2 Hounds Design Unleashed

HaverHill Draws More Scrutiny

Fri, 22 May 2009 11:51:22 -0500

Well, seems Haverhill is drawing more attention to itself. The more they shout from the mountain tops about their greatness the more writers look in to the owners of the company.

Despite repeated attempts to get information about the success of the business as well as the success of the 'graduates' Haverhill refuse to divulge any statistics to aid potential 'students' determine if HaverHill does in fact provide the hundreds of jobs they claim to be hiring (from ONLY graduates of their training).

A new article has been released, enjoy the read and make your own decisions!

There's a stager born every minute: Haverhill offers big promises -- and shady associations

Author: Zac Bissonnette

BTW, notice the photo was a staging done by Craig Shiller...beautiful job!

Blue, So Much More Than a State of Mind

Wed, 13 May 2009 09:17:41 -0500

I've been getting very excited about blue paint color for walls. Did you know blue is the number one paint colour in homes in North America?

When using blue paint be careful not to select drab or dated looking colours. Blues of today are warm (hint of red undertone) and fresh.

Here are a few photos for some inspiration for you!

image source, Real New York House Wives

This fresh blue looks stunning against the white trim and marble. Adding in the blue and white ceramics provide a lovely grounding for the walls.

Blue looks striking when combined with black and white! This blue reminds me of Bombay Saphire's blue gin bottle...makes me thirsty for a Bombay Saph &T!

image source, Apartment Therapy

image source, ladyreynolds (Flickr)

I'm so loving this door!

Due to my desire to put blue *somewhere* in my house, my daughter will be getting a room in Robin's Egg blue! Sigh, I'll have to wait till the front entry is done first before beginning yet another project!

About the author:

Dane Caldwell is the Lead Design Consultant for Toronto and GTA's 2 Hounds Design and Home Staging.

www.2-hounds.com

"I won't be the person who sells your house, but I will be the reason it sells".- Dane Caldwell, Toronto, GTA & Durham Region Interior Design/Decorating + Home Staging Specialist

DIY Decor Ideas With Little to No Investment But Great Visual Rewards!

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:16:28 -0500

With the economy as it is today many of us are not spending on the more frivolous purchases such as decor items. The desire to reuse as much as possible and wanting to make our homes uniquely reflect our personalities rather than looking like everything was purchased at one store has inspired many to come up with some wonderfully inventive decor items we can all do in our own homes.

I went hunting around and found some simple ideas I felt would inspire you. I hope you find the ideas as refreshing and exciting as I do!

This organized corner is a simple way to spruce up a laundry room/mud room inexpensively while staying stylish. Of course, I'd use some felt or other cushioning fabric to protect your boots from getting marked up from the office clamps but they make for a very inexpensive way to help keep their shape!

Image source: Sasa Antic

A simple update for an old bed. Slipcovers!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

A contemporary take on the wallpaper headboard! I love the idea of breaking up the wallpaper horizontally.

Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Another great storage idea using cereal boxes! Imagine the fun you could have with the kids designing their own storage boxes for their bedrooms.

Image Source: Apartment Therapy

About the author:

Dane Caldwell is the Lead Design Consultant for Toronto and GTA's 2 Hounds Design and Home Staging.

www.2-hounds.com

"I won't be the person who sells your house, but I will be the reason it sells".- Dane Caldwell, Toronto, GTA & Durham Region Interior Design/Decorating + Home Staging Specialist

Incredible Little App for Designers, Decorators, Stagers!

Thu, 07 May 2009 11:42:48 -0500

I'm always looking for what is coming down the pipes which will be new and exciting in the interior design/decorating field.

What will be the next big trend colour, what colours are going to be the staple for years to come, who's the hot new designers to watch...questions I'm always asking. I had not thought about one aspect of design I realized.

So I went looking and I have to say, I think you will be very excited! Yes, you can thank me! LOL

Technology in my mind was the newist insulation, wind turbine, non-toxic glue etc. Technology was therefore mostly about the materials. I have design software...but I'm terrible slow at it and therefore always chose drafting paper and scaled drawing.

