Last August, Sean and I moved our family from Alexandria down to Charlottesville. It was always a mere pipedream (especially for my wahoo husband), but then COVID-19 pushed us to take the risk. And while I hated leaving my amazing community in Old Town and the joy of daily interactions with friends at Boxwood, I knew it was worth the heartache to try.Part of the deal was that I would be able to renovate the new kitchen to my exact style. We've never undergone such a major renovation before, but it's a lot like having a newborn. Everyone tells you how awful it will be - but you don't really know until you're in the midst of it, and it's too late to turn back. We're lucky to be about 2.5 months pregnant, so I won't bore you with the stories of crazy delays from the pandemic (let's just say I might not be able to scramble eggs on the stove until September). But for anyone considering a renovation, here are two key takeaways...Decision fatigue is real. In the beginning, I thought I knew what I wanted. Now, I just want it to be over with. Luckily, in Alexandria, there is an overflowing wealth of design talent. I've been blessed to be able to work with Stuart Nordin, and there are so many great local resources (even if they are all probably overbooked these days).Courtney and Alex from Ivy Lane Living bring such a sophisticated eye to any project. Lindsay Boudreaux and her team at Shotgun Double can create magic that's both beautiful and functional. Maria Crosby from Crosby Designs has some of my absolute favorite uses of color and pattern. Kristen Try just finished a good friend's kitchen overhaul, and it is beyond stunning. Bonus - they all shop at Boxwood for their clients and themselves.Living with clutter is hard. It's nearly impossible to channel your inner Marie Kondo when your entire main floor is in shambles. And I'm not a minimalist, even if I want to be. So, I can't wait to fill my shelves again with all of the meaningful boxes, trinkets, frames, and art that are currently living in my bathtub. Here are my first two purchases, if you guys don't beat me to them first (and Stuart gives her blessing).  First, a large fruit bowl hand-crafted by Lawrence McRae. We just got a new pottery order in from our favorite Boston ceramicist, and I am coveting his massive Gemini bowl in denim that will go so nicely with my navy kitchen cabinets.  And second, a walnut George board by Suzanne Selby. Also, a restock from our favorite wood turner out of Stafford, Virginia - it will go so nicely with my walnut kitchen island. So, if you're making a trip to central Virginia in the coming months, please let me know. Though I probably still won't have a kitchen to entertain you. But I will meet you anytime at a brewery, vineyard, or Dairy Market (more juicy details coming soon...)