If January had a personality, it would probably be: quiet, slightly dramatic, and obsessed with fresh starts. Every year, January shows up with two competing vibes: “Let’s stay inside forever.” “Let’s change our entire life immediately.” I’m showing up here in 2026 with a third option: a soft reset. No need to restore full factory settings. I'm here for the simple, cozy, low-pressure ways to feel more grounded without turning your life into a spreadsheet (unless you’re into that… no judgment). Here are 12 analog-ish winter ideas in RVA that don’t require perfect weather, perfect energy, or a brand-new personality. 1) Take a “20-minute winter walk” Not a hike. Not a fitness quest. Just 20 minutes outside—your neighborhood, Libby Hill Park, a stroll somewhere pretty. Winter light is underrated, and so is fresh air that doesn’t feel like hot soup. 2) Do a “Carytown meander” with one rule: no rushing Go mid-morning or early afternoon, before parking is a nightmare. With a friend, or solo. Pop in and out of shops. Buy one small treat. Leave before it turns into a whole production. 3) Choose one museum afternoon Pick one museum, commit to wandering slowly, and let yourself be inspired by something that has nothing to do with your to-do list. Bonus points if you finish with coffee and a little people-watching. My recommendations? The Valentine for learning something new about Richmond, or the VMFA and check out Giants- the fantastic collection from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. 4) Plan a “third place” date with yourself A third place is somewhere that isn’t home and isn’t work—where you can just... exist. Coffee shop, bookstore, cozy bar corner, library. Bring a book. Bring a notebook. Bring absolutely no expectation of productivity. (This is kind of what Silent Reading Party is to me- a way to just be. And a chance to read, with no distraction of phone calls, laundry, or things that need doing. It's also a great way to "ease in" to a solo date- everyone else is doing the same thing!) 5) Do a “phone in the bag” dinner Put your phone in your bag (or in the other room) for one meal. Light a candle if you want to be extra. It’s weirdly peaceful, and you can do it at home, or out- again, solo or with someone. 6) Make one reservation for February January can feel like a waiting room, and a cold one at that. Give yourself something to look forward to: a dinner, a show, a day trip. Future-you will be thrilled. 7) Pick one “winter comfort” ritual Tea at 3pm. A nightly stretch. A puzzle on the table. A playlist while you cook. The point isn’t perfection—it's repetition. 8) Do a Sunday reset that’s not a punishment (way better than Sunday Scaries) Just give it ten minutes: toss old flowers, wipe counters, start laundry, set out Monday clothes. Done. No all-day cleaning marathon required. 9) Go on a “library date” Yes, seriously. The library is the ultimate January vibe: quiet, cozy, and it makes you feel like you have your whole life together. Oh, and you might even learn something! 10) Try a new neighborhood walk Park somewhere you don’t usually park and take a 30-minute loop. You’ll notice details you’ve never seen. (And if you fall in love with an area… you know who to call!) 11) Make a “winter inside” bucket list (5 items max) Keep it tiny: one soup recipe one movie night one friend dinner one day trip one declutter project That’s it. January doesn’t have to be a self-improvement bootcamp. 12) Write down three things you want more of in 2026 Not goals. Just more of.More outside time. More dinner parties. More calm mornings. More saying “no” without guilt.This list becomes your compass for the year. Will you try any of these? Let me know if you do!

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.

Click each event below for more information. For a full calendar of events, click HERE. Friday Cheers (1st of the Season!) Richmond Flower Truck Floral Arrangement Workshop Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale 54th Annual Art in the Park Mother's Day Concert at Agecroft Hall 5k Family Fun Day at Crump Park Big Tent: Memorial Day Event Family Night Hike

Click each event below for more information, for a full calendar of events click HERE. Hardywood's Spring Artisan Market Spring Bloom Bar with Freckled Flower RVA Burlesque Festival The Big Bloom The Bizarre Bazaar 33rd Annual Spring Market  Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k April Fools Festival Scotchtown's 4th Annual Fiber Festival Dominion Energy Family Easter SCAN Totally 90s Bash

