Yes, it's that time of year again. Can you believe it? My how time flies! We thought it only appropriate to wish everyone a Happy Halloween this year with a little #ad to remind you, that well, much like Halloween, juicy stories are what Amy Puchaty Communications LLC is all about.

Whether it's spinning a story to spread the word for an event, showcasing a property in the best possible light, or polishing your bio to perfection, we'll craft a one-of-a-kind message that cuts to the heart of what makes your product, brand, or service, unique and special.

One part strategy, one part magic...ahem, creativity...Amy Puchaty Communications decodes your every wish to cast a spell on your consumers, clients, and friends. Let's collaborate, let's shake things up, let's make things happen. Give us a ring or shoot us an email. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Trick or Treating,

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

​​By Catherine Collins
Minimalism is one of the most popular interior design styles today. People mostly decide on it for its functionality and peaceful and uncluttered look that turns every space into a personal retreat from the noise and chaos of our modern lives. So, if you want to introduce minimalism into your home, a good place to start from is the bathroom. Here’s a little guide on how you can turn your cluttered bathroom into a clean, lean and modern space. 

Go neutral with colors
Soft neutral colors such as white and gray look elegant and classy in every space, especially in a minimalistic bathroom. They make the space seem open and bright, even if you don’t have much space to work with. Bright colors are great in reflecting light, so you won’t have to fill your bathroom with a variety of lighting fixtures and overburden the space. If you combine the sleek white walls with a few touches of wood and concrete for warmth and texture, you’ll create a space that has character but still stays true to the simple aesthetic of minimalism. 

Create contrast
Even though white usually prevails in minimalism, dark-colored and metallic elements create an interesting contrast and nicely break the monotony. Dark metal fixtures, door and cabinet handles, lighting fixtures and other small details in contrasting colors make a daring statement without creating unnecessary clutter and disturbing simplicity of design.

Declutter
One thing that minimalism hates is clutter. Keep your bathroom free of empty shampoo bottles and half-used soaps, and only hang on to the essentials. Keep things you use every day, and get rid of all clutter that’s good for nothing else than collecting dust. 

Be smart with storage
If there are some things you don’t use often but just can’t get rid of, you should store them in closed cabinets. For instance, a simple wall mounted cabinet with a mirror will keep your toiletries hidden and not take too much space. However, don’t think you can fill up your space with closed storage and get away with it. It’s still considered clutter, so keep your furniture at a minimum. 

​Go simple with décor
Minimalism doesn’t agree with anything that doesn’t have a practical use, so go easy with decoration. A lot of decoration is going to close off the space and make it look cluttered (even if it’s not). However, one or two straightforward decorative pieces will add a nice warming touch to the space, instead of creating a crowd. Greenery is always a good choice if you want to add a splash of color and still keep it simple and natural. However, even though almost everything has to have a function, make sure that they perform their function in an elegant and efficient way. An ugly and old soap dispenser should be repaired or replaced even if it still serves its purpose. 

​Bathing area as a focal point
As minimalism is all about simple and smooth lines, the same has to be present in your bathing area, no matter if you have a bathtub, walk-in shower or a simple shower unit. Most interior designers today opt for a sleek freestanding bath to serve as a focal point in a minimalist bathroom. These tubs are usually very simple, yet still manage to attract attention. 

​Keep it clean
The space that’s dirty can never be considered attractive and elegant, so don’t leave towels on the floor and wipe down all surfaces every day. This doesn’t take a lot of time, but it will give your bathroom a clean and fresh feeling. If you’ve always wanted to live a more organized and simple life, you can start from your bathroom. Try it out, and you’ll surely let minimalism into the rest of your life as well. 

This week it was my pleasure to secure a client press release in The Denver Post Sunday Real Estate section. The press release announces details on the upcoming 2018 Colorado Luxury Summit presented by Denver Metro Association of REALTORS® (DMAR) and Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Denver Chapter. Read the full press release below, and don't forget to snag your tickets to the 2018 Colorado Luxury Summit before it's too late!
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(COLORADO, Oct. 2017) – The Denver Metro Association of REALTORS® (DMAR) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Denver Chapter proudly announce the first annual 2018 Colorado Luxury Summit – a curated, two-day event of thought-provoking classes, sessions and content designed to elevate real estate businesses in Denver, held at the JW Marriot Denver Cherry Creek, February 22-23, 2018.

“This event is unlike anything ever realized for the luxury real estate industry in Colorado,” says Dyllan Nguyen, AREAA Denver Chapter President and real estate agent at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. “Colorado is a unique place, and the education for the professionals selling real estate here should be too.”

