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Idaho Falls

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

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

Arugula Deli

February 27, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

(208) 656-7784​
261 Walnut Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Located on the first floor of the historic O.E. Bell Jr. High School in Idaho Falls, The Arugula Deli is another one of those iconic hole-in-the-walls that is somehow still unknown by some local residents! Even while it seems to be one of Idaho Falls’ best kept secrets, Arugula still knows how to pack the weekday lunch hour. If you decide to go (which you should!), don’t be surprised to find a large assortment of company. From local business people discussing contracts and mergers to grandparents treating grandkids to a birthday lunch…even the group of girlfriends catching up over their famous Brazilian lemonade!

Freshness should never be compromised, quality never sacrificed, and healthy never bland. 

Sourcing as many ingredients from our farm and local sources as possible, we strive to ensure the freshest food ends up on your plate.

www.aruguladeli.com

Completely unassuming from the outside, the owners of this homegrown business promotes fresh rather than flash, and believe me-you are in for a treat. There seemed to be plenty of options for the gluten-free or low-carb diner, but no compromises have been made on flavor or variety.

Whether you are craving something light and tangy or savory and soulful, Arugula has you covered!

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW– If you can, go early to beat the local business crowd, but if you can’t, don’t stress. They’re food is both fresh and fast, and waiting for a table will be worth the wait.


HOMETOWN FAVORITES: You really cannot find anything on the menu that isn’t completely fantastic, but here are the dishes that have us buzzing:

  • -No matter what you do-don’t skip ordering the Cunape/Pao de Queijo (Bolivia/Brazil) Cheesy Bread. This is a unique treat that you just can’t find in Idaho Falls!
  • -Guacamole Bruschetta
  • -Any of the salads! (Try the cilantro-jalapeno dressing or the pina colada dressing!)
  • -The Quinoa Salad and the California Quinoa Salad are unique to Arugula and if you haven’t fallen for this ancient grain….prepare yourself. It’s unbelievable.
  • -If you make it over for dinner, try the home-made pastas with from-scratch marinara or alfredo sauce
  • -Other popular dinner choices are the Steak Diane (nothing short of amazing) and the Chicken Francaise!

Click here for their full LUNCH or DINNER menus!

Happy dining East Idaho!

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: Restaurants Tagged With: Dinner, Hole-in-the-wall, Idaho Falls, Lunch, Restaurants, Salads

Time to eat more hole foods!

January 16, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Even though Idaho Falls doesn’t have the commercially recognized Krispy Cremes or Dunkin’ Donuts like bigger cities do-we still have the best mom and pop donut shops that keep us craving their glaze for days! Check out this list of Idaho Falls’ best Donut Shops!

Growing up in Idaho Falls, my first job was for my friends grandparents bakery in downtown Idaho Falls. Cartstens’ Bakery has been around for over 50 years, and the twisted pretzel sign that stands above their humble shop is as iconic to Idaho Falls as the red, white, and blue water tower!

I spent afternoons, weekends and summers displaying, packaging, selling (and sampling!!) all of the tasty treats that went out the door. The owner, Willi, arrived daily before dawn to fire up the ovens and start raisin’ dough! Thankfully-you don’t have to wake up too early to snag delicious treats from these local shops.

Here are the top donut shops in Idaho Falls!

(Listed alphabetically!)

BAKERS DOZEN

LOCATION – 561 S. Woodruff

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This may be the only exception to my previous statement, because you actually might want to get here early! They do sell out, and sometimes there’s a line out the door. But don’t let that stop you-their super friendly staff is quick and they always seem happy that you stopped in! Everything on the menu is good, and this is definitely the best place in town to get a large variety of donuts. Fan favorites are the fruit and cream cheese items, the coconut crisp donut, anything with fruit filling, but you absolutely can’t leave without snagging a blueberry cake donut!

***Thank you so much Bakers Dozen for providing all of the donuts on this post! Nothing can quite beat the eye candy they can provide!***

CARSTENS’ BAKERY

LOCATION – 243 Cliff Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- The glazed donut is king-raised, fried and glazed scratch every day! Whether you find yourself in the glazed donut or cake donut camp-both are unbeatable here! Although not technically donuts, don’t pass up the opportunity to try the creamhorn or the eclair!

DAYLIGHT DONUTS

LOCATION – 1225 E. 17th Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This is the only shop on the list that is open Sundays! This is the place to go to get your fill right before the work week starts! Check out their marquee to see what unique recipe they’re cooking up that day-or try their fan favorite raspberry cream bear claw and the fritters!

***NOT TECHNICALLY A DONUT SHOP-BUT DEFINITELY WORTH AN HONORABLE MENTION!***

BROULIM’S

LOCATION – 2730 E. Sunnyside (*They have several locations throughout East Idaho)

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- Although they’re not exactly a donut shop-Broulim’s has (by FAR) the best donuts of any grocery store in town. (I must admit, I have a really hard time classifying Broulim’s among other grocery stores…they’re in a class all their own!) These donuts definitely hold their own against the other bakeries on this list and therefore must be mentioned! Broulim’s offers a wide variety of donuts, from glazed to cake, rings to bars, and chocolate to maple! They are baked in their stores everyday, and do not come frozen like other grocery chains. Personally-I can’t leave without one of their custard-filled chocolate bars!