Click each event below for more information, for a full calendar of events click HERE. Do Portugal Circus Pours & Pasties Burlesque and Variety Show St. Patrick's Day Charcuterie Workshop RVA Brick Day 2025 Virginia Derby Shamrock the Block The Irish Festival Pretend Again: A Grown-Up Night at the Museum Richmond SPCA Dog Jog, 5k, and Block Party The Wizard of Oz on Ice

Click each event below for more information, for a full calendar of events click HERE. The Diary of Anne Frank Dirty Dancing in Concert Galentine's Day Market GardenInk Cinderella: Presented by the Richmond Ballet 24th Annual Pet Expo

Click each event below for more information, for a full calendar of events click HERE. Dancing with the Stars: LIVE! Sensory Friendly Night Downtown Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele Edgar’s Sweet 216 Birthday Bash Celebrate MLK with the Richmond Symphony 999: The Forgotten Girls (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Special Bourbon Dinner Event Soul Aerial and the Performing Arts Center Present: Alice in Wonderland Hanover Tavern ParaCon

Are you running out of time? Shipping deadlines have passed, but you still need something amazing? If you're in the Richmond area, these are a few gifts and places I'd recommend! Food gifts Looking for something for the host/hostess, or just a little something for that hard to buy for recipient? Food is always a great answer! Here are some of my local favorites: Copper Fox Distillery- With locations in both Sperryville and Williamsburg, Copper Fox makes some great, American Single Malt whiskies (and so many other spirits). I'm not a big drinker, but it is delicious, and if you take a trip, you can get a behind the scenes tour, which is pretty fantastic on its own. Stock up for gift giving all season, or for your own bar. Are you on the list? Every year, a lot of my clients get a gift of croissant cinnamon rolls from me, from one of my favorites, Up All Night Bakery. They're always a huge hit, and it's a great alternative to the flood of cookies that often come with the holidays. A little treat for breakfast is always a welcome gift. (And everything they make is fantastic!) Looking to put together an amazing basket or box of RVA goodies? My favorite spot to run in and grab some goodies is Yellow Umbrella. Either location- Patterson Avenue or Libbie Mill- has all sorts of great grab and go party foods, chips, salsa, crackers, local snacks, and of course, everything you need for dinner or charcuterie. A great host gift? A loaf of fresh sourdough and a block of my favorite Isigny Ste Mere Butter with sea salt crystals. For just about anyone on your list, pop into Shop Made in Virginia in Scott's Addition and pick up anything from fabulous art, handmade jewelry, textiles, locally made craft kits and gifts for kids, and all sorts of Virginia made foods. Seriously, you could totally check off everyone on your list here. Another spot where it's easy to find something for just about anyone on your list is The Shops at 5807. With a multitude of shops under one roof, you can't go wrong. Maybe some fun readers for Mom from Frillseekers, a great shirt for Dad from Cronies, something useful and fun for the wine lover at All About the Beverage, and of course, a stop through RVYAY Toys for the kiddos. (There are plenty of things for the hard to buy for teens, etc, with great jewelry, fun stationery, and so much more!) It really is possible to avoid the mall (and Amazon!) and get everyone on your list something local! Happy Happy Holidays to you and yours! See you in 2025!  

Things to Do in RVA this November Sips and Style Holiday Event Where: LaDiff (1011 Commerce Rd) When: November 6th @ 6-7:30pm Hosted by: LaDiff and Virago Spirits What: Learn how to prepare your home for the holidays and enjoy tastings of festive cocktails and mocktails. Diwali Celebration at the VMFA When: November 10th @ 6-10pm Where: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts What: An evening of traditional music, dance, and culinary delights. Richmond Marathon When: November 16th Gardenfest of Lights When: November 18th - January 5th Member Preview Weekend: November 15th - 17th Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens RVA Turkey Trot 5k When: November 28th Where: Dogwood Dell Amphitheater Cirque Dreams Holidaze When: November 29th and 30th Where: The Altria Theater Christmas at the Inn Arts and Craft Show When: November 29th - December 3rd Where: Virginia Cliffe Inn (2900 Mountain Rd) What: A showcase of local crafters' handmade items, festive decor, and seasonal treats.