Here are some interesting reads I've come across this week.
4. Orange and Blue - The Hunted Interior
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Liebster Award
Liebster, (Liebste) meaning kindest, dearest, beloved, cute, endearing in German.
Well, thank you...I haven't been called so many nice things in quite some time.
The Liebster Award is a blogger peer award.
It's a way for bloggers to learn more about each other and help you grow as a blogger and also to help form your blogging tribe. Rules for the Liebester Award vary but I’m following the rules that Suburban Bitches used when they nominated me (um, months ago....thanks for the nomination!!!XO).
So, I'll be answering the 11 Questions which were posed to me, and then I'll be nominating a few of my favorite bloggers and asking them 11 Questions.
Here we go!
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Malachite Monday {Malachite Easter Eggs}
My tried-and-true Marbleized Egg Dye Method is this one from Martha Stewart Living.
Step 1. Dye your base coat. I use warm water, 2 Tablespoons vinegar and green or in my case, I used Teal/Turquoise dye for my base coat.
Step 2. In a wide, shallow bowl, prepare the water + vinegar bath (the same as in Step 1). Add at least 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil and dye. You can use the same color or a different color dye. For the Malachite look, I use green dye in both steps. Using a fork, drag and swirl the color through the oil, creating your marble patterns.
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| via |
Step 3. Wear gloves. Roll the egg around in the oil swirls. If you want a dark egg, like mine above, you can soak your egg, leaving it in the oil dye bath for at least 20-30 min, and roll the sides to create the marble pattern on every surface of the egg.
Step 4. Pat the egg lightly with a paper towel and let air dry. Don't smear or drag the paper towel, or the design will smudge.
I'd love to see your eggs if you try this method! Tag #malachiteegg and #malachitemonday to share your creations on Instagram! We'll add your eggs to our Malachite Pinterest Board, with all of our favorite Malachite finds!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Staging Your Home for Sale {Vol. 1}
When you are ready to sell your home, the list of things 'to do' can be quite overwhelming. With all of the things that moving involves, it can be hard to know just where to start with the actual tasks that are in front of you with readying your home for the market. We've moved 15 times now in 16 years of marriage. We've bought and sold several homes. While shopping for houses in various markets over the years, we've probably viewed over a few hundred houses. This unique perspective has lead me to professionally stage homes for realtors.
Print this out.
Use it as a checklist.
Print this out.
Use it as a checklist.
Pin it.
Because when you are selling a home, you have so much to think of in addition to the actual, physical home prep things. But this will keep you on track ;)
Because when you are selling a home, you have so much to think of in addition to the actual, physical home prep things. But this will keep you on track ;)
Realtors will tell you that:
1. A clean home will sell.
2. Fresh Paint will work wonders.
3. Consider updating light fixtures. If your lighting is considerably dated, it dates the home. Consider providing a small budget to update a ceiling light, ceiling fan, bathroom light fixtures, etc.
3. A home that is occupied or staged with furniture is better than leaving an empty home. This gives buyers an idea of what will fit into their rooms and how the space is actually usable in real life functionality.
4. You must make the rooms look occupied but maximize space by de-cluttering and scaling down furniture and accessories. I think one of the hardest things to do when you're getting ready to put your house on the market is to stage your home. You have to de-personalize your spaces...and that's personal. But I have a simple solution AEO! Always Edit Objects.
5. Clean out all closets, storage areas, etc. If your storage spaces are full then it may cause your prospective buyers to think "if this is too small for them, it will be too small for us". Many home buyers cross homes off the list if they automatically feel like it doesn't have enough storage space.
6. Don't underestimate the power of curb appeal. Keep your front lawn and entry area clean, well landscaped and inviting. Plant some fresh annuals. Wash windows and power-wash anything possible. Buyers DO judge a book by it's cover, so to speak ;)
Things to keep in mind:
The key is to think about what model homes look like. When builders build new homes they have a MODEL HOME that they want you to walk through...to see the floor plan and finishes, right? But they don't typically have an empty house for you to walk through....they prop and decorate those houses like there is actually a family living in them...even down to sometimes making chocolate chip cookies, right? They have the pantry stocked, curtains up, even a board game on the table...I've been to many Model Homes and sometimes it floors me that they go to such lengths to try to create the look of what a"normal" home would look like.
