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Binge-Worthy Books vs. Mini-Series
Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business.
When our favorite books get picked up for a movie or TV series, we have a chance to see characters come to life and watch their stories unfold on the screen. Check out this month’s Literary Listings, a collection of stories that have recently been adapted into binge-worthy mini-series!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Marketing Remarks:
Lovely starter home that is as bright and sunny as the Southern California weather! A scientist’s dream home, this two-bedroom charmer features a completely remodeled kitchen with top-of-the-line Bunsen burners and plenty of beaker storage. Located in the Sugar Hill neighborhood, it is convenient to both the Hastings Research Institute and the riverfront for those interested in the deceptively challenging sport of rowing. Come make Commons, CA home!
Agent Remarks: Mix together a dash of romance, a good helping of mother-daughter bonding and a healthy appetite for knowledge and you have Lessons in Chemistry. A brilliant yet unrecognized chemist, Elizabeth Zott is struggling against the patriarchal standards of America in the 1950s and 60s not just in her work as a scientist, but also in her role as an unwed mother after the death of her partner and colleague, Calvin. The hurdles Elizabeth faces are not so different from the standards that women continue to fight against to this day, making Lessons in Chemistry not just a well-written book of fiction to easily enjoy, but a moving commentary on society, feminism and the power of knowledge that will stand the test of time.
Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Apple TV+.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins- Reid
Marketing Remarks: Own a piece of rock and roll history! Situated in the hills of Topanga Canyon, this mid-century bungalow is where legendary band, The Six, wrote their debut album before rising to international fame in the 1970s. With three bedrooms plus loft and a converted garage/flex space, this home is perfect for hosting raucous house parties. For those looking to chill out, relax while taking in panoramic views of the canyon and breathe in the scent of fresh rosemary wafting on the Santa Ana winds. This bohemian retreat is worthy of a ballad.
Agents Remarks: Following the rise and fall of a fictional band in the 1970s, Daisy Jones & The Six transports readers smack dab into the infamous Laurel Canyon music scene. With its raw, unfiltered character accounts, DJ&TS delves into the emotional, physical, and mental tolls found on the path to fame inspired by the turbulent relationships and whirlwind success of Fleetwood Mac. Taylor Jenkins-Reid encapsulates a unique period in music history and the timeless struggle of people just trying to make sense of the world around them.
Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Amazon Prime.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anothony Doerr
Marketing Remarks: Escape to the seaside village of Saint-Malo. Just blocks from the city wall, this six-level townhome offers plenty of rooms to entertain guests and long-lost relatives on the run. Described by locals as a “bird’s nest of a house”, you can experience an eagle-eye view from the top floor, which can be converted into additional sleeping area, office or radio broadcast center. Conveniently located near local amenities, from boulangeries to the beach – your next chapter begins in Saint-Malo!
Agent Remarks: Set in France near the end of World War 2, All the Light We Cannot See is a riveting tale told from the perspectives of two people who find themselves on opposing sides of a global conflict. Marie-Laure is a French woman who lost her sight at a young age, raised by a single father in Paris before fleeing the Nazi occupation. Werner, a German orphan, is forced into service for the Nazi regime due to his unparalleled skill with radios. As war rages around them, Werner finds comfort in the broadcasts voiced by a mysterious woman as Marie-Laure desperately puts out hidden signals via radio to find her missing father. This story is beautifully crafted and poignant in its representation of two people caught in a battle beyond their control.
Directions: Read the full synopsis here! You can catch the mini-series on Netflix.
What should we read next? We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you – tag us on social media with your favorite stories!
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
Local Market Update – February 2024
Like some plants and trees, the local real estate market is starting to bloom. Last month, median residential sold prices increased in each of the four geographic areas covered below. That’s welcome news for intending home sellers, who are also benefitting from continued low inventory region-wide. At the same time, local buyers are seeing stabilizing interest rates (currently in the mid-6-percent range) while confronting hefty competition for available properties. With residential supply shrinking last month, compelling offers continue to be the key to buyers securing a home.
