http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/categoryname_lifestyle/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Guest post by NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolmDid you know that in the United States, 1 in 7 children goes to bed hungry? Shocking right!? What can just one person do to tackle such a big problem? A simple click of a button or making a move can help out quite a bit! First thing you can do is go online and donate to your local food bank. Every little bit helps! It only costs $1 to provide four meals to a hungry child. Next, bring non-perishable food directly to your local food bank’s door.If you are moving, it is the perfect opportunity to help feed hungry kids. The act of giving while you move will actually make your move easier and potentially help those in need. As you pack up your kitchen, don’t throw away those unexpired canned and dried goods, donate them! Save yourself some heavy lifting and shelf place in the new place. Sounds easy right? It gets better, you don’t even have to take the food down to your local food bank yourself!Visit www.MoveForHunger.org, a non-profit organization that will connect you with a local moving company that will deliver your non-perishable food donations to your local food bank for you. Check out their Find A Mover tool and feel good about working with a moving company that gives back. It’s free and one less thing to pack.Wondering if your food bank wants your three-pound bottle of mustard? Here are the top items that they need:Canned Vegetables & FruitsCanned Stews & SoupsCanned BeansCanned TunaPasta & SauceBaby FoodDry BeansFlourCereal & OatmealJuiceRicePeanut/Nut Butters & Jelly/JamsNow that you have donated a box full of food to provide meals for hungry families, feeling the urge to help even more? Start your own food drive. It’s a great way to get your kids in the habit of giving. Simply ask local businesses, schools, and libraries to put out your colorfully decorated food drive donation boxes and use your social networks to get the word out. If I can do it for seven years in a row with the “Let’s Send Hunger Packing” food drive, you can too. In fact, we have raised a total of approximately 134,124 meals! It only takes 1.2lbs of food to provide a meal to an individual in need, so it doesn’t matter how big your food drive is, every little bit helps. Together, we really can send hunger packing! Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award-winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/7238/make-a-move-to-end-hunger/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:13:16 -0700 Guest post by  Michelle Lee, HouzzIt’s time to pack up those spooky Halloween decorations and transition your home for the next fall holiday. Whether you’ll be hosting a family get-together or celebrating with friends, start planning now to ensure a stress- and disaster-free Turkey day. Here’s how to organize your party supplies and details for a beautiful feast this year.Photo by Plyroom – Look for home office pictures Finalize Your Guest ListFirst things first, sit down with your friends and family to make a final decision on who you’ll be inviting over this year. Make and mail invitations now so your guests will have enough time to coordinate their own plans and get back with a timely RSVP. Photo by Erin Interiors – More kitchen photos Make a Menu or Hire a CatererJot down recipes, shopping lists and cooking schedules today if you’re planning to make a home-cooked favorite or two this year. You’ll want to stock up on ingredients before your local grocery store sells out. If you’re not very kitchen-savvy, begin browsing local caterers’ menus before the best get booked.While you’re at it, be sure to clear space in your pantry and fridge to hold the bounty of food before cooking day. If you have extra time, your oven and cookware supplies could probably use a nice cleaning.Photo by Acanthus Architecture, PA – Look for sunroom pictures Do a Walk-Through of Your HomeIt’s important that you take your time as you pass through every room. Make note of anything unsightly that your guests might notice and take the next couple of weeks to fix scuffed paint spots, flickering lights or fraying furniture. Clear the coat closet and entryway, spruce up your post-feast lounging areas and prep guests rooms or kids’ areas as needed. Also take a good look at your dining space as you move on to the next tip.Photo by Tonka Andjelkovic Design – Look for dining room pictures Decide What You’ll Need to Rent or BuyCan your dining room accommodate one long table for everyone or will you have to split up into two areas? Do you have enough chairs and table settings? Gather your own entertaining supplies and see if you can make-do or if you’ll need to buy or rent extras for this holiday season.Photo by sharon70 – Search home design design ideas Plan Out Your Table(s)This step is a bit early, but you can start visualizing the table or sketch it out on paper. Start planning an ideal seating chart, so couples aren’t awkwardly separated and family feuds aren’t reignited. You can make changes as RSVPs arrive.Consider what your statement centerpiece will be this year as well as how you’ll be coordinating the plate settings and name cards to match. If you’re going with a nature-themed piece, it’s best to wait to order flowers now to prevent early wilting, but make sure to reserve one ahead of time with a local florist.Photo by Rikki Snyder – Discover entryway design inspiration Start Decorating!This is the most fun step of all and you can really let your style shine in any way you desire. Choose a general theme for the home and shop for matching decorations. Make sure you add some of this season’s classics, such as warm candles along the mantel or an inviting fall wreath on the front door.  http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/7204/get-thanksgiving-holiday-prep-started-early/ Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:56:22 -0700 DANNY HERTZBERGSHAREYesterday marked the official start of the regular NFL season, kicking off lots of great game-day viewing parties. This season, take the opportunity to host some friends and family at the comfort of your own home – your very own home-field advantage. Just as the various football teams practice and prepare for their big games, as must you for your game-day parties!Tip #1: Ample, Comfortable Seating- Arguably the most important factor that will either break or make a good football party, is bountiful and comfortable seating. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes when you organize your TV or living room seating arrangements; where would you like to sit for three hours? Some great options include sofas, particularly large sectionals, love seats, comfy chairs, bean bags, and even large floor pillows. Whichever way you arrange your furniture, make sure that not only is there enough room for everyone, but that everyone has a pleasant experience.Tip #2: Abundant Food- The next crucial factor to take into thoughtful consideration is what you will be feeding your guests. Food can be a complex issue that is incredibly subjective and while taste preferences might not always be aligned, the notion of having enough food to eat is. Thus, it’s imperative to offer both lots of variety and quantity. Classic football fare includes nachos, buffalo wings, and pizza. If you’re ordering pizza, make sure you plan ahead as they get very busy on big game days. Also, be sure to include healthy options such as crudités and salads. If you prefer to grill, make sure you add some corn or other vegetables to the burger or steak options. Lastly, don’t forget about dessert! Some great ideas are football-shaped cookies, football cupcakes and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.Tip #3: The Perfect Drinks- Everyone knows that beer and football go hand in hand, however, not everyone likes to drink beer. For those that do, I recommend opting for craft beers. While they might be slightly more expensive, they’re definitely better tasting! Preparing a batch of homemade cocktails is also a great idea. Try something with fresh fruits and soda water for a low-calorie beverage. For those that don’t drink alcohol, make some fresh juices or lemonade that will help keep all of you guests hydrated and refreshed! Whatever you decide to provide for your guests, make sure you buy and prep everything in advance. No one wants to wait around feeling hangry or thirsty.Tip #4: TV Ready- Now that you’re all set up to enjoy the big game, there’s one more vital thing to be mindful of — the TV. First off, your TV should be placed at eye-level when you’re sitting down, which means not too high or too low. Next, make sure that everyone at the party has a good view of your TV. If you’re hosting a lot of people and have arranged your furniture into stadium seating, be sure that even the guests in the back row have a clear view of the screen. Last, and certainly not least, make sure that you have the channel that will be playing the game. If it’s not a big game, chances are it might not be broadcast on national television so check it out beforehand and plan accordingly. Pro-tip: avoid any glare on the TV by closing the curtains or lowering the blinds!Tip #5: Team Decorations- The final tip to complete your football party is to have decorations supporting your team. This one is totally optional, but recommended if you want to have a fun and festive event. Play with your team’s colors by buying color coordinated paper cups and plates. Make a cheerful snack out of popcorn with M&Ms of only your team’s colors. You can also wear a jersey, hat or any other team-supporting accessory. You could even dress up your pets with football gear and turn them into your very own team mascot! Football parties are meant to be enjoyable and entertaining so make the most of your next Sunday Funday by following these tips. http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/7091/5-tips-for-hosting-the-ultimate-football-party/ Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:11:43 -0700 Nothing says summer like relaxing in the sun, enjoying some great food and drinks with friends.  Luckily, Bozeman is packed with venues where you can soak up the sun and grab a bite.  Check out some of our favorite restaurant patios below!Dave's SushiPhoto courtesy Dave's Sushi FacebookA Bozeman staple since 2003, Dave's Sushi has some of our favorite sushi in town, plus a great patio area.Red ChairPhoto Courtesy of Red Chair Facebook PageUnbeatable views and a great cocktail menu make Red Chair the perfect place to spend an afternoon on the patio.Ted's Montana GrillPhoto Courtesy Ted's Montana Grill FacebookWhether you're out to dinner with the family, or just grabbing an after-work cocktail, Ted's patio is always a favorite.PlonkPhoto Courtesy Plonk Facebook PageAn intimate and unique patio setting in the heart of downtown Bozeman, Plonk has the perfect place to catch some rays and sample an amazing wine selection.Cafe FrescoPhoto Courtesy Cafe Fresco Facebook PageA beautiful patio with a creek running alongside, Cafe Fresco's outdoor area is hard to beat in the summertime.What's your favorite patio in Bozeman? Let us know in the comments! http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/6968/our-favorite-bozeman-restaurant-patios/ Tue, 28 May 2019 11:47:59 -0700 It's happened to all of us - time got away from you and you haven't picked up any Mother's Day gifts yet! Don't fret, it's not too late to get mom something she will really enjoy.  Check out our list below for some great, last-minute gift ideas for all the moms in your life.FlowersWe know, this should be obvious.  If you are really pressed for time, swing into your local grocery store and pick up a bouquet, but if you can give yourself a day or two of leeway, why not stop into a local florist who can craft something truly special for the moms in your life.  Some of our favorite local florists are Budget Bouquet and More, Langohr's Flowerland, and Labellum.  If you act soon you may still have time to set up delivery right to mom's door!Cook for MomBy this point, most restaurants offering Mother's Day brunch, lunch, or dinner are probably booked up, but that doesn't mean you can't share a special meal with mom!  Check out this list of over 30 great brunch recipes you can whip up at home, including some special Mother's Day cocktails!Gift CardsYou still have plenty of time to swing into mom's favorite local store or restaurant and get her a gift card she can enjoy later.  Some of our favorites are a massage gift card from Canyon River Spa, a gift card to Heyday downtown, or a gift card for a great meal at 14 North.Set a DateThere is nothing more special to moms than spending time with their children.  Set up a movie, dinner, or afternoon tea date with mom.  Be specific - plan the date, time, and location, and include the specifics in a card so mom can put it on her calendar.  Do you have other gift ideas that can be pulled together on a short amount of time? Let us know in the comments! http://coldwellbankerbozeman.com/blog/6943/last-minute-mother's-day-gift-ideas/ Thu, 09 May 2019 10:36:14 -0700