parker tied the knot at their gorgeous historic farmhouse last year.
It’s February, which means love is in the air and it’s officially National Weddings Month. February does own the most weddings to a single day. The trajectory of matrimony has evolved in recent times. No longer are couples waiting to buy homes after they tie the knot and couples are being more cost conscious when thinking about the thousands of dollars spent on a one day event.
Think about it. Would you rather start your life together in debt or would you rather have a budgeted wedding day where you can maybe take a fantastic honeymoon or maybe save for a future endeavor? I love a backyard wedding. There’s so much you can do without the hassle of extra costs or stress from dealing with vendors to time restraints to transportation. Home is where the heart is in this scenario. As of 2022, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000, which includes the ceremony and reception and that’s only in some states. Depending on where you are, you could be looking at 40K+ for your big day. Imagine how much you could within your home for that much! I don’t—thank you very much.
Here are a few money saving ideas for your backyard wedding, but remember, it is about what you want in the end.
Local Author Ward Howarth and wife of 20 years, Amy had a beautiful and intimate wedding.
“It felt more personal, less formal. No rules, just more like us.”
Lights: You can’t go wrong with a dusky wedding. Ground lanterns to light up walkways or hanging jars with electric candles. And of course string lights will work nicely for the occasion.
Picnic: A great idea is having a picnic wedding in the backyard. Having blankets strewn about as you lay about for the happy couple.
Projectors: Using a projector to provide a slideshow backdrop can be sentimental and fun.
Trees: Trees are great for swings, hanging lights, photos, fabrics, and are great to hold a laundry line where guest can pin up the polaroids or sentimental notes.
Privacy Fences: These are great to hang family photos, lights, or use as a photo backdrop.
Food: Use a local caterer or make it a potluck, it doesn’t have to be from a Michelin star restaurant so make it easy.
“We were about to make a life together. We loved our house and it just felt like the natural thing to do. It is a memory that is etched into where we live and love.”
Have a look at these RVA backyard lovebirds!
Karen and Doug had an intimate ceremony in their backyard and then did it again in Poe’s.
Kristy and Keith Rader opted for the front yard underneath their pretty magnolia tree—how Southern of y’all.
Victoria and Joe Deroche did the casual thing with her children by their sides under the pergola.
Austen and Savannah vowed to have a great time with their fun backyard nuptials.
For more simple and budget friendly ideas:
Soup's On!
It’s Soup Season and I’m here for it!
Oh January! We all just want to cuddle up by the fire and enjoy a good read or watch our stories. January is the month of the soup and while you are all cuddled up, perhaps you’ll need some nourishment. I found these soothing and simple recipes for some added warmth.
I’m featuring my top five soups, but I have collected a few on my Pinterest Board. Click on the pincode for more delicious soup recipes and feel free to share yours in the comments.
Italian Wedding Soup
It’s heart and full of good yums.
Photo Source: Good in the Simple
Sancocho
With Panamanian pride, I cherish this cozy comfort from my homeland. This soup is made in different Latin countries with different variations.
Photo Source: Iheartcilantro on AllRecipes.com
Lentil Soup
It’s super easy to make and is totally good for you, add Chorizo or veggie Chorizo for a little spice. Qué Rico!
Photo Source: Maricruz Avalos Flores
Pho
The Cure All! I love Pho when I’m not feeling well or if I just want something that I can feel in my soul!
Photo Source: Ananas J
French Onion
It might be the bread and the crispy cheese on top, but French Onion soup will be put me in a place of satiated comfort.
Photo Source: sheri silver
Honorable Mention: My Mama’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
This soup takes some tender loving care, but also not a soup in my definition, more like a stew. It’s all in the roux baby.
Photo Source: My Cousin Tiger Breaux
Photo Source: Nathan Dumlao
Soup Scene
Can’t be bothered making the stuff? No worries, we have some very good brothy finds in RVA proper.
Pho Luca is my Photastic find and of course Pho Tay Do.
French Onion Soup is très bonne at Chez Max.
Garnett’s always has great variety in their Soup du Jours.
Every soup I’ve ever had at Lulabelle’s Cafe has been spot on.
If you ever want just a really good Chicken Noodle Soup, Izzy’s is the spot!
