Sheron Cardin's Input...: July 2007

I have been an interior designer for over 27 years and I have always taught my clients the principles I used while decorating their home so they may enjoy decorating too. The home staging trend in residential real estate is a great way to reach more people every day and what I enjoy the most is they are learning the basics of good design through staging. It is my dream for every person to know the joy and pride of living in a decorated home.

If You Like To Earn Points - You're Going to LOVE THIS!

iRazooGetting right to the point...iRazoo is an Internet search engine that gives you points every time you search and every time you invite someone to join. The points are used to get electronic gadgets like mp3 players etc.

All you need to do is click on the banner under my picture to the right to register. arrow

Check them out because you get 2 points every time you search. 

(For some reason, that is the only place I could get it to stick. If someone knows how to put the link right on this post, please let me know.)

Thanks and happy searching.


 

13 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 25 2007 08:23PM

Any Baby Boomer's Out There?

american bandstand Do we need another group? No, we don't. But do we want one? Will we forget it is here??? I think it would be a kick and we won't have to bore the whole membership with our uniqueness.

Some of us have been kicking around the idea of a group for 'baby boomer's'. Are you a baby boomer? Don't know? Click on this link and then let me know.

If there are enough of us then I will start the American Bandstand group.

It would also be a great place to swap AB stories, cruising the blvd, drive-in hamburgers, photos of old hairstyles, etc.

Leave your comment before you forget...:) 

And if you need some inspiration, watch this video

 

 

44 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 23 2007 05:09PM

Why Don't You Take A Picture Of It Then!

clutter

What would really be the difference between looking at a picture of a sentimental object and looking at the actual object(s)? Not that much really. The experience can be very much the same with one very big benefit...de-cluttered spaces. Using this technique to help clients clear up their clutter also works because it disarms their objections. 

Awhile back I wrote a blog about cleaning out my closet and letting go of my favorite outfits. Some I had hung onto for years and years just because of the memories I had while wearing them. What I discovered was...with the new digital camera era, it is the easiest thing to do and it really works. You can actually organize your photo's in files specifically titled to find them anytime you want to.

A walk down memory lane on your computer instead of you spare rooms or your tabletops can make sense if it is presents in the right light. 

Even the "I don't even know how to turn that thing on" generation can purchase a digital camera and a 1G memory card for under $100, point and shoot, then slip the memory card into their computer or their children's computer. A perfect 'gift' would be a digital camera and printer if that is what is holding back the sale of a home too. camera

If you have clients that have serious trouble with letting go of their sentimental possessions but need to for obvious reasons, it would be worth giving them a sample demonstration by showing them what you did yourself (it will be good for you too) and putting together a small photo album demonstrating what one would look like.

One of the real benefits of having photos of one's treasures is being able to share them with family and friends.

What to do with the actual objects? For an older person, offering family to help themselves to a few mementos can be appreciated. Then storing securely in air tight containers for safe keeping and stacking also helps put their minds at ease. 

I feel people in general already know that they need to do something about the stacks and boxes of stuff but they really do not know how to go about it. Taking pictures of what they are emotionally connected to will actually help them let it go.

This technique is the only one that has worked for me to let go of things I never considered letting go of but needed to. My closet is still clean and organized and another layer is going again. I can continue peeling away the layers until everything I have serves me and supports me and my goals.  

 

 

 

30 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 23 2007 03:07PM

I found a new gadget you might like.

It is this little blue square that appears at the end of every possible link in any window and you can preview what is behind that link without ever clicking on it. It makes browsing so much easier and my tab bar at the bottom of my screen is still clear.

It is called CoolIris and it is absolutely free. You can stack up your windows, go back, email, etc. There is another really great tool for pictures on the same link called PicLens. 

cool iris  piclens

 

36 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 23 2007 01:55PM

A Feng Shui Journal From A Decorator's Point of View; The First Miracle!

