Wow, hasn't it been a while since I last posted! It is a bit sad really...sorry for being so slack. In my own defence though, I have been really busy! Business is going sensationally well, I am still working part time, and the children are just so flat out all of the time!
Now it is almost Christmas...a time of fun and festivity. But there is a serious side to Christmas. For some people, it is the worst time of the year, frought with sadness and dispair. It is the time of year when suicide is at it's highest rate. The road toll seems to increase. People send themselves broke. At Aspect & Element, we have a few tips to help you get through the silly season as safely as possible.
1. DRIVE SAFELY!! Not only do people die needlessly, but the families suffer. The Paramedics, Nurse, Doctors, Firies and Police feel it too. Imagine going to road accident after road accident, scraping people out of their cars, and then having to tell the families that they wont be spending Christmas with their loved one? Not nice for any body involved.
2. Spare a thought for our Military families.....all they want for Christmas is to be together.
3. If possible, LOCK your letterbox! I know this from experience, as just yesterday some dirty little thief tried to open my Christmas cards, apparently in the search for money (unfortunately for them all of my friends and family are broke, so we never get money in a card!).Better still, dont send cash via post!
4. Dont advertise what you got....leaving a huge empty Plasma TV box out the front lets would be thieves know what is inside.
5. Dont make Christmas all about the gifts, find other ways of showing each other how much you care. Have a baking day, and deliver your loved one's favourite meal to them. Get the kids to make something nice to give as a gift. And if you have a large family, hold a Kris Kringle. That way every one gets a gift, and you are only buying for one person.
6. Drink responsibly....you want to be able to have great memories of the time spent with loved one, instead of the way you got to intimately know your toilet bowl.
7. Give a gift to a random stranger. How lovely would that be, to receive a gift from someone you don't know?!
8. Love. Nothing more. Just love.
We hope that you have a safe and Merry Christmas, and will join us again in the new year when I promise to keep up to date with the blog posts. :)
Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
This may be a mistake......
But I am willing to risk it. You may call it pig-headedness, but I call it sticking to my guns.
I have recently began working in conjunction with a Real Estate agent for the Home-Staging side of my business. The agent was to use my services for his clients to help them sell their homes for more profit and in a shorter time. When we decided we would work together, I explained to him my values to make sure that we were both on the same page.
I explained to him that I keep my promises to my clients and suppliers. I stand behind my words, and if I say I am going to call/email, then I do. I keep them informed of the process, and how the job is progressing. He was in complete agreement of the importance of these values.
It has been two weeks since I completed the first consult for him. I have had to continually try to track him down to let him know how the consult went, what my recommendations were for the client, and to generally keep in touch. I like to maintain relationships with those that I work with, as I think it is very important to be able to work with people that you trust and like.
I have had no reply to my emails, no return calls from my voicemails, no replies to my text messages and when I finally did get through to him, he was in a meeting and said he would call me back within 30 minutes. Guess what? I am still waiting.
Now I thought long and hard about this, from his perspective. Did I do something wrong? No, I have been polite, professional and courteous. I delivered what I promised I would. My recommendations were spot on, and were exactly what I told him I would deliver, as well as a little extra (as I like to go the extra mile for my clients).
So I have decided that I am not going to work with this agent, as his values clearly don't align with mine. How can I promise my clients quality and second-to-none service, when I work with people who don't value the same attributes? Now this may mean that I lose work, and that I don't get as many jobs as I need. But that i ok. I am going to remain true to myself and my values, and I will refuse to work with people that don't uphold the same principles as me. That way I can ensure that my clients get the best product with the best service, as well as a little bit extra.
Wish me luck on this...I may need it :0)
I have recently began working in conjunction with a Real Estate agent for the Home-Staging side of my business. The agent was to use my services for his clients to help them sell their homes for more profit and in a shorter time. When we decided we would work together, I explained to him my values to make sure that we were both on the same page.
I explained to him that I keep my promises to my clients and suppliers. I stand behind my words, and if I say I am going to call/email, then I do. I keep them informed of the process, and how the job is progressing. He was in complete agreement of the importance of these values.
