Fireworks by Local 1520 Roy and Peter

Happy 2012 Diva Dwellers and Divotees. It was an amazing year in the world and for Team Diva. The makeup of our clients in 2011 was an amazing, eclectic group containing urbanites, younger folks buying their first homes who were super savers, older single Diva Dwellers who found their “forever in Seattle” home and lots of sellers who were relocating to San Francisco. All of them were inspiring and super interesting, but the best part is that we were with them during a very important time in their lives.

Divas Kim, Chavi and Kaz cannot be the hard working Divas we are without the amazing support of our team. There is a myth in Real Estate land that one broker has the ability to make it happen for their clients. In Diva land, it’s a family of people who come together and get the work done regardless of the time of day, location, economic means or whatever else life throws at us. We really want to give extra big thanks to our marketing coordinator Chris Clem, Ricardo Ibarra for his design work and party planning, Craig Labenz for web magic, Miss DonnaTella, Rocky Flowers for constant support, our Team Diva Partners and the entire Saturday Night Club who come to every event, open house and all of you who promote the heck out of Team Diva. Below is a quick run down of what we were up to in 2011!

Top Agent Ohio: The truly inspiring and energetic Sean Carpenter asked Team Diva to participate in Top Agent Ohio based on the recommendation of the #SwaggurGurlz, Debra Trappen and Linda Aaron. At the conference, Divas Kim and Chavi presented on how Team Diva integrates community relationships with small businesses and non-profits into the Diva business model.  It was great to get the recognition on how Team Diva is taking real estate in a new and inspiring direction.

Divas Take the Hill: Launched an amazing event with our dearest pals at Retail Therapy to celebrate Gay Pride on Capitol Hill. Two of our stars from the event, Jinkx Monsoon and DonnaTella Howe, have gone on to receive huge praise and awards in the local community. The event also helped to inspire the creation of CHEW: Capitol Hill Entrepreneurial Woman.

The HimTern Enters our Lives: Good old Chris Clem spent the summer interning with our team, turned 21 and was given many Diva style words of wisdom. Later in the fall, we hired Chris as our Marketing Coordinator. He was the force behind the Donate Like a Diva Campaign. Chris leaves in January for another exciting adventure in his study abroad program.

Diva Dweller Soiree at Chez Diva: Every year we throw a client party for our Diva Dwellers. This past summer we hosted the event at the house – Chez Diva. Our very own Creative Director, Ricardo Ibarra, completely transformed Chez Diva into a magical Luau themed paradise. It was down right the best Diva Dweller Soiree on record. We had close to 60 people join us, meet each other and become lifelong Diva Divotees!

Zoe|Juniper Premiered in Seattle at On the Boards: Team Diva joined the board of Zoe|Juniper this past spring. We worked with the creative team throughout the year on their audience development and fundraising. A few of the dancers stayed at Chez Diva and with Diva Dwellers Deb and Dean. In December they premiered their work in Seattle at On the Boards to rave reviews. It renewed our commitment to local arts and helping our community to develop new works that are inspiring and keep the genre moving forward.

Union on Union: It was a true honor to be part of Capitol Hill’s launch party of the Oola Distillery and 10 degrees on 14th and Union this past holiday season. The event was attended by well over 200 people. It included previews of KT Niehoff’s Lingo Dance, aerliests, fabulous local booze and so much more. Best holiday party Capitol Hill has ever seen! Check out the photos on Team Diva’s Facebook page»

Nominated for Best of Capitol Hill by Umpqua Bank: Our good pals at the Broadway branch of Umpqua Bank nominated Team Diva for Best of Capitol Hill. On January 4th we find out the results of the campaign. Regardless of who wins we want to thank all of you who voted, voted some more and, as usual, rocked our world with your support!

One of the Top Teams at Coldwell Banker Bain: Team Diva is dedicated to being actively involved in Seattle and ensuring it’s one of the best places to live. Thanks to you and our involvement in the community of small businesses and local non-profits, Team Diva earned our way into the top ranks of teams at Coldwell Banker Bain for 2011!

Thanks to all of you for an amazing 2011 and we are looking forward to seeing you in in 2012!

• Check out the personal stories of our infamous Diva Dwellers->

Capitol Hill has always had a rich and diverse history in Seattle. Its central location to downtown has attracted urbanites, hipsters, old money, the gays and just about everyone in between. For us personally the hood is where we spend our days and where all of us have lived sometime in our youth. Team Diva’s mother ship/central offices are on the hill. Our favorite small business owners are on the Hill. And when its time for us to hit the town – we return to Capitol Hill.

Let’s just be honest – Capitol Hill is our home away from home. You can walk out of our office and, in a hot Seattle minute, you will find fabulous foodie spots, local fashion stores, amazing coffee, artists, hipsters and more. All of this is snuggled amongst stunning older homes, condos and apartments. There is always something to do on the Hill. Looking for some wall decor? Stop by our favorite artist studio, Local 1520, during the monthly Capitol Hill ArtWalk and get some fabulous art for your home. Need to find the perfect bottle of wine to bring to a party? Vino Verité has a great selection, including their very own Capitol Hill Red.

