Michelle's Home Staging Blog

Tickle Time! TOO CUTE!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:26:15 -0600

Remember when the kids were young, cute and cuddly? If only they could stay small forever. Recently, I came across this darling video from Youtube, that brings back the essence of this cute time in any infants life! Super cute...a definite must see!

TICKLE KITTY!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

UPDATE:Mediterranean Custom: 2436 Park Blvd. Upland, CA

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:51:44 -0600

UPDATE: We knew this one wouldn't last long! This property was sitting vacant on the market for 6 month's without a sale. When the listing contract expired and the seller decided to re-sign for an additional 6 month contract, the agent suggested to stage the property. After being professionally staged by Empire Home Staging Solutions, this property SOLD and will be recording this Friday! So this beautiful Mediterranean custom will be filled with the warmth of a happy homeowner just in time for the holiday's!

This custom Mediterranean home offers all of the luxuries one could possibly wish for.

LIVING ROOM

The Living Room is a comfortable space for greeting guests,

with a grand view of the beautifully landscaped garden.

KITCHEN

Custom cabinetry, a center island with prep sink

& Viking appliances make

this kitchen a perfect fit for the finest of chefs!

LIBRARY / OFFICE

A private library large enough to display all of your favorite books,

with a great view of the beautifully landscaped garden.

FAMILY ROOM

The family room offers a cozy handcrafted fireplace

with custom faux painting and rich hardwood floors.

A great space for the whole family to enjoy!

MASTER SUITE

The large Master Bedroom Suite offers

beautifully crafted solid wood doors,

a large walk-in closet & retreat area with a private patio.

With 4 additional over-sized bedroom suites,

this home has plenty of room for everyone!

A beautiful custom home fit for a King! Located in prestigious San Antonio Heights,

this custom Mediterranean is definitely a unique find.

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Brought to you courtesy of

The Home Staging Professionals at Empire Home Staging Solutions

Enhancing beautiful homes throughout So. California.

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Speechless Sunday: A LADY BUG For Halloween? HOW HUMILIATING!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:58:15 -0600

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

SPEECHLESS SUNDAY: Together We Can Make A Difference!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:03:45 -0500

PLEASE DONATE!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

WAS IT PARTNERS IN CRIME?

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:20:54 -0500

Often times as home stagers we find some real interesting things behind, over and under the furniture we move around.

At a recent staging, this particular find had me laughing out loud. As I was moving furniture around in the living room, I found a pile of small pieces of paper behind a leather chair. At first I didn't think anything of it, but as I got closer to the ground, I realized that it was a pile of gum wrappers, I just had to laugh!

You see earlier in the day, when I first arrived at the property for staging, I met with the homeowner and had the opportunity to meet her 4 adorable little ones. After discovering the wrappers, my imagination quickly ran through the four darling faces, wondering which one of the little cutie pies could have gotten a hold of the pack of gum.

Was it just one of them sneaking behind the sofa and working solely, chewing away each piece one by one until the wad of gum was so huge that they couldn't chew any more? Perhaps it was a team effort and two of them were partners in crime! Which ever the case may have been, the wrappers were thrown away and I continued on with my work, staging the house.

Needless to say the living room came out beautifully and was ready for the market, with no evidence of the wrappers left behind. A beautiful home that any family could imagine themselves living in.

Professional Home Stagers understand that "The way we Live in our homes and the way we Sell our homes are two different things". There is no need to be embarrassed about life's little mishaps, the clutter, the decor or condition of the home. It is our professional training that allows us see beyond these things, in order to prepare your property for sale!

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For Professional Home Staging in So. California, call the experts at

EMPIRE HOME STAGING SOLUTIONS

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

(909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

A WALK TO REMEMBER! Sept 12-13

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:26:11 -0500

Dear Active Rain Friends,

As some of you may already know, I have decided to participate in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This is such an important cause to me because this year, an estimated 40,000 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer takes another life every 14 minutes. Another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes. An estimated three million women are currently living with breast cancer. One million of them don't yet know it.

I will be walking for a dear friend of Cathy Lee's, Katie Havens, who is currently in need of our prayers & support. Her story will give me the strength to make it through the 39 mile walk and I hope that with the help of others and your generous donations, they will find a cure for this terrible disease.

