December 23rd, 2011
If you’re like most people, baking some goodies will be figuring into your holiday TO-DO list…also like many, actually EATING these same goods is on your TO-DON’T list.
Nothing new, or mysterious about this product, it just truly is so smart, and good for you, on all levels.
Using pureed fruit as a butter substitute is not new…recipes specifically using mashed bananas or applesauce have been around for a while, but it’s just never been 
easy to find general substitution information easily, outside those recipes.
Then, a few years back, I found this, Sunsweet Lighter Bake. Made of dried plums and dried apples, this stuff is beyond amazing, and the conversion chart is right on the bottle. In order of importance, here is why you should give it a try, too.
First: Taste/Results: In my experience, baked goods smell, taste and look like they should (although because of the color of the puree, really light-colored goods will bake up darker).
Doug and his brothers are dessert snobs purists, and highly suspicious of ’substitute’ anything. Since finding this, I have successfully snuck this by them used this in cookie, cake and most importantly BROWNIES on many occasions.
Second: Health This jar contains 27 tablespoons of puree….at 35 calories a pop, it’s about one-third the caloric cost of the same amount of butter, 100 calories a tablespoon. OH, BUT WAIT-it’s not an equal exchange, you only need HALF the amount of puree that you would need for butter.
So that brings the caloric cost down to about 17.5% of what it’d be for butter. Also has lots of antioxidants, and it’s fat-, sodium-, and cholesterol- free.
Third: Cost These 27 tablespoons are the equivalent of 54 tablespoons of butter…almost seven sticks of butter. This jar cost I think $2.89…which would be maybe half the cost of that much butter?
SO-to re-cap: tastes great, healthy alternative, half the price of butter.
It’s not going to make a brownie the equivalent of having a salad, but if you’re going to have that browine, you can enjoy it even more. Only tricky part is finding it in the supermarket…baking supplies might be a logical choice, but our local place has chosen at the end of the cooking oils aisle.
Tags: guilt-free brownies, holiday parties, Sunsweet Lighter Bake
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April 9th, 2011
While the springtime weather we all yearn for has been taking its sweet time to get here, you know we are two consecutive warm days away from breaking out the capri pants and flip flops…are you ready?
Whethere you are selling-or staying, this weekend Westchester’s weather will be clear and dry, so a great time to get started.
Here are some easy ways to get your outside space, and outside stuff up to speed, while adding real value to your property, and saving you both time and hassle.
Equipment: Clean your grill, and take the mower, tiller, and any other mechanical apparatus you will want immediately one day soon to the local shop for a check-up.
By having everything in good repair now, you will be ready when the good weather really hits-and not waiting, along with a few dozen other machines in need of service.
Take your patio furniture out and assess it. Maybe you’ll need to clean it first to see.
Generally a bucket of warm water with a mild detergent should do it for metal furniture..a soft cloth or sponge on the frame, a scrub brush on cushions or fabric ‘sling’ types of seating. Rinse, and let it dry thoroughly in the sunlight.
GTK: if your metal furniture is ok, but could use some refreshing or repair, you need to know about Patty’s Portico, on Highland Street in Port Chester 914.935.8839.
They breathe new life into old furniture because they weld, sand-blast and powder coat on-site. Again, you want to move on this now and be ready-not get caught in the seasonal rush. Green solution that will save you some green in the long run.
Property Take a good look at your property. While it’s too cool to do most planting, it’s perfect for spring clean up: Raking the twigs and leaves; filling in and re-seeding bare spots that were either torn up by snow plows, browned from salt run-off, or just never recovered from last year’s soccer practice in the backyard.
Edge the beds, and heap on fresh mulch. Did you know that applying 2-4″ of mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and in beds keeps weeks at bay, saves water by retaining moisture, 
supports base of plants and encourages stronger root systems. Depending on what you apply, additional nutrients can also be supplied to the plants this way.
Pansies are an enthusiastic harbinger of warmer weather. A flat will cost you maybe $20.00, give great color while elevating the mood–plant them in oversize planters, and enjoy! Your well-deserved refreshing beverage of choice will taste even better!
Tags: home maintainence, listing photos
Posted in Decorating, GTK, Home Selling and Home Staging | No Comments »
March 28th, 2011
Without hesitation, let me say Westchester County does an amazing job of establishing and running recycling events throughout the county; many thanks to County Executives, past and present for establishing and continuing this support.
BUT-it is not enough that we get all whipped into a frenzy in mid-April. Think thoughtful choices year-round, and plan ahead for the stuff you no longer need.