Team Diva hooking up with some of our favorite Woman Owned Businesses on Capitol Hill to celebrate 2011 Gay Pride month in style. The Divas Take the Hill event on Wednesday, June 15th kicks off our Pride. We will be releasing the official map of Divalicious approved businesses. Join us and see why we adore this fabulous neighborhood!

Shop Local Spot: Retail Therapy

Local Hood Blog: CHS Capitol Hill Seattle

See the whole Divas Take the Hill list below:

Divas Take the Hill: THE Pre-Pride Party OF 2011 / June 15!

Female business owners support their community with a party benefiting Three Dollar Bill Cinema!

Local female business owners are kicking off Pride Season at Retail Therapy on June 15th with Divas Take the Hill, a party that shouts “Diva’s Know How To Party!” This is a party for the girls, the boys and everyone in between. All proceeds will go to benefit Three Dollar Bill Cinema, just in time for their campy outdoor film series in Cal Anderson Park. Team Diva Real Estate, Retail Therapy and Babeland have teaming up to bring you THE Pre Pride Party of 2011.

Enjoy a fabulous show hosted by the sexy DonnaTella Howe, sultry burlesque featuring Miss Kitty Baby, operatic drag by Jinkx Monsoon and more. Enjoy some saucy games by Babeland, sumptuous nibbles from Cupcake Royale and door prizes, followed by a dance party in the secret back breezeway. Guests will be partying for a great cause as all proceeds from the event will go to support Three Dollar Bill Cinema, which is celebrating its 15th year of edifying and entertaining Seattle with quality queer film and media.

To get attendees geared up for Pride, Team Diva has rounded up their list of gay-friendly, women-owned businesses on Capitol Hill, the heart of the LGBT community in Seattle and the site of the city’s first Pride Parade in 1977. Many businesses included on the Team Diva list will be offering discounts to Diva’s Take the Hill attendees leading up to Pride.

Performers

DonnaTella Howe – This sexy seductress mixes substance & style as a central cast member of the Lashes Cabaret show at R Place.

Jinkx Monsoon – A comedic songstress titled “the hardest working ‘woman’ in mo’ business who can be found performing weekly at The Rosebud and monthly at the Re-Bar’s Bacon Strip.

Miss Kitty Baby - “The Striptease of the High Seas”- Miss Kitty has been performing her vintage style and high energy burlesque acts for your viewing pleasure since 2005.

Event Details

Location: Retail Therapy near the corner of Pike and Broadway (905 East Pike Street).
Date: Wednesday, June 15th
Time: Doors open at 7:30 and performances begin at 9:00.
Ticket Price: $10-20 at the door
Benefiting: Three Dollar Bill Cinema.

Sponsored by Team Diva Real Estate, Retail Therapy and Babeland.

Diva wine deals from Vino Verite

This Diva is ready to be honest about her addiction. I am a hoarder.

Now, some girls hoard shoes, some purses, some vintage designer jewelry. I – Diva Kim – hoard wine. I can spend hours perusing the isles of my favorite wine stores in search of Walla Walla Reds, Russian River Zins, French Chablis - and let’s not talk about Champagne. But, like everyone else, the recession has put a bit of a damper on my wine hoarding. On top of that, us Divas love to entertain, which means there must always be a hefty stash of decent wine on hand for any and all occasions. This calls for desperate Diva measures – budget wine shopping!

OK – I know we all have stocked up on cheap discount wine from  Trader Joe’s and Costco when need be. But, for us wine geeks who are used to scouring the K & L website for the most obscure bottle of Pomerol or “must have Cali Cab”, there is no thrill or joy in picking up a case of Kirkland’s Signature (insert wine varietal here)  just so you fill some thirsty wine glasses.

Basically – it is now all about “the hunt!” Where can I find the best $6.99 Malbec or $8.50 Cab? I spend hours picking the brains of my fellow drinkers for their favorite cheapo wines and combing the isle for every good deal.  Let’s be honest – taste is subjective. One person’s “must have” could be another person’s “two buck chuck.” Bottom line – cheap does not have to mean boring or mediocre. If you know what you like, where to shop and what to ask for,  you will become a Diva of Vino in no time. There is a plethora of fabulous inexpensive wines out there waiting for you to enjoy that are are way more quaffable than those Alice Whites and Charles Shaws. Let’s go find a bottle or two!

I stopped by to chat with one of our fav local wine folks, Dave, co-owner of Capitol Hill’s Vino Verite. Here are some of his top picks for wines under (or around) $12 a bottle.