To me, design software (that's a hint) has become sononamous with 'evil' and ment to 'break me' reduce me to tears curled up in a ball in the corner of my office.

Till today!

2 Hounds Design - Video Launch Coming to a Monitor Near You!

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:33:39 -0500

I will begin posting some how to's over the next little while!

From simple DIY issues to get your house show ready and increase it's value substantially:

- like leveling your cupboard doors in the kitchen

- putting a permanent end to the squeaky doors

As well, I will show you the tricks I've learned along the way:

- stripping popcorn ceilings

- wallpapering

- tiling

- replacing a ceiling fixture

- replacing a light switch for a dimmer switch

And for those who like to watch the design process:

- decision making: when you really want something but it is labour intensive and therefore cuts in to budget - but it will look Freak'n Amazing!! Should you or shouldn't you?

You will watch as I begin what should be a simple update of my front entrance. Currently builder basic from over 2 decades ago.

- Ripping up the old tile

- putting in new tile

- decision time on the labour intensive but oh so marvelous reno move...what COULD this be?!

- painting: decorative finish to keep costs down. Forgoing the wallpaper I want and recreating it with paint and stencil

- swapping out the existing lighting for something with a little more presence.

My Foyer Update will be a no budget reno for the most part. I will be scrounging for what I need and show you how to get the designer style with little to no budget...for REAL!

Why is My House Not Selling - Part II

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:17:10 -0500

Why is My House Not Selling - Part I

Mon, 04 May 2009 23:52:32 -0500

If you are reading this post chances are you are sitting in your home researching, pulling your hair out looking for some intangibles that will help jump start the stale listing you are sitting in. There are a number of reasons a property does not sell.

For the most part you are able to control whether or not your house sells but there are always the uncontrolable like a metiorite, tornado or some other 'act' of god. Since we can't do anything about these...and they are the 'exception' lets assume this is not the problem with moving your &@#$ house and move on to the posibilities you have some control over shall we?

In no particular order:

Price.

Good rule of thumb for price on a new listing: If you've had 10 different mortgageable showings come through with no offer...drop your price.

Did you, be honest now, set the price or did your Realtor? Too many homeowners place far too much value in their home. Yes, some of us are guilty of thinking or wanting to have as nice if not a nicer house as the one that sold down the street last year.

Problema: it's not your house. There are so many reasons why houses sell for the price they do. Past housing sales are only a part of the information used to price your home when assessed by knowledgeable Realtors.

FSBO.

Which begs the question...do you even have a Realtor or are you 'saving money' and selling your place solo? If so, cowboy, this could be the issue you need to take care of...and you have indeed come to the right place! Active Rain has 10's of thousands of Realtors.

Over on the top right of your monitor screen you will see the row of hyperlinks...click 'States' and just keep clicking till you find a list of faces staring back at you. Those are some of the Net savvy Realtors in your area. Do some research, read their blog posts...find a Realtor!

Moving on:

Why is My House Not Selling - Part II

------------------------------------------------------------

Opinions expressed in this blog are that of the author!

Heaven in a Bed!

Sat, 02 May 2009 22:23:30 -0500

I've experienced the Holy Grail of sleep.

Imagine waking in the morning with a smile...after the best night of sleep you've ever had.

There is no other bed to compare to a Hästens; it is the Bentley of beds. The founders of Hästens set out to make the best bed available at any cost and my word, they've done it!

A bed is hand made (really!) with natural products. These beds are designed to last a lifetime.

Unlike other manufacturers of beds who claim 25 year warranties but can't prove one still in perfect shape after 25 years of nightly use, Hästens has customers with beds over 100 years old still in use and still in great shape.

You deserve to sleep on the best bed made. If you'd like to see for yourself, let me know and I will arrange for you to try one out and learn how truly incredible these beds (are from the Argentinian horse hair (humanely harvested through regular grooming) to the steel springs made by Hästens themselves and the 70 year old pine trees harvested in Sweden).

To learn what is known about sleep, to see the product lines, history of the bed and how it is made and to find a Hastens store in your city be sure to visit the Hästens website.

