Quarantine in PV: what’s it like?

At this crucial time in history, when staying home is of utmost importance according to health experts, it really does shine the spotlight on our most intimate spaces. Our homes, our towns, our famlies, our own creativity, and wishes for the future. Quarantine definitely brings with it many challenges for so many of us, but it also holds hidden blessings. This time spent in reflection of what we truly want for our future when we all go back out into the world, is going to help us all going forward be more focused on achieving our dreams.

quarantine in pv frigate bird

I can’t help but be so grateful for the chance to quarantine here in such a beautiful town that offers glimpses of daily blue sky from my indoor office space. Sea birds sail past my bedroom window and butterflies flutter around my balcony giving me hope for the future.

A short walk to my neighborhood “tienda” allows me to pick up the essentials like freshly made tortillas and farm raised eggs. Fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits are still arriving on time from surrounding farms in rural areas. Mangos are starting to turn orange and purple on the trees throughout the city.  Spring is our “windy season” which means a cool sea breeze comes to visit our house every afternoon around 3 pm.

My neighbors are all practing social distancing or “la sana distancia” as they call it here in Mexico. Facemasks and giant dispensers of hand sanitizer are the norm, just like most places in the world right now. My neighbors are still as kind and friendly as ever, exchanging waves and chatting across front yards about the current reality.

I am so grateful to be here, held in the warmth of a town that has such a sense of community. Helping one another out is a way of life for everyone that lives in Vallarta. We will get through Covid-19 and be stronger than ever!

As always, there are ways to help:

Vallarta Food Bank: https://vallartafoodbank.com

Corazon de Nina: fundacioncorazon.mx

How are you doing during the quarantine proccess? I would love to hear from you.

 

Single Story For Sale in Punta Pelicanos, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle

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Your tranquil, luxury lifestyle awaits!

•  1204 sqft , 2 bath , 2 bdrm single story FOR SALE  USD329,000 . Luxury Building at the Beach!

Stunning ocean views make this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 4th floor unit a true luxury seaside escape. Unit #202 boasts open concept eat-in Kitchen Area with large granite counters & sleek peninsula. Modern Euro-styled cabinetry, Stainless Steel appliances include high-end 5-burner gas stovetop & oven,stainless steel & glass hood, refrigerator, and microwave. 10 ft. ceilings & chic coved lighting in Living Room and recessed lighting throughout. Unit includes 3 Mini Split A/Cs and 3 modern ceiling fans. Formal Dining area with glass table for six. Master Room has a King bed, Jr. Master has two Twin beds. Bathtub & Shower combo in Master, both bathrooms boast modern tiled & glass bathrooms with Marble countertop vanities. The Laundry Room is equipped with Stackable Washer & Gas Dryer. Torre Pacifica building offers residents heated pool with a large Jacuzzi & an large adjacent Furnished Covered Patio Area with Ocean Views * Rooftop Common Viewing Area * Wifi Service in Pool Area * Beautiful tropical plants * Water Softener system * Two Mitsubishi high-speed elevators *24-Hour Security Guard Service * Remote Controlled Garage Door Entrance & Exterior Pedestrian Coded Main Door Entrance * Equipped Gym Room.

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2 Storey For Sale in Refugio Laguna, Mezcales

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Beautiful Home in Gated community!

•  2281 sqft , 2 bath , 1 half bath , 3 bdrm 2 storey FOR SALE  USD169,000 . Price Reduced!

Truly beautiful, spacious corner lot home located inside Refugio Laguna complex in Mezcales, Nayarit. This stunning property offers three bedrooms and two and a hald bathrooms in two levels. Extra large windows allow beautiful natural light to illuminate the 2,281 square feet of living space and offer relaxing views of green jungle folilage. Common amenities include large swimming pool with lounge area, a beautiful palapa for group gatherings, and 24/7 security. A must see for anyone loooking to create a beautiful retirement, vacation, or rental home in a peaceful setting close to beaches, golf courses, shopping and world famous downtown Puerto Vallarta.

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Lot / Land For Sale in Marina La Cruz, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle

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Prime Location Lot in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle!

•  387.5 sqm lot / land FOR SALE  USD472,000 . Developer's Dream!

Prime location lot of land in gorgeous, tranquil La Cruz De Huanacaxtle. A Developer’s Dream. A complete project with plans, permits, renders, projections and more is being sold with the land. There are 12 units already approved by the municipality in the 387.50 m2 of land. This can be the next hot project in La Cruz de Huancaxtle. Just moments from the famous La Cruz Marina, fresh open air markets, and beautiul beaches.

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5 Tips to Maximize your Condo Square Footage

Luxury condominiums are a fantastic investment. They offer many clients  the perfect location, fabulous amenities, great rental income, and stress free maintenance when they are not in town. But let’s face it,condos can be on the smaller side when it comes to interior space. However, with a little design savy, anyone can create a stunning space that maximizes condo square footage and makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Enjoy these 5 easy tips on how to Mazimize your Condo Square Footage:

1. Use very light colors or very dark colors to give a room depth

A good paint job with the right colors is the basis for making the most out of your condo square footage. Medium shades can make a room appear smaller, but when you use bright whites and deep dark paint colors, you create contrast, which creates depth and the illusion of a larger space.

