Another meme, I never got to the first two, but better late than never.  Gary Barnett from Home Matters from Indianapolis, IN tagged me.  So here is my very late, untimely Christmas meme...my friends and family would expect nothing less.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?    Wrapping paper.  I like to make opening gifts last as long as I can.

2. Real tree or Artificial?  I love the smell of real trees, but I have an artificial one.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually, sometime after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?  Usually sometime after Thanksgiving.  It's actually still up.

5. Do you like eggnog?     I can't say I like it, I'll drink it if it's given to me.  But I couldn't drink a big glass of it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?   Probably one of my dolls, it looked so real, and was tiny.  It melted in the attic of my parents house.

7. Hardest person to buy for?   I can't think of a specific person, but it would be someone that can and does buy anything for themselves.

8. Easiest person to buy for?  The nieces and nephews, they all want money now that they are older.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?   Mine got burned in a fire. 

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?    I prefer to mail Christmas cards, but this year, I didn't get any out! 

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?  A patched leather billfold from an in law.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?   Old movie "Miracle on 34th Street", Newer movie "National Lampoon Christmas Vacation"  our family can so relate to that one!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?  Back in the day right after Thanksgiving, and throughout the year. With the adults, if they see something they like, I say "Give it to me, it'll be your Christmas present".  Not much surprise, but they prefer it!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?   Not that I can remember.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?  Desserts of course, my moms pralines, pecan pie, sugar cookies with the frosting on them.

16. Lights on the tree?   I like all white.

17. Favorite Christmas song?   I have several, "Mary Did You Know", and some that the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra"play. I don't actually know the names.  Plan on going to see them in concert tomorrow night in Tulsa.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?   Travel to OK to see my family. Would like the whole family to go to Hawaii for the week.  It's too cold up here!  I like the heat!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?  Not without using google.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I like the looks of a star, only because angels never seem to sit straight.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?  Christmas morning...anticipation! When I was a kid, I could hardly sleep, getting up all night trying to catch Santa.  I never did!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  The crowds.

23. What theme or color are you using?    At my house, no particular theme.  At my moms, we did Santa's downstairs, and snowmen upstairs.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner.  Hands down homemade "Cornbread Dressing" with cranberries, the jellied ones.  I could eat a whole can of that red congealed cranberry glop, isn't that gross!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?  I don't need anything.  But since that's not the question, I'll say, I can't have what I really want!  I'll just leave it at that...

I'm not tagging anyone since Christmas has come and gone.

Give the gift of Interior Redesign to that someone that has everything. We will come in and redesign one room or your whole house. We use what you already own and give you a whole new look. Having a party?  Have us come in and get your home, ready for when your guest arrive.  Have them leaving wondering what you've done differently with your home.  We can transform your home while you're there or while that special person is out for the day. I promise they will love it! Redesigns can take as little as a few hours for several rooms. 

Gift Certificates can be great for Christmas, Birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentines Day, Anniversaries, Shower or Wedding gifts, House Warming Gifts.  It's also great for a get-together, party, or any function with invited guests.

An average family room (18 X 15) starts at around $250.  Prices vary according to size and scope of project.

Visit our website and use PayPal.  We will call to confirm your order has been placed.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Here are what seem to be the most popluar New Years Resolutions for most people. 

Mine is to take time for myself and do things I like, and enjoy, to make my life easier, and healthier. 

What are yours?

1. Get organized.
2. Stop smoking.
3. Stop drinking.
4. Learn something new.
5. Lose weight.
6. Get in shape.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Do something for yourself.
9. Spend more time with your family and friends.
10. Volunteer, or help the less fortunate.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

New Years Eve and Day is not necessarily a big deal for most people.  So, what is one to do if left alone for the last big evening and following day?  Here are some ideas and tips if you're alone and want to do something. 

• Whether fun or not, you can get some things done around your home. 
• Clean out your closet.
• Organize your garage.
• Clean your house.
• Paint a room.
• Do something on your to-do-list.
• Finish that project that you started months, or years ago.
• Cook something you've never tried before.
• Go shopping, the stores are open on New Years Eve.
• Watch football.
• Rent movies and have a movie marathon.
• Go see a matinee, and try out a new restaurant.
• Catch up on your sleep.
• For women, try experimenting with your hair and make-up for a new years look.
• Read a book.
• Start a fire, have some wine, and watch your favorite movies.
• Call old friends and catch-up.
• Make out New Years Resolutions.
• Take a hike in the park, exercise, or just get outdoors, even if it's cold.
• Take an overnight trip to an area you've never been to, and experience what's out there.
• Go to a New Years Eve Church service.
• Go to the grocery store and buy all the food you wouldn't normally buy...and pig out!!

