Monday Morning Musing - 04/30/07 06:00 AM
Every day that we can open our eyes and get out of bed should be considered a good day. It's extra special when the sun is shining. Today I leave you with these words ...
"A day will never be any more than what you make of it"
- Josh S. Hinds
... so … (1 comments)
|
A Very Special Woman - 04/29/07 09:28 AM
Because of my involvement with OCC (Ovarian Cancer Canada), I had posted a notice in my local newspaper - the Brampton Guardian - last year to say that redesigners across Canada are offering complimentary room makeovers for women in treatment.I was then contacted by someone who had a dear friend in Stage 4. … (5 comments)
|
A Rewarding Day - 04/29/07 09:12 AM
In the world of redesign, I've found that the client who needs us most - the senior adult with a house full of memories (and furniture!) - is the one most resistant to change. But then I heard about Adrianna.Adrianna is a spunky 80 year old who has lived alone since her … (0 comments)
|
Allergen Free Gardens - 04/29/07 09:03 AM
With the warm weather now upon us, we want to be able to enjoy the outdoors without sniffling and sneezing. Choosing the right plants for your garden can help reduce those awful allergy triggers. Here are some excellent tips from HGTV.ca. Apparently, "male" plants are the pollen producing culprits !
http://www.hgtv.ca/garden/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=2478&cat=2&by=6
Read more … (0 comments)
|
A Sunday Morning Read ... - 04/29/07 08:09 AM
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and settle in to read a few good articles from The Toronto Star (April 29/07).
The $400,000 reno - http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/207319 Yes that's right, it says RENO !
Here we grow again. Corktown, a historic part of Toronto (adjacent to the Distillery District) is scheduled for restoration and redevelopment - http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/206803
Cut down … (0 comments)
|
Trash Bags - 04/29/07 07:51 AM
http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/208159
Check out the photo of the second home (Bloor West Village - $500,000). Why would anyone take a photo for real estate purposes with a couple of trash bags sitting at the curb ? Stuff like this really bugs me. It's as bad as leaving the toilet seat up or the … (1 comments)
|
Brampton News - 04/29/07 07:21 AM
Once again, there is something to be said for reading the newspaper online. I do enjoy the Brampton Guardian because it brings me all of the local news and events I might need to know. However, it is delivered three times per week with a stack of grocery and department store … (0 comments)
|
Brampton Facts & History - 04/29/07 07:11 AM
Not having lived in Brampton all my life, I was eager to learn more about this city's history. I found all the facts and more at Wikipedia.org - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brampton,_Ontario
As of the 2006 Census reading, the population of Brampton was at 433,806 - so don't believe the highway signs leading into the … (0 comments)
|
Do you really know what clutter is ? - 04/28/07 03:37 PM
This article was included in a newsletter distributed by my good friend Lisa Moyles, a Business Coach in Connecticut - http://www.actioncoaching.com/lisamoyles/The article itself was written by Jill McKean - http://www.organizeit-now.com/
I felt it was important enough to share ...
Yes, clutter is what sits on top of your desk and on the floor … (5 comments)
|
Monday Morning Musing - 04/23/07 05:38 AM
I love this time of year ! No alarm clock required - my bedroom windows face east so I get the sun in my face and the birds start chirping at 5:30 a.m. It feels good and energizes me. So as I begin another busy and challenging week I thought it appropriate … (1 comments)
|
Earth Day - What will you do ? - 04/22/07 08:09 AM
Today (April 22) is Earth Day which has been recognized and celebrated worldwide since 1970. Let's all do our part to help continue this tradition and preserve our planet.
Five ways to celebrate Earth Day -
http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/5+ways+to+celebrate+Earth+Day/Home/ContentPosting_CL.aspx?isfa=1&newsitemid=231146&feedname=TRANS-CANADIAN-LIVING&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc
Canadian Living online magazine has over 100 tips to make your lifestyle eco-friendly -
http://www.canadianliving.com/canadianliving/client/en/Health/SpecialDetailNews.asp?idNews=237540&idsm=517&special=1&pg=
Is Canada eco-friendly? Just how … (2 comments)
|
$139,000 = 300 square feet - 04/22/07 07:35 AM
This Toronto Star article by Christian Cotroneo (April 17/07) gives us a glimpse into one of the smallest homes around.
"Toronto contractor Arthur Weeden built the house in 1912, essentially taking shrewd advantage of the city forgetting to turn the space into a proper driveway. He and his wife lived there … (3 comments)
|
What does $585,000 look like ... ? - 04/22/07 07:22 AM
Location * Location * Location
High Park is a beautiful old part of Toronto West, but this is not exactly what I would imagine a home to look like in that price range. Only 1900 square feet, it sold for $46,000 over the asking price in just 10 days.
http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/202960
There are other homes … (2 comments)
|
Can you imagine this ? - 04/22/07 07:13 AM
The high-tech "Microsoft Home" in Redmond, Washington claims:
"Tomorrow's homes will be "smart homes" -- computer-controlled dwellings complemented by Internet-linked appliances, voice recognition technology and high-speed wireless connectivity to help multiple devices chat with one another."
