by Jenn Heller

Let's be honest, getting through the crowds during Spring Break at Disney World can feel like navigating a maze in the Enchanted Forest. But fear not, fellow adventurers! I've enlisted the help of a true Disney expert, to make your Spring Break plans a success.  Say hello to my friend Stephanie Baez.

Stephanie, a loving mom to the adorable Ayden, not only navigates motherhood with grace but also conquers Disney World like a seasoned pro. She knows every nook and cranny of the parks and possesses a magical ability to find hidden gems while navigating the crowds with ease. So, get ready to sprinkle some pixie dust on your own Spring Break experience with Stephanie's insider tips to unlock the magic of your trip.

tree of life, disney, animal kingdom

1. Start Early at…

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by Gwinn Volen

2024 saw the lowest number of home sales since 1995, according to the National Association of Realtors. Locally, with 26,877 homes selling in the greater Jacksonville area, that meant we saw a 2.8% decrease in home sales. Prices were essentially flat for many areas here, though the greater Jacksonville area shows a modest overall annual appreciation of 3.5%. So what does 2025 have in store?

Aerial view of Ponte Vedra Beach

Will We See a Drop in Prices in 2025?

No clear indicators are pointing to a significant drop in prices for 2025. In 2024, the market remained relatively stable, with some areas of Jacksonville experiencing slight increases while others saw minor decreases as the market adjusted from the 2022 surge. Nationally, experts project a typical 4%…

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by Jenn Heller

Imagine a lifestyle where your time is truly yours—no more weekends spent mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, or dealing with endless home tasks. A lock-and-leave home lets you close the front door and leave without worry, allowing for a hassle-free living experience in a low-maintenance community that handles all the chores homeowners dread doing. Whether it's traveling more often, picking up a new hobby, or a quick trip, lock-and-leave living provides the freedom to enjoy life without concerns about your home.

Pablo Cove in Jacksonville, Florida

More Time for Travel

Forget about the stress of leaving your home unattended while you are gone for a day, a week, or even longer. Lock-and-leave living gives you the freedom to take spontaneous trips, albeit a…

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by Gwinn Volen

Is it cut-through traffic that clogs Palm Valley Road? Has construction in Nocatee and St Johns County caused increased commuter congestion on A1A?

The Citizens Traffic Task Force in Ponte Vedra/Palm Valley commissioned a study to understand where traffic originates for some of our more congested roads. Since I moved here in 2006, traffic has definitely picked up, and yet, having lived in large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and DC, the traffic still feels pretty minimal to me, albeit sometimes annoying.

A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida


Using Streetlight data, which pulls from cellular carriers, car movement and where the car came from can be tracked.  Here's a link to the report, and here are the key findings on where the traffic comes…

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By Gwinn Volen

With just one kid left in the house, the 'empty nest' is on the horizon, and with it, thoughts of downsizing are starting to creep in. Honestly, the idea of maintaining a large home as we get older isn't exactly thrilling. Who needs the hassle of a pool, with its monthly upkeep, not to mention the inevitable (and expensive!) pump replacements and the need to re-surface it every decade or so. There's also the constant exterior maintenance – the yard, the never-ending list of repairs, the inevitable "Oh no, what's that sound?" moments as yet another system decides to give out. Maybe it's not even about the work; maybe it's the desire for a simpler life, the freedom to travel more. Whatever the reason, the time feels right for a change. But…

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by Jenn Heller

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, and independent living communities offer the perfect environment to embrace it. These communities are designed to provide the ideal balance of freedom and support, allowing seniors to maintain an active, engaged lifestyle without the hassles of home maintenance. With thoughtfully planned amenities, secure living spaces, and opportunities to connect with like-minded neighbors, independent living allows residents to fully enjoy their golden years in comfort and style.

From chef-prepared dining to social clubs and safety features, independent living is about enhancing your quality of life. Imagine where your day could include a morning swim, an afternoon art class, and dinner with friends at the…

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by Jenn Heller

The Story Behind Designers Ware House

For home design enthusiasts, Designers Ware House offers a refreshing blend of curated style, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Founded by owner, Cindy Ware, out of a passion for home flipping and self-expression, the store is a reflection of the belief that every home should showcase unique, beautiful, and functional pieces that represent the owner's personal style.

Curating Quality and Craftsmanship

Designers Ware House focuses on providing high-quality furniture and décor that stand the test of time. Many of their offerings come from United States-based manufacturers, ensuring not only excellent craftsmanship but also supporting local production. This dedication to durability and…

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by Jenn Heller

Rediscovering My Inner Child (and a Love for Wildlife!)

Growing up on Long Island, my exposure to wildlife was...limited, to say the least. Aside from the occasional backyard squirrel or a rogue snake slithering onto the patio—let’s just say my daddy handled that situation in a way snake enthusiasts wouldn’t approve of—our “wildlife” was mostly our family dogs. No cats, no hamsters, no guinea pigs. Just loyal, four-legged friends.

Fast forward to raising my own kids, and history repeated itself. Except for a brief two-hour stint with a turtle (which quickly found its way back to the pond), we kept it simple: two dogs.

Now, at the youthful yet ornery age of 56, I seem to be channeling my inner Benjamin Button and revisiting the…

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by Jenn Heller


Having a late November birthday always felt like I got cheated when I was growing up. Without fail, my “special day” ended up doubling as a joint celebration with either my cousin or my dad for their birthdays.  On top of that, it also falls on Thanksgiving every couple of years.  It was like a two-for-one deal I didn’t sign up for. Yes, I know—what a selfish brat. Feel free to roll your eyes; I’ve come to terms with it.

Jenn and Dad celebrating birthday me and Dad celebrating our birthdays in 1990.
Don't I look thrilled?

This year, though? My birthday, my rules. I declared it a "me" day, and my better half (bless his soul) was game for the ride. He survived a marathon of not one but TWO local artisan shops (Atlantic Beach Art Market and Seaside Shoppes), dinner…

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by Jennifer Heller

Ever wonder why “Career Day” is so popular on TV but rarely happens in real life? That was my exact thought too until my friend Becky Campbell, a Mandarin High School teacher, invited me to speak to her students about real estate and a scholarship opportunity.

Going back to school felt like stepping into a weird time capsule, yet this time, I wasn’t the student.  My audience?  High school juniors and seniors curious about the real estate industry, and let me tell you, I’ve never been more frightened to speak in front of a group.  These were 16 and 17 year old kids and since I’ve raised two kids that were those ages not too long ago I knew I had my work cut out of me.  It can be hard to impress older teenagers, if you know what I…

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