Staging is More than Clean!  Living Group Arranged Opposite a  wall unit that was going to stay with the house.   Staging is the process of creating buyer appeal for a faster sale.  Staging is not decorating because decorating is personal and staging is to appeal to a broader audience, called buyers. Most of the articles on staging talk about cleaning and decluttering as being staging steps.  However, anybody can clean and declutter. A clean and decluttered home is the just the starting point for staging the home, just like a blank canvas is the starting point for an artist.  A clean decluttered home will allow the seller to get the most benefit from a home stager and be the least expensive way to obtain the staged look.  Professional cleaning, window washing, carpet cleaning, and movin... 11/11/2012

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES ARE GOOD 4 YOU!  IN ANOTHER  BLOG I WROTE ABOUT THE ABC'S OF NUTRITION   THE A WAS FOR APPLE!  Folk wisdom that an apple a day will keep the doctor away may have some merit!   THE B WAS FOR BERRIES!  Berries are nutrient dense and very low in calories.   THE C WAS FOR YOU GUESSED IT  - CRUCIFEROUS!   WHAT IS A CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLE???   IF I said cabbage, then you know.  The best thing I can say about cabbage is that it is cheap.  But hey, if you tell me that eating a large variety of cruciferous vegetables within an overall nutrient-dense diet can provide a profound level of protection against infections and cancer, then you have my attention.   Joel Fuhrman, MD in his book SUPER IMMUNITY, Harper Collins, New York, N.Y. 2011 says just that and further  that cruci... 11/10/2012

Today I attended The Christian Women's Connection Luncheon which  meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Abilene Country Club.    The featured program speaker was Paula Abbott, who is the associate Paster of a Cowboy Church just east of Dallas.  Paula Abbott was born and raised in West Texas and is from Amarillo, Texas.  Paula Abbott is a dynamic, inspirational  speaker and her message proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful, full of energy and transforming.   Paula travels thoughout the United States bringing a message of hope to the hurting.  She shares her life journey about how God turned her life as a victim into a true story of victory.  She has written a book called:The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Choices.  This story details God's victory in her life and transform... 11/08/2012

The Clearly Speaking Toastmasters Club meets every Wednesday Noon for one hour at the Southwest United Methodist Church in Abilene, TX.   This local club is part of the international organization of Toastmasters International and is a nonprofit educational organization to help people overcome a fear of public speaking. Today was an exceptional meeting, with recognition of Toastmaster achievement presented to Jonna Chambers, local Realtor,  for completion of her Competent Communicator award and to  Mittie Blackburn, local professional accountant for completion of the Distinquished Toastmaster award.  The Distinquished Toastmaster is the highest educational achievement in Toastmasters. A farewell and congratulatory certificate was presented to Angel Rodriquez in recognition of his partici... 11/07/2012

This is about a walk in the park, and a slow walk at that.   Rose Park is the best place for a lazy stroll in town.  I would say stop and smell the roses but there aren't any roses, go figure! I used to walk and listen to inspirational tapes when I walked.  Now I just walk.  One could say I'm an inspirational tape dropout.  Oh, Well!  You can only listen to Jim Rohn's "The Art of Exceptional Living" so many times before you give it a rest.    I have finally figured out it is EXCEPTIONAL simply to be alive.  Three things I learned from Jim Rohn's tapes is to take photos of life events, build a library, and keep a journal.  I think blogging helps with the journaling part. As I walk, the birds inspire me now with their chirping and the squirrels can amuse one with their scurrying hither an... 11/05/2012

What if the Sellers don't want to Stage their Home?   This was a question asked by a fellow active rain member to one of my staging blogs.   This is an excellent question.   First, I welcome the opportunity to better educate the seller.  Staging is simply marketing.  The seller might not want a sign in their yard, and that is their right as the owner.  However, without a marketing strategy or with something as simple as a sign in the yard,  it is more difficult to get the word out and sell the home.  The owner has the right not to stage their home, in the same way they can choose how to market their home.  However, not marketing is the same as not selling quickly or perhaps not at all. This is the same with staging.  Staging is marketing that attracts seller interest through visual appe... 11/02/2012

My cat, known only as "KITTY," knows how to enjoy life.  This cat is never stressed.   The glass of the coffee table is a cool spot to stretch out during a warm summer afternoon.     She doesn't worry about her diet, her exercise, or her health!    When she needs a change of pace, she just moves to the chair!      Life is good.  Taking a nap solves everything.  I need to remember these lessons from the cat.    Here is a shot of a "working" cat I snapped at Rose Park, Abilene, TX  Here the cat is monitoring the prairie dog hole.     Oh, the day in the life of a cat.   Just rest and recreation!         09/04/2012