The key is to think about what model homes look like. When builders build new homes they have a MODEL HOME that they want you to walk through...to see the floor plan and finishes, right? But they don't typically have an empty house for you to walk through....they prop and decorate those houses like there is actually a family living in them...even down to sometimes making chocolate chip cookies, right? They have the pantry stocked, curtains up, even a board game on the table...I've been to many Model Homes and sometimes it floors me that they go to such lengths to try to create the look of what a"normal" home would look like.
Here's the big thing that sort of goes against what a lot of TV Realty Shows tell you to do:
Don't buy new furniture to stage your home. {I'm not talking about a fresh coat of paint, or updating permanent fixtures, that's another story}. But when it comes to staging a home, use what you have. There are going to be so many other expenses in your move...this one isn't one that you should just assume you have to do. And cleaning and de-cluttering are free. Start with what you have.
Think about what kind of personal items you have throughout the house that could tilt the vibe of your home. Years ago when my husband and I were buying our first home in CA, we looked at several homes. There was one home that was really nice. We loved it. But in one of the bedrooms there were all of these clown costumes and red clown noses in dishes like they were potpourri, and clown art everywhere. Like EVERYWHERE in the room. It was creepy. It became known to us as THE CLOWN HOUSE...and somehow we couldn't get past that and couldn't see ourselves living in the CLOWN HOUSE. It doesn't make sense, but that is the kind of thing that can happen...buyers sometimes can't even place why they don't like a house- sometimes its the vibe. For us, the CLOWN VIBE was just too strong. In that same house hunting experience we also had a house that we referred to as the "Frat House" because of all of the beer bottles, cans, ash trays and dart boards throughout. Yeah, not good. It made us question and look into the neighborhood...and we were right to. The surrounding homes were predominantly rentals with young twenty-somethings, which wasn't the family oriented type of neighborhood we were looking for. Think about what sort of atmosphere your home has and make adjustments as needed ;)
Think about what kind of personal items you have throughout the house that could tilt the vibe of your home. Years ago when my husband and I were buying our first home in CA, we looked at several homes. There was one home that was really nice. We loved it. But in one of the bedrooms there were all of these clown costumes and red clown noses in dishes like they were potpourri, and clown art everywhere. Like EVERYWHERE in the room. It was creepy. It became known to us as THE CLOWN HOUSE...and somehow we couldn't get past that and couldn't see ourselves living in the CLOWN HOUSE. It doesn't make sense, but that is the kind of thing that can happen...buyers sometimes can't even place why they don't like a house- sometimes its the vibe. For us, the CLOWN VIBE was just too strong. In that same house hunting experience we also had a house that we referred to as the "Frat House" because of all of the beer bottles, cans, ash trays and dart boards throughout. Yeah, not good. It made us question and look into the neighborhood...and we were right to. The surrounding homes were predominantly rentals with young twenty-somethings, which wasn't the family oriented type of neighborhood we were looking for. Think about what sort of atmosphere your home has and make adjustments as needed ;)
Remember, you aren't trying to make your home look like a store. This isn't the opportunity to share your design style and flair. There's no need to recreate a Hobby Lobby display on your dining room table. Keeping things streamlined and minimal does two things: it allows your rooms to feel larger, and it allows your prospective buyers the opportunity to more readily see themselves and their own style in the home.
Additional Staging Tips for Real Estate Photos and Showings
Here are some easy things that I did when selling our last home (which sold in 4 days).
I took down several sort of cool/quirky things off of my mantle and replaced them with simple vessels so that it wasn't distracting or cluttered. Do the same for what's on your walls. And by the way, mirrors make rooms feel larger.
