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The Secret to Selling Your Home
Is Making Your Home Less Personal the Secret to Selling It Quickly?
According to statistics, it seems so. However, like many things, there’s an art to it. When depersonalizing your home, it’s crucial to find a balance between making it less personal and not stripping away its warmth and humanity. The aim is to present your home as clean, inviting, and cozy, allowing potential buyers to envision a happy life in it. To achieve this, it’s recommended to declutter, organize, clean, and stage your home before listing photos are taken. Read a more in depth description of the secret to selling your home quickly below.
Here are the steps to achieve this:
Clean
While you may have grown accustomed to the lived in odors and oddities of your home, potential buyers may notice dust bunnies, kitchen grease, and mysterious stains. To avoid giving them a negative impression, take the time to deep clean your home before showcasing it.
Declutter
If you’re considering a move, decluttering should be a priority. It not only reduces the items you’ll need to transport but also creates a sense of openness, making your home appear larger. A decluttered home allows architectural features to shine and suggests that the property has been well-maintained.
Organize
Humans naturally find comfort in organized spaces. It provides a sense of understanding, safety, and control. To read more about this theory I recommend you read this article. Organization can be a key selling point during an open house. Additionally, an organized home looks appealing in listing photos, which are crucial for attracting potential buyers.
Staging
Staging is essential to help buyers connect with the stories your home tells. While you can hire a professional, you can also stage your home yourself by following the first three steps. Simplify spaces, give each area a clear purpose, and clean. Consider the market climate; in a seller’s market, you might not need extensive efforts to attract attention, but thoughtful staging can still lead to a bidding war and higher payouts.
Completing these four steps gives you a solid foundation for a quick sale, and that’s the secret to selling.
Your realtor will work with you to make additional recommendations based on the current market conditions. Overall, this proven method can fast-track you to a successful and timely sale.
Kerriann Jenkins
12 Days of Indoor Winter Activities
12 Days of Indoor Winter Activities
It’s that time of year again—school’s almost out, and parents are on the lookout for ways to keep their kids entertained indoors, especially here in Washington where the weather keeps us cooped up. Growing up in my house, this season meant a ton of indoor fun, all thanks to my mom. From December 1st through the 24th, my mom put together the most engaging Christmas crafts and activities that kept me and my four siblings entertained for hours. In that same spirit, here’s a list of 12 indoor winter activities to beat your winter boredom.
Build an Indoor Snowman with Everlasting Snow Dough
No need to wait for snow outside. With baking soda and white hair conditioner, you can create your own snowman. Head to the dollar store, grab a storage container, and add winter-themed items for a sensory bin that lasts all winter. The fun thing about this dough is it feels a little icy to the touch, lending more to realism of building a snowman. But, it’s not going to melt on you and you can keep it as long as it is kept clean. Bonus Tip: If you’re not into DIY, you can always purchase a pre-made bucket of Floof instead.
Make a Cardboard Gingerbread House Garland
Use spare cardboard to cut out simple house shapes and add fine icing-like details with white puffy paint, or paint pens. Glue them to twine, and you’ve got a homemade gingerbread garland.
Graham Cracker Gingerbread House
Making a gingerbread house during the holiday season is a crowd-pleaser, with so many options on how to complete this project, you can’t go wrong. But because I was one of five kids, I tried to think of a budget friendly option; and I think this Graham Cracker Gingerbread House fits that bill. Depending on the ages of the kids you’re crafting with, you may want to consider putting this one together beforehand, and just letting them decorate the house itself.
Melted Holiday Crayons
I feel like every household with a child ends up with that inevitable bag of partially used crayon bits. This year, don’t toss out those crayon nubs. Instead, gather them up and melt them down using a silicone winter-themed mold to create magical rainbow crayons. Leave space for a hole and turn them into ornaments or classroom gifts. This is a quick, simple, and budget friendly craft that provides more fun after completing. After all, who wouldn’t want to draw with a magical color changing crayon.