In King County last month, single-family home prices rose by 9% year over year, to $849,850. Condo prices gained momentum as well, rising to $495,000 last month, up 10% from $450,000 a year ago. With limited new listings coming on the market in January, the inventory of available King County single-family homes dropped to 1.0 months of supply, down from 1.3 months at the end of December 2023.
Seattle also saw an increase in home prices last month, with an 8% year-over-year jump to $869,000, up from $803,750 in January 2023. The supply of homes in Seattle dropped from 1.7 months to 1.0 months, spurring buyer competition. Seattle condo prices also rose year over year, from $487,500 in January 2023 to $537,500 last month, while supply dipped to 2.1 months of inventory, having started the year at 2.5 months.
On the Eastside, the median sold price for a single-family home was $1,465,000 in January, up 11% from $1,320,000 the year prior. The supply of Eastside homes dropped from 1.2 months of inventory at the beginning of January to just 0.9 months by February 1, and more than half of the area’s available homes sold in under 30 days. Condo prices also rose last month, though at a slower rate. The median sold price for an Eastside condo increased 5% to $570,000, up from $543,000 in January 2023.
Snohomish County home prices rebounded last month, perhaps feeling the effects of a continued drop in inventory. The median residential sold price increased by 4% year over year, up from $699,000 in January 2023 to $729,990 last month. By the end of January, the supply of Snohomish County single-family homes stood at just 0.6 months of inventory. Perhaps reflecting these supply constraints, the median sold price for a Snohomish County condo jumped by 13% last month compared to January 2023.
While real estate market activity has remained slow in accordance with seasonal buying patterns and low inventory, residential prices have been on the rise. The regional condo market, despite its comparatively greater supply (as measured in months of inventory), has seen its share of recent price gains as well.
In the face of a rapidly evolving market, it’s more important than ever to connect with your Windermere broker. They can provide insight into the changing dynamics of regional submarkets, offer nuanced expertise and move quickly when the time is right for you to attain your real estate goals.
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
Agency Update – Buyer Brokerage Service Agreements
Effective January 1, 2024, the statute in Washington that governs real estate brokerage relationships (RCW 18.86) – otherwise known as the “Agency Law” – was significantly revised. The revisions modernize the 25-year-old law, provide additional transparency and consumer protections, and acknowledge the importance of buyer representation.
Key Revisions
For years, real estate brokerage firms were only required to enter into written agreements with sellers, not buyers. The Agency Law now requires firms to enter into a written “brokerage services agreement” with any party the firm represents, both sellers and buyers. This change is to ensure that buyers (in addition to sellers) clearly understand the terms of the firm’s representation and compensation. The services agreement with buyers must include:
❱ The term of the agreement (with a default term of 60 days and an option for a longer term);
❱ The name of the broker appointed to be the buyer’s agent;
❱ Whether the agency relationship is exclusive or non-exclusive;
❱ Whether the buyer consents to the individual broker representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (referred to as “limited dual agency”);
❱ Whether the buyer consents to the broker’s designated broker/ managing broker’s limited dual agency;
❱ The amount the firm will be compensated and who will pay the compensation; and
❱ Any other agreements between the parties.
Additional Information
In addition to the revisions above, there are several other amendments to the agency law regarding buyer clients that brokers must be aware of & adhere to – below are further materials that should be reviewed and may be provided to clients if they so choose.
Revised NWMLS Pamphlet
The NWMLS has provided a pamphlet entitled “Real Estate Brokerage in Washington” that provides an overview of the revised Agency Law. This document has replaced the previous “Law of Real Estate” flyer.
Click here to access a digital copy, or scan the QR code to the right.
Revised Agency Law
The Substitute Senate Bill 5191 sets forth the revised Agency Law in its entirety.
Click here to access a digital copy, or scan the QR code to the right.
Client Marketing
To make these revisions digestible and easily accessible, Windermere has put together a marketing sheet for homebuyers with all of the information above in an attractive, comprehensive flyer.
It is vitally important that buyer clients understand their rights & the requirements of their brokers to help create a transparent & communicative transaction – this flyer makes transmitting that information much simpler.
To access a downloadable copy of this flyer, please click here or on the image above.
