A lovely May morning

Do I need say anything more?

Random Thoughts - May

Another edition of the thought that are rattling around in my head.

One of the things I have noticed in doing my staging is how many folks (including myself in my own home) don't see the clutter that surrounds them. It has driven me to keep clearing out my spaces...


Have you noticed just how many of your friends and family are creating something clever? Crafting, knitting, painting - almost everyone I know has some hidden (or not so hidden - thanks etsy) talent.

How crazy is that Philadelphia woman who faked a kidnapping? Not the best laid plan, eh?

Speaking of Philadelphia - have you tried the pretzels at the Philly Soft Pretzel stores - they are very good and for a WW snack - 3 points. Great deal...and not a street purchase!

I never realized how many friends have birthdays in May. Thanks to Facebook, I have discovered about 10 new May birthdays.

Twitter wants to start a TV show? Why ruin something that is fun and basic? It really is all about the almighty dollar, isn't it?

It's good to hear about how many of the folks who got screwed by the life sucking corporation got laid off when I did are getting jobs. Maybe the economy is improving.

What's on your mind this week? Let me know!

A Wonderful Weekend

This weekend has started out great and is shaping up to be just wonderful. Let's see.....

We have dinner out with the darling hubby, our son's 17th birthday, a big BBQ to celebrate that birthday, recovery time (lol), a baseball game to attend, and the WORLD CHAMPION Phillies playing the stinkin' Yankees.

So baseball, birthdays, BBQ and booze! Alteration! and fun!

I don't know how you all feel about baseball, but I just love it. Many years ago (1993 - wow), I had season tickets to the Phillies. That year they went to the World Series and Mitch Williams broke my heart. I have since forgiven him, but held that grudge for about 10 years! Yes, I would leave my son with a sitter on occasion so I could attend one of the 42 games I was legally obliged to attend. And I would sit in the Vet and yell like a banshee, and drink beer (I'm not sure why I drank beer - I don't like it). It was such a fun time.

But once the adorable son grew it wasn't as easy ( or affordable) to attend, so I gave up the tickets. And we moved up here to Central Jersey - which seems to be Yankees town...WTF? All over the radio, in the sports stores - it's Jeter and Mariano and A-Tool (oops - A-Rod). And I had to hear for many years about them being champions - BUT NOT NOW. So I will really be enjoying this weekend series and the launching pad that is the new, overpriced, almost empty Yankee stadium.

P.S. Did I mention we won last night? With many homers? You know, the WORLD CHAMPION Phillies?

Today, a big BBQ with my hubby's great ribs, some chicken burgers, some sangria and lots of family (and hopefully a few friends) to celebrate our baby boy's 17th birthday.

And guess what? He loves baseball too! So, on Monday we are going to the first of our six game plan for this season. How exciting is that?

It's so nice to share things you love with your children, isn't it.

Even if you are a PHanatic. Not that I am.

Here's a little bonus for you.

And this past week our WORLD CHAMPION Phillies visited our President. Here are some excerpts from the visit... (courtsey of the Hill's Blog)

"Obama made a few special shout-outs to the players during his remarks. He singled out center fielder Shane Victorino, a fellow Hawaiian, and said that Rollins and first baseman Ryan Howard, both former Most Valuable Players, were good role models for African American kids.

The president also recognized two sadder events surrounding the Phillies championship season. Obama opened his remarks by noting that the team had to postpone their originally scheduled White House visit to mourn the death of longtime broadcaster Harry Kalas on April 13.
Obama also shared a personal moment with Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, whose mother died during the postseason last year. "I know how tough that is. I lost my grandmother in the middle of my election. And, Charlie, I admired your perseverance during those trying times. I know how hard that must have been on you," Obama said."

Photo of Obama/Phillies by Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times

18 Years and counting

I cannot believe it has been 18 years since my Mom passed away.

I still miss her every day. Most of the past 18 Mays have been filled with mainly sadness as I recall the last month of her life. This May and particularly yesterday were different.

Yesterday, she was my first thought in the morning and my last thought before falling asleep. Not just because it was the anniversary, but also because of how the day unfolded. It was a day where everything went the right way.

I went to a WW meeting - and lost weight.

I went with a friend to hit golf balls and every swing felt good.

I got home and had three phone messages - all of them positive for the business.

I went to Sam's to pick up party supplies - someone call with a job opportunity. (plus Sam's had everything I needed!)

My husband came home and told me his day was filled with positive affirmations - and a new leadership opportunity.

I know that my Mom was watching out for me yesterday. She gave me a day filled with sunshine, happiness and the promise of things to come. I feel my Mom's presence in my life a lot of the time.

But no more than yesterday, on her anniversary.

I love you Mom. Thanks for still being with me.

The Staging Day Video

Well, it was very successful and here is the video of the recently completed staging. Would love everyone's feedback!

Enjoy...

Current Staging Project - it's all perspective.

Well, it took a couple of extra days, but I wanted to share with you the current Staging project I am working on.

It is a cute three bedroom home for sale in a town not too far south of here. It has not been on the market too long, but the family has a definite style that needs to be toned down. So far, I had them paint the master bedroom and remove/store a whole bunch of furniture. I have also started to work with them on cleaning out the tchoktkes, organizing the closets and de-cluttering in general.

The house has really good bones and would make a good starter home. There will be an Open House this Sunday, so we will be up there this Saturday to do the final staging, take new pictures and leave instructions so they can follow up if needed.

This family has been great to work with as they really are eager to get the house sold and understand the importance of staging.

That's all you can ask for, a homeowner who is motivated, willing to help and understands why this is being done. I know that the hardest part is listening to someone (me) who does not really know you - tell you all the things about your home that need to be changed. But you have to realize that you are now selling this house and it is no longer your home.

You want it to be someone else's home - so you can move forward as well.

It's all about perspective.

Yard Sale Saturday Finds

Here are the yard sale finds this weekend:


First we have a set of crystal and silver color smaller lamps. They did not have shades but I can then use them wherever I need. This would be great on a smaller buffet, a nightstand or even on bookshelves.

Then, I found this set of three hand painted bottles. The home that I am staging now has a great fruit motif in the kitchen and these will be a good finishing touch on the counter. I like working in groups of three where possible, so this was a great find. Just $3.00 total!

So, how did you do this weekend - any good finds? Let me know. I'll be back tomorrow with an update on the staging project.

Too Funny!

I can only hope my son is this wonderful!