REAL Magazine, February-March, 2015

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

The Timeless Series Q & A with Local Author Lisa Wiedmeier Your Baby's Nursery Essential Design Ideas Five Green Apps for Your Home Easy Three-Bean Chili January Market Report Things to Do With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

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January is behind us!

January most often seems like the longest month, with the inversion here in the valley, the lack of sunshine, and the seemingly ever-present fog. Now that it's over, and we are starting to see more sunshine — and even some weirdly-warm weather — it's time to think about doing some chores in the garden.

Dormant-spray your fruit trees, trim back any branches damaged by winter weather, and feed roses, shrubs, and evergreens. Check with your local gardening store or extension office for more tips to get ready for planting season.

And, as always, if you have any comments or story ideas, feel free to email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com

“

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” ~ Mark Twain

contents The Timeless Series Join us for a little Q & A with Meridian author, Lisa Wiedmeier

Your Baby's Nursery Some terrific design ideas for your baby's room.

Five Green Apps for Your Home Easy, free apps to help you do things like eliminate junk mail and green up your shopping cart.

Easy Three-Bean Chili Need a fast and easy meal?

Try our three-bean chili!

January Market Stats 2015 is off and running. Here's a quick look at what's happening in real estate.

Ada County Homes A small sampling of what's available in the Ada County home market.

Canyon County Homes Priced right and available homes in Canyon County.

Things to Do Plan your calendar with fun for everyone!

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

The Timeless Series

Q & A with Author Lisa Wiedmeier We spent some time with the Meridian author discussing her Timeless novels.

“

Murder, romance, secrets, and hidden pasts. Deception from every angle. Who's telling the truth?"

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Local author Lisa Wiedmeier has created a series with all this and more.

REAL: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

LW: I can honestly say that I never once thought about becoming a writer; it just happened. I wasn’t one of the many who dream about writing a book since they were young. I’m dyslexic; writing doesn’t come easily for me. So when I say

it just happened, it’s just like that.

I was going through a bad time, and writing was therapy for me.

I started writing in May 2009 and haven’t looked back.

REAL: What inspired you to write the Timeless series?

LW: It was a simple ring I saw in a store. A ring with scribbles and squiggly lines weaving through it, and I looked deeper and saw a story emerging.

REAL: Was that story Cheyenne?

LW: Yes. Cheyenne is the first book in the Timeless series.

REAL: How many books are in the series?

LW: There are a total of 10 stories, five of which have been released: Cheyenne, Promises, Daylight, Awakening, and Fated, a Timeless series novella, which is a companion novel to the first four books. It chronicles the events of the books through the eyes of different characters.

I’m currently working on the second half of the series: Deceptions, Confessions, Reflections, Bailee, and Sahara. Deceptions is due out this spring.

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can your

LW: The first five books are available in e-book on Amazon. The print copies are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (online only), along with all Treasure Valley Hastings stores and Hyde Park Books.

REAL: How long did it take you to write each book?

LW: Initially when I wrote Cheyenne, it took me 11 weeks, which is a lot to write in such a short time, especially since I was still working 30 hours a week. After a few submissions and feedback, I decided it was best to break it into two books, thus Promises was born.

REAL: How long each day do you spend writing?

REAL: Do you have other stories/ series waiting to be told?

LW: On average I spend six to eight hours of writing when I’m really into it. Sometimes even longer, and then there are periods where I just need to take a rest. When I’m not writing, I’m marketing, which entails a lot of effort and time. It’s hosting events, books signings, etc.

LW: Yes, many! After I finish the Timeless series, I want to start on another series I’ve titled The Gate.

After that, well, there are a few more I’ve already outlined: Girl Friday, Shattered Hearts, Stormy Kane…the list could go on. It’s like I’ve had this talent locked inside me for so long and didn’t know it.

And now I can’t stop it.

REAL: Is writing now your full time job?

LW: Yes, in October 2012, I moved to being a full time writer.

REAL: How would you classify the series?

LW: The Timeless series is classified as Young Adult, paranormal romance, fantasy and fiction. I also slip into the New Adult bracket too because of the age of my characters.