You are not going to believe this! It may take you a couple of minutes to read but it is really worth it...let me know what you think. You have been on this journey with me since the beginning.

dragon Let me start from the beginning. I started a FS journal about the The Love Stones, had a good laugh and decided  to keep exploring with the Tale of Two HeartsThen Carole Provenzale, our true resident Feng Shui Consultant of Long Island New York took pity on me and came to my rescue before I could do any real harm.  She wanted to help me and the professional that she is, she asked that I send her pictures of my property, inside and out so I did.

Carole wanted me to do some things immediately before we address the interior of my house.  Specifically she wanted me to unlock the gate that opens to the front sidewalk leading to the front door. I explained to her that no one uses that walkway or gate or the front door. She did not care. Since this area is the mouth of all good Chi coming into my home, I must do what she told me to do. She also told me to plant a tree in my wealth area with red bark, bells on my front door (which again is never opened) and then bless my property per her specific instructions, tying all the buildings together which I did as documented in this post.

Now remember; the Blessings for my property took place on Tuesday, July 17th.

locks Wednesday, the 18th, I stumbled upon a clothing line to die for while assisting family with their shopping. OK, no bigs there because the outfit that I loved was sold out in my size. I won't go into all the details here but the sales clerk found my size in San Luis Obispo and it is on it's way to me as I write this post. Later that day I took my keys and tried to open the little gate in the front. They did not fit so I called and asked Gene (my significant other) if he would unlock the little gate when he gets home and he did.

 

shopping bag Thursday the 19th, I opened my front door, unlocked the screen door and admired the little gate that has been freed. Fresh air (with a little dirt) was blowing in and I thought to myself "this feels so much better!" and went about my business. Went back to the department store that carries my new favorite clothing line (Eileen Fisher for you gals) and bought everything that fit me. I do not yet know what I need all these outfits for but I am trusting that I will soon as a result of the unlocked gate, the blessing, and my cute little money tree.

 

techs Friday the 20th
It is a normal day with me at the computer. For a year now, my customers have not been able to download their home staging instructions from my website after they make their purchase (as many can attest to here in AR) because the techs say they cannot fix the problem...so I have to keep checking all day long every day. When someone makes a purchase, I send them the links directly, usually after a time lapse and an email from them stating they did not get their links. My technicians told me a couple of months ago that I would have to move my site to another host and they would be happy to help me do this. I do not want to move because I cannot take my logo and template with me...basically starting all over and changing the whole format. So I resigned to accepting the fact that this is the way it is going to be...checking all day long and apologizing with every new client.
I know, shocking as it may seem to you, my life is not all glam... 

Don't change the channel! It has taken all this to get to the point I am trying to make...

                               bagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirrorbagua mirror

 

The following is exactly what happened Friday. (Remember the gate was unlocked Wednesday night.) I receive this email:

I just purchased the $99 complete home staging kit online. I cannot open the computer color selection or the shopping mall sections when I click on them. Please advise.
 
I read the first few words and I immediately send her the links I think she is requesting. This is her reply and I copy it from my email:
 
No, you misunderstand. I cannot open the "color" choice computer link and the "shopping mall" link highlighted in blue with underlines. When I click on them with the "Adobe hand", nothing happens. I have downloaded all three products that I paid for successfully. The problem is just with these two links "within" the Home staging Instruction file that will not open.
Thanks, and I also love your website and your blogs.
 
I could not believe my eyes! Not one client has been able to download their materials since last July. I am not making this up. How on earth did this happen! Did the techs finally figure it out? I haven't talked to them in over a month and they gave me no hope. Were they able to fix my site now because there was FLOW OF CHI? I knew at that moment that unlocking the front gate had opened up and welcomed exactly what was needed for POSITIVE CHI IN MY LIFE!  It is not a coingkidinky.

                                                                                                            FS miracles

I was so knocked out by these events that I had to share it with Carole. We talked for hours. I am floored that I could see a real connection and I am thrilled that I have stumbled upon (law of attraction) such a useful phenomenon. I am Also glad I am taking this slow because I want to experience the results to every Feng Shui technique used. My journey down a path unknown to me is certainly an exciting one.