It has been two weeks since I completed the first consult for him. I have had to continually try to track him down to let him know how the consult went, what my recommendations were for the client, and to generally keep in touch. I like to maintain relationships with those that I work with, as I think it is very important to be able to work with people that you trust and like.
I have had no reply to my emails, no return calls from my voicemails, no replies to my text messages and when I finally did get through to him, he was in a meeting and said he would call me back within 30 minutes. Guess what? I am still waiting.
Now I thought long and hard about this, from his perspective. Did I do something wrong? No, I have been polite, professional and courteous. I delivered what I promised I would. My recommendations were spot on, and were exactly what I told him I would deliver, as well as a little extra (as I like to go the extra mile for my clients).
So I have decided that I am not going to work with this agent, as his values clearly don't align with mine. How can I promise my clients quality and second-to-none service, when I work with people who don't value the same attributes? Now this may mean that I lose work, and that I don't get as many jobs as I need. But that i ok. I am going to remain true to myself and my values, and I will refuse to work with people that don't uphold the same principles as me. That way I can ensure that my clients get the best product with the best service, as well as a little bit extra.
Wish me luck on this...I may need it :0)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Swankiest House in Hollywood on PointClickHome.com-Page 3
The Swankiest House in Hollywood on PointClickHome.com-Page 3
I just had to share this wicked retro-reno!! I am not the biggest fan of retro, but this room is awesome! Love it :)
I just had to share this wicked retro-reno!! I am not the biggest fan of retro, but this room is awesome! Love it :)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I think you might be missing out on money!!
I am sure that most people are aware of what home staging is by now. It is also known as Pre-sale Makeover, Home Styling or even Property styling. For those who don't know, here is a little bit about it.
Home Staging is the most powerful tool in a Real Estate agent or Home-seller's bag of tricks. It is the Ace up their sleeve. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, then you can't afford NOT to hire a Professional Home Stager.
The Stager will:
- come to your house
- walk through the home assessing it with a non-biased, "buyer's eye", finding all of the price lowering features as well as the value adding features
-assist you in seeking out all of the things that need attention that you may have missed (you are emotionally attached to your house, the Stager is not)
-Will help you to stop looking at your house as your home, and start to see it for what it is : A product to be marketed to the right people, for the right price, in the right way.
-improve the "first impression' of the house (it takes buyer's just a measly 30 seconds to make up their mind!)
-help you to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes the buyer imagine them selves living in the home, therefore creating an instant EMOTIONAL attachment (those of you who aware of marketing techniques will know that getting a client to be able to visualise themselves in the home is sale's gold)
Put simply, A staged home = nicer house that appeals to a wider group of people = appealing advertising images = more interest in the property = more potential buyers = more chance of selling quicker and at your initial asking price, maybe even more.
Statistics have shown that only 10% of people have the ability to see the potential in a home. That means that 90% of people need help to imagine themselves being able to live in your house.
The research has proven that staged homes sell for more money and in shorter time than an un-staged home.
Isn't the small investment in a professional Home Stager much cheaper than lowering your asking price? Or even having to pay the continuing marketing fees to the real estate agent because the house hasn't yet sold? These days, the market is tight: the buyer has the upper hand. You all know that if you are trying to sell anything to anyone, it has to look great, stand out above all of the competition and be in perfect working order. Thats what we do for you.
Not convinced? Take a look at a real estate website. Look at the images of the houses and see which ones you like, and which ones you don't. Why do you or don't you like them? Can you imagine yourselves living in any of these houses? I am sure you too will see the value in getting your biggest investment in tip-top shape, you are way too smart to lower your asking price and walk away from your own money :)
Home Staging is the most powerful tool in a Real Estate agent or Home-seller's bag of tricks. It is the Ace up their sleeve. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, then you can't afford NOT to hire a Professional Home Stager.
The Stager will:
- come to your house
- walk through the home assessing it with a non-biased, "buyer's eye", finding all of the price lowering features as well as the value adding features
-assist you in seeking out all of the things that need attention that you may have missed (you are emotionally attached to your house, the Stager is not)
-Will help you to stop looking at your house as your home, and start to see it for what it is : A product to be marketed to the right people, for the right price, in the right way.
-improve the "first impression' of the house (it takes buyer's just a measly 30 seconds to make up their mind!)
