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Change the World of a Child in the BLINK of an Eye

BlinkNow

A loving home for over 40 children. A school for over 400 young students. A program to prepare our graduates for their futures. A big sister's home for 10 of our most at-risk female students. A center for the women of Surkhet to gather and learn. A new school campus made from the earth. A community that is strong both in health and in the environment that surrounds us. This is the world we want to see every day. Of course, our work is never done. After all, progress never stops.

Maggie Doyne | The Heart Behind BLINK NOW

Maggie Doyne | The Heart Behind BLINK NOW

After Maggie Doyne’s senior year of high school, as her friends headed to college, the 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world with just her backpack and eyes wide open. Four countries and 20,000 miles later, she found herself trekking through the Himalayas and walking along the dirt roads of Nepal’s most poverty-stricken villages.

There, Maggie got to know a little six-year-old girl, one of the hundreds of struggling children she met on her journey. This little girl was breaking stones in a dry riverbed and selling them to earn a few dollars to feed her family. She was doing grueling work and faced profound challenges, yet a glimmer of light shined deep within. Maggie was shocked by what she saw and decided to take action.

That was then. This is NOW: 2023

BlinkNow opened the greenest school in Nepal. 

BlinkNow sent another batch of students off to college. 

BlinkNow kept at-risk girls safe from trafficking and child marriage. 

BlinkNow empowered women not only to earn an income for the first time in their lives but to be leaders in their own communities.

And BlinkNow opened their Children's Home to a 7-month old baby girl who now has a warm bed, a stable roof over her head, nutritious meals, and all the constant love, affection, and attention that every child everywhere in the world deserves. 

Your gift is what will make the difference — it’s what allows us not just to talk about a world where every child is safe, educated and loved but to actually build it.

You Can Also SHOP BlinkNow Goods

Behind every stitch and weave of our products, there is a woman with a story. Each product is unique, made from local materials, and creates a sustainable difference in the lives of our women and their families. The items are inspired by friendship, the brightness of new beginnings, and creativity. Goods are crafted with handmade fabric from our own looms or from fabric purchased in the local market, adding to the unique charm of the accessories while creating economic opportunities in our Nepali community.

Sold on Mercer Island

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SO excited for my client, Jennifer Michaels! This home not only topped the chart for her highest sale, but it was also the highest sale for Inspire Properties this year AND the highest price ever recorded on Mercer Island - I'm so proud of the work that went into this project and so happy for the new homeowners as well!

Check out the Look Book: https://bit.ly/2YdtSkG

Web Design for McRae Homes

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I know I say this a lot, but I really do have the most amazing clients. From the the word “go” this sweet family was working around a baby who wanted to come early, building a new home, two little girls needing step one of education and a world pandemic.

Mike and the Kidlets

Mike and the Kidlets

Mike treats all his clients as if they are family. After all, it’s their money, their time, and their livelihood that he’s dealing with. He’s available around the clock and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Mike is the type of broker that will put on his work boots and head lamp to go in the crawl space for you, even if it’s littered with mice. He’s a unique breed of real estate agent and he’s a talented general contractor to boot.

This created an especially unique stack of challenges; creating an online vision that showcases Mike’s working style, highlights his extensive skill set and connecting it all with his talent in real estate as well. His wife Nicole is his marketing manager, house and business manager and an incredibly talented writer.

We started with a logo design that was clean and fresh with a strong and elegant bent. Working in strictly black and white, focusing on a design that was elegant enough to sell million dollar homes, but strong enough that no one would be surprised when Mike hops up on the roof to check out the gutters.

Nicole partnered closely with me to create a website that was a useful space for their clients, offering a myriad of data in a clean, friendly way. From general contracting to painting to finding a home buyer for their new listing to connecting home sellers to buyers that fall in love with their home or property, the McRae Homes website is curated to showcase their mad skill set.

Home Away from Home | A Collection of my Favorite Vacation Homes

As the weather warms up my heart turns to both my garden and vacations. There’s something magical about traveling, finding your home away from home. If you’ve been considering a vacation home, I have a collection of my favorites for you.