Registration is now open to the public with exclusive discounts available for DMAR and AREAA members. A single ticket includes admission to the highest caliber real estate summit of the year, access to a trade show style exhibition hall, discounted room block at the JW Marriott, and signature events including: General Sessions, Six Breakout Sessions, and Closing Wine Tasting Reception.

A limited number of tickets are available for purchase starting at $199 for general registration, to VIP tickets for $250 which include one general registration ticket, one keynote luncheon ticket, one valet parking pass, and VIP seating in the Grand-Room. Group Sponsorship of Grand-Room Tables for eight are available for $2,100.

The Colorado Luxury Summit centers on special networking events and receptions, providing an exclusive and intimate setting in which to build referral networks and set individual agents apart from the competition. Guest Speaker-Keynote Luncheon to be announced at a later date. For more information visit www.ColoradoLuxurySummit.com​

About DMAR: The Denver Metro Association of REALTORS® (DMAR), The Voice of Real Estate® in the Denver metro area, is a membership-based organization dedicated to the advancement and protection of the real estate industry. With more than 7,000 REALTOR® and Industry Partner members across the Denver metro area, we are currently the largest local REALTOR® association in Colorado and the 36th largest nationwide.
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About AREAA: Founded in 2003, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.
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Do you have a special event to announce, market analysis to share, or a record you've shattered in a certain neighborhood? Give us a call. We would love to help spread the word.

Cheers, 

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

After graduating from The University of Kansas, Miranda spent time working in the mortgage industry in Overland Park, KS, before coming to Fairway. She loves her faith, her family, and her job. As a native to Wyoming, Miranda travels between Colorado and Wyoming, visiting family and friends, and finding new places to explore in the great wide open. Camping and four-wheeling are her favorite things to do. Miranda lives in Broomfield with her husband, David, and their three young boys. She is involved in her parish and her children’s school.

"My favorite part about where I work are the core values and principles my company is founded on," says Miranda. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation was founded in 1996 by Steve Jacobson. Just five years after opening its doors, Fairway reached the $1 billion funded mark. With a strong focus on purchase business, they continue to grow each year, funding $17.5 billion in 2016.

Customer service is a way of life at Fairway, which is why it is a good fit for Miranda whose attention to detail and high level of customer service are unmatched. Not only is Fairway dedicated to finding the best rates for their customers, they also offer some of the fastest turn times in the industry.

"Our goal is to act as your trusted advisor, providing highly personalized service and guiding you through every step of the loan process. It’s all designed to exceed your expectations, guarantee your satisfaction, and earn your trust," she explains. "Our main priority is ensuring that the trust we are given is backed by accurate, on-time paperwork delivered with the best technology available. We strive to streamline the mortgage process for our clients and make it stress free for all parties involved."
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Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is licensed in all 50 states and has headquarters in Madison, WI, and Carrollton, TX. Fairway works with the Federal Housing Authority and Freddie Mac.

Hera are Fairway's Core Values that Miranda stands behind.
Fairway strongly believes that the way they do things, is just as important as what they do. Every employee is guided by the company's Core Values, which are the foundation on which they work and conduct themselves. 

1.     Humility first
2.     Foster growth and knowledge
3.     Have fun
4.     Create an amazing experience for you
5.     Speed to respond
6.     Seek wise counsel
7.     Respect, listen and stay balanced
8.     Committed to serve
9.     Consistent, honest communication
10.  Family focused

"It has always been important for me to be passionate about who I work for and how I serve others," says Miranda. "As a loan officer, I am able to work closely with my clients and help them determine the best path for their home buying or refinancing needs. It is a very rewarding experience, and I am proud to be a resource to residents across the greater Denver Metro area.

If you are seeking mortgage advice and would like to discuss what options are available to you in today's marketplace, give Miranda Rigali a call at 913-209-9735, email her at miranda.rigali@fairwaymc.com,  or visit www.MirandaRigsMortgage.com for more information. Miranda Rigali | Loan Officer | NMLS ID 1591958

Editor's Note: Stay tuned for upcoming posts on home buying tips, mortgage advice, and more from Miranda Rigali of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.

Cheers, 

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

I'm always looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy nature, and autumn in Colorado makes it so easy! The fall foliage could not be more beautiful. Just yesterday it was a sunny 62-degrees and my husband and I got out to walk a few neighborhoods we are eyeing after grabbing a bowl of Shoyu Ramen from Niwot Market - a best kept secret for yummy breakfast dishes, and homemade Asian cuisine - perhaps that merits another post, but I digress.