-help you to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes the buyer imagine them selves living in the home, therefore creating an instant EMOTIONAL attachment (those of you who aware of marketing techniques will know that getting a client to be able to visualise themselves in the home is sale's gold)
Put simply, A staged home = nicer house that appeals to a wider group of people = appealing advertising images = more interest in the property = more potential buyers = more chance of selling quicker and at your initial asking price, maybe even more.
Statistics have shown that only 10% of people have the ability to see the potential in a home. That means that 90% of people need help to imagine themselves being able to live in your house.
The research has proven that staged homes sell for more money and in shorter time than an un-staged home.
Isn't the small investment in a professional Home Stager much cheaper than lowering your asking price? Or even having to pay the continuing marketing fees to the real estate agent because the house hasn't yet sold? These days, the market is tight: the buyer has the upper hand. You all know that if you are trying to sell anything to anyone, it has to look great, stand out above all of the competition and be in perfect working order. Thats what we do for you.
Not convinced? Take a look at a real estate website. Look at the images of the houses and see which ones you like, and which ones you don't. Why do you or don't you like them? Can you imagine yourselves living in any of these houses? I am sure you too will see the value in getting your biggest investment in tip-top shape, you are way too smart to lower your asking price and walk away from your own money :)
Monday, July 5, 2010
The latest news from abroad!
My international Interior Design friends have noted that their businesses are getting busier and busier! After a quick decline in the hiring of our services due to the GFC and the economy, people have changed the way they view the financial world. Now, hiring an Interior Designer is a good financial move and is very much back in vogue!
Instead of going out, splashing money around on fruitless ventures, people are now investing in their homes. Gone are the spend-a-lot days where if you didnt like something you could just get rid of it and buy something new. People are taking the time to research their products to ensure they will last the distance. They want to be educated in their purchases, as it will save them money in the long run. The strong focus on the environment has also played a role in how we make our purchases; are the items made from sustainable resources? Are they 'Green'?
The other trend is to renovate instead of selling up and moving. It is costly to sell your home and purchase a new one; there are added fees and charges that, quite frankly, could be better spent on adding value to your current property. This could even help if you were interested in investing. But in the end it comes down to your own personal set of circumstances, what is right for one family/person is not necessarily right for another.
Hiring a good Interior Designer is an investment. It is an investment for your home or office, and an investment to you and your family. Do you ever see brown and yellow paisley wall paper and have instant flashbacks of the great times spent at your grandparents house? Do you go into an expensive restaurant with sparkling chandeliers and beautiful surroundings and feel glamorous, even though you have saved for the past 6 months for the occasion? Have you ever walked into a friends house and felt so at home, so comfortable? This is what a skilled Interior Designer creates; it is called ATMOSPHERE.
I love my job, I love being privileged enough to be allowed into my client's lives and homes to help them shape the way they live. It is an absolute honour.
Dont think of an Interior Designer as someone only the rich and famous hire, you can hire one too! Look around and compare fees. You may be surprised. Happiness starts at home, so make sure it is functional for your needs and beautiful to look at.
Yours in Design,
Kel
Instead of going out, splashing money around on fruitless ventures, people are now investing in their homes. Gone are the spend-a-lot days where if you didnt like something you could just get rid of it and buy something new. People are taking the time to research their products to ensure they will last the distance. They want to be educated in their purchases, as it will save them money in the long run. The strong focus on the environment has also played a role in how we make our purchases; are the items made from sustainable resources? Are they 'Green'?
The other trend is to renovate instead of selling up and moving. It is costly to sell your home and purchase a new one; there are added fees and charges that, quite frankly, could be better spent on adding value to your current property. This could even help if you were interested in investing. But in the end it comes down to your own personal set of circumstances, what is right for one family/person is not necessarily right for another.
Hiring a good Interior Designer is an investment. It is an investment for your home or office, and an investment to you and your family. Do you ever see brown and yellow paisley wall paper and have instant flashbacks of the great times spent at your grandparents house? Do you go into an expensive restaurant with sparkling chandeliers and beautiful surroundings and feel glamorous, even though you have saved for the past 6 months for the occasion? Have you ever walked into a friends house and felt so at home, so comfortable? This is what a skilled Interior Designer creates; it is called ATMOSPHERE.