This prototype home was designed to demonstrate what homelife might be like in about 10 years. An interesting … (0 comments)
|
2007 Flea Market Guide (for Canada) - 04/18/07 02:31 PM
This 2007 Flea Market Guide includes eastern, central and western Canada locations on where to find the best vintage stuff - helpful for picking up unique and inexpensive staging props. The list includes dates and times as well as contact phone numbers and admission costs.
http://www.styleathome.com/styleathome/client/en/Today/DetailNews.asp?idNews=234210
(source Style at Home online decorating magazine)
… (1 comments)
|
Global Warming - 04/18/07 02:26 PM
Here is a link to an article on "homemakers.com" entitled "10 ways to save money - and the environment" by Carlye Malchuk.
http://www.homemakers.com/homemakers/client/en/Home/DetailNews.asp?idNews=237606
With the issue of global warming high on everyone's agenda, this article offers money saving tips on ways to reduce energy consumption in and around the home.
A very timely piece … (1 comments)
|
Monday Morning Musing - 04/16/07 08:09 AM
What a surprise ... I found more paper on my desk. There seems to be enough here to start a regular feature so that's what I'll do. "Monday Morning Musing" is now official.
I had been hanging on to these glossy newsletters from an un-named Realtor because they included some very inspirational … (2 comments)
|
Newsprint ! - 04/16/07 07:58 AM
I much prefer reading the newspaper online because the ink stays on the screen and my Blue Box stays empty ! So here are a few clippings from my weekend reading ... and I didn't even have to use the scissors.
"Garden room fad sprouting new roots" - http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/202202
"Website helps avoid shoddy contractors" … (1 comments)
|
Moving Checklist - 04/16/07 07:44 AM
Here's another handy list from HGTV.ca (http://www.hgtv.ca/realestate/re_tools_check_moving.aspx). This would be a terrific handout for clients.
I'm curious to know if any stagers include a packing service along with the decluttering process or do you simply instruct the homeowner on which items can be put away before you return to stage the rooms.
… (3 comments)
|
Open House Checklist - 04/16/07 06:45 AM
If you go to the HGTV.ca website (http://www.hgtv.ca/realestate/re_tools_check_openhouse.aspx) you can download a handy "Open House Checklist" in pdf format.
In this section you'll also find other useful tools like a "Mortgage Calculator", "Real Estate Glossary" and a "Home Buying Worksheet".
I should note that all of this information is sponsored by Coldwell … (10 comments)
|
Credit Report & Rating (for Canadians) - 04/15/07 03:33 PM
Before buying a home, it's a good idea to check your credit report and rating. Did you know that you can get a summary of your credit history mailed to you, free of charge?
Equifax Canada - www.equifax.ca (1-800-465-7166)
TransUnion Canada - www.tuc.ca (1-866-525-0262)
Northern Credit Bureaus Inc. - www.creditbureau.ca
If you have difficulty … (0 comments)
|
Stain Busters - 04/15/07 03:15 PM
According to an article in WISH magazine, the best tips for rescuing fabric when disaster strikes are:
BAKING SODA - best for blood, crayon, sweatWHITE VINEGAR - best for alcohol, deodorant, sweatHYDROGEN PEROXIDE - best for chocolate, and as a whitening agentSODA WATER - best for red wine, beets, berries, grape juiceLEMON … (7 comments)
|
Why didn't they call it Active SUNSHINE ? - 04/15/07 08:20 AM
Another grey day in the GTA. Just because I choose to spend some time in the 'Rain doesn't mean that I don't crave sunshine and blue skies !
My creative bug has awoken and I'm itching to get outside. I've got some old flea market finds in the garage that are … (2 comments)
|
National Home Show - Toronto - 04/13/07 08:01 AM
Don't forget the National Home Show starts today (April 13) in Toronto. It takes place at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place through to April 22.
Here's a link to the Show site for ticket information -
http://www.nationalhomeshow.com/ME2/Sites/Default.asp?SiteID=80EA9EABB89F4FAFA51E00279F3D0AC4
There was also a good article in the Toronto Star today, about the … (1 comments)
|
Recycling On-line ! - 04/13/07 07:48 AM
Someone just told me about this international online service for recycling of goods - it appears to have everything from furniture to sporting goods and toys.
A great way to pick up some staging pieces or unload things that you no longer need.
http://www.freecycle.org/
It is part of the Yahoo Groups, so you … (1 comments)
|
ReMax Housing Market Outlook 2007 - Canada - 04/12/07 06:54 PM
I stumbled upon this document quite by accident while searching for something totally unrelated on the Internet ... funny how that works.