Here is the direct link for the entire 2011 Recycling Event Schedule, and here are some suggestions you can do to make a difference:
Open link and save as, or cut/paste and make link part of your email signature
Mark your calendars NOW of all the events
Send it to your clients or co-workers; submit to any company newsletter, or e-bulletin board
Share with the lacrosse moms, book club, PTA, scouts, etc.
Top/right on menu has link to Treasure Hunt, a free service to post and give-away-or get-unwanted, but usable items.
Link will keep you apprised of the upcoming events, like the launch of the facility that can process #3-7 plastics, and the opening of the permanent household recovery center, sometime later this year.
For out of the area friends/family/colleagues-suggest they go to their municipality’s website and get/forward that info to their friends…remember…we’re all in this together!!
Tags: info to share, local events, taking action
Posted in Better Health/Better Life, Community/Greater Good, Dollars and Sense, Enviornment, GTK | No Comments »
December 19th, 2010
Thank you to my friend Deb Yaciw, in Oneonta NY for sharing this story.
A man named Robert L. May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap, quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn’t understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad’s eyes and asked, “Why isn’t Mommy just like everybody else’s Mommy?”
Bob’s jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob’s life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to
compete in sports. He was often called names he’d rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.
Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn’s bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.
Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn’t even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn’t buy a gift, he was determined a make one – a storybook!
Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal’s story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again, Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about?
The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day.
But the story doesn’t end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print and distribute “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” it to children visiting Santa in their stores.
By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.
That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned al
l rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn’t end there either.
Bob’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. The song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , but was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of “White Christmas.”
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn’t so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
Wishing you and your family the light, and goodness of the season. MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Tags: being different, everyone is gifted, holiday traditions, trivia
Posted in GTK, I'm Just Sayin' | No Comments »
December 11th, 2010
Beyond ‘because’, I never knew why…
“Red wine has a higher molecular weight, and gives off vapor less readily. The more solid and substantial the wine, the more the release of its aroma and bouquet depend on gentle warmth.
The lighter and sweeter white wine is better when chilled to around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Above that temperature range, the subtle aromas of the wine may be masked by those given off by the alcohol as it vaporizes.”
And ohyes, on 
this day, Venetian blinds were patented (1796), Indianna became the 19th state (1816), Nitrous oxide was first used in dentistry (1844), Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson (1936), UNICEF was established (1946), and the the Concorde was unveiled (1967).
If you are looking for quick bits of trivia, information and history, Reference.com sends out a daily ‘On This Day’ email to it’s subscribers. Free and spam-less, I’ve subscribed for years. Quick links to follow up on if you’re interested, otherwise, 30 seconds will gift you with unique and timely bit of info.
Enjoy!
Tags: trivia
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December 6th, 2010
The words ‘Bush Tax Cuts Extended’, are flooding the airwaves, but the details are still murky, and the debate continues-will it even pass the House? No one knows yet what will actually become law on January 1st, but is there anything a taxpayer can do besides wait?
“Yes” is the short answer, but don’t delay. Carmine Filippone is a CPA and a partner in Rudinger, Heller & Filippone LLP, located in White Plains. As a specialist in individual taxes and the tax needs of family run business’ he explains:
The Bush Tax cuts went into effect in 2001, and made significant changes in several areas of the US Tax Code, which affected the majority of the population.
For 2010, the Long Term Capitol Gain rate most people will pay is 15%, but if the extension is blocked, those rates could go up to 20%.
If you have stock or any other capital assets that have appreciated in value, it could be benefi
cial for you to sell it by the end of the year, to lock in that lower rate; but the time to start the conversationwith a tax professional about your individual circumstances is n-o-w.
Individuals might also want to consider pre-paying their state taxes. By paying your state income taxes before the end of the year, you would be eligible for a deduction in the current year. This is a tax-saving strategy that’s been around for a while, but it might not be for everyone, but it might be worth revisiting this with your tax-planning professional.
Some business owners, and those that are self-employed have some perks coming their way also.
Are you a b
usiness owner who made any improvements to your restaurant building, the interior of you retail store, or to your leased/non-residential building in 2010? Or are you planning any of these for 2011? OR perhaps you have one of these as a listing-a buyer could have a whole year to update his new property….
Welcome news, for the first time ever, up to $250K of qualified improvements to these types of buildings can now be immediately deducted (under Section 179) for 2010 and 2011. 
Carmine concludes: If you are self-employed, your health insurance premiums can be deducted as a business expense that reduces your self-employment tax liability. This change applies only to 2010 and was included as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.
Tax laws change frequently and are complicated; tax planning strategies are going to be different for everyone. While you can still improve your circumstances for 2010, consulting a tax professional on a regular basis saves you time, money and stress-what a great way to start the New Year!!
Tags: saving money, tax benefits
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November 30th, 2010
Each year at holiday time most of us gather with friends and family. While these are largely happy times, it can be a real eye-opener for adult children with parents who are getting on in the years.