And for our Ramen lovers…Grace Noodle is the highest rated.
Slurp It Up!
For More Soup Recipes, visit my Pinterest Board.
National Adopt a Cat: Meowtastic reasons for owning a cat
Why should you own a feline companion, here are a few reasons…
My first pet was a dog, A beautifully rambunctious German Shepard named Pepi. We had to get rid of her because our home and ourselves were too small for her energy. We opted for a second dog, a cute rottweiler mix named George. Both George and Pepi met untimely deaths. My mother decided we were no longer going to be a dog family, but an unexpected cat family. Our sweet orange tabby, Tommy, was my best friend and he began the tradition of my owning cats.
Yes, I know, there are cat people, there are dog people, and there are animal lovers. I am by nature a cat person, but love my dogs, horses, pigs, birds, and so forth. Funny enough we are more similar in makeup to cats than dogs due to our brain makeup. Since this month is National Cat Month, I thought I’d encourage you all with some fun facts about owning cats.
Less Stress and Anxiety
The number one benefit for owning cats is that they have been clinically proven to relieve stress and anxiety. They help release oxytocin in humans, therefore creating a more harmonious and tranquil enviornment.
BETTER CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
If you could reduce your risk of a heart attack by as much as 40% just by owning a cat, wouldn’t you? Studies have shown that owning a cat decreases heart problems.
Improved immune system function
Cats help strengthen your immune system and can potentially reduce the risk of certain allergies and autoimmune disorders by introducing associated microorganisms and bacteria. They may also reduce allergies if you grow up with them.
“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”
Top 3 Cat Breeds in the US
These are the top breeds trending in the cat world.
Ragdolls
The cute factor on these cats has been winning all the competitions in the last few years. They have a gentle temperament and just super chill cats.
Maine Coons
I love this exotic creature. Slightly bigger in size with such a majestic face, these cats make for great companions.
Scottish Fold
Famous for those rounded ears and big ole eyes, this feline is a curious and amiable character.
“You know how it is with cats: They don’t really have owners, they have staff.”
Cool Facts About Cats
Bet you didn’t know these feline fun facts.
House cats share 95.6% of their genetic makeup with tigers.
There is evidence that suggest that cats predated Ancient Egyptians by 4,000 years.
Isaac Newton invented the cat flap to stop his cat “Spithead” from opening the door to his darkroom and ruining light-sensitive experiments.
“A cat will be your friend, but never your slave.”
Adopt a Cat Today
If you are interested in Cat Adoptions, Check out these resources.
Flying the Coop
Downsizing has many up sides, but is it right for you?
So your nest is empty, but is downsizing right for you? The kids just graduated from college and you are now looking at life from a different lens. It is a lot to think about getting rid of a home that holds memories and space that you’ve been accustomed to for some time, so where to begin and is it the right choice for you?
Manageability. Do you really need a 3,000 sq ft of home at this time? Maybe you want something that is lower maintenance that won’t require as many man hours to keep up, like the yard and the cleaning and the home improvements on an older home.
Location. Location. Location. I’ve recently noticed a lot of older individuals moving into more urban properties. Perhaps you’ve grown weary of your evolving neighborhood. Maybe there aren’t a lot of activities to do there and you are looking for more walkability. Location is important when you are wanting more out of your home.
Absent but not Absent Minded. You are finally ready to go on your own adventure and whether it is traveling the world or becoming the snow bird you’ve always dreamed of, selling your home could be part of that equation.
Cash Prize. Downsizing could be a smart move if it makes for a lower mortgage payment. Extra cash means extra fun for you or pragmatically, strategize your long term care plan. It can also reduce utility bills and reduce unnecessary clutter.
Help Out the Youth. With inventory as low as it has been, buyers are eager to snatch up real estate as though it was the last roll of toilet paper during Covid times. Consider the ease of selling.
It Ain’t Just for the Old. Anytime anyone mentions downsizing, the image of an elderly couple waving goodbye to their children conjures, but honestly you may be downsizing for a variety of reasons including divorce, financial distress, or a change in lifestyle.
I Can Drive at 55. 55 is not an age I consider old, especially since I’m so close to it. Downsizing to a 55+ community could be an opportunity to make new friends, have some nice amenities, lower maintenance, and enjoy lower costs.