As part of the event, I pledged to raise $1,800.-

People can make donations on my behalf, so that I can reach my fund raising goal. With the donations raised, the Avon Foundation will provide support and resources for women affected by this terrible disease. This will help so many people in our own community and throughout the country. Any amount you can give is great; I just appreciate your support.

It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you for supporting me always, but especially in this challenge; you really do make a difference.

Please won't you make a donation for this great cause!

PLEASE DONATE!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Speechless Sunday: Pillows Come In A Variety of Shapes & Sizes

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:05:00 -0500

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Home Staging...in Peacock Garden

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:29:04 -0500

This past week, the team at Empire Home Staging Solutions had the pleasure of staging this charming Santa Anita Village Park home in the beautiful city of Arcadia, CA. Some of the locals know this area as "Peacock Garden" because of the wild Peacocks that roam the neighborhood and are often times seen showing off their beautiful fan of feathers.

This recently remodeled home is sure to please everyone, with it's rich hardwood floors throughout, upgraded modernized kitchen & baths and a tranquil manicured yard including a circular spa for relaxation. The type of home any HGTV enthusiast would love to move right in to. Even homes that are newly remodeled need the attention of a professional home stager. This one has already seen the likes of an offer and surely won't last long.

Exterior View

Living Room

Professional home staging always makes a difference

in the way a property is presented for sale.

Home Office Kitchen

A professionally staged home office... buyers are going to love!

An inviting Bedroom...

helps buyers envision themselves living in the space.

A home that is well maintained, clutter free and professionally home staged, will always grab the attention of potential buyers. Price and condition are always key when selling any home.

Don't forget the yard details when putting your home on the market.

A well manicured yard always feels...

so inviting!

*********************************************************************************************************

Professional Home Staging in the Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas of So. California.

Empire Home Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

(909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Speechless Sunday: Take Me To Your Leader!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:59:53 -0500

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Speechless Sunday: My Victory Garden

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:47:45 -0500

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Welcome Stacey Gibson...Professional Home Stager

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:41:49 -0500

A very talented fellow ASP home stager, Stacey Gibson of Chico, CA has recently joined the Active Rain network and will certainly be a great new addition. Please take time out to give her a warm welcome and let her know what a great group of professionals Active Rain has to meet and share with! You can learn more about Stacey and her business by visiting her blog link below.

Stacey Gibson, ASP

Welcome Stacey,

We're happy to have YOU join us here in the RAIN!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE... a designers dream!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:22:06 -0500

Since 1985, I've been attending an annual benefit that is so wonderful that I haven't been able to miss a year yet! This event is definitely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime, but it is so fabulous, I'm drawn back year after year, sometimes attending three or four times during it's run.

Since 1965, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA) holds the PASADENA SHOWCASE House of Design, one of the largest and most respected home and garden tours in the United States. The proceeds and donations for this benefit help fund concerts given by the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic and awards grants and scholarships to various musical programs throughout the Southern California area. A great benefit and this home and garden tour is one NOT to be missed. For designers, home stagers, landscape artists and anyone who appreciates architecture and design, this is the place to be.

A day at SHOWCASE HOUSE is really quite an experience. After enjoying a tour of the beautiful estate and gardens, plan on having lunch or dinner during night tours and of course, what would a day be without a little shopping.

If you live in or are planning to visit the Southern California area in April or May, try to make it a point to see the 2009 Pasadena Showcase House! You'll be glad you did! Here is the link below for more information and tickets. Enjoy! APRIL 19-MAY 17

PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE INFO

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

The Collection of CLUTTER...How NOT To Sell A Home!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:19:22 -0600

A CLUTTERED and DISORGANIZED home pretty much sums up...

How NOT To Sell a home!

Americans...we just love collecting stuff. We can't seem to help ourselves when it comes time to buying things that we really don't need. We are bombarded with infomercials and the advertising of products that promise to make us feel better somehow and we feel compelled to purchase them.

