Uncategorized

Whether you're moving down the block or across the world, it's never easy. Moving is one of the most stressful life events you'll ever go through. Even if you're going to a better place, a beautiful location, a better job, or just heading somewhere new for a welcome change of pace, getting there is always a chore.

Inevitably, you will be stressed. You will encounter a problem or two throughout the process. Something will probably go wrong. But a lot of things can and will go right, and you should focus on those things when other stuff goes awry.

Not everything is under your control (and you can simply hope that your moving helpers, truck drivers and vendors arrive on time for their appointments). But there are actions you can take and ways to plan ahead so you don't feel too overwhelmed come moving day/week.

1. Make a spreadsheet or a list of everything that must happen. Pick a program or app you can access on your phone. Do this as soon as you start thinking about moving. Try to put everything in chronological order; including finding the right moving company, the number of boxes you'll need (don't forget the tape, labels and digital organizing app), a list of accounts where you need to change your address, etc.
2. Overestimate your moving cost. When the final bill arrives, you'll breathe a (little) sigh of relief.
3. Cut back on incidental spending and stash any extra cash into savings. Do this months ahead of time, if it's possible.
4. Thoroughly vet potential moving vendors, companies, and locations. Research multiple review sites, talk to neighbors and friends.
5. Store your moving vendors' and contacts' phone numbers in your phone with their name assigned. That way, you'll know it's Jane from Moving Helpers, and not a spam caller.
6. Start packing early. Seriously: Weeks or months before your move, even. You may already have items in storage, but if there are things in your home you're not using or won't need for a while, get a box and start packing.
   1. Keep track of what's packed where with an app. Don't rely on written notes on each box. Simply marking something 'bedroom' or 'kitchen' isn't enough and you'll forget where you put your favorite metal coffee scoop.
7. Let go of some stuff! Moving is a great time to streamline and downsize. Donate or gift gently-used or unused household items.
8. Make note of the accounts you need to change or cancel before moving day; including internet, utilities, etc. Notify each company ahead of time.
9. Touch base with each moving company vendor to ensure everything is in place. Good vendors will contact you themselves to check in with you.
10. Finish all of your packing several days before the move. Have your travel bag ready for your essentials.
11. Go to bed early and get as much rest as possible before the big day!
12. Even if you're stressed on moving day, roll with it knowing you did as much as you could to plan ahead, be ready and get everything done. Things will fall into place.

In short, when it comes to moving, plan what you can when you can, think ahead and give yourself a break when stress comes along. Before you know it, you'll be settled into your new home.

I recently came across an article that showed the most popular turkey day side dish by state. The standard fare dominated: Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, cranberries, etc. The map was a clever way to show holiday food trends, and a nice change of pace from the voting maps we've obsessively stared at. (I also saw a map that showed where it's legal to have a pet kangaroo…)

As far as Thanksgiving is concerned, there's got to be more than mashed potatoes and green beans and stuffing! Yes, I am that person who likes to indulge in something different, and I know I'm not alone. So, without further ado, here are some unique and flavorful alternatives to try alongside your turkey this year (or ham or chicken or pork, if that's your thing).

Coconut Creamed Greens. Earthy and hardy, the cooling coconut milk paired with hot chile make this a surprising contrast of flavors.

Old-School Squash Casserole. Buttery and rich, this Southern staple is kicked up a notch with seldom-used yellow squash and creamy sauce.

Vegan Pumpkin Basil Pinwheels. These super-cute and quick snacks are a real crowd-pleaser, and…pumpkin.

Frisée Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette. If you're looking for a lighter option, this scrumptious salad incorporates perfectly poached eggs and a sweet and savory dressing.

Sea Island Crab Fried Rice. This coastal take on holiday fare pairs sweet crabmeat with rick, bacon and sauteed vegetables.

Rosemary Quinoa Mac and Cheese. Break tradition with this alternative dish packed with protein and a cauliflower-based sauce.

Mashed Ginger Carrots. A touch of ginger paste and butter transforms boiled carrots into a fragrant and vibrant sub for mashed potatoes.

Seared Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme. A savory side that can stand alone, the magic of mushrooms is awakened with this simple recipe.

Many of us have honed our cooking skills during this crazy year, so it's time to be bold. Try something new, and bon appétit!

It's a challenging and unbelievable time we're living in. It's easy to feel powerless, and insubstantial. There are moments things feel pointless. But there is encouragement around us, and there is something we can do to help flatten the curve. When it comes to taking care of ourselves, protecting ourselves and those around us, aside from social distancing, we have one weapon: Washing our hands.

It's amazing, and honestly a little crazy, that something so simple can be so powerful and effective. We all know that washing your hands keeps you clean. But here are some did-you-knows and tips to help you better understand why this simple action is so helpful against COVID-19 (and lots of other germs).

Did You Know…

COVID-19 is a virus, its complex and crown-like structure held together by lipid molecules and proteins, like fatty armor. Soap lather, a bubble-like structure, traps viral matter and other biomaterials, neutralizing them. The act of washing your hands with soap and water breaks down the virus's protective barrier, and it essentially falls apart as you wash it away. This is why it's important to wash for at least 20 seconds (sing your favorite tune from this massive list) and get a good lather going. Diligently scrub between fingers and fingernails, and your palms, rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with a disposable paper towel. At the end of the day, it's the lather and the friction that frees your hands of the grimy stuff.