With the arrival of the new year has come some significant changes (for the better) that will protect brokers & their clients from miscommunication and foster an environment that enables clear communication.
As with anything, if you as a homeowner have any questions, don’t hesitate to consult with your Windermere agent. If you don’t already have an agent, please reach out to Windermere Bellevue Commons and we’d be thrilled to introduce you to some of the most knowledgeable brokers in the industry.
Written by Jessica Adams
Local Market Update – January 2024
Despite moments of snow in Western Washington, the local real estate market is slowly warming, as new opportunities arise for both home buyers and sellers. Lower mortgage rates are welcome news for buyers, and low inventory means sellers are starting the year with minimal competition.
King County continues to see residential price gains, with last month’s median sold price of $849,950 up from $825,000 a year ago. Condo prices also rose, up 15% from $465,000 in December 2022 to $537,000 last month. King County is also experiencing a reduced supply of available single-family homes. At the end of last month, inventory stood at 1.3 months, down from 1.6 months at the end of November and 2.0 months a year prior.
In a slightly different dynamic, Seattle experienced a decrease in both inventory and home prices last month. The median residential sold price was down from $879,975 in December 2022 to $850,000 last month. And December ended with 1.7 months of inventory, down from 1.9 months the previous month. While 16% of homes sold above list price in December, that was significantly lower than November, when 29% sold above asking. Seattle condo prices rose year-over-year, from $512,500 in December 2022 to $585,000 last month, with supply dropping 22 percent.
Following a modest decline in November, the Eastside rallied with an 11% bump in the median residential sold price, up from $1,400,000 last year to $1,440,000 last month. Further proof of a warming Eastside market: residential inventory is less than half of what it was last year, down from 2.5 months at the end of 2022 to just 1.2 months at the end of 2023. Mirroring the residential market, Eastside condominiums experienced a healthy 12% price increase last month, up from a median of $565,000 a year ago to $630,000.
Snohomish County was an interesting tangle of contradicting sales data. Median residential sold prices saw a slight year-over-year decrease last month, down from $700,000 to $684,995. This price decrease occurred despite a dramatic drop in inventory. The supply of Snohomish County single-family homes stood at just 0.8 months at the end of December, down from 1.8 months the year prior. Of the four areas reported in this market update, Snohomish County saw the lowest percentage of sold homes that had experienced a price reduction, at 41%, perhaps a reflection of the drastically reduced supply. Another possible outcome of the limited supply of single-family homes: the median sold price for Snohomish County condos jumped 11% year over year, from $469,950 in December 2022 to $523,500 last month.
As we move further into the new year, buyers remain hopeful that interest rates will continue to drop. The inventory of homes on the market has declined from a year ago in most markets, prompting price gains during what’s normally a slower time of year. Overall, the regional condo market has seen sustained activity, with unit sales experiencing only a modest decrease in the face of lower inventory and higher prices.
With regional submarkets exhibiting varying dynamics, it’s more important than ever for buyers and sellers to have a knowledgeable expert at their side. So connect with your Windermere broker to co-create a strategy that’s best for your buying or selling journey.
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
Keep Up With Your Resolutions at Home!
New Years Resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, but not impossible! While we can’t help you get to the gym every day or cut back your screen time, we can help you find ways to tackle that to-do list you’ve been avoiding around your home.
Resolution #1 – Create a Clean Routine
Kick off 2024 with a clean start! Creating a routine that fits your schedule will go a long way in helping you stick to your resolutions, even for cleaning your house! For some, this looks like choosing a day each week to get all the cleaning done at once. For others, breaking up the tasks over the course of a few days helps them stay on top of the clutter.
Starting off with a deep clean right after the holidays is also a great way to give yourself a mental reset as we settle into a new year. Tackle those spots that you have been avoiding for so long and give them the attention they deserve, like stove hoods and baseboards. While you’re at it, help improve the air quality in your home by dusting hard to reach places and replacing furnace filters to keep you breathing easy all winter long.
Resolution #2 – Save Energy
Trying to keep the house warm and cozy all winter can get expensive, but there are a few simple hacks that can help save you money on your energy bill in 2024.