Each book was different, but overall, I wrote eight books in REAL: Was it difficult to get the about 18 months. Now, that was books published, and do you have just me sitting down and writing, an agent? nothing more, The next Timeless series book LW: I suband they still signing is March 14th from 1-5 mitted my needed a lot of work and loads p.m. at the Nampa Hastings books to of editing. agents from store, 1870 Caldwell Blvd. fall of 2009 Cheyenne was published in July through summer of 2011 before I 2011 and written in 2009. Two decided to self publish. I received years of editing took place before a lot of rejection letters, but I didn’t it was ready to be released. Each let it stop me. Since that time, I’ve year since, I’ve released a book, had agents contact me, but after so a good six to nine months of weighing my options, I realized editing is put into each book, in I was better off being my own addition to the time it takes to boss and would do a better job of write the initial draft. managing my novels. cbboise.com

REAL: Do you have any advice for others who want to write novels?

LW: Number one, write. Getting your words down is one of the hardest steps you’ll ever have to take.

The second hardest step is allowing someone to read it. You’re gonna need to have thick skin. There are many harsh critics out there who don’t care about your feelings.

Always look to find the truth in their words, if there is any, and then hit that delete button and let it go.

Lisa Wiedmeier lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, sons, & two yellow labs. For more information, visit her website: www.lisawiedmeier.com

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REAL: Where people buy books?

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Your Baby's Nursery

Essential Design Ideas Tiffany Aller Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

Designing a nursery is exciting! As you begin to plan for your new baby's space, consider some of these nursery room ideas to give you a head start on designing and decorating.

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D

esigning a nursery is one of the many exciting pieces of the "waiting for baby" puzzle. Give the following ideas some thought as you plan your new baby's room.

Choosing the Right Room Choosing a room that will become your nursery may be an obvious choice or an agonizing decision.

Whether you have a few spare rooms to choose from or are struggling to create a space in your already cramped place, use these tips to figure out where to plan your nursery.

• Heating, Air and Ventilation New babies are especially susceptible to heat and cold.

Evaluate spaces in your home to ensure you choose one that can be maintained at a proper temperature.

• Easily Accessible Accessibility is key for you now, and for baby later. In homes with bedrooms on different levels, accessibility can be a key decision factor — are you going to go up or down stairs every trip to the nursery? Could you choose a space on the same level as your room while your child is an infant and move them to a bedroom on another floor as they grow older?

• Privacy If you have additional people living with you in your home, remember that baby will need to have private, quiet space to accommodate

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falling (and staying) asleep, as well for feedings. You’ll also want a place that can keep a majority of your baby gear self-contained.

• Lighting Whether flooded with natural sunlight or aided by overhead or standing lamps, having a nursery with lots of lighting is important.

What’s in a Color?

Once you’ve picked a space, your next step is to choose the main color for your nursery. This color can influence furniture picks, wall hangings, and matching accessories. Don’t feel like you have to follow conventional color schemes (e.g., pinks and blues).

Instead, think about what colors you already love and what overall theme you want to create.

Try out some of these potential nursery room ideas for your color palette.

• Deep hues For a twist on conventional colors, consider using a deep blue, hot pink, vibrant green, or sunny and bright yellow for the walls.

• Rich earth tones Use a rich golden tan color, a smooth chocolate brown, or a forest green shade for an earthy palette.

• Complementary color If you’ve already chosen a character or theme to build your nursery around, pick complementary

colors associated with that theme to be your main wall tone.

Fill It Up Last (but certainly not least) is filling your nursery with furniture for the baby — and for you! Here’s a list of must-haves for your new baby space.

• Crib When it comes to the crib, you have two major choices to make: Would you prefer a crib that will simply and only be a crib, or one that converts into a bed as your child grows older?

• Changing table You’ll use this item almost a dozen times a day as your little one goes through diaper after diaper. If your space is limited, consider using a changing pad on top of a dresser instead.

• Rocking chair This piece is as much for you as baby. Between rocking to sleep, sitting while nursing, and catching a few winks while baby dozes, you’ll want to make sure your rocking chair is comfortable.

Consider chairs that come with a separate rocking ottoman or that can recline.

You have a space, know your color palette, and have a head start on choosing furniture. Congrats! All of your basic nursery room ideas are covered.

