All I want for Christmas is a bookshelf full of books...

Whenever I walk into an Anthropologie, the closest one is at The Sommerset Collection in Troy, MI., I always am drawn to their clever collection of books.  Whomever buys for them does an amazing job of selecting the unique and inspiring.
Here are a few off of the Anthropologie book page that I would love to see under the tree this year!

Funny, scientific and practical, Gretchen Rubin's quest for increasing her happiness begins with small steps - going to bed earlier, getting organized - and culminates with her trying to build upon those happy achievements.

A Perfectly Kept House Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life


Mary Randolph Carter presents a design book for those of us whose preferred aesthetic is clutter (not mess!) and who value open windows and unmade beds. Full of photos, design advice and essays that illustrate how to exalt the beauty of imperfection and to live perfectly while doing so.

This delightfully thoughtful and charming analysis of style from Rebecca Moses is filled with words of wisdom, humor, and tips on about how to develop our own personal styles.

Letting nature write the menu, Slow Food advocates Jeff Crump and Bettina Schormann offer up the most delicious of what each season provides. Tender, green things in spring. Ripe, juicy meals in summer. The bounty of the harvest in autumn. Rich braises and tart preserves in winter. The result is a year of discovery of fresh ingredients and succulent dishes.




Any great books you are wishing for?  Please share your ideas, I would love to hear them!

Want to build in Sylvania or Ottawa Hills?

Pick your Lot

Lots still seem to be at a premium in Sylvania and Ottawa Hills.

These lots are currently listed in the MLS  for 50,000 and up...

Need a plat map for a neighborhood?  I am happy to help!

Happy Cyber Monday!

The Reality of Selling Your Home

Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House~Michelle Thrasher Staging by Mon Brio

Your Realtor tells you, every TV show about real estate tells you – Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House. The way we live in our homes and the way we show to sell our houses are two entirely different experiences!

Steps to preparing your house for sale should include:

• Making all necessary condition repairs that you are aware of.
• De-cluttering every room; including closets, cabinetry, garage, basement.
• Cleaning every room thoroughly; including wash windows and having carpeting cleaned.
• De-personalizing every room; remove family photos, diplomas, etc.

These steps should be taken prior to having a Realtor visit so they can see your house in what you believe to be show ready condition/presentation. A savvy Realtor will then have a Professional Stager visit your home to give you advice on how to complete re-packaging or merchandising your home into a house for sale; a product ready for market.

Contrary to what is seen on TV, a Professional Stager will give you tips of the trade that are pertinent to your house, your potential buyer, your price point. It is individualized advice that comes from years of experience and education. It will not be a derogatory experience or one that necessarily will cost you thousands of dollars. Many times, a Stager will ask you to move furniture for better flow of the room(s). Although you live with the couch facing one way, for selling purposes it might be better another.

Yes, you might have to make some changes to the way you live (and living show ready is not easy), but if you truly want to Sell your House ~ it’s worth it!

Michele Thrasher, ASP

Accredited Staging Professional
Staging by MON BRIO
www.stagingbymonbrio.com

Thank You Michele! As sellers, we can easily be blinded by our own "stuff". A second set of professional eyes can make a remarkable difference in, most likely, the largest investment of your life!

Michele, I am hoping you will continue to Guest Post in 2011.
Stay tuned for Michele's advice on getting your home ready for the HOLIDAYS!

Holiday cards on Etsy.com

 I get so much enjoyment out of finding unique handmade items-hallelujah Etsy!
It's Holiday card time, and I love sending and being on the receiving end. My children are young, so I feel inclined to show them off via photo cards, but would love to send out these sophisticated beauties as well. 

 Fireplace card by Annechovie




Angel Christmas Card

Custom Watercolor of your house Card



































Butler's Pantry

According to Wikipedia, a Butler's Pantry is defined as:
A room where food, provisions or dishes are stored and served in an ancillary capacity to the kitchen. The derivation of the word is from the same source as the Old French term paneterie; that is from pain, the French form of the Latin pane for bread.

I have most often seen a Butler's pantry between a kitchen and dining area.  I don't currently have one at home, but would love to carve out a space for extra dishes, serve ware, candles-I could go on...

 

 all photo credits Better Homes and Gardens
 
What's your take?  Clever storage or a thing of the past?  I am excited to hear what you think and open to suggestions!!!
 
 

Can I Cozy up this Kitchen?

  Byers want a multi-functional kitchen and with the current market status, people are more demanding than ever.  For today's standards, a kitchen should be a place not only to cook but to watch TV, work, hang out and entertain.  No small feat!  I also just read that upper cabinets are slowing becoming a thing of the past.  I don't think I could completely eliminate all of that precious storage?  What do you think?

 Check out my new kitchen below...I have got a lot of work to do and it won't happen overnight.  Wish me luck with my circa 1979 oven-Thanksgiving at the parents this year!

It's Official

I have been toying with the idea of a 2nd business card and Holly Becker, author of decor8 confirmed, via her blogging class, Blogging Your Way that a business card is essential to building readership.  Hope you like it!:)