Date Archives: January 2023

Clear the Air

Winter's cold likely means you've kept your doors and windows closed tight, creating the opportunity for stale air and not-so-fresh smells. Scented candles and air fresheners can only go so far and will likely cover the odor, rather than eliminate it – plus, depending on what you are using, you might be adding toxins, a trade not worth making.

These tips will help you clear the air.

• Eliminate the Source
  Did a piece of food slip under the fridge or fall behind the trash can under your sink? Perhaps you missed a spot your new puppy visited. Identifying the source is your first step in getting rid of an unwelcome smell.
  
  
• Clean the Dishwasher
  To clean and freshen the dishwasher, place a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack, and run the cycle as normal without any other dishes in the dishwasher. This will eliminate many of the smells.

• Check the Drains
  Sometimes food can get stuck in the drains in your kitchen sink, where it turns rancid and starts to stink. If you have a garbage disposal, you can deodorize it by placing some slices of lemon or orange in it, turning on the water and running the disposal. If that doesn't work, send some mouthwash down it, or try some white vinegar.

If your seldom-used guest bath smells, it could be due to water not being run through the pipes for a time. Water can sit in the p-trap and get mildewy, causing a rotten odor. Run hot water in both tub and sink for 30 seconds to a minute to move the old water through. Deodorize further by sending a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain. If the odor persists, you might need to call in a professional to check the roof vents to make sure they aren't clogged.

• Clean the Carpets
  Since it's winter, you may not want to have your carpets shampooed. But, if they are the source of the smell, you'll want to deal with it. Start by sprinkling baking soda, and letting it sit in place for about an hour. Then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda will pull out some of the odors.
  
  
• Kill Urine Smells with Vinegar
  The acidity of the vinegar will help it to kill the smell of urine, as well as bacteria. If you've had some accidents from pets on the carpet, mix one part vinegar and three parts water. Rub the mixture into the carpet with a cloth, rinse, and allow to air dry. This will help neutralize the odor without covering it with cleaning chemicals.

Now, let's talk toxins.

Most of us never think about candles as a potential toxin, but unless you are burning 100% beeswax candles, which are actually natural cleaners, you could be adding toxic chemicals to the air. The same goes for incense. Think about ditching your traditional methods for beeswax candles (with cotton wicks) and grandma's tried and true natural method of aromatherapy: simmering a stick of cinnamon and slices of orange on the stove.

For more suggestions, take a look at these tips from Seventh Generation. Oftentimes, simpler methods from the past are still the best!

Live music is alive and well in Boise! As we head into a new year, our real estate agents can't help but daydream about all the great shows that are coming up in 2023. If you're in the mood to catch a concert, be sure to check out some of these amazing Boise venues. 

• Egyptian Theatre - 700 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
  The oldest theater in Boise, the Egyptian Theatre, was first opened to the public in 1927. It's located in the heart of downtown Boise. In addition to continuing to function as an active movie theater that shows new and old films, the Egyptian Theatre also hosts a wide range of events, including music concerts, comedy shows, and film festivals. 
  
  
• The Knitting Factory - 416 S 9th St, Boise, ID 83702
  Along with its sister venues in New York City and Spokane, Boise's Knitting Factory is a storied independent music venue that has hosted some amazing bands over the years. Originally established in 1987, the Knitting Factory maintains a steady schedule of indie rock bands, singer-songwriters, and hip-hop artists in an intimate space. 
  
  
• ExtraMile Arena - 1401 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706
  An expansive indoor venue that hosts some of Boise's biggest concerts, ExtraMile Arena is a great place to experience an epic concert. Some of the biggest bands in the world have played here (Journey is scheduled to perform in 2023), and the arena has one of the best state-of-the-art sound systems in Idaho. 
  
  
• Idaho Central Arena - 233 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
  In addition to being the home of our beloved Idaho Steelheads hockey team, Idaho Central Arena frequently hosts other special events and concerts, including live music and comedy shows from nationally touring acts. The arena has seating of up to 6,800 for center-stage concerts, making it one of Boise's largest concert venues. 
  