There are many reasons for downsizing and depending on where you are in your life will determine if this is the best option for you. It is time for you to dream and think of all the possibilities of not being tied down to something you may have needed out of necessity. I’m always here to help and ease the transition.
In the Dog House
It’s a doggy dog world out there, but I’m celebrating National Dog month sniffing out some great canine friendly home ideas.
Dog people are a distinct breed. They love their canine companions hard and I do believe that people with dogs consider them to be an actual member of the family. I’ve actually seen people treat their furbabies better than their partners! I love dogs, but I do not have one. So until my future “Rook” comes to live with us, I have to start thinking of how to incorporate its space in our home.
Dogs are also high maintenance and I plan on having a large dog. There are two things that I know I don’t want in my cohabitation — dog hair everywhere and a crate awaiting a stubbed toe. I think it is a smart idea to have a separate space for your furry friends, especially when you are training them. I say this, but as soon as I get a dog that beast is going to be my bedtime cuddle buddy!
Creating space for you and the kids is one thing, but creating space for your dogs can be challenging, especially if you have more than one or other animals. I have found some great DIY ideas that will accommodate this and also help keep your home clean.
Crate Space
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve stubbed my toe on a dog crate or how much it takes from the size of a room. There is a solution! Find a spot in the house that is quiet and comfortable for them while they spend time in doggy jail.
There’s No Place Like Home
Finding or creating a dog room in your home can be challenging. Space is key. Laundry and mudrooms are ideal spots for Spot, but being creative can be fun too. Here are some fantastic indoor dog rooms for your best buddy.
Time to Chow Chow Down
You can have these custom built into your islands or kitchen cabinetry or you can have a reserved space for them to chow down.
![15c7e6437603da4edaa9cd01df0018bb_thumb[1].jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e0e7bd4b29235670b07f7a2/1658926887935-KNPF6ZM3LHS73L29NS8F/15c7e6437603da4edaa9cd01df0018bb_thumb%5B1%5D.jpeg)
Red Rover Come on Over
You have dogs. Your friends have dogs. Your dogs want to play with those dogs. Having a nice outdoor space is great for dogs to be able to get their energy spent and give you some time to relax. Think about fencing you and your guests in and giving the dogs freedom to roam. Consider side yards and small designated spaces for them to enjoy the fresh air.
Fetch Fido!
People that love their dogs, love buying toys for their dogs Dogs have a lot of accessories, from leashes to collars to, sometimes, fancy transport, I’m talking to you Yorkie fans out there. You want a great way to store those things? Have a look at these ideas.
So Groomy!
Grooming your furry loved one can get pricey, but you can convert a great area in your home for in-house grooming. Once again laundry and mudrooms are the best spots for creating this space.
For more fun dog friendly home ideas, click below.
Only In My Dreams
We all dream of cool features in our home. What are some desirables homebuyers are looking for these days?
Laundry/Utility Room with Dog Washing Station (Yes, Please)
We all have dreams. I’ve been dreaming of my dream house before Barbie had hers! When I show houses, I find it interesting what people find to be desirable features. There are times when the lack of these coveted components will make or break a sale. I once had a buyer who refused to look at any homes where the bedroom was near any of her children’s rooms and one client really wanted a dumbwaiter. I personally would love a home with a library, but hey, I’m still dreaming.
Everyone has different tastes, but trends in buying change either from demographic to demographic or what HGTV tells them it is. So I decided to do some research in finding what buyers find the most yearned for features in a home currently. I also asked my Facebook friends out of curiosity!
A Room for an Office
Thanks Covid! As most of us have jobs and bosses who realize working from home is just, if not more productive. This has become a very desired amenity.
Eco-Friendly
83% of Buyers Want ENERGY STAR-rated Windows. Climate change is finally becoming trendy! Seriously though, clients are starting to ask for these type of eco-friendly features. From solar panels to energy efficient lighting to garden areas, homes built for saving the planet will soon become permanent fixtures.
Hardwood Floors
This still ranks pretty high on the list. More than 80% of buyers want hardwoods and I have literally had clients run at the sight of carpet. If you are selling and there are hardwoods underneath, get ready to rip some carpet out.