People tend to get real excited when their new item arrives in the mail, but slowly with time, the honeymoon is over. Our new exciting items that we so desperately needed, get tucked away in a corner or a closet and are forgotten. Unfortunately we keep collecting things and they just keep piling up, collecting dust and before you know what hit you, the house is cluttered with all sorts of STUFF!

Wikipedia describes clutter as: Clutter: A confusing or disorderly state or collection; or the creation thereof. Excessive, unnecessary or uncontrolled clutter can be a symptom of compulsive hoarding.

The collection of clutter really does put our home in a disorderly state. It makes us feel overwhelmed and cleaning it up seems to be beyond possible. However, when it comes time to put your house on the market, the clutter must GO! A house FULL of CLUTTER, only distracts potential buyers and does not allow for them to see the homes true potential.

A clutter-free home let's potential buyers know that the house has been well maintained.

A professional home stager can help assist you when it comes time to organizing your home. Whether you are selling it or not, preparing a home for sale can be a bit challenging at times. With the advise and assistance of a professional home stager, you can transform that once cluttered house into a well organized clutter-free environment that is sure to please!

Here are some of my favorite links that can help you get started with the process of de-cluttering your home. Whether you are getting ready to sell your home, or you are just tired of living in a cluttered environment, organizing your home can bring you happiness and harmony. Start de-cluttering today!

THE CONTAINER STORE CLOSET WORLD GARAGE ORGANIZATION 1-800-GOT-JUNK

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For home staging and organizational services in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley, call the experts at Empire Home Staging Solutions!

EMPIRE HOME STAGING SOLUTIONS
Michelle Pimentel,ASP,IAHSP
(909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY/ WHEN TEMPTATION CALLS...

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:24:33 -0600

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Where in The World is the MOST TRUSTED Real Estate Agent...Why in Lake Arrowhead, CA Of Course!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:31:41 -0600

Throughout most of my adult life, I have experienced all aspects of the Real Estate world. From being part owner of a Mortgage Company for 19 years to purchasing multiple properties, and with my own personal home staging business. I have come across many real estate agents, some of whom I care not to associate with because of their unethical practices and some of whom I have become dear friends with. I have been associated with many different real estate offices and have seen and purchased multiple amounts of homes and properties in the last 25 years, and yet throughout all of my experiences, I have never met an agent quite like this one!

This agent has far exceeded my expectations of a true professional! Her knowledge of real estate never seems to amaze me, her honesty and integrity are far superior than any I have seen and her kindness and honest character are far more infectious than anyone could ask for when choosing an agent to represent them.

Where do you find an agent like this you might ask... in the beautiful mountain community of Lake Arrowhead, California of course! While the mountain has many agents to choose from, my personal pick is definitely the World's Most Trusted Real Estate Agent! Finding her isn't hard to do, she works for Windermere Fine Properties in Lake Arrowhead, CA and is often seen playing right here on ACTIVE RAIN!

Recently, I had called upon this agent to give me a market analysis of a property that I own in the Lake Arrowhead area. and her attention to this far exceeded anything I had ever experienced before! She was quick to return my email and phone call; set up a date to come out and meet me at the property and after viewing the property, had a very thorough report to me in less than a few hours that very same day! I knew she was busy with other clients and showing several listings that day, so I said she could get the report to me when she got the chance. However, I was completely blown away when she returned a report to me within a few hours of our meeting and had really done her homework! Her knowledge of the market and property values in Lake Arrowhead, was just an example of the type of service I could expect to receive from this agent.

Who is this agent of such great integrity and work ethic, The World's Most Trusted Real Estate Agent is Kat De Long of Windermere Fine Properties! If you are ever in need of property information for the Lake Arrowhead area and it's surrounding communities, give her a call, I know you won't be disappointed! In fact you will be in touch with a most trusted agent, who will give you the customer service that YOU deserve!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Selecting a Pleasing Color Scheme

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 23:28:45 -0600

Choosing a color scheme or theme for your home is an important part of bringing continuity and harmony to your homes interior space. When remodeling or building a new home, selecting materials for some can be an overwhelming process. Today, there is a wide variety of selections to choose from in cabinetry, lighting, flooring, paint and surface finishes. They all vary in quality, price and style. Finding a good balance between the materials and colors used in finishing your project is what will pull the look of your interior space together.