  
• The Olympic Venue - 1009 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702
  The Olympic Venue is one of Boise's newest spots for live music. Located above Mulligan's in downtown Boise, the Olympic Venue is a great spot to see local, regional and national bands and musicians. The venue maintains a steady schedule of concerts all year long, making it a fantastic place to see up-and-coming acts in a small space. 
  
  
• Morrison Center - 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID 83725
  The music department of Boise State University is housed in the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, which is located on the college campus overlooking the Boise River. With a 2,000-seat performance hall, the Morrison Center routinely hosts live theater and ballet, as well as live concerts, including performances from the Boise Philharmonic. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Idaho! If you're looking for your dream home, be sure to talk with our real estate agents about how we can help you find it in the Boise area. 

There's no better way to warm up in the middle of winter then with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea.  Set up a station to make it easier to enjoy a tasty beverage.

• Find a place in your home. This could be a part of your counter, a cart, a shelf, the top of a buffet…it doesn't have to be complicated; this is to make your life easier. It might make sense to put in a home office or living room if you spend more time there.
• Add your coffee maker(s), electric tea kettles, milk frother or other electric appliances.
• Transfer coffee and tea to permanent, tightly sealed containers like mason jars, tins or ones with lids. This will help them stay fresh longer and neater. Place labels on your containers so it's easy to use.
• Find a large tray to hold all your items. Choose something that is sturdy.
• Place spoons, stir sticks, spices and accessories in a cup or holder. Have fun finding accessories such as a sugar bowl, a honey pot or vintage spoon.
• Gather your mugs and cups (especially your favorite one!) and add them to your station

Now enjoy all the perks of having all your beverage supplies in one place. Cheers!

From Our Friends At Boise Regional REALTORS^®

January Blues?

For a lot of people, January is the longest month. The hustle of the holidays is over. Visiting family and friends have returned home. The weather is, well, blah, especially for non-skiers/snowboarders, and it can seem dark. All. The. Time.

You can lift your spirits by employing a few little tricks:

Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to your dining table. Pick up some flowers in your favorite colors to adorn your dining room.

Light summer-scented candles. Scents such as coconut, lemon, tangerine, or light florals will boost your mood by reminding you that warmer weather will be here again soon.

Bring in some daylight. Daylight LED light bulbs mimic the natural light of the sun. With more of a blue light, these bulbs better mirror actual daylight.

Host a Hawaiian-themed party. Ask your guests to wear their brightest "Aloha" shirts and come ready to shine.

• Order your supplies or check your local party supply store:
  • Colorful sunglasses
  • Leis
  • Cocktail toothpicks & drink umbrellas
  • Paper plates, cups, & napkins
• Keep your menu simple
  • For drinks, make it easy by serving homemade lemonade, both hard and non-alcoholic. See our blog post with great recipes from last summer HERE. Garnish with a lemon slice and a strawberry or two along with a colorful umbrella.
  • Make easy fruit kebabs with green and red grapes, blueberries, tangerine sections, pineapple chunks, and kiwi slices.
  • Speaking of kebabs, one of our favorite recipes is for baked Hawaiian chicken kebabs that take only 40 minutes from start to table. And you can do them in the oven! Get the recipe HERE.
  • Add some basmati or jasmine rice and a nice green salad with a light dressing, and you're good to go.
• Music
  • Beach Boys, of course!

Fire up the BBQ. Not feeling the Hawaiian theme? Light the grill and cook up some burgers and dogs. Pair them with some potato salad and maybe some chips and salsa, and you'll be feeling the summertime vibe in no time.

Before you light your BBQ, make sure to remove all the snow and ice from around the grill and give it plenty of time to preheat. Grilling in colder weather takes longer, so keep the lid closed, and plan accordingly.

Don't let the winter blues take away your summertime joy. Recreate it until it's here again for real.

Even if saving has never been your thing and money is tight, the coming of a new year is an opportunity to change old financial habits. Here are some ways to become a more efficient saver.

Budget

Budgeting helps you organize your finances so you have money left over to save each month. It may seem laborious, but budgeting doesn't have to be hard. Mobile apps cut a lot of the work and can help you track spending throughout the month.

Pay yourself first

Firmly commit to making a savings deposit monthly, even if you can only afford a small amount. Do this before paying your other bills.

