Home Stagers / Home Staging Blog for St. Paul, Minneapolis, Minnesota

5030 Woodlawn Ave, Mpls, Minnesota

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:14:25 -0500

Historic spanish revival home offered for sale only the 4th time in 80 years. Original woodwork inspired by Tulips throughout and original art-deco bathrooms are amazing. Home sits on 3 city lots perched on ridge overlooking Lake Nokomis.

HUGE gorgesou formal living room with accent lighting.

Gigantic Master Bedroom with attached nursery...right on Lake Nokomis! Doesn't get better than this!

Protect our CHILDREN - what YOU can do in seconds!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:03:08 -0500

For those that didn't see the show..or even watch Oprah, PLEASE, PLEASE listen to this one message.

Whether or not you have children, please help protect those who have them. I made veryone in my family sign this important piece of legislation...please do the same.

(Below info from Oprah.com)

Help Pass Senate Bill 1738-The PROTECT Our Children Act Hundreds of thousands of children are victims of sexual abuse each year. Due to the sheer lack of resources, law enforcement is unable to follow up on the majority of leads they have.

The PROTECT Our Children Act will:

Authorize over $320 million over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.

Act Now!
Your U.S. senators will be voting on the bill soon, so it is crucial you contact them immediately.
Go to www.senate.gov to find contact information for the senators in your state. Search for your senator by name or state by clicking on the arrow from either dropdown menu. Contact information is provided here. To send an e-mail, click on "Web Form" below his or her name, and e-mail your letter to make a difference!

Call Your Senators
If you choose to contact your senators by phone, be sure to tell them, "Vote yes on Senate Bill 1738-The PROTECT Our Children Act."

Write to Your Senators
If you choose to write a letter, fax, telegram or e-mail, you may use the following sample letter-and modify it how you see fit.

Dear Senator:

I know that you believe, like I do, that we must do everything possible to protect children from sexual predators. That is why I am asking for your help.

Last year alone, U.S. law enforcement identified over 300,000 criminals who were trafficking in movies and pictures of young children being raped and tortured. Experts say that one in every three of these criminals has local child victims. Child pornography trafficking over the Internet has given us a trail of evidence that leads straight to their doorsteps, but the vast majority of these children will never be rescued because investigators are overwhelmed, outnumbered and underfunded.

As your constituent, I urge you to do everything in your power to pass the PROTECT Our Children Act (S. 1738, Biden-Hatch). This bipartisan legislation passed the House 415-2, but it is now the victim of petty partisan politics.

Now that we know where these children are and how to protect them, there is no excuse for the Senate to fail to take action this session.

(Your name here)

Instructions for How to Copy and Paste the Letter
To copy and paste the letter into your senator's web form at www.senate.gov, point your mouse arrow at the beginning of the text that you want to copy. Click your left mouse button and hold it down. While holding the left mouse button, drag your arrow to the end of the text that you want to copy. Release the button. The text should be highlighted. Place your mouse arrow over the highlighted text, click your right mouse button once and let go. A new menu should appear. Select Copy from the drop down menu. When you get to the message form field for your senator at www.senate.gov, point your arrow at the beginning of the message field that you want to copy your text to and right click with your mouse. Click Paste from this menu. Submit your form and help our children!

Charice, Celine and OPRAH

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:59:53 -0500

Sooo...how many of you saw this amazing little girl???????????

HAve to say she was phenomenal - and it's obvious lthis girl does not take no for an answer. I LOVE her!

http://www.oprah.com/index

Do you know an amzing little one? If so...now is their chance!

Oprah's Search for the World's Smartest and Most Talented Kids

Welcome

Oprah is looking for children with extraordinary talent! Is your child funny? Does her amazing voice bring tears to your eyes? Does he have dance moves that rival the professionals? Or know more about world history, politics or pop culture than you do? If so, we want to see your video! Hit the "add video" button below to upload your video. You can even upload video live from your webcam! Just select "video recording", and you'll be on your way.

Who doesn't love Dr. OZ???

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:14:32 -0500

I've turned into quite the XM Radio fanatic...especially to Oprah's Channel :) While running around to various appts, what better thing to do than listen to the best?

If you missed Dr. Oz's latest session, check it out! Great stuff as always this time on the Comparative Anatomy.

Comparative Anatomy Listen In

Comparative anatomy is the study of how different body parts, such as organs and bones, are put together in different types of animals. It can provide valuable clues about what makes us human. Dr. Oz talks with comparative anatomist Dr. John Fleagle about how we can understand our bodies better by understanding the bodies of other animals. Dr. Fleagle also talks about whether humans are naturally predisposed to eat meat.