Researching and discovering your homes architectural style is an important start in choosing which direction you will take when picking materials for your project. Look through various home decor magazines to view which styles and colors grab your attention. After all, you are the one who will be living in the space, so you want to be sure that your selections are harmonious with your own personal style. Try to stay true to the style of the homes architecture when choosing your materials, this will keep continuity throughout the home and enhance the value of the home. Example:(You wouldn't want to choose Spanish Mosaic tile flooring to put in the Foyer of a home that is Early American architecture, etc.)

Be sure to bring samples of your materials together to coordinate colors, textures and styles. Most home improvement stores, and showrooms will allow you to take samples of the materials home with you. This gives you the opportunity to put your selections together to see how well they will work in your interior space. Doing your homework will save you a lot of time, money and will help with the overall outcome of your project. When you have selected the right materials, you will give your homes interior the beautiful look you've dreamed of achieving.

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Empire Home Staging Solutions, coordinates with homeowners and contractors in the selection of materials and color palettes for today's modern living. Selections are chosen to enhance the architectural features and value of each and every home. If you are planning on remodeling or have plans of building your dream home, give Empire Home Staging Solutions a call and let us assist you in the selection of materials and colors for your home. We service the Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas of So. California.

Empire Home Staging Solutions (909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Christmas Advertising: VINTAGE STYLE

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:29:50 -0600

While recently searching for an advertising campaign for a Hoover Vacuum, I stumbled across a vintage Holiday ad that grabbed my interest. Curious to see more of these types of great ads, I began my search for vintage advertising and fell in love with the style of artwork! It's interesting that today more & more ads are photographed and use live models, where as the vintage ads were all about creating the mood and selling the product through artwork!

Over the years advertisers have found various ways to grab the attention of consumers with their fanciful Holiday advertisments. In what way will they market their products year after year, to bring in TOP sales.

Well, things certainly have changed quite a bit with advertising in the 21st century, but perhaps you'll recall some of these holiday advertising campaigns from years past! What I really find facinating is that mostly all of these products are still selling strong today! Enjoy!

Schwinn

Coca Cola

This is the Hoover Vacuum Holiday advertisment that first caught my attention and started the search for more Vintage Ads.

The Hoover Company is still going strong today!

How could we forget this favorite stocking stuffer!

"What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound,a spring a spring a marvelous thing, everyone knows it's Slinky!...It's Slinky, It's Slinky, for FUN it's a wonderful toy,... It's Slinky, It's Slinky, It's FUN for a girl or a boy"!

Amazing how advertising works, when you can still remember the silly product jingle 40 years later! That's a real scary thing!

Hope you enjoyed a look back at some of these vintage ads, some you may even remember seeing before. That is if you are part of the baby boom generation! Happy Holidays!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

My Christmas MeMe: Santa, I Promise I've Been GOOD!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:38:23 -0600

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, every where you go,... including right here on Active Rain! Everything from posts on personal Christmas stories, Holiday charity events, to even pic's of some of the Rainers in their Holiday attire! Last week, my friend Kat De Long of Windermere, in beautiful Lake Arrowhead, CA tagged me with this NEW holiday MeMe which has been spreading throughout the network. So the rules are as follows:

The Christmas MeMe Rules:

You have to name a gift you would like to have for Christmas.
It HAS to be an object. We ALL want happiness for Christmas.
If you could pick one single gift out for yourself, what would it be?
Remember, it HAS to be something you can touch and hold.
THEN, name 5 people or more and send this to them to do the same. Well, being that I am always up for a challenge and that Kat is a GOOD friend, I thought I'd better respond and post my Christmas gift wish. However, I really don't usually like asking for things, those of you who know me well, know that I am more of a giver,... but in staying with the guidelines, I guess I will let everyone know what I am really hoping for this Christmas. So that being said, here goes Kat!

