Archives for July 2020

Dad Builds a Backyard Coffee Shop That’ll Make You Want To Build Your Own

July 30, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Backyard pubs have been popping up left and right, but not everyone is into drinking alcohol. Some people prefer their coffee…

One man’s love for coffee compelled him to build a coffee shop right in his own backyard. His proud daughter, Julianna, shared his amazing project on social media. The charming coffeehouse has been garnering rave reviews and it’s no wonder why. You can practically smell the coffee brewing through cyberspace. Makes you want to order up a latte and relax.

Take a look!

It’s hard to believe when you see it like this, but this project was completed in just three months—fueled by caffeine no doubt!

It probably helps that the guy who’s now the head barista of this coffee house is also a contractor. Something tells us Ed the Builder, as he refers to himself on Instagram, is about to be in high demand!

That window is going to allow for plenty of natural light and possibly even walk-up customers.

Welcome to La Vida Cafe. Love the built-in mini-fridge and the chalkboard announcing the daily specials.

Whether you want to watch the morning news, or grab a magazine off the rack and read, this coffee shop has it all.

Indoor and outdoor seating makes this an all-weather hang-out.

Imagine stopping in for a little after-dinner espresso or cappuccino at dusk under these lights? We’ll drink to that!

Plenty of dads are known to putter around the backyard tackling interesting projects, but few take it to this extreme.

Even if you’ve downloaded your favorite coffee spot’s app and choose curbside pickup, you still can’t beat the convenience of a coffee shop waiting just outside your door.

Easy Home Office Design Ideas To Boost Your Productivity

July 19, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Since the Covid-19 shelter-at-home started, a lot of us have to not only make a home office but share with other people. It seemed like the internet speed went from 50 MBS to 3 MBS with so many people at home during the day. My home office is productive but not the most comfortable. Anita Clark has some good ideas in designing a home office that is right for you.

Everyone needs a home office, whether you work from home or not. Even students or regular employees have to inevitably take some projects home, then work in a space that’s nowhere near conducive. We often see people working from their bedrooms, dining areas, and their kitchens… places that weren’t designed to invoke creativity or productivity at all.

As a Realtor, I spend a lot of my time working from home. Though I do take clients around, most of the “magic” happens over the internet. This is where I build relationships with both potential and existing clients. This is where I find opportunities… and over the years, I’ve learned to design my home office according to my needs. Here are some really simple and easy design ideas that will help you stay focused and out of trouble:

Declutter Your Desk

Your work desk is where all the work happens and let’s be honest, it’s always in a mess. With our busy schedules, we normally don’t have time to declutter. We tend to pile more stuff onto it, that the moment we need something specific to get a task done… we can no longer recall where we placed it.

Now, the problem with decluttering is we don’t even know where to start. There’s just too much on your work desk that you might as well throw the entire thing out. I know how tempting that is, but don’t. Start by throwing pens that aren’t working anymore, files or papers that you no longer need, as well as any fixture or electronic device that’s already broken. The trick here is to simply get the momentum going. Once you’ve already started, you’d be surprised at how much trash you’ve already taken out.

Improve Your Lighting

Several studies have shown, time and again, that certain lighting conditions have a profound effect on our level of productivity. Apparently, it’s in our DNA to work better when under a cooler light. However, warmer lighting also has positive benefits on our physical and mental well-being, especially on workers who remain cooped inside an office the entire day. Here’s another surprising fact too… natural light emitted both during the day and night can actually reduce depression, and improve mood, energy, alertness and productivity.

Besides adjusting the temperature of your lighting fixture from a warmer to a cooler shade, move your desk near a window where you can enjoy some sunshine! Don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture, but be careful. Some electronic devices may be sensitive to heat, so you may want to keep them away from sunlight.

