July 2015 Newsletter

June 2015 Newsletter

 

Remembering our Heroes!

Remember Those Who have Given up so much for Our Freedom. And Remember Those who are still Giving up so much so We Can Stay Free!

California Lifestyle Realty Homes for February 28th

February 2015 Newsletter

Installing a Tile Countertop

Updating your kitchen’s countertop is a good way to give your kitchen a face lift and improve your home’s value. If you’re paying a contractor to do it for you, it can get pricey fast. Fortunately, there are a number of DIY options to fit your budget. In this article, you may not get a full step-by-step accounting of the process, but you’ll gain enough information to decide whether you want to tackle the project yourself or hire an expert.

Planning

You’ve probably heard the saying, “measure twice, cut once.” The planning stage is the most important part of a remodeling project. Measure your countertops, sinks and stove area carefully and jot down the numbers. To generate a layout, either sketch it by hand on graph paper, or use a computer program. Then, select a tile that works well with it.

Clearing and Prep Work

You’ll need to remove your stove, sink top and disposal or dishwasher to get started. If you’re overlaying an existing countertop, square off any rounded edges and use a palm or orbital sander with 50-grit paper to scuff the surface. If you’re replacing the entire counter, first lay down 3/4-inch plywood, and then bond a cement board to it with latex-fortified, thin-set mortar. The concrete board is impervious to water and will make your work last longer.

Check the Layout

Before you start slathering mortar onto your prepped surface, take the time to double check your layout. It’s best to work either from the counter edge in front of the sink back towards the back splash, or outward from a corner.

Lay the Tile

Mix small batches of mortar and work in 6- to 8-foot sections. Doing this will prevent your mortar from getting dry. You’ll also be able to evaluate your work as you go and make corrections where necessary. Don’t forget to account for grout lines, as your tiles won’t be directly butted up against each other.

Fit In Edge Pieces

Edge pieces can be heavier and may fall if not supported. You can either clamp 2x2 boards to the edge as a guide, or use tile shims and masking tape to hold them in place until the grout dries.

Tile the Back splash

Now that your countertop is done, it’s time to tile the back splash. Either line up the back splash tiles exactly with your countertop layout, or offset them by half a tile to give the job professional polish.

Finishing Your Work

Give the grout a few hours to set, and then use a chisel to clear up any oozing soft-set grout. It will be harder to remove once it’s fully set, so diligence pays off. If you’re using porous tile, allow the grout to set overnight, and then seal the surface with a sealant designed for your chosen type of tile. You’ll need to wait about an hour before applying grout to the spaces. Mix the grout to the consistency of toothpaste and use a grout float to work it into the spaces between tiles. Again, work in approximately 6-foot sections. Wipe down the surface as you finish each section to avoid the excess grout from hardening on top of your tile. Once you've finished, give your counters about three days to fully cure, and then seal the countertop again before reinstalling the sink and appliances. As you can see, tiling your countertop isn’t extremely difficult, but it is time consuming. But there is an easier way -- call me today and let's what other options available - like having it done professionally and heading to the links instead!!

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**all information provided by wingwire.

Liven Up Your Home Decor with Chevrons

Chevrons are a hot decor trend today, and for good reason. The zigzag stripes give the illusion of movement and make a bold statement. If you’re looking for some design inspiration, check out these great ways to use chevrons in your home.

Flooring

If you’re doing it all by hand, creating a chevron pattern with tile, laminate or wood flooring may require some creative math and precise cuts. For those who are mathematically challenged, there’s good news. Many home improvement stores sell prefab wall and floor tiles that come with the chevron pattern already created. The tiles are backed by a mesh sheet that helps them adhere to the grout and makes measuring easier.

