Lifestylist® Blog

KidFilm Salutes Author and Illustrator Peter Brown

2012-01-22T06:56:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that this is the 28th year that the USA Film Festival has been holding it's KidFilm festival.The largest children's film and video festival in the US hosts bus loads of school kids from local schools and teaches them about film making and important social topics that are covered in the films. Then there is a weekend of programming that is open to the public where special guests come in and share their crafts with the audience.
This year Peter Brown - celebrated author and illustrator of books that appeal to the kid in all of us attended. Not only did he introduce 2 films that were made of his books,but he also gave everyone in the audience a copy of "You Will Be My Friend". We all read the book together, then Peter autographed them for the kids. As a Family Lifestylist®, it is always so rewarding to be a part of opportunities like this where families can enjoy quality programming and we can all learn together.

Having the opportunity to volunteer at amazing events such as this are the reason I love being on the board for The USA Film Festival. It's a group I've been involved with for years, and seeing families being able to enjoy quality events like this one make it very rewarding.
If you live in the Dallas area you should look into becoming a member of this amazing organization. They have special screenings many with guests in attendance all year long, and being a member gives you the chance to get tickets to many of these sold out events before the general public. For more information give them a call at: 214-821-3456.

The Gnome Knows

2012-01-11T14:34:00.001-08:00

Let 2012 begin! It's looking like a very busy year for this Lifestylist® - I'm already working on trips to Michigan, New York, Las Vegas and Florida. All of these are to work with clients, and I'm always very frugal as to where I stay when I'm on the road.
The first destination for me when I'm trying to get my travel reservations in order is Travelocity. This has been such a great time saver for me, and I've discovered really cool hotels I never would have known (or Gnome) about without their help. I was fortunate enough to spend some quality time with that cute little guy sporting the pointy red at the past few years at Savor Dallas, and he shared some great tips with me.
One of the best ways to save is to book everything together on their site. Not only can it save you money, it's easier to keep up with to have your reservations all in one place.
Thanks to their help, I discovered what I consider the best travel deal I've ever found. I needed a last minute room in the Tampa Bay area so I looked on Travelocity to see what I could find, and there it was - The Postcard Inn. Right on the beach, cool and funky, and amazing restaurant, Snack Shack and bar right on site, and under $75.00 a night! I liked it so much my daughter and grandkids joined me there to celebrate my birthday.
The next time you are thinking about heading out of town and experience something different, try Travelocity and trust their suggestions. Hopefully you'll be able to find your own Postcard Inn to enjoy.

What's Mine is Not Yours - Intellectual Property

2012-01-08T08:38:00.001-08:00

Seth Godin is my guru. He is so no nonsense but funny at times, intellectual but down to earth, and what I really love about him is that he can get a point across faster than anyone else I know. His Purple Cow book started me on a new road to being more involved in marketing and social media so I'm forever grateful. When I worked on the Purple Cow House Campaign with Patriot Homes I made sure to get permission from Mr. Godin, and we credited him for the phrase (and gave out his Purple Cow Book).

Today I got a great post from him titled "Simple Thoughts About Fair Use". So timely, and as always so well written. In this new blogging, social world I'm always stunned to see how many people are using other people's photography, ads, brands, and stories without permission. This article is a must read for anyone who is even thinking about posting on Facebook, Twitter, or a blog and using someones text or images.

I'm fortunate enough to have access to a very talented photographer - Lisa Stewart of Lisa Stewart Photography. The images you see in my blogs, on my Lifestylist Design Facebook page and on my website have been shot specifically for my use. I do that so I'm not using other people's work and having copyright infringements.

Lifestylist® is a term that I successfully trademarked in 2002 - my registration number is 2583235. I'm very proud of this because I thought I had a good idea and made the extra effort do "do the right thing" and spend the time, effort, and money to trademark it. You would be amazed at how much time I've had to spend since them protecting my mark because people haven't bothered to do their homework and see that it's trademarked before they use it in their own businesses.

Before you decide that you have discovered the next great phrase, or "borrow" a photo from someone else be sure to read Seth's post. Wondering where to learn more about these topics? The US Patent and Trademark Office has a great site, and it is also where you can search trademark registrations and applications.