You have probably heard the saying that ... "An apple a day will keep the doctor away"   What if it were true?   Could it be that simple?  How hard is it to eat an apple a day? The Abilene Reporter News reported that the new school lunch guidelines now require a fruit OR a vegetable on the school lunch tray.  I was amazed at this-- ONLY ONE!  When did we lose the one fruit and vegetable?   I never knew the fruit and vegetable were missing! Studies of the American people show we don't come even close to eating the recommended minimum  "5 a day" A big 2005 study showed that only a third of Americans actually eat 2 or more fruits and only a quarter of Americans eat 3 or more vegetables in a day.  (French fries DID NOT count! ) Thus, there is a shortage of fruit and vegetable consumption fo... 08/29/2012

IT ALL STARTED WITH A STAGING CONSULTATION AND A MOTIVAED SELLER.  BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A STAGING CONSULTATION, THE SELLER CHOSE TO MAKE  $5,000 OF MINOR REPAIRS, AND REPAINT SEVERAL ROOMS, AND REDO THE MASTER BATH. THEN THERE WAS THE STAGING DAY. TWO ACCREDITED STAGING PROFESSIONALS SORTED, MOVED, REARRANGED DECOR, HUNG ART AND ADDED A MYRIAD OF FINISHING TOUCHES IN PREP FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT!   HERE'S THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF THE NEW VANITY IN THE MASTER BATH:   BATHROOM BEFORE:   NOTE THE KITTY WANTED IN THE PHOTO IN THE FAR RIGHT CORNER.        WHAT A DIFFERENCE, THE WALLPAPER IS GONE!  THE CARPET IS GONE!  THE ONLY NEW FIXTURE IS THE VANITY.     NOW, MY FAVORITE TRANSFORMATION WAS THE TEENAGE ROOM WHICH GOT MANY KUDOS FROM THE TEENAGER AND PARENTS ALIKE!  I DIDN'T GET A BEF... 07/06/2012

Sumer Staging Vignettes for Vacant Homes have to be NON-PERISHABLE.  IN VACANT HOMES, FAKE FRUIT WORKS! HOWEVER, WHEN THE HOUSE IS OCCUPIED SET FRESH FRUIT OUT.  THE FAKE FRUIT TASTES FUNNY - WELL LIKE PLASTIC,   I EVEN HAVE SOME FAKE ICE CUBES AND I CAN'T WAIT TO USE THEM.  THEY REALLY MAKE THE DRINK LOOK REAL.            Summer Staging Vignettes need to remind  the buyer of the JOY of homeownership SUCH AS COOK OUTS, GRILLED HAMBURGERS, AND ALL THE FIXINS, ICE COLD DRINKS, AND   ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE SUN   HERE IS A RECENTLY STAGED VIGNETTE IN A KITCHEN SHOWCASING TEXAS COOK OUTS - WELL BECAUSE WE ARE IN TEXAS!     AND ANOTHER FOR THE KITCHEN!   06/24/2012

    BIG HOUSE PLUS STAGING DECOR EQUALS CLOSED.    THIS WAS A STORYBOOK CHARM OF A TWO STORY HOUSE, THAT I DID A DECOR PACKAGE PLUS A BREAKFAST TABLE AND SOME PATIO STAGING.  Three weeks later - wallah, it is S O L D   !!!  BEFORE BREAKFAST AREA.   AFTER       Living Bookcase and Fireplace. Master Bath and Sitting Room.   and on the patio, a patio table and chairs!       and by the pool a pop of 2 lawn chairs!!   Staging Decor is used to maximize appeal to buyers, and draw attention to the houses best architectural features. When you need help selecting or arranging  staging decor  in your properties for sale, call me at 325-721-2429.       03/16/2012

It snowed today in Abilene at my Open House.    Fortunately the house was warm and cozy.  I was so happy that I had already done a little extra staging for Valentine Showings.  Below is 2509 Minter Lane which I have staged the interior.    The snowflakes add a surreal touch, don't you think?       To help the romantic ambiance of the Master  Bath,  I lit three of the tub candles  - the "rose petals" are silk.    Nothing says welcome more than candy and flowers by the sign in sheet.   When staging a room with no overhead light, be sure and place a lamp or two  in the room and leave at least one on so no one  has to show a dark room.      Happy Valentines!   Beverly 02/12/2012

WHY SHOULD I GET A STAGING CONSULTATION?   When you are ready to sell your home there are many steps to take to get readybefore the sign can go in the yard.  Now, you may be thinking where to start? Do I really need to stage or not?  Should I paint the kid's bedroom?   Do I need to replace the carpet?  Should I take the pool table out of the dining room?   These are all good questions and a home staging consultation can answer these questions and more. What exactly is home staging?  After all you may think, my home has already been professionally decorated. Home Staging is preparing your home for the market to appeal to the most buyers to sell as quickly as possible for the most money.  Home staging is NOT decorating.  Home staging is MARKETING TO SELL!   Home staging should include de... 02/01/2012