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Five Green Apps

for Your Home Athena Snow Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

G

oing green is more than a fad. Whether you believe in climate change or not, taking steps to protect our planet is always a good idea. These five apps for your phone can help guide you in the right direction.

PaperKarma This app is your solution to getting rid of the pounds of physical junk mail that end up in your mailbox.

After downloading the app, you simply scan in the return label and hit unsubscribe. If we all downloaded and used this app, we could help reduce the 69 million tons of paper we use each year in the U.S., the most tossed away item ending up in our landfills.

GoodGuide Looking for a way to green up your shopping cart? This app could be

dangerous (in a good way). Have you found yourself in a grocery store aisle contemplating which product is greener or healthier for you?

GoodGuide is a great tool to guide purchasing decisions. If you learn that your preferred brand isn’t as green as you thought, switching to another brand moving forward is easy thanks to the app’s

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These easy, free apps help you do things like eliminate junk mail and green up your shopping cart.

"Alternative Products” tab, which provides you with better options. iRecycle Moving to a new town does have a few disadvantages, one of those being not knowing where everything is located. With the help of this app, you now can easily search based on the items you need to recycle and find dropoff locations.

The list of items included in this app is quite extensive — from paint thinner to linoleum. So for all those DIYers who are scratching their heads trying to figure out cbboise.com

where to dump that construction material you just pulled out of the house, this app is for you.

Light Bulb Finder We all know by now that energy efficient light bulbs save us money by using less energy, but have you ever wondered exactly how much? Contemplate no more thanks to this app, which helps you understand the savings you’d receive per light by switching over to a LED or CFL bulb.

Think Dirty Have you ever thought about whether you are using anything

toxic in your beauty regime? Most of us probably haven’t, but this app, similar to GoodGuide, allows you to scan in the barcode of a product to learn about the ingredients in personal care products and then provides you with a “Dirty Meter” rating.

Luckily the app also has a “You May Also Like” tab with suggested products that are less dirty.

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Easy Three-Bean Chili

Quick and Hearty!

CBTG Staff Favorite

National Chili Day is February 26th, and though true chili aficionados may not approve of using beans (much less canned beans) in their chili, sometimes busy lifestyles require some give and take. Of course, if you are so inclined, you can buy dried beans, soak them overnight, and then use this recipe as a guide. Either way, on a cold day, you just can't go wrong with chili!

Ingredients

A little chili trivia...

2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 med. onion, diced 2 15-oz. cans dark red kidney beans 3 15-oz. cans chili beans 2 15-oz. cans pinto beans 1 large can tomato juice 1 pkg. chili seasoning

National Chili Day is the fourth Thursday of February, so let's celebrate with a bit of trivia to go with your chili.

Directions Brown the ground beef with the onion and drain. In large pot combine all ingredients (including juice from the beans) and mix well. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat, and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with cheese and with your favorite corn bread, rolls, or crackers.

• A green chili pod has as much vitamin C as six oranges.

• Some cultures put chili powder in their shoes to keep their feet warm.

• Hot chili peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up metablolism.

• The first documented recipe for chili con carne is dated September 2, 1519, according to Wikipedia.

For more trivia, info, & recipes, visit the National Chili Day website.

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In 1977, chili manufacturers in the state of Texas successfully lobbied the state legislature to have chili proclaimed the official "state food" of Texas “in recognition of the fact that the only real 'bowl of red' is that prepared by Texans.�

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Monthly Market Stats T

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

he state of the Treasure Valley real estate market after the start of 2015 can be summed up into one short statement: WE NEED MORE LISTINGS!

or balanced supply would be 6 months.)

This is especially the case for the entry-level market. Under $200,000 in Ada County – and under $150,000 in Canyon – most home listings that are wellpriced and in good condition and location are selling in less than 30 days.

Both Ada and Canyon Counties saw increases in unit sales year-overyear in January. However, while the inventory of homes typically goes up after The state of the Treasure Valley the holidays, we have not seen real estate market after the start that uptick yet. of 2015 can be summed up into

We expect 2015 to be one short statement: WE NEED the year that we see a The number of MORE LISTINGS! return of firsthome listings currently on market is not enough time buyers entering the market. to support the demand. In fact, With the “Millennial” generation in most price points, we have poised to take advantage of an less than 4 months’ supply on improving job market and with the the market currently. (“Normal” still record-low interest rates, the

time is now to create an adequate supply of housing inventory for these buyers.