I love my job, I love being privileged enough to be allowed into my client's lives and homes to help them shape the way they live. It is an absolute honour.
Dont think of an Interior Designer as someone only the rich and famous hire, you can hire one too! Look around and compare fees. You may be surprised. Happiness starts at home, so make sure it is functional for your needs and beautiful to look at.
Yours in Design,
Kel
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Ocean oasis
I have just come back from a week away at our beach shack on the beautiful Yorke Peninsular. It was not only restful, but inspiring. Nature is so beautiful; the colours, the shapes, the textures. It delivers such inspiration. I brought back with me a few pieces of driftwood that washed up onto the shore after a storm had whipped up the ocean. They are weathered, and fragile, yet so perfect and appealing. I have a few pieces that I like to use in my designs to add an organic feel to my rooms. I have even used one piece as a coat rack! Here are some of our holiday snaps. Take a look for yourself at how beautiful nature really is.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
But I live in a Rental property?
Just because the house that you live in is rented, does not mean that it can't be your home. I so often hear people say that they cant make it look like their own home because of the fact that they rent. Well I disagree.
Sure, you cant paint the walls, or change the floor plan, but there are things that you CAN do to give it a sense of "YOU".
As an Interior Designer, I can show you how to arrange your furniture so that it all fits better and looks more appealing. I can show you design tricks to make a small room look bigger and vice versa. Simply showing you how to organise your belongings and de-clutter can make a huge difference to how you feel about the home you live in, even if it is not 'your own'. I offer makeover consults specifically designed to help with these problems.
Not every one can afford to buy a house, but you can afford to make the house you live in a home.
Sure, you cant paint the walls, or change the floor plan, but there are things that you CAN do to give it a sense of "YOU".
As an Interior Designer, I can show you how to arrange your furniture so that it all fits better and looks more appealing. I can show you design tricks to make a small room look bigger and vice versa. Simply showing you how to organise your belongings and de-clutter can make a huge difference to how you feel about the home you live in, even if it is not 'your own'. I offer makeover consults specifically designed to help with these problems.
Not every one can afford to buy a house, but you can afford to make the house you live in a home.
Positive Power!!
I have noticed a change within myself in the past few weeks. Since embracing what is good in my life instead of pointing out what is bad (like saying things such as "it always happens in 3's" and "can anything else go wrong?") and focusing on what is good, I am finding that I am seeing a lot less of the negative! I am even managing (with the help of my medication) to control the symptoms of my bipolar!
I am raising a glass of red wine to the power of positive thinking! Universe, I as your pupil am ready now; please show me to my teacher :)
I am raising a glass of red wine to the power of positive thinking! Universe, I as your pupil am ready now; please show me to my teacher :)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Think or sink
I read an awesome book the other day (quite literally actually, from cover to cover in a matter of three hours)and was astounded by how much sense it made! It's called "Think or sink" by Gina Mollicone-Long, and it was fantastic!It is all about happiness being a feeling that we can control. So many people say "If I just had more money, I would be happy" or "I will be happy when I get......", but this book tells you that happiness is a state of mind. You are either happy or you aren't. You cant base your happiness on getting something or achieving something, it is all about your outlook.
It was so enlightening to read. Gina talks about being accountable for your choices and your circumstances, and learn from them. If what you did worked out well for you, then refine what you did and make it better. If what you did did not give you the result you wanted, then look at how you can rework it so that when you try again, you get the result you are after. I really recommend this book!
It was so enlightening to read. Gina talks about being accountable for your choices and your circumstances, and learn from them. If what you did worked out well for you, then refine what you did and make it better. If what you did did not give you the result you wanted, then look at how you can rework it so that when you try again, you get the result you are after. I really recommend this book!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
My whinge
I dont often complain about things...I believe if you aren't happy, then you should do something about it. But what about when it is out of your control? Here is my drama...
I am partnered with a wonderful man, who pays through the nose for his two sons (from a previous marriage)in child support. He does this quite willingly, as he takes his responsibilities seriously. It is a large sum of money (how Child Support Agency think that this amount is reasonable is beyond me).