Hidden Appliance Storage (I need this in my life) - Houzz
Granite, Quartz, and Marble
Buyers want these materials in their kitchen and prefer countertops that will last and not stain.
The Downstairs Main Bedroom Suite
I’m finding more buyer are looking for this desired trait and I’m finding newer homes that has implemented this or the downstairs full bath. Transitional home buying, people want to think of their forever homes as fitting their growing needs.
No Sweat! A Home Sauna - Realtor.com
Laundry
Everyone wants a laundry room or a dedicated area for laundry. Whether people want up or down, I’m not able to say for sure. I can tell you that I prefer up. I don’t want to have to carry loads of laundry upstairs!
Outdoor Living Spaces
This one can also be attributed to our friend Covid. People really want patios and wrap arounds to hang out on and having outdoor lighting to enhance the experience.
Open Floor Plans
People are still loving this. Being in all the places at once seems to continue to be a solid want for buyers.
More Storage Areas
Renovated Kitchens and Bathrooms
They want it! The two most sellable rooms in a house.
Storage in General
Walk-in closets, garages/sheds/workshops, pantries, and shelving are all winners. People want to be able to not see their stuff!
Pot fillers are becoming quite popular and double basin sinks are ranking up there as well. An honorable mention to powder rooms and built-ins. Sellers, if you plan on listing your home, keep these in mind as they can increase the value of your home.
Here’s what my FB Family said they wanted in the home:
Zero lawn. None. No weeding, no trimming, no mowing, nothing. Just a door I walk into that has my stuff inside it. Like the house in Gretel and Hansel. Or the one at the end of Contempt. - Nathan T.
An Outdoor Bathroom
More Storage
Low Maintenance
High Ceilings
Bigger Kitchens
Acreage
Vaulted / Coffered Ceiling
Some Character
Hardwoods Throughout
Pot Filler
Butler’s Pantry
Sauna
Secret Room (ding ding)
Cast Iron Tub
Light, light and more natural light!
Finished Attic/Basement
Pools
Fireplaces
Sun Rooms
More kitchen counter space
A Proper Mudroom
A Laundry Chute
Patio/Covered Outdoor Area
Smart Flow Kitchen
Coffee Bar Area
“A GARAGE.”
Take Advantage of the Home Energy Assessment Program
Take advantage of the Home Energy Assessment Program and get ready to save some energy costs…
As we all know, the colder months are ahead and as we struggle to get back on track with the recent financial setbacks caused by Covid, it’s time to discover some efforts to save on our energy costs. Did you know that Dominion has a Home Energy Assessment Program that provides customers with an in-home energy assessment where a qualified participating contractor will conduct a 30-60 minute walk-through of your home and install simple measures like LED bulbs and water heater pipe insulation, while identifying other energy-saving opportunities?
These additional opportunities, which may require separate appointments with specific contractors, include:
Heat pump tune-up
Duct sealing and insulation on heat pump systems and central air conditioners
Heat pump system upgrades
Upgrade to heat pump water heater
ECM fan motor replacements on heat pump systems and central air conditioners
Cool roof installation
It’s also the time to begin looking at winterizing your home. Sealing windows to prevent drafts, cleaning and maintaining your fireplace and chimneys, and checking your gutters are a good start to ensuring your home is prepared for the Winter months.
Looking for Love in All the Right Places
Are you ready to fall in love?
She and I met when I was about 5 or 6 years old. She had an iron wrought gate surrounding her as though she wore a choker from the 1800s. Her color was pale blue and her two tiered porches wrapped around her waist as though she donned a lace trimmed ball gown. Her eyes were dark, but her lids came in a myriad of brocade colors and her steeples pointed to the heavens with such grace. She was a true beauty, and my dream for a long time.
I used to pass this house on my way home from school in my small hometown of Crowley, LA. I loved that majestic home, untouchable and hiding so many stories within its walls. It was the first home I ever can remember dying to live in. Fast forward 30 something years, and I’ve had a few crushes here in RVA, but none have drawn me in the way that gorgeous Victorian of my childhood did.