For the past year, while being a busy Mom & business owner, I know it's hard to believe, but I also have been moonlighting as a maid, yes that's right, I said it,... a MAID!!! Well at least it feels like I am. I wash up to 3 loads of laundry a day, iron it all, keep 4.5 bathrooms up to snuff, mop floors once a week, wash windows inside and out once a month,make beds, vacuum every 2-3 days weeks...that's right said WEEKS, as I can only vacuum when my vacuum decides it feels like working! It's HORRIBLE! I've taken it down to the repair shop more times this year than I care to remember, or at least my pocket book cares to remember. So, while I desperately need to replace it with a NEW one,... during the holiday's, I would much rather just deal with it a little longer and save the $$$ and use it toward purchases for family and friends. So I guess what I'm saying is, SANTA, if you can hear me, I've been very, very, very GOOD this year and if you can find room in your sack for a NEW vacuum for little old me, I would really appreciate it!

So there you have it, my secret Christmas gift wish exposed! Even if Santa can't get it to me in time for Christmas, there's always Valentines Day! (Ladies, for those of you who have Mr. Romantic at home, you know what I'm talking about)!

OKAY, for those of you TAGGED Rainers (your names are below the RULES), here is what you do:

The Christmas MeMe Rules:

You have to name a gift you would like to have for Christmas.
It HAS to be an object. We ALL want happiness for Christmas.
If you could pick one single gift out for yourself, what would it be?
Remember, it HAS to be something you can touch and hold.
THEN, name 5 people or more and send this to them to do the same.

Tagged are: Virginia Tatseos, Bo Hussung, Cathy Lee, Elizabeth Nieves, & Kathy Kooyman

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Christmas Classics, Bringing Back Warm Memories!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:23:39 -0600

Christmas, has always been my favorite time of year. When I hear some of the old Christmas classic songs being played, I can't help but reminisce about my warm childhood Holiday memories! Some of my favorite Christmas classics are currently being played everywhere, for the Christmas holiday season! You can hear them while shopping in department stores, on radio stations, on television and a real sign of the times,..you may have even downloaded some of these Christmas classics onto your Ipod! Thought I would share some of my favorite Christmas song links below, hope you'll enjoy! Do you have a favorite song that brings back a great Holiday Memory?

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole The smooth voice of the great, Nat King Cole, reminds me of Christmas' long ago. Listening to this beautiful Christmas song in my childhood home, while starring at the Christmas trees twinkling lights and admiring all of the colorful ornaments!

White Christmas, Bing Crosby One of my favorite classic Christmas songs from a classic Christmas movie! Growing up, I always wished for snow at Christmas because of this song, but unfortunately I lived in an area with moderate temperatures, where this was not very likely to happen!

Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives Another Holiday classic movie, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" brought us great Holiday classic songs by Burl Ives, who also narrated this classic film.

Brenda Lee's classic, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree", always brought a smile to my face and gave me that happy feeling that makes you want to dance,... and oh yes, I rocked around the Christmas tree I don't know how many times, of course...back in the day! Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

I GRABBED IT QUICK, and Couldn't Believe Their Eyes!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:53:11 -0600

Checking my emails this morning I came across an email from Pat Starnes a member of Active Rain. It read:

You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.

Message details:
From: Pat Starnes
Email: pats@mcintoshandassoc.com
Subject: you've been tagged

Michelle, you've been tagged! Please follow this link:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/800351/Attacked-by-the-newest-MeMe-Virus

Thanks! Hope you play along.

Pat

Well, always up for a challenge, I immediately grabbed my nearest book and began to thumb through the pages. A book I purchased years ago as a conversation piece to put on the coffee table, but somehow it ended up shuffling its way over to my office and has been sitting in a pile of books and magazines atop my desk. As I began to flip through the book, I saw the faces of some of the many immigrants who passed through Ellis Island on their journey into our great nation. As I approached page 56, the picture on the page caught my attention, a picture of a young mother and her three children. A boy probably no older than 10 and 2 little girls under the age of 4. The uncertainty shown in the eyes of this family are very prominent in this photo. I can only imagine putting myself in this mothers situation, and think of what it might have been like for her and her family to have left their homeland and traveled so far, for a NEW beginning, but yet the unknown! The fifth sentence of this page reads:

They would be fed on the ship, be given a breakfast the following morning, at which time a lighter would come to take us over to Ellis Island. And so there was this slight feeling among many of us that, "Isn't it strange that here we are coming to a country where there is complete equality, but not quite so for the newly arrived immigrants?"