FINALLY -- FALL COOL!!!!   OPENING THE UPSTAIRS PORCH DOOR TO CRISP COOL AIR WAS A DELIGHT!  AS USUAL THE CAT WANTED OUT AND THEN SHORTLY DECIDED TO COME ON BACK IN.  NOW THAT IS CRISP COOL WHEN THE CAT IS TOO COOL!! IF ALL GOES WELL THIS FALL, OCTOBER WILL BE SPLENDID NOT TOO HOT, AND NOT TOO COLD.  IN ANY EVENT, IT IS A GOOD TIME TO THINK ABOUT ABOUT CHANGING THE AIR FILTERS  IN THE HEATING/COOLLING SYSTEMS FOR THE FALL SEASON.   NOW THAT IT IS COOL, I MIGHT EVEN BUY A PUMPKIN OR TWO FOR A LITTLE ORANGE CURB APPEAL!  Or it would a great morning for a walk in the Park -- Here is a walking path in Austin   Or take a lesson from the cat, enjoy a nice morning nap    Either way ENJOY FALL COOL!!!!     09/30/2011

  80 DAYS of 100 Degrees ABILENE HOT!  NOT SORRY TO SEE THE HOT DAYS GO AWAY!   The 100 degrees started in May, and didn't let up until September.   Today's high was still in the 90's but the Abilene Reporter News Weather Forecast is for more normal temperatures next week in the 80's.   The only thing that can make  you feel hotter than the heat today is viewing your electric bills.  I have already ranted on this before.  But lest anyone get confused it was DYNOWAT that chaarged 26.2 cents per kilowatt hour in AUGUST 2011.   When I called them on this, DYNOWATT alleges that ALL the TEXAS complanies WENT up in August.  Maybe so, Maybe not but to 26 cents per kilowatt.  I don't think so!   Anyway when you need to think about electricity, compare prices on www.powertochoose.org.   Here's a... 09/29/2011

Abilene House's Cupola!     Cupola - has a nice ring to it even if it might not match the WIKI architectural definition.  My house's cupola did match the part of the definiation about an ornamental structure on the high point of the ROOF. I first called it a cupola when the roofer told me that it was in need of repair.  As a result, the cupola came down off the roof to be examined and on the ground looks like a medium sized dog house.    This cupola had no vent or no additional bric or brac other than a old weathervane on top.  I debated about obtaining another  weathervane to go back on the cupola, but decided not now.  Later, I may  spray paint the old one a bronze color, and then reconsider.    Here is the house with refurbished cupola and No it never was the  DOG HOUSE!     09/29/2011

  As the SUN dimmed over the park and the park lights lit up the the wrangly tree limbs half hidden in shadows  - THERE WAS A GHOULISH FEEL TO MY EVENING WALK.    ROSE PARK looks different at NIGHT!     More Shadows!        AMONG THE SHADOWS, HIDDEN SHADDOWS, AND BRAMBLY SHADOWS AS NIGHT TIME DESCENDS.     09/28/2011

Abilene's N 1st Scultpures.   You just never know what you are going to find in Abilene sculpture wise, that is.  There is something for everyone, including a statue with many arms, a gigantic insect, and a row of rocks or stones.     Now of course my favorite is still the pink flamingo!!!   This sculpture has MANY arms!     HERE IS ONE GIGANTIC INSECT!       AND REALLY JUST A ROW OF BIG STONE BLOCKS, BUT LOOKS NICE AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE BANK OF AMERICA BUILDING.   09/27/2011

    NO CATS AND NO TOILETS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOUSE!   in the photos anyway! A framed photo of a cat on the wall such as this one would be okay, but no kitties napping on the bed, no matter how cute they are when the house is for sale.  Believe it or not, there are people who don't appreciate Cats.         NOW WHEN YOUR HOUSE GOES ON THE MARKET., SOME THINGS YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO SEE IN THE PHOTOS. and here is the not so pretty photo of a toilet.  A toilet never needs to be in front and center in a bath photo.  It is just not becoming!    Most understand not having your pets in the photos , but also remember to remove their food, their dishes, their water bowls, and their toys.  Only the cat can get excited over tripping over a fake mouse.      Now Master Suites and Baths may sell house... 09/26/2011

Buy a can of paint or lower the price? That doesn't seem like a tough decision, or is it? It can seem so impractical, I suppose when the paint is not chipped, not gouged, not even that dark,but just is the wrong tone. The room in question is a kitchen with a lime green painted backsplash only with too much muddy yellow in the paint and not helped at all by fluorescent lighting. This green does not match any other paint color in the house. This green looks like it was a great thought to spruce things up but the green is just NOT working. The green has too much yellow & does't look good with black appliances and the other taupe walls. SOLVE THIS COLOR DILEMMA WITH a $25 DOLLAR CAN OF PAINT. Kitchens SELL HOUSES! BUY A $25 CAN OF PAINT OR LOWER THE PRICE? PAINT IT! NEED HELP WITH PAINT COL... 09/25/2011