May 2013
1 post
A Drive Through Paradise on Captiva Island
Let’s leave the pacific northwest for a moment and travel south to the tropical, palm tree lined paradise known as Captiva, Island. The sun-soaked beaches glisten, white sand sparkles with crushed sea shells and coral, the Gulf of Mexico steadily unfolds gentle waves onto a picture-perfect shore. Captiva Island is a sanctuary, a place of pleasure, a place of natural and man-made luxurious...
April 2013
3 posts
A Trip Around the World: Ultra Expensive Homes
When a posh pad has a sticker price of $1 Billion dollars, you can pretty much say this home is ultra expensive. We love scouring home magazines, residential journals and lust-worthy architectural blogs to find the most epic residences known to man.
Sit back, get cozy and feast your eyes on the most expensive homes around the world. Our first stop is not too far from the greenery of the pacific...
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Coffee Shops Creating a Unique Buzz for...
Whether you are a freelance professional, or work in the corporate arena, finding your own, personal coffee shop to call your second ‘office’ is extremely important this day and age. Freelance contractors and consultants will be first to tell you where exactly their go-to coffee buzz hangout is.
We’ve rounded up the ultimate coffee shops around the Puget Sound where we find...
Design Your Outdoor Living Space for Summer
Make it your goal this summer to treat your porch as not simply an afterthought, but an outdoor living space! We’ve rounded up some of the most amazing decks to help inspire greatness. These lavish porches have all the bells and whistles to entertain, entice and impress any crowd.
Dazzling in Dallas
Breathtaking views of the city surround this rooftop deck that boasts a pool, spa, enclosed bar...
March 2013
1 post
A Tour of Decadent Designer Rooms
It is always a surreal experience to tour a home that just hit the luxury real estate market. When an estate possesses that genuine “wow-factor”, showing luxury homes to prospective buyers makes working in the real estate industry that much more exciting. Featuring luxury real estate definitely encompasses that “Disneyland” feel. Each decadent room is like touring a...
February 2013
3 posts
Day Trip Destination: Beautiful Neighborhoods
If you ask me, Washington is the best place to live. We are blessed to be surrounded by beauty, from the ocean to the mountains, and the forests in between. How can we take advantage of this natural beauty? Well, living in a home where we can admire our beautiful surroundings daily would be choice! Even if you are happily settled in a neighborhood that you call home, taking an adventurous joyride...
Trend Alert: Defining the Home Buyer in 2013
The National Association of Home Builders recently came out with a study forecasting trends in home buying for 2013. Whether you consider yourself a “baby boomer” or were born in “Generation X” or “Y”, there has been considerable analytical research vested in determining who is buying what in the housing market.
The question now is not if people are buying...
Valentines Day Without the Reservation
Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving Dinner, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are THE most anticipated holidays for restaurants to cash in on. Reservations to get into the swankiest and most desired dining establishments need to be prearranged well in advance; often times menus are limited to prix fixe tasting menus.
Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed without the coveted reservation...
January 2013
2 posts
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Events to be Fabulous in February at!
February is the month of love, and the south sound is celebrating all that I love all month long. From comedy to wine and everything in between, February’s calendar is packed with things to do and see!
Show some family love at Tacoma’s Sister City International Film Festival starting on February 7th.
Every Thursday through April 4th, join the Blue Mouse Theatre for a cultural...
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New Year's Resolution Results
So you read the title of this blog and are thinking to yourself, “wait it’s already results time for the New Year’s Resolution I’ve set for myself?” Not quite what I had in mind, read on…
If you are on my mailing list, turn the monthly newsletter over to the back and you’ll notice I’ve included a sweet little Dr. Oz approved 3 day detox cleanse. Now...
December 2012
1 post
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All I Want for Christmas Is...
Christmas is not just for children, adults also have their many wants and needs. Because I feel like I should be on Santa’s nice list this year I put together a few Christmas wants that are not only oh so amazing, they are actually practical and serve a function as well.
Here is my official holiday wish list, addressed to Santa Claus of course. This list is also very perfect for anyone on...
November 2012
3 posts
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Become Dazzled With Holiday Activity
‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la…la la la la! Most of us are in the festive mood to explore what our quaint neighborhoods and communities are offering up this holiday season.