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

After spending most of the day and evening with my niece shopping at the mall.  I've decided, I'm buying stock in "Forever 21",a retailer that seems to have figured out what teens, and the college crowd like.  They carry a variety of , preppy, and ecclectic, glam all at really reasonable prices comparted to other mall stores.  This store, was not only packed with huge lines almost out the door for the check-out register, but for the fitting rooms as well.  I think my niece blew most of her Christmas money in there, but was thrilled at her purchases.  The real kicker with this store, which blew me away was they werent' having a sale!  Everything was still there everyday price.  I can't even imagine this place having a sale, it would be worse than the teens at an 'Elvis' concert!

Gotta go back and get few more things...if one is good 3 is better!

Home Stagers Side note, the "Kirkland's"was going out of buisness in this mall.  I hope it's not on the path to bankruptcy too!  I love it!

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

There are some good deals to be had at the bankrupt Linens 'n Things.  Most of their stores are picked over, and they will be closing Dec. 31st., but there are some great finds online.  This set for instance is an 8 piece set for $59.99.  It includes the comforter, bedskirt, 2 shams, and 2 Euro shams, and 2 decorative pillows. 

Another thing I've noticed is their mechandise is filtering it's way down to the discount retailers.  Be on the lookout, the prices have been greatly reduced from the retail prices from Linens 'n Things.  It will be interesting to see what liquidator buys the inventory, and where it will go.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

At Redesign Etc. we want your house to be show ready, sell fast, and for top dollar.  We strive to help you with every aspect of staging your home and making it stand out among your competition. 

10 Reasons Not To Stage Your Own Home:

1. You are emotionally attached to your belongings.  It has more value to you, and you are not able to let go of it.
2. You don't know where to spend the money for the biggest impact for improving your home.
3. You're not sure on how to pick out the right paint colors that will be pleasing to everyone.
4. You're overwhelmed.  You don't know where to begin, and you don't know what to keep and get rid of, or store.
5. How many hours and days will you spend agonizing over decisions you're not sure of.
6. You don't know what rooms, or areas to emphasize.
7. You don't quite know what the most cost effective way to improve your home will be.
8. One mistake, and it could cost you $1000's to repair or change it.
9. You don't really see the trouble spots in your home.
10. You can't pinpoint it, but your house just really lacks something, and doesnt' really look any different than any other houses in your area for sale.

Do some of these sound familiar?  If so, we can help!

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

A couple of weeks ago, one of my clients called and said he needed to ask me some questions about sheets.  He was in a Linens-N-Things and thought he could pick up some good buys, but said he didn't know anything about them.  I gave him a quick tutorial, and he decided to go somewhere else to buy sheets.

Since I had written a blog called Luxury Linens...What are you waiting for?  I was prompted to add some tips for taking care of linens once you've purchased them.  When you find the type of sheets you love, you'll want them to last as long as they can.

• First of all go to your linen closet and throw out any old, worn, yellowing, sheets or bedding.
• Remove any linens that have an odor from your closet.
• Treat stains immediately, and before sheets are washed.
• Wash linens once a week in cold if using a mild liquid detergent.  Wash in warm if using a powder detergent, make sure granules have dissolved before placing sheets in washer. 
• Do not use bleach, it will destroy the fabric over time.
• When drying, use the perma-press cycle and take out just before completely dry to avoid wrinkles.
• If you iron your sheets, now is the time to do so when they are still slightly damp using a hot iron with no starch.
• Do not use a sheet fabric softener, as this will also damage fabric over time.  Use a liquid one instead.  There a lot of new products out there made especially for linens.  Try one of these for a change and notice the difference in how nice the sheets will smell.
• Once sheets are completely dry, fold them up and place in a pillow case.  This keeps all of your sets together, and also acts as a dust repellent.  They will also hold a scent longer.
• Don't store in a cedar chest or in an area with poor ventilation.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Oh, the fresh evergreen smells of Christmas trees, that's my favorite, and of course the home baked goodies from my mom's kitchen.  What are yours?

