Is this you?

If you are as passionate about decorating as I am, it IS you! It doesn't matter whether you live in a mansion or a small rental, YOU make it beautiful AND yours. If you worry about what others might think of your décor, STOP! That is way too much pressure. The definition of beauty is different for everyone. If it is what you love and it works for you then it is PERFECT! So move forward, live with items that you adore, and enjoy life!

I {heart} Ikea

My sweet hubby took me on a quick get-away a couple of weekends ago. A lovely evening, a delish dinner and shopping the next day at one of my favorite places...Ikea! I call it the "Decorators Disneyland". I love and am intrigued by how they "direct" you through the store with signs posted "Shortcut to___" or <---- arrows pointing you in the direction they want you to go. I follow obediently. I always seem to find SOMETHING to purchase. ;) My hubby was very patient as I took it all in! He is the best!! Excuse the blurry pic of the warehouse, it was taken while I was walking! Ikea...love it...hate it? Let me know.

Story Tellers

I love pieces that have and tell a story. Many years ago when my mothers parents passed away, I was the recipient of 2 green velvet chairs. My mother had given them to her parents for their anniversary. They were in my home for a few years, but because of their age, they were starting to fall apart. Sadly they have been in my garage for over 20 years. The seat had completely fallen apart and needed to be rebuilt. A friend of mine had just the right tools and was able to take care of that for me. (thanks Cat!) When they were finished, dressed in fresh, new fabric...I LOVED them!! I am so disappointed that they spent so many years in the garage, but I am grateful to have them in my family room now. I have two beautiful daughters and they will each have one of the chairs someday. I am confident that they will find a place for them in their homes. ;)

Stage it!

A significant part of my business is staging homes for sale, and January was a busy month! I was a real estate agent for 6 years and worked with both buyers and sellers. This gives me added insight as to what buyers are thinking and feeling. Buyers buy a home more based on how they feel than about anything else. That first and last impression is very important! While a potential buyer is waiting for the front door to be opened they are examining the exterior, front door, outdoor light, landscaping, etc. This time of year, if you live in a snowy location, it is a MUST that snow be removed and a clear path is created from the driveway to the front door. This is for safety, of course, but it also conveys to the buyer you are serious about selling. How you live in your home and how your home appears when it is on the market are very different! Are you planning a move? Have you used a stager? Leave me your email in the comment section and I will email you my tips for staging your home for sale.

Brrr...

Thanks for stopping by! It was -15, feels like -42 when I awoke this morning! Schools are closed here yet again due to the cold. It's the perfect day to clean and organize my corner of the world...or my home office! I am currently sharing space with my hubby. It certainly is NOT big enough for my business and his work, but we are making it happen. Our youngest daughter, her husband and 2 children have been living with us for about 14 months. The little cuties are sleeping in the room that was my former office. They will be moving out the end of April. But with a 3 week trip (I am not complaining!) and then a family reunion, I will not begin switching my office until the end of June. So for now we try to condense and stay as organized as possible. I have started planning and purchasing a few new items for office makeover. Your space can either enhance or decrease your productivity. It is ALL about your environment. Do you work from home? If not, do you spend a significant amount of time in your home office, paying bills or on the computer? Make it work for you! Consider color, style and function. Questions? Leave it in the comment section. . Is it cold where you are? What are your plans for the week?

The Book!

I am so excited to make this announcement! The book is almost done!! I am sending it to be edited this week. It has been a long time coming! I started writing over a year ago and once it went to be edited I kind of enjoyed the feeling of "it's done". Then I had several people ask me for copies for Christmas presents...YIKES, embarrassing!! Just a few last things....the title and ebook or print? Both? I would LOVE your thoughts on this!! Leave me a comment.

It's 2014!!

Wow! Between a wonderful trip to Bethlehem,Pennsylvania before Christmas, Christmas, New Years and being sick for the past 12 days, it has been a long time since I have blogged! (almost as long as that sentence!) I am in love with Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is just so lovely in December. Absolutely reminds me of Bedford Falls. It was just so romantic and special walking down Main St. hand in hand with my hubby, snow falling, window shopping...just a perfect day! Enjoy the pictures...

I did manage to get a project done before the sickness took over! We use this piece of MDF across the stairs so the 15 month old granddaughter doesn't fall down the stairs. Much prettier now. Did you make any New Years Resolutions? How ya doin'?