Here is a list of my favorite activities to partake in this holiday season; so grab a hot chocolate, or gingerbread latte and take careful notes because you definitely don’t want to miss out on...
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Decked Out Decor: Vintage Tacoma
Tacoma is my city, for all of its beauty and art, and the eclectic personality it boasts. When you visit the neighborhoods in North Tacoma drive down some of the back roads such as North “I” street or along Proctor and you will find some of the most amazing storytelling vintage homes in all of Pierce County.
If you have driven around the historic and infamous Stadium district where...
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Gig Harbor Has a Middle Name!
The Gig Harbor Real Estate Market makes up unique and quintessential pacific northwest landscape; so why not give Gig Harbor a middle name - Luxury! When was the last time you took a drive across the Narrows Bridge and drove along some of Washington’s most scenic highways lined with Evergreens and lush vegetation?
Amidst Gig “Luxury” Harbor is prime million dollar real estate....
October 2012
6 posts
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Forgotten Estates: Million Dollar NW Foreclosures
When a million dollar development is constructed and a fortune is spent creating a residential dream, you would never imagine that this dream would be torn away.
The residential real estate market has been suffering for as long as I can remember. It was once a booming industry and quarter of a million, and million dollar homes were not so under-valued. Residential and commercial banking has...
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An Architectural Masterpiece in Gig Harbor
With a listing price of 2,700,000 million dollars, this architectural masterpiece situated in the nostalgic community of Gig Harbor is a rare jewel. The estate was recently sold for just under 2.5 million dollars and with million dollars views of Mt. Rainier, you may understand why this expensive listing left the market.
The expansive mansion is located on the banks of the Puget Sound and comes...
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The Homes of The Real Housewives: Joanna
The Real Housewives of Miami’s homes continue and Joanna is definitely one housewife who has brilliant taste. Modern, contemporary and simplistic are the themes that create a visual calm in this Miami living space.
With views that transcend you high above Miami’s palm landscaped streets, having a panoramic backdrop of the social scene below almost creates a sanctuary for this...
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Creepy Scary Abandoned Mansions
It’s almost Halloween and the month of October is in full swing. What better way to get ready for the festivities that Halloween brings than with a creepy scary feature on abandoned, and possibly haunted mansions!
Forbes is usually my favorite place to go when I want to check out the lifestyles of the rich and famous. With such an eerie date up and coming however, Forbes has dished out what...
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The Homes of the Real Housewives: Karent
Will you be tuning in to the Real Housewives of Miami tomorrow at 9/8c on Bravo TV? Before the episode airs I have the weekly scoop on Real Housewives star, Karent Sierra’s massive Miami mansion.
Opulent is the best way to define this attractive Miami estate. Think of a romantic villa tucked away amongst the hills of the Mediterranean, or on the jagged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast near...
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The Homes of the Real Housewives: Lisa
Who’s your favorite housewife of Miami? On this week’s edition of ‘The Homes of the Real Housewives’ we are going to take a virtual tour through Lisa Hochstein’s Miami estate. Before we take a look at Lisa Hochstein’s mansion, let’s get to know Lisa aka the “self proclaimed housewife” married to plastic surgeon, Dr. Lenny Hochstein who is well...
September 2012
6 posts
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How to make a Fashion House a Home
If you love fashion and you know your retail, you are familiar with BCBGMAXAZRIA. How does a huge fashion house such as BCBG make a familiar and comfortable home? Max and Lubov Azria, chief creative design directors at BCBG have created just that, a home for family and friends to find comfort at. Aside from the high fashion designs presented by BCBGs 20+ lines, the Azrias’ have...
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The Homes of the Real Housewives
It all began in Orange County with the Real Housewives of the O.C. Who became infatuated with the drama, the parties and the homes? Well, I sure did and I still may be watching every season and every Housewives edition that has aired since the original O.C. series in March 2006.
Now each week beginning with the latest Real Housewives series - Miami, I will be featuring the fabulous Homes of the...
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Hope Solo: Post Olympic Gold Medal
We all watched as Hope Solo and the U.S. Women’s Team won GOLD at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London. What does a star athlete with pacific northwest roots do after winning gold? Well buying million dollar real estate that’s what!
Take a peak inside Hope Solo’s new million dollar Kirkland mansion. From the sweeping Lake Washington views to the amazing amenities. This was...