Spending extended time together, you may notice changes in your parents behavior. The holiday season plays havoc with all of our behaviors, and changes are not all bad …but how do you rationally and constructively handle this?
Paula Meighan knows. As an RN and LMSW, she worked with seniors as a visiting nurse, in hospice, and then as a geriatic care manager. She then became one of the founding partners of Changing Places LLC, a Stamford CT-based senior transitioning firm. Members of NASMM and Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists (CRTS)-they specialize in assisting seniors-and their families-first navigate these emotionally charged issues, then providing peace of mind as they facillitate changes on their behalf.
Paula recommends using this opportunity to observe any changes that may be a signal that the time is appr
oaching, or has come, to suggest resources to make life easier for them. Some solutions might be an aging in place organization, a geriatric care manager, additional help in the home or beginning to look at alternatives such as a move to independent or assisted living.
Here are a few things to consider:
Household - Can they food shop on their own? Are they able to pay their bills? Is the laundry done? Are dishes clean? Is there excess garbage or spoiled food in the refrigerator?
Hygiene– Are they wearing clean clothes? Are there any smells on their person?
Health – Can they keep track of their medications and take them properly? Have they made and kept medical and dental appointments? Do you see any signs of memory problems?
Socialization – Are they isolated or still getting out and about?
Safety – How is their walking? Bathing? Dressing? If driving, take a ride with them and observe their reaction time. Note if the car has dents and scratches.
Once you and any siblings have gathered information, which may include speaking with neighbors and friends, you might start a conversation about their thoughts for the future. Do they want to stay where they are? Would they consider having someone check in with them on a regular basis? Do they think a residential facility would make life easier for them?
These can be difficult conversations and we need to remember it is a process that will take place over time, unless of course you sense an immediate issue that needs resolution. There are so many options available, just opening the door can be a major step. Good luck!
Tags: avoiding anxiety, senior moves, senior transitioning
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November 12th, 2010
Indeed!
Jacob Burns Theater, Pleasantville’s gem of an art house has done it again.
Now, thru Nov. 24th you can see some of Bogey’s finest classic characters on the big screen: included are Sam Spade The Maltese Falcon; as the workaholic tycoon who falls for the chauffeur’s daughter (Audrey Hepburn) in Sabrina, and tough as nails detective Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep.
Even if you know the story or have seen the movie before-if you have not experienced the pleasure of seeing a classic B&W movie on the big screen-GO! The storyline envelops you, the characters speak to you, heck, even the popcorn tastes better! I promise, you will be delighted.
Tags: Jacob Burns, local events, Pleasantville, supporting local business
Posted in GTK, Smiles | No Comments »
November 10th, 2010
HEY-Pass it on! Hot Deal on Old Coolers…Con Edison Launches Refrigerator Recycling
Con Edison customers can cash in by recycling their old, energy-wasting “second” refrigerator, have it removed for free and get $30.
Th
e new program is part of the company commitment to help customers save on their electric bills while helping the environment. Older refrigerators can cost twice as much to run as newer, more efficient models. “Old refrigerators account for nearly 20 percent of the energy used by the average New York household,” said Cristina Coltro, Manager for residential energy efficiency programs at Con Edison.
Con Edison residential electric customers in one-to-four family homes are eligible for the incentives. The company will remove regular-sized second, or extra, refrigerators, which are often kept in garages and basements, at no charge. Con Edison will arrange to safely dismantle and recycle the energy-guzzling appliance.
At the time of your refrigerator pick-up, the company will also collect and recycle old, inefficient window or wall air conditioners. Con Edison customers will receive $30 for second refrigerators, $35 for window air conditioners and $100 for wall A/C units.
The program covers the removal of up to two appliances per type per household. Appliances must be in working condition in order to be picked-up and recycled. To schedule a pick-up or inquire about eligibility, visit http://www.coned.com/energyefficiency/residential_bounty_program.asp or call1-800-430-9505.
Con Edison has an energy efficiency program available for almost everyone. For more information, visit www.conEd.com/energyefficiency or call Con Edison’s “Green Team” at 1-877-870-6118.
Tags: green home, home maintainence, saving money
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October 28th, 2010
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -Dr. Seuss
Yikes, where does the time go, the first holiday solicitations arrived last week. One after the other-a package with holiday wrapping paper and personalized gift tags, then a robo-signed Happy Thanksgiving card (to me) with donor request inside, and last a set of thematic greeting cards.
No question, the current economy had delivered a one-two punch to non-profits: there are greater needs, and less donations, it’s no secret they are scrambling.