Accent Walls

Unless done subtly, chevrons can quickly overwhelm a decor scheme. That’s where accent walls come in. You can use an accent wall to make a bold statement in your living room or bedroom, as well as tie together the colors you’ve used in the rest of your decor. For best results, use only two to five colors; too many shades can overwhelm the pattern quickly. If you use more than two shades, you may want to vary the stripe width a bit to give your eyes a place to rest and to better highlight the bolder shades you’ve used.

Bold Colors

Chevrons are a great way to highlight bold and bright colors, but they don’t have to be overwhelmingly vibrant. Use soft grays and pearly whites paired with metallic accents to add subtle modern sophistication to a room. Today’s neutrals move away from the classic black, white and khaki to a more naturally inspired palette. Try pairing a brighter shade with gentle, flowing blues or buttery yellows to tone down the more vibrant hue and create a softer look.

Window Treatments

You can buy readymade chevron window treatments, but if you’re looking for customization, you might want to try your hand at a do-it-yourself version. A little sailcloth, some painter’s tape, fabric medium and a can of paint are all you need to create custom drapes that look great and give you plenty of privacy.

Accessories

Chevron covered ottomans and throw pillows abound, but you can also breathe new life into old end tables or desks with a fresh coat of paint. Pick a main color and an accent color. Use the main color all over, but mark off the top with painter’s tape and use your accent shade to create a trendy new surface for your drinks or notebook to rest upon. You could also paint drawer fronts or doors in your accent shade to tie it in with the rest of the piece.

Make It Yours

Bold, beautiful results are possible with a little ingenuity when you incorporate chevrons into your home decor. Create subtle patterns with flooring and soft colors on your walls, or add in striking accents in vibrant colors. Have fun with this energetic and striking home design trend. Check out more Chevron ideas on Pinterest Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process. If you’re coming back to the desert this winter, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Also, follow me on Facebook!!

**information provided by wingwire

La Quinta Arts Festival ~ March 5 - 8th

 #1 Fine Art & Design Shows!!!

33rd La Quinta Arts Festival

March 5 to 8th, 2015 

78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, 92253

"THREE PEAT!!  La Quinta Arts Festival has done it again:  Ranked #1Fine Art Festival in the Nation by Art Fair SourceBook, the definitive guide for art and craft fairs in the U.S. This is the third straight year (2013, 2014, 2015) that LQAF's signature event has captured the most coveted title in the world of fine art festivals."  Read All About It. Produced by La Quinta Arts Foundation, in partnership with its Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta, La Quinta Arts Festival raises funds for the Foundation’s non-profit mission of Promoting & Cultivating the Arts. The 33rd Annual La Quinta Arts Festival returns to the visually stunning setting of La Quinta’s Civic Center Campus (78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta CA) in the greater Palm Springs area – Southern California’s preferred desert resort location. Produced by La Quinta Arts Foundation, in partnership with its Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta, La Quinta Arts Festival raises funds for the Foundation’s non-profit mission of Promoting & Cultivating the Arts.
Check out La Quinta Arts Foundation Facebook!!

January 2015 Newsletter

 

Home Makeover Planning Tips

There’s something about the start of a new year that inspires a fresh start. Many homeowners will choose to give their homes a facelift in 2015. Whether you’ve budgeted all year long or are planning a splurge with your tax return, it’s important to plan ahead when making major changes to your decor. Use these tips to make sure the transition to your home’s new look goes smoothly.

Determine Your Priorities

Are you just revamping or going for a major overhaul? Are you going to start with the living room, the kitchen or the master bath? Deciding what you want to do helps you set a budget and is the first step toward creating your makeover plan.

Measure Everything

Have you heard the saying, “measure twice, cut once”? There’s good reason for it. The last thing you want is a piece that won’t fit through your doorway. Measure the room’s dimensions and each door and window at its smallest point. While you’re at it, take the measurements of your existing furniture too. Those figures will come in handy for the next step.

