More Low Cost Ideas…Training for Camelback…

Camelback Mountain  Taking the steps to my office, 2 at a time, treadmill is on an incline, and trying to get rid of some extra “baggage”.  In a weak moment, over a glass of wine, during the holidays, I set a goal of climbing Camelback Mountain, one more time with Emily…my “goalsetting daughter”.  I did complete this 1.5 climb when in Az. for a parent weekend…but the difference this time is I know where I am going.  I am five years older, and I clearly remember the trip up and down…..actually coming down was the most treacherous for me…I knew if I started falling…there would be no stopping…..and twisting an ankle or earning a knee replacement???  Why did I ever read “The Little Train” to my daughters…I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can.  I promise to take photos when I get up to the top and I think I can.

Found some great Pillow at Pottery Barn…very pricey but honestly I looked everywhere and this was by far the best choice for updating our sofa…Idea…I found matchng napkins (same exact print) for $7.00.  So I plan to back the napkins with burlap and create 4 smaller pillows…adds texture, and saves $$.

                      

Gathering More Ideas…

Pottery Barn Accessories Class…worth my time.  Met Sharon Andrews, Design Studio Specialist at Easton Town Center.  Sharon is very warm, friendly, and talented…definitely going to recommend her to my Real Estate Clients.  In helping a recent relo, my buyer admired a table (Arhaus) and of course I knew where the table came from…next day out I gave her a catalog.  In conversation, she wants me to find her a designer that doesn’t just sell “her store” but give ideas from other sources and also help create a plan.  She has small children…I always try to explain that no matter how wonderful your children are…things might just happen.  It is often more wise to purchase a few things along the way rather than all at once.  Personal style may change and children do grow up.

    Bungalow  Home has been in the Short North for a few years…but  now they have 2 new locations: Powell and New Albany.  So the story goes, (from a fairly reliable source) the owner bought the contents of an old factory…and the inventory began.  Very interesting ideas…took some photos to share with you.

Great Silver Table…with distressed look…Silver Spray Paint???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So how did they get the hole in the top???  This did inspire me to cut a rope in our garage and create a new look…Got to do something different after all the holiday decor is stored away…in my lower level.

A new word for accessories in my lower level…I call them junk…Sharon Andrews calls accessories that are stored for later use…Old Friends.  I am not sure George considers my ???? in the lower level Old Friends.   Enjoy your Old Friends.

 

 

Thank You for Missing Me…Redesigning, Staging, Selling, and Family

Hey, it is nice to be missed.  I have just been too busy to blog…seems not much has slowed down since before the holidays…actually still have Christmas Decor in my “lower level”.

  I knew I could use these LARGE ??? things some day when I saw  them on clearance at West Elm last summer… so glad we have a store in Columbus, Ohio now.   They were candle holders inside and outside with globes…they were plant stands…and now…legs on a table.

My original thought was to make some distressed wood for the top…but found this basket in my “lower level”and my new table was  reinvented!

I am trying to bring different textures to a room that used to be more formal…now the white slip covers, burlap……it’s new again!

Curly sticks, Grandma Kay’s crocks, and shelf paper soaked in tea, wrinkled and rolled up..some twine from the garage…and the new look is here….really started with the white slip covers.

Gave my neighbor a “Rednek Wine Glass” for Christmas…she loved it.  (Irwin’s Hallmark, Westerville, Gahanna, or Canal Winchester).  Okie Morris, created the stemware from a Mason jar glued on top of a Libbey candlestick holder.  Okie is now making Rednek wine charms made from bottle caps that have been sprayed neon colors.  Okie has made a few dollars on her latest reinvention.

Don’t forget…This Sunday at your nearest Pottery Barn…free class…10-11 on “Accessories” .  Call your store to verify time and register.  The price is right and you get an hour in the store with designers and a discount.  Bring dimensions of a room for advice on furniture placement, etc.  Free…yes FREE.

Have had a great week reassuring Relocating Families…that it is true, one can get to the airport within 20 minutes from most parts of town, a traffic jam in Columbus, Ohio is newsworthy, and we are truly “that friendly”.  Selling Columbus Ohio Real Estate is Fun when you love the area.  The “pickings are slim right now”…if you are thinking of listing… now is the time.  Competition will be greater as more sellers relist after the holidays.

Want to hear about my family…sure you do.  Have been spending a little more time with my 88-year-old mother…even her “Buckeye Ballgames” haven’t been enough entertainment for her these last couple of weeks.  And headed west soon for a long weekend with daughters…shopping, hiking, spa, and wine…not sure what order.  Still packing along Christmas gifts that wouldn’t fit their luggage guidelines…so I have only what I wear to the airport.  Shopping…yes that is a planned activity.  And George…he won’t personally be along on this trip but his budget plan will…he never gives up.

Out and About in Columbus, Ohio this weekend!

