Stage like a pro!

Everyone knows the power of the paintbrush.  Of course you should vacuum too.  Oh, and de-clutter while you're at it.  And, for a while there, the aroma of baking cookies wafting from the kitchen, was a popular tactic.  But home staging goes a bit beyond the obvious.  Especially now.  Especially in this competitive market. 

What continues to amaze me (among other things) is the seller's lack of concern for the exterior!  Sagging, overloaded gutters send buyers running the other way.  If a seller can't be bothered to weed their flower beds, who on earth should believe they've had their HVAC serviced in the past decade.  Ratty, past-their-prime doormats are anything but welcoming.  Overlooking these details sends a clear message to prospective buyers:  "Skip this house!". 

hgtv.com/real-estate/top-10-rules-of-staging-from-the-stagers/index.html

Staging doesn't have to cost a fortune but it will make a difference.

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

It's that time of year again.  The time of year when all the holiday decorations are banished to either the attic or the basement.  If you're anything like me, it's also the time to organize, part with broken ornaments and sort through strands of Christmas tree lights.  There is finally something we can do with old/nonfunctioning lights.  A friend of mine passed along this link to me.  I think it's a GREAT idea:

http://www.christmas-light-source.com/Christmas-Lights-Recycling-Program_c_210.html

Furthermore, this program benefits a charity near and dear to me - Toys For Tots.

Keeps a little more out of landfills AND gives to the tots!

Two birds, one stone!

Happy New Year!

A new addition for 2011?

What better way to start the new year!  I can't think of a better place to fall in love than Atlanta Humane Society...  I came across Mr. Cody today and thought I'd spread the word - THIS GUYS NEEDS A FAMILY!  He also needs plenty of love and understanding.  Please pass this along if you know someone in the market for a wonderful, loyal companion.

Looking for something smaller, bigger, a cat?  Follow this link and get acquainted with all the guys and gals looking for a forever home:   atlantahumane.org/adoption/adopt-pet-dog.php

Wonderful (and EASY) appetizer

Wanted to share this delicious appetizer I made for several parties this holiday season. 
It's super yummy and can easily be prepared low-cal.
Enjoy!


Ingredients

1 15-oz. carton whole milk ricotta cheese (Jinny used reduced fat...)
6 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary or 1/8 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1 Tbsp. honey
36 toasted baguette slices (Jinny used both white and whole grain baguette - prefered the whole grain!)

Sliced apples, more fresh thyme, and/or toasted walnuts - set aside
Honey - set aside

Directions

1. Place ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in Gorgonzola, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon rosemary until combined. Fold in 1 tablespoon honey until just combined. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Makes 36 appetizer servings.

2. To serve, spread on baguette slices and top with apple slices, thyme, and/or walnuts. Drizzle with honey.