We have told CSA that there are three other children (my children) in the equation that we co-support. In essence, my partner supports two families; his sons from his previous marriage, and mine. Again, he does this quite happily.
CSA have said that it makes no difference that we have three other children that my partner helps support, as he is not LEGALLY responsible for them. Therefore, the exorbitant amount he is required to pay for his son's stands.
Now on the other hand, another Government agency (Centrelink)refuses to give me any money towards raising my children. I only work part-time, and if I were single then I would qualify. But here is the kicker...my income is added to what my PARTNER earns, and therefore I earn too much to get any benefits. How is it, that one Government agency says that my partner is not responsible financially for my children, but another Government agency states that he is?
I feel like we are screwed at both ends!
I am partnered with a wonderful man, who pays through the nose for his two sons (from a previous marriage)in child support. He does this quite willingly, as he takes his responsibilities seriously. It is a large sum of money (how Child Support Agency think that this amount is reasonable is beyond me).
We have told CSA that there are three other children (my children) in the equation that we co-support. In essence, my partner supports two families; his sons from his previous marriage, and mine. Again, he does this quite happily.
CSA have said that it makes no difference that we have three other children that my partner helps support, as he is not LEGALLY responsible for them. Therefore, the exorbitant amount he is required to pay for his son's stands.
Now on the other hand, another Government agency (Centrelink)refuses to give me any money towards raising my children. I only work part-time, and if I were single then I would qualify. But here is the kicker...my income is added to what my PARTNER earns, and therefore I earn too much to get any benefits. How is it, that one Government agency says that my partner is not responsible financially for my children, but another Government agency states that he is?
I feel like we are screwed at both ends!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Podcast
Heading out today to do a guest speaking role in a podcast! The podcast is called The Mojo show for Mum's, and it is about listening to other mums talk about their own lives as parents. As women, we feel as though we are expected to love every aspect of parenthood, and to have bad days is a sign of bad parenting. The show is an honest depiction of how parenting is, and although we all love our children, there are some days when parenting can seem like it is all too hard. This podcast will talk about my life as a parent, business owner and full-time worker, as well as how I manage to cope with it all whilst living with PTSD and Bipolar. I will post it as soon as it is uploaded, I hope that you will get something out of it!
xx
xx
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Married sex in the suburbs
I admit, I love Sex and the city. I am going to the cinema tomorrow with some friends to see it, and I cant wait. But it's got me thinking. What about me? I am a working mother of three. I own my own business. I study full time. But it appears to me that life seems to be focused on the trials and tribulations of single people.
I have to say, that I would never give up what I have, I love my life, but that doesn't mean it is easy. I sometimes feel as though I am being left behind. Let me explain...
I have responsibilities. I wouldn't trade them for the world, but sometimes I miss not being included in my friend's girly nights. In our group, I am the Miranda. I have the kids. I have the busy life. I dont have the time or the financial freedom to take off for the weekend. And sometimes, I dont want to. I want to be at home with my gorgeous man and kids. I know that I am not alone in this. I make my decision to stay at home, for two reasons. Firstly, I love being at home. I think I am getting too old for nightclubs. Secondly, there is nothing worse than when you are the only 'married' friend in a group of single friends... you all have different agendas. I guess it is the same as being the only single friend amongst married ones. Why is it that the grass is always greener on the other side?
A night out on the booze is great while it lasts, but the next day is hell. The headaches, the dehydration and the bad memories of the night before. Maybe I am getting too old? Or maybe I am just greedy...do I just want the best of both worlds?
I have to say, that I would never give up what I have, I love my life, but that doesn't mean it is easy. I sometimes feel as though I am being left behind. Let me explain...
I have responsibilities. I wouldn't trade them for the world, but sometimes I miss not being included in my friend's girly nights. In our group, I am the Miranda. I have the kids. I have the busy life. I dont have the time or the financial freedom to take off for the weekend. And sometimes, I dont want to. I want to be at home with my gorgeous man and kids. I know that I am not alone in this. I make my decision to stay at home, for two reasons. Firstly, I love being at home. I think I am getting too old for nightclubs. Secondly, there is nothing worse than when you are the only 'married' friend in a group of single friends... you all have different agendas. I guess it is the same as being the only single friend amongst married ones. Why is it that the grass is always greener on the other side?