• Pine trees?
• Christmas trees?
• Apple Cider?
• Baked Apples?
• Hot Chocolate?
• Pumpkin Bread?
• Eggnog?
• Cinnamon sticks?
• Cranberries?
• Vanilla?
• Pumpkin Pie?
• Candy being made?
• Sugar cookies?
• Oranges and cloves?
• Chestnuts roasting on an open fire?
• Fresh early morning coffee?
• Christmas morning breakfast?
• Honey Baked Ham?
• A Roasting Turkey?
• Is it a crackling fire?
• Smoke from the chimney?
• The scented candles that fill the house with an array of scents.
• Gingerbread Men?
• Peppermint?
• Holly Berries?
• Mistletoe?
• Someones cologne or after shave?
• Your uncles cigar or pipe?
• Liqueur?

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Most of these seem like no-brainers, but I've heard of more thefts this year in mall parking lots, and it was because people were in a hurry and not cautious, with leaving their belongings out in the open.  Believe it or not people not locking their doors is usually the way burgulars get in.  Don't make it easy on them follow these tips.

• First and foremost don't leave things in clear view.
• Put everything in the trunk.
• If you have an SUV, use the cover that hides what's in back, it won't stop them if they want to get in , but it will be a deterrent.
• Don't make multiple trips to your car with gifts.
• Park under the lights.
• Park close to the door.
• Ask for an escort to your vehicle.  Some malls offer this.
• Don't leave cell phones, laptops, GPS, Money and Keys in clear view. Put in trunk, or better yet leave at home.
• If possible go with a friend.
• Take your keys out of purse or pocket and have ready before you get to the car.
• Park in higher traffic areas.
• When returning to your car scan around it about 100ft. before you get in and make sure nobody is around before opening your door.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.   

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Everyone has a different idea of what Christmas means to them.   What is your favorite part of Christmas?

• Putting up the lights and decorations outside.
• Driving around looking at Christmas lights.
• Decorating the Christmas tree.
• Christmas music.
• Christmas parties
• Traveling to your destination.
• Picking out the Christmas tree.
• Seeing the look on children's faces when they see a Santa, or open that special present.
• Or if in a warm location, the warmth of the sun and heat, especially if you come from a cold region.
• Cold, crisp air and snow.
• Playing in the snow, having snowball fights, and making snow angels.
• The decorations at stores and in the mall.
• Just being at the mall with all of the other Christmas shoppers.
• Getting cards from friends you haven't heard from in a long time.
• Decorating the house.
• Sitting by the fire and telling stories or playing games.
• Snuggling by the fire with someone special.
• Office parties.
• Secret Santa
• Giving to the less fortunate.
• Exchanging gifts with friends.
• Doing charity work.
• Singing in the Christmas Choir, or being in a Christmas play.
• Watching Christmas movies
• Shopping for gifts.
• Wrapping gifts.
• Cooking dinner.
• Cooking desserts.
• Eating dinner and desserts.
• Spending time with family and friends.
• Playing Santa Clause for the kids.
• Christmas Eve Church Services.
• Christmas morning, opening presents.
• The smiles and laughter of children.

Add what your favorite part is, it would be interesting to see what everyone says...

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

I just got back from my youngest nieces family birthday party.  She's lives in Oklahoma and happens to be one of those that birthday falls right around Christmas.  This year was her "Sweet 16" party.  She had the "friend" party last night and did the make-over, manicure, glamour shopping fun stuff today.  What she didn't know was that we were coming up early to suprise her from Houston.  My mom happened to be in Houston, so Elizabeth was especially upset that Grandma wouldn't make her party.  Amazingly, everyone was able to keep the secret from her, even her little brother that knew we were here.

She came down this summer and got a taste of the home staging business, she even gave me some input into colors for a public space and helped me for a few weeks.  But, she's decided to be a doctor, and is into acting right now!

It's hard when Christmas is so close for these Christmas babies. 

She's a little sweetie, Happy 16th Birthday Elizabeth, Enjoy...It only comes once!

