What does Real Estate Have do with a Creamery? The Heartbeat of the Community.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, offering variety, choice, and a personal touch that large corporations simply can't match. Whether it's a real estate venture like Rethinking Real Estate or a local creamery such as Mount Rainier Creamery, supporting these enterprises is crucial for maintaining the unique flavor and character of our neighborhoods. Mount Rainier Creamery (Enumclaw/Buckley) was founded by husband and wife team Ryan and Haylee Mensonides, this creamery started with a dream to produce their own dairy products from their herd of beautiful Jersey cows. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Rainier, the Mensonides family—along with their four sons, dedicates their lives to bringing fresh, wholesome products to their neighbors. The creamery is more than just a business; it's a family affair and a community staple. Their ice cream is pretty amazing as well. :) Stop by their drivethrough, look for the big milk bottle right on Highway 410 in Buckley, for the best soft-serve ice cream cone you've ever had.   Similarly, Rethinking Real Estate was born from a passion for helping families achieve their dream of homeownership. For 24 years, we have strived to create spaces where people feel safe, can unleash their creativity, and build memories that last a lifetime. We know firsthand the challenges of running a small business, from navigating market fluctuations to meeting the diverse needs of our clients. While some may believe that larger companies have the upper hand due to their size, we know that our personalized service sets us apart. Because it's just the two of us, we handle every problem faced by our clients personally, allowing us to resolve a wide range of scenarios with expertise and care. After 24 years we have seen just about everything. Both stories illustrate the trials and triumphs of small business ownership. It's a path filled with long hours, uncertainty, and hard work. Yet, it's also a journey rich with rewards—whether it's the satisfaction of seeing a family settle into their new home or knowing that you're providing your community with fresh, healthy products produced right in the area. Supporting small businesses like Rethinking Real Estate and Mount Rainier Creamery keeps our communities vibrant and diverse. It ensures that we have choices and the chance to experience the unique stories and dreams behind each local enterprise. So next time you consider where to invest your time and money, remember the small businesses that bring so much value and character to our lives and our communities. If you are looking to sell, buy or invest, we would love to use our expertise and passion in what we do to help you make the next step in your life's journey. 

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Transform Your Bathroom: Essential Tips for a Successful Remodel.