It is a Canada wide market outlook for 2007, which I thought would be of interest to my fellow stagers. I do apologize if it has already been posted somewhere … (0 comments)
|
Brampton Homes - 04/11/07 07:54 AM
Based on a QUICK review of the local advertised listings in my city, the AVERAGE selling price for homes is currently:
Condo Apartments - range from $120,000 to $200,000
Condo Townhomes - range from $150,000 to $230,000
Freehold Townhomes - range from $200,000 to $252,000
Semi-Detached - range from $240,000 to $300,000
Detached - range from … (1 comments)
|
Million Dollar Homes - 04/09/07 05:32 PM
This article from today's Toronto Star (April 9/07) reports that more Toronto neighborhoods now have homes selling for $1 million.
"Homes in some Toronto neighbourhoods are going for more than $1 million for the very first time, according to Royal LePage Real Estate Services."
The article further states that:
"Ironically, the reason these neighbourhoods … (4 comments)
|
"U.S. Housing Market Slump ..." - 04/09/07 05:26 PM
Of interest, perhaps ...
http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/199726
Toronto Star, April 9/07
~~~
By contrast, a first quarter report released by Royal LePage indicates that Canada's housing marketing is off to a strong start.
(For more information, see my other entry re "Million Dollar Homes")
~~~
Right in the middle of this posting, I was interrupted by the telephone, the dog … (1 comments)
|
HAPPY EASTER - 04/08/07 09:50 AM
A very happy easter to all my new friends on AR ... from just another chick in the 'Rain
… (8 comments)
|
The Ladybug - 04/08/07 09:37 AM
By now some of you may have noticed the ladybug on my profile and website, etc. I thought I should let you know how she came to be. When I created my logo I decided that I wanted an image to go along with it. Something that would catch the eye … (8 comments)
|
Ovarian Cancer Canada - Havens for Healing - 04/08/07 09:16 AM
As mentioned earlier, my Association (CRDA) is involved in charity work for women living with Ovarian Cancer. The two groups in Canada dedicated to Ovarian Cancer have now joined forces for a louder voice against the "disease that whispers".
This is their new logo:
Here is a copy of the official announcement from … (2 comments)
|
Furniture Consignment Stores - 04/04/07 07:01 AM
I believe I mentioned this in one of my comments on another blog entry, but I'll post it here for everyone in the Toronto / GTA. This furniture consignment store is a great place to pick up staging inventory or pieces for clients - they carry everything from full suites of … (3 comments)
|
Housing Trends - 04/04/07 06:24 AM
Here's another good article from The Toronto Star, Homes section that talks about the shift from size to style and finishes.
It predicts that the "supersized" house trend will likely be over within the next decade. Hurray ! We never did like those MONSTER homes that popped up along an old street filled … (1 comments)
|
Ontario Travel Contest - 04/03/07 06:50 PM
I love a contest ! It doesn't hurt to enter ... you just never know.
This one is from Ontario Tourism, for a 10 day road trip including rental car, accomodations and other expenses. There is so much to see and do in our beautiful province, especially in the summer time.
Here's the … (2 comments)
|
Painting - 04/03/07 08:55 AM
I found this great article on the HGTV (Canada) site, by Benjamin Moore color expert Jane Lockhart. It is entitled "How to Paint Just About Anything" and includes tips for painting surfaces like tile, panelling, laminates etc. Good to know for those quick fixes when staging a home.
http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=1915&cat=1&by=3
Jane's TV show - … (5 comments)
|
What "Boomers" Want - 04/03/07 08:43 AM
Today's Toronto Star includes this article on what aging "Boomers" are looking for in a home. With so many people "downsizing" these days, it is really important to note their needs and be aware of the challenges they face in finding the right type of home.
http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/197176
To demonstrate the power of this demographic, … (4 comments)
|
Realtor Safety - 04/03/07 08:08 AM
I found this article some time ago on the Interior Redesign Directory website, which some of you may be aware of. It is entitled Safety First: Before Listing Your Home, Remove That "Block of Knives"
(My apologies if it has already been posted here)
This is a good reminder for Realtors and homeowners … (1 comments)
|
Plastic Santa ! - 04/02/07 07:38 AM
You know it's spring when everyone goes out walking in the neighborhood. A time of year where we start to notice things again ... new growth, chirping birds, the neighbors. And what the neighbors haven't done yet ! We know that the "fashion police" has given the okay for white shoes … (1 comments)
|
The Perfect Rug - 04/02/07 07:19 AM
When you just can't find the perfect rug ... PAINT one !
I painted this directly on the hardwood in the foyer of my old Toronto home. The size is approximately 6 ft x 4 ft. It took me about 2 weeks to complete - the most difficult part was keeping the dog … (9 comments)
|
the really FUN stuff ... - 04/02/07 07:13 AM
My daughter is a bit of an artist (a mother can brag can't she?)
Andraya started drawing at the early age of two ... when those circles didn't line up perfectly she'd crumple the page and toss it to the floor. We even allowed her to "scribble" on a designated section of … (3 comments)
|
;)
Links;)
Archives