Add A Natural Touch

This age-old tip never fails. You see, in order to be productive, you must feel “free” and unconfined in your workspace… and since you cannot bring your home office outdoors, why not bring a little touch of nature into your home? Well, the common way to go about this is to bring in a potted plant that you can easily place on your desk. But there are so many other natural elements that you can introduce into your workspace. Instead of using furniture made of artificial materials, why don’t you use ones that are made of wood? They’re easy on the eyes and are much durable too. You may also opt for neutral tones when choosing various design elements, and then try to use the least amount of technology when working.

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Brighter Days Are Ahead! Your July Newsletter is Here

July 16, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Positivity. It’s something we learn at a young age yet we are constantly tested in life to maintain a positive outlook when facing different obstacles and hurdles. It’s also something that many of us are struggling with today as we continue to social distance and adapt to the ever-evolving mandates and changes within our communities.

But now more than ever, it’s important to appreciate the things that we do have and take inventory of all of the good things in our lives. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to doing just that—from outdoor activities that are social distance approved, to al fresco dining, to an insider’s look at the current real estate market, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the full scoop.

Supporting local businesses and restaurants through these tough times is a great way to stay connected and help our community stay afloat. While indoor restaurant venues are closed for the time being, we are still able to enjoy outdoor dining at some fantastic restaurants in the greater Sacramento area. Check out a few of our favorite outdoor venues on the river where you can enjoy a nice cocktail and delicious meal with a side of views.

First up on the list is Crawdads On The River. Since 1986, Crawdads has been one of Sacramento’s most popular dining spots on the river. Guests can come by car or boat to enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood, delicious drinks, and mesmerizing views. Not sure what to order? For starters try their “Crispy Calamari Strips” served with lemon and their house-made roasted cocktail sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try their fresh “Shrimp Cocktail” appetizer. For a main, dive into their “Blackened Fish Tacos” or their simple yet mouth-watering “Crab Grilled Cheese”. Chill out with one of their frozen drinks like their refreshing “Frozen Vodka Lemonade.” Check out their full menu here and be sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation out on the patio at 916-929-2268.

Next, we’re taking you to another equally popular outdoor dining spot, Scott’s Seafood on the River. This upscale eatery impresses with its focus on fresh seafood, fabulous handcrafted cocktails, and front row river views. Guests can wine and dine on the expansive patio overlooking the river. Begin your meal with their “Dungeness Crab Cakes” or their “Wild Prawn Cocktail”. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with any dish, but their “Filet Mignon & Jumbo Scallops” dish is a great combo option. They also have an impressive cocktail menu with favorites including their classic Margarita. You can make a reservation ahead of time by calling 916-379-5959 or by using OpenTable.

Finally, our quest for al fresco dining ends at Rio City Café, which is situated in beautiful historic Old Sacramento with a spacious outdoor patio and spectacular views. This riverfront restaurant features a delicious menu that celebrates fresh, house-made ingredients. Hungry for an appetizer? Try their famous “Sourdough Cheese Loaf” (pictured above) filled with an indulging three cheese blend on top of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and crushed chili flakes. Signature entrees include their pan-seared “Halibut” served with creamy parmesan risotto and grilled asparagus and their “Red Crab & Shrimp Louie” salad. Check out their full menu here. To reserve an outdoor table, call 916-442-8226 or use OpenTable.

Some of us might be feeling frustrated about the recent re-closure of gyms in Sacramento—but lucky for us, Sacramento is home to countless recreational activities with plenty of hiking, biking, and walking paths for us to explore. The city also sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers where you can raft, kayak, and even launch a boat in some areas. Click on the below links for some fun outdoor activities and inspiration.

Plan Your Next Rafting or Kayaking Trip on the American River: Summer is the perfect opportunity to cool off at the American River. So grab your quarantine crew and get out on the water for a fun-filled day of rafting or kayaking. If you need to rent a raft or kayak, check out American River Raft Rentals.
Grab Your Paddleboard and Hit the Water: From Lake Natoma to the Sacramento River, there are plenty of places for you to hit the water and soak in the beautiful outdoors. Check out some of the top paddleboarding spots before planning your next outing here. Need a paddleboard? Snag one at American River Raft Rentals.
Hit the Trails: Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or running, Sacramento is home to plenty of trails and paths for you to explore. Grab your running shoes and hit the trail at Ancil Hoffman Park or one of these popular Sacramento running trails. Also check out these local biking paths and gorgeous hiking paths.
Soak in the Sun on Your Next Boating Excursion: Now is the perfect time to brush up your wakeboarding or skiing skills on the river or lake! Check out Folsom Lake, Camp Far West, or the Sacramento River for a fun boat outing.