Automate

If you're not confident your resolution will stick or you want to simplify the process, automate your savings deposits. That way, a portion of your paycheck will automatically go to your savings account, or an amount you choose will be transferred from your checking to savings account each month. You won't miss money that was never in your hands in the first place.

Make your money work harder

Compound interest is the interest paid on the interest your money earns in an account, and it allows your principal balance to grow faster. To fully benefit from compound interest, consider opening a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit that offers higher rates than the average savings account.

Plug up cash drains

It's not always the big expenses that sabotage saving efforts; small expenses can add up and be a huge cash drain. To rein in spending and increase your cash surplus:

• Shop around for the lowest possible rates on utilities, insurance, TV, internet and mobile plans. Also, make sure you get discounts you may be entitled to.
• Check bank account statements for less obvious fees such as those for account maintenance, ATM use or having a low balance. If your accounts come with several fees, it may be time to find a financial institution that costs less.
• Monitor daily spending and cut back on extras like lunches out, donut runs or fancy coffee.
• Explore free and low-cost entertainment options, including parks, beaches and hiking trails, as well as local concerts, theater and sporting events.

Bring in extra bucks

When trimming expenses doesn't do the trick, the only way to create enough free cash for saving is to increase what's coming in. You can:

• Sell unwanted items online or at a yard sale.
• Cash in credit or debit card reward points.
• Ask for a raise or for extra hours at work.
• Take on an additional part-time job or turn your hobbies or skills into dollars through tutoring, yard maintenance, dog walking, writing, crafting, musical performance or handyman work.

The benefits of saving kick in very quickly and only get better with time. A solid cushion in the bank protects you during emergencies and provides the means to travel, buy a home, get an advanced degree, or pursue whatever other dreams you may have.

Interested in purchasing a home? Contact one of our home loan specialists to discuss your options.

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Are you searching for the right place to launch a successful career path? Financial website WalletHub ranks Boise at #6 on their list of best places to start a career. Our real estate agents share some of the reasons that make the Boise area your perfect starting-off point.

1. Boise boasts a greater number of job opportunities.
   Indeed.com, the top employment website in the United States, reports that Boise has the hottest job market in the country. Employment listings skyrocketed nearly 95 percent in the last two years. With larger numbers of people working remotely, they're free to migrate away from expensive coastal cities to inland areas that offer a quality lifestyle at more affordable prices. WalletHub also rates Boise at #1 for job growth relative to population growth.
   
   
2. Boise has a reasonable cost of living.
   When you're in an entry-level job, it's important to make your dollar go as far as possible. Boise's overall cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, with the biggest savings in groceries and utilities, two necessary everyday expenses.
   
   
3. Boise offers a desirable blend of urban and outdoor living.
   The city has a lively theater scene, which includes an annual Shakespeare Festival held each summer. Other activities include music festivals, museums, and art galleries. Of course, proximity to the Rocky Mountains and Boise River affords plentiful opportunities for hiking, boating, skiing, and numerous outdoor adventures.
   
   
4. Boise is home to higher education.
   The road to career success is often paved with advanced degrees. And there are plenty of opportunities in the Boise area for you to learn and grow new skills. There are six colleges and universities near Boise homes for sale. In addition to Boise State University, a four-year public institution, the area features four private colleges and universities and one two-year community college. 
   
   
5. Boise has an eclectic assortment of neighborhoods.
   If variety is the spice of life, Boise is a zesty stew. The city is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods that have their own distinct personalities. The Highlands, nestled between downtown and the Boise foothills, offers quiet streets and sweeping views. Barber Valley, with its proximity to Lucky Peak State Park, draws many outdoor lovers, while Southeast Boise is known for its diverse array of small businesses.
   
   
6. Boise is easy to navigate.
   As environmental awareness continues to grow, many people are going green by forgoing fuel-guzzling vehicles. Boise earns a Walk Score of 89 out of 100, which means most errands can be accomplished on foot. Even better, the city scores a near-perfect 99 for biking. If you do drive or take public transportation to work, the average one-way commute is only 18.4 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes.

Whether you're starting a career or a family, Boise is a wonderful place for new beginnings. Ready to start your next endeavor in the Bosie area? Contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson to learn more.