Let me remind you that this journey all started as a fun way to explore the techniques of Feng Shui that was available to me and see if I could make sense of it and use it to my advantage all the while incorporating Feng Shui into my decorating without my home looking like a Chinese Restaurant.

And now? There was no way of knowing what was to come. Thank you Carole! I am about finished with the MONEY TREE...Whoa baby, we are just getting warmed up!

So, do you read the events the same way I do or do you think it is a coingkydinky. 


22 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 21 2007 08:06PM

Now Serving; Mojito Shrimp for your Open House!

mojito shrimp photo As popular as the Mojito is, why not announce your open houses with a menu describing what you are serving. Try this one:

Majito Shrimp Marinade

In a medium bowl combine

   20 chopped fresh mint leaves (easy to grow in your garden)

   1/2 cup sugar

   1 thinly sliced shallot

   Pound with a wooden spoon to coarsely crush.

   Whisk in 1/3 cup light rum

   3 tbsp fresh lime juice

   1 tbsp vegetable oil

   1 tsp freshly grated lime zest

   and 1 tsp coarse kosher salt. Whisk until salt dissolves.

Makes about 1 cup, enough for up to 1 1/2 pounds shrimp. Marinade shrimp for 15 - 20 minutes.

Tip: Don't marinate for more than the recommended time or the rum and lime juice will cook the shrimp and ruin their texture. 

Cook: Arrange shrimp on skewers and baste with marinade and grill for 1 to 2 minutes each side.

Serve: Remove shrimp from skewers and use party toothpicks to skewer the individual shrimp and arrange on a platter. Drizzle with lime juice and garnish with mint sprigs.

What is the worst that can happen? You can eat your own marketing materials. 

 

32 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 20 2007 09:26AM

HELP! My Paper Shredder Needs to Learn How to Fly...

I need help and I only have a couple of weeks to teach my puppy how to fly. Awhile back I posted about my New and improved energy efficient paper shredder. I am taking Buddy to Seattle with me August 7th and I want him to sit on my lap in the cabin.

Here is what I know for sure:

  • Buddy can sit on my lap if I tell the stewards I need him for emotional reasons (and I do)
  • He is supposed to be able to fit into a 17"x11"x9 1/2" canvas travel carrier comfortable
  • If he cannot move around comfortably then he will have to go into a larger carrier and go down below in the plane
  • Buddy is at my feet 20 hours a day and freaks out when he can't see me and I have to get a puppy sitter just to go to Costco so....
  • I just bought the carrier and he has never been in one.
  • I set him in there and he is too big (he weights 13 pounds already) and cannot move freely nor can he stand up which is what is required by Alaska Air.

I need to take Buddy with me. He has 4 new friends waiting to meet him and play with him for a full 7 days...

4 dogs buddy

Does anyone have experience with dogs flying and what I can possibly do to get Buddy to Seattle? 

 

25 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 19 2007 09:37AM

You will never believe what I did today!

birdseed birdseed 2 feng shui blessing paprika equals: homeless woman

One of my greatest fears was turning 60, wearing a moo moo, and talking to myself; happily! I can't tell you how close I came to actually living that image today. I am certain that the weirdness would not be so weird if I wasn't so far away. Away from what you ask? Well, my Feng Shui Consultant of course. Neither one of us knew what a huge project I was going to be and being the perfectionist that she is, Carole Provenzale cannot leave me in any distress. The problem is she is in New York and I am in California so drastic measures have to be taken.

The result? I can't give away all the secrets but I can tell you this...I now have a money tree (yes a real money tree)  I got a well needed tan today while tossing spiked and highly seasoned birdseed around my property at high noon, all the while chanting in ancient harmony, the blessings of the masters lulling me into a trance state. Oh Lord!

We have only just begun. Stay tuned! 

43 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 17 2007 08:35PM

Real Estate "BUZZ WORDS" of the Rich and Famous

I have been meaning to get this information into print for a few months now and decluttering my cluttered to do list is my current project I am passionately attacking.