Falling in love with a home requires a true connection. When you are looking for the perfect match, there are some things to consider…
Attraction. What’s she wearing? Is it a ball grown or is it a little black dress? Does it wink at you when you drive by or does it tighten up when you approach it’s gates? We all have some sort of architecture we love whether it’s the warm coziness of a Bellevue bungalow or the stately Colonials adorning the near West End or the grandeur of Monument Avenue’s Classical Revivals. No matter what you love on the outside, that love at first site thing is real when it comes to house hunting. Her outsides are the first thing you see. You may be attracted to her country porch, her picturesque face, or you may be tempted with her manicured lawns and meticulous landscaping.
It’s What’s Inside that Counts. I’ve seen several unsuspecting homes. They don’t initially catch my eye as I’m driving up, but then I go inside and that’s where she gets me. Some people are attracted to flooring, some to unique details, and others to particular rooms. For me, I’m drawn to unique quarters like libraries and secret lounges. Yes, I know this is a higher expectation, but if I have to settle, I’ll settle for falling in love with a kitchen and/or bathroom. She could be a high class gal adorned with granite countertops and the most up to date appliances or she could have original floors and an antique vanity. I think a lot of people are looking for a home that meets a less cookie cutter image, something that feels more personal. You want the love of your life to stand out from the rest, no? Aesthetics aside, there’s something more important than looks…
That Warm and Fuzzy Feeling. It all comes down to how she makes you feel. When you open her door can you see a future? Do you feel warm or do you feel as though she might spit you out when you try to change her? I’ve had clients walk in and immediately walk right out because of an initial vibe. No matter how pretty she is, if she doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, it’s not for you. I don’t ever want to force my clients into falling in love with something they don’t want to marry. I encourage people to take in a home, walk around it, glide your hands down her banisters, lay in her tubs, lean on her counters, check out her surroundings, and visit her at night. Then ask yourself, Is she loving you back?
Not every home is going to be The One. You could find one that is Fun for Now, but not marriage material. The most important thing is not to be rash, but to take some time and get to know her, find out all you can about her, learn about her history and how she’s grown, and make sure she doesn’t have any baggage that’s going to come up later.
I pine for the day I can walk into a home and say, “This is my forever!”. Until then I’m still dating around, trying to find out which one is worth my investment. What about you? Have you fallen in love yet? Are you ready to make a commitment? I’d love to hear more Love Stories, feel free to leave a comment.
For the Love of Home Questionnaire
What was the first home you fell in love with and why?
See Above and also because I really love historic homes.
What was the first home you cohabited in? You know, your first love nest?
We’d been dating for well over 3 years and although he was at my house pretty much every day, we didn’t officially move in together until 2002. 3 S Vine. A small one bedroom apartment that I fell in love with because it was updated and the location was stellar. We ate at The Lighthouse a whole lot! The thing I loved about it the most was that we lived there alone — no roommates!What was the home that got away?
I have house regret. There was this beautiful house in the near West End that my friend lived in. When she moved away they put it on the market and I wished I could have bought that lovely house on Kensington.What is the decor you are crushing on currently?
I’m really digging vintage style wallpaper. I think seeing shows and film influence my style choices. Ever since I watched Sharp Objects, I want all of that! I am also digging the Art Deco style that has made a comeback. The colors in particular, I just love moody, lush colors.What is your home breakup story? The home you miss the most or the home that brought you nothing but heartache?
It’s not necessarily a “home” in terms of the construct you live in, but the home I miss the most is New York, funny, it the home which has brought me the most heartache as well. I do miss it’s vibe though!What is your favorite place you LOVE to be in at your house and why?
Our bedroom. I love how dark it is and yet how bright I can make it. I also love our front porch which makes for a great way to get to know your neighbors.Was or is there a neighborhood you LOVE the most?
Yes, this one. Ginter Park and Brookland Park has been my favorite place to live in RVA. I love it so much! Its walkability, its business owners, its friendly neighbors and the homes are incredible and historic.What is your favorite piece of furniture?
Right now it’s the album holder which was custom built by Tom Brickman. In the future I hope it is velvet chaise I hope to attain.