A spacious, spa-like shower tops many homeowners's bathroom wish lists, including ours. Living in an older home, we've realized it's time to update our primary bathroom. Through conversations with friends and extensive research, we discovered that bathroom remodels can quickly become expensive, if not carefully planned. We wanted to share our findings with you to help make your bathroom renovation decisions a bit easier. 1. Location and Size Determine where your shower will be situated. Corners are common, but you might prefer the center of the room or a separate enclosed area. Remember, relocating plumbing can be expensive, so consider keeping the shower in its current location if budget is a concern. Shower sizes vary, but popular widths include 32, 36, and 60 inches. A minimum of 36 by 48 inches is generally preferred. Ceiling heights usually range from 84 to 120 inches. Ensure other bathroom elements like vanities fit comfortably with your chosen shower size. 2. Materials to be Used Consider the materials you will use on the walls and floors. For tile, assess its ability to withstand foot traffic and friction. The Porcelain Enamel Institute’s abrasion scale, ranging from 0 (not recommended for floors) to 5 (heavy commercial use), can help you determine a tile’s durability. Also, check the tile's moisture absorption rate. Vitrified porcelain has a low absorption rate (less than 0.5%), semi-vitrified tiles absorb 3-6%, and standard glazed wall tiles absorb 10-20%. These percentages indicate where to use certain tiles and their durability. For floor tiles, prioritize safety. Smoother tiles can be slippery and pose a risk of slipping. 3. Curbed vs. Curbless Showers Curbed showers have a threshold to keep water in and often serve as a base for shower doors. Curbless showers offer a seamless transition between the bathroom and shower floor, making them safer and more accessible. When deciding, consider how long you'll stay in your home and any current or future accessibility needs—not just for older individuals, but for anyone with mobility issues. Proper drainage is crucial for curbless showers, which might require lowering the shower floor. When installed correctly, they function well, but poor planning can lead to water spreading throughout the bathroom. 4. Shower-Tub Combos We are all familiar with all-in-one combo showers—they’re common and great for saving space. If you have a smaller bathroom, this might be the ideal solution. Lately, we’re seeing more luxury designs for these combos, where the shower and tub are together in a glass-enclosed area but not necessarily attached (see above picture). This setup can also complement specific styles, like a Victorian home with a clawfoot tub and overhead shower. Here are a few ways to elevate a combo shower: Hide the plumbing. Keep the controls simple. Opt for a unique tub design. 5. Glass Shower Doors Glass enclosures can make bathrooms feel more spacious and airy while showcasing beautiful accent tiles. Swing doors are a popular choice as they provide a wide and open entry, but make sure the door swing doesn’t interfere with other bathroom elements like the toilet or towel racks. Alternatively, sliding doors are great space-savers, though they can be more challenging to clean due to the tracks and components. For a sleek, modern look, consider a fixed glass panel. This option eliminates the need for a door, making it easier to maintain and enhancing the shower’s clean lines and contemporary feel. A fixed panel also minimizes water splash while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere. 6. Shower Seating A shower bench is practical for sitting, shaving, or placing products, enhancing both convenience and safety. Ideal dimensions for a bench are 17-19 inches high and 15 inches deep, providing comfortable seating. For a cohesive and luxurious look, use a slab finish like marble or quartz for the bench top, matching it with your vanity countertop. This not only ensures durability and easy maintenance but also adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom. 7. Shower Niches Niches are essential for storing shower products. Commonly placed at chest to eye level, niches can be customized in size and shape to fit your needs. Alternatively, a shower ledge offers flexibility without height restrictions. You can use mutiple ones at different heights if you want a little more creativity in how your wall looks. 8. Fixtures Choose between ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted shower heads. Wall-mounted heads are typically installed at 80 inches above the floor, while ceiling-mounted rain-style heads offer a soothing water patter. Handheld sprayers and body jets add functionality, and a steam generator can create a spa-like experience. Position fixtures at the shower entrance to avoid cold water blasts.    9. Technology High-tech shower upgrades can transform your daily routine into a luxurious experience. You might consider options like phone-controlled water settings, voice-activated systems, and shower heads with built-in speakers for added convenience and enjoyment. For an even more indulgent experience, explore chromotherapy showers with colored lights to enhance your mood, steam showers for a spa-like retreat, and body spa showers with multiple jets for a full-body massage. These innovative features not only elevate the shower experience, but also add a modern touch to your bathroom. Additionally, high-tech toilets equipped with bidets, heated seats, and automatic wash functions are gaining popularity in the U.S. as prices become more accessible. While these tech options are exciting, it's important to consider their longevity and potential impact on resale value. 10. Lighting Dedicated lighting for the shower is essential for both functionality and ambiance. Recessed lighting is popular due to its sleek, moisture-sealed design, which blends seamlessly with the ceiling. Ensure fixtures are rated for damp locations to prevent water damage and ensure longevity. Additionally, consider dimmable options to adjust the lighting according to different needs and times of day. Proper shower lighting can significantly enhance the overall experience and aesthetic of your bathroom remodel. 11. Accessories Accessories like towel hooks, rings, and bars enhance functionality. Install them near the shower entrance or inside the shower for convenience. Our particular shower requires to step across the floor to get a towel ...a little risky ever morning. The shower drain is also an important accessory. Standard drains are cost-effective, while linear drains offer a sleek design, especially for curbless showers. Incorporating these thoughtful elements into your bathroom remodel can transform it into a luxurious and functional space. From the practicality of a well-designed shower bench to the importance of dedicated shower lighting, every detail contributes to a cohesive and inviting bathroom. Happy Remodeling!!

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Glamping Adventures: Discover Washington State’s Most Stylish Outdoor Getaways

