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Showing posts from December, 2013

Decorating Tips for Your Christmas Tree

Happy Holidays to all!  Only 10 days until Christmas!  If you'd like some tips on decorating your tree this year, here are some of my (hopefully) useful tips: Beginning the task: When decorating your tree, put lights on first, then the garland, and finally the ornaments. I think of my tree as a three-dimensional painting. Do you have a color scheme or theme that you want to follow? Sometimes having a plan for your tree makes it more fun to decorate – at least in my opinion. You can spend all year collecting items for your tree – but a good time of year to find bargains is, of course, the post-holiday sales. Hanging Ornaments: Begin by hanging "filler ornaments" and evenly space them around the tree. They could be basic solid color balls that are easily found at discount stores in a wide range of colors to coordinate and enhance your decorating scheme. You'll need about 20 "filler ornaments" for every two feet of Christmas tree. Don't hang all your

Staging Your Home During the Holidays

During the holidays, many sellers always ask me, “How much holiday decorating should I do if I’m trying to sell my house?” So, I wanted to share my home stager guidelines with you if you’re trying to sell your house during the holidays:      -I always suggest putting a wreath on the door and little white candles in the windows since both are very warm and welcoming (the objective if you’re trying to sell your house).        - Outdoor lights can be a bonus and can be pretty and attractive, especially at night.  But be careful not to go overboard like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s, ”Christmas Vacation.”            - Don’t put out your blow up Santa and his reindeer in your yard! Put out your holiday “ornaments” next year.       -In my opinion, it’s OK to have one Christmas tree or a menorah out during the holiday season, but as soon as the holiday is over, everything should be put away (including the gifts!)     -Try to keep your holiday decorating to a minimum.  Don’t d

"Green" Ways to Make Your Home Shine for the Holidays!

If you are hosting family and friends for the holidays, I'm sure you've been busy getting ready for the event. Whether you are getting your home ready for the holidays or ready for sale, here are 10 "green" tips using many household items that you may already have in your house.  They are much healthier for your family than using the alternative, chemical-based products. 1.  Clean your glass windows, doors or mirrors with a mixture of white vinegar and water and wipe with newspaper for a beautiful, streak-free shine. 2.  Freshen your garbage disposal by putting a lemon wedge in and running the disposal.  This will neutralize odors and crease a fresh, lemony scent.  Fresh lemon can also be used to scrub kitchen counters and salt can be added as an abrasive for stubborn stains (tip - be careful using any abrasives with granite and marble - they are porous and scratch easily). 3.  Remove crayon from the walls with toothpaste (not the gel type).  Simply put a small am