A comparative anatomist might look at how the shape of the heart of a human varies from the heart of a dog or an ape, Dr. Fleagle says. Most of the divisions within the animal kingdom are based on some sort of anatomical differences that have appeared through evolutionary time, he says. For instance, he says the presence of mammary glands or the ability to bear live young helps classify mammals; the presence of a backbone helps distinguish vertebrates from invertebrates and so on.

To help answer the question of whether humans are naturally predisposed to being carnivores, herbivores or omnivores, Dr. Fleagle says scientists have compared the digestive tracts of humans with those of other animals....

"Humans are cultural animals, and it has definitely affected our anatomical adaptations as well enabling us to do things beyond what we might do with fewer bones and tissues," he says.

Oprah's XM - A Course in Miracles

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:06:15 -0500

Oopps...think I posted the first thing wrong. Let's try again.

Anyone an XM Radio fan? Have you heard the Course in Miracles yet? Amazing stuff...

A Course in Miracles, Lesson 224 Listen In

When we know who we are, we know how deeply we are loved. It is like understanding that we have a Father who knows all things, sees all things and believes in us. This omnipotent, omniscient God is our Father, and we can enjoy a relationship filled with love and the answers to all our questions.

God is my Father, and He loves His Son.

My true Identity is so secure, so lofty, sinless, glorious and great, wholly beneficent and free from guilt, that Heaven looks to It to give it light. It lights the world as well. It is the gift my Father gave to me; the one as well I give the world. There is no gift but this that can be either given or received. This is reality, and only this. This is illusion's end. It is the truth.

My Name, O Father, still is known to You. I have forgotten It, and do not know where I am going, who I am, or what it is I do. Remind me, Father, now, for I am weary of the world I see. Reveal what You would have me see instead.

Quote of the Day
"Forgiveness is the key to inner peace because it is the mental technique by which our thoughts are transformed from fear to love."

- Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Oprah's XM - A Course in Miracles

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:03:46 -0500

Hey..found a group that is into Oprah as much as I am.

Anyone an XM Radio fan? Have you head this show?

What happened to the CRAZY WORDS?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:28:20 -0500

Alright...did I miss the memo????

I've commented on a couple of blogs tonight and noticed something different.....

What happened to those crazy words we used to have to type??

You know...the one we had to type in to verify we are a real person blogging on Active Rain. Love the change...but any idea why this happened? I kind of miss typing "blackberry", "dingleberry" etc.

Cash Settlement - YOU may be due some cash from this!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:56:17 -0500

I just learned of something recently in Kipplingers magazine about a legal situation with TransUnion.

If you have a credit card, loan or credit account, you could get benefits from a class action settlement with TransUnion...one of the three credit reporting bureaus. ALMOST EVERYONE has had a credit card, loan or credit report with them so please pay attention as you may be entitiled to money. Obviously they are not going to send a letter to each and everyone entitled to payment therefore please check out the site below to pursue it personally.

A recommendation would be to apply for resolution #1 listed below which entitles you to 6 months of free credit monitoring service plus a possible cash settlement.

LEGAL NOTICE

A settlement worth at least $75 million has been reached with Trans

Union LLC and Acxiom Corporation ("Defendants") in a class action

lawsuit that claims the Defendants violated state laws and the Fair Credit

Reporting Act ("FCRA") when they sold lists containing personal and

financial consumer information to third parties for marketing purposes.

The settlement does not mean the Defendants violated any laws or did

anything wrong. The Defendants deny any claims of wrongdoing in

this case.

To receive benefits from this settlement, you must register by September 24, 2008. You may register for the following benefit options:

Sign up for six months of credit monitoring services. If you select this option, you can also register to possibly receive cash benefits in the event of a cash distribution or file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.
Sign up for nine months of enhanced credit monitoring services. If you select this option, you will not receive any further benefits, including a cash payment, and you will not be able to file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.
Register to possibly receive a cash payment. If you select this option, you can also sign up for six months of credit monitoring; however if you receive a cash payment, you cannot file an individual lawsuit against the Defendants.

Real Estate Tomato - Blogging Advice!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:42:08 -0500

For those of you from Minnesota, there are a couple of Super Stars here on AR named Teresa Boardman and Jim - The Real Estate Tomato. Their countless ideas, tips and blogs are often funny to read and full of great info in her 101 Real Estate Blog Topics

I recently learned of a site where Teresa wrote on Jim's site about her "ideas for real estate blogs". Check them out if you are ever in need:

Now what in addition to Teresa Boardman's and Jim's great ideas...I'm curious how she came up with "The Real Estate Tomato" and what exactly that means.