Now, although the Aspens typically bloom between mid to late September, there's still time to catch a variety of breathtaking fall foliage across Colorado. Here, I highlight the Best Fall Color Drives - many of which I have taken - courtesy of Colorado.com

Trail Ridge Road is one of my favorite fall color drives! It is the highest continuous paved road in North America and winds through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. From mid-September through October, you can typically find great fall color, plus there are great hiking trails and plenty of places to stop off for a bite to eat. I love going for an early morning drive, then hike, or walk around Estes with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. 

Gunnison is another big draw, and known as a photographer's favorite. It's home to Kebler Pass, which boasts the largest aspen grove in North America and is one of renowned photographer John Fielder's favorite places. 

The iconic Maroon Bells, is often what people travel far and wide to see. Towering 14,000-feet, the mountains nestled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness are the most photographed peaks in North America! Located in the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest, they tower over an abundance of hiking trails boasting unbelievable views of gilded Aspen trees.

If you are looking to catch the views and want to get out of the car, but not in the mood for a hike, Telluride's Free Gondola Ride is one of the most popular ways to experience fall foliage. Check out the incredible views from the 9-acre land parcel above soon to be covered on SecondShelters.com. This pristine lot for building your Colorado dream home is tucked away in Telluride's exclusive Aldasoro Ranch community and puts you minutes from the best fall hikes and ski slopes. 

Another excellent fall day trip or weekend getaway is Breckenridge, which never seems to disappoint. There are incredible shops, idyllic eateries, breweries, fall hikes, leaves and more. Plus the short 1.5-hour drive from Denver is a breeze and filled with beautiful mountain scenery.

Looking for more fall drives closer to home? Check out a comprehensive list here.
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Editor's Note: ALWAYS check for road closures and weather updates anytime you decide to travel in Colorado. The weather changes frequently and what looks nice in one area can change drastically in another. Also remember to bundle up! Layering is key.

Happy Fall,

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter

​By Catherine Collins
I don’t know about you, but when I think of French interior, the first things that come to my mind are Versailles, piano in the corner, a bed with 1000 pillows and framed mirrors. In other words, French interiors just scream "luxury". And even though American homes are usually "not about that life" and embrace more of a minimalistic approach, there are some easy ways to "French'' them up.

Basic rules of French interior design
Even though it may appear that there are no rules in French interior design, there are some very important do's and don’ts.

​Don’ts
Even though they are embraced, be careful not to go overboard with ruffles, tassels and floral fabrics. Also, if you have one vintage item displayed in a room, don’t surround it with similar items, but with contrast minimalistic ones.  

​Wall colours
The only limit when it comes to color in French design is your preference and personality. If you want to make the room feel calm, go for the neutral colors such as taupe, white, mushroom, light gray or serene green. On the other hand, if you want to make the room more alive go for bold colors such as teal, emerald green, peacock blue or even red. 

​However, make sure you include one feature wall on which you will include distinctive French patterns such as signature fleur-de-lys. This is where you can truly incorporate the extravagant French design. If you are not into fleur-de-lys, you can opt for Baroque or Rococo wallpapers, or even Toile de Jouy if you are into muted vintage looks. 

​Floors
The most common French floors are either out of hardwood or stone. However, they tend to upgrade them by adding either contemporary or traditional area rugs, depending on the overall design. Never underestimate the importance of rugs and carpets – not only do they add softness and warmth to the room, but they also play a big role when it comes to the insulation of sound. Speech and steps echo are definitely things you don't want inside your luxurious place.

​Feature the features
If there is one thing I love about Parisian apartments, it is definitely the beauty of those lush architectural features such as cornices, wall panelling and soaring ceilings. Of course, not every single French home has these assets, and adding this historic trim to the 80s-styled home just isn't possible. However, if you are lucky enough to own some original features in your home or sky-high ceilings, make sure you show them off. Show off your mouldings with the lighting, show off the height with high curtains and never cover up your panelling with a busy gallery wall.  

Old (antique) vs. new
French just love to mix old and new.  A typical French family usually has a stunning old art object somewhere in their modern room that represents its showstopper. If you don't own anything like that, go shopping for some vintage décor pieces such as crystal chandeliers, golden framed mirrors etc. and display them in the center of your living room or bedroom.  

​Outside matters
You’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, you’ve seen the Versailles and you’ve seen the Sacre Coeur. Now, what all of these have in common? I’ll tell you right away: both landscape and interior designers had a lot of work. While Frenching up your place, you shouldn’t just stop at the interior – your home needs to look chic on the outside as well. I like to recommend to people to display some big decorative house numbers that really bring a wow effect and knock people off their feet. Besides this, take care of your façade and take special care of your front yard (consider turning it into a luxurious garden.

​Have fun upgrading your soon-to-be luxurious paradise.
Cheers.