- Cover small gaps in windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk.
- Convert to LED lightbulbs (they use approx. 85% less energy than traditional bulbs!)
- Beware of phantom power – unplug chargers, small appliances like toasters and power strips when not in use.
- Do less laundry loads and wash in cold water when you can.
- Close the damper on the fireplace to keep the heat in, just don’t forget to open it next time you cozy up by the fire!
Resolution #3 – Try DIY
If you’ve got “Try something new” on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you can start right now in the comfort of your own home. DIY projects are a great way to breathe new life into pieces you already own, take care of pesky repairs, and invigorate rooms with a fresh look. When the weather outside gets frightful, working on a new project is a great way to pass the weekend and update your space without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ideas that you can accomplish easily over the course of a weekend.
- Recaulk your bathtub
- Organize your closet
- Paint or wallpaper a room
- Update kitchen hardware
There is no universal hack for keeping to your New Year’s resolutions, but by starting small and sticking to a plan, you can set yourself up for success in 2024 at home and in life. What are your goals for the new year? We would love to hear them! Share your resolutions by tagging us on social media.
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
Local Market Update – December 2023
As we march steadily into the cooler winter months, the expected seasonal slowdown is upon us. Interest rate increases have continued to influence a quieter-than-usual fall market. Higher mortgage rates reduce buying power, as well as the momentum of move-up buyers and sellers.
Fewer sellers mean lower inventory and a reduction in closed sales. Indeed, the supply of listed homes in our region has continued to decline. As compared to the same month last year, October experienced a 30% decrease in active King County property listings. If trends hold true to the past three years, the start of winter will bring rising home prices locally.
It is expected that median sold prices will rise between December and April, unless rates increase significantly. In King County, the median price for single-family homes dropped 2% from $903,000 in October 2022 to $882,997 last month. This was a slight bump up from September, and a 14% increase year-over-year.
Just like December temperature variations, our local real estate market continues to feel up and down. Interest rates, regional economic conditions and seasonal market shifts have meant rising home prices in some areas and drops in others. While the expected winter slowdown means overall lower inventory, buyers are still willing to compete for plum properties in a diminishing pool of available listings.
A slight decrease in interest rates has raised cautious optimism in our region. Interest rates fell to around 7.2% as of December 1, compared to 7.8% in October. A continued trend in this direction could signal some welcome positivity in the market as we move into the new year.
In King County, the expected decline in winter inventory is pushing up year-end home prices. The region saw a 7% year-over-year increase in the median residential sold price, from $827,000 in November 2022 to $885,500 last month. Buyers are still showing up: there’s steady demand and potential competition for each available home that’s in good condition and well-priced. King County condos also saw a year-over-year price increase, with the median sold price up 4% in November to $485,000.
Seattle saw a 5% increase in the median sold price of a single-family home, up from October’s $900,000 to $944,000 last month. The market kept some momentum in November, with 48% of Seattle homes selling at or above asking price and 79% going under contract in 30 days or less. Condo prices saw a 21% year-over-year jump, from $480,500 in November 2022 to $582,750 last month. This price growth flew in the face of significant supply, at 3.4 months of inventory.
The Eastside median residential sold price experienced a modest decline in November, down 1% from October’s $1,420,000 to $1,400,000 last month. However, the November price was still up 6% from November 2022, while 75% of sold listings went under contract in 30 days or less. Residential inventory remained fairly flat on the Eastside, increasing slightly from 1.5 months in October to 1.6 months in November. Eastside condo prices increased last month, with a median sold price of $620,000, up from $569,500 in November 2022.
Snohomish County saw a year-over-year bump in prices last month. The median sold price for a single-family home rose from $700,000 last November to $725,000 this November. Supply stood at just 1.3 months at the end of the month, down 32% from this time last year. Condo prices also rose, from $507,500 in November 2022 to $521,209 last month.
As winter unfolds, it’s crucial for buyers and sellers to work with a knowledgeable broker to navigate this churning real estate market. Together you can create a strategy that best supports your real estate goals for the new year.
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
Wonderful Winter Reads
Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business.