Have you ever dreamed of camping in a magical forest? Envision a night sky filled with twinkling stars, framed by a canopy of towering Douglas Fir trees. The scent of the forest and the crisp, clean Cascadian air filling your lungs. Summer is here and this is the perfect time to explore Washington State's natural beauty without sacrificing comfort. I vividly remember camping with my family when I was young, gazing up at the night sky filled with countless stars. It was truly life-changing. Learning the names of the stars and constellations added a magical layer to those experiences. Time slows down when you are out in the wilderness. If you love the idea of camping, but dread the hassle of packing all the gear, glamping is the ideal solution. Combining the best of rustic charm and modern luxury, glamping allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with added amenities. Here are some top glamping spots in Washington State to consider for your next getaway. 1. Lakedale, San Juan Island: Spanning 82 acres with three spring-fed lakes, Lakedale is the perfect San Juan Island getaway. This destination offers a variety of accommodations, from classic lodge rooms to upscale yurts and canvas tents. Opt for a stay in a Canvas Cabin or Cottage, complete with a full bathroom, outdoor fire ring, and stunning lakefront views. Begin your day with a complimentary breakfast before exploring the property, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Be sure to check out the island's scenic lighthouses and whale-watching opportunities. There is even a a general store where you can find basic provisions, like milk and eggs, to a curated selection of regional beer and wine. The Picnic Pantry has a daily selection of salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, so you don't even need to cook if you don't want to.  2. Pacific Dunes Resort, Copalis The largest glamping and tiny home village on the West Coast, Pacific Dunes Resort offers a whole host of alternative lodging. Located just steps from the beach, you have the choice of glamping tents, tiny houses, and cabins. Relax in a canvas tent with a king-sized bed and wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy a morning coffee from the mercantile, before a day of beach activities. End your day with a meal from local favorites like Bennett’s Fish Shack and s’mores by your fire pit. 3. Snow Peak Campfield, Long Beach Peninsula This property offers both tent sites and four-person tent suites equipped with lantern lighting and cots. Wake up to coffee from the Campstore and explore the Discovery Trail. Seasonal activities include razor clam digging and oyster tasting from nearby Willapa Bay. This particular location has the Ofuro Spa (Japanese soaking bath) which offers serene rejuvenation with its heated soaking pool,  sauna, and cold plunge. Inspired by traditional Japanese bathhouses, the Ofuro Spa invites nature in with an open-air layout that overlooks the campfield’s pond. 4. Skamania Lodge, Columbia River Gorge Experience elevated glamping in a raised canvas tent equipped with a king bed, mini fridge, and microwave. Enjoy tree-lined views from your deck, a private bathroom with a soaking tub, and a variety of on-site activities like hiking and zip-lining. Take in breathtaking views of the Columbia River and explore the area with hikes like the easy Multnomah Falls trail or the more challenging Dog Mountain Trail. If you'd prefer to relax, visit some of the incredible wineries in the valley, known for producing outstanding red wines. 5. Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, Orcas Island This location sits on 38 acres of the most beautiful, pristine waterfront land on Orcas island in the San Juan Islands. Stay in a yurt with electricity or go off-grid in a waterfront yurt. Enjoy access to a community kitchen and on-site café. Activities include kayaking, whale watching, and relaxing in the clothing-optional soaking pools. Don't forget their are some amazing restaurants in East Sound if you want to take a drive. 6. Cave Creek Farm, Trout Lake: Located on 20 acres at the end of the road in Trout Lake allows for tons of privacy. Stay in one of four canvas tents on a working farm with an expansive herb garden. Explore the perfect jumping off point the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest and enjoy live music at Trout Lake Hall. The glamping tents are only available May - October.  7. Pampered Wilderness, Millersylvania State Park: Millersylvania is a great park for camping in an old-growth forest  Six Luxury platform tents are set under old-growth trees and come equipped with king-sized beds, linens, electricity and a coffee pot. Glamping is available from April through September.  Enjoy hiking, bird watching, or rent a kayak, paddle boat or SUP on Deep Lake. Sip a pint at Lakeside Taphouse, a small cabin in the woods with plenty of outdoor seating. Dog Friendly. 8. Mossquatch Resort, Olympic Peninsula Stay in rustic cabins or canvas tents near Forks and Rialto Beach. Enjoy forest views or the sound of a creek, and explore the nearby Olympic National Park. From here you can take a day trip to Ruby Beach or hike thru the Olympic forest.If you are a fan of the Twilight movies check out the Twilight collection. View screen-worn costumes and actual props used by your favorite Saga actors at the world’s largest collection of Twilight Saga props and costumes! 9. Rolling Huts / Methow Tents, Methow Valley: Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker or cross-country skier, the Rolling Huts with mountain views, located in Washington’s Methow Valley, is the perfect accommodation.  Choose from safari tents with cots or modern platform huts with fireplaces. The six huts are grouped as a herd, each with views of the mountains. The charming towns of Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama are also worth exploring for their summer farmers’ markets, shops, bakeries and pubs. Pet friendly in all of the  accommodations. 10. Getaway House, Skagit Valley and Mount Adams Experience the comfort of plush beds, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms in a secluded locations. Nestled across dozens of acres of private woodlands, the modern, tiny cabins have everything you need (comfy bed, bathroom, fresh linens) and nothing you don’t. Featuring a private fire pit makes making smores easy. Don't foget to explore Skagit. Check out Forte Artisan chocolates, their fireweed honey in dark choclate is a must taste.  Pet Fiendly As you explore the beauty and serenity of these glamping spots, remember that we are here to help with all your real estate needs. Whether you're ready to buy or sell a home, we're ready to assist you in making your next move. Enjoy your summer adventures, and don't hesitate to reach out when you're ready to embark on your next real estate journey!

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