Light Your Listing...but not with this

This is an unfortunate picture.  Unfortunate because I OWN THIS LIGHT FIXTURE!  I can't believe I am making this public, truly humiliating, but I am trying to prove a point.  If I were putting my home up for sale, this would be the first of many light fixtures to go! 

Lighting is an extremely prominent feature in a home. It can date (see above photo) or elevate a room to a new status instantly!  I am often surprised by how many clients comment on fixtures as they tour a home.  With gloom plaguing the skies, lighting your home is a especially important component of selling this time of year.

A few tips...

•  When replacing a fixture make sure to hire a licensed electrician
• Make sure the finishes on your fixtures match or coordinate with your homes decor
• Ask your realtor or home stager for suggestions
• To save money, don't swap a ceiling fan for a ceiling fan.  A flush mount fixture may work for less than half the cost!

Inexpensive Options, Instant Room Face Lift



Belladecor 89.00

Overstock 114.00

Belladecor 158.00

Overstock 150.00

Overstock 118.00



I Want Ice Cream for Christmas

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

According to Jeni:

We create ice creams we fall madly in love with, that we want to bathe in, that make us see million-year-old stars. We devour it out of Mason jars, coffee mugs—whatever we can get our hands on. Handmade American ice cream = Bliss with a big B. Every single thing we put in our ice cream is legit. Generic chemist-built ice cream bases and powdered astronaut-friendly gelato mixes? No, ma’am. We build every recipe from the ground up with luscious, Snowville milk and cream from cows that eat grass. With that exquisite base, we explore pure flavor in whatever direction moves us at any moment, every day, all year.
To more pleasures,



Get this for the foodie on your list!  Ice Cream is out of Columbus so you can feel good about supporting Ohio farmers.  I have seen Jeni's at Fresh Market in Toledo, very limited selection, but I bet they would order a requested flavor.  I am currently feeling the Brown Butter Almond Brittle (if anyone is asking;)

~Peace, love and joy this holiday season

Kristie

Clean Holiday Decor from Houzz

Click the arrows for a slideshow-Enjoy!

Enjoy the Simpler Side of Christmas Decorations

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example:

Armchairs · Bar Carts · Bar Tables · Chairs · Coffee Tables · Day Beds And Chaises · Dining Chairs And Benches · Sofas ·

Great News about Toledo Housing

TOLEDO JOINS LIST OF IMPROVING HOUSING MARKETS IN DECEMBER

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2011 – The number of improving housing markets continued to expand for a fourth consecutive month in December, rising from 30 to 41 on the latest National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today. The December list featured 20 new additions, including several major markets such as Washington, D.C.; San Jose, Calif.; and Toledo, Ohio. Meanwhile, nine smaller markets droppedoff the list, primarily due to softer house prices.

Interest Rates Today, December 13, 2011

Product	Interest Rate	APR
Conforming 1and FHA Loans
30-Year Fixed	3.875%	4.054%
30-Year Fixed FHA	3.750%	4.705%
15-Year Fixed	3.250%	3.565%
5-Year ARM	2.375%	3.199%
5-Year ARM FHA	2.875%	3.052%

It's a Great Time to buy and sell Real Estate in Toledo!

Want to know what's going on in your area?  Just send me an e-mail: kfeeback@danberry.com and I will send you the most up to date info for your home.

Best~

Kristie



Grow it indoors

Very little effort, big impact, right up my alley!  Paperwhites and Amaryllis are so easy to grow, usually blooming in 4-8 weeks.  Little late if you don't have yours going yet for the holidays, but don't despair.  The bulbs usually go on sale about this time at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and various other stores.  I plan on planting more paperwhites, I think they look really fresh and clean, to get me though so of the dark days of January, ooh, perfect at the office too!

Have a great Monday all! 

Identity Crisis?

Thankfully no, just re-vamping my blog.   Real Estate and Refinement will provide you with more dynamic features including: video, better search capability and engaging features!  I am truly excited and hope you'll be along for the ride.  Kicking off the New Year with a Contest (easy to enter and win)!

Can't wait for the re-lauch!  Stay tuned!

Kristie

Aerin Lauder's Home, East Hampton

So who wouldn't want to take a peek at the former home of Aerin's grandmother, Estee Lauder?    According to Vogue.com, she has lived in the Wainscott home in East Hampton for over 12  years.  The city holds her full time residence allowing the family to travel to East Hampton for the summers and holidays-Ahhh the life!

Loving this wall color in the dining room.

“The children can run anywhere in this house,” she says. “I love having them fill the rooms up with all of their friends.”

Okay, so I am certain she has a full time staff, but I appreciate her effort at normalcy.