Put it on Paper

Use the measurements you took to map out the room on graph paper. Use a second piece of paper to draw approximations of your current furniture pieces (drawn to the same scale) and cut them out. Now you can rearrange with minimal effort. While it won’t be quite the same as the real thing, you can get a good idea of how things will look without moving your giant entertainment center for the tenth time.

Create a Lookbook

Paint chips, fabric swatches, printed web pages and magazine photos should all go into your lookbook. Not only will it help you stick with a clear vision of the room’s intended purpose and ambiance, but you can take it with you to the home improvement store or furniture showroom for comparison. If you include your floor plan and mock-up furniture pieces, you’ll also have a better sense of scale when you’re considering specific pieces.

Make a Budget

A lot of people don’t like the word, but a realistic budget is your friend. Without it, even a simple makeover can venture into thousands of dollars or more. Allocating specific amounts to painting, window treatments, furniture and artwork gives you the freedom to choose where to spend your hard earned cash. Don’t think of it as being written in stone either. If you can cut corners and save a bundle in one area, you can reallocate funds for big ticket items in another category. Similarly, if you see a must-have couch or kitchen table that’s just a bit out of your price range, finding less expensive DIY options for window treatments may free up the needed funds.

Practice Makes Perfect

Planning ahead doesn’t lock you into rigid guidelines, but frees your time and resources to be spent in the way that best benefits you and makes your home look great. Once you’ve decided on the look you want, your budget, and the correct scale for new pieces, it’s much easier to make your selections. Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process. If you’re coming back to the desert this winter, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Also, follow me on Facebook!!

**information provided by wingwire

Are You a Desert Area Boomer?

Here’s C.A.R.’s “2014 Baby Boomer Survey”:

According to a recent survey the wealthiest generation is the Baby Boomers and the first to drive the housing market, baby boomers will continue to be a pillar of the housing market, according to a 2014 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) survey of California baby boomers* (born between 1946 and 1964):

• Nearly all homeowners (92%) have equity in their home, but 77% said they don’t plan to use the home equity for income during retirement.

• More than half of homeowner boomers (59%) don’t plan to sell their home when they retire, with 78% of them indicating they won’t sell because they like their current home.

• Out of the 10% of current homeowners who plan on selling their home when they retire, nearly half (47%) plan to downsize to a smaller home, and 44% plan to move out of California.

• Despite the recent economic recession, only one in four baby boomers had to postpone retirement.  On average, they plan to retire in nine years, with 67% saying they plan to retire within 10 years.

• Three in 10 baby boomers live with their children, with 2% saying they moved in with their children; 8% of them saying their children moved back in with them; and 21% saying their children never moved out.  The majority of those living with their children live with adult children mainly due to their children’s financial troubles.  Baby boomers pay for a majority of living expenses, with their children only contributing a median of $325 monthly for living expenses.

• Improved affordability would motivate boomer renters to buy a home, but 37% said they don’t want to buy.

• Less than half of boomer renters (47%) have debt that would prevent them from buying a home.

PPG Pittsburgh Paints' Color of the Year Blue Paisley

Blue Paisley as seen on Pinterest

Blue Paisley has been announced as the color of 2015 by Pittsburgh Paints. It is a bold blue with just a hint of green and has a bohemian look to it. It promises to liven up bland rooms and replace neutral tones with light and vibrancy. As with any bold color, the trick to making it work is knowing how and when to use it and what to pair it with.

The Color Palette

Because Blue Paisley is such a bold color, you’ll want to pair it with more subtle colors that won’t compete with it. Blue and yellow have always gone well together, but this time around choose a more golden yellow that allows the blue to stand out.

Let it be the only color in a room of neutrals. It works equally well with gray as with white. The cool tones can tone down the vibrancy of the blue while allowing it to take center stage.

Where to Use It

Blue Paisley is ideal as an accent wall opposite cream, gray or white walls. Add a touch of elegance by placing gold-framed artwork or mirrors on top of this vivid shade.