‘Tis the season for curling up in front of the fire with a good book! This month’s round up of Literary Listings will transport you to winter wonderlands where not everything is always merry & bright, but full of possibility when we have the right people by our sides. Find peace and joy with these great books and happy holidays!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Marketing Remarks: It’s Christmas in Concord! Embrace the yuletide spirit from the cozy ambiance of Orchard House. This sprawling property located a short carriage ride away from downtown Concord has everything you need to create a fairy tale Christmas. Convert the traditional parlor into a flex space for wrapping and hiding presents, walk the short distance to Walden Pond for ice skating & winter fun before warming up by the antique wood-burning stove for mulled cider.
Agent Remarks:
A WBC Team Member Favorite! – “I love rereading Little Women during the winter months; it’s a heartwarming story about family and sisterhood that brings the spirit of the season to life. Through her powerful storytelling, Louisa May Alcott reminds generations of readers the importance of finding beauty and joy in the simple things, but most of all, the importance of surrounding ourselves with those we love. Nothing feels cozier than snuggling up with this book in front of the fire at Christmastime.” – Makena Schoene
Directions: Read the full synopsis here!
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
Marketing Remarks: It’s a winter wonderland at Weyfield Hall. This country estate is the perfect place to hunker down for the season, complete with antique furnishings dating back two centuries! The main house sits far enough from the main road to ensure optimum privacy and social distancing, while numerous guest suites provide plenty of space for housing long-lost family members and disgruntled fiancées for the holidays. Escape to Essex today!
Agents Remarks: Seven Days of Us is not your typical holiday story. Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic (no, not Covid!), a family must quarantine for the Christmas holiday at their estate in the English countryside. When the dysfunctional Birch family is forced to spend a full week in forced proximity, old battles resurface as new dramas enfold, including but not limited to, secret affairs, hidden diagnoses and surprise children. Francesca Hornak crafts a Christmas tale where not everything ends up tied perfectly in a bow – her characters are flawed, even unlikable, and yet their struggles and attempts at reconciliation are relatable, making this a refreshing addition to the holiday season reading list.
Directions: Read the full synopsis here!
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
Marketing Remarks: Welcome to your home; a cozy retreat to relax and reflect. Where friends and family gather, with a kitchen perfect for cooking up yummy meals that warm your heart as well as your stomach. Where years and growth spurts are recorded on tall doorways, the dining areas where stories are told and memories are made. Where backyards are meant for cartwheeling, barbequing and stargazing. Welcome to your home, where its always a good idea to snuggle up in front of the fireplace for a quiet night in. Home really is where the heart is.
Agent Remarks: Made famous by the happiest country in the world, Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is loosely defined as a “quality of coziness”, a way of living that seems to have been perfected by the Danes and other Scandinavian countries. The Little Book of Hygge is the perfect guide for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in your everyday life, especially during the cold, dark days of winter. From crafting delicious, hearty meals to finding peaceful moments amidst the hustle and bustle of work or school, Meik Wiking shows us that hygge can be found everywhere, anytime.
Directions: Read the full synopsis here!
What should we read next? We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you – tag us on social media with your favorite stories!
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
Local Market Update – November 2023
As we march steadily into the cooler winter months, the expected seasonal slowdown is upon us. Interest rate increases have continued to influence a quieter-than-usual fall market. Higher mortgage rates reduce buying power, as well as the momentum of move-up buyers and sellers.
Fewer sellers mean lower inventory and a reduction in closed sales. Indeed, the supply of listed homes in our region has continued to decline. As compared to the same month last year, October experienced a 30% decrease in active King County property listings. If trends hold true to the past three years, the start of winter will bring rising home prices locally.
It is expected that median sold prices will rise between December and April, unless rates increase significantly. In King County, the median price for single-family homes dropped 2% from $903,000 in October 2022 to $882,997 last month. This was a slight bump up from September, and a 14% increase year-over-year.
Despite the expected seasonal lull, 33% of homes are selling above list price in an average of just 6 days. This demonstrates a willingness for buyers to compete for the most desirable properties. Condo prices rose 9% year-over-year to $540,000, versus $494,975. Following modest price gains from August to September, the Seattle residential market saw a 5% decrease in the median sold price for single-family homes between September and October, from $926,000 to $900,000.