Dave’s Picks

Summer is just around the corner so let’s start with a nice Rose. Dave’s suggestion: 2010 Domaine Sorin Terra Amata Rose – $12.50. A lovely fruity selection from the Cotes de Provence. I think of Provence as the mecca of delectable Rose. This wine is refreshing and perfectly balanced with floral and herbal hints. Delightful for a sunny afternoon of drinking.

Although I know most of y’all are red drinkers – there is always room for a good cheap white around the house. Dave found us this lovely wine from South Africa – Arabella 2010 Chenin Blanc – $7.50. In my book any wine that can be enjoyed for less than a latte and a scone is worth at least trying. This is a juicy wine with great acidity and crisp fruit – very easy to drink.

On to the reds. My new favorite – Capitol Hill Red at $12. The folks at Vino Verite have this wine made especially for them by Bonair Winery in Zillah, WA. Full-bodied, funky, bold, plummy and down right yummy! Scrap the Yellow Tail and pick this up the next time you need something to bring to a party.

Last on the list (for now) is a doozy of a wine from the Duoro in Portugal: 2007 Charamba Vinho Tinto – $8.50. Dave describes this wine as “interesting” – in a good way. Made from grapes that are most commonly used for Porto, this wine is young but easy to drink and finishes well with nutty vanilla notes. I have yet to try this one but I am adding it to the taste test list for sure.

Kick the cheap wine doldrums and pick up one or two of these great buys for your next event, dinner party or late night get together. The folks at Vino Verite are always happy to help with wine selections and they have tastings on Thursdays & Saturdays.  The tastings are now $5 but – if you buy wine at the tasting it will go toward your purchase and even better, all the money they make from the tastings will go to a different charity each month. This month and next month the money will be donated to the Red Cross efforts in Japan.  Stop by for a chat and  some wine sometime and tell them Team Diva set you!

Join me – Diva Kim – on my next wine hunting adventure when we explore the back room at Esquin Wine Merchants in the SoDo District.

Ciao for now and happy wine hunting!

The Divas Throw Their Support Behind zoeljuniper

Why we love zoeljuniper?
Several years ago we were at a party chatting with some friends. One said “Hey – you need to come with us to see zoe|juniper at On the Boards (OTB). They are doing some interesting work.” Although we are always open to discovering new dance/performance groups we were still slightly skeptical. To be honest, we have been trapped more than once in non-intermission “art pieces” that we wished we could be “beamed out of”.  So we politely took a “let’s see” attitude. We did venture to see zoe|juniper and were definitely intrigued. That was back in 2007.

This past fall we were asked by Diva Pal Josh to host one of zoe|juniper dancer’s Raja Kelly at Chez Diva. Talking to Raja about the work and Zoe and Juniper’s process was fascinating and illuminating. In February, we saw them perform again at OTB at the A.W.A.R.D.S. We instantly became devout fans! It challenged the audience and was able to capture the zeitgeist of the universal tension that is happening at the moment. We left feeling we had just seen a snippet of something brilliant!

Now The Divas are throwing their support and their team behind this exciting and engaging company. Please join us on this journey to meet, discover and get to know zoe|juniper. We are convinced it you do – you will become a devout fan just like us!

Join the Divas: Sign up to to get special emails/notifications inviting you into zoe|juniper rehearsals, studio + meet the artists at Chez Diva!
Sign Up Now -> Sign Me up Diva – email TheDiva@TeamDivaRealEstate.com

Find Out More
Check Out Their Blog ->zoe|juniper
Follow Them on Twitter ->@zoejuniper
Like them on Facebook -> zoe and juniper Company

Who is zoeljuniper?

Zoe and Juniper are collaborators creating dance in a container of visual stimulation. Zoe and Juniper start each piece with Juniper photographing Zoe in very intimate setting. Together they utilize that initial create spark to develop an entire piece. Zoe expects rigorurus and intense ballet and contemporary dance expressions from her dancers. Meanwhile Juniper layers in amazing videography setting a tone for the entire performance piece. They seek a distilled clarity of technique in their discipline which the audience can experience with their own history, desire, and emotions. The result is stimulating, surprising and always technique driven.

Why the arts are important to Seattle?

Team Diva strongly believe that giving back to the arts is critically important to building strong communities & neighborhoods. We strongly support Seattle’s art scene because we want Seattle to be the greatest place there is to live. Without the arts, our city would be a much less safe, invigorating, diverse and economically stable place to live. That is not a city people will flock to and thrive in. Please join Team Diva in support of Seattle’s arts and in support of zoe|juniper. Let’s all work to keep Seattle the vibrant amazing city we know and love!

Join Team Diva Real Estate this Sunday, January 16th at The Ives for a full tour of three amazing homes in this stunning vintage building. The Ives is a small vintage community at the apex of Capitol Hill, Eastlake, Portage Bay and the UDistrict. Views abound of the Montlake cut and Portage Bay coupled with perfectly maintained period detailing.

Check out the homes online ->

More Information
Location: 3121 East Franklin Ave
Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011
Time: 1-4PM