All the best,

Beth

AR Finale - VOTE NOW!!!!

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:26:03 -0500

So, the final challenge of this seasons Design Start was tonight.

I must say, it's a difficult one this year. For those that missed the final challenge, please allow me to recap it for you along with the pictures of their AFTER rooms. The two finalist, Matt and Jennifer, were given two deserving families that lived in New Orleans. They have 36 hours and a budget of $20,000 to complete a living room, dining room and kitchen in their families home.

Matt's home was great!!! I loved his Dining Room with the gorgeous merlot walls offset with the white chairs and art pieces...and that light fixture - LOVED IT! I have to admit I wasn't too crazy about his living room which happened to be the first thing you see when you walked in the front door. How about those two red chairs though - very eye catching and they look so comfortable. His kitchen was very good as well and I'm SO glad he decided to go with brown cabinets rather then the red cherry wood he was originally shooting for. Nice work Matt. From what I had seen on the other challenges for some reason I expected more creativity from Matt but with only 36 hours and the stress involved in this project, what an excellent job!

Jen's home was magnificient too!!! I have to say I pretty much loved everything about her home. Her striped paint treatment was right on and really added visual interest in the bosy home. I personally did not see why she was spending so much time on her couch layout as there really only seemed to be one option - but I wasn't there to really know what challenges she was facing. I wasn't too fond of her kitchen but it was all based on the homeowners tastes and wants - which they did mention red cabinets and I think they loved them. I completely missed the smaller kitchen dining area in the reveal, probably because I was so captivated by the beautiful tiled fireplace and wall. So, I have to say going into this I was really thinking I would be voting for Matt...but after this episode...I think it's Jen.

After checking out the pictures...who do you want to him HGTV's next Design Star???

The Stagers - New Show about US!!!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:47:00 -0500

Have any of you caught the new HGTV Show called "The Stagers"?

I haven't seen it but curious if it is showing the TRUE work that goes into staging homes.

For those that haven't caught the show yet, here are some of the talent being featured:

Loud, outspoken, and endlessly entertaining, professional stager Matthew Finlason has an eye for design and a knack for breathing life into any dull space.

Eco-friendly, green design has always been Maureen Powers' passion. A professional interior designer for 25 years, she is a pioneer in the world of sustainable thinking, design and living.

As a child, Bridget Savereux knew instinctively that she had a passion for design. Why else would she have spent hours rearranging her bedroom furniture, painting her walls the perfect shade of pink and choosing her dream bed linens while other kids played video games?

Looks like an interesting cast. By the way...couldn't they be any one of us? How come I haven't seen these folks on AR? :)

Karen, Kate, Craig, Maureen...you are my vote for the next STAGERS show!!!

If any of you have seen the show, please let us know what you think and if it's worth the TIVO.

The NEXT Design Star on Active Rain!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:34:35 -0500

Alright all of my Design Star Fan Friends...who (in your HO) is going to be THE NEXT DESIGN STAR?

I never get to watch the show but DVR it and just caught up recently. I thought it was a very tough week as these truly were my top 3 favorite designers.

So...between Jennifer and Matt - who do YOU think it will be?

I'm wondering if we need to start our very own little AR Design Star. Do you agree...and who would you nominate?

AR NEWS FLASH - Wow, how did THAT happen?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:09:14 -0500

Did you all see the latest GREAT news on AR??? I'm sure to some it may have seemed like years, but for me it seems like it happened so quickly!

Yep, our very own ActiveRain has reached 100,000 Members!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to say my life has definetly changed since joining AR...and ALL for the better!

This place is a wonderful forum where I have developed many colleagues and friends (and some even feel like family)!

Thanks so much to the brains behind AR for all of their time, talent and hard work.

Selling your stuff...the key to MOVE IT QUICKLY!!!

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:30:59 -0500

So I'm new to Craigslist but have to say...holy cow!

Load up some good pics of your items, price it right...and get that phone ready to go!

Here are some tips i've learned while posting a couple of things we felt were too heavy and/or we didn't use often enough in staging:

1) Take GREAT Pictures.
- Get all angles of pieces so people really get a sense of the items they are looking at.
- Make sure the lighting is right.
- Zoom in so you are seeing the actual item, not the entire room.

2) IDENTIFY where it is from (if possible), the dimensions, the exact colors
Stating the dimensions alone with save on umpteen emails inquirng about sizes :)

3) PRICE it right.
- If you really want to move the stuff...price it right so you can get rid of it, de-clutter and move on!

