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.

RVA Chronicles, Hometown Chronicles, blog Jo Ann L. Breaux RVA Chronicles, Hometown Chronicles, blog Jo Ann L. Breaux

2023, RIC, and Me

A new beginning of RVA love…

Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux, Mural Walk | Downtown RVA

Welcome to 2023 y’all! I’m not a big resolution gal, but I am a “let’s improve on this” one. One of the things I’ve noticed is that people are not getting out. I think because Covid left us where we are, some of us are having a harder time, or perhaps an easier time enjoying the comforts of our homes. I get it, I definitely haven’t been as motivated to go out and when i do, I find myself in quite awkward verbal exchanges. I’ve never had that problem before. So, basically things have changed.

I’ve been thinking about that and how I want to improve my business, but also improve my relationship. No, not with my partner, but my relationship with my lover—RVA. The thing I’ve loved most about Covid, (can I say that?), is that I delved into exploring different areas around VA and I’ve decided I want to do more of that, but also do things around Richmond I’ve never done before. That’s the thing, isn’t it? I’ve known some people who’ve lived their entire lives in Richmond and don’t come Downtown or to the Fan even. So, I thought I’d share some RVAcentric things I want to do that I haven’t done in my 32 years in our lovely city. What will you do?

The Observation Deck

It’s temporarily closed but hopefully will reopen soon. I’d always heard about it but never been.

Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Yes, I know, insane I’ve never been here

Picnic at VMFA

I sometimes forget what a beautiful set this is for picnicking and journaling

The Veil and Nokoribi

My friends at Longoven and The Veil have created this amazing space for their new venture and I cannot wait to experience it!

Wheel Time at Clayground

I’ve never made anything pottery like in my life, so I want to create something in this medium!

Visit the ICA

I drive by it all the time, but never thought to actually go inside.

Some Bike Tour of RVA

Seems dumb for someone who has lived her to do a “tour” but I happen to think that this is a great opportunity to learn more about where I live and a great way to see the city on bike, in addition to photo ops.

I’ll probably be adding more to this list but I thought it would be a fun goal to look forward to in 2023. What are your plans?

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Dogwood Dwell, In the Know Jo Ann L. Breaux Dogwood Dwell, In the Know Jo Ann L. Breaux

Just Going to Powder My, Er Wig?

Check out these fresh powder room ideas…Your half-bath will never look the same!

Before the phrase “powder my nose” came into fashion, “powder my wig” was the historical origin. Powder rooms were for privately dowsing talcum on the wigs of the wealthy. Then it wasn’t until makeup became mainstream that more popular term came to use. Today, they are your guests respite from game day, your friend’s pause from Rosé sipping, or a quick once over before leaving the house.

The powder room. Small in size, conveniently located, and you’ll never have to show your guest the variety of toiletries you keep on your vanity or the pile of laundry on your bed. Half baths are not just real estate selling points or a convenient pit stop during your event, these little hidden accommodations can be the highlight of your home. Don’t flush that creativity, powder rooms are made to stand out!

Adding Some Texture and Contrast

You can add some texture by installing wainscoting, battened, or bead board. You can do it easily, and pairing it with contrasting colored or wallpapered walls make for a great effect.

 
 

Get Dramatic

I like going into a powder room that has some effect. Whether it’s a moody color or fun wallpaper, your half bath can be a tiny retreat worth Covid handwashing time.

Sinks and Features

You don’t have to have traditional white all the time. From texture to color, you can adorn your powder room with cool patterns, modern features in various finishes, and choose from a variety of styles when it comes to sinks and / or toilets. Don’t flush your creativity away!

Take A Seat

Artwork can definitely bring some cool to your powder room. Entertain your guests with some fun potty mouthed humor or class it up with some vintage botanical artwork. Leave encouraging messages for your friends or show off your bathroom fixture schemas.

Custom Neon Lights will add some fun!

Print and frame your own toilet art.

Let’s See Them Hands

In the age of Covid, we all want our guests to be hygienically aware, so whether you choose a one towel hang or a basket full, make sure you have plenty of absorbent ones on hand. Apparently, Turkish is the best. Hand towels are a prefect way to pop some color in there.

Urinate and Look Great!

Mirrors are great solutions to giving your powder room some illusioned space. They are also a great accessory, because let’s be honest, we use it half the time to freshen up before a good makeout session, a one last look before leaving for the office, or to make sure there’s nothing in our teeth after dinner. Let’s not forget about lighting, from sconces to pendants, lighting your half bath can bring out it’s style and leave you and your guests feeling their best!

Equip Your Half-Bath

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been to a party and found myself in my host’s powder room and needed the following things: safety pin, mouthwash, tampon, a bandaid…having your powder room equipped for your guests is not just a nice gesture, but also will allow you to do more hosting with less interruption. Make sure they are on display. Some guests might find it invasive snooping in drawers and cabinets. Here are few things to consider when getting supplies:

  • An Unscented or pleasant scented lotion (Coconut, Lavender and Shea are the best choices)

  • An Antibacterial Soap (my favorite is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap)

  • Bandaids

  • Floss

  • Mouthwash with small cups

  • Tampons/Sanitary Napkins (guys this will win you points)

  • Brush/Comb

  • Reading Material (Some Examples)

  • Plenty of Toilet Paper

  • A container of Safety Pins

  • Tide To Go Stain Remover (All those wine spills)

  • Wet Wipes

  • Deodorant

  • Scissors

  • Odor Control (Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray is one of my faves)

  • Bobbi Pins

  • Lint Brush

For more Powder Room Ideas, visit:

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the well Jo Ann L. Breaux the well Jo Ann L. Breaux

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!

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