I was able to speak with Allen, the baker at the Idaho Falls location. He’s a second-generation baker for Broulim’s and he and his dad are proud to share decades of experience getting those little rings perfect! Go try them out and see if you agree!

There you have it! Whether you’re new to town or just a local looking for the best of the best-give these great shops a try and tell them I sent you!

(I can’t be held responsible for any changes in waistlines or scale readings! If you’re worried about it-check out this post on where to go burn it all off!)

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, Restaurants, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bakeries, Bakery, Best of, Donuts, Idaho Falls

Where to break out in a cold sweat in Idaho Falls!

January 15, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Trying to reach your health and fitness goals, but think East Idaho has other plans? Think again! You just need to know where to go, and I’ve got you covered! Check out this list of paths in Idaho Falls you can hit this winter.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who committed to health and wellness this year! After the holidays, it can be tough to get it in gear, especially with the amount of snow that just dumped on us! If your resolution was to get outside and get moving, don’t let Idaho winters keep you from reaching your goals-it’s a new year a new opportunity to prove that you can do this! Here’s a whole post about local paths to hit for that hurts-so-good, post-holiday burn! (Paths that are maintained year round of course!)

So…who’s in?!

IDAHO FALLS GREENBELT

LOCATION – Along the Snake River

DISTANCE – 1 – 5+ miles (depending on the route you chose)

WHERE TO START: Park downtown, along Memorial Drive (if you are starting in the center)

SECRETS OUT: On almost any given day rain or shine (or snow!), visitors and residents take advantage of the beautiful scenery and the paved paths along the greenbelt. Enjoy the crown jewel of our local parks!

INSIDER TIP: A collaborative project with the Idaho Falls Arts Council, the Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation, the City of Idaho Falls Division of Parks and Recreation and the City Beautification Commission is displayed along the green belt called, Art you can sit on. Various local artists created unique benches that reflect life in Southeast Idaho from all angles. Snap a photo sitting on the various benches and create an ongoing collage of this emerging art project!

Click here for a map of all of the locations of the benches, and here to see a compilation of these works of art.

COMMUNITY PARK

LOCATION – Corner of Holmes and 25th Street

DISTANCE – 0.75 mile loop

WHERE TO START: Park anywhere in the parking lot, and you’ll have quick access to the path

SECRETS OUT: The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation department has recently improved the walking path that encircles the park, widening it from 8′ to 12′ around the entire path. (Don’t worry, no trees were removed during the construction!)

INSIDER TIP: The paths are maintained well during the winter, but this park is a real treat throughout the summertime! Our family loves spending an evening walking the path while catching the local softball leagues battle it out on the four baseball diamonds in the center.

THE SUNNYSIDE PATH

LOCATION – Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls

DISTANCE – Varies (out and back style)

WHERE TO START: Park at any public parking area along Sunnyside

SECRETS OUT: The route along Sunnyside Road is another well maintained path on the south side of Idaho Falls. The north side of the street seems to have less ice, due to the exposure to the sun during the day. (The south side is definitely more popular during the summer). For a similar route with less traffic, there is a designated bike lane that runs along 25th Street from Holmes Avenue to Hitt Road (roughly 3 miles).

INSIDER TIP: The walking path along Sunnyside Road is an integral part of the cities plan to connect several trails in Idaho Falls.  They’re working to create an intricate system of paved paths for bikers and pedestrians to get around and explore our city! 

Honestly-how lucky are we to have such amazing opportunities in our small town?! Make sure you take advantage of these groomed paths our city offers to keep up on any fitness or health goals you set for the New Year! If you’re anything like me, nothing keeps me on track like keeping things simple. Thanks to the great area we live in, working out outdoors is possible year-round!

Nothing makes you feel more empowered than running (or walking) in the snow!
(Especially when everyone else is sitting around a fire sipping cocoa + you’re out their crushing goals!)
Don’t forget to pack a playlist! What do you listen to when you workout? I rotate between upbeat music with steady tempos and engaging podcasts. Whatever it takes to keep my mind off the burn!
According to a study recently published in the journal ‘Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism’, colder temperatures may in fact help you lose weight. Prolonged exposure to cold requires our bodies to work harder to keep warm, thereby increasing our energy expenditure – i.e., our calorie burn. Who would’ve thought?

Winter comes whether we’re happy about it or not, whether we’re working towards our goals or we aren’t. Make the most of it, and STAY + WANDER and find ways to enjoy the beauty this season brings! #Idahome

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, Outdoors, Uncategorized Tagged With: Activites, Best of, Greenbelt, Idaho Falls, Jogging, Outdoors, Running, Snake River, Walking, Winter, Working Out

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@karenliester on Instagram

We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Pat We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Patrick’s Day! Both of these events, along with warmer weather have our weekly list of events BURSTING at the seams! Get down to the DEC tonight to catch Laugh Like Heck with Rodney Norman, or grab the last few tickets to Diabla’s Vegan Themed Dinner! The St. Patty’s events start tomorrow and go until Wednesday, the 17th. Check out all of the great events going on.  Have a great weekend and stay + wander!
Instagram post 18109645681206076 Instagram post 18109645681206076
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???
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