I also clicked this quick pic of my oldest nephew who made an appearance.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

I finished staging a house last week that belonged to a bachelor.  I did a consultation for him month's ago, but he had quite a few things to do before the staging was ready.  He finally called and said he thought he was ready.  Wow, he had done a great job, but wasn't totally finished, he was running into some minor problems.  He also lacked doing a few things outside.  So I went ahead and staged it, and let him know I was finished.

A few days later he asked me if he should put the Texas Flag out.   Now, if you're from Texas, you can appreciate our flag, it is everywhere.  Probably the most used flag in front of homes and businesses than any other flag in America (except for the U.S. flag).  I'm a native, so I'm a little partial.  I know you Southerners know what I'm talking about!

I told him not everyone would appreciate the flag and it might turn-off some future buyers.  I know it's hard to believe, but some people think Texans are arrogant...I know, I know it's hard to imagine!   He agreed, and didn't put it up. 

But I have noticed more and more homes with flagpoles with the U.S. flag, maybe because of the heightened awareness of the war, an act of patriotism.  I can't imagine anyone buying a home in America being offended by the U.S. flag.  But that is a whole other blog!

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Ahh, Christmas time at the mall, oh what joy.  I try never to go around the mall area around Christmas.  And after going there I remembered why.  It was on a Wednesday night, and you would have thought they were giving things away.  You wouldn't know the economy was bad in Houston by the barrage of people.  And unfortunately, we parked at the opposite end of the mall of where the one store we needed to go to was located.  It was like a circus or carnival with people from kiosks and stores handing out samples of soap, lotion, sugar coated pecans, and miracle wrinkle creams.  So much pressure, why can't I just walk around the mall without being hassled?  Why are people running into me, why do I have to walk around them?  Where's that Christmas spirit and the respect your elders thing?  Some of the stores are empty and the employees are twiddling their fingers, and others have a line at the register almost out the door.  And why aren't the good stores handing out samples, how about some Godiva chocolate, or Auntie Annes Pretzels, StarBucks or samples of  perfume that don't make you sneeze?

Christmas Cheer From Houston, Yall!!

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

After seeing this over and over again the biggest mistake homeowners make is not cleaning their home before the home staging professional comes in to stage it.  It is imperative to have a clean house.  Not just a home that has been cleared of clutter and toys.  A home that is spotless from top to bottom.  Nobody wants to move into a dirty house.  If you don't have the time to do it, ask your home stager who they would recommend and have someone come in and do a once over.  You'll be surprised at the difference it will make.  This step is crucial to being done before home staging can even take place.  We can't place items on dirty counters, and dirty floors.  The two most important overlooked rooms are the kitchen and the bathrooms, which happen to be two of the rooms home buyers are most interested in. 

Make sure the cleaning service cleans the windows, ceiling fans, drawers, cabinets, baseboards, ovens, stoves, windowsills, grout in bathrooms, toilets, shower doors, and all fixtures until they sparkle.  Basically everything!  It is well worth it.  If it is a vacant home and you live out of town I would also recommend having someone come in every couple of weeks to clean the floors, vacuum, and clean counters in the kitchen and bath along with sinks and toilets.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Here are a few easy tips and simple solutions for organizing your kitchen.

• Remove your sponges from your sink area.  They are breeders of bacteria.  Put damp sponges in the microwave to sanitize them, and pot scrubbers in the dishwasher to sanitize and clean them.  Put in a sponge caddy with holes for aeration that has suction cups on side of sink.
• Get a handle on recycling.  Don't use unattractive bags, sacks, and boxes in your kitchen area. Use colored crates, cans, or stackables. 
• Pots and Pans taking over.  You can either purge the ones you really don't use, or add a separate mobile work station cart or wire racks that hang from ceiling.
• Pantry clutter.  Take snack foods out of boxes and put in trays, containers, or baskets that are accessible for everyone.  Put cereal in Rubbermaid containers.
• Use round two tier spinner racks for similar items.  For example, jelly's, honey, syrup on one.  Oils, vinegar, and bottled jars on another.
• Instead of letting your Tupperware fall everywhere place the lids into bins with handles for easy pull out.  Put the round ones together, and the rectangle and square ones together.
• Use task lighting underneath your cabinets.  These are fantastic, and you can purchase them anywhere with easy install.
• The paper clutter.  This is one of the worst problems in the kitchen, the best remedy is to go through it as soon as it comes in and recycle what is not needed. Have a file system set-up that you can place mail that you want to keep.  You can also use a message cork board for important mail and a chalk board for family messages.  To get the clutter off of the counters, put mail that needs immediate attention with payment due dates written in red sharpie on the outside of the envelope and place in a letter basket.  Once paid, it can be filed. Keep an expandable file to put your receipts in as soon as you walk in to your house.
• Utensil overload.  Again, go through your gadgets and get rid of items you have never used, maybe a friend or relative would use them.  Use drawer organizers and put utensils that you use to bake with in a drawer, eating utensils in another, and cooking essentials in a decorative holder on your counter.  Also use small zip-lock baggies for small items in drawers.
• Also keep storage items together in an area that you wrap items. Foil, plastic wrap, zip-locks.
• Remove rarely used appliances and put in a pantry or basement.
• Throw out anything that is expired...period!

