Amanda's Dream Renovation

We have a 1911 home so we have many "dream renovation projects." Right now, we are working on finishing out our Master Bathroom. Once that's done, we are going to finish our outside kitchen. My husband grew up in La Jolla in San Diego in the 70's + worked for G&S Surfboards when they first started. He wanted a surfboard for our bar top outside so he contacted them to have one custom made with the original logo + specs we needed. When he called, Debbie Gordon (Larry Gordon's daughter) answered and remembered Mark (they had even been out on a date once when they were kids lol). She was so nice + set us up. In the middle of it all, her father passed, and she sent Mark a video of the paddle out ceremony which he loved.

Here’s to more projects!

Ellie's Top 3 Jacksonville Faves

Hi friends! I’m a Jacksonville native, and I truly love living in the 904. As a San Marco resident, I love walking to so many of my favorite restaurants, shops, and parks. However, there are so many different neighborhoods in Jax that I love. I’m sharing my Top 3 JAX Neighborhoods!

1. San Marco- San Marco is home. I love that it feels like a small town community with walkability and familiar faces at all of your places! I can grab my favorite latte, workout at Pure Barre, shop in the Square, dine on a delicious meal, and toast my favorite cocktail all within a 1 mile radius!
   My San Marco Favorites: Bold Bean Coffee, Grape and Grain Exchange, Fig and Willow, Pure Barre San Marco, Taverna, and Hendricks Nails

2. Avondale- I grew up close to the area, so the stores and restaurants in Avondale are the perfect mix of new and nostalgic. There are so many options for a day with the family or a special date night. You MUST get cake from Biscotti’s while you’re around (triple chocolate, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, and coconut are some of my top choices!), and you’ll love to find a new outfit at the cute boutiques!
   My Avondale Favorites: Emory, Tenley Dietrich, The Fox Restaurant, The Brick, Sivada’s, Southern Grounds

3. Springfield- Over the last year, I’ve discovered just how many gems there are in Historic Springfield! I can’t get enough of the 1748 Bakehouse breakfast sandwich or the Strings burger, while you shoot some hoops. Not to mention, you can get a mega-mosa from Crispy’s! Everyone that lives in Springfield absolutely loves to support their neighbors and local businesses, and you feel that when you’re there!
   My Springfield Favorites: 1748 Bakehouse, Springs Sports Brewery, Crispy’s, Social Grounds Coffee

Emily's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

Perfect timing!  My family and I are currently building our forever home in Historic Springfield so "must haves" have been frequent conversation topics the last few months. When the perfect lot + plan became available we jumped on it because it included our major wants in a home!   

1. Backyard- With a 5 and 3 year old we need a place for them to burn some energy.  They will literally run in circles for hours so we need a place to accommodate their energy levels.  We also love to entertain so a space for hanging out with friends + family is crucial for us (and I love being outside- even in the Florida summer heat).

2. Home Office Space-My husband and I both work from home, like most people in 2020, and it's essential to have a work space that is separate from the rest of the house to help maintain a work/life balance.  An extra bedroom, garage apartment, or she shed is the perfect place to make a functioning home office. 

3. Open Kitchen (bonus: an island)- Mike loves to cook and I love to eat so the idea of a large kitchen where I can hang out while he cooks, see the kids in the living room while doing the dishes, and be able to host parties (when we can again) is definitely on my top 5 list!

4. Kid Space- Before I had children my house was always clean and orderly.  Fast forward to babies and that quickly changed- seriously a clean house lasts maybe 3 minutes these days.  A dedicated playroom or area to stash the clutter is super important for my sanity.  

5. Location- There is nothing better than an early morning walk to grab a coffee from our favorite neighborhood spots.  Walkability or a quick drive to our favorite restaurants, breweries, and shops is something I can't live without!