Sleeping on a Hästens is better than sleeping on air. You won't understand that until you've tried one.

Oh, and the new ad campaign is damn sexy!

Cheers,

Dane - Hästens Suprema King with Black and White ticking

The Toronto Hästens store is located in the Distillery Distirict.

Flea Markets and Sleeping In...Last One To The Table and All That

Sat, 02 May 2009 20:46:20 -0500

Saturday in the city!

Up and out bright and early this morning, Steve:

and I were on the road by 11:30! Ok, not so bright and early but we were bright eyed and bushy tailed! ;)

I'd dragged Steve out of bed 2 weeks ago thinking it was...today...May 2nd...bright and early. I was excited to the hit the city. Kimberley Seldon holds an annual 'Paris Flea Market' in Toronto's Distillery District. This year the market is held May 2nd and 3rd.

Although we didn't buy anything today I did completely molest a grey mohair velvet ottoman for a good 5 minutes so I was not *too* disappointed to be leaving empty handed. Next year I will get the dates straight and be standing in line when the market doors open. Lesson's learned!

The market is on again tomorrow (Sunday May 3) for those of you who are thinking 'damn I missed it'!

Cheers!

Dane

Rules - Call Me Crazy But...They Often Times NEED to be Broken!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:04:21 -0600

There are many rules in design and it's off shoots (decorating, staging, re-design). But the best designs (those stop you from flipping the page or stop you in your tracks) are always when someone has challenged the rules.

If may not be obvious to you that some design rule has been tossed out. Nor would it have been carelessly tossed out. Great thought goes in to stunning design. Those who challenge design rules are recognized by the industry for their ability to create engaging environments. Those who follow all the rules...create rooms that while may be beautiful technically, they lack the ability to truly draw in and engage us.

In home staging there are so many rules which so many stagers feel are sacrosanct. An example:

Mary Lou Teague of Knoxville TN's Home Style and Staging recently posted on her blog what I think is a Brilliant (with a capital B) foyer for her home. Now her home is not for sale and she only posted the blog to show us something she was really proud of...rightly so. Despite Mary Lou's post having nothing to do with staging many felt the need to say that IF it were a staging clients home they would tell their client to remove the decor.

Home staging since the early years (remember the woman in Hollywood who listed her house and draped her luxurious fur coat across her bed) was, and even more so now, is about creating a warm feeling in the buyer...one where they can say 'I can have family and friends over here and my house will be full of love and good cheer'.

Take a look at Mary Lou's wonderful foyer...you'll see something similar in my next staging clients house!

---------------------------------------

Opinions expressed in this blog are that of the author!

Dane Caldwell is a leading decorator and home stager in the Greater Toronto Area as well as having decorating clients in the U.S. and the Caribbean! You can read more about Dane and her firm 2 Hounds Designat:www.2-hounds.com

Dane Caldwell Lead Decorator/Stager with 2 Hounds Design is in the French Quarter...FOR HIRE

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:38:32 -0600

Salut tout l'monde!

I am in NO for a couple of days. First visit and I don't want to leave!

I will be happy to help out with clients requiring decluttering (YES I will pack - something I NEVER do), staging AND I will take the photos with my ULTRA WIDE ANGLE LENS camera.

3 Hours for a consult/staging/decluttering - $200

Hourly after 3 hours - $50

Help me stay for a few extra days in YOUR BEAUTIFUL CITY...and I will HELP YOU SELL YOUR CLIENTS HOME!

Have truck and GPS...will travel with-in NO.

You can reach me directly on my iPHONE at 416-418-5919

Tell your Brokerage! 2 Hounds is in the Big Easy!

Dane Caldwell Lead Decorator/Stager of 2 Hounds Design...In The French Quarter...FOR HIRE

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:36:19 -0600

Salut tout l'monde!

I am in NO for a couple of days. First visit and I don't want to leave!

I will be happy to help out with clients requiring decluttering (YES I will pack - something I NEVER do), staging AND I will take the photos with my ULTRA WIDE ANGLE LENS camera.