Pass the Gravy, the Year is a Bit Dry
I’m giving thanks to an unlikely source this year…
It’s about that time of year again where we thank our people and we express our gratitude for the things we have. I think it should be practiced everyday — saying thanks, but I know this holiday is reserved for such appreciations. I find it to be a day of mourning really, but I can also find the light of being with family…hm, yeah this year is looking a little slim in that department. I’m basically going to make a nice meal for my immediate family and give blessings to those who have given and sacrificed a lot so that we may eat, drink, and be merry.
There are many things we can be grateful for at Thanksgiving. As I will gaze upon a leafless table this year, missing my Aunts and cousins as we battle for the most backhanded compliments, and my fiancé struggles to translate the abundance of conversations in Spanish around him. “They are talking about me, aren’t they?” I will zone out and continue to imagine a Manhattan waiting for me down a long gravel road. I’ve never been one for holidays, or getting together with family for that matter. I end up exhausted, feeling bad for myself or pissed off. Thanksgiving in particular is not my favorite of American traditions, however I love a day off of work.
This year will be quite different, for when the time comes to give thanks, i will be grateful for an unlikely source — Covid. Now before you gasp in disapproval, or want to hand me to the loony bin, hear me out. Sometimes Aunt ‘Rona needs to come in and upset the table on its end so we look at the mess we need to clean up. I don’t think there is any denying that we have been given an emotional, financial, occupational, mental and historical mess this time year. We’ve been routinely sitting at the same table for so long that we pass the potatoes with assembly line precision, that the taste of turkey, cranberries, and yams seem to have no difference. Now, this American tradition we hold so dear has literally become — dangerous, I cannot miss the irony here.
So while I’ll miss the three separate trips to families homes, the incessant need for my Aunt to comment on my weight, love life, or dress, or my step-father’s niece showcasing her recent “augmentation” at the dinner table, colorful as it all is, I’m thankful for the disorder Aunt Rona has made. As I will look down the table from my first sitting at its head, I would like to bow my head and be truly grateful for these truths:
Thank you, Covid, for time. Time to do more physical activity which had not been present in the last five years. Time to take walks and call my distanced dad and brother more frequently which I take for granted sometimes. Time to text my family overseas to send a little gif or meme and say hello. Time to educate myself in subjects I’ve always been interested in, but never found the time to read about. Time to explore my city and my state finding hidden gems everywhere. Time to save money for the home I’ve always wanted. Time to do my job better and be more creative. Time to bring my Aunt to her doctor’s appointments and get her groceries. Time for road trips and new adventures. Time to reconnect with long lost friends that I’ve loved from afar. Time to love my neighbors by helping them take care of their homes and our neighborhood. Time to purge and cleanse the past. And mostly, time to dream. Time to dream about my future and my quality of life.
Thank you, Covid for bringing lasagna to the table.
I truly believe that chaos comes before peace. There are so many things I can be grateful for including my clients I’ve had an opportunity to build relationships with, and while they get a seat at the table, there are others we should show our utmost appreciation for:
Our exhausted healthcare workers. I have friends on the frontline and I do not think they have had to work harder in their lives. We must continue to give them praise for the work they are doing.
Our educators. I think we’ve seen the challenge they’ve been given and their dedication to our children is apparent. They deserve a lot more than they’ve been given.
Our neighbors. The kindness which has stemmed from this time is remarkable. From delivered goods to mowing lawns to walking pets, it has been nice to receive and give these acts in such a dark time.
So, thank you Covid, as I show respect and honor to those who were here before us and those who have contributed to the well being of others and this planet, let us not forget the true essence of home for the holidays. Let’s be grateful for those moments we take for granted and let’s take this time to work on our progression so that we may all sit together again in peace. Now pass the rolls, it’s cheat day, we have 4 seasons of The Crown to binge and let’s be truly thankful for the one thing I think we can all agree on — this year being almost over.
Best Tips for Nesting at Home
Here are some more helpful tips to help you get through this quarantined life.
Written by: Nestiny Realty
Sometimes, due to weather incidents, sickness or other uncontrollable events it's simply best to nestle in and stay at home. We know this can be hard but we've compiled some tips that can make your time at home feel like an impromptu stay-cation.😉🍹
No Boredom Allowed
Start (and finish) that book you bought last month.
Get artsy — grab some pencils and paper and let your imagination go wild, try your hand at a watercolor painting or color a soothing picture in a grown-up coloring book.