Condo Las Peñas

https://www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com/Puerto_Vallarta/Jalisco/Condos/Playas_Gemelas/Agent/Listing_300944391.html

2. Utilize hidden storage or multi-functional furniture

Kind of a no-brainer, but always a good reminder! There are great furniture options here in Puerto Vallarta. The department store Liverpool offers a lot of great multifunctional pieces that will help you to create more space and get organized.  You can also opt for local, handmade parota furniture that is not only gorgeous, but pest and weather resistant.

villas catalina san pancho property for sale

Villas Catalina in San Pancho

https://www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com/San_Pancho/Nayarit/Homes/San_Pancho/Agent/Listing_374574701.html

3. Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains

Hanging long curtains just below the ceiling that sweep all the way down to the floor is like putting stiletto heels on a room. Ceilings instantly look higher. If you can’t find a pattern you like in local stores, head to a “Parisina” fabric store, pick out your favorite and have them made on site with your perfect measurements.

conchas chinas puerto vallarta property for sale

Costa de Oro 301

https://www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com/Puerto_Vallarta/Jalisco/Condos/Conchas_Chinas/Agent/Listing_367806521.html

4. Use a few larger decorative accents instead of many small decorative items

Lots of small knick-knacks tend to feel like clutter and make a room look smaller. Use the triangle rule and symmetry when styling vignettes on coffee tables, nightstands, dresser tops, and dining tables and limit decor groupings to 3 or 5 items. But you don’t need decor accents on every single surface of your home. Let a room “breathe”.

conchas chinas puerto vallarta montemar for sale

Montemar in Conchas Chinas

https://www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com/Puerto_Vallarta/Jalisco/Condos/Conchas_Chinas/Agent/Listing_276962986.html

5. Display large-scale art.

If you have a small room and want to hang wall decor, opt for one large piece of art or a wall accent instead of a gallery wall of smaller items. If you really want a gallery wall with smaller pieces, limit it to the one wall and go simple large-scale on the other walls in the room. And it’s okay to leave some walls blank to prevent the room from feeling cluttered and overwhelming.

sayan penthouse for sale puerto vallarta

Sayan in Conchas Chinas

https://www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com/Puerto_Vallarta/Jalisco/Condos/Conchas_Chinas/Agent/Listing_329207713.html

I hope you enjoy maximizing your condo square footage with these tips.

Single Story For Sale in Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta

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Prime Romantic Zone location!

•  1388 sqft , 2 bath , 1 half bath , 2 bdrm single story FOR SALE  USD486,000 . Modern Luxury, with preconstruction pricing!

D’ESIRE is the newest creation from the D’Group and renowned Architect Octavio Lopez, creator of the famed buildings D’Terrace and D’Residence. Perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of the popular ”Zona Romantica”, these hip, modern condominiums are designed as perfect second homes, vacation or rental residences, making way for a lifestyle that will be enjoyed by a select few. D’ESIRE will please the most discerning and sophisticated clientele with an array of amenities; on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge, secure, elegant lobby, amazing rooftop lounge and entertaining areas.

This corner penthouse unit features a private terrace, beautiful city and ocean views, 10.8 ft. ceilings in living area and 14 ft. ceilings in bedrooms and dining room. Other features include: upscale porcelain floors, high-end kitchen cabinetry and appliances, indirect lighting details, separate zoned air conditioning, PVC windows and terrace doors. Absolutely stunning in design and finishing’s this gorgeous property is just three blocks from famed “Los Muertos” beach and dozens of shops and restaurants that make this area so desirable.
The boutique building showcases cutting edge contemporary European styling, two elevators, spectacular rooftop “infinity-edge” swimming pool, designer lounge chairs, tables and bar area with food and drink service, jetted tub, wet lounge, gym, doggie park and more!
Delivery date NOVEMBER 2021!
A fully refundable deposit of $10,000 USD is all that is needed to reserve your unit in this incredible new development! Do not miss out on this opportunity. For more information or to reserve a unit at D’ESIRE, please contact your agent immediately.

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Face masks in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is just one of the many cities worldwide that has asked its residents to wear face masks when out and about. It has been amazing to see the vast majority of people here complying with the recommendations and looking out for one another’s health. Although the merits of wearing face masks have been debated, it seems to most that they definitely can’t hurt!

Here in Vallarta, many residents have started crafting their own face masks to respond to the great demand for “cubrebocas”. Long time resident and owner of Myskova Boutique on Basilio Badillo street, Kim Martin, has started a campaign to get everyone protected and looking good.

Myskova face masks puerto vallarta

Hand made from breathable and washsable lightweight double-layer-cotton, her facemasks are comfortable and stylish. a pocket in between the two cotton layers can accept a filter, for those looking for an extra layer of protection. The best part is that for every mask purchased, she donates one as well.

face masks Puerto Vallarta Myskova Boutiques

Kim Martin admits that the idea began mainly as a way to keep her Myskova employees working and generating income during this crisis. “I couldn’t accept that I would need to lay off employees. I had to figure out a way to adapt to the market and keep my employees earning so they can support their famlies,” said Martin.

face masks myskova puerto vallarta

Kim has a workshop where she and a few other workers hand craft these beautiful face masks. Each mask takes approximately 1 hour to make. Hand dyed, sewn, and some even adorned with Swarovksi crystals, these face masks are true works of art and labors of love.