                                                             PURGE    RECYCLE   DONATE

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

When living in a small home that you absolutlely love, that has charm, but is lacking in space with no room to expand there are a few fairly low cost alternatives you can try.

• Try removing doors to living areas to open areas up, so you can see through the house giving it a more open concept.
• Use white based cabinetry in the kitchen to allow light to bounce around the room.
• Try a cream colored countertop to blend with white cabinets. 
• Keep space above cabinets open to increase the sense of height.
• Use furniture that has legs to give you the illusion of more floorspace.
• Another form of illusion is to use a glass table top with views of the floors.
• The use of large mirrors , or a grouping of mirrors will also make a room appear larger.
• And while we are talking floors, keep them all the same.  For example don't mix, carpet, tile, or wood in a small home, use the same throughout.
• Use larger decor pieces instead of a bunch of smaller items, it will highlight and showcase your room.
• When using lighting, recessesd is best.  Using hanging fixtures brings attention to them detracting from the space.
• Monochromatic tones work best, with interesting fabrics that are sophisticated but comfortable. 
• Try to stay away from dark colors especially with rugs, pillows or bedding.
• White paint on the ceiling will make the room look taller, and if you use ceiling fans use white ones to blend in to the ceilings.
• Keep things open in the bath, using a half wall instead of a closed room for toilet area.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

I read an article last night from someone that was promoting a home staging company saying home stagers got paid a minimum of $5,000 to $10,000 for each job.  Wow, no wonder home stagers are disillusioned by the home staging business.  This is not the first time I have heard this.  Companies are promising big bucks for people to enroll in their courses.  Some are even guaranteeing work.  Read the fine print. 

Homeowners read these articles too, and automatically think home staging is way over their heads in terms of cost.  If I knew nothing about the cost of home staging I would think the same thing.  I can assure you home staging is cost effective relative to the money that is involved when selling a house.

Don't believe everything you read, even if it sounds like a viable source.  Do the research, and find out for yourself before making any decisions. 

Granted, there is a cost associated with getting your home staged, but it is a fact that it will show better than a non-staged house.  And I can promise you, it is probably under 5k for most homes.   Of course, there are always the exceptions, but the homes are not average.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Bellaire Methodist Church has set-up a live Nativity scene in Bellaire.  Not only will there be people dressed as authentic Hebrews and a village, but a Christmas reading will take place as well.  What a great family oriented way to spend a Saturday night.  Great for everyone to see, with the recreation of a marketplace, live animals, shepherds, Mary, Joseph and of course baby Jesus.

The event is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry for the hungry.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.

Be An Elf is a great organization for Christmas time giving.  You can volunteer to obtain a letter from a child written to Santa and then buy the gift they have requested from Santa.  You can also donate money online.  This is for children that are less fortunate and won't be waking up to gifts around the Christmas tree.

So go ahead, intercept several letters, and make some children remember this Christmas like no other.  Think of the smiles and joys you'll bring by being one of Santa's little helpers!

For more information click here.

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Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your House To Sell By Professional Home Stagers! Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar in the most cost effective way!

Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information.

Areas Served:  Houston, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Bellaire, Piney Point, Mid-Town, The Heights, Montrose, Texas Medical Center, The East End, West Loop/Galleria/Memorial, Downtown, Museum District, West University, Spring Branch, Royal Oaks-Lakeside, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood.   And all areas down to Galveston Island.

We also have a location for the Houston Bay Area- League City Home Staging.