Once on Ellis island, the immigrants typically had many more long waits, and the best they could hope for was a two-to-three hour ordeal. As they entered the main processing hall, they were invited to leave their baggage in storage on the main floor of the building while they went through the inspection process. They carried the identification papers that had been prepared for them when they boarded ship in Europe, and manifest tags referring to their ship were fastened to their clothes.

I found it very compelling to continue reading and learning more about the immigrants and their process of coming through Ellis Island. The many struggles and stories they had to tell. I'm so glad that Pat Starnes challenged me to pick up the nearest book, this really has been a great meme! I am excited to read other Active Rainers sentences from page 56, I'm sure this can get very interesting! So to continue on with the tradition of the challenge, I am asking the following people to grab the book nearest them and share whats inside!

Directions for your tag:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences.
5. Do NOT search for your favorite book,you must use the first book you see after reading this.
6. Tag five more people

HAVE FUN!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Inland Empire Home Stager Meets The Ladies Of Construction!

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:14:53 -0600

Thursday, November 13th, The National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) gathered for their monthly business meeting and dinner at Antonino's in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The National Association of Women In Construction was founded in 1953 by 16 women in order to create a support network for women in the construction industry. Today NAWIC has a membership of approximately 5,500 women nationwide and international groups as well in Australia, New Zealand,The United Kingdom and South Africa.

Thursday's meeting was called to order by Sheree Woodworth, CIT President. Next an inspirational quote was read by Peggy Long, Vice President of The Inland Valley NAWIC Chapter, followed by a Flag Salute.

Dinner was served by Antonino's fine staff and everything from the Bruchetta appetizer to the fresh salad and exquisite pasta dishes were impeccably delicious!

Inland Empire Professional Home Stager, Michelle Pimentel of Empire Home Staging Solutions, was asked by Deloris Whelchel, Chapter Secretary, to speak at the program portion of the NAWIC meeting. Michelle opened the program with introductions and spoke on the many benefits and facts about professional home staging. A power point presentation was shown with plenty of before and after shots of the many wonderful transformations home staging provides home owners and builders today! The presentation was followed by a Q&A session, while the staff at Antonino's served the ladies Tiramisu and coffee. What a wonderful evening!

This was a great opportunity for the women of this chapter to hear about the importance of home staging and how they can apply it to their industry as well as their personal lives! If you would like more information about the NAWIC organization visit them at the following link. NAWIC

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FOR PROFESSIONAL HOME STAGING IN THE INLAND EMPIRE, CALL (909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

Who's Cooking the TURKEY This Year?

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:23:32 -0600

November has arrived and it's time to start preparing for the holiday season! Thanksgiving is November 27, 2008!

Will you be cooking the turkey this year? If you're entertaining the crew for Thanksgiving,...

WOW your guests with a Thanksgiving spread to remember!

Start by bringing an autumn feel to your front entry using Fall foliage, pumpkins, gords & dried corn in a vignette just outside the door. An autumn wreath always adds color to the front entry. Place pots or baskets full of Fall seasonal flowers by the front porch to add color and warmth to your entry. You want for your guests to feel welcome, from the moment they arrive!

Leave your guests ranting and raving about your festive table with decorations to remember.

When setting your Thanksgiving table, use unique place card holders to add to the festive decorations. These pear and acorn holders are just perfect.

Personalizing your guests place card settings with a quick note, reminds them of just how special they are and why you are thankful for them.... This will make them feel warm and fuzzy from the minute they sit down to your Thanksgiving feast!

EXAMPLES:

Chelsea, I am thankful for the laughter you always bring to my life!

Timothy, I am thankful for the friendship we have, you are so special to me!

Nancy, Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without you!

These small notes on the back of the place cards will let your guests know they are welcomed.

Whether you are setting the table to serve your guests or having a buffet style Thanksgiving spread, be sure not to overcrowd your tables. Keep your decorations to a minimum, remember less is more. Your guests will need the extra elbow room on the table and if you are serving different courses throughout the dinner, you will need the extra table space to place the different dishes down!

