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Karen Liester

East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: February 12, 2021

February 13, 2021 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Happy Valentines Day!  While this may be a weekend full of roses, romance, and relationships of all sorts, there are SO many things going on to do with friends, family or your sweetheart! I gotta shout out to Tom Bennett One Man Band, we were able to get out to Bone last weekend and see him, and it was a great time! It’s been way too long since we’ve been able to enjoy live music! He’ll be back this Saturday, and there are so many live music events going on this week! Check it out! Have a great weekend and stay + wander!

[Read more…] about East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: February 12, 2021

Filed Under: Local Events

East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: February 5, 2021

February 5, 2021 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!  I’m sure whatever your plans are for this weekend, there will be a handful of you that will spend your Sunday afternoon rooting and screaming at your television! For those of you that are still undecided on your plans, there are (finally!) several local music events going on this weekend! Lava Hot Springs Fire + Ice Winter Festival is going on this Friday and Saturday (check this post out for a full recap we did on the event a couple of years ago). If you haven’t been persuaded yet, maybe wander down to Mac N’ Kelly’s Pub + Grill! Have you been yet? It’s definitely on our list to check it out!  Have a great weekend and stay + wander!

[Read more…] about East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: February 5, 2021

Filed Under: Local Events

East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: January 28, 2021

January 29, 2021 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

The Idaho weather has been playing its normal January games, but it looks like we might actually see some sunshine this weekend (after perhaps a small flurry)! This would be a great weekend to hit the slopes, go for a fat tire bike ride, or hit the tube-n-slide hill at 7N Ranch. Get all of the sunshine and vitamin D you can this weekend, because there is a tradition fifty-five years in the making that may just require your attention as the Buccaneers and Chiefs face off in the Super Bowl!

[Read more…] about East Idaho Weekly Event Guide: January 28, 2021

Filed Under: Local Events

Fresh Year, Fresh Start: Cleaning out your home for the new year

January 5, 2021 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Many of us could not wait to close the door on 2020 and usher in the new year– and all the positive karma we hope comes with it! As you look forward to 2021 you may have spent some time thinking about your intentions for the coming year, whether for personal or professional growth, health and fitness, or family goals. Let’s face it, 2020 was stressful, and while many people look to each new year to freshen up their lives, this year more than ever people are looking inward to reexamine what is important to them. But one thing that is just as important as setting intentions for your behaviors or habits is creating a peaceful and joyful place in which to practice your intentions

If you, (like most Americans), spent a record amount of time inside your home last year due to the pandemic, you may have accumulated more stuff than you have in previous years. Many people acquired new hobbies to pass the time at home, started – and some even finished! – home improvement projects, or simply went a little overboard with boredom-induced online shopping. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for a decluttering session.

Living with too much stuff can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. People with too much clutter in their environment also tend to suffer from relationship issues, sleep problems, and chronic allergies or asthma. 

So, before you pack a suitcase and hop on a flight for that vacation that got cancelled last year, take some time to clean out your home for the new year. Here are a few strategies recommended by professional organizers.

1. ONE CATEGORY AT A TIME:

This method is used by Marie Kondo, author of the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and TV show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. She advocates for decluttering items by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items, in that order.

2. ONE ROOM AT A TIME:

Another method is to focus on one area at a time. It could be a room, the garage, or the attic. If that amount of space is still overwhelming to you, break it down to one closet, one cabinet, or one drawer at a time. 

3. ARRANGE KEEP, SELL AND DONATE SPACES:

As you progress through your decluttering, it will save time and energy if you have already designated areas to accumulate items that are to be kept, sold, or donated. Then you can deal with each group of items once you have everything separated.

…and voila! You’re done!

Unless of course you want to take it one step further. Once you have cleaned out your home, you might adopt some of these habits for preventing clutter from piling up again:

1. Set a rule where you don’t purchase a new piece of clothing, toy, book, or gadget without getting rid of something you are no longer using.

2. Get into the habit of always putting everything back in its place. This will keep you from purchasing items you already have but can’t find or forgot about.

3. To prevent clothes from piling up, try choosing your outfits for the coming week every Sunday, and don’t let clean laundry sit unfolded.

4. Look through your refrigerator and pantry before shopping and shop with a list of needed items.

5. Live by the rule that if you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it.

Best of luck to a successful + clutter free new year!

(PS-If your goals for 2021 involve spending more time outside, make sure to check out this post to know the best trails to hit during the winter in Idaho Falls!)