Best~

Kristie





Brilliant Decor Tip!

watercolor from The Perfectly Imperfect Home

On November 1st, Deborah Needleman's book The Perfectly Imperfect Home dropped.  On November 2nd, with much delight and anticipation, I bought it.  If you were lucky enough to read Domino Magazine, the publication which Deborah Needleman founded, you will no doubt embrace this book and use it as a guide to a making your house more of a home!

One of my favorite tips from The Perfectly Imperfect Home has to do with reflecting light: "If you want to throw some light into a dark room, place a mirror on the wall perpendicular to the window, not across from the window as is commonly done, and which actually bounces the light right back out the window!"





Hope your all well rested for the week ahead!
~Kristie

Should You List Your Home During The Holidays?

Yes, yes and yes!  Inventory levels are typically lower during the holidays giving your home the chance to rise to the top of the heap. Regardless of the time of year, buyers will be looking to purchase a home.  Serious buyers will not be distracted by the holidays, so why take yourself out of the game when you may have an advantage?  With the majority of home buyers looking online for Real Estate morning, noon and night, their is a wealth of information the consumer can gain before they even contact their agent to "go look" at a property.  So my question to you is: "Why wouldn't you list your home during the holidays?" 

Not sure where to begin?  E-mail me, Kristie at kfeeback@danberry.com,  I'll be working for my buyers and sellers throughout the holidays!

The Anatomy of The Thanksgiving Table

Norman Rockwell

 Thanksgiving, one of the most challenging holidays to host and yours truly is hosting this year!  How do I make my guests feel special?  Will the food still be warm when it hits the table?  Will anyone try my Gluten Free stuffing?  Currently, the most pressing topic with regard to turkey day is Une Table.  Here are some images that I happen to love and no, my table won't be nearly as sophisticated, but It's great inspiration!

park and beach via etsy

homefabulous365.com

Eddie Ross for Lonny mag last year~One of my favorite table settings

Table 6 productions

Martha Stewart

  



pottery barn-79.00~will purchase if avail. On Sale:)

Horchow salt cellars

~Best

Kristie





New Link: FEED Project

With the 20.00 purchase of this stocking, FEED will provide 6 months worth of micro nutrients to a child that can be sprinkled onto their own food at home, making the meal a nutritious one.  Check out all of their amazing products HERE.

Hunger and malnutrition can affect every aspect of a person's life. It makes us more susceptible to diseases, it allows for physical deficiencies due to lack of nutrients, and it stunts our mental abilities. And each of these aspects affects a person's ability to thrive and survive, especially for a young child.

Yet, there is hope. By providing a child with nutritious food, you are providing more than just a meal – you are investing in a child's future. 

Real more about FEED Project solutions.

Breathe Easy With Your Next Paint Project

 With 49 fashionable paint colors to choose from, MyColor inspired by Pantone offers designers and do-it-yourselfers a less expensive, easy-to-use solution for adding a splash of color to any craft project.
MyColor inspired by Pantone is the first ready-to-go paint available in PANTONE Colors – no time spent waiting for tinting or mixing and no color surprises. An ultra-low VOC paint, MyColor inspired by Pantone is odor free and provides an eggshell finish that is both durable and washable. Premixed, factory-precision color ensures an exact match every time, while unique stain-blocking and self-priming qualities save time and reduce workload. (Love that!)

"Pantone is color. It is the absolute authority on color, providing color forecasting tools and technology to design professionals around the world,” said Randy Moore, president and chief operating officer of Synta. "With MyColor inspired by Pantone now being offered at Lowe’s stores, Lowes.com and on Pantone.com, the inspiration of this innovative paint will bring do-it-yourselfers an unparalleled paint experience, offering fresh design and color opportunities for the home, office and beyond.”

• 49 colors available
• Ready for instant use
• $9.98 at over 200 select Lowe's stores
• 35 oz container for easy viewing-What took so long!
• Low VOC

What is Low VOC PAINT?

Best~
Kristie

If I were just a smidge taller...

Ahhh, I love this look, but not for my 5"1 frame.  Elegant, refined, modern and timeless.  Shop it here!

I will be much better with posting this week!

Hope you had a super MONDAY :)

Happy Weekend!

New jonathan adler needlepoint pillow 98.00

Whatever it takes, have a great weekend!

The Remains of my Back Yard

The fall clean up has officially begun, begrudgingly, for my yard.   I really like flowers that give me a lot of bang for my buck, see lavender and geraniums above.  The very sad looking tomato plant in back I grew from seed starting last March!  Let's just say I will be purchasing tomato PLANTS next year.

Probably the last fall arrangement I will be able to get from my yard:(  I am currently working on my plan for Spring which gives me a little solace.

Do you crave digging in the dirt?  What keeps you going though the winter months to come?  How do you add interest to your yard?  Would love to hear your ideas!