3 Hours for a consult/staging/decluttering - $200

Hourly after 3 hours - $50

Help me stay for a few extra days in YOUR BEAUTIFUL CITY...and I will HELP YOU SELL YOUR CLIENTS HOME!

Have truck and GPS...will travel with-in NO.

You can reach me directly on my iPHONE at 416-418-5919

Tell your Brokerage! 2 Hounds is in the Big Easy!

Secret Life of Bees - Set Design on TV Tonight and Thursday Night

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:22:27 -0500

Hi all,

I promised to post when the show will air for the set 2 Hounds Design did.

It will air tonight (Monday 13th) and again Thursday night the 16th.

Both airings will be at 10 P.M Eastern on BET.

I'd love your feedback!

UPDATE:

I now have a copy of the show. I have no clue how to upload it or where I should upload it to. I'm thinking YouTube?

If anyone has experience I'd appreaciate some help. The show is at least 30 minutes long!

For Sale, contemporary furniture used in vacants

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:43:33 -0500

Hey all in Ontario! I'm clearing out some of my contemporary inventory. I've got beautiful Italian Leather pieces for sale.

I am selling these at WHOLESALE PRICING.

Versitile Sofa with Ottoman or Chaise...depending on your mood! (Soft Grey as shown)

Product Description:
Sofas with cubic geometry are likely to achieve minimalism visually. However, only few can claim Paria's comfort. Paria comes as a sofa and ottoman. The ottoman base can be placed in front of the left or right side. By easily replacing the 2 piece cushion and the ottoman cushion it transforms into a sectional sofa.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Solid pine wood frame
Internal Upholstery: Polyurethane foam, polyester fiber
Support Structure: Aluminum laminated MDF
Ferrules: Thermoplastic material
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures in fabric

Dimensions:
Paria Sectional: H32" W91" D33" SH16" AH25.5"
Paria Ottoman: H16" W27" D27"

$1500 - Pick up only.

4 Italian White Leather Dining Chairs (extremely comfortable)

Product Description:
The understated SoHo Chair displays minimal design qualities through the use of rectilinear forms. SoHo is the ideal blend of style and comfort. The upholstered armrests that extend for about three quarters of the seat depth promote seating for extended periods of time and improve durability. This elegant and comfortable design is also suitable for commercial applications.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Steel tubes and sections
Internal Upholstery: Injection-molded polyurethane foam
Support Structure: Chrome plated steel sections
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures

Dimensions:
Soho Chrome Chair: H31" W22" D21.5" SH18" AH24"

$1200 for the set of 4. Pick up only. (I can get more if you want 6 or 8)

2 Eifel chairs in Italian White Leather...very comfortable!

Product Description:
Eifel chair and stools stand out at any interior with their continuous soft lines that represent a futuristic approach. The seat and the back are designed and manufactured as a whole, creating a sculptural body which seems to be carved out of an egg shape. A slender steel wire support structure dramatizes this futuristic approach and allows the users to observe and appreciate the geometry without interference. Eifel's steel structure and high quality detailing makes it suitable for commercial use as well as residential.

Technical Information:
Internal Structure: Steel tubes and sections
Internal Upholstery: Injection-molded polyurethane foam
Support Structure: Chrome plated steel wires (my chairs are like the ones on the right but in White Italian Leather)
Ferrules: Thermoplastic material
Cover: Slip cover with Velcro enclosures

Dimensions:
Eifel Chair: H31" W18" D23.5" SH18"

$400 for the pair. Pick up only. (I can get more as well if you want more than $200).

A New Product I'm In Love With!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:47:40 -0500

There is a new formula to stain concrete. This is a 0-VOC, LEEDs credited approved product which contains an acid. The acid reacts with the minerals in the concrete.

The finished product can look like just about any stone finish for much less of a financial investment.

Be sure to check out KEMIKO Stone Tone Stain.

Architectural Specs are available on the website.

Kemiko Stone Tone Stain is available as a DIY product or they will direct you to a professional applicator.

UPDATE:

I've heard back from a sales rep and yes, Kemiko stone tone stain is safe to use over radiant concrete flooring!