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Making it Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cleaning, Decluttering, Idaho Falls, New Year, Organization

6 Reasons Why December is a Good Month to Buy a Home

December 11, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Most people cringe at the thought of buying a home in December. Only the Grinch would want to pack up and moving during the holiday season! But hold on Cindy Lou Hoo, there are several reasons December can be a great time to buy.

1. Sellers are highly motivated. 

People who are listing their homes in December are usually on a timeline. They may be relocating for work, wanting to move over the school break, or need to sell their home before the end of the year.

2. You have less competition. 

Listings do go down in December, but many buyers also take a break during the holiday season. So while the overall number of homes available might be lower, you also have less competition looking.

3. You can get a better price.

Motivated sellers and fewer lookers means you can make a better deal. If your seller needs to make a move before the end of the year, they will be willing to work with you on all other terms besides closing date.

4. Rates are staying low.

Mortgage rates are forecast to remain low through the end of this year, and into 2021, so it’s a good time to buy.

5. Take advantage of tax benefits.

If you close on your home purchase by December 31st, you can take tax deductions for mortgage interest, loan points, and property taxes.

6. Schedules are more flexible.

You might think December is too busy a month for moving, but most people tend to have more flexible schedules in December. Children’s activities are suspended, work schedules are more lax, for both you, your sellers, as well as your lender, home inspector, and moving companies, so scheduling all the parts of your transaction and move may actually become easier.

I’d love to help you find your next home.

Let’s make your holiday wishes come true!

Filed Under: Hunting for Housing, Uncategorized Tagged With: Buyer, Buying a Home

Home Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter

November 5, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

The cold season has already arrived in many parts of the country. Here in southeast Idaho, even though the fall months have been mild, we know we won’t escape the subzero temperatures and healthy snowfall!

It’s important to prepare your home for the colder weather coming. Taking a little bit of time to winterize your home can save you a lot of time, and money, later on. Check out these tips for preparing your home for the fall and winter.

1. Check window and door weather stripping for damage. (Don’t forget the garage door!)

2. Disconnect water hoses and turn off outdoor water supply lines and irrigation system.

3. Wrap exterior water pipes or hose bibs with heating tape.

4. Clean your gutters. (They’re notorious for freezing in our area!)

5. Check your roof for damage or leaks.

6. Fill cracks in your driveway and foundation.

7. Check attic insulation for pest damage.

8. Have your furnace serviced.

9. Check your chimney for obstructions and make sure your damper is working.

10. Clean and store your lawnmower.

11. Aerate and fertilize your lawn.

12. Change the air filters in your HVAC system.

13. Change smoke detector batteries.

14. Clean and store outdoor furniture. (If you don’t have room to store them inside, consider finding covers to protect them from our harsh winter weather).

15. Have landscaping pruned and put fresh mulch down.

16. Bring potted plants inside.

17. Change your ceiling fan direction.

18. Clean humidifiers before using.

19. Have you sprinklers winterized.

20. Make sure snow equipment is working.

Winter is coming-don’t get caught unprepared!

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Making it Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: Fall, Home Maintenance, Idaho Falls, Winter

