http://kmusto.islandproperties.com/blog/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ For the past 22 years, Makawao has been where I've called home.  The historic cowboy town, located on the slopes of Haleakala is where Carl and I purchased our home in 1997 and where our three children were born and raised.  Honestly I feel as if this were a place where time has literally stopped.  It doesn't feel like 2020 here.  Our community is small and feels like family.  You have every convenience necessary just a short distance from home...schools, an amazing community park, stores, the post office, the library...whatever you need.  Sometimes I struggle leaving to make my Costco run...which is only a 15 minute drive from home! Makawao's streets are lines with a diverse selection of art galleries, restaurants, and some amazing boutiques.  But probably most biggest draw on any given day (except Wednesday and Sunday because they are closed) is Komoda's Bakery.  Since about 1916 Komoda's has been making their renowned cream puffs and doughnuts.  You seriously need to be there at 7:00am to ensure you'll get some because they still sell out daily.  I promise it will be worth it.The busiest time of year for our town is probably Fourth of July weekend and if you are visiting then, you should absolutely make attending the Makawao Rodeo a priority.  The event typically opens on Friday with the Bull Bash at Oskie Rice Area, just minutes from town.  Saturday mornings parade that runs through town would be my favorite part of the weekend for sure.  My family would get our coffee and Komoda's and settle along the street to enjoy the view.  Of course, during this pandemic, things are a little quieter for us right now But if I have to be safe at home (not stuck at home), I'm glad I'm here.  I will do my daily jog or walk through town and count my blessings.  I wave to the familiar faces of my neighbors, I reminisce about all the walks when the kids to the library or to get an ice cream in town, and my most favorite memories are the endless days of soccer at Eddie Tam Community Park.  I have faith that these trying times will be end soon and life will resume and when it does I will be the first in line for my cream puff!If you'd like more information on Makawao or have any questions, feel free to reach out.  I absolutely love taking about my Maui home!   http://kmusto.islandproperties.com/blog/22/makawao/ Sat, 25 Apr 2020 02:40:22 -1000 We are all living in unprecedented times during this pandemic.  I feel like I'm watching a really scary movie...which has never been my genre of choice.  In the beginning, I was living in the same panic that most felt.  While my youngest son is still at home, I have two kids in college so my first challenge was getting them home.  My son was in Oregon so it wasn't too complicated but my daughter was in England so that was more challenging.  Thankfully, we acted quickly and both made it home to Makawao safely.  In addition, I had my mom visiting from New York so I had to convince her that there was no way I was letting her go home.  Three weeks into our stay at home orders and I am happy to say that all is well in our home as we navigate this new normal.Like many, I go through a range of emotions every day.  It's hard watching the devastation this virus is causing.  But I try to focus on what I can control and on staying grateful always.  We are following the rules.  No one leaves except to go outside for exercise (all three kids play soccer so this makes it harder to keep them contained) and the rare trip to the store.  We opt for grocery delivery whenever possible although I ventured to Costco yesterday because feeding these three kids is not easy!  On a side note to this, Costco Maui is doing a fabulous job.  They are taking every precaution including spacing everyone six feet apart in line and only allowing a certain number of people in at a time.  My mask and gloves in place, I felt very safe on this mission. My gratitude list gets longer every day.  Of course there's always gratitude for the health of my family and friends.  I'm grateful for the amazing health care workers, first responders, retail clerks, and all of the individuals helping Maui through these hard times.  But some days, I will admit that I struggle.  On those days I will go out for a walk or jog to clear my head and sure enough it never fails to help.  I will see a beautiful flower like the gardenia pictured, and I will be reminded to be grateful that I live in what I believe to be  the most beautiful place on earth.I've always wanted to share my love for Maui, especially Upcountry, and now I finally have some time!  I will share stories, some photos, and even video of what life looks like right now in our community.  I have to start with a story from a couple weeks back that showcases our local grocery store, Pukalani Superette.  This store always goes above and beyond for our Upcountry community so this wasn't surprising to me and is one of the blessings of living Upcountry.  This should be a must stop on your visit to Maui!  There prepared food is delicious!  Check out this amazing story:  https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=9958 There's so much more I want to share so I'll have another post soon but until then...please stay safe out there and try to find even the smallest things to be grateful for.  With warm aloha, Kristine http://kmusto.islandproperties.com/blog/19/my-maui-home/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 02:35:26 -1000 It's taken me a while to figure out the connection between my family life and my work life, although I always knew it was there. For the past 17 years, my family life revolves around our favorite past time...soccer!  My husband, Carl, started coaching when my oldest, Nikki, began her soccer career in A.Y.S.O. at 5 years old.  Nikki is now studying for her Master's degree in England and still playing soccer! After graduating and playing soccer at San Diego State University, she wanted to experience playing in another country. My son Joey is a freshman at Pacific University and is playing soccer.  My youngest, Tommy, is currently a sophomore in high school and travels all over the country playing soccer. My kids grew up on the soccer field, a ball at their feet from the time they could walk!  I hated the label at the time, but the signs were all there, including my silver Honda mini-van loaded with snack bags in the trunk...I was a "soccer mom."  Today I embrace this title and take much pride when someone refers to me that way.The connection between my life on and off the soccer field is clear to me now.  Soccer is a team sport. All members, from the coach to the players to parents must all work together for the team to succeed. My family is a team...all of us working together every day for our "home team."  You've heard the saying, "There's no "I" in team."  Everything we do, every decision we make, is a team effort.  That's what I have learned to bring to the table in my career as well.My business is a team...from my great company, Coldwell Banker Island Properties to my wonderful broker, my co-workers, and my AMAZING clients!  Together we are "Team Kristine" and we make things happen!  I guess this is why I love what I do so much!I'm glad you stopped by to check out my website.   Check back for more information on my favorite things...my family life, my soccer passion, and of course Maui real estate.Warmest aloha...Kristine http://kmusto.islandproperties.com/blog/4/i'm-a-soccer-mom/ Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:28:20 -1000