Autumn Hot Picks 4 Your Home From 2 Hounds Design & Home Staging

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:53:22 -0500

Autumn Picks To Elevate Your Home As Selected By Toronto's 2 Hounds Design & Home Staging

There are so many inventive products coming on to the market and design plays just as important a role as function...perhaps more important than function!

This will be the first in an on-going series from Toronto's 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging.

As a decorator, stager and shopaholic it is imperative I stay on top of trends in home fashions so I see on a daily basis and I'm regularily introduced by manufacturers the latest and greatest.

Here are a few of my picks I've come across this Autumn in no specific order:

Bodum

Bodum's double walled Borosilicate glass will not sweat on the table, won't burn your hand holding it and they will help keep drinks cold or hot longer. Now expanded, the line includes coctail glasses...ice cold 'tinis and cosmo's should then theoretically stay cold longer...unless you drink them like I do...in which case, it wouldn't matter.

These beauties have won numerous awards since they were released in 2007.

Green Rooms

Speaking of Autumn; for those of you who, last winter, were doing what we in the Great White North do every winter to stay warm...you may now find yourself in the market for a crib.

I wanted to bring to your attention one of the most sophisticated and stylish cribs I've yet to see (at least since Madonna bought her first crib). This bamboo crib also has non-toxic glue and a natural oil finish. It is available through Green Rooms. Sorry, I don't know who the manufacturer or designer is.

Daniel Michalik

Daniel's Sway Stool is made from 100% recycled cork (from all my wine corks!). I absolutely want this whole set!

The centre is solid cork which is flexible and great for the spine and as you can see the rest of the stools are perforated which allows the stools to flex and sway under you. Remind you of anything? The Pilate's ball. These stools will look much hipper at a desk or in your living room then a big ol'ball yet it still provides the the core training and keeps your posture straight.

Did I mention I want the whole set?!

BTW, cork is water proof, resists mold and rot...I'd like a 2nd set for beside the inground pool I want too. *smile*

Botot Eau Du Bouche

I have yet to try this mouthwash but the ingredient list sure makes it sound yummy. Regardless of how it tastes and how well it works, Botot's Mouthwash will look Fabulous displayed on your bathroom counter.

This is the world's first mouthwash...I have a hard time believing that. Halitosis has been around since the dinosaurs. Not doubt they were the first to realize there was money to be made in mouthwash. Capitalists to the rescue to fight nasty gingivitis!

Speaking of Gin...when drinking in public I'd recommend G & T's. No offensive breathe to put off those you socialize with.

Or you can cart around some of Botot's for between shots. Botot Mouthwash was created by Dr. Julien Botot for King Louis XV of France in 1755. Even Royalty was dealt the hand of bad breath!

You can pick up a bottle through Bigelow Chemists.

Ingredients:Natural extracts of - Anise, Benzion, Ethanol. Natural essences of - Cinnamon, Ginger (brings blood to the gum line) Gillyflower (clove family).

Even more to love about Botot:

- Concentrated so you just add a few drops to warm water.

- Recognized as a Superior Natural Product by The Royal Society of Medicine.

- No artificial colour or flavour.

- Cruelty free!

- Is still made to the original French recipe formula (though made in Italy now)

There are so many great finds I will of course post as I find the time.

Dane Caldwell is the Lead Consultant with Toronto's 2 Hounds Design + Home Staging.

www.2-hounds.com 416-418-5919

It IS The Staging Stupid...The Canadian Stagers Version

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:58:08 -0500

Durham Region, Municipality of Clarington, Courtice, Ontario Canada. Small town bedroom community real estate meets The Big City Toronto Home Stager.

When we put our house up for sale mid-July this summer we were confident it would sell and fast for our area. While a house like ours down the street was listed a month and a half before we listed ours...so they would have listed...end of May beginning of June; they just sold over these past 2 weeks so some time in September they finally sold. That is about 4 months! They have yet to move. No doubt they had hoped to sell and move before school started up again.

The house like ours under went a number of price reductions yet we were sold firm in less than 2 weeks. We sold for almost $50,000 more than them.

