How to Feel Young Again

Visit the city...any city near you or in my case, Boston. How stunning is this view in Southie even on a cold New England day? "Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind" and this city totally inspires me to follow this motto. 

Carson Beach, South Boston

I spent a cold morning in Southie last weekend with my parents to check out the progress on the luxury condo rentals I'm assisting with. The wind was whipping and eyes were watering because it's particularly cold on the waterfront! I live about 45 minutes out from the city so usually my family and I will pop into Boston for the day in the warmer months and take the kids to the science museum or lunch in the North End or Faneuil Hall. I don't get into town all that often except for when visiting this job site so I was reminded how the vibes in South Boston are very unique. Though there are families who have lived there for many generations, my husband's family included, it feels youthful and fresh with all the young professionals who basically took over this waterfront location. I felt pretty cool hanging out there remembering the days I would visit friends with city apartments and hit the local pubs or watch the South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade. Ahh, my twenties...

Lunch at L Street Diner & Pizzeria. They have proper Italian Calzones and Mimosas. Which is exactly what we ordered. What more could you want?

That beautiful slate blue building is the property I'm assisting with and is adjacent to a cemetery. A nice feature in the city because you get a little green space view.

Incoming flight to Logan Airport. The view from the master bedroom "porch" / aka rooftop.

My dad, Frank, is the general contractor, property manager, and project manager (jack-of-all-trades) for a local property management & development firm, Foxcroft Inc. based in Quincy, MA. The firm sought out this residential flip in Southie with full force last year. Dad led the construction team as they dug underground to lower the basement floor to create two bi-level condo units. The units are pretty impressive and will be STUNNING when finished. Kitchen cabinets are just about fully installed and ready for counters and backsplash. I recommended the units be painted in Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore (except the top unit master in Cumulous Cloud BM) and I'm glad we went with those choices because it's fresh and bright. Lighting is going up and flooring and tile have been ordered and will be installed soon. In my assisting with design decisions, my goal has been to bring back some of the historical integrity of the building at the same time adding some modern touches to appeal to today's potential renter. We've also had to keep in mind the durability of the flooring, tile, and countertops to limit the effects of long-term wear and tear. I'm learning so much as I always do when working with my dad. As I've worked with him over the years, he has given me much knowledge about the actuality of construction projects. Though it's nice to dream about the potential of a space, it's important to know the reality of what can be done and how much it will cost.

Often times I hear from friends about how long a demo and install took or how frustrated they were with a remodel. Whether it's a DIY project or you're working with a contractor, if you've been through this same frustration, I encourage you to take a deep breath, be patient, and focus on the end product you know you'll have for years to come. This short term pain “too shall pass”– like childbirth– haha! Am-I-right, ladies? Yikes.
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​I know many of my Massachusetts friends do not have electricity after the storm last night so everyone in New England: wishing you all safety and warmth and a quick return of power!

<3 Liz