Try to coordinate your serving dishes as well, so that when they make it to the table they blend in with your Holiday decor!

If your serving cranberry this year, a big No No...DON'T serve it straight from the can!

Get creative with your cranberries and find a decorative bowl or dish to serve it in. Make a cranberry mold. Presentation is everything when your trying to impress the guests!

Don't forget a toast to family & friends!

Impress your guests with decadent desserts...it's not just about the pumpkin pie anymore! How about serving this delicious cranberry eggnog tart or glazed Bartlett pears. You'll find some of thease great recipes at this link below.

www.yumsugar.com/756962

As always when entertaining guests, it is good to leave them with a gift to take home...a special memento from your gathering that will be a reminder of the great time they had every time that they see it. Remember to keep your gift in the theme of your Holiday decor. These cute fall boxes could be filled with your favorite candy or a small gift for your guests. Or how about these cute leaf shaped hand soaps. If you have a large crowd, a cookie cutter is an inexpensive item and makes a great gift too!

No matter how large or small, gift giving is always good for the soul !

Remember to keep continuity throughout your Thanksgiving Holiday decor and plan ahead of time! If you are well prepared, you will be able to relax and enjoy your special gathering with family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

LAKE ARROWHEAD Home Stager meets Windermere R.E. Professionals: An Act of Rain

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:37:43 -0500

The power of Active Rain Networking,has allowed me to build many new friendships and has given me many business opportunities to build upon. Today, was certainly no exception!

Recently, my good friend Kat De Long, a special friend and associate from Active Rain, invited me to speak at one of her office meetings, at Windermere Fine Properties. After speaking with her Office Broker, Glenn Tinturin, we lined up a day for me to come out and speak to the office about Professional Home Staging and the benefits it has to offer Real Estate agents and their clients. Well today was the day and was I ever happy to meet this great group of Professionals from Windermere Fine Properties, Lake Arrowhead, CA!

The morning started off with breakfast and coffee provided by Empire Home Staging Solutions, and then it was introduction time! I proceeded to explain, to all of the attentive Windermere Professionals, about the benefits of professional home staging and how it will benefit the realtors and especially their clients!

We then had a Q&A session and all of the questions, let me know that these realtors were really receptive to the need for home staging in their market. Justine and I were so pleased to have this opportunity to meet everyone from Kat De Long's office, and to find that many of them are member's right here on Active Rain. I am so proud to associate myself, with all of these fine Windermere professionals! What a great group! It was easy to see throughout today's meeting that Windermere, really cares about their employees and the clients and community they serve!

Today's meeting was possibly the beginning of great connections made here on the Rain...and only time will tell of the relationships we build, however of this I am certain,...that for any real estate needs in the beautiful Lake Arrowhead area, I would highly recommend Windermere Fine Properties to anyone! The knowledge and professionalism shown by these agents tells me that this group will handle any transaction with the utmost care and will always look out for the best interest of any seller or buyer.

Thanks Active Rain, for making great connections happen!

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

ENTER: The Time Machine Part IV- The 1950's

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:15:03 -0500

Time has shown us some very different styles and trends throughout the century's, but there is one decade that really grasps the heart of America and introduces to us the new sound of Rock & Roll!

Let's hop back in our Home Staging Time Machine and travel back to the day's of bobbie socks, poodle skirts and the juke box! 2008...1990...1980...1970...1960...1950!

In the 1950's, if you owned a professional home staging business, you may have come across homes like this with similar interiors!

Kitchens were filled with appliances and furniture pieces in an array of colors right out of a bowl of sherbet! (Pinks, pale greens,soft yellows) and on the contrast, bright red colors were also found and checkerboard floors were abound. (This one shown in black and white).

You could have possibly gone out for a consultation in something similar to this full skirted dress. Of course in a variety of colors and patterns so that you could have one for every day of the week!

As you can see, this professional home stager, had a "Perfect Day",... probably out shopping for some more inventory and lunch with friends! Now it's time to sit down at her IBM Electric Typewriter and type up a home staging proposal for her new client!

Notice the gloves ladies...you certainly could not have left the house without those in the 1950's!

Here's a look at a staged bathroom of the 50's...and don't forget the washroom... every part of the house should be thoroughly cleaned and professionally staged in order to get that sale!