For those homeowners ready for a move up (currently living in their first home or in a home in the lower price ranges) this market offers the perfect mix in which to maximize value on the sale and at the same time take advantage of affordability on the move-up.

As always, real estate is most definitely local. Call or email to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood.

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$213,740

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

39

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

2,106 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

230

$126,950

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

45 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

1,103 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Ada County

Featured Homes

7553 W. Skylight St. SW Boise Unique portico & charming curb appeal. 3 bed, 2.5 bath, Energy Star with 2x6 construction.

Covered front porch with swing, private office off entry. Refinished rich maple hardwood floors, fresh interior paint. Kitchen with center island, slab granite, SS appliances, large pantry. Bright & open great room with built ins & gas fireplace.

Private master with large closet.

4233 N. Buckboard Pl. W Boise Newer home in excellent location! Large, open living & dining area with gas fireplace. Spacious master with sitting area, walk-in closet, soaker tub & separate shower. Cook's kitchen with Bosch dishwasher, granite counters & eating nook.

Nicely sized back yard with covered patio & plenty of room. Hardwood floors, 2" blinds, plumbed for central vac.

5274 W. Parkridge Dr. NW Boise Beautiful & new! Custom 3 bed, 2.5 bath with views all around. Hiking, biking, nature right out your door. Lovely, open plan with hardwood, granite & tile throughout. Split bedroom design with luxurious master suite. Wonderful kitchen open to great room, perfect for entertaining.

Tons of windows for great views and lots of natural light. Oversized 3-car garage.

6103 W. Founders Eagle Gorgeous, lakefront property with a sandy beach & firepit. This 3886 sq.ft. gem boasts 4 large bedrooms, 3.5 baths & magnificent craftsmanship throughout. Great room with soaring, stacked stone fireplace & windows overlooking the 7-acre lake & covered patio.

Beautiful community with 11-acre park, tennis courts, pool & 3-hole community golf course.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

77 N. Salina Ave. Eagle The best location in the neighborhood! 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4304 sq.ft., long views & seasonal creek. Authentic, European-style kitchen with granite counters, center bar, salad sink, wine cooler, oiled-bronze hardware & tile floors. Master retreat with spa-like bath & exit to patio. 2 laundries, loft & bonus room with bar.

The perfect balance for living & entertaining.

563 N. Carswell Way Star Enjoy this single-level, 3 bed, 2 bath plus bonus room with oversized 3-car garage & plenty of space for entertaining. The kitchen with granite counters opens up to the great room that includes a fireplace. The den/office is located in the front & offers privacy from most areas of the home. The bonus room offers a quiet getaway for a little peace & quiet.

643 E. Painted Hills Dr. NE Meridian The best value in the area! This popular plan includes hardwood floors throughout the main level, open great room plan & upgraded kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets & stainless appliances. Main-level guest accommodations, private master with soaker tub & separate shower. Fully fenced back yard with covered patio. Tandem, 3-car garage.

1692 N. Doe Ave. Kuna Affordable true 4-bedroom, 2 bath home offers a spacious kitchen with a breafast bar overlooking the open living area, perfect for entertaining. Split bedroom plan with lots of light. Fully fenced yard with a great patio, dedicated garden space, storage shed & full sprinklers. 1434 sq.ft., 2-car garage.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

Canyon County

Featured Homes

2110 Windancer S Nampa One-of-a-kind 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in a great neighborhood. A former Parade of Homes award winner, this 2516 sq.ft. gem boasts stunning landscaping & a 3-car attached garage PLUS a 20x40 separate garage. Dramatic vaults, large windows, 2 gas fireplaces. Master with corner, jetted tub & dual vanites. Lovely patio, garden space & more.