Use it in a bedroom behind a white fabric headboard to make both shades stand out. It also works well as a tablecloth against white fabric chairs. Pairing white and blue brings a freshness that can add energy without being too overwhelming to the eye.

This is a color that can work in any room. It adds a cool touch to a bedroom, livens up a living room, and creates a pleasant space in a kitchen or even the bathroom.

How to Use the Color

It fits in with almost any theme or design style. The bright hue has a global look that has very few limitations. The one rule to follow in most cases is to use it in small doses rather than making it a major player in any room.

Blue Paisley works equally well with silver or gold accent pieces. While it is most often thought of as a paint color for your walls, you might be surprised at how lovely it looks on a nightstand or end table. Look for fabric in this shade for pillows or drapes for a room. This is a fabulous idea for anyone who is a little afraid of committing to such a bold color choice for the long-term. Pillows, bed linens and curtains can be easily replaced without costing a fortune.

It has been a rough period in many aspects of people’s lives. From a tight economy to foreclosures and job losses, the last few years have been hard on a lot of people. Blue Paisley evokes a sense of positivity and hope – two emotions that people need for the future. This color inspires and encourages. Use it to brighten your home and put a smile on your face.

 Best Uses for the Boho Blue Color of 2015

Pretty overwhelming, right? Choosing the color scheme of your home doesn't have to be. I can help choose the colors, design, layout and furnishings to showcase your home in the best possible way.

Call 760-567-7282.

**article provided by Wingwire.

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How to Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home in the Desert

Perhaps you’re an art enthusiast and want to give your home an air of sophistication. Maybe you see art as a smart investment, but want to choose a piece that will look great with your decor. If you’re new to selecting art for your home, read through these tips to get an idea of what to look for and how to display it.

Familiarize Yourself with Good Art

Most people who consider purchasing art for their home aren’t necessarily aficionados. Get a feel for the type of art you enjoy. Attend local gallery viewings or art festivals and visit a few museums. You’ll get a feel for what appeals to you the most; whether it’s the interplay of light, specific lines and structures, or the juxtaposition of color. Great art doesn’t have to come from one of the masters. There are plenty of undiscovered artists with amazing talent.

Choose the Ambiance

Most art lovers will tell you that when a piece resonates with them, it tugs at their soul. “It speaks to me,” they may say, or “it draws me in.” Art is the expression of emotion in visual form. Each piece projects its own ambiance. It may speak of triumph over adversity, of joy and peace, or of warmth and friendship. Think of your chosen artwork as a type of welcome mat, and ask yourself what it would say to guests entering your home.

Mirror Your Space

Where will you hang your new painting or display your sculpture? Consider the available space for its placement. You’ll want to leave some white space for a visual rest, but fill enough of the space so the painting isn’t dwarfed by it. Mirror the size of your display space with that of the piece. A long, thin wall benefits from a painting of similar size, or a sculpture with similar proportions. Likewise, a short, wide space above your mantel is best filled with a painting that echoes those dimensions.

Plan Lighting Carefully

The lighting for your art display should subtly draw the eye toward it without being too obvious. Consult a lighting designer or ask the gallery assistant how best to display it. Be cautious about hanging pieces under glass in direct natural light. The glare can obscure the piece, marring its presence. Museum quality, non-reflective glass is pricey, but may be worth it to showcase your treasure.

Choose a Frame That Echoes Your Decor

Mix and match modern and traditional styles as you please. Even if a modern painting doesn’t look like it goes with your traditional style, the frame you choose creates a tie-in that helps the piece blend subtly and seamlessly with your decor. Look around the room for elements to recreate in the frame. Have you used a specific wood finish? Maybe there are bronzed or gold accent lamps scattered throughout your living room. Use details like these when selecting a frame to give your canvas a sense of unity with the rest of the room. When you choose the right piece of artwork for your home, it serves as a conversation piece as well as an expression of your individuality. Take the time to select a quality piece that appeals to you and creates the atmosphere you want portrayed in your home. Not sure what kind of art would work in your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options and what would be best each particular room.