Because COVID-19 is a virus, both antibacterial soaps and other soaps (bars of soap, dish soap, etc.) have the same ability to break down the virus on your hands. Basically, anything that lathers works. So the next time you're at the store, and you see one loan container of soap, don't be deterred if it's not "antibacterial". Grab that thing and run, because it's gold.

One of the first things people stocked up was hand sanitizer, but it's not as good at destroying viruses, even if it's the recommended 62% alcohol (or more). In fact, hand sanitizer doesn't protect against non-enveloped viruses (norovirus and rhinovirus, which are variations of the common cold).

Now for the Tips…

If you're running low on your favorite foaming soap, you can make your own from bodywashes and bars of soap. Of course, a regular bar of soap works too, but if you just have to have foaming soap, here's a tutorial for creating foaming soap from bars. Here's another tutorial for extending the life of your bodywash to create foaming soap! It's a fun little crafty project to keep you busy while you stay safe at home.

We're all hunkered down at home, but if you do have to run an errand (hey, we all gotta eat), make it a habit to wash your hands as soon as you step in the door. I know, you used hand sanitizer before you got home. Guess what: It doesn't matter. Hand sanitizer, while helpful, doesn't have the same cleansing power as a good scrub with soap and water. Here's the proof.

Wash, rinse, repeat. This simple act can protect you and those around you as we got about our days and our new (but temporary) normal.

Oh yeah: Don't touch your face.

With our current COVID-19 situation, where it's possible, there are many, once office-based employees, that are starting to work from home. If you're new to the work-from-home lifestyle, we've compiled a shortlist of tips and tricks that will help you ease into working remotely.

Try to Maintain Consistent WFH hours - having clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day helps many remote workers maintain healthy work, life balance.

Create a Morning Routine - A routine can be more powerful than a clock in helping you start your day. Get dressed in your best business attire if that helps. Make sure your workspace is organized and ready for you to be productive. 

Set Boundaries and Ground Rules - Don't let your productivity suffer because of other people in your home (admittedly a challenging task to enforce, especially if you have little ones).

Schedule Breaks - It's easy to get desk-bound when working from home. Stretch whenever you can and step away for a walk when you need to. Both are great and help to naturally boost those essential endorphins. 

Socialize with Colleagues - Loneliness, feeling disconnected, and isolation are common issues that face the remote worker. Use chat channels such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Skype or FaceTime to keep in touch. Schedule a Zoom to check-in and see some smiling faces or get some much needed virtual encouragement. 

Communicate - Make sure your teammates know your schedule and availability. Check-in often and let them know when you're taking your break, stepping out, or done for the day.

Be Positive - It feels better! Although challenging right now, try to maintain a positive outlook, it will not only help you, but it will help your coworkers! 

Make Time for Self-Care - Meditation, yoga, and breathwork are great ways to take much needed moments for yourself. 

Ask a Friend - Many of us know those who have worked from home for years. Ask them what their best practices and tips are. When all else fails you can at least share a good laugh at any pitfalls they have encountered. 

Bill Riss, owner and CEO of Coldwell Banker Bain, a leading provider of real estate brokerage services throughout the Pacific Northwest and a market leader in home sales in 2019*, has been named to the 2020 Swanepoel Power 200, a list of the most powerful people in residential real estate. Riss, owner and CEO of Landover Corporation, a holding company for Coldwell Banker Bain that operates 32 offices and posts $6 billion in annual sales, this year ranks 48th, up two from last year's 50th-place spot.

The Swanepoel Power 200 recognizes the industry's most innovative and influential leaders, key decision-makers, trendsetters and emerging leaders. Honorees are selected based on, among other factors, significance and contribution to the industry, geographic reach, growth potential and more. The ranking criteria can be seen here.

"It's always an honor, and one I don't take for granted, to be recognized as one of the many leaders in our industry, recognizing contributions to work and an industry that I love. But my success has always been a consequence of the combined talents and dedication of the professional brokers I've been privileged to work with," Riss said.

Riss, a Seattle native and University of Washington graduate with a background in mortgage and commercial banking, land development, new construction and brokerage management, is one of the most knowledgeable and resourceful real estate executives in the area.

*According to final 2019 statistics derived from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service data  (NWMLS).

Coldwell Banker Bain, a leading provider of real estate brokerage services throughout Washington and Oregon, and a market leader in home sales in 2019,* releases its 2019 annual market report providing a variety of statistics for the sale of homes in neighborhoods and counties throughout the Puget Sound region and SW Washington and Oregon, as well as for segments including luxury and condos. This report reflects activity between Jan 1, 2019 and Dec 31, 2019.**

EASTSIDE REPORT	NORTH SOUND REPORT	PUGET SOUND REPORT	SEATTLE REPORT

WATERFRONT REPORT	SOUTH SOUND REPORT	SW WASHINGTON REPORT	OREGON REPORT

*According to final 2019 statistics derived from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service data (NWMLS), Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) and Multiple Listing Service of Central Oregon (MLSCO).

**Information and statistics derived by CB Bain from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS), and Multiple Listing Service of Central Oregon (MLSCO) each quarter. Statistics not compiled or published by the NWMLS, RMLS, or MLSCO.