Have fun...and happy selling!!!

Model Home Furniture CLEARANCE Sale!!!

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:19:05 -0500

Attention Stagers or Homeowners in need of some new furniture...

We're downsizing some of our inventory and having a preview sale Saturday, Nov 1st. The larger sale will be ov 13th - 15th with the FINAL CLOSING SALE SUNDAY, Nov 16th!!!! All Must Go!

Please give us a call at 612-532-0847 to set up a time for a private showing. Great deals...great stuff!

If we don't see you...have a great weekend!

All the best,

Beth

BEST Business Personalities

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:31:27 -0500

Isn't it funny how we gravitate towards people who really bring us joy?

I have to say, with owning your own business you sometimes have the pleasure of setting your own schedule. Not always, but sometimes.

I LOVE Regis and Kelly Ripa. If we met in another lifetime, I think we'd be friends. Aren't they just FUN people? Who wouldn't love to do business with them?

We should take pointers from them:

1) Always smile. It's infectious!

2) Be kind to others. They'll be kind to you in return.

3) Show respect. There are times when talking is not the answer, and listening simply IS.

4) Laugh a little. Some of us take things too seriously. Life is a ride...enjoy it!

5) Get your teeth whitened - ha! Just because :)

You can laugh, but some of the little things I've learned and observed from Regis and Kelly.

A. Do YOU have a favorite show and what graviates yo towards that?

B. How can you adapt that to your business?

Signature lines

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:25:28 -0500

How do you sign your letters, memos, emails, AR signature etc. and what does it SAY about you?

A. "Sincerely?

Do you really mean it...or is it what you were taught in grammar school?

B. "Thanks so much?'

Again, do you mean it. Do you really have reason to THANK the individual you are writing to, or does that just come out of habit?

C. "Love"

Hopefully no one is using this in the business world...or perhaps you are new to business and still in high school?

D. "Best regards"

Ok, now we re talking!

E. Fill in the blank.

Let us hear what your best parting lines are. Do you have a regular? Does it vary person by person? What does it say about you?

Facebook - the new AR Home Stager hang out

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:29:25 -0500

So....I honestly have to say when I got my first invitation to this FACEBOOK thing, I was thinking:

1) What the heck?

2) Ok, I'm way too old for this

3) After getting umpteen emails from old high school and college friends...WOW, this thing is quite connected somehow.

I've also noticed quite a few friends from the AR World joining and requesting to link as friends, so I've started a group.

It's called - "Active Rain Home Stagers" :)

Feel free to join in...and let me know what you think of the whole facebook thing. I'm still quite new I have to admit.

All the best,

Beth

Fancy AR Backgrounds WHAT???

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:53:42 -0500

Alright, I've been out of the loop a bit.

How are you all getting those funky backgrounds on your AR Profiles?

I.e. Mr. Jeff Tuner's Perspective

or Mr. Jeff Dowler:

And hey wait, Maureen Henry somehow even disabled the option to cut and paste. I'm SO missing the inside scoop here!

P.S. Maureen - love the new profile pic!

Exactly how did you all do that???

UPDATE - Who got booted???

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:15:18 -0500

So...for those of you followers of Desig Star -

Anyone dissapointed with our top THREE?

It's now down to these three:

A) Matt Locke

B) Trish Beaudet

and

C) Jennifer Bertrand

(BTW, the only person I thought would possibly be in this top 3 was Stephanie Cook. Agree?)

I have to say I'm actually quite pleased with the results. I wasn't a huge Trace fan at all, and it is sad to say but Mikey V didn't seem to strike it well on camera. What do you all think?

Here are some observations I've made:

1) Top STAR founded by Design Start thus far:

For TALENT - David
For Personality - Kim Myles

2) Top Challenge this season:

Episode 5 - The "Sara Evans Shabby Chic Suite" http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/design_star_2008/text/0,,HGTV_31076_68650,00.html?cat=episode5&pageref=Photo_Video-925709&vw_arrange_order=DESC&vw_sort_order=MOST_RECENT&pn=1

P.S. Go here to play the HGTV "Design Star" Shuffle:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/design_star/article/0,3172,HGTV_29536_5885534,00.html

A very deserving Benefit Concert...please check it out!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:58:48 -0500

I recently became aware of an outstanding individual named Patrick Brandt. For those that did not know Patrick, including myself, I am sad to say we missed on meeting what I've learned to be was an incredible human being.

