Another informative blog by Sharon Tara from New Hampshire.  All home stagers are not alike, nor do they all offer the same service.  It is like comparing apples to oranges.

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An excellent post by collegue Sharon Tara of New Hampshire, of Sara Tara Transformations on "The Secret to a Successful Sale.

                                   The home that was torn down.  Photo talk of the bay.

What a story this family has, 15 total family members, 13 of which were living in a travel trailer after Hurricane Ike damaged their homes roof, making it collapse.  They have 4 biological children, the rest are Foster children some that are special needs kids, they've adopted, and want to adopt more.  Fema provided two trailers, but took them away a few months ago.  How they've lived like this, I can't even fathom.  They were nominated, and the TV show Extreme Makeover Home Edition, made their way to Kemah, TX to give them the news, that they were the deserving family that would be getting a brand new home.

                                 Empty lot without house. Photo talk of the bay.

The Beach family was on their way to Disney World after the "knock on the door".  The crews didn't waste any time Friday, they cleared out their lot of trees and starting demo on the house, cleared the debris and brought in what I heard to be 16 loads of dirt to raise up the lot for the foundation.  They were still bringing in dirt when I left at 9pm.  They had just brought in a crew of concrete people around 8pm, and I was told the foundation would be laid at around 3am.  They then started framing the house Saturday, all within 24 hours of when they started.  It was like watching fast forward in real life.

We also had the coldest weekend ever here, in the 20's that night.

They were framing it out yesterday and I heard they were finished around 1am.  The windows and roof were suppose to be done by Sunday night.

I will blog with updates, but what an amazing experience to be a part of, I can't wait to see the progress next week.  I worked the first real day to work, and carried plywood, 2 X 4's and help build a walkway for the public and spectators to watch.  I also helped with the flooring in the VIP tent, and even carried Lime bags away, I felt like a real construction worker, ok, maybe not, but we had fun pretending! 

The episode is scheduled to air in March, and the "Move the Bus" reveal is January the 14th.  I won't reveal much, but I can tell you the family will come home to an absolute "Dream Home". 

A truly rewarding experience!

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Vinegar has been used for cleaning for years.  It is a safe, non-toxic cleaning aid.  Many people use it to clean their kitchens and bathrooms.  I've seen this used and wondered how effective it was at killing germs, bacteria, or disinfecting. 

Some households swear by it, and I'm not saying it doesn't clean, but does it disinfect?  I wouldn't feel comfortable using it on a cutting board where I'd just had raw chicken.

Many businesses are using vinegar now to clean thier restrooms and kitchens.  I don't feel quite comfortable with this practice.

But I'm not finding any studies that are conclusive with scientific evidence that states it is a disinfectant. 

There are articles all over the web quoting Michael Mullen of Heinz, but I couldn't find the origination of this from Heinz.  Heinz (they make vinegar) spokesperson Michael Mullen states that a straight 5% solution of vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs (viruses).  However, he also states Heinz can't claim that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company has not registered it as a pesticide with the EPA

Heloise claims it does, but still no scientific evidence, she wants to write a book about it.  Seems this has been a question for many years.  Read Heloise 48 interview here.

The Vinegar Institute doesn't make any claims, only that it deodorizes.

I did come across this study from the researchers at The University of North Carolina.  It stated the commercial products killed almost all of the germs.  The natural altenatives, vinegar and baking soda, paled in comparison, killing 90% or less of the germs.  Well, maybe I have my anwer after all!

One study stated a solution of vinegar and bleach was effective in killing germs.  Of course it would, bleach was used!

Vinegar can be used for 100's of things, but I will stick to a disinfectant to sanitize my kitchen where raw poultry, meats or eggs have been especially in the bathrooms.  You don't have to use straight bleach and inhale the fumes, use the disinfectant wipes instead.

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List of official Holidays in the state of Texas.  State offices will be closed, partially staffed or optional (as noted).

• Friday  January 1  New Year's Day
• Tuesday January 19  Confederate Heros Day (Partial Staffing)
• Monday   January 18  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Tuesday  March 2  Texas Independence Day (Partial Staffing)
• Wednesday  March 31  Cesar Chavez Day (Optional Holiday)
• Wednesday  March 21  San Jacinto Day (Partial Staffing)
• Monday  May 31  Memorial Day
• June 19  Emancipation Day In Texas (Partial Staffing)
• Monday  July 5  Independence Day
• Friday  August 27  Lyndon Baines Johnson Day (Partial Staffing)
• Wednesday  September 8  Rosh Hashanah  (Optional Holiday)
• Monday  September 6  Labor Day
• Friday  September 17  Rosh Hashanah (Optional Holiday)
• Monday  October 11  Columbus Day
• Thurdsay  November 11  Veterans Day
• Thursday November 25 Thanksgiving
• Saturday  December 25  Christmas Day

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Want to know what the hottest paint color trends for decorating in 2010 will be? 

The experts from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and the Pantone-Institute weigh in with their favorites.

Yellow, will be pumped up to brighter more vibrant hues, much bolder than before.

• Gold will still be popular.
• Sage colors will not be as popular and we will see more yellow green.
• Grays will overtake browns in the neutral family.
• Aquas have been popular and will continue to be a favorite that mixes nicely with browns.
• One of the newer colors will be lavender, which is being used for bedrooms evoking elegance, warmth and comfort.
• Blue, will make a comeback.
• A darker shade of red with purple and blue undertones.

                Pantones Color of The Year 2010 is Turquoise 15-5519 TCX

                             Photo provided by Pantone 

*These are not favorites or recomended for Home Staging  ; )

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If you still have a house for sale in this market, and haven't staged or thought about staging it, why not?

Houston has a large inventory of houses for sale in most all areas.  If your house is priced right and the condition and location are on track, then what is the problem? 

If you don't know, then why not get a professional opinion on your home and see how it comes across to potential buyers.  It may be something simple that can be easily remedied.  Homeowners can't objectively evaluate thier own homes...we all have a connection to it at some level. 

As professional stagers we don't have that connection, but are sensitive and aware of how difficult it is to move.  If you would like home staging advice, recomendations and tips give us a call for a home staging consultation today!

Redesign Etc. Home Staging

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May the Year 2010 bring for you Health, Happiness and Sucess filled with Peace, Hope & togetherness of your family & friends...Wishing You A Very Happy 2010!

Famous Quotes for The New Year:

Ann Landers
Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and with a manly heart.

Henry Ward Beecher
Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.