Dot-to-dots aren't just for kids!
Sharpen your pencils and play a few rounds of Sudoku 🔢 or challenge yourself to a good ole crossword puzzle (bonus: they can be found in many newspapers and magazines).
Break out your board games.
Get crafty — make some cute vinyl designs with your Cricut or try out jewelry making. It's also never too late to learn how to knit, especially a cute blanket for your friend's new baby.
Bake some delicious cookies 🍪 or muffins or try out a new recipe for dinner.
Make s'mores over your wood-burning fireplace. 🔥
Attempt homemade pizza and pair it with a classic movie.
Turn your house into a spa — take a relaxing bath with fuzzing bath bombs 🛀, give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure complete with a fun new color 💅 and apply a face mask. For extra relaxation, sip on your beverage of choice.
Find a new show on Netflix (or favorite streaming service) and binge-watch all of the seasons.
Revamp all of your social media profiles.
Find your new favorite comedian. 😂
Create a vision board with old magazines.
Try a new podcast.
Dust off those puzzles.
Tour these 500+ museums from the comfort of your couch.
Get productive!
Roll up your sleeves and start decluttering your nest (for inspiration check out 32 Ways to Instantly Declutter Your Home and 7 Modern Apps to Organize and Declutter Your Home).
Try out meal planning and decide on your menu for the next month.
Get a jump start on Christmas gift ideas and maybe even do some online shopping for deals. 🎄✅
Reorganize your nest with Nestiny's Feng Shui Guide for a Harmonious Home.
Do a deep clean and pay extra attention to spaces in your home that you usually skip.
Go through all of the pictures on your smart device and organize/print them.
Take the time to boost your home's curb appeal to prepare your house to sell.
Take it Outdoors
Paint your front door a new color.
Start an herb garden. 🌱
Plant some seasonal flowers.
Give your mailbox a facelift with fresh paint and numbers. 📫
Liven up your porch with some new decor (thanks, Amazon).
Set up a picnic in your backyard.
Nest Turned Workplace
In the case of an event that keeps you from physically going into the office, it's a great option to be able to work from home. Here are five tips for when your nest becomes your workplace. 🏠
Dedicate a "space" that you will be doing the majority of your work. This could be a desk in your office, a kitchen table or even your back patio in nice weather — basically wherever you will be the most productive.
Be proactive and set up your space with everything you will need to do your job (laptop, cell phone, planner, pens/pencils, etc.)
A perk from working at home is that it can be done in your PJ's BUT grab a cup of coffee and be ready to start your day before signing on. ☕️
While multitasking on things around the house and working may seem like a good idea it can majorly decrease your productivity. Instead, decide when your lunch hour will be and save the laundry for then.
Make sure to take a few breaks throughout the day to reset and refocus just like you would do when at the office. May we suggest a five-minute power nap on your sofa 😴 or a short walk to get some air? 👏
It's hard not to go stir crazy when you have to spend extended periods of time at home. But as you can see there are many fun, creative and productive things to keep you busy as a bee — even when you're homebound. So grab a yummy drink, settle into your nest and try something new!
Want more advice about all things home — including home buying or selling advice? Nestiny is a great place for homebuyer education and to help you gauge how ready you are to buy a home. Journey Homeward allows you to enter all your wants and needs while the True Affordability Tool will break down your budget, showing what you can comfortably afford. You will also receive a Ready Report that will give you a vital head start in the home buying journey, saving you valuable time and money.
Working from Home: PJs Aside, Some Helpful Tips
Now that a number of you are working from home, there will be challenges if you aren’t used to this environment.
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Nothin's gonna break my stride, nothing's gonna slow me down...
Working from home is not for the weak. I have to do it on a daily basis and it takes structure and discipline to manage your time effectively. I know some of you are thrilled to be working at home during this time but are you prepared to be distracted? To sit for long periods of time? To eat everything in the house?? Start with a plan. Here is an example of some helpful tips.
SPACE. Whether it’s your home office or on the patio, find an area with the least amount of distractions and by NO MEANS do it where there is a television present. You will get sucked into a “Love is Blind” abyss. I tend to do a one hour show during my lunch break, right now being a rotation of This is Us, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Good Girls, and Outlander (don’t judge).