Lifestylist® Goals: Objections vs. Opportunities

2012-01-05T04:20:00.001-08:00

Making goals and resolutions with the start of a new year is such a cliche in some ways , but if it makes people want to better themselves I don't see them as a bad thing.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to have dinner with the very dynamic Geri Higgins - CEO and President of Portfolio Kitchen and Home in Kansas City. Her beautiful new flagship store is a destination, and she is a wonderful role model for business owners everywhere.
One of the things I love about Geri is her attitude. She is always positive and motivating, and having the chance to share my ideas and dreams with her about my business got me even more excited about the opportunities I have in front of me. Geri never looks at things as problems or comes up with 100 objections as to why something won't work, she sees these as opportunities and actually gets excited about what can be accomplished and comes up with a plan to make things happen.
As a Lifestylist® I deal with a very diverse group of clients - both companies and individuals. When teams or management have objections to every new idea or opportunity no good changes will ever happen. But if they are opening to looking at issues as an opportunity and seeing how they can become a growth area, then you have a company or individual that will succeed and flourish.
So I have a new Lifestylist® goal: instead of looking for excuses and objections as to why I can't find the time to exercise, or get my office organized I'm going to take Geri's lead and tackle things head on. I really did start on my office and unearthed this photo of myself mountain climbing in Tucson. I arrived at the top and sunset and it was spectacular. Climbing straight up a mountain on the end of a rope was one of the most frightening but exciting things I've ever done - I just had to stop thinking about all of the reasons I couldn't do it and get out there and give it a try.

Here's to a new year filled with opportunities!

Social Media Lifestylist® Guidelines for 2012

2012-01-01T02:00:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from the Lifestylist® family! I'm really excited about 2012, and the opportunities that come with it.
A lot of being a Lifestylist® is about being a trend tracker and doing research. Today I read something that was written by someone else titled "Social Media Lifestylist Guidelines for 2012" - boy does that sound dull! The first thing that comes to mind is a big dusty manual full of rules and regulations, and that is exactly what social media (and being a Lifestylist®) is not about.
The tag line I have always used for my Lifestylist® brand is "It's All About You". I didn't want the brand to be about me telling people what to do - I wanted to listen to people's wants, needs, and dreams, and help them achieve those even when they didn't know that's what they were really searching for. I don't want to dictate, I want to educate. I've learned that listening is so much more important than anything I will ever have to say, because sometimes if you let people express their thoughts they will find their answers.
Social media is such an exciting new frontier because it gives everyone the chance to tell their story to the universe. It's become a great equalizer because almost anyone on any budget can get access to a computer and a free site and share their thoughts.
There's a down side to this though as well -there's not as much editing as we've seen in the past. We have to learn that even though someone may have written it, there is the possibility it might not be true. Before we share or depend on information we find we have to be sure and check the facts. As the guardian of the Lifestylist® trademark for almost 10 years now I've seen how many people want to tie into my brand but aren't willing to go through the legal process to acquire a brand of their own.
So what are the real Lifestylist's guidelines for 2012? Never call them guidelines, live your life to the fullest, listen to those around you and you can never laugh too much or have too much great food and wine!
Here's to a boisterous 2012!

Happy Holidays From The Lifestylist®

2011-12-25T19:46:00.001-08:00

Timeless Design: Patriot Homes 2002

2011-12-04T12:46:00.001-08:00

As a Lifestylist® I always say that design should be more about lifestyles than trends. Trendy design details and decors tend to cycle out quickly and leave the owner with a home that looks and feels dated.
In 2002 I was hired to be the Lifestylist® for Patriot Homes - an amazing factory built housing company based in Elkhart, Indiana. I had worked on factory built homes in the past, but never at this scale. This is one of the first homes that I LifeStyled for them -it was at The Louisville show for their EnergyMate division. Jumping ahead 10 years, I'd be happy to show or live in this home again - it was well designed, the floorplan was open and perfect for entertaining, and the island was larger than anything else being shown at that time.
Be sure to notice the pendant lighting. I know we were one of the first to show them and we were ahead of our. All of our lighting was part of a partnership I initiated with Home Depot.
When you look at this home, it doesn't look like a factory built home, or a modular home - it just looks and feels like a well designed home no matter how it got to the site. Who knew even 10 years ago we were designing the future of housing construction? Factory built homes are definitely here to stay.

