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As much as I love clean lines, open space, and living with less, I’ll admit it: I have moments where I yearn for maximalism. The rich colors, layered textures, and curated chaos of art-filled walls always call to me. And while I try not to buy things I don’t need (TikTok shop… you’ve tested me more than once), there’s one exception I never feel guilty about: art. Recently, while on my way to one of my Carytown staples, Tokyo Market, I stumbled upon a spot that felt like it was made for this very minimalist-with-maximalist-dreams heart of mine: Boon. Why Boon is Worth a Stop in Carytown Boon isn’t brand new, but it was new to me—and what a find. This curated gallery and shop features: Original local art – supporting Richmond area artists in the most meaningful way. Collector pieces – unique works with stories behind them. Vintage finds – art that carries history and character. Walking in felt like stepping into a visual treasure chest. Every wall, corner, and vignette offered something to spark curiosity and joy. I could have spent the whole afternoon browsing, but real life called and I had to go. My Personal Art Rule A few years back, I made a decision: if I bring new art into my home, it has to be original or it has to spark serious joy. No filler prints, no “just because” purchases. And honestly? That rule has been the best way to curate a home that feels meaningful and intentional. Boon fits that philosophy perfectly. I’m still thinking about a few pieces I saw there (specifically an amazing, huge painting of birds on a metallic background by Edward Allen Gross) —and I know I’ll be back soon. Why It Matters Shopping local isn’t just about keeping dollars in Richmond (though that’s huge). It’s also about creating a home filled with things that matter—pieces that tell stories, honor creativity, and reflect this vibrant city we call home. So if you’re looking to add a little soul to your space, put Boon in Carytown on your list. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s worth a visit for the inspiration alone.

If you’ve been watching the Richmond market, here’s the quick scoop: more homes are FINALLY hitting the market, prices are still edging up, and mortgage rates just dipped to their lowest point in nearly a year. Translation? In the Richmond area, it’s still a seller’s market, but buyers have a little more breathing room than they did this spring. The Big Picture More homes for sale: Listings are up compared to last year—especially condos and townhomes. That means more options for buyers. Prices are still rising (slowly): The median single-family home price is about $433,000, up 3% from last year. Homes are still moving fast: Most single-family homes sell in about 3 weeks, and sellers are still getting nearly full asking price. (And yes, we're still seeing multiple offer situations on occasion.) Rates are helping buyers: The average 30-year mortgage rate just dropped to 6.35%, giving buyers a little more affordability. What Buyers Should Know More choices: Inventory is improving, especially in townhomes and condos. (Hooray!) Better payments: Lower rates mean monthly payments are slightly easier to swallow than midsummer. Smart offers win: The best homes still draw competition—being prepared with financing and a solid strategy makes you stand out. What Sellers Should Know Price it right: Homes that hit the market at the correct price are selling quickly and close to asking. Prep matters more than ever: Clean, staged, and well-marketed homes get top dollar. Condo and townhome sellers: Expect a bit more competition—presentation and pricing are key. Quick Look by Area Richmond City: Median price of around $410,000, up ~8%. Most city neighborhoods are still strong. Henrico: Median $415,000, prices are nearly flat year-over-year. Updated homes in west end zip codes remain popular. Chesterfield: Median $430,000, up ~2%. Newer neighborhoods are steady and attract buyers for value. Hanover: Median price about $496,000, slightly down. Larger lots and unique properties are driving the market here. Bottom Line Buyers: You finally have a bit more room to negotiate and slightly better rates—let’s find you the right home before the holidays. Sellers: The market is still in your favor, but buyers are much more picky than they've been for the last few years. Pricing smart and prepping well are the difference between “Just Listed” and “Just Sold.” Thinking about making a move this fall? Let’s talk about your neighborhood and your goals—I’ll bring the data and a strategy to get you there.

