Jacki's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

1. A Fenced in Backyard- This is a common one, but definitely at the top of my list. I need a large area for my big dog, Tucker, to run around in and sunbathe. I also love the idea of being able to create my own little getaway spot with the potential for outdoor furniture and maybe a small herb garden.

2. Extra Storage- I need all the storage! I’ve lived in many houses where storage was so minimal with nowhere to put all the necessities let alone stay organized. I love a few large closets and a good sized garage (built in cabinets or shelving for an added bonus!)

3. Cozy Living Room Set Up- The living room is the most used and favorite spot in our house! It’s important to me to be able to visualize furniture in the space- I want it to fit well with a good layout and have the potential for a great movie night.

4. A Quiet Street- This is a new one I never knew I needed. Currently, my backyard backs up to a busy road with constant traffic noises. I’ve learned to tune it out but realize I took for granted the quiet streets I’ve lived on that are peaceful and tucked away. Definitely a must have for me.

5. Lots of Windows/Natural Lighting- I find myself hardly turning on any lights and when I have to, it just doesn’t compare. The natural lighting from a good sunny day boosts my energy and happiness overall. It also makes your space feel bigger and more open. I’ll take as many windows as I can get! 

Amanda's Top 5 Must Haves In a Home

1. A Yard with Sunshine and Shade. I like to garden so a yard with plenty of room and light for a vegetable garden is my #1 thing.  I also like some shade for spending time relaxing outside though.  Plus we have an Australian Shepherd.  They are EXTREMELY active so she needs space to run.

2. A Large Working Kitchen.  Because I grow so much of my own food I love cooking and I am someone who doesn't like to be crowded in a kitchen.  I have a ton of equipment too like a kitchen aid, tagine, cuisinart, pasta maker, dehydrator, air fryer, canning equipment - you name it I've probably got it. So kitchen storage as well as work space is definitely important.

3. A Nice Office Space for myself + Mark.  Since I work primarily from home, a private office for myself is preferable.  Mark and I shared an office in our home in Maryland, when we were both flight attendants, and that just didn't go over well.  since I'm a visual person I like having stuff laid out.  If I file it away I will forget about it.  He thinks it's a mess.  I say "welcome to my brain" :)

4. A Formal Dining Room.  Not used much because it's just the two of us, but when my family is visiting we need to have space for 8 to eat.

5. A Guest Room. Again, to help accommodate my family.  In our house now, we have a guest room (my parents), a pull out couch in my office (my niece), and an apartment over the garage for my sister + brother-in-law. This is great because we each have our own space when visiting but are still close.

Our home now has all of my must have's so I feel very blessed at this time in my life.  Now we need a vacation home in NC! LOL

Jacki's Top 5 Ways to Stay Sane During Covid-19

Social restrictions have opened the door to some of my newfound favorite hobbies and new go-to spots around town. I think a lot of us are feeling a little stir crazy and maybe a bit overwhelmed with everything we’re experiencing in the world right now. So, if you’re itching for some fun things to try, hopefully my Top 5 list can inspire you!

1.   Christina Tosi’s Bake Club – You might recognize Christina from MasterChef or Chef’s Table. She’s an amazing chef and the owner of the famous Milk Bar. Every day for the past 3 months, she hosts an Instagram live at 2 p.m. where she bakes something new with her audience, and she doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The night before, she posts the ingredients you need. If you have them on hand, join in the next day to bake! Don’t worry, all her recipes can be found on her website if you can’t make the 2 p.m. time slot. It’s been such an awesome pick me up, really positive, and fun to do with kiddos too. Check out christinatosi.com!

2.   Order Take-Out from a Local Restaurant You’ve Never Tried – This is my favorite. I love good food. It’s a great excuse not to cook dinner AND you’re supporting local business. Google restaurants near you and give a new place a shot. I worked in locally owned restaurants for many years and have a huge soft spot for them- especially during this difficult time. My newest spot? 1928 Cuban Bistro. I could eat their empanadas every day. If you order with them online, they’ll bring it right to your car!

3.   Shopping at Riverside Arts Market – The Riverside Arts Market is up and running under the bridge every Saturday morning. Now, they are offering two ways to shop. Not only in person (with social distancing and masks) but also on their online market! If you haven’t checked out what RAM has to offer, I highly recommend giving their social media a look over. I know you’ll find some cool local artists and vendors and when you do, reach out to them directly or wait until Saturday morning when the online shop is live on Facebook to get all the goodies.   

4.   Painting with Watercolor – If I’m looking to get a little creative, painting is my go-to. I picked up some supplies forever ago and finally have been putting them to use the past couple of months. Order a few beginner watercolor supplies and then let the creativity flow. I've found that a glass of wine usually helps! If you need some inspiration on what to paint, check out @shaydacampbell. She has free art tutorials on YouTube. All her videos are really satisfying to watch and a lot of fun to follow along! 

5.  Going for a Walk Somewhere New- Even though it's blistering hot outside, getting out in nature makes me feel better every time. There are so many beautiful spots around town to take a stroll or ride your bike. I think it's fun to switch up my normal walk around my neighborhood, and I know my dog likes the adventure too! My most recent discovery is Castaway Island Preserve. It's located in the heart of Jax on the Intercoastal with wildlife to spot and picnic tables for snacks. The trail loop has an accessible boardwalk for wheelchairs and strollers!

Let me know what you’re doing to stay sane and #StayHome! Also, if you’re interested in resources about what Root Realty is doing to maintain safety check out this post and this post.