Art around La Quinta:

La Quinta Arts Foundation featuring the #1 Fine Arts Festival in the Nation and Art Under the Umbrellas.

La Quinta Gallery of Find Art

Old Town Artisan Studio

There are also many other studios and galleries sprinkled around the Desert area. *Article provided by Wingwire.

Humana Challenge January 21 - 25, 2015

Humana Challenge 2015

You know it's time to get back to the Desert when the temperatures are below zero where you are and we're getting ready for the Humana Challenge here. Better get here soon - before you get frost bite or miss out on a great line-up of golfers!! There will be 156 Professional Players this year for the final Humana sponsored event. According to HumnaChallenge.com, "Pro-Am play for first 54 holes. Each of the 156 pros will play with a different amateur partner each day on different courses for three days. On Sunday, the low 70 professionals and ties will play the final round of the 72-hole PGA TOUR tournament at the Palmer Private at PGA WEST. Continued this year, the top three low net and low gross amateurs will play alongside the pros on Sunday to determine who the overall winners will be. The overall low net amateur and low gross amateur playing on Sunday will be awarded crystal as the 2015 Humana Challenge Amateur Champion after play on Sunday."

Click Here for the Tournament Schedule

Tournament Courses

Arnold Palmer Private at PGA WEST (Host Course)

Jack Nicklaus Private at PGA WEST

La Quinta Country Club

Be sure to follow the Humana Challenge on Facebook!

**Above information is from HumanaChallenge.com. Please visit their site for more information and details.

December Newsletter

Happy Holidays from Mary!

Creating Continuity with Color in La Quinta

New Listing at 80282 Merion, La Quinta –
New Colors throughout house!!

The increasing popularity of open floor plans in today’s homes presents some unique decorating challenges. How do you give each room an individual focus without its colors clashing with the decor in the rooms adjoining it? Use these tips to create a unified look in your home.

Ribbon of Color

Perhaps the easiest way to form a connection between the rooms of your home is to use a single color in varying amounts for each room. Most people choose a neutral color, but “neutral” has been redefined for the twenty-first century. Rather than being limited to shades of white, black and brown, neutral colors now run the gamut from pale, cloudy blues to warm, earthy grays.

• Here are a few methods you can use to incorporate a single color in your decorating scheme.

• Use your chosen hue to paint the trim in each room.

• Change it up a bit. You might use the same shade on the walls in one room, in furniture pieces in another, and in accessories like throw pillows or rugs elsewhere.

• If you do use a predominant color in one room, vary the textures to keep it visually interesting.

Perfect Trifecta

Colors work well in groups of three. If you remember the color wheel from your elementary school art days, you know that there are a variety of combinations to be achieved. Three hues that are next to each other form an analogous palette. Add a little more drama by switching an analogous color for one directly opposite your other choices; a split complimentary combo. Finally, a triad provides the highest contrast with color selections spaced equally apart in thirds on the color wheel. Just because you decide to stick to three colors doesn’t mean you have to paint every room the exact same shades. Experiment with the intensity of those shades. You might choose more vibrant values for a child’s playroom and more sophisticated hues for your living or dining area.

Additional Ideas

Now that you know how to choose colors that blend well together, try these suggestions to add personality to each room while maintaining your home’s flow.

• Lighting plays a big part in how a color looks on your walls. You can emphasize this effect by using a lighter shade in an area with more natural light and a slightly darker one in an artificially lit area; you can mitigate the effect by reversing those choices.

• Furniture should contrast your walls. If it doesn’t, use darker shades on walls and lighter ones for furniture, or vice versa. Remember, in a monochromatic color scheme, rich texture is a must to keep your decor from looking bland.

• If you want to display artworkor a cherished piece, contrast color or brightness to make it really pop.