Indoor Snowball Fight
Bring the snowball fight inside with indoor snowballs. They can be easily made with limited tools using things like a pom-pom maker or cardboard, yarn, and scissors. Here are links to a few helpful tutorials:
Cardboard Method Pom-Pom Tutorial
Build a Marshmallow Igloo
Use marshmallows and frosting to create an igloo. You can use a cup/bowl/toilet paper roll/plate as a base surface or connect marshmallows directly to one another. Let the kids enjoy nibbling on a few while they craft. Here’s a link to a video tutorial.
Upcycled Waterless Snow Globe
Instead of discarding used jars, clean them out and turn them into upcycled waterless snow globes. Get creative with salt for snow, pom-poms, and fishing line for a falling snow effect. You can use all kinds of found objects to fill your Snow Globe. So get innovative! Here are a few links to tutorials I found inspirational:
15 DIY Snow Globes That Are Completely Charming (and Totally Doable!)
DIY Pinecone Ornaments
This is a fun one that can involve an outdoor scavenger hunt to collect some supplies for it. I recommend that if you are planning to gather pinecones outdoors that you only take a small amount and leave plenty behind to fulfil its role in nature; or plan to gather a small amount from a few different areas.
Traditional Paper Snowflakes
Grab paper or coffee filters for a classic night of snowflake making.
3D Paper Doily Snowflakes
Purchase paper doilies, a glue stick, and string to create intricate hanging snowflakes without scissors. Here is a link to a tutorial!
DIY Cardboard Christmas Trees
Cut simple tree shapes from cardboard and assemble them for a simple and cost-effective Christmas craft. Afterwards, decorate as you see fit! Here’s a link to a Cardboard Christmas Tree tutorial.
Christmas Cookies
We always ended our Christmas crafting extravaganza with baking and decorating Sugar Cookies for Santa. So, that’s how I’m going to end this blog. Here is a link to Taste of Home’s “Our Best Sugar Cookie Recipes.”
As we wrap up these 12 Days of Indoor Winter Activities, I hope these creative and budget-friendly ideas bring warmth and joy to your home during the chilly Washington winter.
Just like my mom did for our family, make this season a magical time filled with laughter and indoor adventures. Whether you’re building snowmen with Everlasting Snow Dough or creating upcycled waterless snow globes, these activities are sure to keep your kids entertained and create cherished memories. So, gather your supplies, embrace the festive spirit, and let the winter wonder unfold within the cozy walls of your home. Happy crafting and happy holidays!
Kerriann Jenkins
Winter Emergency Car Kit
Winter Emergency Car Kit
So winter weather is here, and whether we like it or not, we’ve got to tackle it head-on. Maybe you’ve already winterized your house using our Seasonal Maintenance Checklist, but there are other aspects of life that need some attention in the cold too. I get it, no one really wants to brave the freezing weather, but with work and holiday plans, hitting the road is inevitable. That’s why it’s a smart move to put together a winter emergency car kit. Trust me, it can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stuck in the cold.
So, here’s a list of items that I think you should consider putting in your winter emergency car kit and why I think they could be crucial in an emergency situation:
First Aid Kit
This one is kind of a given, but make sure you have a first aid kit stored in your car. Injuries and medical emergencies can happen anytime, so a well-stocked first aid kit is your go-to for immediate assistance. My tip? Personalize it with your essentials. Winter can worsen health issues, so having necessary medications is a must. Remember to bring items like an inhaler or an Epipen if you use them.
Hat & Gloves/Warming Gear
Cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, so warm clothing is a must as it helps maintain body heat. Cold extremities can mess with your hands’ agility, making it tough to handle things. If you find yourself in a situation where you are dependent upon having accurate hand dexterity to perform tasks like changing a tire or digging yourself out of a snowbank, you’ll want to have your body warm enough to function.
Blankets
Breakdown or stranded? Blankets provide insulation and ward off hypothermia. I would recommend saving up until you can afford a below zero degree mummy sleeping bag to keep packed in your trunk. Make sure if you do buy one of these it packs away well enough to fit a small storage space. But for a start, keeping a wool blanket will do. Wool is water resistant and a warm alternative option.
Non-perishable Foods
Stash some energy-packed snacks for when you’re stranded. Trust me on this one, I have unfortunately been in a situation where I was stranded for hours, with a little one in tow, with nothing to eat or drink and it wasn’t a fun time. Plus, eating also generates heat through digestion, helping to keep you warm. So keep your tummy happy and pack non-perishables like trail mix just in case you get caught out in the cold.
