Kit Davey, Interior Designer
18 Years in business - Over 2,600 homes transformed!
Newsletter: January 2006
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Contents:
1) Quote
2) Interesting Websites
3) Recipe
4) Invitation to Art Sale
5) Tips
6) Need a Realator?
7) Classes
1) Quote of the Quarter:
Simplicity, clarity and singleness; these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy.
Richard Halloway
2) Fun Websites to visit:
If you are chronically disorganized, have hoarding tendencies or feel overwhelmed by your stuff, Clutterers Anonymous might be able to help. Visit www.ClutterersAnonymous.net for meetings and an overview of the program.
Do you have a hard time selecting paint colors? Here's a fun site which allows you to plug in hundreds of color schemes and see the effects: www.Sherwin-Williams.com. Click on Homeowner, then Color, then Launch Color Visualizer.
3) Recipe
Kit's Low-cal Spicy Dip
Ingredients:
1-cup non-fat cream cheese
1-cup non-fat sour cream
1 and 1/2-cups (or more) chunky, spicy salsa Tortilla or pita chips, crackers or veggies Directions: In a medium-sized bowl, dump all ingredients and blend with an electric mixer. Start dipping immediately, or chill and dip later.
4) You're Invited! Art Sale: Saturday, Feb. 4th 11 am to 4 pm
I am a member of an artist's group called “Artists Unleashed”. Come to our Spring sale on Sat., Feb. 4th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at my home: 1539 Granger Way, Redwood City. Shop for greeting cards, sculpture, paintings, collage, assemblage, baked goods, and more! Bring a friend! Cash or check only. (This is NOT the same as my yearly Open House/Art Sale!).
5) Tips: Odds and Ends
Costco makes it easy for members to recycle ink and toner cartridges. In the warehouse, go to the ink and toner area and pick up a return packet. At home, place your empty cartridge in the packet and drop it in the mail. The postage is already paid. You can also go online to Costco.com and click on “office products”, then “recycle ink and toner”, to print a postage-paid, pre-addressed label.
Does clutter on your bathroom vanity bug you? Try a new strategy to keep your countertop clutter-free. Start by purging and then reorganizing. Remove everything from the vanity-top and from the drawers or cabinet. Toss any out of date items or things you will never use. Place frequently used things in the top drawer (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, makeup, lotion). Place items which are used less frequently in the lower drawers or below the sink. Bulk items, or multiples should go under the sink or in a storage area further away. After you've taken your shower, open the top drawer and take out each bottle or tool, use it and then put it back in the drawer. Close the drawer when done. This should keep your countertop clutter free.
Does your purse get tipped over in your car? Can't find it under all the bags and car debris? I found a great solution for this problem. It is a hook, which attaches to the passenger seat's headrest so you can hang your purse (or brief case, lunch bag or back pack). Now my purse is always in the same spot, never spills over and there is more space on the floor for other things. You can order it through www.energizedsolutions,com or by calling 313-381-9222. It's $4.50 plus shipping and handling.
Want to know how to get rid of those white heat or water rings on your furniture? Here are 2 methods. Test either method on an inconspicuous place to make sure there is no damage to the finish. Method one: spread mayonnaise on the mark and leave it place for an hour or so and wipe it off. If the mark is still there, try again and give it more time. Method two: mix equal parts of regular toothpaste and baking soda, dip a damp cloth into the mixture and gently buff the mark until it disappears. If the rubbed area looks dull, use furniture polish or wax to restore the shine.
It's time for the “End of Year Wrap Up”! Review your 2005 calendar and make a list of accomplishments. No matter how small or large, every achievement goes on the list. It's surprising how long the list can be! Jot down “disappointments” for the past year and what you learned from them. Usually this list is short, and by the time you analyze what you gained from the experiences, they are no longer disappointments. Make a list of your desired outcomes for the coming year, by category: Health/Fitness, Social/Relationship, Career/Work, Spiritual, Emotional/Personal Growth, and Financial. Keep the list in your day planner and look at it once a week to make sure you're on track.
6) Need a Realtor?
If you are thinking of selling your home and don't have a Realtor, give me a call. As a stager, I work with the most qualified and experienced agents on the Peninsula. I am happy to refer you: 650-367-7370.
7) Special Class: "Stage Your Home for Sale: to Maximize Your Profits"
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:00-9:00 pm. Thinking of selling your home in the next few months or years? Find out how to invest your time, money and energy so your home sells quickly at the highest possible price. You'll learn what potential buyers are looking for in a new home, which improvements and updates give you the most bang for the buck, how to give your home "curb appeal" and how to stage each room of your house. To be held at Foothill College, Room 5972, 12345 Moody Road. Los Altos Hills. Cost: $35, plus $5 materials fee payable in class. To register on line: www.shortcourses.fhda.edu, or by phone: 408- 864-8817
Decorating Class: "Room ReDesign: Take Your Home from Blah to Beautiful in 8 Hours or Less!”
Wednesday, March 1, 7:00-9:00 pm. Learn how to redecorate your house by creatively rearranging the furniture and artwork you already own. You'll discover how to define your personal style, how to create new furniture arrangements, and how to balance a room with color. Quick, easy accessorizing techniques for bookcases, artwork and displaying collections will also be shared. To be held at Foothill College, Room 6404, 12345 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Fee: $35, plus $7 materials fee, payable in class. To register by phone, call (408) 864-8817. To register on line, go to: www.shortcourses.fhda.edu.