What was the difference? We did a couple of minor updates: a new powder room and new carpet. But that would never sell a property faster and for almost $50,000 more. It was the 2 updates along with the on-trend paint through out, the upgraded lighting I selected prior to lising and the staging. I replaced my actual living/dining furniture with some of my inventory and put in a new stainless fridge and stove.

Really the stager is what sold it. Knowing what to change, what to change to, and knowing what the potential market was. I made my place look sophisticated and rich...so any professionals downsizing would feel right at home as well, anyone with kids would see they could have a 'lifestyle' in the house. It was perfect for intimate entertaining for both. And for a young couple just starting out or a young single...it was PERFECT because it was not stuffy or old and tired.

Every person who walked in fell in love. There was one couple who wanted it even though it was too small for them! Another was upset and disappointed because his house was sold on condition of his buyers selling theirs and he new he would miss the opportunity to buy ours.

The point of this particular blog post?

We did not do the staging to sell for more money; we did it to sell fast. I think it was a wise investment. Don't you?

Frank Llosawrote a great post on his blog, 'It's the Staging Stupid'. Excellent read and from a Broker Of Record who will not accept a listing unless it is staged!

The couple who finally sold...they were younger than myself but their house looked like it belonged to the saddest people with no life. Who feels good and puts an offer on that?!

What are you waiting for? Take the leap and call a Professional Home Stager.

Why Does Your Agent Want to Reduce the Price Rather than Stage?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:41:03 -0500

Far too often, Realtor's with a listing will suggest reducing the price if it hasn't moved.

The Realtor's job is to sell the house. If they have priced it right for the neighbourhood and current market yet they are suggesting you take a price reduction it is time to ask them a very important question.

Why are you not suggesting a Professional Home Stager rather than telling me I need to drop the price?

There are a number of reasons why they might not suggest a Professional Home Stager.

They:

Don't know any stagers
Don't know what a stager is or does
Feels they told you how to stage already
Don't believe staging works
Are afraid you will ask them to pay part or all of the staging fee
See that a reduction in your asking price has less negative impact on their commission than paying for a Professional Home Staging consultation

On a $250,000 home a $10,000 reduction is only a $250 hit to the listing agent's commission based on the listing agent getting 2.5% commission. Is this an important piece of the puzzle or just coincidence?

Ontario Pitt Bull Ban Being Fought This Week in Appeals Court - Quick Poll Where YOU Can Help!!

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:44:28 -0500

UPDATE:

The poll ended (or was taken down) with a resounding NO! We Do NOT Support a Ban On Pitt Bulls! having the MOST votes!

Thanks all for taking the time to vote!

-----------------------------------------

The Toronto Sun, a large newspaper in Canada, is doing a poll today about the pit bull ban, and the dog lovers are NOT winning, as usual.

Take a moment to vote against the ban and could you spread this around so terrier lovers can have their say?

If we lose the rest of the provinces in Canada will ban these dogs.

Currently in Ontario all pit bulls (or pit bull type/looking dogs) must either be adopted out of province (rarely happens), put down or are sent to labs for animal testing!

We must not lose the fight to stop Ontario in it's tracks and end this horrible ban!

www.torontosun.com - The poll is on the right hand side.

Don't forget to pass on the poll link, or send them here to my blog post, to others who don't support the ban!

Thanks!

Dane

My pit bulls....

Reality Check:

Ontario SIF-RESA Round Table

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:04:55 -0500

For those of you who attended our first RT and those hoping to attend any upcoming RT I wanted to assure you I am working on getting one organized for November.

I'm excited and looking forward to seeing everyone again and also to new faces!

I will announce our location ASAP I promise! Hopefully by the end of the week...but don't hold me to it...it is out of my hands so all I can do is follow-up to see where they are on a decision to sponsor us.

As it stands, the date is tentative for Wednesday November 5th.

More to the photo then what meets the eye

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:59:43 -0500

Beautiful are they not? LOL, Ok well the colour is. They are a good reminder to me that a person can be 'rough around the edges' and still be a beautiful person. Still sometimes you get what you see...and a rose does have thorns!