A night out on the booze is great while it lasts, but the next day is hell. The headaches, the dehydration and the bad memories of the night before. Maybe I am getting too old? Or maybe I am just greedy...do I just want the best of both worlds?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
30-389 Kelly Hoppen Bold Stripe Mocha,Beige Stripe Wallpaper
30-389 Kelly Hoppen Bold Stripe Mocha,Beige Stripe Wallpaper
I am so happy that wallpaper is back in vogue! I love it, and so does my inspiration, Kelly Hoppen. Check out her new range! Just beautiful.
I am so happy that wallpaper is back in vogue! I love it, and so does my inspiration, Kelly Hoppen. Check out her new range! Just beautiful.
Monday, April 12, 2010
business update
Hi there bloggers,
hope you are all well. Been a little while since I got on to write, but I have been busy busy busy!! As you all know, it is school holidays. With 5 kids, it makes it pretty tough to get things done...but that I have!! My website has just been updated, and so has the business!
We have decided here at Aspect & Element that we wanted to deliver the WHOLE package. So we asked ourselves "what services would our clients need that we are able to offer?". So I pondered......
I remember when we bought our house. It was on the market for quite a few months...and justifiably so!. Its a big 5 bedroom home on the doorstep to the beautiful Barossa Valley, on a large 850m2 block on the high side of the hill. Needless to say, we have an awesome view. So why didnt the house sell?
Well, it was in desperate need of a facelift and some EXTREME love. But there were two stand-out issues for me. When I saw the images of the house on the net, I was sooo uninspired. The images themselves werent overly exciting either.
When we decided that there was no harm in looking inside, we called the agent. As we walked through the house, I was wiping cobwebs from my face (not a fun past-time for an arachnophobe, I can assure you), brushing dust off my clothes and due to all of the three-corner-jacks outside, felt like I was walking on crunchy stilts. All I could think of was "OMG, I am going to have to do so much to this place before we even move in!" Not to mention, it gave me incredible bargaining power with the price :)
The way I looked at staging has changed because of this process. I now look at it like this....
Imagine your house is you (stay with me here!). You are getting ready for your big night, whether it is a year 12 formal, or even your wedding day. First, you shower and make sure you are meticulously clean. Then you prepare yourself, carefully selected dress or suit, perfectly applied makeup that matches the dress. Hair professionally styled. Beautiful jewelery to finish off the look. You are almost ready. The next step, the professional photographer. They know all the tricks to make you look perfect :)
So why not apply the same principles to your biggest investment...your house?! We have added a professional cleaner and photographer to our full-staging package!! Our cleaner knows all the problem areas, and sorts them out (the shower and wash), I style the property, making sure it looks as appealing to as many people as possible (hair, make-up, dress, jewelery etc), and our photographer uses his skills with lighting and angles to capture your house at its best!!
Now doesnt that make sense? Its a recipe for success I say! But I am always open to public opinion. What else do you think you will need to help sell your house on its big day? Email me or find me on facebook to let me know your ideas. I would love to hear them! http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=575051476
hope you are all well. Been a little while since I got on to write, but I have been busy busy busy!! As you all know, it is school holidays. With 5 kids, it makes it pretty tough to get things done...but that I have!! My website has just been updated, and so has the business!
We have decided here at Aspect & Element that we wanted to deliver the WHOLE package. So we asked ourselves "what services would our clients need that we are able to offer?". So I pondered......
I remember when we bought our house. It was on the market for quite a few months...and justifiably so!. Its a big 5 bedroom home on the doorstep to the beautiful Barossa Valley, on a large 850m2 block on the high side of the hill. Needless to say, we have an awesome view. So why didnt the house sell?
Well, it was in desperate need of a facelift and some EXTREME love. But there were two stand-out issues for me. When I saw the images of the house on the net, I was sooo uninspired. The images themselves werent overly exciting either.