PICK UP KID TOYS. NO KID TOYS SHOULD BE VISIBLE. PUT THEM AWAY.
TV clutter (remotes, discs, etc) should be put away.
ALSO, when you are cleaning like a mad woman because people are coming to see your house, you'll realize that the less you have out the easier it is to keep things clean. WORD.
Kitchen and eating area: EVERYTHING pretty much goes away. Nothing on the counter. Not even your toaster. Especially in a smaller kitchen.. Maybe a fruit bowl, plant or a vase of flowers...but otherwise, the bigger and cleaner and less cluttered your kitchen can look the better.
No kiddie art work on the fridge or bulletin boards. Keep it visually clean so that their eyes go to the positive things in the room, such as the crown molding...they aren't distracted by tons of stuff that doesn't matter.
Again, always edit objects: have very little props going on. REMEMBER...your house isn't a store. Just a few things here and there will create the atmosphere that it is a functional and {you hope} a lovely home, but scale back some of your decor and people will be more easily ready to see their own furniture and style in the house.
De-clutter all of your shelves. I don't care if you have to put books under your bed. Do it. Leave some things on the shelves but keep them looking light and un-cramped. AGAIN: if your house looks full and over crowded you are sending the message that maybe your house isn't big enough and maybe doesn't have enough storage space.
Kids rooms don't have to be character-free. Again, think of a model home. They still have art work and curtains and cute bedding in model homes... but keep it clean, clutter free and ALWAYS EDIT OBJECTS. Even if you think you're good, take something away.
Quick Clean Up Tips
Wake up early and go to bed late. Yup, that's one of my biggest secrets of keeping things clean when your home is for sale. It's not fun, but I never go to bed without cleaning up (dishes done, things are wiped down, etc). Then, in the morning, I would typically handle all laundry, folding and putting away. Again, it's not fun, but if you get in the habit of keeping things clean and ready to show on a moments notice, it will be less stressful for you when that phone call comes. And NEVER EVER turn down a showing.
Basket of stuff. Yup, that's another one of my no cost secrets. Every morning after the kids are off to school I grab an empty laundry basket and run around the house, picking up all of the stuff that is everywhere other than where it should be throughout the house. Then I quickly either put those things away or if I don't have time to sort through things, the laundry basket goes in the laundry room. That way, if you get a call to show the house, while you are stuck in the line at the grocery store, you can say "Sure" instead of "Not now"! {I have to admit, on a few occasions, I have put the 'full of junk' basket in the back of my car when evacuating the house for a showing. Whatever it takes!}
Clorox Wipes and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are invaluable. You don't need to deep clean every day, right? But wiping things down on a daily basis will help to keep things under control. I stock up on Clorox Wipes and Magic Erasers because you never really realize how dirty your house is until you start cleaning it.
I hope that you've found these tips to be helpful!
Pin and share ;)
I'll be sharing my own house tour tomorrow, highlighting specific things that I've done in each room in order to be "Show Ready".
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Trend Alert {Green Clovers} Vol 2
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
What better day than today talk all things GREEN, right?
I shared my favorite green fashion finds a few days ago.
Today, I'm excited to show you some stand outs in green furnishings...particularly green sofas.
They have popped up everywhere and aren't necessarily for only the eccentric with a London Country Estate, btw.
Here are some fabulous green sofas that show that no matter what your style, you don't always have to go neutral in your main furniture pieces in order to be chic.
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| via The Aestate |
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| via the Glitter Guide |
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| via Better Homes and Gardens |
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| via Melissa Mercier |
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| via Domaine |
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| via La Belle Vie
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The Bees Knees {Decorist}
I'm having a HUGE giveaway...have you seen it? Have you entered yet?
I've put together some of my favorite things that I wanted to share with one lucky reader!
The cherry on the top of that giveaway is a Decorist Room Makeover valued at $199!!!
I met the Decorist team at Alt Summit back in January and am thrilled that they are giving away an E-design to one of my lucky readers. And what's better than one winner receiving a free Room Design Consultation? A discount code for the rest of us! Use the code: spring at checkout to reveive $20 off of your own makeover + a $50 Furniture Credit with purchase!