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@karenliester on Instagram

Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is com Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is coming up this Sunday. Get your heart (and your home) ready for all the feels with some of these February home decor tips:
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• Did you know they make pink light bulbs? THEY DO! Head to your local home improvement store and grab a few to color your home just in time for Cupid’s arrow. Got little ones? They’ll love it all the more!⁣
• Swap out wall art with a message perfect for the hugs-and-kisses holiday. A good place to look? Etsy -- search for ‘printable valentine’s wall art’ and print right at home.⁣
• Not into hot pinks and reds? No problem! Think blush! A few blush-colored throw pillows or blankets will give a subtle wink to the day without going overboard.⁣
• Nothing says “I love you” like a spread of sweets, cakes, candies, and fruits that double as themed decor. Whether homemade, store-bought, or somewhere in between, gift your loved ones with a feast for the eyes (and tastebuds) this Valentine’s day. ⁣
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Tired of renting and looking for a love nest all your own? I’d love to help. Send me a message and let’s chat.⁣
STAY+WANDER 🏈 . SUPERBOWL WEEKEND! I’m sure STAY+WANDER 🏈 
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SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!  I’m sure whatever your plans are for this weekend, there will be a handful of you that will spend your Sunday afternoon rooting and screaming at your television! For those of you that are still undecided on your plans, there are (finally!) several local music events going on this weekend! Lava Hot Springs Fire + Ice Winter Festival is going on this Friday and Saturday (check this post out for a full recap we did on the event a couple of years ago). If you haven’t been persuaded yet, maybe wander down to Mac N’ Kelly’s Pub + Grill! Have you been yet? It’s definitely on our list to check it out!  Have a great weekend while you stay + wander!
The GREAT DIVIDE! . Are you ready to go this weeke The GREAT DIVIDE!
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Are you ready to go this weekend? Ours is a house divided. Tom Brady broke my heart when he left New England, but those roots run deep and it goes against my nature to root against him in the Superbowl, so I find myself on #teamtampabay, while @eliestoh will be cheering for the #chiefs.
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Who are you rooting for? ...and is there any hope for my marriage? HAHA!!!!
Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, comfy slippers, and the fastest internet money could buy. This year’s trends give us all a little bit more to look forward to. Here's what designers predict for 2021: ⁣
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1. Cleanliness is still king. Designers anticipate easy-to-clean fabrics and surfaces to remain in demand as a way to help us all stay on top of pesky germs.⁣
2. Expect interior colors to warm up as owners crave warmth, comfort, and coziness. Various shades of browns, oranges, and reds will the trick. ⁣
3. Not into warm hues? Designers think soft shades of blue that create a peaceful vibe will also be popular.⁣
4. Remodeling or building a new construction? Closed floor plans are front-and-center as demand grows for private spaces designated for remote work or at-home learning.⁣
5. Dubbed “grandmillienial” by House Beautiful, the style showing up everywhere blends grandma’s favorite florals with sleek modern staples. Not sure where to start? Just ask yourself WWGD -- what would Grandma do?⁣
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What trends are you lovin' early in 2021? Share them below!⁣
Some days-this is my office...but not often! I hav Some days-this is my office...but not often! I have been able to work from the office for most of the year, but when the kiddos moved to virtual learning last spring, I had to adapt to sharing a workspace with them at home.
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I want to know! Is this YOU? Have you been working from home for months now (with little ones, furry ones, or both scurrying underfoot)?
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If you've mastered the dining table office space, what ONE piece of advice would you share with a work-from-home newbie?
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Please! Share your wisdom in the comments below so we can make the best of what seems to be an ever-changing situation!
Is everyone done decking the halls??? . Right now Is everyone done decking the halls???
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Right now I’m resisting the urge to keep decorating knowing it will all be down in a week or so!
Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my stories today.
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https://abnb.me/VTE0JJTukcb
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Or you can search AirBNB (Idaho Falls) for "The Historic Emerson"
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❤❤❤
Give the spankin’ new homeowners in your life a Give the spankin’ new homeowners in your life a housewarming gift they’ll use from day one!  Here are my top 10 to get the ideas flowing:
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▪️Gift cards to home improvement stores (things like rakes, garbage cans and light bulbs are usually in short supply for a first time home buyer especially!)
▪️Gift cards to local takeout and pizza places (with a stack of paper plates to go with it!) I’m looking at you @lucysnypizza 
▪️A personalized welcome mat (have you seen @letterfolk mats? They’re a fave!)
▪️Customized stationary, address labels, wall plaques, etc. (@etsy has you covered here!)
▪️A pizza baking stone and a @papamurphys gift card (check out @bedbathandbeyond for a great stone)
▪️A WiFi password display sign
▪️A photog session for them to pose in front of their new front door (DM @meganowensphotography, she’s amazing 🙌🏻)
▪️Local goodies for out-of-staters (I love @farrsicecream spud bars or huckleberry candy, or @reeds_dairy cheese curds and ice cream!)
▪️Hand wash and lotion set (perfect for the rona + house guest + flu combo season we’re in)
▪️A “new home” holiday ornament (I got the cutest one from @magnolia)
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New homeowners, we celebrate you-enjoy your first Christmas in your new home!
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What’s the best housewarming gift you’ve received???
This has been long past due. It’s time to announ This has been long past due. It’s time to announce the employee of the month. 
🥁🥁🥁
#Hamilton 🎉
This guy-he hasn’t sold any houses that I know of, but man, his dedication to his work is simply unmatched! (As long as his work includes sleeping 21 hours a day!)
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We 🖤 you sweet boy! You earned it!! 😘
#Hamilton #Trashpanda
🍊🍊🍊For a quick little Saturday afternoon 🍊🍊🍊For a quick little Saturday afternoon project, this one sure packed a punch! 🍊🍊🍊
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I can’t help but smile everytime I pass my little pantry. Small spaces are often overlooked, but @urbanwalls was the perfect solution to this easy DIY #transformation, and I’m 100% convinced anyone with a pair of scissors and a stool could knock a project like this outta the park!
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If you find yourself in the .0003% of people that don’t own scissors-I’ll hook you up! 😉
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Even better-if you go to start your project this weekend and realize you just need a bigger pantry-I can definitely help you there as well! 🏡
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