Evoking a feeling of continuity in your home is easy once you understand the role that color plays. Experiment with pattern, texture and shade values to unify the rooms in your home. Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process. If you’re coming back to the desert this winter, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Contact me today!!

Follow me on Facebook!!

*article provided by Wingwire

It’s not too late for the 2014 CVRM Annual Toy Drive!

DID YOU KNOW? Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will provide over 5000 kids this Christmas with toys, and They NEED YOUR HELP!!

Please drop off your toy donations directly to the Mission in Indio and help those kids wishes come true! You can also deliver a toy to the California Desert Association of REALTORS® at 44475 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert!

OR many Donation Boxes are also located throughout the desert at multiple Coachella Valley businesses and organizations in support of CVRM’s Annual Toy Drive to benefit Coachella Valley children in need.

Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cvrmrescuemission or for more information, please contact Linda Garland at 760-347-3512 x221 or lgarland@cvrm.org/

‘tis the Season for giving!!

**Above information is from CVRM for informational purposes only.

Should You Sell Your House in the Desert During The Holidays?

Whether you’re live in the Desert year-round or just during the winter, you know we are now “In Season” in the Desert. That means more people are here in the Desert. So even if it’s the Holidays and there are many festivities; you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to sell your home!!

Time Out for Busy Schedules

For some, the holiday season is meant to relax, but for others, it means a tight schedule. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining through the first week of the year, it may be a good idea to hold off on selling your home. Likewise, if your home isn’t staged and prepped for an open house or buyer walkthrough, it’s okay to focus on family and place your sale on hold temporarily. However, there are some advantages if you do choose to keep your home on the market.

Less Competition

Plenty of other sellers have the same idea; taking their homes off the list during the holidays. They may believe that there’s less likelihood of a sale, or they may simply not want to juggle a home sale and a busy schedule. Either way, it works to your advantage. With fewer homes on the market, there’s less to distract potential buyers.

Serious Buyers

Because the holidays are a busy time, buyers looking for homes during this season are typically more motivated than average house hunters. New jobs or tax benefits are just a couple of the reasons that motivate serious purchasers to take time out of their holiday schedule to find a new home. You’ll have better luck if you keep times and contract terms (such as move-in/move-out schedules) flexible.

Holiday Appeal

Even the most scholarly buyer who has put in hours of research will ultimately reach a conclusion based on one thing: whether or not the home feels right. That isn’t to say that price and condition aren’t factors at all, but once those initial conditions have been met, it all comes down to how homey the house feels. Since your home is already decked out for the holidays, it looks and feels great. Warm lights, garland, pine cones and other seasonal decor recall happy memories. Simmer a pot of warm apple cider on the stove and offer some during an open house or buyer walkthrough. Throw in a peeled orange studded with cloves and a stick or two of cinnamon for a cozy Christmas scent that’s sure to delight the senses as well.

Holiday Selling Tips

Try these tips to make the best of your holiday house selling.

• Simplify. Christmas clutter is still clutter. Ask your real estate agent to look things over and recommend a more polished look both indoors and outside.

• Coordinate. Don’t use clashing colors to decorate. For instance, a cool blue living room will look much better with pale blue and white or gold globes or snowflakes than with bright red bows and tons of greenery.

• Highlight. Use decorations to bring attention to your home’s features; a Christmas candle or menorah in a bay window, or a sprig of mistletoe in a beautiful archway. Avoid obscuring French doors or paned windows with stick-on decals or spray snow.

Bottom Line

Depending on your family’s schedule, the holidays may or may not be the right time to sell your home. If you decide to remain on the market, take advantage of the season’s dedicated buyers and lowered competition to put your home at the forefront. If you’re still not sure, give me a call today!! I will show you how I will get the most Holiday exposure for your home! Need some help staging for the Holidays? I certainly can help you with that as well!!

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**Article provided by Wingwire.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

  As we express our gratitude, we must   never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy