Let it Snow, Let it Snow.......(or not!)

Hi All....
This posting is more a clearinghouse for some of the craziness that's going on right now...AND my new features: DeAnna's Soapbox Issue of the Moment & HOT Design Trends.  This should be fun!  ha ha


Thanksgiving here in the south was quiet & spent w/my making a tofurkey for me & the doxie duo.  I'm also busy working on the new offering DesignLEAN for Weight Loss & the first workshops to introduce this starting in January!  Stay tuned for more.



So for now, enjoy all the goodies following below!

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DeAnna's soapbox issue of the moment...

Seriously...I can't believe I didn't think of featuring THIS sooner...what is bugging me in the design, real estate or construction industry sooner.  Ugh...oh well, better late than never.  I will highlight podcasts and/or articles on the topic du jour.  This time around?  Realtors & how they may be misleading home buyers in their home search.  Sidebar: not ALL realtors fall into this category, HOWEVER, a high number DO focusing on the aesthetics of a property rather than the mechanics & bones of the place.  By focusing on carpeting (it can easily be changed), paint (see previous), countertops (again...it can be changed to one you LIKE AND fits YOUR taste not what's trendy at the moment...i.e. granite)...I could go on.  When looking at a property to call home, whether it's your 1st home or 7th, looking at the roof, mechanicals of the property (hot water heater, HVAC unit...& if they're OVER 8yrs old you have negotiating room!), age of windows & shape of the siding are MORE IMPORTANT to the value of the home (after location) than the countertops & flooring.  While you may have to put in a little elbow grease (or your contractor/designer of choice) you will INCREASE the value of your investment by improving the aesthetics of the property yourself, besides getting a home that suits YOUR taste.

If you find THE home but the the mechanics are aging, by YOU improving how your home works by installing a new hot water heater, windows, siding and/or HVAC unit YOU get the tax credit & any increased value of the property when you go to sell it.  Part of becoming a home owner is knowing HOW your home works & how to increase its efficiency (thusly lowering your utility bills as well!) & properly maintaining it.  Otherwise, when you're ready to sell, you'll get a low ball offer (from someone such as myself who buys distressed properties) and/or see your investment decrease in value.

Here are some resources:

DeAnna On Design podcast:  Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
DeAnna On Design podcast:  Fall Maintainance Tips

HOT Design Trends...

• LED candles!  I LOVE this one!!!!!!  No flames to worry about setting the house on fire, can be found scented or unscented...perfect for homes w/kids, pets & for entertaining as no worry of it being knocked over!!
• Decorating the MANTEL & STAIRWAYS.  This is becoming a business onto itself for the holidays...here in the south there are designers who've created a niche business ONLY decorating these 2 areas.  What's hot here?  Mantel scarves, lighted garland & collectible ornaments. Below are 2 mantels DeAnna designed & was featured in Milwaukee Magazine.  The 1st one is entitled Dog Heaven & features everything DOG for the dog lover's home.  The 2nd one is entitled Feng Shui Christmas for a well-balanced mantel incorporating all 5 elements & a sense of calm & Zen into the craziness of the holidays. 
  

DeAnna in the media.....

Key Biscayne magazine's Dena Roche interviewed me for a great article on Subconscious Design...how your space can impact your emotions & health.  Read article here.

I also wrote an article for Simple Steps, Real Change magazine entitled How To Have a GREEN Christmas.  Check it out & let me know in the comments section if you employed any of the tips & what you thought.

Great articles that may peak your interest....

Here is a GREAT article on tips to keep you warm in case your heat/furnace goes out from SurvivalLife blog.  Read article here.

Here are the Top 10 Toxins Found in Your Home w/a great iconograph...while I agree w/all of them, they forgot TWO huge ones: paint/stains & MDF.  How healthy is your home?

That's it for now!  Have a fabulous start to the holiday season.  Eat, drink & be merry!!  DeAnna


And as always, remember to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn & Facebook & to subscribe to the DeAnna On Design podcast (available on iTunes & blogtalk radio).