2025 Crestview Drive, Laguna Beach
Listed by Kim Walker, Compass

↑ Crestview Drive is a charming three-bedroom, two-bath cottage, ideally located on a private corner lot in the sought-after neighborhood of Laguna Beach’s Upper Diamond. The entry-level offers two bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with stairs leading to the main living area that features a wood-burning fireplace and custom hardwood floors. Glass doors lead you to a very special outdoor Wisteria covered logia which is ideal for al fresco dining and features a custom built-in BBQ, bar seating, gas fire, and even a kegerator to enjoy the perfect SoCal evenings. Also on the main level is a cozy master retreat with wonderful ocean views and a spa-like bathroom. Follow the stairs up to the loft level and enjoy the spectacular ocean, Catalina, coastline views, and stunning sunsets. This meticulously maintained home exudes warmth and charm with pride of ownership being evident throughout and is located just a stone’s throw from the beaches, shops, and galleries for which downtown Laguna Beach is known.

 

2644 48th Avenue SW | Seattle, WA
Listed by Chad Zinda, Metropolist

↑ Embrace the 70's. Custom-built 1975 open floor plan waiting for your modern touches. You've got choices of two primary bedroom suites, one up and one down. Fantastic location with Alki beach as your front yard and Admiral Junction in the back. Beautiful fireplace with huge vaulted wood ceilings and gorgeous beams creating dramatic surroundings on the main level. Use the deck under the cherry tree for shady outdoor entertaining. Enjoy a large open space on the lower level to use for extra fun gatherings and a great workspace. Giant laundry area and party fridge included. Create a second kitchen and lower level additional living. Two off-street parking spaces. Within easy distance of all the beachfront activities, shopping, and restaurants.

 

3701 SW 38th Avenue | Portland, OR
Listed by Jacob York, RE/MAX Equity Group

↑ FORE! Tasteful modern/mid-century home on an oversized lot with beautiful territorial views and spectacular grounds. Inside features a great room with walls of glass, oversized retractable sliding doors, 12ft ceilings, dining room, custom kitchen with quarts countertops, huge primary suite with fireplace and dual walk-in closets. Upstairs includes two large bedroom, a full bathroom and a den. Lower family room with bar. Outside enjoy the massive deck, covered patio, golf greens, waterfall & attached oversized 2-car garage.

 

6562 Beach Drive Southwest | Seattle, WA
Listed by Marilisa Vergottini, Compass

↑ A bold wall of windows fronts this iconic West Seattle contemporary, facing the water and the Olympic Mountain range beyond. Architectural highlights include double height ceilings, multiple fireplaces and re-finished hardwood floors. Interior spaces connect seamlessly with the outdoors. Upstairs you will find a private owner’s suite with fireplace and view deck, as well as a second bedroom. The basement showcases two more ensuite bedrooms and a covered patio. In the majestic maple outside, you'll find a Treehouse, designed by Pete Nelson and featured in the Treemasters episode "The Meditating Maple." It showcases a back-lit Himalayan Pink Sea Salt wall and a meditation deck. Ask your broker for the full specifications on this home.

Look Book: Mercer Island Masterpiece

Revamped: SoundTeamRealty

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Jesse Paulson, Fletch Newland and Shannon Reynante are the real estate agents that make up Sound Team Realty; this team has been an incredible pleasure to work with. I love how much my agents love their clients, and the stories about this teams’ customer service are unparalleled.

This project started with a couple of hilarious meetings and some amazing writing. We took the capabilities that their previous site had and upgraded it. Then finished off with brilliant design, SEO management and IDX integration. The final product is an awesome website that actually does what they want it to do: engaging their sellers and connecting to their buyers. And with IDX they have instant updates to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, making their website a tool that they can use anywhere.

PNW Springtime | A Collection of My Favorite Backyards

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
— Lily Pulitzer

I’m a sunshine girl, and I love being in my backyard. I stay outside waiting for all of my fairy lights to blink on as the stars come out. So I have a soft spot for a charming porch, delightful patio, fire pit and decks. And if they’re staged and beautifully photographed, I want to crawl through my computer screen and relax! Here are a few of my favorites from my amazing clients this year:

307 N 48th Street | Seattle, WA 98103
Listed by Lauren GeRoy, RE/MAX Northwest

↑ Welcome to Phinney Ridge! Classic craftsman details mesh perfectly with modern updates & peekaboo views of the Olympics and Salmon Bay. Step into the sun-drenched main floor to find oak and fir floors, functional built-ins, a cozy wood burning fireplace and open living spaces including oversized dining area with room to host. Large kitchen boasts brand new quartz counters, tons of storage, gas cooking, walk-in pantry and spacious eating nook that opens out to the backyard. Rare five-bedroom layout also includes a bonus room and home gym on the lower level, giving you more than enough space to roam. Garden, play and soak up the summer sun in the spacious backyard complete with bocce court. Stroll to nearby Woodland Park, the zoo, top dining and more!

