Once upon a time ... I was GREEN - 03/21/09 03:28 PM
Going GREEN is very popular these days, with everyone having a different spin on it.  Interestingly enough, when I started my business in 2004 I was very GREEN (and I don't just mean "new at it").  My website, business cards, brochures and promo cards were a lovely shade of sage GREEN.  When I look back at it now ... ugh !!  It just doesn't appeal to me anymore.  Funny how our color preferences change over time.  But of course, my GREEN hue was very timely in that REDESIGN is the ultimate recycling concept for home decor ... we simply re-use what … (3 comments)

Asbestos & Cancer information - 03/21/09 02:53 PM
I was recently approached by Jesse Herman of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center in Orlando, FL to see if I was interested in sharing this important information with you.  This seems to be an issue which still arises from time to time, but is more often kept quiet.  We still need to educate ourselves as home owners and home buyers, as to the dangers of asbestos exposure.
This is the full text of the article written by Joe Lederman, one of MCC's editors. 
____________
People of Canada are familiar with problems associated with asbestos. Highly touted for its fire, heat and versatile … (0 comments)

International Home & Garden Show - 03/21/09 02:38 PM
I attended the International Home & Garden Show in Mississauga yesterday, with my favorite redesign buddy (Sandra MacLennan).  There was lots to see of course and we walked for miles (just from our parking spots !!).
I finally got myself a pair of pink workboots from Moxie Trades (thanks for the excellent discount Marissa - good to see you again).
We had a chance to chat with a real handy gal, my friend Yvonne Williams.
Vicky Sanderson spoke at the "Superhouse Reno & Design" stage and told us all about the latest kitchen gadgets.  If you don't already know Vicky, she … (2 comments)

Featured in "House Keys" - 03/18/09 06:48 AM
I'm proud to say that my blog article "When a House becomes a Home" was featured in the March 16, 2009 issue of the casaGURU newsletter "House Keys".  If you didn't see my blog entry, you can view the article on the casaGURU website -
http://www.casaguru.com/a/-/j/74624/When-a-House-Becomes-a-Home
Another article (with video clip) on the "One Day Makeover" can be seen here -
http://www.casaguru.com/a/-/j/27699/Interior-ReDesigners
 
… (7 comments)

Something Different ... - 03/12/09 02:35 PM
Patio season is almost here (now that's wishful thinking, isn't it?).  So if it's time to replace your old outdoor furniture these are worth considering.
Space saving, modular pieces that fit and stack together for storage.  They are constructed from woven polyethylene resin on an aluminum frame, with UV coated fabric.  What a cool idea !
Available from www.homeinfatuation.com 
(Apologies for not showing the direct link to this particular product, but will do so as soon as I locate it.)
As seen in the March 2009 issue of HOMES magazine (page 114)
… (3 comments)

It's Time To Come Home ~ Accessories - 03/12/09 02:05 PM
Another great post in Kathy's Blog series ...
Via Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating (Creative Home Expressions):
Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
Home décor accessories run the gamut from mirrors in an entry to those cute little knick-knacks on side tables.  The problem with accessories comes in when it seems more is more, rather than less is more, and you can't enjoy the pieces for themselves because there is just too much stuff. 
As a tip, when adding an accessory to a room that is already accessorized, remove one other item.  You don't have to get rid of it, but store it and bring … (1 comments)

Skinny Books - 03/09/09 05:58 PM
I've recently had an opportunity to preview a book in a new series called "The Skinny On", The Housing Crisis - What Every Homeowner and Homebuyer NEEDS TO KNOW, by Jim Randel (Rand Media Co).
It's a no-nonsense, easily read book on what caused the nation's housing crisis and what needs to be done to get out of it.  The style of the book is specifically designed for what Rand Media calls "staccato learners".  It is 150 pages of illustrations aimed at educating time starved individuals.
For more information, you can visit:
www.theskinnymedia.com
www.JimRandel.com
 
 
 
… (0 comments)

The Place with no Name - 03/09/09 05:43 PM
How would it feel to live in a neighborhood without a name?  One Toronto area resident has had to do just that since the Junction Triangle fell by the wayside.
Reading this article (Toronto Star, March 8 2009) made me realize just how many different neighborhoods exist within the GTA.  Some I had not even heard of ... and I grew up in Toronto, and lived there until recently.
An interesting read ...
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/598502
 
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Ontario Water Supplies - 03/09/09 05:37 PM
A March 7th report in the Toronto Star, HealthZone section, indicates that 22 Ontario cities have too much lead in the water supply. 
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/598222
It's enough to make me start drinking bottled water again after having recently made the switch back to tap water.  I've been trying hard not to add to the obscene amounts of plastic in landfill and recycling depots but ...
On the other hand, we can't always worry about stuff like this. 
… (0 comments)

Tis the Season - Maple Syrup and other good stuff - 03/09/09 05:26 PM
Now that spring is just around the corner, and the sap is starting to flow ... we're seeing an abundance of festivals across Canada.  Each province has something unique to offer, as seen in this article from 50plus.com
http://zoomer.sympatico.msn.ca/Home/ContentPosting?newsitemid=d36029c5-c709-4cad-b27f-02cef61dd075&feedname=Zoomer&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False
The Yukon has a "Thaw di Gras" carnival (cute name, if anything) from March 19-22.
British Columbia has the Pacific Rim Whale Watching from March 14-22 (in Tofino).  Never having seen a whale myself, I think this would be fascinating.
Calgary, Alberta has an art and wine festival on March 31, April 2 and 4, cleverly named "Cork & Canvas".
… (1 comments)

Spanx for Lampshades! An Idea for Your Home Staging Arsenal as seen in the Los Angeles Times - 03/07/09 12:40 PM
Something new for your bag of tricks ...
Via Patti Glover, Stage It In A Day! So.California (Stage It In A Day!):
If you have a tired, damaged or BORING lampshade that could use updating or you want a particular look for a Staging area, check out www.frockz.com.
These are spandex, formfitting slipcovers that fit right over your existing lampshade.  And they're machine washable!  Great for Staging inventories that get moved and touched so often. 
Another idea would be to take thrift store lamps and update them with these.  You'll have a one-of-a-kind original!
These would be a great addition to your Staging inventory;  they take … (1 comments)

my morning coffee - 03/07/09 10:35 AM
I was up at the crack of dawn.  Actually it was well before dawn but anyway.  I had my morning coffee and read the news online as I always do, browsing headlines in real estate, lifestyle, home & garden or anything that catches my eye. 
Somehow I always seem to stumble upon the weirdest things, and for those of you who don't have that particular knack ... here there are:
http://travel.sympatico.msn.ca/Home/ContentPosting_50Plus?newsitemid=28375e44-8538-41b9-8df8-838df2724baf&feedname=50_PLUS&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False
Now this needn't be a problem.  Before booking a trip anywhere, we always check TripAdvisor.com for real people reviews on hotels at any given destination.  Of course, everyone has a … (2 comments)

Congratulations Caledon - 03/07/09 10:20 AM
According to MacLean's magazine, Caledon ON is the safest city in Canada.  Saskatoon, surprisingly, is on the most dangerous list and Toronto is ranked 29 / 100.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/596965
From what I've read elsewhere, the teenagers in Calendon are taking matters into their own hands to deter their peers from criminal and mischievous activities.  We need more of these young people to make a difference everywhere !
… (4 comments)

Don't Forget ... - 03/07/09 08:46 AM
We return to Daylight Savings Time at 2:00 am, Sunday March 8th. 

This is great news for those that need / want / enjoy more daylight hours (who doesn't?).  But the big dilemma is ... change your clocks BEFORE you go to sleep on Saturday night, or stumble around all day Sunday wondering what time it really is.  This is generally my preferred approach.
Thank goodness our computers and cell phones adjust themselves.  It's the stove top clock that always gets me, though.
And our local Fire Departments also remind us to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. 
… (0 comments)

ups & downs ... - 03/05/09 03:30 PM
No doubt everyone has read the news today, but in case you missed it and need your daily dose of doom and gloom ... here's a link to the Toronto Star article. 
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/597146
"Existing home sales in the Toronto area fell by 32 per cent in February, compared with a year earlier, according to a report by the Toronto Real Estate Board released today."
Records show 4,120 sales this February compared to 6,105 during the same period in 2008.
"In the Toronto market new listings were up by 11 per cent compared to last year, while it now takes an average of … (4 comments)

The Psychology of Color - 03/03/09 06:42 AM
I had written a similar piece in a past newsletter, but this is a great blog by Allegra Dioguardi (a U.S. stager).  Be sure to try the QUIZ (link in paragraph 2) ...

Via Allegra Dioguardi Home Stager The Hamptons- Suffolk Co. Long Island (Styled and Sold):
Greetings! I just finished an article I am writing for the Interior Design issue of a local periodical here in the Hamptons on The Psychology of Color. I am posting it for your purusal and look forward to your comments. As Home Stagers we all ove color and it can be helpful to establish … (2 comments)

It's Time To Come Home ~ Window Treatments Part II - 03/03/09 06:36 AM
Helpful information on the different types of window treatments (and the style names).  Courtesy of Kathy Passarette ...

Via Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating (Creative Home Expressions):
Photo courtesy of Smith & Noble
Types of Window Treatments
Draperies - heavy material with pleated panels.  May draw across the rod or remain stationery on either or both sides of the window.
Drapes with Cornice Photo courtesy of Smith & Noble
Cornices - horizontal treatment across the top of the window.  Usually made of wood.  Maybe padded and covered with fabric.
Valances - horizontal treatment across the top of the window.  Generally made from … (0 comments)

Is the Kitchen Dragging Your Listing Down? It Doesn't Have To... - 03/02/09 08:22 AM
This is by far the most dramatic kitchen makeover I've seen on a modest budget.

Via Susan Peters - The Better it Looks the Better it Sells (Dove Realty Inc.):
Everyone knows that a kitchen can make or break a sale. With some major de-cluttering and a minor remodeling job a tired kitchen can become the queen of the prom! So to speak. The elements that went into this makeover were a new stove, sink, countertops, hardware, light fixtures, fresh paint and 19 inch vinyl floor tiles.
Everything except the countertops came from Lowes. They came from IKEA. The cost for … (2 comments)

EARTH HOUR 2009 - 03/02/09 06:16 AM

Please be sure to participate in the second annual, worldwide EARTH HOUR on March 28 @ 8:30 pm.  Simply switch off all your lights, electronics and as much power as you can live without for one hour.  Light a candle, snuggle up and have a sip of wine.  It's so easy to do your part ... let's make it more effective than last year.
http://www.earthhour.org/
 
… (2 comments)

New Kid on the Block - 03/02/09 06:08 AM
There is a new Canadian magazine in the home decor genre, entitled CANADIAN HOME TRENDS (formerly known as Canadian Homestead Magazine).  You can get your first issue FREE by signing up online.  Here's the link to do so -
http://canadianhometrends.ca/subscribe-today/gift-subscriptions/subscription-promotions/
This premier issue features a kitchen design article and everyone's favorite renovator, Mike Holmes, of HGTV fame. 
Why not check it out?  I'm going to ...
… (0 comments)