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.
Celebrating National Camp Month in Virginia
Celebrating National Camping Month
I’m a glamper. I’m not embarrassed. I like being able to use a bathroom with a door and avoid spiders in my hair, but I do love the fresh air and beautiful outdoor terrain of our lovely Virginia. Whether you are looking for a mountain climb or the serenity of a babbling brook, I’ve got you and your pets covered.
Check out these cool finds:
Yertastiic
It’s not necessarily roughing it, but you can enjoy a getaway weekend at Why be Square?! Blue Ridge Yurt in Floyd, VA near Claytor Lake State Park, Fairy Stone State Park. You and up to 8 guests can enjoy Biking, Hiking, and watching Wildlife.
Farm Animal Fun
Love animals and a working farm? Then Historic Hobby Farm is the place for you! 125 acres with three tent sites and 1 lodging site, this place will have you cuddling goats and eating fresh eggs on site!
Let’s Commune
This 20 acre horse farm in Afton, VA will make you breathe in and breathe out with relaxation. Galleywinter Farm boasts a multitude of terrain including Forest and Mountainous areas. We ride at sunset!
Camping on the Bay
Blackwater Creek has 10 tent/RV sites for your coastal pleasure. Enjoy Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Swimming, Wildlife watching while taking in breathtaking sunsets.
Through the Woods and Down the Creek
I have personally stayed at The Meadows at Chigger Creek and have nothing but good things to say about it. There are two sites to choose from with friendly hosts and a creek full of fish. A great place to “rough it” for the first time.
For more great campsites in Virginia, visit HipCamp and start your adventure today!
Arriba, Arriba!
Transforming your high rise balconies into a comfortable oasis can easily be done and is a nice DIY project for the summer!
One of the things I love about the architecture here in RVA is it’s balconies. I love a good balcony and there’s nothing like sipping coffee or having a glass of vino from it as you overlook your domain. Many of the Fan apartments I lived in during my residences in Richmond have come donning balconies. Many of them left significant memories of hangs with friends, late night romances, and a proper setting for reads and contemplations.
I used to put a chair out there and maybe some makeshift table to collect ashtrays, bottles, and accouterments fit for a college student. I haven’t had a balcony since my days on Avondale in Bellevue, the only thing I miss about that rental. The balcony now resides on my wish list of things I’d like when purchasing a home, especially one that my Queen’s Quarters leads to.
RVA is seeing a boost in its Condo living in the city and most of these units do come with their elevated lookouts. The balconies seen in our neighborhood’s Revival, Colonial and Edwardian styled homes tend to be an easier space to decorate just by sheer size. It would be equivalent to decorating your deck or patio, but our city dwellers have a smaller platform to work with. Not to worry, one can turn these into cozy lifted oases fit for Juliet herself. However, although our city dwellers have a smaller space to work with, there are many options for creating a unique and comfortable space to look down upon.
FLOORING
Flooring tiles and rugs can create beautiful textures and colors for your balcony flooring and can range from super affordable and interchangeable to super luxe and very expensive. tiles are great for mixing and matching and rugs give an added comfy feel to your outdoors. Check out these cool floorings to bedeck your box.
IKEA: RUNNEN
OVERSTOCK
GRANADA TILE: SERENGETI
RUGGABLE
WAYFAIR: MISHA
FAB HABITAT
You can coze up any balcony on a budget! Check out this cute and affordable makeover.
LIGHTING
Hopefully your balcony is equipped with some electricity, but if not there are some nice LED options. Lighting is a nice addition to your balcony space, it creates the mood and ambience up there. Do you want a party platform or a romantic rendezvous? You have a few options for the ultimate elevated experience. Places like Walmart and Target have solar powered lanterns/lighting which are decorative and affordable. There is always the string light option and I will say there has been a few that are a bit different than the plain ole bulbs of yore. I personally love a combination of candles and decorative lanterns. You might also want to think about making lighting interchangeable perhaps to satisfy your holiday expressions.
PRIVACY
“I always feel like, somebody’s watching me…” Rockwell said it best. I have to say this is my favorite addition to any balcony. We have all been there. You get up, you want to do a nice long stretch and take in the outside air and you don’t want to get dressed doing it or perhaps you are trying to have cuddle time with your mate, but don’t Mr. Jones next door all up in your biz. Curtains are romantic flowing in the wind, but if you want to find something a bit more substantial there are a variety of attachable screens that will tend to not just your privacy, but also your sun intake. If you are looking for something that will add to your balcony decor, try looking for vintage wooden screens at your local thrift shop and paint them with reckless abandon. Here are few ideas you can find just using that good ole google search.
FURNITURE
Depending on how big or small your balcony is will determine how much furniture and what types will provide a comfortable setting. I love the removable and foldable tables/bars you can utilize for eating al fresco. I am also in love with the cool and cozy balcony swings or maybe you prefer a full on hammock up there. Create a raised oasis by adding small tables with lanterns/candles, vertical planters to make your space green and alive, wall niches for succulents or books, or add some art for fun. One of my favorite balcony makeovers it the transformation into an outdoor theater idea. Make a nice sit in movie area, perfect for bingeing and cuddling watching your favorite flicks. An outdoor heater or fire bowl can bring warmth even on those crispy, Fall evenings. YouTube has DIY projects galore from tool-free furniture to high rise pergolas, there’s plenty to explore.
You’d be surprised how beautiful and creative you can make this small or large outdoor space. Decor options are endless. From vertical planters to palette furniture with cushions of modern, vintage, or sleek designs. You can adorn with cozy chairs and bistro tables, add a small cocktail/tea station, or a swing. It’s truly an elevated blank canvas for the taking. Need some inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for other ideas!
It's Picnic Time!
Celebrate National Picnic Day with these spread worthy spots!
On the 23rd of this month, we will celebrate National Picnic Day! The pandemic has got more and more of us eating al fresco and we are fortunate to have so many beautiful places to lay out our spreads. With the weather reaching optimal temperatures, finding choice spots are in demand as well as finding restaurants specializing in perfect outdoor eats. Whether romantic, luxe, or family fun, RVA knows how to provide a basket worthy backdrop. I’ve collected a few to help you out on your adventure!
Choice Picnic Spots
We have many parks littered about RVA, but I find these to be the most pleasant for your picnicking fun.
Maymont: Never disappoints with its vast areas for laying about amongst the trees and animals.
Forest Hill Park: It’s rolling hills and the James make a perfectly serene site.
The Church Hill Lookout: intimate and view worthy, you may want to find the perfect time to bring your honey
Libby Hill Park: City and River views worth taking in blanket-side
Three Lakes Park: Walk around the lakes, visit the Nature center and grub out with the kids
Crump Park and Meadow Farm: Nice spots at the pond or enjoy the historical working farm grounds
Hollywood Cemetery: Eating with the dead isn’t so morbid, enjoy gorgeous views of the James at peace
University of Richmond: The campus is perfect for picnic by the pond and even a nice stroll afterwards
Picnic specials and delicious sandwiches and sides
Fill your basket at Sally Bell’s, an old time favorite!
Picnic specials and eats like your grandma used to!
Stella’s Grocery has every delectable to make your basket worth sharing!
A unique 2-wheeled experience!
Looking for an impressive spread, Picnic RVA has you covered.