If you need special arrangements for the holiday season – H. Carlson’s Florist’s is a great place to visit for both inspiration and to order any special arrangements for your holiday decor.  Nancy Schellhas has been creating numerous arrangements like this every year and he customers have come to rely upon imagination and impeccable taste. When you walk into the store, you feel like you are in another world.  You leave behind  the high-tech digitize iPad way of life and find yourself enjoying the holidays the way they used to be before technology and big-box stores took over in a big way. The arrangement above is an example of one their special orders for the Thanksgiving season.  This fantastic arrangement  potted in a carved out pumpkin is but one example of what they can do.  I actu... 11/24/2013

These days, with so much on the internet, local businesses benefit from the use of professional photography.  As much as local businesses have relied on word of mouth over the years, many shoppers go to the internet first.  If they like what they see, they may actually put the business on their list of stops. H Carlson Florist is a wonderful example of a local business that has thrived over the years because they are truly unique.  Nancy Schellhas has  a way of creating arrangements and offering quality goods for the home and hearth so that it leaves your local Pottery Barn in the dust.   Outside, seasonal plantings dominate.  During the fall season there are the traditional mums along with a healthy dose of pumpkins, gourds and corn.  It is a natural place to come for the most famous h... 10/29/2013

  How are you managing all of the people processes in running your business?  There is much going on from motivating staff, hiring people, providing benefits and complying with the law.  You should consider attending the Human Resource Leadership conference in White Plains on November 12, 2013.  The Westchester Human Resource Management Association, in partnership with the Business Council of Westchester, is holding a conference and marketplace scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2013  at  the  Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. The theme for this year: Building Connections: Strengthening Relationships Among Employees, Leaders and Customers. This program is geared for   HR Professionals, Executives, Small Business Owners, Non-Profit Organizations, and Business Leaders interested in max... 10/16/2013

Porches can help sell homes.  This year I had several homes with impressive porches to photograph.  I see a lot of agents attempting to photograph porches and they almost always try to capture the porch from the street level as part of the money shot of the house, with perhaps a close-up closer to the front door.  And that's great as far as it goes.  And its very important to photograph that porch so that buyers can see the full potential of this amenity. However, beyond the porch itself, is the view from the porch.  If the view is a good one, you need to show it in all its glory....After all, if you've got it, flaunt it!   Now, it doesn't matter if the porch reveals cityscape suburbia or countryside.  After all, some buyers are really into the new urbanization and would be thrilled wit... 10/04/2013

Today, September 29, 2013 is the last day this year for Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway in Westchester County.   On Sundays from 10-2, the Parkway is open for bicyclists, joggers, roller bladers and even walkers (and strollers).  Cars are not allowed.  Generally, the Bicycle Sundays are in May- June and September, so look forward to a new kick off next May.   This is for the section of the Bronx River Parkway from the County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Rd in Yonkers - a 13 mi round trip.  There is a portion of the highway under construction around the Crane Rd Bridge where it is only open for 1 lane each way.   There is parking at the County Center in White Plains for $5, but since it's Sunday, most of the towns will also have free parking.   Enjoy it while you can.  ... 09/29/2013

Networking events for Women business owners in Westchester.   Professional Women of Westchester is a group of talented and motivated women business owners looking to help each other. The events are a great way to meet other like minded women looking to grow their business, and a great way to learn more from their guest speakers and panelists.   Oct 7th 6-8pm Networking Extraganza at Butterfield 8, 147 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains ($15 for members/$20 for non members- must prepay   Oct 16th 6-8pm Pretty in Pink networking event to benefit breast cancer research. Where: Augie's Prime Cut, 3436 Lexington Ave, Mohegan Lake.  This is a joint Westchester/Putnam event.  You are supposed to register, but the link on the site is currently not working.   09/27/2013

This is just a quick reminder that we will be having our Summer Westchester Meetup tomorrow, Tues August 20th at 6pm.  It will be in White Plains at Uno's, 14 Martine Ave.  There is free parking in the building at the Seasons.    If you live in the area, or if you happen to be here, we'd love to see you. Bonus: for those that attend and blog about it, there is a bonus 1,000 Active Rain points.   Last time, we had a great turnout.  This time, though, I kind of hoping for a small group.  Sometimes, that's how you learn the most.     08/18/2013