Lifestylist® Breakfast Biscuits

2011-12-03T09:24:00.001-08:00

Anyone who reads this blog knows this Lifestylist® is not keen on mixes, but I'm going to make an exception with this recipe.
Breakfast is a hard meal for me, and I know that my daughter has a tough time getting something healthy into my grandkids before they all head out to school. This is the LifestylistFood® version of a recipe I found on Pinterest, and I'm crazy about it! It's easy enough that the kids can make them themselves. By adding the ham and cheese you get some nutrients that can hold you over until lunch, and these are so moist you don't need butter or anything else on them. Be sure not to substitute something else for the buttermilk - it gives these the moistness and kick that makes these so special.
Breakfast Biscuits
Ingredients:
1/4 cup lean ham, sliced and chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups Bisquick®
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Put all ingredients into a bowl and stir just until combined. Scoop into buttered muffin tins, and bake 15-18 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.

On The Record With The Lifestylist®

2011-11-27T17:55:00.001-08:00

One of the questions I get asked the most is how I ever decided to become a Lifestylist®, and where did I get my training.
I've been called a storyteller many times and it's an accurate assessment - I use my talents and materials to tell a story in a home. Hopefully this story explains to the potential homeowner why their lives would be better by living in this home, and what they can expect from the community, the builder, and from the experience. To tell the story, I collect thousands of items - old and new - that I incorporate into my LifeStyled homes.
This weekend I decided it was time to go through some of the things I've collected, and it's been quite a trip down memory lane. I discovered a trunk I forgot about that had family photos from the early 1900's that gave me a glimpse into my family history I hadn't been aware of. Through this discovery I'm finding I come from a very artistic family full of risk takers. This ostrich photo with my great aunt will now always be one of my favorites.
It seems I've been in the media longer than I remembered for my decorating skills. My mother and both grandmothers were very talented in the design fields, and I was lucky enough to be nurtured and inspired by them. This article from 1969 shows me as a 13 yr old showing off some of my skills with my mother and sisters. Apparently I also had my own booth at the church bazaar selling paper flowers and copper enameled jewelry that I made. What's funny is that after seeing this, I may have to try this again - it's really a fun idea!
I'm honored to be a Lifestylist®, and I love having the opportunity to help others find their passions in life. This holiday season remember what makes you happy, and share that passion with your friends and family - you might even find a new career by doing it!

The Lifestylist® Companies Support Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T20:02:00.001-08:00

We are so proud to be involved in the home building business, and many of our customers are small privately owned companies that build homes for local families.
All of our Lifestylist® companies are built around the idea that if we buy from local companies and support our local businesses we help them to become homeowners and live the all American dream of owning a home of your own.We loved the 8 years that we were the Lifestylist® for Patriot Homes - we always did at least one Patriotic themed model home, and I think they were my favorites.
I'd like to say that I'm an example of dreams coming true - I married early, never finished college but here I am owning my own business and being able to help others.
If you are looking for a Lifestylist® to help merchandise and add Lifestyle to your homes, please contact us at: answers@lifestylist.com, or take a look at our website at: www.lifestylist.com
Let's all support locally owned businesses and bring jobs back to America!

Being Thankful

2011-11-24T20:46:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday is about food and family, but even more than that I like to use it to remind me how thankful I am for what I have, and for those around me.

For over 25 years my parents were very active doing disaster relief with The Salvation Army, and even raised the money for a state of the art canteen for the Tyler Texas location. Whenever there was a disaster or need and my parents got a call they dropped everything and hit the road. One of the most memorable phone calls I ever received was when Hurricane Katrina hit and my parents answered the call. They called me when they were outside the Super Dome not having a clue what was going on inside. For six weeks they were in the French Quarter feeding the volunteers - my Dad always joked he always wanted to have a restaurant in the French Quarter and he finally got his wish!

Whenever this Lifestylist® could I joined them on the road helping my Mom cook up to 2,000 hot meals a day and seeing first hand what mother nature can dish out. People were so sweet and hospitable, even though many had lost everything that they had. It was always hard to leave - I wanted to stay there and help rebuild.

This year I have been blessed to be involved with three amazing organizations - Shared Housing, Genesis Women's Shelter and HomeAid/Homebuilders Care. I am always so drawn to the kids - many of them have seen things we can't even imagine, but they always have the best manners, always say please, thank-you and give the best hugs :)

It's harder than ever to make a living, but even if you can't make a donation to a worthwhile charity think about donating your time -you'll be very thankful that you did.