 

15204 256th Avenue SE | Issaquah, WA
Listed by Laura Ford, RE/MAX Northwest

↑ I love everything about this backyard; from the cozy deck to the stunning hot tub to the lovingly landscaped garden spaces. This backyard offers a myriad of entertaining spaces to grill out, roast marshmallows and enjoy the summer sun. Highly sought after Mirrormont Home situated on a corner lot w/ Park-like setting including garden beds and designer landscaping. Nestled on just shy of an acre across from a well manicured neighborhood park and walking distance to pool/tennis.

 

18891 NE 49th Place, Sammamish, WA 98074
Listed by Ryan Tuttle, John L. Scott HWP

↑ Beyond a private gated entry, and just off the shores of Lake Sammamish,  this unparalleled community features 12 custom NW contemporary homes on estate sized properties.   Each homeowner enjoys deeded private waterfront and a designated boat slip at this newly constructed community marina. East Lake Sammamish Trail-linked recreation and lake activities conveniently within walking distance and excellent commute times to Redmond, Microsoft, Bellevue, and State Route 520. Realize the rewards of living in Sammamish Ridge Estates. I need a glass of wine in this backyard, STAT!

 

132 26th Avenue E., #B | Seattle, WA
Listed by Junior Torress, Windermere Greenwood

↑ Spearhead is a collection of newly constructed custom residences in the desirable Madison Valley neighborhood. Marvel at the stunning attention to detail in designing both the interior and exterior of the homes. Innovative architecture, high-end finishes, and exceptional craftsmanship are hallmarks of Halverson Design Build residences. Emphasis has been placed on the exterior facades, featuring COR-TEN weathering steel which brings a captivating and distinctive look to the residences. Spacious and inspired interiors offer the perfect stage for effortless entertaining. With sleek, contemporary lines and thoughtful floor plans flowing over three levels, the homes enhance and meet the needs of upscale urban lifestyles. I can’t wait to see what the new owners do to create a party hub on the rooftop deck!

Branding: Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Signage: The Fifty5 // Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Signage: The Fifty5 // Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

I always get excited by a new project, but it’s not often that something this creative and unique lands in my lap. It started with a building and a cup of coffee.

My client is partnering with his local township to purchase their iconic 55 Sunset building and turn it into a thriving coffee and wine bar. The first step in any project is research and it was important that we brought the town’s look and feel into account along with a fresh vibe to invite in the younger, more tech-y crowd to set up virtual and face-to-face meetings.

Proposed Logo Full: Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Logo Full: Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Next we dove into a myriad of fonts that went on for days. We brought in a couple of millennials to give us feedback throughout the process. We had so much fun and I can hardly wait until I can walk in an get a freshly brewed cuppa at The Fifty5. See you there!

Proposed Coaster Design: The Fifty5

Proposed Coaster Design: The Fifty5

Proposed T-shirt Design: The Fifty5

Proposed T-shirt Design: The Fifty5

Proposed Mug Design: The Fifty5

Proposed Mug Design: The Fifty5

Proposed Menu: : Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Menu: : Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Vibe: Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Proposed Vibe: Fifty-5 Sunset Coffee & Wine

Web Design for Rudinoff Real Estate

I have to start this story with one of my favorite designers (fangirling hard over here) Corianton Hale; Cori is the designer who created the awesome logo for Rudinoff Residential along with vodka brands that you know and he was the Art Director for the Seattle Stranger for a decade. I say all that to sort of explain what a particular challenge and privilege it was to work with his designs to create Sarah’s website.

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Sarah’s website needed a facelift, some serious SEO love, and much more frequent use of the stunning properties that she lists. We started, as always, with a virtual cuppa and after an amazing chat we nailed down what she was looking for for her website and her clients’ needs.

We created an amazing backend portal for her buyer’s as well as referral pages, links for her clients to use and so much more. It was a lovely project all around, AND I got to play with one of my favorite designers from afar.

NEW TO MARKET: Mallard Pointe

I get the privilege of designing for a lot of pretty homes, but Mallard Pointe is one of the coolest, most unique home projects that I’ve ever worked on. Not only are there SO many ADA attributes and customizable spaces, but the look and feel of the homes are just stunning. So, here’s what I got to play with:

BRANDING

The first thing we did was to take another run at the branding. The original design was nice but didn’t fit the actual build of the homes. We revamped it and gave it a more rustic, heavy look with a casual elegance that makes you need a warm sweater and a hot toddy.

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SALES CENTER:

Once we were aligned on the branding the rest began to fall into place; the next step was to finalize the Sales Center pieces because homes are still being built but there are still ways to show off the new homes.