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Expensive Luxury Real Estate - Feast Your Eyes
When you imagine what an estate may entail when it is listed in the top 10 most expensive homes for sale what do you envision? Gold-leaf trimmed mosaics, well yes of course; kitchen capacity to serve 100 easily, absolutely necessary.
Erika Riggs of Zillow reports that these are the top 10 most expensive homes for sale in 2012 in the United States and begin at $65 million dollars, a monthly...
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Fall Fashion Furnishings: Decor Inspirations
Falling in love with interior decor is as easy as lusting over a dreamy new home. If finding inspiration in a single piece of home decor moves you, than read on. Here are my top picks for total interior eye candy for your living spaces.
Roche Bobois - Design so contemporary you will feel as though these furnishings are art gallery worthy, I mean come on the sofa below is called “The...
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Fall Means Back to School
Can you remember your first day back to school in September, or August if you were one of the unfortunate souls. I was always excited for my first day of school because I had a new outfit that I had placed at the edge of my bed all ready to go weeks in advance. School supply shopping was so much fun, do you remember getting the school supply list and shopping for all the necessary tools and...
August 2012
6 posts
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A 3-Day Weekend Means 3 Days of Relaxation
The title of my blog is most definitely a bold statement, who really is going to relax for 3 days this Labor Day Weekend? I always find myself being more busy on a holiday weekend than I am during the work week.
Well, for those with the luxury of relaxation, or for those seeking total rejuvenation I am going to share our beautiful state’s most romantically relaxing staycations.
Number...
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Forget Camping, Let's Go Glamping
As Labor Day Weekend approaches, otherwise known as the road tripping, camping, get out of town weekend of choice for all working Americans, you should probably have your plans already made, or else you may be out of luck when making a reservation.
Photograph by Sergio Azenha /Alamy
When looking beyond the normal weekend excursion, and when trying to discover a new adventure a little out of...
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Destination: Kitsap Wine Festival
What is your ultimate idea of a relaxing weekend? For the adventurists and wine aficionados, your weekend may entail journeying off to wine country. Traveling far is not necessary this weekend, just a short drive and ferry ride will take you to the Fourth Annual Kitsap Wine Festival. Sample NW wine and beer all afternoon on Saturday, August 18th. Enjoy meeting and learning from Washington...
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Real Estate Radar: Sockeye Idea House
My Real Estate Radar goes off daily - especially right now! If you follow me, then you may be aware that I am down in beautiful sunny southern California at the Success Summit. I had the opportunity to be on a panel with the best agents and most amazing colleagues in the business of real estate.
Real Estate Radar has been going off quite regularly this summer. A featured property recently covered...
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Living in the South Sound
Living in the South Puget Sound region has its definite advantages. For starters, it’s a whole lot easier finding parking south of Tukwila than it is in the north end. Traffic is usually a bit lighter, and I’ll put it out there, the weather is warmer down south.
If you have recently moved to the South Puget Sound, welcome! If you just got in to your very first home, congratulations....
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Luxury Defined by Photography
Exploring the world through the lens of a camera is magical. Discovering hidden viewpoints, capturing special moments in life, and tracking adventures through the story of photography.
The photos I have collected and am sharing with all of you are some of the most appealing places of luxury defined by photography. These photos are remarkable and a few of the places have been added to my...
July 2012
7 posts
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Fascinating Beverly Hills Real Estate
It is always fascinating to me the money, opulence, and wealth that circulates around Los Angeles - namely, Beverly Hills. 90210 is such an infamous zip code with many qualifying reasons for making it a famous neighborhood.
Much of the allure that Beverly Hills exudes is the hollywood royalty that have lived and prospered in the area. One of my favorite eras has to be between the 1940’s...
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Unique Luxury Homes in the Northwest
From a Vista in Seattle with 180-degree views of the Puget Sound, to an impressive Lake Chelan Italian Villa; luxury is truly defined in these unique Northwest homes. Whether or not you are in the market to purchase a dream home, we can all still peruse these spacious structures and think, “what if?”
One of my favorite properties is the remodeled vista with million dollar views of the...
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In the Market for a Canine Casa
I absolutely love what I do, finding the perfect home to fit your one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Well, what if your lifestyle includes your luxe pooch? We all may have noticed recently the myriad of pet boutiques and dog spas that have prospered in various neighborhoods. It goes without saying that the customers with their beloved pets, may be ‘In The Market for a Canine Casa!’