2 of the 3 mailings were not inexpensive. While I had donated to both in the past, one came in my maiden name-which I have not used in 16 years. Not to be a cynical cranky-pants, but I started wondering -were these mailings making the best use of donor money?
Need and giving are hugely emotional issues that touch our core, and the next 8 weeks is high season for giving. But we all want to be sure our donation will be used properly and efficiently, here’s 2 ways to give with our heads as well as our hearts.
www.bbb.org/charity Just like BBB certification, charities that want to belong apply and provide vital info like contact info, their history, size, structure as well as a financial statement. BBB will tell you if the charity meets their 20 standards for accountability, and if their info is vetted, a Wise Giving Alliance report is issued, good for 2 years.
Best for providing a snapshot of , and credibility for a particular organization. Because charities have to apply, it is unlikely any less than stellar ones would. Seeing your favorite here is a positive, but not being on the list isn’t necessarily a negative.
Instead, try Charity Navigator. www.charitynavigator.org takes it several steps further. Acknowleging different services and programs have inherently different cost structures, they break the charities into classifications and rate over 5500 of them on their efficiency, in their classification.
Both sites have very useful , and for those who are really interested-The Chronicles of Philanthropy is a great source of info for non-profits www.philanthropy.com.
Tags: Gift giving, good idea, loss prevention
Posted in Community/Greater Good, Dollars and Sense, Giving the Gift, GTK | No Comments »
October 24th, 2010
It has been a glorious start to fall…leaves in brilliant reds, oranges and golds. set against bright, clear blue skies. Days are comfortable, but nighttime is getting chilly, so we close the windows, maybe turn on the heat or if we are so fortunate, light a fire in the fireplace.
Two weeks from today Daylight Savings time will end, and in about 10 days the reminders are going to start-change the batteries in you smoke and CO detectors, I suggest not waiting.
Smoke detector laws in New York State have been on the book for some time, but CO detectors became law earlier this year.
CO-carbon monoxide-is produces when any flamable material does not burn completely-this is any type of flammable material: oil, coal, wood, natural gas; even kerosene, propane, charcoal and gasoline.
Colorless and mostly odorless, symptoms include disorientation, and often mimic those of the flu, and the more severe the exposure, the less likely someone is to be aware of their condition, or able to seek help.
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are at the highest risk. Most recent complete data shows there were 42,000 fire and rescue responses to CO poisoning in 2007.
No one is in more homes than real estate professionals, and no one better poised to help carry this message-dare I suggest year-round. We all have AA and AAA batteries on hand (heaven forbid the remotes don’t work!!) so I have started to keep a supply of fresh 9volt batteries in my car, to leave them with each new client consult, and include new detectors as part of my Staging and Decorating proposals.
Perhaps a new CO detector would make a great closing gift?
Local community laws vary and will trump state requirements-where I live in White Plains, part of getting ANY building permit closed is the installation of hard-wired detectors in the appropriate place. Office managers-how about scheduling an official from the local building department to speak of this at your next office meeting?
We all ‘know’ what fire can do, but seeing it first-hand is something else. Last year I was witness to 2 separate fire restorations. One, very close to home, in my own co-op complex; the other was a project I was called into. The former was a roof repair gone horribly wrong, the latter an electrical fire.
Photo on left is entry into apartment, hole in wall is where electric panel was; on right is in bedroom, looking up into bedroom of upstairs apartment.
If you look carefully, above 2nd beam on the left, you may be able to see outlet cover is melted, and soot stains coming out of it
Tags: good idea, home maintainence, home safety, loss prevention
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October 17th, 2010
Every 3,000 miles, and change the filter too-were the hard and fast rules my dad taught me; it might have been more often than recommended in the owners manuals, but in my family, we tended to keep cars for a l-o-n-g time, so it was sort of an insurance policy, proactive maintenance.
Consumers are now being asked to re-think this marker, and not in the way you might expect.
Advances in manufacturing and technology, and lifestyle changes point to longer time between changes; consumer advocates ask we take a look at our driving style/needs, and follow the guidelines of the owner’s manual to ascertain the optimum time for our cars.
Owner’s manual?! I have driven the same brand of car since 1981, and it’s gotten so I look in the owner’s manual only to find out how to re-set the clock when the time changes… but I took a look, and their recommendations are in the 4500-7500 mile range, depending on your driving style.
Overly-frequent oil changes not only wast money, getting rid of oil before it’s time is a hit to the environment, too-synthetic or natural oil, it still has to ‘go’ somewhere.
Jiffy Lube has started a program recommending people make their own decisions, and Edmunds.com is a site all car people know about. Scroll down to the bottom of the home page and there are a whole host of consumer resources, but for those of us not so inclined to peruse it just for yuks, http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/maintenance/articles/164686/article.html will tell you most anything else you want to know.