Inventory dropped slightly, spurring an increase in the number of homes selling over list price by 5% compared to September. Homes sold, on average, in 6 days. Sold condo prices were 10% higher year-over-year, rising from $522,500 in October 2022 to $573,750 last month. By the end of October, Seattle condo inventory was at 3.6 months’ supply, double the amount for single-family homes.
On the Eastside, median sold prices dropped slightly from $1,427,500 in September to $1,420,000 last month, though demand remained high. The portion of homes selling above list price increased to 34% in October, which is more than double the percentage selling over list price at the same time last year.
There was also a notable year-over-year difference in months of inventory: 1.5 last month, versus 2.4 in October 2022. Condos on the Eastside sold for about 8% more year-over-year, increasing from a median sold price of $607,500 last year to $657,000 last month. The October median sold price of a Snohomish County single-family home remained flat year-over-year, at $729,950.
Homes selling above list price dropped from 31% in September to 26% last month, the only region covered here with a drop in this metric. That’s still a large increase from October 2022, when 13% of closed sales were over list price. Residential inventory dropped by 38% from October 2022, while the number of listed Snohomish County condos dropped by 23% year-over-year.
The early part of the calendar year typically sees an increase in multiple offers, driven by sellers listing properties in the spring and by a seasonal influx of motivated buyers. With the new year on the horizon and an expected increase in both inventory and buyer activity, now’s the perfect time to chat with your Windermere broker about how to navigate the current market to match your goals.
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
Books on Books
Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business.
This month’s WBC Book Club roundup features books about BOOKS! In honor of National Book Week, we have curated a set of literary listings that showcase the amazing power of storytelling. Read along with us as we discover the incredible impact books can have not just on our futures as individuals, but on entire communities.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Marketing Remarks: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life at this secluded cabin retreat! Once the headquarters for the local chapter of Packhorse Librarians, this property nestled in the beautiful Appalachian mountains is an investor’s dream. Located close to local amenities but still offering enough privacy to enjoy a simple, unplugged life surrounded by nature. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an amazing piece of Kentucky’s literary history.
Agent Remarks:
Based on the real-life packhorse librarians of Kentucky, The Giver of Stars is a beautifully written novel about the women who were charged with delivering books throughout the remote, Appalachian region between 1935 and 1943. Moyes’ fictionalized tale focuses on British transplant, Alice, as she connects with a group of strong-minded women who challenge convention in order to share knowledge and the love of books to their community. An engrossing story that champions the importance of literacy and rights of women – what’s not to love?
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
Marketing Remarks: Welcome to the Scriptorium, Oxford’s most charming cottage. Currently in use as a communal workspace for the Oxford University lexicographers, this detached unit can function as a versatile flex-space to suit your needs with plenty of built-ins for organized storage. Enjoy access via separate, private entry as you relax beside a cozy wood-burning fireplace. This space is perfect for a bookworm in search of a quiet reading nook or private place to work.
Agents Remarks: In The Dictionary of Lost Words, Esme has grown up in the seclusion of the Scriptorium where the all-male staff of lexicographers is charged with creating the most comprehensive dictionary in history, the Oxford English Dictionary. With few interactions beyond these walls, Esme learns about the outside world through the words submitted for inclusion in the dictionary, especially the ones discarded or simply forgotten. Through these lost words, Esme discovers the disparity between the terms valued by women and the lower classes versus those found worthy by the lexicographers. This book offers an important commentary on the importance of words in shaping how we communicate and understand the world around us.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Marketing Remarks: Experience the golden age of Los Angeles architecture at Central Library’s Goodhue Building. Built in 1926, this impressive edifice is an early example of the Art Deco style; copper detailing and simple lines seamlessly blend with ornate sculptures and murals depicting the “Light of Learning” – an appropriate theme for a haven of learning! Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, Central Library is a tribute to artistry and beauty as much as the knowledge it contains within its storied walls.
