Animals on the wall

Although not a huge animal lover, I absolutely love anything related to animals around the house. Figurines, bookends, artwork that feature animals are all up my alley. I stumbled on this store last week which sells prints of animals. It is such a cute little store. 

Bear

Piglet

Donkey Ears

Giraffe

Buffalo

The prints are relatively simple in nature, typically just a profile of the animal imposed on a white background but command your eye to look at it. Perfect for a nursery, a country or mountain home, an animal lover or for anyone looking to bring a unique piece of art into their home.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Sitting around the table

Continuing with the dining room theme this week, I thought I would showcase a really cool idea I recently saw. 

 If your table is configured where bench with the table, use a headboard behind the bench. This is a great way to no one sits with there back against the hard wall. Also a plus, a headboard can easily be DIY'ed.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Family + Home

This week is all about family and the concept of home. For the first time since April 15 I am going back to New Hampshire to see family and friends! I am beyond excited! As I mentioned here, the dining room table encompasses the concept of family and togetherness.

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I love mixing old and new in a dining room because isn't that what family is all about?

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Color me... Yellow

The color yellow is known to elicit a sense of happiness and joy. It also stimulates mental activity so it's a SMART color!  Yellow is an attention grabber so a little yellow goes a long way in a home.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Statement Piece

I am such a sucker for animal figurines and gold and bookends. So of course this was love at first sight. These are a great item to jazz up an office or any bookshelf. 

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

A large canvas over the bed

The bed is often one the biggest focal points in a bedroom. There are numerous ways to draw the eye immediately to the bed upon entering the bedroom. A great way  to accomplish this is over sized paintings behind the bed. 

You can use the artwork to bring color and graphics into a room:

 

 

In a bedroom that does not incorporate a lot of color and uses clean lines I love an over sized black and white canvas:

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

The art of cooking

One of my favorite pastimes is cooking. When in corporate America I used to spend all day Sunday prepping my food for the week. Family and friends knew not to inference with my Sundays. I'd turn my music on and stand over the oven or cutting board. Chopping vegetables, making chilli, baking meat to freeze to eat that week. Cooking for me is very therapeutic but also another outlet to be creative with- toying with spices, creating recipes from scratch and planning out my meals for the week. With all this change in my life, I lost sight of my Sunday cooking ritual. It has only been recently that I have gotten back into cooking but my schedule can be so chaotic that I really try to keep things as simple as possible. Dinner that takes less than 20 minutes?! Yes please! I find myself eating a lot of salads and sandwiches for lunch or dinner and it works for the time being.

I always find myself adding a friend egg to just about any meal. What can I say I am French! I'll put a fried egg on salads, sandwiches, toast or even just alone. Another one of my favorite foods are avocados. An avocado goes in my morning smoothie, on salads, sandwiches or just whole. It was inevitable for my love for fried eggs and avocado to merge. When I stumbled upon this recipes for an egg and avocado pizza, I knew I would be hooked. And I am1 To make it easier I use Trader Joe's naan bread in the freezer aisle. It is frozen so all you have to do is put it in the over for about 5 minutes at 350 degrees. 

While that cooks, I simply mash up half an avocado, fry an egg (well, two in my case). Then I spread the avocado on the cooked naan and put the fried eggs on the naan and I am good to go! Sometimes I will throw on some mixed greens to make it a bit healthier and add an extra crunch. It's easy, fast and I get to do a bit of cooking

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352

Speaking of.....

Side tables. If re-purposing a trash can isn't your thing. How about a small ladder?

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Along with being a creative alternative to a side table, it can add a rustic feeling to a room or color (if you choose to paint it).

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Mint + Navy Bedroom

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

A great side table

Looking for a new side table? The answer may be already in your home- your trash can. A creative (and cheap) solution for a side table is spray painting a simple wire trash can. Perfect for next to a couch or bed and would work great in for a reading nook!

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

What to expect as a seller

The Denver real estate market is booming and it's a definite sellers market. As of July 2014 Denver only has 23.2% of the required inventory to have a balanced market. This means that houses on the market are going very quick. In July, detached homes under $400,000 went under contract on average in 18 days- the historical average is 89. This is a market that we have not seen in quite some time and it can take sellers by surprise. When I work with sellers I try to explain what they may experience could be very different that was occurred when they sold their last home. Sellers should be prepared for: 

• Multiple showings. The house I just listed had 82 showings in three weeks. Luckily the home was vacant so the sellers were not put out but there could be a number of people walking through your home.
• There may be multiple offers depending on how the home is priced.
• The market is moving quickly which means decisions needs to be made rather quickly.
• Depending on the price point- investors may take interest in your property.

In this market if your house is not getting many showings or has been on the market more than 2 weeks without an offer, you may want to discuss with your agent what the cause might be. As a listing agent, I always have a conversation with sellers about how quickly the house needs to sell when we are determining a price.  

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Office Space: Glamour Edition.

I finally got a desk at work and I can not even express the relief I feel about this. The fact that now my work can be separate from my home helps create boundaries between work and home life. Also, for some reason having a physical desk of my own helps my creativity and focus. As of late, I have been perusing the Internet for workspaces on ways to design my own little desk. 

For my office, I find myself gravitating towards clean lines, white furniture and of course gold fixtures. To me, the clean lines in the design of an office signify a sense de clutter and organization, which is something every office needs. My eye keeps falling on offices with a 'glamorous' or feminine feel. The fact that my current desk will be in the row with all men must be having an effect on my design decisions. 

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As I have been collecting these images, I realize they could have easily been inspiration for my office space at my old home (which I can't seem to find a picture of!) It seems like my style for office space has stayed fairly consistent. 