Tags: good idea, home maintainence, saving money
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October 13th, 2010
Grungy dishes coming out of your dishwasher, even with the extended rinse cycle? Chances are it’s neither your dishwasher, or the other people in your life that may have loaded it (who, me??)
In July , laws went on the books in 17 states allowing for no more than 0.5% of product be phosphates; it had been as high as 8.5%. Phosphates are what make things really really clean
, and dishwasher detergent was the last hold out in the world of cleaning products.
This level of clean comes at a real cost to the environment…when it got into lakes and streams via runoff, algae production goes into overdrive, taking oxygen away from the rest of the ecosystem.
Chemicals in cleaning products has long been a source of health care concerns, so lowering phosphate levels has several things going for it. Hate to buck any efforts to save our planet, so for now am pre-soaking and giving all dishes, especially anything that had oil on it-a once-over with a soapy sponge before it goes in the dishwasher, then shorter cycle, to compensate.
I may get ambitious and do a vinegar and baking soda type thing down the line, but for now-will not be adding more soap, buying another additive, calling the repair company, or (s-h-h-h-h) be so sure I can load the dishwasher better than Doug.
Tags: green home
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October 2nd, 2010
Have been a furniture and furnishings gal from way back: At age 9, I persuaded my parents to paint the stairway and upstairs hall ceiling yellow and orange (hey, it was the late 60′s) I also moved my bedroom furniture around A LOT.
Went to a school known for fashion, but took every Interior Decorating elective I could. At 21, on a dare, I interviewed for, then accepted a position as a Decorator at Ethan Allen. I discovered dealing with furniture, furnishings, people and their homes was both fun, and surprisingly profound.
About 3-1/2 years ago I read an article in the local paper about an organization called Furniture Sharehouse. It was a furniture bank that collected unwanted furniture in good condition, and redistributed it free, to clients of various Westchester agencies.
The plan had been to profile their Grand Opening, but that April 2007 weekend, a nor’easter slam
med the East coast, dumping almost 8 inches of rain in Westchester, flooding much of the Sound Shore area. So instead, the story told of how 65 families who had lost everything were furnished out of a tent in Harbor Island Park by this Furniture Sharehouse organization.
Kept that article for 2 reasons: first as a referral for clients who wanted a good home for their unwanted or unneeded furniture; second, because I thought…’one day, I might want to be a part of that’. Guess what? http://www.vimeo.com/9747580
In 1943 Abraham Maslow proposed what he called his Hierarchy of Needs. Simply stated, an individual could grow, evolve, and deal with larger, more challenging issues only once their more basic needs were met. Don’t want to get all preachy here, bu
t if you’ve read this far, maybe even watched the video, you get it.
Home is where we all start from. Help someone get their space together, you make an immediate and concrete difference in their life, it’s that simple.
Furniture Sharehouse is a year round operation, and is fast closing in on their 1000th Westchester family served. Later this month (10/22) is their inaugural fundraiser, to be held at the Larchmont Yacht Club; Saturday 10/23 is the next furniture drive, held in Armonk as part of their town-wide Zero Waste Day.
The web site has all the details, www.furnituresharehouse.org and your donations of furniture (including pick ups), time, talents, supplies or funds can all be processed thru the site. Remember-we all can do something, ‘just’ spreading the word among your friends, neighbors, family, colleagues and clients is huge.
Tags: a day in the life, Furniture Sharehouse, giving back, green home, local events, tax benefits
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September 17th, 2010
1. Sick of Telemarketers?
Every 31 days, FTC requires telemarketers to search their phone lists and delete any numbers found on the National Do Not Call Registry.
www.donotcall.gov lets you register home and cell numbers, and they stay registered, until you decide otherwise. You can also call from any phone you want to register 1.888.382.1222
2. Junk Mail
The average fadult receives close to 45 pounds of it each year!! If you are sick of recycling a small forest’s worth of paper, OR spending time un-clogging your In Box, the FTC recommends DMA Choice to establish junk mail and email preferences.
The online tool of the Mail Preference System first established in 1971, you address unwanted mail in 4 categories: Credit, Magazine or other sales offers, and Catalogs.
Direct mail is a green and cost-efficient way to shop, but everyone has different needs and preferences. Time spent noting your specific preferences will yield the best results Details at www.DMAchoice.org
3. Donate Life
While none of us know what the next day-even hour will bring, there are untold numbers of people hoping the next hour will bring them a phone call to give them hope, and a chance at a better life.
Leukemia strikes one in 29,ooo children in the US every year, and thousands of adults. www.bethematch.org is the National Bone Marrow registry that seeks matches for these and others with life-threa
tening diseases.