Shaw just recently introduced a new line of Saxony carpets called Cashmere.  It's part of a larger line called "Caress by Shaw."  They are so soft, that once you feel them, you will fall in love with them. So I thought it would be helpful to review Saxony carpets.   What is a saxony carpet? Saxony is a type of carpet that is a soft cut pile with an even surface. Saxony carpet is typically woven very densely, and it has a very soft, plush feel. The primary disadvantage of a saxony carpet is that it tends to show marks such as footprints and vacuum marks. Saxonies are associated with quality and luxury, and as result, tend to cost more compared to solid textured or looped carpets.     The softness of Saxony carpet makes it a popular choice for bedrooms and formal living rooms. The elegant... 08/10/2013

  The real estate industry has been going through major transitions for a number of years, yet many agents haven’t adjusted to these changes. Furthermore, there are (if any) quite a few number of industries or news outlets that are reporting on this change.   Here’s the difference: If you go to a doctor with a serious illness, she can’t tell you how it’s all going to wind up in the end. She doesn’t know. If she did, that would be perfect advice. However, your doctor, assuming she’s truly an expert, can give you excellent advice. She can tell you about your illness and your options, whether it be surgery or medications. She can also explain what she believes to be the best option for you based on your history, symptoms, and overall health. Ultimately, though, you’re going to make the fin... 08/03/2013

Trends in Tile Flooring for Westchester County 1. Natural Stone or Natural Stone look. In Westchester County, customers are moving away from shiny/glossy towards a more tumbled natural stone look. Whether it's a shiny ceramic tile or a polished granite/marble, shiny glossy tiles are challenging to maintain. They show dirt and water spots. They also require more maintenance (including sealing). A natural look, especially porcelains that look like natural stone are visually more appealing and practical as they hide the dirt with the color and texture variation. They are also easier to clean and easier to maintain since you don't need to seal them as you do with natural stone.         2. Larger format tiles   Large sizes make the space look larger. At a minimum, you should be using 12 x 12... 04/21/2013

Last night a few of us hopped in the car for the long ride to Westchester for a business meet up.  We went to Uno Chicago Grill, which was a place I had never been nor heard of.  We were a party of about 12 and were the first to arrive.  Since it was the end of a long work day and a long ride to get there, needless to say we were hungry and thirsty. When we asked to be seated there was no hesitation, they grabbed the menus and said this way please!  Now what is unusual about this?  There are places that will make you wait until your WHOLE party has shown up before they will seat you.  I don't always understand that but when you are hungry who does?  The food was great, the place was really cute and there was even an area to eat outside.  Unfortunately last night was rainy and cold so we... 04/12/2013

I'm looking forward to our Active Rain Meetup in Westchester.  I've gotten a lot of responses this year, so it should be a combo of fresh faces and familiar faces.  We have people coming from the following counties: Westchester, Rockland, Orange, and Fairfield counties and we may even have 1 or 2 from NYC.   Here are the details: Thursday, April 11th, 6pm Unos, 14 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 free Parking at the Seasons (4 Martine avenue - same building as Uno's)   This is right near the Galleria and the train station (and yes, you can walk there from the train - it's only 2 blocks away).  Hope to see you there! 04/06/2013

It's always challenging running your own biz, and when it's busy, of course things happen that get in the way. Yesterday morning was a perfect example of that.  I went to a networking meeting and found my car w/ this nice indentation.  It's not terrible and thankfully no one was hurt, but this is not what you expect when you car is parked.   Thank goodness my car is driveable (since I need my car for work), and thank goodness the person who did this left his contact info and insurance info.   Unfortunately, the info was from a temporary insurance card and even though it was valid for yesterday's date, Allstate had no way of tracking the current policy down.  I have no idea why this was since I gave them the temp ID, the person's name, the phone # and the address.  But, still after 3 pho... 04/06/2013

Hey everybody.  Yes, It's that time of the year again - Active Rain MeetUps.  We will be having one in Westchester:   When: Thursday, April 11th, 6pm Where:  Uno's, 14 Martine Ave, White Plains (free parking at The Seasons 4 Martine Ave (same building).  Near the Galleria and the train station.   Why?  Because it's a great way to build relationships and share tips of the trade.  Bonus - 1,000 Active Rain points.  Why Uno's?  Because it's centrally located in the county and easy to get to from many highways (we hope a few from surrounding counties will join us), easy to park + if the weather is nice, we can sit outside, just like last year.   These have always been fun and productive.  I hope you can join us.  03/08/2013

Without getting into details, let's just say it was a long and stressful day.   I was glad to get home, and I was completely exhausted.  I was looking forward to dinner.  Of course when I opened the fridge, I realized that I forgot to get more food.  And, no soda left.   So of course, I ordered Chinese Food.  They are on my speed dial, of course.   Food arrived, I was on the phone, signed the credit card form.  As I'm talking to my friend, I get the food on the dish and pour the soda and drink it.  Yuck...it was of course diet and not regular, so I was annoyed.  I called, and they said they would swap it, and after a little bit of complaining, they gave me 10% off, and I said that was fine.   So, 10 minutes later, the delivery guy comes back with chopsticks.  Chopsticks?  I was puzzled.... 02/28/2013

Yesterday, I had a fun appointment, and again was pleasantly surprised at what a small world this is.   My customer "found" me on LinkedIn.  The truth is, I'm not sure how long ago we connected or from where, but we are connected, and it turns out that 6 or 12 months ago, after one of my status updates, he sent me an email with some questions and I called him and we spoke on the phone.  I can't remember the specifics of the call except that we were talking about hardwood and he might be moving to my area in the next year or so.   Fast forward to last week and I saw an email saying that we had a mutual friend, and it was no other than Active Rain's Julia Maher.  She is a local decorator and stager in Fairfield County CT.  I met Julia on Active Rain by reading her blogs, and then a couple... 01/28/2013

  Kevin F. O'Shea | Coldwell Banker 278 Mamaroneck Ave. | (914) 262-1931 1405 Pondcrest Ln # OPEN House Sun 1-3, White Plains, NY Absolutely Mint Condition. New Brazilian Cherry Floors in Living Room and Dining Room! Open House Sun. 1/13 1-3 PM 2BR/3+1BA Townhouse   offered at $475,000 Year Built 1993 Sq Footage 2,000 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Uncovered spaces Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $396 per month DESCRIPTION This is an absolutely mint conditon 2 BR unit with 3.5 baths. Cherry floors balcony & PatioFamily room with fireplace. Pool, Tennis, exercise room. Gated community. Lowest price 2 BR in the complex and best condition.   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Dining room - Laundry room - Living room - Master bath - Office/Den - Stora... 01/11/2013

Christmas lights are everywhere in Westchester this time of year - from the spectacular to the gaudy to the very simple.   So I'm putting up a very simple display today to show how simple sometimes is better than over-the-top. This is a balcony from a pre-war building in downtown White Plains NY.  So I used HDR to bring out the texture of the brick and wrought iron railings. The simple lights let the texture and pre-war character of the building shine and still provided holiday cheer.   Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. Original Post: Sometimes simple says it best...Subtle Christmas lights...  © 2012 - RGHicks - http://fotosonthefly.biz - All rights reserved. 12/24/2012

About a week ago I was kindly invited by a resident to take some photos at a coop complex in downtown White Plains called the Broadlawn.   The pre-war complex is know for its subtle use of white lights in its courtyard during the holiday season.     At first I thought this would be 100% color photos.  But  a couple of the pictures really underwhelmed me in color and I just had a gut instinct that black and white would work better.  So I converted this photo and VOILA!  It had a much better effect. People often say that "the camera never lies".  But that does not mean that it automatically recreates what our eye sees.  It doesn't work that way.   The camera lens that has the sophistication of the human eye has not been built.   So, we tweak and dodge and burn our photos to try and recrea... 12/20/2012

I love Active Rain, and I love Active Rain Meetups.  This one marks the 5th official AR meet up in Westchester (we've also had 5 in CT, but that is the subject for tomorrow's post. This meet up was a small intimate gathering of just 5 of us...and I have to say, it was just perfect.   I got to meet Barbara Bartell for the first time (she is an agent of Phil Faranda's).  I reunited with one of my favorite agents Gay Rosen (who I met due to Active Rain, and we have become very close friends and I've met many of her clients.  And, of course my great friends and business partners Joanna Cohlan (decorator extraordinaire) and Grant Schneider who is a business coach and I see him weekly in my BNI meetings.   With only 5 of us, we could really get to know each other and ask lots of questions...a... 12/06/2012