Awhile back I wrote about a new show on VH1 called Fabulous Life Presents Really Rich Real Estate. I paid close attention to what the agents said about the homes, what they think are features, and how many were repeated throughout the shows (3).

Create or enhance as many of these features as possible...

  • large foyer
  • beautifully landscaped
  • outdoor entertaining areas
  • lush lawns
  • gourmet kitchen
  • media room
  • spa bath
  • towel warmers
  • water feature
  • marble
  • granite
  • tumbled stone
  • rubbed concrete counters and floors
  • gallery walls
  • high ceilings
  • skylights
  • views
  • large closets
  • neutral color scheme
  • privacy
Below is the next really interesting show on July 12th. You can go to VH1 and set a reminder for the show.

 

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Thursday Jul. 12
10:00 PM EDT
Remind Me

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About Episode

Get out your star maps people! Because in the next hour, The Fabulous Life Presents - Insane Celebrity Real Estate '06 is going to take you on a tour of the stunning, multi-million dollar estates celebrities are calling home in 2006. From the illustrious Malibu shores to the white-hot beaches of Miami, from the skyscraping views of NYC to Mexico's gorgeous Pacific coast-celebrities are scooping up mega-mansions in the world's most elite locales. You'd better believe, when you're a celebrity there really is no place like home.

In the past year, the fabulous set has single-handedly sparked their very own real estate boom. Starting with what else? Their starter homes. OC star Mischa Barton dropped $6 million dollars for a 6-bedroom abode she shares with her mom. Then there are the major real estate upgrades of `06, like American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest's new Hollywood Hills home. It comes complete with a billiards room, media room, and tennis court. And we'll unlock the door on the trendiest celebrity hotspots. In Los Angeles, Sierra Towers has become the "it" place to live for celebrities, and teen queen Lindsay Lohan has just purchased a three-bedroom corner unit.

But starter homes, upgrades, and hotspots are just the beginning. We'll also show you the most mind-blowing big-ticket real estate buys of '06. From Billionaire Larry Ellison's $180 million dollar buying spree in Malibu, to Kevin Costner's new $32 million dollar Santa Barbara beachfront estate, to Tiger Woods' $38 million dollar golfer's paradise. And Girls
Gone Wild CEO, Joe Francis, gives us a first hand tour of his Puerta Vallarta dream home.

We'll also take you inside the most incredible mega-mansions on the real-estate market today. There's the Robert Taylor Ranch in California, a 112-acres nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. For $60 million you can own this incredible estate, complete with a casino room, wine cellar, tennis courts, and screening room. Looking for something on the East coast? How about the most expensive home on the market? The Apprentice winner, Kendra Todd, will give you a tour of Donald Trump's staggering, $125 million dollar "Maison De L'Amitie".


 

14 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 10 2007 05:59PM

I'm Feeling Green Again...

Every time I learn something new I have to run to my computer and post about it in AR, like it is my diary...if I don't write about it, my news will be lost forever. Now that I have streamlined my recycling at home and every shred of recyclable material makes it into the right barrel, its time to expand my horizons.

dandelion

Now I am going to tackle how I take care of weeds once and for all, there is a by-product of milled corn called Cockadoodle Doo's Organic Weed Control. It is a pre-emergent suppressor that will prevent new weeds from sprouting. They say it is safe for children and pets and won't harm insects (darn), soil organisms, or aquatic life. It runs about $30 for 25 lb. and you can order it online; you guessed it...www.cockadoodledoo.com. I have not tried it yet. If you have please let me know how it worked...I have an acre of weeds.

I'm not done...to get rid of existing weeds organically without pulling them out of the ground, there is a product called Nature's Avenger. It is a fast acting, natural-citrus-oil-based herbicide that strips away the plant's waxy cuticle, causing dehydration which then destroys the weed. (this process could take awhile) but it only cost's $8 for a 24 oz. spray bottle. www.naturesavenger.com 

3 commentsSheron Cardin - how2homestage.com • July 04 2007 04:03PM