We're back

See ya later, suburbs.

Author

Jeannette Reyes
November 21, 2024


Hi friend,

Guess what?! After two years living the suburban dream, we've officially moved back to the city! Not gonna lie, I never thought we'd be back so soon, but it became clear that DC is where our hearts truly belong. So much of what—and who—we love is right here. 🥰

Living 45 minutes away made everything feel out of reach. Events at The Wharf, dinners in Georgetown, family flying into DCA, our beloved date night spots...those long commutes were draining and started to limit our adventures. We missed being the pregame spot for our friends, who mostly live in or around DC. Even my favorite coffee shops and walking routes in Old Town felt a world away. Simply put, I feel most alive when I'm in the city.

Obviously, moving back meant making some trade-offs. For one thing, we had way more space in the suburbs, along with peace and quiet, extra storage, and the convenience of an attached garage. But y’all…the energy of DC is unmatched, and for us, the compromise was worth it for the lifestyle we craved. Plus, I've long missed that breathtaking skyline view from our old apartment building—the one we're thrilled to move back into!

Now that we're back, we'll be hitting up museums, coffee shops, and parks with Bella. We want to make the most of everything DC has to offer.

And with our people close by again, we're hosting a Friendsgiving/ housewarming party this weekend! There will be about two dozen friends joining us for good food, loud laughter, and a warm welcome back to the city. I can’t wait to make memories in our new home.

I’m also excited to relax, because moving from a four-bedroom townhome to a three-bedroom apartment while juggling work and caring for a toddler was...intense, to say the least.

Here are a few strategies that kept us (mostly) sane:

  • Ruthlessly declutter: We went through every room and decided what to toss, donate, or store. Being realistic about what we truly needed helped us downsize significantly.

  • Hire a comprehensive moving company: We went with 495 Movers, a company that handled everything—bulk trash removal, packing, and the actual move. The one-stop-shop approach was a lifesaver, especially with everything else going on. (Full transparency: I did receive a discount from 495 Movers in exchange for sharing my experience, but honestly, I would have raved about them anyway). My tip: if you're planning a move, research moving companies at least 8-12 weeks in advance. Get multiple quotes, check customer reviews, and make sure they offer the services you need. 📦

  • Get ahead of it: Start packing your non-essentials 4-6 weeks before the move. Make a detailed checklist, and if possible, arrange for childcare or extra help on moving day to ease the stress. Believe me on this!

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is decorating our new apartment and getting creative with maximizing every inch. I'll be sharing some of my favorite space-saving hacks and decor tips in future newsletters, so stay tuned! The place is stunning, with gorgeous views, and I can't wait to create some amazing content here. We plan to stay for the next couple of years while we search for our forever home, hopefully a little closer to the city center.

This particular move has reminded me that "home" isn't just a place; it's an emotion. It's about being surrounded by the people and things you love, feeling connected to your community and culture, and having a space that truly reflects who you are. Whether you're in the city, the suburbs, or somewhere in between, I hope you find joy in creating a space that feels like your own little piece of paradise. ❤️

Talk soon!

The romance novel that has me hooked

A lewk from YouTube’s creator dinner

But do you tithe on gross?

❝

The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.

Wendy Wunder

Y’all, Yvonne Orji had us cry-laughing.

More news you can use

  • Recently, I talked about moving around a lot growing up—and your responses were so thought-provoking! I followed up with more tea, like why living in different places has been great for my career, and whether I resent my parents for moving so much.

  • Yes, it’s pumpkin spice and silk press season. But we wear SPF year-round over here, and this tinted sunscreen from La Roche Posay is a new favorite of mine.

  • Speaking of pumpkin spice, ESP Tea & Coffee is my all-time fave café in DC. I’ve been going there for 12 years, and am looking forward to visiting even more now.

  • New home, new bed, better sleep?

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Until Next Time, 

The “This Just In” newsletter may have affiliate links included throughout the email, so if you buy through them, I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I only recommend stuff I truly love, and if it's sponsored, I’ll disclose that it is a brand partnership. Thank you so much for your continued support.