Updated Car Insurance and Information
Crucial for roadside assistance. It makes communicating with emergency responders and towing services much smoother.
Power Bank for Your Phone
A charged phone is essential for communication in emergencies. Cold temps and long calls can drain your phone, so a power bank is a must. Plus if you’re running your heat, or worse, if your battery goes out altogether, having an external power bank for your phone will put you in the best position to get help quickly.
Self-Starting Jumper Cables
Don’t rely on others. Be independent in jump-starting your vehicle. You never know when help may arrive when the winter roads are treacherous. Also, as an added bonus, many of these types of Jump Starters are multifunctional; meaning, you can tick off multiple items from your winter emergency car kit with one item. I’ve seen ones that house charging ports, air compressors, a flashlight and so on. This is an investment item that you may have to save up for, so if it’s outside of your means this winter, at minimum pack your jumper cables!
Tire Chains, Tire Sealant, Portable Tire Air Compressor
Winter roads can be icy; tire chains provide traction. Sealant and compressor fix punctures and maintain tire pressure.
Emergency LED Flare
Long gone are the days of worrying that rain or snowfall or time will douse your emergency light marker. Emergency LED Flares are here to stay. They are durable, waterproof, reusable and will boost the distance of visible light it shines, helping responders to find you. A must for rescue teams and tow operators to locate you.
Flashlight or LED Lantern
It’s amazing how bright an LED flashlight can be. I unsuspectingly bought one not knowing its true power and was shocked when I turned it on for the first time, while camping at Zion National Park, to watch my entire campsite light up, as well the ones neighboring us. A flashlight will help you inspect your vehicle or find your way in low light. It can also be used to help guide rescuers to you if your flare is not operational. Keep backup batteries or an external power bank if it’s rechargeable, as cold drains them quickly.
Foldable Shovel
Dig out snow around your tires or create a pathway if your car is stuck. With that added convenience of being able to store it in tight spaces.
Tow Rope
Essential if your vehicle gets stuck. A tow rope can be a lifesaver.
Bag of Sand/Cat Litter/Tire Traction Mats
Improve traction on icy surfaces. Bonus tip- you can use your vehicles car mats if you don’t have purpose-built traction mats.
Full Tank of Gas
Keep the engine running for warmth if stranded. The added weight helps with wheel traction in the snow.
Water/Electrolyte Drinks
Stay hydrated. Electrolyte drinks replenish essential nutrients and water is a basic human necessity. Ideally, you should store a few of these in your car. But, the cold weather may be enough to freeze them, making them less useful. That’s why I recommend you grab some when filling your gas tank.
Candles, Fireproof Jar, Lighter, and Fireproof Surface
In extreme cold, create a controlled heat source inside the vehicle for warmth while waiting for assistance. For this you’ll need a tealight a can or terracotta pot, something to prop it up upon and a non-flammable surface to put underneath it. Hopefully you won’t find yourself in an overnight situation where you would need something like this. But if you do, at least you’ll be prepared for it.
Putting together this winter survival kit ensures you’re prepared for challenges, big or small.
As we navigate winter, extending our preparations beyond home maintenance is crucial. A winter emergency car kit is a practical move that could make a significant difference. From health essentials to tools for vehicle issues, each item ensures your safety in cold weather. So, before you hit the road this winter, take a second to assemble your kit. Stay safe, stay warm, and happy travels!
Kerriann Jenkins
Overcoming Real Estate Fears in a Volatile Market
Overcoming Real Estate Fears in a Volatile Market
Let’s Face It. The Real Estate Market can be intimidating.
With fluctuating interest rates and market volatility, it’s not uncommon for potential buyers and sellers to feel a bit apprehensive about making a move right now. It’s like playing a game where the rules can change at any moment. But what if I told you that there’s a way to navigate this game successfully and conquer your Real Estate fears?
Firstly, let’s acknowledge the real estate fears.
The fear of the unknown is one of the most common reasons people hesitate when it comes to buying or selling real estate. The constant shift in interest rates and unpredictable market trends can indeed be scary. However, understanding these fears and knowing how to manage them is the first step towards success.