Happy Mid-Week!
Kristie

Getting Green is Now Adding Value!

As I begin to think about my long long list of re-modeling projects for my current home, for the first time, I am thinking about being extremely environmentally conscious.  Not only for the environment, but the health of my family.  It's never been easier!  If you think for a moment I'll have to forgo style, keep checking back for my "green style" updates!

In the meantime...here is a great article I found on Greening up your home appraisals by Melissa Dittmann of Realtor Magazine.  Read Here!

Happy Monday!

Hanging Light Fixtures 101~by Michele Thrasher

The holidays are fast approaching and it’s time to think about sprucing up a bit before entertaining family and friends.  A quick and easy décor change is lighting in the foyer and dining room.  But how do you choose ~ there are so many styles and sizes!

Style:  Determine the main metal element of your home.  Whether it’s Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, or Brass ~ stick with it for continuity unless you’re planning on making a change to all the door knobs, kitchen hardware, etc.  Websites such as www.bellacor.com have well developed search engines where you can check the metal, price, style of your décor (modern, rustic, traditional), etc to simplify the selections.

Size:  A simple formula will keep you from under or over-sizing the fixture and it works in all rooms.  Add the length and the width of the room (ex. 10’ by 14’) and covert to inches (ex. 24”) ~ plus or minus 2 inches and you’ve got the correct size (ex. 22-26”).

If the resulting measurement (room length+width, converted to inches) seems inappropriate due to the size of your table, size your chandelier three quarters the width of your table (ex. A table that is 48” in width would yield a chandelier that is 36” in diameter ~ assuming you’re only hanging one fixture).

Hanging Heights:  Chandeliers are typically hung 30-32” above the top of your table, although up to 36” is acceptable.  Foyer fixtures should be 7’ from the floor unless you have a 2-story foyer with a window.  In that case the fixture should be centered in the window.  And, sconces should be 60” from the floor.

Tip:  Always have a professional electrician install lighting.  It may seem like an added expense, but why take a chance on the safety of your home and family.

Thanks Michele, Great advice as always!
Find out more about Michele and all of the services she provides HERE.

Cape Cod Salad from Realtor Open

homestyleidea.net

One of my most favorite styles of home architecture, The Cape Cod.  It exudes charm, warmth and American style.  Ina Garden pays homage to the Cape Cod with her Cape Cod Chopped Salad.  I made this for my 5114 Keener in Monclova Realtor Open and had several requests to post the recipe.  Bacon, apples, cranberries, cheese, walnuts...what's not to love!

Enjoy~

Kristie

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, such as Niman Ranch

8 ounces baby arugula

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced

1/2 cup toasted walnut halves, coarsely chopped (see note)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

6 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons good apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup good olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and lay the bacon slices on the rack. Roast the bacon for about 20 minutes, until nicely browned. Allow to cool.

In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, apple, walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese.

For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, mustard, maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
Chop the bacon in large pieces and add it to the salad. Toss the salad with just enough dressing to moisten. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss well. Serve immediately. 

New addiction

So, I have been a bit depressed lately about this gluten free thing I have going.  Totally not a tragedy,
but I MISS MY GLUTEN!  Just when I think I have the hang of my new diet, my family suggests we go to Zingerman's while in Ann Arbor.  Seriously, kick me while I am down.  Long story short, Zingerman's was so wonderfully accommodating, I don't remember receiving customer service like they gave me-ever!  To make things even sweeter, they have a gluten free brownie, The Townie Brownie.  Amazing! 

Townie Brownie Gluten free, made with quinoa and amaranth, stuffed with chocolate chunks. With a texture that's more fudge-y than cake-y you can give it to a standard brownie fan and they may not even miss the wheat.
Note that while the ingredients of the brownie itself are wheat free, it is made at Zingerman's Bakehouse where we use wheat flour in other products: dark chocolate, chocolate chunks, eggs, sugar, butter, amaranth flour, quinoa flour, salt, vanilla.

GO TO Zingerman's  IMMEDIATELY!  NOT ONLY IS THE FOOD ADDICTIVE BUT SO IS THE STAFF!

Fridge Make-Over Love this!

Sorry for the radio silence!  My goal is to post a least once a week...baby steps:)

I happen to love the idea of re making your refrigerator into a canvas!  I especially like the idea if you have a tired looking fridge, but in good working order.  Some of you may be saying "Kristie, chalk can get so messy and dusty".  Totally agree!  I love these chalk pens, check it out here.
Is your home for sale?  Post some of your homes Best Features on your chalk board refrigerator.  I guarantee people will be talking about your house!

Gearfuse

Martha Stewart

Vignette Design

The Vignette Design blog is what re sparked my interest in this idea.  Check out her step by step chalkboard refrigerator post HERE!

Happy Tuesday!