 

If you are interested in purchasing her masks, please contact Kim directly via Whatsapp at 322 150 5629 and pick up or drop off can be arranged. You can also donate to the production of masks that will be donated to others. Stay safe friends and hope to see you soon in our beautiful city!

https://www.facebook.com/myskovamaskproject/

 

Vallarta Food Bank Update

John Swanson has written a great piece for Banderas News with a fantastic Vallarta Food Bank Update. This organization has done so much for the families in need in Puerto Vallarta. The whole Boardwalk Team is proud and humbled to be part of this great community who is ready to lend a hand when needed.

Without further ado, I’d like to share a bit of John’s article that was published today. A great Vallarta Food Bank Update!

https://www.banderasnews.com/2004/boardwalk-realty-vallarta-food-bank.htm

Vallarta Food Bank Update

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – For many of us, one of the hard parts about being quarantined is a feeling of helplessness. Here in Vallarta, where its kind people are world-renowned, we wonder… “how are our friends that own small businesses getting by? I wonder if my favorite bakery will open when I return? What about the maids, the kids?”

I decided to turn to three experts for answers. Francie Nguyen (Bonito Kitchen), Jimmy Plouff and Francie Victoria (Tunnel Road BBQ), who have collectively started the Vallarta Food Bank by converting the BBQ restaurant into a food bank almost overnight. If anyone has direct contact with the people of Puerto Vallarta, it’s them.

Just a bit of background: Francie N. was a Vietnam refugee who worked her way into a major high-fashion buyer for a NY chain. She had “made it” but left it all to help other refugees in both schooling and as a volunteer at a soup line. Jimmy is from small Willis, Texas, where neighbor helping neighbor is the way you are brought up in a town of 6,000. His partner, Francie Victoria, is a vibrant young Mexican cancer survivor who is beyond enthusiastic about helping others.

As diverse as their backgrounds are, their skills are even more so! Francie N handles all of the administration, leaving Jimmy and Francie V to get the food where it’s needed. Together, they are literally moving mountains – of food.

The following is based on a high-energy two hour interview. It was hugely surprising to me and this made writing the story a challenge. Picture three talented, fired up, high-energy people all talking at once, unable to hold their unbridled enthusiasm about their work!

Frankly, I expected a “downer” of an interview given the gravity of their work. I could not have been more wrong! My notes look like chickens walked on paper as I tried to keep up. These are people on a mission, literally and emotionally. The following is what I managed to scribble while they were all telling me fantastic tales of their journey.

Q: How did three successful restaurant owners find themselves running a food bank?

A: “We saw the need. Big time. We got started doing what we could individually but we couldn’t keep up. We needed start up funds and organization to make it happen. John, you lit the fire with startup money and ideas. Your friend Tricia Lyman so kindly allowed us to post on her uber-popular PV: Everything You Need or Want to Know FB page. Linda Ellerbee pushed us to a new level. Many companies including your Boardwalk Realty jumped aboard. It all happened so fast, it was like a dam breaking. We are so grateful.”

Q: With more tools to work with, how’s it going?

A: “Really well. Without exaggeration, we save lives daily. We are feeding families that are so poor, they do not have the documents to receive government help. We are talking houses made of cardboard. The city is helping a lot too, we even have daily support from the police! We are also dispensing masks, gloves and sanitizer for all. We have increased the number of families fed from 50 our first week (just over a month ago) to 1,080 last week. We are also supporting 18 kids with cancer who cannot leave the house. It’s pretty amazing.”

Q: What has caught you by surprise, both good and bad?

A: “I think the sheer volume. One week we were moving shelves to the front of a restaurant with a dream and a little money. A week later there were lines ¼ mile long at 6:00 am. The number of people donating time, labor and money was also startling.

We now deliver to the at-risk neighborhoods. Places like Volcanes, El Nogalito, Yelapa, Quimixto and Cartolandia (“Cardboard Land”). Why? Because they cannot come to the Food Bank. We load literal tons of food into borrowed pickups that barely make it up the roads.”

“We are making great strides. Each bag of food costs us 30% of what they used to. We can do more – there are lots of people out there helping if we work together, we can leverage. It’s coming together but the need is growing too. There’s no work for the common man.”

For more project information and photos, visit the Vallarta Food Bank website. If you can help, please visit their GoFundMe page. Puerto Vallarta, with your help, will overcome this too. Its people thank you.

Vallarta Food Bank Update

Price dropped on PH4 The Colonial in 5 de Diciembre, Puerto Vallarta

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Stylish and Chic in 5 de Diciembre

Announcing a price drop on PH4 The Colonial, a 877.69 sqft , 2 bath , 2 bdrm single story. Now FOR SALE  USD252,941 . Pre-construction Opportunity!

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