The question then becomes – what exactly is scaring YOU away from buying or selling?
Is it the fear of making a wrong decision, or perhaps the fear of losing money? Or maybe it’s the fear of not being able to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the real estate market? Or losing your 3% mortgage rate? Whatever your fear may be, acknowledging it is the first step towards overcoming it.
Once we’ve identified the real estate fears, the next step is to combat it with knowledge and expertise.
This is where Windermere Mill Creek comes in. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the real estate market, especially in Snohomish County, we can provide the guidance and advice you need to ease your mind.
Here’s the truth.
The real estate market, like any other market, will always have its ups and downs. Interest rates will fluctuate, and market trends will change. But with the right guidance, knowledge, and a bit of courage, you can navigate any market successfully.
What sets us apart from the rest.
Continued Education. Yep, it’s that simple. We stay plugged in here at Windermere Mill Creek. Our education program is ongoing because the pursuit of knowledge is a limitless journey. As a result, we offer comprehensive weekly training programs, two monthly office meetings which often feature guest speakers in the field, and many other opportunities for our Agents to intermingle with the goal of learning to best service our clientele. That way, when the market shifts, we keep moving right along with it.
Ready to Play the Real Estate Game?
If you’re ready to take the plunge and dive into the real estate market in Washington State, we’re here to help. We’ll provide you with the tools, resources, and expertise you need to navigate this complex landscape. So, are you ready to play the real estate game? Because we’re ready to help you win!
Contact Us Today
425-481-6666
millcreek@windermere.com
Kerriann Jenkins
Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event
2023 marked the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show charity event, which took place on July 29th.
I’ve been a part of this event since its very beginning, volunteering at the original Cruise-In Car Show. It’s truly impressive to see how the combined efforts of our team and the local community have turned this year’s event into a HUGE success!
Reflecting on the First Car Show
Back when we organized the first Cruise-In Car Show, things didn’t quite turn out as we had planned. With just 13 registered participants, the event didn’t have the impact we hoped for. Nonetheless, the experience was enjoyable. The modest turnout encouraged us to give it another shot, aiming to make improvements for the following year.
The Growth of Our Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show
Thankfully, our perseverance paid off. This time around, we garnered a total of 74 registered participants, with a few unregistered cruise-ins deciding to leave before the event concluded. We also witnessed a notable increase in spectator attendance. I was particularly thrilled to see some familiar faces from the previous year’s turnout returning to show their support for our second car show. To add to the excitement, Las Garnachas made a comeback, treating everyone to their delicious food. What’s even more gratifying is that our fundraising efforts saw a significant boost!
Las Garnachas served up some seriously delicious cooked to order food!
A Community Effort at the Heart of Our Success
None of our achievements would have been possible without the incredible support we received from our community. It’s truly heartwarming to express our sincere gratitude for your participation in the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event. With your backing, we managed to raise $3280. 100% of the proceeds will go to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County, the Boys and Girls Club, The Mill Creek Food Bank, and The Windermere Foundation.
Anticipating a Bright Future Together
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the prospects of sharing more memorable moments with our community. We’re already looking forward to the summer of 2024, when we’ll host our 3rd Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event. Your continuous support means the world to us, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of our journey! We hope to see you all again next year!
With sincere appreciation,
Windermere Mill Creek
Looking for pictures from the event? Head here: for PIN UP GIRL PORTRAITS and CAR PORTRAITS
Kerriann Jenkins
Community Service Day
Community Service Day 2023
Once a year, amidst the hustle and bustle of real estate transactions and property listings, the dedicated agents, and staff here at Windermere Mill Creek make a detour from our regular routine and head out to serve a cause on Community Service Day. This year our spirited office got hands-on and partnered with the Mill Creek Y to help revitalize their Community Garden.
Managing Broker Diana Hill captured this photo before the work began!
Now, you might be wondering, what the Mill Creek Y Community Garden?
