Shopping With Megan

Thought I would hand the reigns over to Megan for some shopping ideas from a College Gal. She’s is our new intern supporting us Stager Girls with our marketing, shopping, sales and blogging. She brings a fresh perspective to our shopping lists and is a sponge when it comes to learning our ways here at Open House Staging.

Take it away Meg:

Hi all! I am very excited to be a part of the Open House Team and develop some of my skills as I finish up my last few classes of college. You can see some of my favorite books, cozy attire and much more below, all from Target and Etsy!

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[affiliate links]

Show Up for 2021

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It’s time to talk 2021. What the heck will it look like for each of us?! There are steps to pave the way sooooo get your car out of park and move to your destination. This pandemic should NOT stop the dreaming, planning, the positive thoughts, healthy eating, reading and learning. Here are some of my ideas for you:

CLEAR A PLACE FOR YOU.

Start with organizing and cleaning your office, studio, dining table, nook or where ever you do your daily jive.

FIND DAILY INSPIRATION

Mine is Tut.com. It is filled with humor and fun. Here is today’s example from my email inbox:

“Practice, Erin. Study. Prepare yourself. Think. Act. Face your beasts. Do the dance, walk the fire, wait in line. Plant the seeds, hoe the field, go to market. Pay the piper whatever dues you think you have to pay. Because on the day you become all that you now dream of becoming... Oh my gosh, there is simply no price that would seem too great.  It's going to be that good, you're going to be that happy, and it's going to last forever, Erin.” 

Guaranteed,  The Universe”

Who can't smile after reading that?

Perhaps it is 10 minute Meditations as my friend Jo does each morning. You know what feels good and what works for you so sign up.

MINDFUL EATING and DRINKING

You most likely know what is good for your body and mind. Make some notes on your Vision Board or your daily list of how you want that to look. And know that tomorrow is another fresh welcoming day so you can start anew if yesterday was not a healthy day. Leave the guilt in the trash can…

BE OF SERVICE

I will always always toss this in your direction. The world is not only about me, myself & I. The giving and donating of time, talents and money fills your heart instantly. Little things like, help a college grad or job seeker with their resume, “Zoom” with someone who is interested in what you do for a living, deliver 3 books to anyone and write what you like about each of them, pop a card in the mail reminding someone that you are thinking of them. Or go big and join a team that feeds people, say yes to being on a board, you get the idea.

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

This is one way to get growing and learning. My friend of 30 years signed up for Spanish online-that’s scary if you ask me! Walk with a close friend and brainstorm how each of you can get out of your comfort zone. Again, it brings a great feeling of bravery and accomplishment.

BEGIN A VISION BOARD

I do this every year with my daughter’s friends, my friends, my sister. This year some will be via Zoom and some will be 2 people at a time and 100% masks. I am not a pro but my peeps know I guide others in this process because I love it, believe in it and it works.

It works! It really does work. I just evaluated my 2020 board, made comments on what I accomplished, was surprised one of my goals was accomplished on 12/31! It slid in right at the deadline. I really did not know how I was going to make it happen but I put it on my Vision Board anyway and it did happen. It’s not by magic but by trusting the universe, God, the Divine Mind, AND creating action steps.

Mine looks more like this but they can come in different ways.

Mine looks more like this but they can come in different ways.

PRAY

A prayer has never hurt anyone. It’s simple, can be quick and can help direct your thoughts to others rather than self. It’s great for thankfulness, it’s healthy for the heart, it can draw you to a quiet moment, calm your road rage and take the edge off. I feel so chill just writing this. It works!!

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Head on out into this great big world with your goals, dreams and your daily walks. I will be here if you need me. Really, I will! Make it a great year. Isn’t it weird to think that you have that kind of power?!

Twenty Twenty Thoughts

The 2020 buzzzz…..

Visualizing, dreaming, organized, mindfulness, motivated, energetic, fearless, launching.

Those are the words tossing around in our universe.

Here are some Etsy ideas to guide you along the way.

Very cool vintage journal and collage supplies

[affiliate links]

Vision Board Kit

Everyone gets motivated and organized in different ways. Hope one of these ideas got the wheels turning in your 2020 bound head.





10 Steps to Preparing your Home for Sale

Would you like to make as much money as possible on the sale of your home? Sellers are getting top dollar when they put some skin in the game and prepare their home for the market. 

These are important first steps:

#1. Put away your emotions and put on your business hat. You are now selling a product and someone else’s dream.

#2. Curb Appeal: Get your landscaping dialed in. Weeded, planted, mulched (no red bark please) and beautiful. Be honest-how does your front door look? (See #3)

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#3 Paint: Out with the strong statement colors and in with the neutrals. [Check out this blog post for in-tell on paint]

#4 Lighting: Remove fabric window coverings, valances and anything that blocks out the light. Illuminate the room with table lamps and floor lamps or better yet, a current light fixture.

#5 Reinvent rooms. Create an office in a small nook area, or a craft room in a dingy area of the basement. (See #10)

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#6 Pack away belongings and de-clutter. Do not leave any closet untouched. Get a storage pod and pack pack pack. Or better yet, move out altogether. 

#7 Clean. Professionally is always my vote. Cleaners see so much more than homeowners. They know the drill. Do not forget windows-inside and out.

#8 Repair as much as possible. Make a list in order of importance. Buyers want a home that has been well cared for and loved. 

#9 Interview Real Estate Agents and listen to them. They are in the business of helping homeowners get top dollar and most should know how to do that.

#10 Hire a reputable staging company. Check out their current work and reviews from clients. Start with Houzz.  It cost money to stage so make certain you have connected with the right staging company.

Housewarming

Client "Thank yous" say something about how you run your business and what each client means to you. Our first choice for a thank you is a hand written note. We think that is priceless. But you can always sweeten the pot with some of these gift ideas.

Organize!

I've got a few days until Sister Ex and I hit the ground running and I have a hall closet that needs to be "handled". Sister Ex has a design room that needs homes for fabric swatches, sample tiles, carpet samples, inspiration photos and files. A few days spent organizing will help take on the year.

Candy Spelling for Glamour



 country living

country living

I am only trying to motivate myself not stress anyone out but you all know this would be a great project to take on.