Fall Arrives at The Home Idea Factory

2011-11-15T01:27:00.001-08:00

It's been a busy year, and this Lifestylist® has spent quite a bit of time traveling to visit clients and homeowners. Because of that I haven't spent as much time at The Home Idea Factory, but today I got to make up for that and experience again why I love living and working here.
Visiting The Workroom yesterday really got me inspired and I looked at what was around me with different eyes. Things I would have thrown away are now going to be recycled - just wait until you see what I am planning on doing with the two birds nests I found!

It may be Fall and we are almost to the middle of November, but things are still blooming. Daisy - my rescue dog helped me explore - take a look at some of the special finds we made today.

The Workroom Comes to Dallas

2011-11-13T09:01:00.001-08:00

I feel so fortunate to have so many interesting creative people in my life. Developing the Lifestylist® brand has opened a lot of doors to me, and it's always exciting to see what new ideas they come up with that I can then share with my readers.

Nick Troilo is known as someone with great taste that can throw a heck of a party. His artwork is seen in some of the best homes and restaurants in Dallas, and his personal home has been published in various publications.

If you haven't had the chance to be invited to one of his soirees this is your big chance - Nick is opening The Workroom in the emerging West Dallas area so everyone can take a look at some of the amazing items he has collected over the years while you enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio or shop for the perfect hostess gift.

The Workroom started out as a floral design studio but has expanded to include gifts and accessories for the home as well as an art gallery. The space hasn't officially opened yet, but Nick is opening his doors by appointment and can be reached at: nicktroilo@theworkroomdallas.com or at 214-663-0857. He'll also be posting on Twitter when he is hosting special events @workroomDallas. The store is already full of his carefully curated collection including full sized turkeys, Santas from Russia and antique vases just waiting to be filled with fresh flowers.

Many of the items in the store are one of a kind so hurry in before your favorite is gone.

Bunkbeds Add Style And Storage To Childrens Rooms

2011-11-07T00:24:00.001-08:00

As a Lifestylist®, I spend a lot of time researching and reading about current home trends. The current trend in kid's room styling is minimalism and individual flair. For families with multiple children, space saving is an important element in room design. Bunk beds for kids fit in with today's minimalist trend and also provide practical, space-savings for families.
Bunkbeds can add flair to a child’s room using unusual bunk bed themes. Themes such as castles, race cars, trees or playground equipment bring a sense of individuality to the room. However, this can get a bit complicated if the kids sharing the room are not the same gender. I won't even pretend to know how to handle that situation!
My favorite Jr Lifestylist Jenna has had a bunkbed in her room since she was 4, and it has been the prefect solution for giving her lots of storage and having a space where her friends can sleep when they stay over. The bookcase that is tucked underneath has helped encourage her love of reading. Jenna has always loved pink, but now is trending towards blues and browns. Because her bunkbed is in a neutral wood finish, it's easy to change out her room as her tastes change.
Consider a trendy color theme. Current color trends steer away from the classic styling of blues for boys and pinks for girls. Color pallets that mimic nature, or include unusual colors such as black, gray and tan are now the trend. If you have a bit more to spend, consider using chalk board paint, kids go bonkers over this.
Minimize the amount of clutter in the room. Shelves and storage space should be attached to the wall, leaving an open floor space to play in. If you really want to take things to the next level, directly attach a bunk bed to the wall with no floor supports whatsoever, giving it the illusion that it is floating above the rest of the room (this can be quite pricey).
The current trends for bedrooms are exciting, the cluttered days of 100's of stuffed animals and blinding colors are over. Give your kid's bedroom a modern make over, they will thank you for it!