I must confess. I had not heard of the garden before our Community Service Day event. Luckily, I had a great point of contact to provide clarity on the whole thing. According to Dana Hendricks, former Director of Enrichment Programs – Development and Inclusion of the YMCA of Snohomish County, current Y Board Member, AND a Realtor in our office:
“The garden was created to bring the community together, to learn how to garden and to share fresh produce with the food bank. Over the years I was able to create programming for summer camps and seasonal family classes. We grew the garden from 8 beds and a handful of volunteers to over 20 beds; later adding a green house and composting area. We had it separated into two areas. One side was known as the children’s/family garden and the other side was more community based.”
The “Before”
How Did It Start?
Dana went on to say that the idea was planted into her mind through a conversation with a community member about a neighborhood pea patch. Recognizing the untapped potential of the Y’s unused outdoor space, Y members got to work and repurposed the area into two gardens. The gardens have had several transformations since their inception. In the past, the children’s garden provided an enrichment area that housed bunnies! I can only imagine the joy that created for the kids at the Y.
Brett Bunn happily manning the wheelbarrow!
Who does it benefit?
In Hendrick’s own words: “Prior to covid it was a hub of action that served children and adults. We taught community members how to build tower gardens for those that had small spaces. We had garden volunteer dinners inside the garden, and many friendships were made and have continued for nearly a decade. Now, we have a new set of volunteers that are growing fresh produce for the food bank as well as growing some for themselves. It’s wonderful to be part of something that helps so many people.”
Preston Kallshian, Brian O’Donnell, and George Montemor building up the sidewalls of the raised garden beds.
How can somebody volunteer or donate to the cause?
“Right now, the work has been done for this year. The best time to volunteer would be at the end of the season or early in April when the work begins again.”
The “After”
What happened on the day of Community Service Day!
Now, let’s talk about the grand event that was Community Service Day. Mother Nature decided to rain on our parade. Quite literally, but that didn’t dampen our spirits one bit. We had a group of enthusiastic staff and agents come together, armed with smiles and determination, to tackle this project head-on. We battled weeds, laid down underlayment, hauled and spread bark, and gave some much-needed TLC to a few broken-down raised garden beds. Afterwards, the garden looked sparkling new! It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of lending a helping hand. We’re proud to continue this tradition of giving back to the communities where our Windermere team lives, works, and plays!
Although community service day has come to an end, we will continue to give.
But wait, there’s more! Our office isn’t done yet. We’re committed to supporting our community throughout the year with similar initiatives. Next up on our agenda is the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event! The proceeds from this exciting extravaganza will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County, Boys and Girls Club, the Mill Creek Food Bank, and the Windermere Foundation. So, stay tuned, because there’s always something amazing on the horizon! That’s a wrap on the tale of Community Service Day 2023. In the words of my mother, many hands make light work, and together, we can make a real difference in our community. Until next time, keep spreading those good vibes!
Thank you to everyone who came (not all pictured here)
On behalf of the office, THANK YOU to the agents and staff who showed up and made the work fun, fast, and impactful!
Ivona Andreeva | Brett Bunn | Bernard Franklin | Shellie Fredrich | Jessica Griffin | Georgia Hart | Chris & Diana Hill| Scott Hill| Teresa Hollenbeck | Kerriann Jenkins | Preston Kallshian | Adriana Madison | Diane Miller | George Montemor | Darren & Gwen Munson | Brian O’Donnell | Crystal Poncia | Chasity Rodriguez | Roxanne Santiago | Nicole Tatom | Lynette Thomas | Janet Young | Shari Landrie |
Kerriann Jenkins
Washington State Daffodil Guide
A Washington State Daffodil Guide
Washington State has a reputation for wielding moody gray skies. Given that, you may find it odd to learn that Washington is the largest supplier of daffodil bulbs and daffodil flowers in the United States. Such a sunny dispositioned flower may seem out of place here, but they thrive in Washington. Below you will find a Washington State Daffodil Guide discussing where to see them and how to grow them.
When Daffodils Begin To Bloom
Daffodils typically bloom from late winter to early spring and can last for a few weeks. If you are looking to see daffodils this bloom season, you are in luck! There are plenty of great places to find them. One of the best spots is in Skagit Valley.