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BROCHURES

And finally, down to the nitty-gritty with brochures. Filled with detailed sketches of the floorplans and elegant write-ups, the brochures are the tactile pieces that potential buyers will be able to walk out the door with.

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There are still more projects to come with this set of homes which is why we have the Ampersand - because there’s always one more AND.

What's in a name? More than you think.

There are so many ways in which racism affects our lives and our businesses, and so many of them aren’t even fully visible. It’s the invisible - or less visible - that I was made aware of once again this month.

In real estate, we have used - and still use - the term “Master Bedroom” and “Master Bath”. Two whole seconds of thinking showcases why this term is so problematic. According to the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer, “In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”

This is not the first time this situation has been brought to light; in 2013 the Washington Business Journal reported that 6 out of 10 Washington area homebuilders “no longer use the term “master” in their floor plans to describe the largest bedroom (with its own bathroom) in the house. They have replaced it with “owner’s suite” or “owner’s bedroom…” As of 2013, Winchester, Pulte Homes, NV Homes and Ryan Homes (both under the NVR Inc. umbrella), Van Metre Cos. and D.R. Horton Inc. have all replaced “master” in their floor plans, some more recently than others.

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“In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”
— Michael Neibauer, Washington Business Journal

Imagine my genuine surprise when I saw that Houston - HOUSTON (come on, PNW!) - was the first Association to make a real statement about it in 2020. Imagine my frustration when I realized that that was as far as it had gone. “The Houston Association of Realtors will use "primary" to describe bedrooms and bathrooms on its listing service and replace the word "master." The move comes after several members raised the issue and called for a review,” according to CNN affiliate KPRC. “Amid increasing calls for racial justice, "master" has fallen out of favor due to its association with slavery.”

“The Court of Master Sommeliers, which grants wine stewards the sought-after “master sommelier” title following the passage of an exam, said it will no longer use the term before a sommelier’s last name.”
— CNN

But wait, there’s more: Enter John Legend. (cue appropriate levels of swoon)

“Real problem: realtors don't show black people all the properties they qualify for. Fake problem: calling the master bedroom the master bedroom. Fix the real problem, realtors.” he tweeted on June 27th of 2020. Apparently, this is the tip of what is an enormous iceberg that can actually keep people of color from becoming homeowners.

Chad Zinda, Owner of Metropolist in Seattle, weighs in: “At Metropolist, we are extremely aware of the racial biases we possess and are under constant watch over the law of Fair Housing and more importantly the things we say and do as it relates to issues of social equity. When it comes to issues in our industry, we have a huge responsibility to all members of the public to understand this. Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of Main bedroom area rather than the term of Master bedroom due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”

And RE/MAX agrees: “The terminology [Owner’s Suite] has more of an upscale tone to it, particularly in some of the really large homes that truly have a large bedroom, sitting area, enormous walk-in closets, and lavish bathrooms,” Brian Block, Managing Broker for RE/MAX Allegiance wrote in an email. “Owner Suite conveys a sense of being distinguished, having ‘made it’ or ‘arrived’ rather than the everyday ‘Master Bedroom.’”

“Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of “Main Bedroom” rather than the term of “Master Bedroom” due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”
— Chad Zinda, Owner Metropolist, Seattle

So it seems that many designers, contractors, construction companies and the bulk of the real estate industry in some form of agreement, but why has it not been changed in the NWMLS and across the United States? And what comes next?

Barry Long of Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty who’s infamous for his work with changing the standards and verbiage for Accessibility within MLS’s around the county, has recent experience in making changes to the actual real estate system. He says “In my experience of updating the actual back end taxonomy of real estate, it definitely takes time for lots of different reason, but if we can get a groundswell of people to support this change – ‘at least 10,000 nationwide willing to sign would be a great start’ – it would show the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) who oversees the MLS’s Database Taxonomy, that there is enough backing for them to get the process started of both discussing and then eventually making these changes permanently!”

Join us.


Alaska to California, Esperluette Creative Works the Entire West Coast

2020….sucked. That’s a fair thing to say and most people will agree with you; from a pandemic crossing the world to incredible civil unrest, 2020 challenged us in some breathtaking ways.

And. And we rose above. We reached out to help each other. We poured into each other’s lives. We challenged the way that work has been done for generations. We learned how to be together while staying apart. People still moved, bought their first home or their next home. Sold their past home. Started adventures. Stepped away from the crowd and found joy in baking bread, gardening and being still.