When we decided that there was no harm in looking inside, we called the agent. As we walked through the house, I was wiping cobwebs from my face (not a fun past-time for an arachnophobe, I can assure you), brushing dust off my clothes and due to all of the three-corner-jacks outside, felt like I was walking on crunchy stilts. All I could think of was "OMG, I am going to have to do so much to this place before we even move in!" Not to mention, it gave me incredible bargaining power with the price :)
The way I looked at staging has changed because of this process. I now look at it like this....
Imagine your house is you (stay with me here!). You are getting ready for your big night, whether it is a year 12 formal, or even your wedding day. First, you shower and make sure you are meticulously clean. Then you prepare yourself, carefully selected dress or suit, perfectly applied makeup that matches the dress. Hair professionally styled. Beautiful jewelery to finish off the look. You are almost ready. The next step, the professional photographer. They know all the tricks to make you look perfect :)
So why not apply the same principles to your biggest investment...your house?! We have added a professional cleaner and photographer to our full-staging package!! Our cleaner knows all the problem areas, and sorts them out (the shower and wash), I style the property, making sure it looks as appealing to as many people as possible (hair, make-up, dress, jewelery etc), and our photographer uses his skills with lighting and angles to capture your house at its best!!
Now doesnt that make sense? Its a recipe for success I say! But I am always open to public opinion. What else do you think you will need to help sell your house on its big day? Email me or find me on facebook to let me know your ideas. I would love to hear them! http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=575051476
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
exciting news!!
My official stationery has finally arrived! I feel like I am finally in business!!
I also have a big secret in the works......I will reveal the details as soon as everything is confirmed, but it is a huge deal for my Business!! Hopefully it wont take long to finalise and I can reveal the details!!!!!
I also have a big secret in the works......I will reveal the details as soon as everything is confirmed, but it is a huge deal for my Business!! Hopefully it wont take long to finalise and I can reveal the details!!!!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Its the weekend
It is a lovely Sunday. I have been sitting on my beautiful white leather couch, reading the latest fashion magazine and have noticed something....there is a large amount of "Chinese" style coming back into vogue. Since Interior Design takes a lot of its cues from fashion, I guess that means oriental is back!! Think beautiful oriental rugs, deep colours like reds and ochre, with hints of gold! Think bamboo. How very exciting! This style has so many variations, it is amazing what you can do with it!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
update...
Hi all. Just writing in to give you an update of where I am up to. I have organised for my stationary today. I have gone through vistaprint, as they are quite cheap. I have also got a website, visit me at www.aspectandelement.vpweb.com.au to see how we are going! Hopefully it wont be too long before we get the business name out there and start getting a few more clients!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
morning!!
Morning everyone!
I hope that you all had a good weekend...for those of you in Adelaide, what a month!!! Mad March has almost come to an end. How exciting was the Clipsal 500???? Go Tander, go Holden!! Great to see the sky show back too, even though I didnt get to go :(
So, today starts a new week; this week I am organising the basic stationary that I need. I am going to do it through an online company called Vistaprint. I have used them twice before and they have been fantastic. It is the most economical option for me at the moment (other than doing it myself at home on the printer, but its not a professional look, which is what I am after). Hopefully it wont be too long before the flyers are in the post!! Keep an eye out!
Til next post, take care!
I hope that you all had a good weekend...for those of you in Adelaide, what a month!!! Mad March has almost come to an end. How exciting was the Clipsal 500???? Go Tander, go Holden!! Great to see the sky show back too, even though I didnt get to go :(
So, today starts a new week; this week I am organising the basic stationary that I need. I am going to do it through an online company called Vistaprint. I have used them twice before and they have been fantastic. It is the most economical option for me at the moment (other than doing it myself at home on the printer, but its not a professional look, which is what I am after). Hopefully it wont be too long before the flyers are in the post!! Keep an eye out!
Til next post, take care!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Aspect & Elements first morning tea
I am hosting my first "Biggest Morning Tea" and would love you all to help me raise money for the cancer council. Cancer has touched most people's lives in one way or another. Lets help fund vital research!!
Go to this link to donate: http://sa.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=221564
Be generous! Remember, donations over $2 are tax deductable!!
Follow me!!!
Please come back to my blog! Go to the "Followers" section, top right of page, under my logo and select "follow"! And while you are on my posts, please go to the bottom of the page and feed my fish for me? They get hungry.