Daffodils in Skagit Valley
Although Skagit Valley is known for their Tulips, they also grow around 1,000 acres of daffodil fields. These bright fields start shining while the weather is still cool in the early spring. The fields are private, which most likely explains why the daffodils don’t attract the same crowds the Tulips do.
Screenshot taken on 2/22/24 click the image to head over to the most up-to-date version of the map
While you can’t traipse through the fields, you can view the daffodils from the roadside. Conveniently, RoozenGaarde has an interactive bloom map you can view to see where the flowers have blossomed before embarking on your road trip.
La Conner Daffodil Festival
If you are looking for a more immersive way to see daffodils head over to the La Conner. The city holds an annual Daffodil Festival which includes a Daffodil Parade, a Daffodil Pet Parade, a Daffodil Photo Contest, and other daffodil themed delights. Check out their event page for more details.
91st Annual Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade
Another interactive daffodil experience can be found at the 91st Annual Daffodil Festival. This unique event is hosted by four cities. On April 6th, 2024 the parades will begin as follows: Tacoma 10:15 | Puyallup 12:45 | Sumner 2:30 | Orting 5:00. For more information visit the event page.
Grow Your Own Daffodils
Of course, there is another way to enjoy daffodils, grow your own! Planting daffodils is a great way to add a vibrant splash of color to your garden! The best time to plant daffodils is in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost, when ground temperatures are around 60-65 degrees. You’ll want to find a spot that gets plenty of sun. When planting, dig a hole a few inches wider and deeper than the bulb, with the pointed end facing up. In the right conditions a daffodil will rebloom annually. If you are looking for larger blooms, you may want to divide and replant your daffodils every three to four years, as this helps to increase the number of blooms each year. If you have a variety that is not a common one, I would recommend consulting with a local nursery or gardening expert for advice on how often to divide and replant them.
Daffodils Are The First Sign of Spring!
Daffodils are a beautiful signifier that spring is nearing. I grew up driving through the Skagit Valley area and I promise their sunlit hued faces are worth seeing, even from a respectful distance! If you are lucky, you may get to see Snow Geese taking flight over the flower fields during your visit! Have fun adding daffodils to your spring garden and activities!
-Kerriann Jenkins
Wandering Wolf Cellars
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #10
Our 10th stop of the evening took us to People’s Bank where we tried wines by Wandering Wolf Cellars. I will preface this review by stating that we were in a rush to complete our tastings before the evening ended. As a result, the tasting was brief. We didn’t sit with the wine as we had done with the previous nine reviews.
Wandering Wolf Cellars hosted by Peoples Bank
Despite our rushed efforts to use up our tokens this was the wine that I was most excited to try. Admittedly, because I am a sucker for a good name, a great wine label and wolves. Luckily, even in my brevity I enjoyed the wine I tried at this rolling stop.
Brief Background on Wandering Wolf Cellars
If you are a fan of a great backstory through creative writing I strongly encourage you to check out the Wandering Wolf Cellars “Our Story” page written by owner and winemaker Alex Wolf. To summarize, the story Wandering Wolf Cellars is a tale of traveling there and back again. Wolf embarked on a backpacking trip through Western Europe, learning he had a love for wine. After returning home to the PNW he completed a winemaking program and interned at several wineries. Eventually, he opened Wandering Wolf Cellars based out of Shoreline featuring grapes sourced from Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley.
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
I didn’t make note of the smell or coloring on this one. But I did venture to say that this was a smooth, savory, easy to drink cab. It was full, deep and herbal. I also noted that it was delicious, and I wished that I had more time to sit and enjoy it properly, but the rush was on.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on the 2019 Viognier
This stop was near the last tasting and decided on the 2019 Viognier. I have to say Viognier is not usually my favorite but I decided to give it a try. My first taste was a little bitter. It also provided a full body taste kind of a little heavy in the mouth, almost oily. I would say it’s very fruit forward but dry at the same time. Defiantly held up in the juiciness department as the tasting went on. This one was not my favorite but I have tried others from Wandering Wolf Cellars and have enjoyed them.
One More Stop To Go
If you’ve been following along, we only have one last wine tasting left to post! Keep checking in because I will be updating the links below when we post the final tasting.