Agent Remarks: The Library Book is a non-fiction account chronicling the life of an iconic Los Angeles landmark, Central Library. It is part history lesson, part whodunit, thanks to not one, but two arson attempts that resulted in 400,000 books lost to the blaze and 700,000 more left damaged. The Library Book pays homage to the evolution of libraries the world and their connective force in communities, not only as spaces for learning but as havens of safety. The Library Book is a testament to the significance that books hold for the past, present and future of humankind.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
What should we read next? We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you – tag us on social media with your favorite stories!
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
Host a Stress-Free Holiday Dinner
Tis the season for holiday festivities! Between Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and all the celebrations in between, the fall and winter months are chock full of opportunities to gather with friends and family for a warm meal. If you are in charge of organizing this year’s get-togethers, we’ve got a list of do’s and don’ts to help making your holiday hosting duties easy as pie.
DO Set Your Budget
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the holiday season. With all the parties, gifts, and meals that you may be responsible for, give yourself one less thing to stress about by setting a comfortable budget for your dinner party. If you find yourself feeling a bit of a financial strain, try opting for a potluck-style meal where each guest brings a dish. This is always a great way to try new food and experience how others celebrate the holidays.
Narrowing down your guest list in accordance with your budget is a great first step in planning your dinner. Typically, social gatherings adhere to the rule of fours, based on the theory that the human brain can only mentally manage three other minds (or conversations) at a time. According to Professor Robin Dunbar, author of The Social Brain, “An individual’s share of speaking time decreases rapidly as the number of people in the conversation increases.” Keep the natural flow of conversation going by keeping your guest list small or to multiples of fours.
DON’T Send Out Invites Too Late
The holiday season is a busy time of year, and there is a high chance that your guests will be making appearances at different gatherings over the next two months. Once you know who you want in attendance, make sure to send out invitations so that your guests can add your dinner to their schedules. The sooner you know who can make it, the easier it will be to plan other aspects of your dinner party.
For a holiday dinner, Emily Post recommends sending out invites 2 weeks to 2 months in advance, whether that be by mail, phone or email. For more casual dinners a few days to weeks should suffice.
DO Overstock the Beverages
One of the biggest mistakes a host can make is not having enough beverages for their guests. A good rule of thumb is at least one drink per person per hour, so make sure your bar is stocked with the basic liquors and mixers where guests have options for making their own cocktails. You can also purchase wine by the case to help cut costs if you are hosting a larger group of people.
General calculation for a two-hour party:
Wine: One bottle for every two guests
If serving both red and white, plan to have twice as many bottles of white as red
Beer: Three beers per guest
Two servings per person for the first hour, and one per each subsequent hour
Cocktails: Three cocktails per guest
One 750 ml bottle of liquor will serve 15 drinks
Nonalcoholic beverages: Three drinks per guest
Water: One liter of water per four guests
DON’T Complicate the Menu
As much as you want to knock your guest’s socks off with a jaw dropping meal, now is not the time to get experimental. If it is your first time hosting, stick with what you know and supplement your menu as needed with store-bought food that is already prepared. Check out these easy cocktail, appetizer and entrée recipes if you need inspiration!
Opt for simple recipes or something that you have made before so that you know what to expect; as the Queen of Hosting, Martha Stewart, says, “Practice, practice, practice. If you’re going to host a dinner party, make sure you know how to cook that dish and it’s really good.”
DO Save Time with Mise en Place
Take a page from a chef’s (cook)book and prepare what you can in advance, A.K.A mise en place! Measuring out your ingredients, chopping veggies or making a casserole a day ahead of your party are great ways to take some of the load off the actual day of the event. “Casseroles are great to make the day ahead. They reheat well, and I feel like they actually benefit from being made a day ahead, to give the flavors time to marinate,” advises chef Tony Galzin of Nicky’s Coal Fired in Nashville.
Certain desserts and gravy can also be done ahead of time if stored correctly, but there are a few things that are best cooked the day of for peak freshness like dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and the main entrée!
Being the host of a holiday dinner party is not an easy task, but with preparation and a little creativity, you can create an evening to remember. Happy Holidays!
Written by Makena Schoene