Business memo...
Here is an update for what is happening with the business right now!
I have got my lovely logo (obviously ;), but now I have to wait to get my stationary printed. Because I am self-funding the business, it is a struggle to ensure I have all the cash needed to get things done, such as marketing and self promotion. This is why I spend my time driving people insane with my facebook self-promo. I have a workshop booked with the local small business network next month, and am networking my little fingers off!! Some days it is really disheartening. Like everything, there is setbacks. But yesterday, i had an incedental meeting with some WONDERFUL and warm staff that made me feel really inspired and uplifted. They were sooo helpful and friendly and gave me a lot of encouragement. It goes to show, sometimes complete strangers are more supportive than those closest to you (honourable mention to the great staff at Gawler Colour World :)
It has been hard trying to get all of this off the ground. Shortly after I started the business, I was injured at my Nursing job. This set me back quite a bit, financially, physically and emotionally. Trying to juggle two jobs, motherhood, renovating, family commitments and trying to have a social life takes its toll. Some of my friends are quite frustrated with me for not spending enough time with them. But I have come to realise that this is what I need to do for myself and my family. When the dust settles, I can then go back to having a bit more social time, but for now, if I am not working, I am ttrying to find time for my family. That has to be my priority. For my own mental health, I have to get over the guilt and keep my goal in mind. I know that my true friends understand and are supportive :) Thats why I love them.
That all being said, I have met some wonderful people through this, and been very pleasantly surprised by the amount of support I have received. And sometimes, support comes from places that you least expect it!
The next step for the business is to get the printed stuff into action. I can then get my name out there and hopefully get some business!! I will keep you informed of what happens next.
I have got my lovely logo (obviously ;), but now I have to wait to get my stationary printed. Because I am self-funding the business, it is a struggle to ensure I have all the cash needed to get things done, such as marketing and self promotion. This is why I spend my time driving people insane with my facebook self-promo. I have a workshop booked with the local small business network next month, and am networking my little fingers off!! Some days it is really disheartening. Like everything, there is setbacks. But yesterday, i had an incedental meeting with some WONDERFUL and warm staff that made me feel really inspired and uplifted. They were sooo helpful and friendly and gave me a lot of encouragement. It goes to show, sometimes complete strangers are more supportive than those closest to you (honourable mention to the great staff at Gawler Colour World :)
It has been hard trying to get all of this off the ground. Shortly after I started the business, I was injured at my Nursing job. This set me back quite a bit, financially, physically and emotionally. Trying to juggle two jobs, motherhood, renovating, family commitments and trying to have a social life takes its toll. Some of my friends are quite frustrated with me for not spending enough time with them. But I have come to realise that this is what I need to do for myself and my family. When the dust settles, I can then go back to having a bit more social time, but for now, if I am not working, I am ttrying to find time for my family. That has to be my priority. For my own mental health, I have to get over the guilt and keep my goal in mind. I know that my true friends understand and are supportive :) Thats why I love them.
That all being said, I have met some wonderful people through this, and been very pleasantly surprised by the amount of support I have received. And sometimes, support comes from places that you least expect it!
The next step for the business is to get the printed stuff into action. I can then get my name out there and hopefully get some business!! I will keep you informed of what happens next.
welcome!
Here we go!! Welcome to my blog. For those of you that already know me, thanks for your support and following me, I love you all!!
For those of you who dont have a clue who I am, I am a new business owner trying to get my foot in the door of the small business world. I intend on documenting all of my success as well as failures on this site. It will be very honest and candid. These blogs will contain tips, hints, info, recommendations and some of my quirky personality! I hope that you enjoy, and continue to follow me on my journey. Please feel free to leave supportive comments, as well as ideas of things YOU want to read about!
Please enjoy!!
For those of you who dont have a clue who I am, I am a new business owner trying to get my foot in the door of the small business world. I intend on documenting all of my success as well as failures on this site. It will be very honest and candid. These blogs will contain tips, hints, info, recommendations and some of my quirky personality! I hope that you enjoy, and continue to follow me on my journey. Please feel free to leave supportive comments, as well as ideas of things YOU want to read about!
Please enjoy!!
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