Decorist specializes in creating on-line design plans to meet your design needs. No matter your style, budget...whether you are working with existing pieces or starting completely from scratch.
I was so impressed with their concept and work at Alt that I just HAD to share them with all of you!
They offer a Style Questionnaire that is a free and easy way to narrow down what you like and define your style a bit. Their site is full of all sorts of fun inspiration boards, ask and answer boards, a DIY Room Builder section, and as I mentioned above, they have fantastic results with their Room Makeover Clients!
This Decorist Room Makeover caught my eye.
MidCentury Inspired Living Room Makeover:
Before
After
To learn more about the Decorist Makeover Process, including the shopping list for this room,
see the rest of this room design here.
And if you are ready for a Decorist Makeover, be sure to use the code spring for $20 off your makeover and a $50 furnishings credit with purchase !
Thank you Decorist for sharing the love with everyone!
And, if you haven't entered my giveaway which includes a Decorist Makeover E-Design and a lot more...head over here to enter.
Tomorrow I'll be sharing details on the rest of my Easter Basket Goodies!
XO,
Monday, March 16, 2015
Malachite Monday {Green on the Ceiling}
Who says faux malachite is only for a tray or a box? While not for everyone, what a fun and unexpected place for a splash of Malachite Goodness!!??
Designer Shelley Johnstone Paschke takes malachite to new heights in this celadon chinoiserie room.
Via Veranda Magazine
Find more Malachite Inspiration on the Design Board that Vanessa of Entre Nous and I share!
Spring Things {Easter Basket Favorite Things Giveaway}
I've teamed up with 25 other Bloggers to bring you a super fun giveaway!!!
We each have selected an Easter Basket full of our favorite Spring Things!
Each of us chose our favorites in crafting, food, beauty, home decor and more, put them into a basket of goodies and decided to thank YOU, our readers, for making our Spring a happy one. We'd like to share something happy with YOU.
Each giveaway is individual, so click through all the bloggers participating below, sign up for 26 chances to win tons of goodies, and maybe meet some new bloggers in the process! Have fun and enjoy!
My giveaway is a plethora of fabulousness, I must say.
Win my basket valued at over $500:
A free room E-Design Makeover valued at $199 from Decorist
$100 Pottery Barn Gift Card
$100 of my favorite Pottery Barn Accessories
$50 TOMS Gift Card
Your own copy of Savor by Shauna Niequist
A selection of Spring Julep Makeup Products
Rifle Paper Co. notebook
and a few other {chocolate} surprises...
all in this super pretty silver PB basket!
I'd like to thank my sponsors, Decorist, Pottery Barn and Julep for helping me put together this super rad Spring Giveaway!
Enter My Giveaway in the Rafflecopter link below and don't forget to click on the other links below to take you to all of the other Our Favorite Things Easter Basket Giveaways!!!
1. The Cards We Drew 2. Yesterday on Tuesday 3. Gingersnap Crafts 4. Simply Designing 5. Housewife Eclectic 6. Maybe I Will 7. Liz on Call 8. Growing up Gabel 9. Organized Island 10. Happiness is Homemade 11. Shaken Together Life 12. Poofy Cheeks 13. Commona My House
14. Key Lime Digital Designs 15. Tried and True 16. One Krieger Chick 17. Made by a Princess Blog 18. Play Party Pin 19. Persia Lou 20. Raegun Ramblings 21. Stuffed Suitcase 22. Giggles Galore 23. Gallamore West 24. Our Thrifty Ideas 25. A Pumpkin and a Princess 26. Make Life LovelyI'll also be sharing all about each item in my basket all this week!!!
Good Luck!
XO,
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. All winning entries will be verified and if not complete entry will be voided. Winner will be notified by email that they won and has 48 hours to respond via email before a new winner is selected. Facebook and all social media channels are in no way affiliated with this giveaway and are hereby released of any liability.
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