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

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.

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.

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

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: 2019

BlinkNow opened the greenest school in Nepal this year. 

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.

My Amazing Clients: Holiday Lighting

Custom Ad Design, Summer 2019

As the holiday season starts to ramp up, the list of “must-do’s” gets longer and longer. And if you’re a real estate agent, trying to squeeze a few more sales out of the year, the list can seem overwhelming. My team works with some of the coolest companies, and the most amazing people and I wanted to take this opportunity to showcase one of my clients this year who may just be able to help tick a few items off of your to-do list.

So here goes: check out Trimlight!

Imagine your buyers pulling up to the most brightly lit house on the block, simply sparkling with holiday lighting. Imagine them seeing their holiday parties next year. Imagine the breath catching in their throat as they envision their holiday season, with family and friends and their new house covered in stunning lighting…magical, right?

Check them out here:

BlinkNow | Holiday Giving

This year I am hoping to raise $500 to send to help the Kopila Valley women and children and I need your help! Every little bit counts, and every penny helps!

From the very beginning of their story, they built this community together. Every red brick, every hot breakfast, and every amazing breakthrough – all made possible by dedicated people like us. There are many ways to get involved, create something, and build a brighter future for the children and women of Kopila Valley.

There are so many needs in this world, and this young woman gave everything she had and then she gave more. And with gratefulness. There’s no chance that in this life I will be able to be this brave, but I am honored to help her in every way that I can.

Dreaming of Kitchens

I love kitchens; I’m not completely useless in a kitchen, but outside of the best toast and coffee that you’ve ever had it’s not really my forte. Meanwhile, the man that I love is constantly in the kitchen trying new things. Smells of slow roasting garlic, fresh spices and simmering something on the stove that makes me drool.

Needless to say, I’m much happier on the other side of the dining bar with a drink and a good story while he cooks. But I still love a good kitchen. Here are a few of my favorites from this year.

“I had a client who did a big half day clam bake with nearly 30 brokers. They laughed and ate and talked and took photos and posted it on their social media. The house sold within 2 weeks. It’s a great way to showcase a home and property, especially as the season slows down.”

— Deep Thots with Jesse Gibbs

Listed by Olga Dyckman, Windermere | 737 Olive Way #2705, Seattle

Condo kitchen are always a challenge, but Olive 8 certainly does them well. Pedini cabinetry, neutral colors, inset lighting and soft finishes play with the open spaces and the floor-to-ceiling windows. This kitchen makes me dream of dabbling in fine cuisine, puttering over buttery sauces and warm breads while soft holiday music plays in the background.

Pending by Marilisa Vergottini, Marketplace Sotheby’s | 24280 NE 26th Court, Sammamish

I love the modern lines, the subway tiles and the use of both light and space in this kitchen; I just envision lots of laughter, tiny conversations going on throughout the room, Holiday music blaring and someone yelling not to let the dog out.

SOLD by Scott Whittlesey, Marketplace Sotheby’s | 4020 94th Avenue NE Yarrow Point WA

There’s something magical about including the outdoors as part of your kitchen; not only does it add an entirely new space to the inclusion, but it also brings nature into your home. My husband enjoys cigars and we both enjoy the outdoors, so to be able to finish dinner and head to the patio to curl up next to the fire for a hot toddy and a cigar? Smashing.

Listed by Jamie Michaud, Realogics Sotheby’s | 28 Forest Glen Lane, Lakewood

The granite countertops are the most delicious shade of sunshine and the glass subway tiles mirror the color and bring warmth to the entire kitchen. I love the french window cupboards with glassware and lighting; the shape of the kitchen could easily become cramped, but the skylights, curated lighting and use of different textures creates an open and welcoming space.