Thanks to a stranger’s grace, my friends Mary and Mike Carneiro’s son Mac received 27 blood transfusions, and is now a happy healthy 15 year old. Mike was since blessed to return the favor, and this past May, his ‘match’, Rachael Leisey became Mrs. Sean Neihart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC0kMCBZ3cc
Closer to home, there are nearly 10,000 NY residents-70% of them in NY-metro area-hoping that the next hour will bring a phone call, with news of a life-saving organ.
The Electronic Signature Act, signed into law earlier this year allows NYS drivers, and those with non-driver ID cards to register their willingness and preferences online.
While this makes you consider distinctly unpleasant possibilities, putting myself in the other positions-being asked to make that decision and not knowing my loved one’s preference, watching a loved one wait, suffer and possibly die, even being in need myself-are much, much worse.
www.savelivesnewyork.org will give you the facts, answer your questions and let you register and print out form immediately for your signature. Truth told, I had to go back to site twice. Take a deep breath and do it. Mine was mailed this afternoon. Maybe it’s my imagination, but the skies have never looked bluer, the air never smelled as sweet.
Tags: good idea, green home, overload, taking action
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August 11th, 2010
Know the phrase ‘still waters run deep’? That’s The Head, personified. Very still. Very deep. You may need to put a mirror under their nose for signs of life…better, wave some market comps or stats in spread sheet form, just see the pink return to their cheeks!! OK, I may be exaggerating here a bit, but really, not that much.
Real Estate is a lot of numbers, facts and interpretations. The Head loves it all, nay, needsit all. They are detailed, focused and precise. Numbers and facts, preferably on paper, is where they find comfort and value (a little foreshadowing here-it’s often also where they believe most of their own value lies).
Sure, this way of thinking in extreme-and when it’s not your deal-you’ll chuckle, but until you have established a goo
d working relationship with The Head, any missteps will cost you.
Those operating from this modality I believe has the hardest time seeing the point of others, including the value Staging. Not out of ignorance or arrogance, they are just that sure of the superiority of data. Real Estate is hyper-local, and (more foreshadowing) there is no reliable/independent gathering and reporting process.
Residential Real Estate has a strong emotional and interpersonal component to it; buyers, sellers, even agents-anyone really entrenched in the data-misses all the other signals, and can easily lose the distinction between “Data” and ”Guarantees”, and-say it with me now-Guarantees?? There’s no guarantees in Real Estate!
If you are working with The Head, either as buyers or sellers, be punctual, be organized, and be prepared (be very prepared).These folks do not like vague answers, overly optimistic scenarios or anecdotal stories. Just as with any other different modality-to connect, watch and mirror their actions: speak slowly, and never, ever rush them.
They take their time and deliberate everything, but generally there is no mystery: they will tell you where they are and why they are stuck, and decide when you have answered all their questions. You may be in for the long haul, but once won over, these folks are very loyal.
If you are a Head, I have a confession: we are brethren.
In 1981, I took
the job at Ethan Allen on a dare. I was young, had instinct and raw skill, but little professional training or experience, and I was selling fairly expensive furniture to people whose own kids were my age. Memorizing measurements and other facts seemed the best way to for me to succeed.
Yes, I made some great connections with 25% of the customers I met, and for me at the time, I thought that was great. But looking back, by keeping in my comfort zone, I wasted so much time, and missed so many opportunities with the other 75% of the people I met.
Remember-none of this is judgemental, and no one personality type is better than 
another. Understanding the different styles is like having the right eyeglass prescription: Sure you can see the eye chart, but different lenses give you the most clarity, and lets you get the job done.
NEXT: The Smile-Keepin’ It Real
Tags: a day in the life, avoiding anxiety, owning a business
Posted in A Day In The Life, GTK, Smiles | No Comments »
July 27th, 2010
“Home” is both universal and intimate in nature. People get involved in Real Estate for a myriad of reasons. It’s not just a product or a paycheck, it’s a way to assist-connect-facilitate-another’s happiness and sense of security. Some times are easier than others (!!!), but deep down, true Home Professionals know this is where they are supposed to be.
The Heart: People who come primarily from this place are not just nice, they really are all about o
thers-their comforts, concerns, issues and needs come first.
Great quality in a friend or spouse, but depending on the degre and the other personalities involved, it can slow, stop, even reverse a business transaction.
Polar opposite of The Gut, they are pleasant to deal with, but present a real challenge in business. To make decisions and move forward, the decision makers need to well, decide…which means taking some stands and putting their needs ahead of others-not their comfort zone.
They are deliberate, speaking, moving and thinking slowly. They consider all options, and rebel if you try to nudge things along before they are ready. They want you to like them.