GET UP. This is the hardest challenge I have daily. Once I get in the zone, I will unwittingly sit for hours on end. So I decided to implement a new routine. Every hour, I get up, and do a ten to fifteen minute workout or I get more coffee or I do a chore.
GET DRESSED. I know it sounds dumb since you finally get to test out the durability of your pajama pants, but getting dressed puts you in the mindset that you are going to get something accomplished today, at least put pants on!
FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS get off track. I do this. I like to text on my computer, which in all fairness is part of my job, but when the MEMES begin, the work ends. Isn’t it nice to finally get to catch up with friends without having to be on the clock. I get it, I miss them too, but keep it to a minimum and no matter if they have golf clubs or Prosecco on hand, just say, “Let’s see where I’m at in a few hours.”
SCHEDULE APPROPRIATELY. We always have to be aware that during this time, things will come up and we can’t always stay on task. Allow yourself a reasonable schedule for all the things you have to get done during the work day. I have a tendency to say, “Ok, from 10-noon I’ll be working on this.” What usually happens is I’m working on it for six hours. Keep track of your time.
CHECK IN. Even though I’m an independent contractor, I really enjoy checking in with my co-workers, just to talk about what everyone is up to and to keep morale going. It keeps your head in the game. Take this time to connect with your clients. You have time to see how they are doing or to touch base to see if they need anything. This is a grand use of this time.
GO OUTSIDE. Take yourself outside for a few minutes. Fresh air refreshes you and so does direct sunlight. You’ll tend to get cabin fever if your only solo time is in a room with four walls.
CHILDREN. I don’t have this issue, but a lot of you do especially right now with everything being shut down. Make sure you have that conversation with your kids. A neat trick I learned was to make a door hanger for when and when they shouldn’t disturb you. Here’s a better idea — get THEM to make it for you! Crafts, check. No Molestar, check. Do make time for them though. How wonderful that family time isn’t cramped into just at the end of the day.
SNACK. I will say, working from home, makes you eat more. Be smart and healthy about your snacking during the day. Pre-make some little snack packs and get the fam create their own “delivery service”.
GO SOMEWHERE. Go on a walk, go to the store, go to the bank, doesn’t matter. It’ll give you a chance to let your mind rest and a short time of decompressing before getting back to it.
LADY J’S HOME OFFICE WORKOUT PLAN
So here’s some added bonus I wanted to share with you. I do two things to help pass along my day of working from home. Sometimes, I set an alarm to every hour, to make me get up and do:
100 Jumping Jacks
15 Pushups (I’m getting there people)
25 Crunches
It’s a great simple thing you can do to get your heart pumping and out of your chair. The second thing I’m going to start implementing is 52 Card Work Out.
Get a deck of Cards. Divide them into five piles with one pile obviously will have 12 cards instead. Add the jokers for additional fun. Every hour take one pile and begin by flipping the first one. Whatever that card is, is a set of exercise. For instance, 2 of Hearts I will dedicate to push ups (cause I hate doing them!), the next card is 7 of Spades, I’ll now do 7 burpees. I’m sure this is on the internet as well. You can also divide up your exercises by suit as well, ie. Spades = squats. Remember Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces = 10. Good luck and have fun! When the CV is gone, you’ll be thanking the gym membership fee I just saved you, oh and you’re welcome for the toned abs.
My New Home
I’ve found a new home!
I never thought I’d ever be selling houses. Time and time again people would approach me declaring I’d make a great agent. Four years later, here I am. I’ve taken the bundle of skills I have and now my journey is progressing into a career that I love and am excited about.
I’m happy to announce my new home at Nestiny Realty. I feel great things will come from this union and I hope it will make me a greater agent, one with more knowledge and one which will lead me to finding lifelong clients who will become friends. The best part of this business is building relationships with people and helping them on their endeavor to home ownership. There’s nothing more satisfying than handing someone those keys to a home which will serve many new memories to come and a community they will benefit from.
Home means so many things for me and having found Nestiny as my new real estate home is just as meaningful as the one I live in. I look forward to an enriching culture here and a new road to take my clients on. Let’s begin our adventures together and let’s find you a new beginning!