When COVID-19 first hit, many buyers put their home searches on hold—and that pause continued through the following months as much of the nation was under stay-at-home orders.

But now that the country has started to reopen, buyers are “unpausing” their searches and buying homes, which has translated to an unprecedented rebound in the market. Data released in June in the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales Index, which measures housing contract activity, showed a 44.3% jump in May—the highest month-over-month increase since the Index started collecting data in 2001.

“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a recent press release. “This bounce-back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been holding off on listing your home, it looks like buyers are officially getting back into the market and ready to buy—which should make it easier to sell.

Celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day in Sacramento

July 9, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Today is National Sugar Cookie Day! If you’re craving something sweet, consider supporting one of our local bakeries in the area to grab one (or a dozen) delicious sugar cookies.

Cookies and Milk: Cookies and Milk in Midtown is Sacramento’s late-night cookie spot that delivers warm cookies straight to your door. Favorites include their fresh out of the oven chocolate chunk cookies, yummy snickerdoodles, and flakey, buttery sugar cookies. You can order online here for pickup, or have them delivered through a third-party app including Postmates, Uber EATS, and Door Dash.

Insomnia Cookies: Insomnia Cookies is another Midtown favorite that offers delivery to addresses in range or direct shipping or pickup to nearby areas. They offer a wide variety of cookies, brownies, and cakes to satisfy any sweet tooth. Their menu boasts classics including their M&M cookie with their signature buttery dough, their famous peanut butter cookies loaded with peanut butter chips, and of course, their classic sweet and buttery sugar cookies. Check out their full menu here.

Pretty Sweet: Do you have an occasion to celebrate? Pretty Sweet bakery in Folsom has delicious custom creations for all of the special occasions in your life. This local bakery is especially known for its gorgeous sugar cookie collections and beautiful designs. From birthdays to sports to major holidays, they’ve got you covered. Check out their cookie shop and order online for pickup here.

I Scream for Icing: Last but certainly not least, if you’re craving delicious and adorable sugar cookies with lots of icing, pay a visit to I Scream for Icing in Natomas. Their homemade designs are made to order ahead of time. Check out their Instagram page here for inspiration.

This Mini Pub Transforms Their Backyard Into Envy of the Neighborhood

July 6, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Garage bars and pub sheds have been gaining in popularity over the years. It’s no wonder why—you can’t beat the convenience and you’re never late for happy hour when you’re the barkeep.

While many entertainers opt for a simple setup, one couple—the Crabtrees—hired a husband and wife duo who run a home-based furniture business to build their dream garden pub, and the results are definitely champagne-worthy.

To use the word “authentic” about this tiny tavern would be an understatement. Take a look and see if it doesn’t make you crave a cocktail.

It’s hard to believe the project took just 3-4 weeks to complete, from start to finish!

From the outside, it looks pretty impressive but that’s nothing compared to the cozy interior.

A good time is on tap at The Drunken Crab. Makes you want to pull up a barstool and catch up with friends, doesn’t it?

There’s nothing quite like a warm fire on a chilly night. Good to know the pub will be open year-round.

You can even shoot a round of darts while enjoying your pint.

Who needs take-out when you’ve got bar snacks on-hand? They’ve really thought of everything.

This wine fridge saves the Crabtrees from having to make a trip back into the house. Cool and convenient!

Look at that ceiling? The attention to detail gives the place so much character.

The only problem with this backyard bar? You may need a bouncer come closing time—who’d ever want to leave?

Archives for July 2020

Declutter Your Desk

Improve Your Lighting

Add A Natural Touch

Craig Diez