These sellers still have every report card, lost tooth and piece of macaroni art
from their grown children; these buyers find something special about each house and the people who live there…which then makes them reconsider, just where the heck did they get this crazy idea to buy another house and move in the first place??
It takes longer for these s
ellers to get their house ready for sale. Slow and steady win the race, but their being highly motivated to start with is a close second.
They know how easy it is to get wrapped up in someone elses’ “stuff”-and understand how it would take attention away from the business at hand, getting their house sold. Also-focusing on the prize at the end:-a yard for the kids, rooms for visitors to stay, or one-level living for a loved one-will be what moves this seller forward.
Buyers who come from the heart will linger when attention is paid to the ‘secondary’ rooms-kid’s room, guest rooms, even the powder rooms.
They will appreciate the fresh towels, nice soaps and fluffed bed pillows. These are the people that we light fires in the fireplace and put out homemade cookies for. Welcoming kitchens, and discussions of how many people could fit in the Dining Room will put a sparkle in this buyer’s eye.
They can frustrate agents and annoy more quickly moving people on the other end of the transaction, but remember the parable about the Wind and the Sun?
They disagreed who was more powerful, and decided the winner would be whoever could make a 
passer-by remove their overcoat The Wind went first….stong and blustery, he blew and blew, trying to blow the coat off; but the passer-by only wrapped the coat around themselves more tightly.
Then it was the Sun’s turn. He shone and radiated, and in short order, the gentle warmth induced the coat to be taken off.
NEXT: Behold The Head
Tags: avoiding anxiety, owning a business, playing nice
Posted in A Day In The Life, GTK, Home Selling and Home Staging, I'm Just Sayin' | No Comments »
July 25th, 2010
In the initial stages of a RE transaction, there are 3 main players: the seller, the buyer , and the REALTOR(s).
Researchers have defined four main ways people make decisions. For fun-let’s ID them by parts of the body: the head, the heart, the gut and the smile.
No one style is ‘best’, and while we have characteristics of each, there are one to two styles we typically operate under. Multiply it out, there are dozens of potential personality combinations in a transaction.
In personal relationships, we tend to gravitate to people who we can identify with. Business decisions modeled to our own tastes would connect well 25% of the time, but would effectively miss the other 75%.
Recognizing these different styles, and understanding what makes each tick gives you a fighting chance to make good connections, across the board. Here is Part One, of Four on how to reach your widest audience.
The Gut These are people that operate quickly, on confidence and instinct. There is no dilly-dallying, they are direct, and all about business. They know what they want, and they usually want it right away. They are punctual and prepared, and expect the same of others.
Whether your agent is representing you as a buyer or a seller, to a degree you want this quality to be present in your a
gent. This type could also be a dream buyer: they will usually know right away if they want to buy your house, but they have no interest in ‘trying to visualize’.
You usually have one shot to reach these buyers, and if they don’t see it in it’s best shape first go-round, well-they’re off to see another house that is worthy of their time. They are not mean-spirited, just efficient, and unimpressed with people who don’t give it their best the first time.
Sellers who typically operate in this manner have a big challenge in this market. Resistant to input, and used to being in charge, they are in the unfamiliar position of having to…well, consider what other people (buyers) want to see, and then wait for them to make an offer.
I’ve found that clean spaces, and sometimes stronger lines and accent colors appeal to these buyers; organization, as well as regular and concise communications-usually by 9am-give comfort to these sellers and agents.
NEXT: The Heart of the Matter
Tags: home selling, home staging, market info, the right attitude
Posted in Better Health/Better Life, GTK, Home and Professional Services, Home Selling and Home Staging | No Comments »
June 16th, 2010
What Does IDS, ASP, And IAHSP Mean For You?
Lot of talk in the trades lately about designations-what is worthwhile and helpful, what has meaning? I look for, believe in, and support professional accreditation; here’s what’s behind mine:
Interior Design Society, Professional Level This was my first, achieved almost 25 years ago. IDS, created in the 1970′s an an alternative for home design professionals in the retail field; it’s members, unlike ASID, do not deal with semi-engineering /structural things like moving walls, electric, plumbing or other house systems.
Professional training and hands-on field experience was required to even take the test; between my business degree, time at Parson’s and about 5 yea
rs at Ethan Allen, I qualified for Professional, their highest-level designation.
Exam was 100 short answers in first part; still remember triumphantly, jubilantly knowing what a ‘clerastory’ was…yes, one of those architectural terms I had learned, that was actually on the test!!
The second part was a 6 hours, also proctored. You were given the shell of a house plan with plumbing (kitchen and baths)already in place, and the ‘story’ of who lived there.