Here are...
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Let's Wine About this Summer
If you follow this blog, and if you are a friend of mine, you must love wine?! Right?? Have you explored our fabulous wine country, no not in Eastern Washington, I am talking about Woodinville, Washington! I spent my last Birthday up in Woodinville a few months ago, and I cannot wait to go back. Since it is summer, I wanted to share my favorite wine’cation.
Time to escape the daily norm,...
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See be Seen in the South Puget Sound
Living in the pacific northwest is absolutely amazing this time of year! The sun is out, summer is officially here. It is time to get out and move! See and be seen while the sun is blazing bright in the south Puget Sound.
You have worked so hard all week long, time to enjoy life! Don’t miss out on these local events and attractions!
Saturday, July 14th the Tacoma Museum of Glass hosts...
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Champagne Caviar, Aboard the World!
Vacationing and planning exotic travel is a highlight to our daily lives. Could you imagine living a vacation day in, and day out? Aboard The World cruise ship allows you to live that dream land fantasy. Aboard the World is a 644 foot cruise liner and home to 165 private on board residences. This is no ordinary vacation cruise, this is luxury living at its most swankiest.
Currently The World...
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Fireworks & Cocktails - Happy Fourth of July!
Let’s celebrate the Fourth of July with Fireworks and Cocktails, it is the one day that truly dazzles. If you are like me and plan to spend the afternoon and evening with loved ones, delight their taste buds with a few favorite libations that will surely create sparks of their own.
Diaries of a Domestic Goddess is your one-stop spot for blog deliciousness. It’s time to take notes, you...
June 2012
4 posts
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You thought your Bathroom Rocked!
When I visit a friend’s home, the first place I go to admire is the bathroom. That’s right, the most personal place in one’s house. If your cozy washroom is in need of a little sprucing up this summer check out a few of these luxe ideas via Just Luxe!
Summer is in full swing, so if a remodel is on the agenda, time to put your swanky ideas in to motion! You thought your Bathroom...
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Coveted Condo Views: The Esplanade
Pierce County always seems to come in as an underdog when it involves million-dollar real estate with a pristine view. The exclusive high-valued listings usually are located on the shores of Lake Washington or along the banks of the Hood Canal.
Where does that leave neighborhoods south of the King County line?
Welcome to downtown Tacoma, an Urban oasis thriving in the arts. The Esplanade at...
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The TOP 3 Venues to Wine Tacoma
After a long strenuous day at the office, it is time to unwind. The sunny summer months give us that extra boost of energy to want a post-work mecca to enjoy.
Wine down the day with our favorite venues; enjoy the Tacoma scene!
Café DiVino: Local and International Wine is offered at this quaint boutique café in the heart of Old Town, Ruston Way.
Brix 25: Gig Harbor is a destination in and of...
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$75 Million will buy you a Private Island!
When I was browsing through emails and news highlights this morning, with my grande no room extra shot Americano, a fascinating article from the Wall Street Journal caught my attention.
“Craig and Susan McCaw List a Private Island for $75 Million”
This is NEWS for the Pacific Northwest because the island is not any island, this island on the market is located off the coast of Vancouver, B.C. ...
May 2012
2 posts
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Luxurious Seattle condos provide perfect setting...
I’ve unfortunately succumbed to the world of the Fifty Shades of Grey. I’m talking ADDICTED! Just like I was completely sucked into Twilight (no pun intended), I can’t get enough of this book. This book takes place in Seattle (of course), and the lead character, Christian Grey lives at the Escala.
If you’ve never heard of it, the Escala are luxury condos located in...
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Homes & High Heels
I read a great blog today about how finding your perfect home was like finding a pair of shoes. Of course, this instantly caught my attention.
I loved that she pointed out that the silly slogan “one shoe fits all” does not work when buying a home; and while we’re thinking about it, in a literal sense - it doesn’t work much while shoe-shopping, either! In fact, homes &...
April 2012
4 posts
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Calgon, take me... here.
I read an article the other day on MSN, talking about the top “disappearing destinations”, which completely panicked me… disappearing? As in, forever?
I have a bucket-list of trips planned out for me and the hubby, and the idea that any of them could be gone forever gives me anxiety in the worst way. There are so many places I want to see, so many places I want to go: starting...
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