In 2020 Esperluette Creative grew in the most natural way, gently creeping up the coast to Alaska, and then through word of mouth, recommendations and connecting, all the way down to California.

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For 2021? Well, vaccinations are on their way, we’re all looking forward to returning to our favorite dance floor, restaurant and cityscape, but I’ll be curious how often we’ll long for the quiet moments that we have right now.

And for Esperluette Creative? Who knows where we’ll go this year, but I’m hopeful and that in itself is a tiny miracle to start the year on.

Happy 2021, everybody.

California Dreaming: San Vincente Masterpiece

19550 San Vincente Drive | Redding, California

This spectacular home has a presence. You'll feel the pride of ownership when you step through its dual glass doors and experience the level of detail designed to create beauty, tranquility and harmony. Nestled in the quiet rolling hills of Northern California, the San Vicente Masterpiece is ideally located on the 10th hole of the exclusive Tierra Oaks Golf Club and provides an incredible golf lifestyle.

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For this project we created a custom brochure, branding and a custom website. This luxurious property totally deserves all the love that it’s given. Stacy Baxter, the listing agent, wanted to create an ambiance about the property before potential buyers even set foot inside.

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Designed for entertaining, the bright, open kitchen features custom cherry cabinetry throughout, an oversized dining island that seats four, granite countertops and backsplash, a walk-in pantry, stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances and an ice maker. The built-in desk, custom wine bar, under-cabinet lighting and custom pendant lights finish off this stunning but cozy gathering spot. There are SO many unique details, it’s amazing.


LAUNCHED: Inspire Properties

Flyer Templates for Inspire Properties

Flyer Templates for Inspire Properties

I am so SO proud to have been invited to play with this boutique real estate brokerage, Inspire Properties.

Britt Wibmer, the owner and founder, sees a new world in real estate and a unique opportunity, ta boot. Offering unique marketing perspectives, a transparency for their brokers and an incredible service model for their home buyers and sellers. Her whole goal has been to offer a broker-centered brokerage where she can grow her brokers to be their most successful selves.

Partnering with her incredible marketing team, I designed templates with multiple options that she can offer her new brokers to play with, from the social media to print material, every piece was designed with intention. Class, style, elegance and accessibility. I’m so pleased to have been invited to play with them!

Postcard Templates for Inspire Properties

Postcard Templates for Inspire Properties

Horizontal & Vertical Brochure Templates for Inspire Properties

Horizontal & Vertical Brochure Templates for Inspire Properties

Instagram Templates for Inspire Properties

Instagram Templates for Inspire Properties

TBT: Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C.

There’s a magic to a good advertisement. It should catch you, stop you mid-flip and make you want to crawl through the pages of the magazine, slip into cozy pajamas and a hot toddie and become one with the ad. Today’s throwback goes all the way back to 2014 and my days working with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Collection Magazine, Ad for Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C., 2014

The Collection Magazine, Ad for Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C., 2014

And of course there’s my favorite part: I got to spend so much time browsing through this snow-covered PRETTY HOUSES!

Introducing: RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

The new website for RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

The new website for RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

I am incredibly excited to introduce RE/MAX Dynamic Properties website! I partnered with the amazing marketing department to craft a website that the team and their licensees can be proud of. We carefully curated each image, the details, the writing and the layouts to create a fresh, clean look that invites potential buyers and sellers to stay on the site browsing beautiful homes.

This was such a cool project. And it is a feather in my cap for several reasons: not only did I get to work with the largest brokerage in Alaska, but I got to work with some of the neatest humans and there was a learning curve for the process of working with another state’s MLS. I can’t stress just how cool it is to learn about different states and I might have to add that to my business dreams, to get my hands in every state’s MLS. SO much fun!

Are you ready to take your online presence to the next level?

Happy Holidays: Oh Yes, It's THAT Close

Twelve weeks until Christmas…

…& every good business owner has already ordered (or is getting ready to order) their holiday cards. Santa's gonna be so proud.

With the election coming up, homeschooling, working from home, zoom meetings, Covid-19, etc, it’s really easy to let the little things lay to the side, and we have to take into account the post office is overwhelmed right now, but they also need our support.

This is a great way to both buy pretty stamps AND connect in a personal way with your past sellers and buyers and potential new clients as well. Dropping a nice local coffee shop gift card and supporting local printers and designers is another way to showcase care in every detail.

PRINTER HIGHLIGHT: Twin Raven’s Press

Ready to order your holiday cards?

PLEASE NOTE: I’m taking holiday card clients through December 1st, but past that there’s no guarantee your clients will get the cards in time.

Are you ready to help your clients make their move?