New Year's Resolution

It is that time again.  Each year it seems to come faster.  The New Year is upon us.  A time to reflect on past events and plan for the future. 

This past year found me earnestly working to grow my Home Staging business here in Broome County, New York.  I started off the year with a small ad in the For Sale by Owner and Realtor Magazine and now write a monthly column.

In March I sponsored a booth at the Greater Binghamton Association of Realtors Agents Day.

In June I traveled to Denver, Colorado to attend STAGE, a training event offered by the Association of Property Scene Designers.  I spent three days networking and learning the ins and outs of the business from stagers who came from across the United States and Canada.  I made many lasting friendships and continue to nurture them through social media sites.

      Me and Karen Schaefer, Founder of APSD                                          

2011 was a tough year economically for many.  My local area has been slow to embrace the concept of Home Staging.  However, 2012 will be the year I  redouble my efforts to share the benefits of Home Staging with my neighbors.  You only need look at the statistics to know that Staging is worthwhile and something sure to catch on given time.

SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR.

Embellishing for the Holidays

Getting ready for the holidays and thought I would add some more glitz and glam to the occasion.  I looked around to see what I might have that I could improve upon.

I took a yard sale wreath I found over the summer and clamped on a big glittery floral bow, two red birds and stuck in a couple of foliage and gold ornament picks.

Here it is adorning my front door to welcome guests.

I recently came across a bag of a dozen green wooden napkins rings for $.99 at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.  To dress them up I applied a 2 inch glitter snowflake ornament to each with my glue gun.  I also added clear self-adhesive gems I found at the craft store.

 

These will be the perfect addition to my holiday table.

If you have done any home decor shopping recently, you know mercury glass is big.    A colleague of mine told me about a product called Looking Glass from Krylon.  I found it in the craft store in the art glass section.  I took a basic glass hurricane vase I purchased at Walmart and glued a pedestal candle holder to the bottom to give it more height.  I spray painted the inside of the vase with several light coats of the mirror finish as directed.

After it dried thoroughly I placed a pillar candle inside.  The flame dances and glows beautifully from within and it too will be a great addition to my holiday table.