What kind of look and feel do you strive for in your own office space? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Latest Wallpaper Trend

Wallpaper is making an appearance again and its not the 1980's floral kind. It is a lot more exciting! The latest trend in wallpaper is: animals. Perfect for a nursery, a child's room or anywhere else in the home that you want to add a little fun. 

Would you do it in your home? I'd be tempted to just because it would be an unanticipated change from a floral or other graphic wallpaper. Also, it would be a clever way for a homeowner to show tribute to their favorite animal.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Design Juxtaposition

One of my favorite words is in the dictionary is juxtaposition. According to Dictionary.com juxtaposition is defined as "an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast". In design juxtapositions are created by pairing opposing styles, textures or colors. Design juxtapositions make your eyes stop and focus since the look is usually unexpected. 

A white modern living room coupled with a rustic coffee table.

A sturdy campaign dresser painted a feminine fuchsia next to a fierce animal print chair.

A dark, warm worn brown leather couch in a cool, crisp, white living room.

Dark walls with warm wood.

There are juxtapositions in interior design everywhere. Do you find yourself mixing things that normally don't go together in your home? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

West Elm's take on the card catalogue

West Elm always KILLS it with great furniture. Their furniture is a great creates a strong balance of unique and versatile. Their Librarian Dining Storage is no exception:

The reclaimed pine drawers coupled with hairpin legs is a creative take on the beloved card catalogue. The hairpin legs are a rather unexpected look on the solid, bulky card catalogue found in the Library. As our nation becomes more electronic and the focus more on reading books on our Kindles or Ipads rather than checking out a book at the local Library, it is comforting to these old pieces popping up in the home. Come to find out a card catalogue is a great way to store odds and ends and looks a lot better than a 'junk drawer'. 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Color me Orange

Orange is one of my favorite colors to decorate with. When asked as a kid what color I wanted my new bedroom to be painted, I chose peach. I have no idea where I got that color idea but since that day the color orange evokes a sense of happiness in me. Orange can be a bold, strong color but I think it can be used very well as an accent color around the home. You can bring orange in through an accent well, upholstery, wall decor, throw blankets etc. The great thing about orange is it pairs nicely with just about any color- teal, red, navy, white, brown black, yellow and pink.

What is your take on orange in the home? Love it or hate it? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

What I have learned from moving 2,000+ miles

Three months ago I decided to uproot my life from Merrimack NH to Denver Colorado. I left an eight year career in finance to pursue a passion of mine- real estate. I had a number of reasons to be in Denver; my two sisters, the exceptional real estate market and the SUN. To the people that know me, this huge decision was out of character for me. I typically pursue stability rather than risks especially in my personal life. Through the last three months, I have learned a number of things.

1. It is scary. Even as an adult, you will feel insecure at times.
2. Don't forget where you came from. Ever. Call your old friends and take time to keep up with their life. I am here because of all of their love and support. 
3. With a big change, vices will appear. Whatever the vice may be, try to roll with it and be gentle on yourself. 
4. There are some people you need to leave in your past. They may not be bad people but sometimes you just need to move without some people.
5. If you want something- GO FOR IT. Determine what you want and do not be afraid to ask for it. 
6. The term 'home' is relative. Sometimes its more like a moving target when you uproot your life. Remember things will come together eventually. 
7. Personal possessions are just things and can be replaced. I had a very hard time selling all my furniture and leaving my home but I can honestly say I have not given the possessions much thought at all. My life is no different without those things.
8. Be gentle on yourself. Everything has changed and its going to take some time for it all to come together. Enjoy the ride. 
9. Be real. It is so much easier being yourself than someone else. Do not fight your quirkiness, weaknesses, strengths, and uniquely 'you' traits.
10. Trust yourself. You have made it this far, you will succeed. Do not second guess your decisions. 
11. Know your new demographics. Overall, the Northeast is known as high strung, cold, fast-paced, direct and type A personalities. Denver is not. Comparatively, people are very laid back and enjoy life. Follow suit, its probably the best thing for you. 
12. Let go. Stop trying to control it or worry about it.
13. Maintain a healthy balance between long term and short term goals. You will not move mountain immediately but have no doubt it will happen. Some days your short term goal will be to make it through the day, which is fine. Do not forget why you set out to do this though and keep moving towards longer term goals. 
14. Give back. Give back Give back. The fact that you had the opportunity to do this is a blessing, don't lose sight of that. 
15. The best way to get a lay off the land? Turn your GPS off and just drive. It's a grid (sort of) you will probably find your way home, if not send out an SOS. 
16. Build a team. People that are better than you at things, learn from them, trust them, open up to them. Keep everyone else's opinion at the wayside. 
17. Take breaks. Not only when you have worn yourself so thin that you need to take a break. Take a break to just take a break. 
18. Boundaries? You need those. Set them up as soon as possible. Create boundaries for life and work. Determine what are you willing to do and where do you draw the line. Communicate this because the people in your life do not know you all that well yet.
19. Listen. It is the best and easiest way to connect with another person. 
20. Get out of your comfort zone every single day. It's uncomfortable and anxiety provoking but eventually it will get easier. Once it gets better- don't stop, keep pushing to another level.

It took 30 years to do something this scary and it was definitely a game changer in my life. Relocating to a different part of the world pushes you to a level which you sometimes can't reach staying in the same spot. It can completely change your perception on the world and life. Although it can sometimes be a hard decision or not even your own decision, I highly recommend doing it once in your life. Now, where should I move to next?! 

Kidding! 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.