You may have had similar items in your inventory for staging, these lightweight pieces would have been perfect for any room in the house!

A 1950's professional home stager, may have put a nickle in the juke box while having lunch with friends at her favorite diner! Some of our biggest rock-n-roll icon's of the 50's were probably being played!

Fats Domino

This home stager obviously used a lot more dishes on this table in the 50's than we would use in our stagings today!

We can even find this retro color palette of brights making a come back and being sold in stores again today!

Staging in the 1950's definitely would have been exciting! I think this is one era I could see myself staging in,... I would have loved to rock-around-the-clock!

ENTER...The Time Machine! Part I-1900's

ENTER: The Time Machine Part II- 1930's

ENTER: The Time Machine- Part III 1970's

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For all your professional home staging needs call the experts at Empire Home Staging Solutions! Serving the Inland Empire,San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas of So. California. Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP (909) 694-9981

Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!

I LOVE MY PROFESSION BECAUSE... a challenge from my dear, sweet, intellegent,kind, & did I mention beautiful?... AR friend

Michelle Pimentel ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging (Empire Home Staging Solutions) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:02:15 -0500

Normally on any given day, in my profession of home staging, I am faced with several types of challenges...what to do with the homeowners lime green walls or how to convince clients that putting linoleum on their counter tops just really is not a good idea! These types of things!

When my friend Kat De Long challenged me to write a post about why I love my profession, I had to sit back and think for a minute week...and really understand what it was, about my profession, that makes me enjoy it so much! Well, here goes Kat...hope you like my post!

I Love my profession, because... first and foremost, I am a people person! What better way for me to get out and meet people than to deal with the general public! My profession allows me to do this by constantly meeting with real estate agents and brokers, their office personnel,homeowners, clients and their families, personnel at my favorite shopping stores, of course my new friends of the AR community and other business social networking groups, etc. I always find meeting people interesting, I enjoy learning about them and what they do. Many bonds and friendships some old and some new have been started because of my profession. Like that of my dear friend Kat De Long , with whom I met through the wonderful world of Active Rain and who has challenged me to this post!

Secondly, I love my profession so much because... it allows me to express my creative spirit which is one of my passions. I love design & color. From the time I was little...which was a long time while ago...I have loved art and arranging and creating things! I studied art and interior design throughout high school and college and still today, I am constantly learning about art and form by viewing things in all my surroundings to see them for their artistic or architectural qualities. My profession of home staging, challenges me everyday to create inviting environments for clients,family and friends. I get a thrill out of watching peoples reactions when they first see they're homes transformed! I love helping sellers prepare they're homes for the market and seeing they're enjoyment when they SELL! I'm not one who normally wants the attention focused on them, I would much rather please others...I get more enjoyment from that!

Also, my profession, (which I absolutely love), did I mention that?... allows me the freedom to have a flexible schedule,allowing me to spend time with my husband of 23 years and 3 beautiful children, family and friends. After all, life really is about enjoying your passions and living each day to the fullest, with the ones you hold dear. (If it's not, please clue me in, if I'm missing out on something)!

My profession also allows for me to give back to my community through many charitable works throughout the year, which really makes my heart expand! Giving back is something that fills my heart with joy, doesn't cost me a thing and I truly believe the giver receives more than the recipient!

Last of all, what better excuse would there be for going shopping than to be a professional home stager! Every girl loves to shop, well at least this one does...and I enjoy shopping for furniture and fabrics, unusual art pieces and accessories and coordinating items found in various stores and design centers and pulling them all together to form environments that are pleasing and inviting!

Thanks for the challenge Kat, you really made me stop and think of how lucky I am to be doing something that I am so passionate about! Now this challenge wouldn't continue on without another victim person getting tagged,... so I have tagged Benjamin Clark and Betty Haney and look forward to reading their posts and finding out more about the love they have for their professions!

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Michelle Pimentel, ASP, IAHSP

Empire Home Staging Solutions

1042 No. Mountain Ave. B-117

Upland, CA 91786

(909) 694-9981

EMPIRE HOME

Staging Solutions

Preparing So. California Homes For Sale!