Just checked out Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill in the Grandview Yard last night, the last night of Columbus Restaurant Week.  I was a little disappointed…food was just ok.  And being from a family that has enjoyed attending the games for generations…I was also disappointed at the memorabilia in the restaurant.  I will try it again…maybe this week is a bad week to review a restaurant.  I will say our service was exellent.  Funny sidebar…my 88 year old mother called me several times during dinner…”She couldn’t find the OSU Ballgame on her TV.”…I suggested she use her call button to get a attendent to come to her room and find her Buckeyes.

Today I did attend the second FREE Class at Potterybarn at Easton.  Great class again.  How to Set Up Your New Home

What I learned:

You can register when you buy a home for an Open House Party…even if you aren’t having a party.  It is just like a bridal/wedding register.  You get 10% off everything for 6 months.  I really liked Sharon Andrews, our instructor today…very helpful and I think she would be great at coaching and helping to plan out a house… I have noticed many of my younger clients want to buy an entire house or room of furniture immediatly after buying the house….and they end up with rooms that look like they just bought the display in a store…very predictable, somewhat boring, and not much of “them” in the room.  I think you have to live in a house before you can start to make it look and feel like home.  Impulse buying may delay creating your living space.

I also was pleased to see so many casual china/dinnerware choices and glass ware that were reasonably priced.  How many times do I use my Lenox china, crystal and silver that most couples registered for back in the day?  Even though my patterns are plain…I prefer mixing pieces I have found at flea markets, pottery, and treasures from my great grandmother, grandmother and mother and mother-in-law.  Much more fun.

We also talked about centerpieces for tables…does not have to be flowers…Can be a collection of things you like or collect…even clocks.  Suggested items for place cards and favors for guests to take home.  So much fun to make the table more you.  I love setting the table for guests…so glad that I live with a chef that enjoys making the dinner.

2 FREE classes left…How to Accessorize Your Home 2/5 and How to Throw The Perfect Party 3/25

So excited today to take a former Westerville North Warrior out to see Real Estate Columbus, Ohio today.  First time buyer so they will get so much free information, entertainment, and I hope a great house for a great price.  Never help anyone buy something that I can’t sell later…good rule for me to always remember.   I would much prefer looking at Real Estate today as opposed to watching football.

Hope you enjoy your day.

Restaurant Week in Columbus, Ohio

It’s not too late…Restaurant Week in Columbus, Ohio.  January 16-January 21  All proceeds go to The Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  To all my friends that are foodies …you can select three courses from a select menu for $15-$35 dollars.  Check out the list of Restaurants!  What a great time to try some new places!  Reservations are recommended.

Enjoy!  We have narrowed the choice down to 3…still trying to convince George to go somewhere we have never tried.

J Gumbos…Cajun Cuisine..Pasta with Roasted Vegetables…

We tried JGumbo’s on Sancus over the weekend.  Great Cajun Cuisine…a little early for Mardi Gras but Jambalaya and Bumblebee Stew were great.  No wine with dinner.  Just the basics at this stop.  We were told to try the Gahanna location as they have live music, wine and beer.  Might be a great place for our “Cheap Eats” group.  Could it be better than Bologna Sandwiches at G & R Tavern in Waldo with their extensive wine list…or the Starliner Diner in Hilliard?   We have a group of friends that are foodies…does that surprise you?   We do have fun on our excursions.

Dinner Tonight was Excellent in my very own kitchen with my Chef…this recipe might be worthy of my Cooking School Group…

Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Bacon

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 oz. bacon, preferably slab, chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. cubes

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1/2 head cauliflower, trimmed into 1 1/2 in. florets (about 2 1/2 cups)

Course salt and freshly ground pepper

8 ounces orecchiette (round pasta)  Trader Joe’s

3/4 c. finely grated Parmesan

1/2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 400.  Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat.  Cook bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes.  Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon.  Reserve drippings.

2.  Toss sweet potato, onion, and cauliflower with reserved drippings.  Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.  Roast on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized, about 35 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.  Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.  Return pasta to pot with cooking water, and toss with grated cheese and vegetables.  Stir in parsley.  Sprinkle bacon over top.  Garnish with shaved cheese.

It is a good thing….one of Martha’s Good Things.  Enjoy.

Free Design Classes…Pottery Barn Offers…Check Your Store

Thought I would check out the Free Design Classes Pottery Barn Offers…at my closest store at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio.  You can register by phone or email…Class Schedule includes:

How to Design Your Dream Bedroom           Januuary 15

How to Set Up Your New Home                      January 22

How to Accessorize Your Home                      February 5

How to Throw The Perfect Party                     March 25

The class started at 10…lasted about an hour…and then I had an hour in the store to browse…10% off of everything, even sale items.