Yep, I'm one of "those people." I love a goal. A plan. A resolution, if you will. So despite the cold, and the post holiday funk that many folks have, I am pretty energized at this time of the year. Reflecting and reviewing the past year and crafting a plan for what I want the next year to look like really is one of my favorite things to do. I've always done resolutions- for as long as I can remember, really, but I've definitely gotten better at making them work for me over the last ten years or so. That means gone are the days where I just say, "I'm going to.... this year" and hope that I can make it stick. I have a system, and a plan, for making those plans, and for sure, for making them come to fruition. So what is this special sauce, you ask? (At least I hope you ask if you've found yourself discouraged by resolution fatigue in the past!) First, take a look at your life now. Your WHOLE life- not just your appearance, your business, or your bank account. That means doing an assessment on your relationships with friends and family, your business, your money, your spirituality, your health, etc. You get the picture. Give them each a rating 1-10, even. That's always a great starting point. Jot down some notes about the good points and the areas of improvement you see. Likely a few things will start to reveal themselves, and more often than not, these are the areas you'll want to work on. I work on paper, but wherever and however works for you- once you get clear on those things you want to improve, get really clear on HOW to do that. If your goal is to grow your business, you need to get SPECIFIC on how much you want to grow, and how. For me at least, that specificity is the difference in getting to my goals, or falling off by February. I'm sure you've heard of SMART goals. If not, this stands for Specific - (Don't just say, "grow business." Say "Grow by 30%) Measurable - (Know your numbers, whether it's your weight or your biz growth) Achievable - (Make your goals ambitious, but attainable.) Relevant - (Does the goal actually make sense and work towards a greater goal?) Time Bound - (Set a realistic deadline, and progress points) I find when I chunk my goals into smaller pieces to achieve monthly, weekly, and daily, they are all much easier to manage than just creating a huge goal with no smaller steps. Creating a plan that you can work a bit on every day to get to where you want to be can make a world of difference in making those incremental changes that will, in time, lead you to achieving that goal- whatever it is. Whatever your goals are, or are not, I'm wishing you a happy, successful, and healthy 2023!

I confess. I love the New Year. Clean slate, fresh planner, new goals...so many possibilities... It's one of my favorite times of the year for sure. Ever since I can remember, I've started the year with a list or a plan. But, for the last few years, I've chosen a word of the year as well, and let that guide not only those goals, but also my year. As woo woo as I can be, I was pretty shocked at how well it worked for me the first time, so obviously I've kept it up. This week, this weird week between Christmas and New Year, that's what I'm working on. I completed my business plan weeks ago, but this week is about recalibrating after the holidays, reflecting on the year, looking back on the things that worked or didn't, and looking forward to 2022. Tips on Choosing Your Word of the Year I have my short list that I'll decide on later this week, but here are my tips if you have never chosen a word of the year and want to try it this year: Think about where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish, in the year to come. Make a list of those things. You'll likely see a common thread. Would you like things to be easier? More simple? Are you looking for more balance in your business, relationships, etc.? Growth? Adventure? Once you make a list of those things, that word, or spirit, will likely start to speak to you. If you're looking for some inspiration for YOUR word, I've included a list below of 100 words to get you started. Focusing on Your Word of the Year Remember, it doesn't have to mean anything to anyone but you! Pro tip- when you have it, make it your Lock Screen, get a piece of jewelry with your word (this is what I do), write it on your mirror, a post it in your car, or wherever you're going to see it all the time! Adventure Soar Peace Bountiful Ease Peace Balance Drive Vibrant Bloom Blossom Gratitude Grace Learn Mindful Explore Persistence Drive *my word for 2019 Power Freedom Rebirth Transformation Growth Amplify Ascend Transcend Sparkle Ambition Flourish Maximize Minimize Breathe Comfort Perseverance Vitality Create Ignite Reflection Positivity Progress *My word for 2020 Movement Release Centered Thoughtful Steady Flow *My word for 2021 Fearless Energize Liberate Influence Affinity Acceptance Abundance Service Empower Simplify Faith Boundless Giving Cleanse Yes Build Confidence Committed Enough Grounded Imagine Manifest Passion Serenity Resolve Speak Strength Lead Worthy Authenticity Celebrate Connection Hope Purpose Sparkle Love Life Synergize Truth Achieve Nourish Stretch Strength Liberate Overcome Wholeness Richness Success Conquer Momentum Becoming Challenge Change Belief Have fun choosing what will be inspiring to you. Good luck, and whatever your word is, have a beautiful, bountiful, New Year!