At the young age of 37, Patrick passed away after losing his battle with cancer. On March 2nd 2008, Pat left this world and left behind his lovely wife Jessica, and two beautiful boys Wesley and Charlie ages five and two.

The Patrick Brandt "Live Life Give Love" Celebration Benefit will take place August 21st at the Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, Minnesota. The event is hosted by one of his best friends; NHL hockey player Bret Hedican and His wife, Olympic Gold Medalist and 2008 Dancing with the Stars Champion, Kristi Yamaguchi along with a number of Patrick's close friends and family members.

If you are able, please consider either attending the concert as a guest...or even volunteering. This is a large production and many volunteers are needed.

Hopefully I'll see some of you there!

Beth

Sale of Home Staging Inventory!!!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:55:07 -0500

Good afternoon all!

It is that time of year (or actually a tad late!) for Spring Cleaning. As a result, I am editing and refreshing our inventory of Home Staging furniture, accessories and artwork.

If any of you Stagers, Realtors or Homeowners in Minnesota or the nearby areas are interested in getting on the email list for the sale, please let me know. I'll be happy to add you!

Hope you all are doing well...enjoying the sunshine and having fun Staging!!!

All the best,

Beth

Season 3...and the Winner Is????

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:45:01 -0500

For those of you that know me...you may remember I caught the end of Design Star Season 2 and thought it was pretty good. I'd have to say good mostly beause I thought the rooms at the last few episodes were designed so well by all contestants.

Season 3 just started. Have you been watching...and do you have early predictions???

GET IT SOLD! Minnesota Home Stagers Show Review

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:08:26 -0500

Ok - I've blogged about Home Staging / Design shows before but have to say with each "Get it Sold" show I watch I really am more and more impressed with Sabrina Soto and how the represent what Staging can really do. It's still a bummer they don't say what the cost for her expertise, services and labor is so that Sellers get a realistic idea of what it truly costs, but overall I think it is wonderful that they show how we partner with Realtors and Homeowners to help them price it right and package it perfectly for that coveted SALE!

Way to go GET IT SOLD for getting it right!

For those that aren't familiar with the show, below is a bit about Sabrina from her web site. In addition you can check out more about the show at www.hgtv.com

Sabrina Soto

Home-staging expert Sabrina Soto from Get It Sold.

Born in Miami, Sabrina Soto is the first generation of her Cuban family to be born in the United States. Early in her career, she assisted her mother with her decorating and home-staging business. As a result, Soto developed a love for design, a knack for creating beautiful spaces on a budget and an ability to clean and organize just about any space.

She later made her way into television as a host for series on TLC and MTV and a web-based series on Yahoo!, in which she interviewed many top recording artists and celebrities. In addition to her TV experience, Soto studied design at UCLA and is a licensed real estate agent.

When she's not busy with her many ventures, including hosting Get It Sold, she loves hitting the beach, hiking a trail and experimenting with new recipes.

For more information on Soto, visit http://www.sabrinasoto.com/.

Beth Patnode, President of Marketing and Partner at Minnesota's Premier Home Staging Firm - LH2 Home Staging.
Beth is an Accredited Home Staging Professional (ASP), a member of International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), a member in the Minnesota Chapter of Home Staging Professionals (MN-IAHSP) and recently became a Certified Staging Professionals (CSP).
Thanks for investing your time in reading my blog. If you're interested in contacting us for your Home Staging needs, please visit our website at http://www.LH2Staging.com
Minnesota's Premiere Home Staging Firm specializing in Real Estate Staging, Staging and Redesign Consultations and Model or Vacant Home Stagings.

More "Myles of Style" on HGTV

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:49:36 -0500

So...now that a couple of episodes are out...what do you all think of Miss Kim Myles on Myles of Style???

Did you see the Boutique Bedroom episode. Jury is still out for me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how down to earth Kim is, her attitude and her overall energy/vibe, but for some reason I get the feel that the rooms really aren't Kim's design's. What do you think? Loving Kim but not the show???

Beth Patnode, President of Marketing and Partner at Minnesota's Premier Home Staging Firm - LH2 Home Staging.

Beth is an Accredited Home Staging Professional (ASP), a member of International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), a member in the Minnesota Chapter of Home Staging Professionals (MN-IAHSP) and recently became a Certified Staging Professionals (CSP).

Thanks for investing your time in reading my blog. If you're interested in contacting us for your Home Staging needs, please visit our website at http://www.LH2Staging.com

Minnesota's Premiere Home Staging Firm specializing in Real Estate Staging, Staging and Redesign Consultations and Model or Vacant Home Stagings.