You were required to block out the space/construct all interior walls,. Create a reflected ceiling plan, place outlets/switches, place/draw in all the furniture, and do an elevation of entire long side of house (scale drawing of walls, with furniture and decorations on it). Then decorate it, including a room-by-room explanation of why you chose what your chose; how it all related to and served this phantom family. If you didn’t finish, you failed.
I completed/passed it on the second try, and beyond the obvious, lessons learned were time = money, how to prioritize, and above all, solutions must suit the clients’ needs.
Had been helping client prepare and get houses sold for probably the last 10 years, but “Staging”?
Lots of schools and organizations out there, but researched and found StagedHome.Com. In 1972, Barb Schwarz was a Realtor is WA, and as the story goes, she coined the term ‘Staging’ when trying to persuade a seller to spiff up her home a bit. The homeowner was resistant, but Barb got inspired by some of the posters/playbills/theater memorabilia that was in the house, and the rest is history.
StagedHomes.com is the original: Barb is CEO, and holds the trademark on the word ‘Staged’. They are a REALTOR affiliate member, and a BBB Accredite
d Business with an A+ rating, and I was trained by the VP.
ASP (Accredited Staging Professionals)-certified Stagers take an intensive course that focuses on good business practices as much as Staging skills, actually Stage a local house on the market, pass a comprehensive test, and agree to be held to a code of ethics.
If ASP is the educational/training arm, then IAHSP(International Association of Home Staging Professionals) is the organizational, fraternal association that most ASPs belong to.
The same standards exist, but have chapters that hold community service events, and work together to educate consumers, support each other and further further Staging in general. 
Lastly, BNI is a professional business networking organization. Both global (5700 chapters, 125K members, in over 50 countries), and hyper-local (3 dozen chapters right here in Westchester/Rockland alone), these are people I love being associated with, see my connections webpage. People who refer me are actually putting their own professional credibility on the line.
Prospective members provide references and are thoroughly checked out by the group’s membership committee. They commit to attend weekly meetings, usually at 7 am, (yes, 7AM) and adhere to a set of standards that include truthful communications providing full, complete and satisfactory service to those they are referred to, at the agreed-upon price. Each group holds its members fully accountable, and any non-compliers are asked to leave.
Yes, these organizations are businesses, but none just take your money and give you letters to use. Professionals who are proud of their designations are happy to explain what they mean and what it took to get them, so don’t hesitate to ask…hopefully, it’s be the start of a great relationship!
Tags: avoiding anxiety, my business, professional designations
Posted in Decorating, GTK, Home and Professional Services, Home Selling and Home Staging | No Comments »
May 27th, 2010
When I was broke and in school, I decorated with plants because it was cheap.
Later, I included plants in my floor plans for my clients largely for aesthetic value-there was always a plant or tree out there that could fill in an odd space, or add balance to a room; place an up light underneath it, voila-sculpture!
Who knew plants could also genuinely, simply, dramatically and immediately improve the quality of your own personal air?
Photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide out of the air, and combines sunlight and water to provide energy for the plant to grow, releasing oxygen in the process.
Extra oxygen is good, but better is that the plant AND the microorganisms in the dirt also scrub the air of known carcinogens. NASA has been studying this for years, as a way to extended stays in space stations, but the science works just as well in our earthly digs.
B. C. Wolverton was the lead investigator in one 1989 NASA experiment where harmful gases were pumped into a sealed greenhouse. Over a 24 hour period, Gerber Daisies removed 35% of trichloroethylene (dry-cleaning, adhesives, varnishes), 50% of the formaldehyde (cigarette smoke, particle board, insulation and fire-retardant), and almost 68% of benzene (plastics, inks, dyes, 
detergents) particles from the air.
Gerber Daisies!! I don’t know if that is more startling info, or that this is known science for over 2 decades. His widely-acclaimed 1997 book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office at under 150 pages is an easy read, concise and helpful.
Don’t let the Latin names throw you: you’d recognize many of them by photos; Gerber Daisy, Chrysanthemums and the Peace Lily-3 of the most effective plants tested-are all sold in the floral dept of my local Stop and Shop. And you don’t have to live in a terrarium, either; experts say as few as 2 tabletop plants per 100 sf will do the job.
Brown thumb? Many species originate from the rain forest, and are used to low light, so are very well-suited to office and home application, where the natural light might not be so abundant.
Young kids or pets? The more exposed dirt, the better; but a fine mesh screen on top will discourage cats and toddlers from digging. One caveat: some plants are toxic if ingested, so pet owners or parents of small children need to do the research.
Mother Earth has taken some big hits lately, who knew it’d be so easy to give back?
Tags: easy decorating, green decorating, green home
Posted in Better Health/Better Life, Decorating, Enviornment, GTK | No Comments »