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Color the Year Viva Magenta
Screenshot taken from PANTONE website
2023 Pantone Color of the Year Viva Magenta
I remember seeing articles in 2022 about how the world was slowly losing color. When I stopped and thought about it, I realized there was some truth to that. Even I find myself drawn to neutral tones lately. While corporate machines and influencers have muted the world monochromatic, Pantone decided to burst into 2023 with a loud bang! They announced that their Pantone Color of 2023 is Viva Magenta.
What is Viva Magenta?
According to the PANTONE website:
How to encorporate Viva Magenta in 2023
While Viva Magenta can be an intimidating color, there are a lot of fun and temporary ways to add the color into your space in 2023. Whether you choose to bring it into your home or wear it, I believe you will be able to make this color as subtle or as loud as you would like it to be.
Pick a Color Palette with Viva Magenta
A great way to incorporate this trend into your home is to pick a picture with a pop of magenta and build your color story from it. A great color combination to start out with is Windermere blue and Viva Magenta. However, if you were looking for a different color palette I recommend using Photoshop or Canva to build your palette. If you have access to photoshop, simply upload the photo and drag the eyedropper tool across the photo to find your desired color story. If you do not have access to photoshop, programs like Canva (which has a free access version) also will pick out colors from a photo automatically. Have fun playing with colorful combinations!
Go Bold with A Statement Wall
Another easy way to make a big statement in your home is to paint a focal wall with a hue of Viva Magenta.
Purchase Accent Items
I wouldn’t say that Viva Magenta is a color that easily translates into most people’s spaces. However, if you want to try out the trend you could easily pick out a few accent items like pillows, artwork, and dinnerware, that would be easy to change out.
Wear It!
If adding Viva Magenta into your home is too bold for you another way to try the trend out is to add it into your wardrobe. I personally would go this route, with a nice magenta lipstick or nail polish. But magenta would also look great on a tie! Even exchanging “I do’s” would be a fun time to feature the color.
Will You Ring in Your New Year with Bold Colors?
Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of pink tones. Ever since I came home from university to find that my sister had painted our room, HER room, essentially a shade of Viva Magenta, it has not been a color I gravitate toward. But I could see a time and place to try this trend out coming up in my near future. Will you be bold enough to give it a try?
Kerriann Jenkins
Naches Heights Vineyard Wine Tasting
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #9
Our ninth stop of the evening led us to Expedia CruiseShipCenters to taste wine by Naches Heights Vineyard. I remembered having their Crooked Red Blend at a prior wine walk and I enjoyed that. So naturally, I was looking forward to branching out and trying another wine by them.
Naches Heights Vineyard hosted by Expedia CruiseShipCenters
I was equally as excited to try another wine as I was excited to visit Expedia CruiseShipCenters. At a previous tasting event they had live music, food, and drinks. This time they extended the same hospitality. It was a nice spot to linger and grab a small bite to eat while watching their live performance with Aidan Rufer. Check him out, he is a Singer/Songwriter and guitarist from Seattle WA currently studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now that I’ve made note of the top-notch hospitality, let’s get into the wine!
Brief Background on Naches Heights Vineyard
Again, this was another Winery that I have previously written on so I will insert a brief history from that blog here:
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2019 Two Dancers (Syrah Blend):
I remember this wine being a bolder red blend. It smelled of red fruits and had an earthy component to it. It tasted of full-flavored fruit profiles, like blackberry and cherry. It was dry and yet acidic. While I found this wine to be fruit presenting, there were also undercurrents of spices present. Overall, it was a good wine.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on 2019 Can Can (White Blend):
The 2019 Can Can is a blend of Riesling, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, and Gewurztraminer. I really enjoyed the smell of this white wine blend, it was sweet and crisp in smell. I was super excited to taste it! My first taste was dry which I didn’t mind because it quickly turned as I was able to grab hints of pear, green apple, then later discovered apricot and peach. A surprising twist at the end as it had a slightly spicy bite mid-way but finishing with a citrus melon taste. It was yummy to the palate and I really enjoyed this one and would try it again!
Two More Stops To Go
If you’ve been following along, we only have two wine tastings left to post! Keep checking in because I will be updating the links below as we post them!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