Main Ideas Covered:

• Start with white or ivory bedding, add color with pillows, coverlets, etc. to change up for the season.
• They use 2 inserts for their duvets…that is why they always look so plush!
• It is good to collect pages from magazines and look for trends in things you like…color, style   I always suggest this to buyers that are building a house or moving to an existing house.  If you collect your “favorites” for a while, you will see trends.
• Get your husband under control when selecting colors…so funny.  There was only one man in our class…he was with his wife….several theories were shared…but he was so outnumbered…  This reminded me of when I am selling Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio.  Who makes the final decision?  9 times out of 10…if Mama isn’t happy, no one is.
• Paint color should be selected last.  You can always find or create paint color to match anything.  Pottery Barn has free paint samples…pick one up.  Their colors are always safe.  You can always buy your favorite brand, but you will have a good color…also check out Restoration Hardware paint colors.

I am looking forward to the next three classes.  I know I will gain some ideas from instructor and others in the class.  Pottery Barn Catalog is a great source of ideas.  I tear pages out when I think I might find a new use for something in my “lower level” of treasures or when helping a client see the potential of a room.

2012 is looking good so far for Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio.  I am glad to say I have been too busy to blog.  I am excited to meet with a client Monday that has never been to Columbus.  She really didn’t believe me when I told her that you can get to our airport within 20 minutes from almost any part of our city.  Yes, we are the biggest city in Ohio, but we are still a small town.  How do I explain that you can live in Columbus, have a Gahanna mailing address and go to Westerville schools?

Glad to be back…Saw a new magazine at bookstore Friday night on Blogging.  Sorry I left you for so long…..not a good thing according to the magazine.

Giving Forward to Build a Better Community…Young Life is One Choice

As a parent and high school teacher, I had the opportunity to see and hear about all the great things an organization called YOUNG LIFE did in our community.  My first real experience was holding “club” at our house a few years back in the 90′s to see what Young Life was all about so I would know first hand what this group of teens were doing out on a School Night.  I choose to partner financially with Young Life because they are an organization that cares deeply about kids in the community.  I appreciate that Young Life leaders volunteer their time to be a positive role model for high school and middle school kids to follow and learn from.  I like that Young Life is an inclusive club that accepts any student and carries no cost to the student belong.

As a REMAX Realtor, I donate part of my sales commission for every transaction to Young Life.  I want to live in a world where others care about each other and good things happen on a daily basis.

At the beginning of  2012, you too may want to think of ways you can give your time, ideas, and/or funds to help others in your community…there are so many organizations that need our help.

Bang Bang Shrimp in Your VERY OWN Kitchen

We love Bang Bang Shrimp at BoneFish.  AND last night George used the following recipe to try making one of our favorites at home.

Bang Bang Shrimp  Makes 4 servings

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/3. c. Thai sweet chili

3 drops Sriracha hot chili sauce

Oil for frying

1 pound of shrimp, peeled, deveined

Cornstarch

Shredded lettuce

Chopped green onions

Mix the mayonnaise with the sweet chili sauce.  Add hot chili sauce to taste.

Pour enough oil into a heavy large pot to reach a depth of 2 inches.  Heat oil to 350-375.

Dredge shrimp in cornstarch.  Working in batches, add shrimp to hot oil.  Cook until lightly browned.  Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Toss shrimp with chili sauce mixture.  Serve in a lettuce lined bowl garnished with green onions.  Pour a glass of wine and enjoy!

This was our first attempt…we decided we should have used larger shrimp, a little less mayonnaise and a little more hot chili.   We have decided to go back to Bonefish and evaluate Bang Bang Shrimp again before we go back to our TEST kitchen.   Happy New Year to All!

Slipcovers Were Completed Before Holiday Season…and Still White! Checklist for Buying/Selling Homes for Sale Columbus Ohio

You may already be aware of my decision process related to upholstery vs. slip covers vs. buy new furniture that started last summer.  Furniture and fabric left my house in June, 2011 and returned on December 18, 2011.  And yes I think I did share that Ken Young, a true craftsman/artist, disappeared for months.  To make this story short, he became ill and his daughter “kidnapped” him to make sure he recovered…no cell phone, only love and chicken soup.

                  

A few cans of Scotch Gard, and I was ready for the holiday season…still white, no wine or food stains yet…I think guests may use more self-control when they see white furniture.  As for Ken, he is back to business…did a window treatment for a friend and just finished 2 chairs for my neighbor.  First step is to ask Ken to measure up and estimate the job.  FYI, his estimates for fabric and trim are usually much less than a popular upholstery fabric store.  Once you know how much fabric you need, you can wait until you find the perfect fabric at a great price…then call Ken.

The Real Estate Teacher…that would be MOI, will be teaching a Checklist for Buying and Selling a House Today at the Westerville Parks and Recreation Center in February. Information covered will include Homes for Sale Columbus Ohio.  Call 614-901-6512 to reserve your seat.

In conversation with friends and relatives during the holidays, I often have people ask me about my business this year.  Contrary to the news media, I have had my best year yet.  Service to my clients is my key!  Thank you to all my clients for their business as well as the referrals they send me.  Happy New Year.