Actively Raining Thoughts-Room Service Home Staging

It’s National Margarita Day!  February 22....Celebrate the Day!

What better way to celebrate the middle of the week than with a margarita!  Yes there is a National Margarita Day... I have no idea how this came about but if there can be a National Blueberry Pancake Day, then why not a day to celebrate one of best things to go with chips, salsa and Mexican food since Dos Equis!

No one is quite sure who invented the margarita but it seems to have been concocted somewhere between 1938-1949.  Some take theirs with salt on the rim, which is how it has traditionally been served, but one Tequila expert feels that salt is used when inferior products are used in the Margarita.  

How do you take yours?  Straight up?  On the rocks?  Some like it kind of slushy.  And, there are as many recipes for Margaritas as there are bartenders!  

Of course the ultimate National Margarita Day would be to have yours at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville where there will be Margarita specials all day long and you can try the winning recipe from this year’s Margarita Day Recipe contest.... a Raspberry Lemonade Margarita.

Here are some of the different Margarita recipes:

Beer Margarita

Chocolate Margarita

Redneck Margarita

Avocado Margarita

Bloody Margarita

Smoky Margarita

And Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville with Alan Jackson video!

If you decide to celebrate the day

Please drink responsibly!

 

 

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Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

Why’d You Have to Bring That Up Again??  Because You Didn’t Hear Me the First Time!  (or Why You Might Want to Rewrite that Old Post!)

A few weeks ago Bob Stewart encouraged us to revisit some of our old posts and consider rewriting and reworking them (I’d like to think of Redesign) for another chance.  I love this idea because as Bob said... sooner or later you’re going to hit a brick wall and just can’t think of anything to write.  Since I’ve been here for 4 years and writing daily for over a year, I can tell you sometimes the ideas just flow like water... and at other times you feel as if your mind is just blank.

You don’t want to just copy and paste an old post.  That would be like putting the same color of paint over an already out-of-date color.  Think Fresh!

Tammy Emineth followed up with another one of her great informative posts about just why you’d want to “redesign” some of your older posts.  Go and read her explanation but in a nutshell, Google looks for fresh material.  So giving an older post a “face-lift” (and goodness knows I’m all in for face-lifts) can help Google find you again.

So here’s what I did... I found an old post on “What to Do Before Your Stager Comes to Your house- 8 Helpful Tips” that I did just over a year ago.  I freshened it, redesigned it and gave it a new title.... “Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County-4 Things to Do Before Your Staging Consultation”.  

Here are the results:

Now they may not be monumental but my post has been given more exposure to not only those here but perhaps through Google.

Why reinvent the wheel when you don’t have to?  

 

 

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Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

It’s President’s Day...Let Me Tell You How I Had the Honor of Meeting President George HW Bush Before He Became “Bush 41”.

First.. this is not a political post.  I don’t do those.   However inasmuch as this is President’s Day I wanted to tell you my story of when I met then Congressman George HW Bush.   

In 1966, George HW Bush was elected to the House of Representatives from my home state of Texas and represented  Houston.. my home town.  The following year I graduated from high school and as was tradition went on a senior trip with my drill team ( yes, in Texas drill teams and football went hand in hand) to Washington DC, Philadelphia, NYC and Boston.  

We spent 3 days in DC and I loved every minute of it. But the most memorable time for me was being “treated” to lunch by then Congressman George HW Bush.  We were met by him outside the Capitol and had our group photo taken with him.   He seemed genuine and glad to “show off” our Capitol to some home town girls.  

But that wasn’t my only “meeting’ of President Bush.  By the time I’d graduated from college, George Bush was now Ambassador to the United Nations.   My mother wrote to him when the United Nations was taking a vote to seat the People’s Republic of China.   He wrote her back.. and it wasn’t just a 1 paragraph “Thank you for writing... yada yada” letter.   It was several pages long with a detailed explanation of why the US was voting as they did.   (Needless to say I did save the letter.)

George HW Bush has served his country many times over.... he was the youngest aviator (at the time) in the US Navy, postponing his college education.... US Congressman..... Ambassador to the United Nations....Chairman of the Republican National Committee.....Envoy to China....Director of the CIA.....Vice President and then President of the United States.

One of my “bucket list” items is to read about all of our Presidents.   And, beginning with President George H W Bush is a great way to get started.

(As I mentioned, this is not a political post so if you have an issue or disagreement with President Bush, that is your business... take it up with him or your bartender, but not here!... Thank you)

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  February 12-February 18, 2012

I learn something new every day at ActiveRain!  With this series I try to highlight one post per day that gave me that “lightbulb” moment.

 It may have been about something techie... about blogging and SEO.... anything having to do with Staging or Real Estate... about the world or even about the Blogger.  

February 12-   Charles Buell -  Like Charles, I use my camera on Staging consultations or when I’m out to give a Staging Bid.  But I not only take photos of the rooms but also areas that need to be addressed, such as spider webs in corners, water stains in the ceiling, stains in the carpet.  But Charles showed how using a video helped to illustrate what a still photo just can’t.

 

February 13- Ben Kinney and the IMSD Team-  Who knew about Wufoo.  No it’s not the latest singing group but a way to embed a form in your blog or website.  I’ve checked it out and it’s easy to use.  

February 14-Cameron Novak - I thought we were getting great mileage with our Prius at about 45 miles a gallon but had no idea there was a car out there that gets 71 miles per gallon!  Now if we could only get it here.

February 15- John McCormack- one of my favorite bloggers here, John writes about New Mexico home styles.  I had no idea that Hacienda was different from Northern New Mexico.  Now I may never need this information in South Florida but isn’t it interesting to know that there are so many different styles.

February 16- Melissa McKinney- All the talk in the last few years has been about using video on our blogs and website.  Melissa gives us a site for Video Email!  Instead of our e-Newsletters we send out you could send out some information via a Video email.  We all know most of us are auditory anyway!

February 17 -Nico Hohman- Nico gives us the top 3 remodeling tips for a Master Suite.  One of his tips is not to overwhelm your Master Bath with design features but strive for bold yet subtle.

February 18- Tammy Lankford-Tammy gives us all a reminder of the warning signs of stroke... one that affected her personally (don’t worry, she’s not the one).  Something I learned that is very important is that if a person shows signs of TIA but they go away, you still need to take that person to the Emergency Room.

Thank you for letting me do what I love to do each day... learn something new!

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

Every Property Deserves To Be Staged... Regardless of Price Point.

I hear this so many times... some Realtors and Sellers  won’t even consider Staging a property unless it is at or above a certain price point.  

And why is this?  

1.Every property has a set of possible buyers for it... a set based on the location, list price and condition of the property.   And while not every buyer is alike one thing they have in common is that the property needs to appeal to them.  

We’re still going to suggest editing, packing, cleaning and repairing no matter what the Price Point.

2. Staging is all about making sure the property appeals to a broad scope of possible buyers and that the property’s assets can be seen. This is true regardless of Price Point.  

A 1200 square foot home still needs to show its space as much as a 45oo square foot home, sometimes even more so.   A bright chartreuse wall has the same effect in any price point.   

Home Staging Services can be tailored to fit the needs of the Seller and the Property.

From a Home Staging Consultation which will provide the Seller with a Detailed Game Plan of what to do to get their property in “Show Ready Condition”..........
      
 …..   to  providing  just the right furniture and accessories in a vacant house to help Buyers see the home’s potential.  

So you see...every property deserves

to be Staged.

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

National Random Acts of Kindness Day- February 17- Let’s Celebrate the Day Every Day!

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day!  No, you can’t sleep in and it’s not a holiday as we know it but rather a day when we’re all encouraged and in fact challenged to do something nice for a friend or stranger for no reason other than just because.  

Do this for me....Take a moment to think about the last time someone did something for you that made you smile.  You know...those warm and fuzzy “Ah-gee” kind of smiles.

Maybe someone called you to check to see how you were doing.
A stranger let you go before them at the check out line.
Someone smiled and said “Hello” to you.
You gave a wink and nod of assurance to someone who was
                 having a bad day.   

It is often said it’s the little things we do that make a

difference and that is so true.  

So let’s see how many of you are actually reading this.... in your comment please leave an idea you have for a Random Act of Kindness... it can be something you did for someone or that someone did for you. 

And... don’t forget

Random Acts of Kindness

are good Every Day of the Year!

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

Want your buyers to fall in love with your home?  Then you need to know their hot buttons.

Selling your home in Boca Raton, Delray or anywhere in Palm Beach County is no different from anywhere else.  Your house needs to be in move-in ready condition and appeal to a broad range of Buyers.  

A recent survey of over 2200 first time home buyers by Trulia asked men and women what features made them fall in love with a house.   How can this help you …. The Seller?  Well, as you are preparing your home for sale you may want to prioritize your projects.  This may be due to time and/or budget constraints.

So what’s important and what can you do with this information?

The #1 area  that men and women listed as the feature that would make them fall in love with a house was the Master Bathroom.  (70% of both men and women.)   Does that surprise you?  I didn’t think so.  But knowing how important this is to selling your home should motivate you to place this area of your home at the #1 position when updating and preparing your home.

What can you do? Besides giving your Master Bathroom a fresh coat of paint, you can also update your cabinet hardware, paint your cabinets, treat yourself to fluffy new towels, update your lighting and mirrors.

Number 2 on the list was Walk-in Closets.  Surprised?  Now you know why your Realtor and Stager warn you that Buyers do look in your closet.  Storage space is always a key and why shouldn’t the “Master of the House” have this!  

What can you do?  Edit your closet... pack up, donate, or store items you don’t immediately need.  Don’t forget the floor and shelves up above.  If things are shoved in and on top of each other  it does not give the serene appearance you want in the Master area.

Number 3 Gourmet Kitchen!  I don’t know about you but when I’m looking at a house the kitchen is probably the first room I head for.  When buyers see a kitchen that is in dire need of some updates the calculator begins to add up what it will take to bring it into this century.  What that means for the buyer is either a Pass by the Buyer for a house that has an updated kitchen or a lower offering price.

What can you do?  Of course paint is always a great tool for freshening any room.  But consider new pulls, updated  lighting such as  pendant lights, cabinets or at least painting them, and new appliances.  

These are the top 3 items but you can learn about the others at Trulia.  

If you’re selling your home contact your local professional Home Stager.  We can provide a Consultation that gives you a Gameplan for preparing your home for sale.  

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

15th Annual Chili Cook-Off in Delray Beach is this Saturday, February 18th!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  All you have to do is head to Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach for the 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off!   Held at the Delray GreenMarket, the cook-off gives you an opportunity to sample and help choose the best of the best.  Traditional??  New Age?  Chili with a little Florida flair thrown in?  Vegetarian?  Kick it up a notch with Habanero peppers?  Whew... pass the fire extinguisher!  

And while you’re there check out our locally grown produce and other products at the weekly Delray GreenMarket.   They’re calling for 80 degrees and  mostly sunny so don’t forget to bring your phone so you can send a pic of our beautiful weather to all of your friends up north!

15th Annual Chili Cook-Off

S.E. 4th Avenue just South of Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach Florida

561-276-7511
Lori Nolan

10 am-12 pm

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

Being a Libra, balance is very important to me.  Too heavy furniture at one end of the room.... everything on one wall.... a heavy color at one end of the room.... these can throw a room off.  If you have a room that should look good but for some reason something strikes you as being a little off... step back and see how everything balances.  

One of my favorite Home Stagers in Hawaii, Janet Jones, has written an excellent post about Color Balance.  She shows us with her Before and After photos and then explains how easy it was to put the balance back in the room. 

Please head to Janet's post. 

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day in Delray Beach!

It’s Valentine’s Day in Delray Beach and there’s still time to do something special for your very Special Loved One.

Really, you can do a little more than run into your corner drugstore and buy a last minute Valentine’s Day card.  Oh...don’t forget the card but there’s still more you can do to make Valentine’s Day a special one.  

Delray Beach Marriott- There may be time to snap up a reservation for a special Valentine’s Day Sun-sational Spa Package and dinner at O’Grady’s Lounge at this landmark hotel located where Atlantic Avenue meets A1A and the Atlantic Ocean.  For Reservations call 1-800-228-9290.

Sundy House-One of my favorites with tropical gardens so inviting you’d think you had taken a weekend trip to one of the islands.  There’s a prix fixe 4 course dinner and 3 course special lunch for this special day.  Be sure to allow time for a stroll through the garden after dinner.   106 South Swinton, Delray Beach. For reservations call  561-272-5678.

Cupcake Couture- If your Loved One has a sweet tooth, then head to Cupcake Couture on Atlantic Avenue.  You can choose from Coconut Klein, Dolce & Banana, Berry Wang, Donatella Vanilla and many more.  They also offer Gluten-free,  Kosher style, vegan and sugar free products upon request.   328 E. Atlantic, Delray Beach- 561-276-2334

The Boys Farmers Market-  Want to really make an impression... make  your loved one a home cooked meal.    The Boys (a Delray Beach tradition) has the best produce around at not-to-be-believed prices... a bakery.... wine selection... prepared foods.... as well as meats and seafood.  How about steamed lobsters,   a fresh salad, fresh bread and dessert!   14378 Military Trail    Delray Beach- 561- 496-0810

Kilwin’s - Never underestimate the allure of fine chocolate.  Located in the heart of downtown Delray Beach on Atlantic avenue, Kilwin’s has been a fixture since 2001.  Besides chocolate, they offer fudge, ice cream and other fine candies.   402 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.  561-278-0808.

These are just a few ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Delray Beach!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com