779 W. Cedar Pointe Way S Nampa Incredible upgraded custom home in desirable Dallan Woods. Grand 15’ entry with Brazilian cherrywood floors. Kitchen with granite counters, raised panel alder cabinets, granite sink, upgraded appliances & 2 pantries, plus tile floors open to large dining & great room. Mainlevel master with coffered ceiling, large soaker tub, walk- in tiled surround shower & tile floors.

11506 W. Zachery Ave. NW Nampa Beautiful, custom-built home with lots of windows & vaulted ceilings. Open, spacious plan with 4 beds, 3 baths & 2318 sq.ft. Maple hardwood in entry, eating area & kitchen with upgraded cabinets, stainless appliances.

Kitchen is open to the living room boasting a rock fireplace. Master with dual walk-in shower, corner soaker tub & XXL closet.

3023 Turning Leaf SW Caldwell Original owner, custom-built with handicap accessibility. No steps from garage, front door, or 2 access doors to screened, 10x20 covered patio.

Wide doorways & halls, roll-in shower. Well-kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has vaulted ceilings & plant shelves. Full sprinklers with garden area on separate zone. Spacious laundry room with lots of shelving.

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Featured Homes

2025 Fairoaks Dr. SW Caldwell Wonderful and affordable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1725 sq.ft. located on a large lot. Huge living room with vaulted ceilings & gas fireplace.

Great kitchen with loads of cabinets, vaulted ceilings & breakfast bar. Master with separate tub & shower, dual vanities & access to the rear covered patio. RV parking & plenty of storage.

511 Keogh SW Caldwell This home sits on 1.22 acres and has the feel of being out in the country but is still in town. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3642 sq.ft. & lots of updates within the last 2 years. Large, open kitchen with granite counters, hardwood, 2 sinks & Maytag appliances. Split bedroom plan. Large yard with room for horses or a shop. 3-car garage, fencing, RV parking.

14457 Chatham Ct. SW Caldwell Upgraded cul-de-sac home in the Vallivue School District. Open, split bedroom plan with 3 beds, 2 baths & 3/4" thick hardwood flooring throughout. Master with huge walk-in closet.

Fully fenced, .23-acre lot with RV parking, dog run & garden space. This one's clean & ready for you!

26885 Bird Haven Ct. Wilder Gorgeous custom home on 2.4 acres with a fantastic view of the Snake River. 10,798 sq.ft. of pure perfection with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths & luxury updates throughout. Grand, gourmet kitchen with slab granite, tile, hardwood, crown molding & more. Oversized master retreat with walk-in closet, jetted tub & dual vanities. Office, formal living & dining rooms plus rec room.

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Canyon County

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2015

SOURCE: Flickr, Laust Ladefoged

SOURCE: Flickr, Birkinbine

SOURCE: Flickr, Jonathan Hetzel

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Things to Do Get out & play!

Buy Idaho Capitol Show Wednesday, February 18

Maggie Lumiere & the Ghost Train Children's Reading Series

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

700 W. Jefferson St., Boise buyidaho.org

Curtis Stigers & the Capital Singers Saturday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.

Timeless Series Book-Signing Saturday, March 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Capital High School Auditorium 8055 Goddard Rd., Boise Details

Boise Philharmonic - "Heartbeat of Romance" Saturday, February 21, 8:00 p.m.

Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs!

Sunday, March 15, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Morrison Center 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Ln., Boise boise philharmonic.org

Boise Little Theater presents "Rex's Exes" February 27-March 26

SNIP's 7th Annual "SPAY"ghetti No Balls Sunday, March 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

see website for times & ticket information 100 E. Fort St., Boise boiselittletheater.org

Sunday, March 8, 2:00 p.m.

Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton St., Boise

bctheater.org

Hastings in Nampa 1870 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa http://www.lisawiedmeier.com/

Lloyd Square Downtown 1350 Front St., Nampa INFO

Riverside Hotel Ballroom 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise snipidaho.org

Nampa Rec Center Snowshoeing Adventure Friday, February 27, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Boise Garden & Flower Show March 20-22, times vary

depart from 131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

Rethinking Idaho Landscapes

A Horticulture Symposium Saturday, February 28, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org

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Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St., Boise gardenshowboise.com

Treefort Music Fest March 25-29

Downtown Boise See website for info on the other "forts" treefortmusicfest.com

Spring Forward March 8th

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