BTW, when selling a house or condo the buyer is aware they get what they see. So as a seller...it is in your best interest and your retirement funds best interest to smooth out the rough edges.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I took this the other afternoon. I wanted to remember the colour of the roses outside my door. The colour is stunning and I think will be tres hot in home decor with an indian vibe and in fashion...with an indian vibe.

Thanks for the invite to your group and for the opportunity to share Robert!

Dane

Toronto's 2 Hounds Design's Set Design Photo For a Los Angeles T.V. Show!

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:16:03 -0500

Ok, I have 1 photo of the set but it was taken right AFTER the show so the pillows, throw etc are all over the furniture and the coffee cups and tray the 'talent' (LOL well if you are going to work with the industry you have to talk the talk! LOL) used are on the coffee table still.

There were 5 digital cameras to film the show and they really show the lighting to it's fullest extent.

Also, we only had access to furniture with in the 4 seasons...which is only a 3 star hotel...YUCKY and OLD!

The couch I assured the Producer would look amazing and would also mostly be hidden by the girls when sitting on it.

The coffee table's legs would also not be seen so I was ok with it...I didn't like the brass legs but the top was perfect.

Ok, enough excuses for the furniture!

Here is the set, taken from beside the lighting and cameras:

This was the most excitement I've had in quite a while. Kim was amazing and did an incredible job of sourcing some of the accessories.

You can bet I will be calling Kimberly to assist again.

I will make sure to responding to comments I've gotten on the previous and this post over the next few days but I'm exhausted, still excited (I'm in BlackBerries in L.A and Chicago!!) told I will be getting referrals and may get a call to go to L.A. OMG!!

Now I've promised to take the kids out to ride their bikes...they've waited long enough for me to have 2 coffee's and some time on the computer. :) Life has some great surprises for us all...just be patient and confident and they will come!

I am extremely lucky to have had this opportunity and I'm thrilled!

Ste. Anne's Spa - Unbeatable Promotion

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:14:30 -0500

I love Ste. Anne's Spa.

I spent a few days there after I lost my 2 babies Lingz and Booboo.

They have a great promotion on for the month of September.

lunch (bring your own wine - no corking fee!)
afternoon tea (yummy!)
$100 allowance toward a spa treatment
one group wellness class and complete use of the facilities (multiple sauna's including my favorite the eucalyptus sauna, the grotto hot tub, year round out door dunking pool, gym, etc)

All this and it's only $149!

I'd love to see some of you ladies from around the GTA. If you are interested in having a completely relaxing day in a beautiful setting...come on, spend the day in a bathrobe!

I am available to go on these dates: September 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 and the 30th.

Who's up for a day at the spa with me?

Dane

What does Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson Have To Say About 2 Hounds Design?

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:23:33 -0500

'Beautiful!'

I have had the most amazing 2 days.

I was called in by FOX/BET to create a 'living room' for a t.v. show where the stars of a film interview each other. The movie, The Secret Life of Bees, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival starring Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning and more!

2 Hounds Design designed the set!

The show will air this October the week the movie premiers in the U.S.

I'll keep you posted with the airing of the show so you can see just how amazing the room looked on film!

Thank You AR & a Request

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:38:42 -0500

I can not think of a group more accepting, welcoming and fair as I have here among the AR Gods and staff. They truly are the best and I admire them.

I'm much more critical, biased and outright opinionated to do the job they do.

I've taken a lesson or two from their ability to be so open to contrary opinions and their, what appears to me as, infinite patience...I think it's worn off on me some...hope so!

It came as a complete shock to me to find out they've gone and Featured me in the AR newsletter...boy do I feel crappy about unsubscribing! BTW, what on earth did I do right to deserve the attention...and could someone send me a copy...I'd love to see it!

Thanks guys/gals (are gals among you?) I don't think I deserve the attention but thank you. There are so many more in the Rain much more deserving than me...and some who are sadly no longer with us.

If I may, I'd like to make a suggestion...could you add who has left us, to play in the rain no more, in the monthly newsletters?

I know I've missed some incredible people and may never discover them and their blogs otherwise however, I believe it is never too late.