Thermador and Sur La Table - a Perfect Pairing

2011-11-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that this Lifestylist® made it through another year of The State Fair of Texas cooking contests! I am thrilled with the ribbons I won, and even though I missed a few of the contests I usually enter so I could take part in the Thermador Design Council, the information I received (as well as being pampered and having a chef cook almost every meal for us) was better than any ribbon.
When I'm thinking about what I want to enter and I'm looking for those special tools, Sur La Table is always my first stop. After I bought a digital candy thermometer there I started winning in the candy contests and now I can't imagine life without it. I also know they will always have the perfect pan, cruet, or sea salt to make my entries stand out.
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to get to photograph an event at the Dallas Sur La Table that was a book signing with Martha Stewart! For three hours I had a chance to see this icon in person, and for the record she could not have been more gracious. The Sur La Table team made the event go seamlessly, and everyone had a wonderful time.
When I was at the Thermador Culinary Center last week I heard great news - Sur La Table is now featuring Thermador appliances in many of their kitchens! Now you have the opportunity to take some of their cooking classes and be able to try out the steam oven and many of the other innovations that Thermador offers.
Thermador and Sur la Table - I can't think of a better pairing!

Tricks and Treats From The Lifestylist®

2011-10-31T13:56:00.001-07:00

Even though it's been a very busy month, we made a point of catching up with one of our favorite Jr. Lifestylist's to see what he was doing for his annual Halloween party.

Sam Davis' parties are legendary, and this year was no exception. With over 75 kids attending this year's bash we wanted to create fun, themed treats that he could serve outdoors. Take a look at what we came up with - Witch Hats and Krispy Pumpkin Treats.

We also worked on some tabletop ideas for the Fall holiday season that were inexpensive but would put our guests (and ourselves!) in the mood. The Lifestylist® Designed homes for SE Homes of Texas were full of ideas that visitors could do in their own homes.

While we were on the road we discovered the Great Pumpkin Patch in Clarence Center, NY - if this doesn't get you in the mood nothing will!

Have a wonderful Halloween and be sure to "like" our videos on our Lifestylist® YouTube Channel.

Multitasking

2011-10-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

Being a Lifestylist® isn't as easy as it looks. Especially with all of the regulations they make when you fly now, it's become harder to look pulled together and actually look like a Lifestylist® when you can only have two carry-ons and they are charging you for checked luggage. Because of what I do, I have to travel with my laptop, ipad, iphone, jewelry, cameras, flashes, etc. with me on-board, so I'm always looking for ways to cut back on what I need to bring with me on the road. Daryn DeZengotia is the brains and beauty behind Scatter-Brain - a resource that is devoted to the struggle AGAINST work/life balance. She really knows her stuff, and is funny as well! Be sure to check out her Facebook page and "like" it so you can get her great tips directly. Daryn was one of the top selling consultants at Avon, and she knows how tough it is to keep yourself pulled together 24 hrs. a day. She's been helping me find some great information to share here, and just told me about a great article on Oprah.com about 13 of The Best Beauty Multitaskers. These look like great solutions that will let me cut down on what I carry, and many are well priced as well. I'm going to try some of them - let us know if you do as well and which are your favorites.

It's a Great Day for a Fair!

2011-10-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those perfect days to visit the great State Fair of Texas. It's something we look forward to every year - we even get season passes!

I've been entering the cooking contests for over 5 years now, and I'm proud to say I've gotten my share of blue ribbons. It has been so busy around here I haven't had a chance to enter yet, but I think there are some categories that are calling my name. Last year I won in the Tricks with Mix Category, and I'm thinking I may have to see if I can get Best of Show this year. Be sure to check out some of our award winning (and not award winning) entries on our Fair Foodies site.

Feeling Fabulous after 50

2011-10-10T15:51:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that I used to look like this, but I wouldn't go back to those days for anything. I'm open to meeting in the middle though, and a lot of what's important is not necessarily looking good but feeling good. Even if you look amazing but don't feel that way, what's the point?
I'm fortunate enough to have the resources to find people who can help me achieve my goals, and I'm going to start working with a very special individual that there isn't a set category for. Dr. Larkin Page has made a name for himself in the Miss America network by training quite a few of the girls who have been Top 10. He understands that beauty comes from within, and I'm looking forward to his help. Don't worry, there are no pageants in this Lifestylist's future, I'm just looking forward to feeling like a winner :)

Lifestylist® Beauty is all about feeling beautiful inside and out, and we'll be sharing our journey there - join us!

LifeStyled Finds at the Ronald's House Sale

2011-10-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places to find unique items worthy of being in a Lifestylist® Collection every year is the Ronald's House sale in Rochester, NY. This year the sale will be held Oct. 13-15, and it promises to be one of the best years yet!
Take a look at a video we produced showing some of the amazing finds in the past. There are old books and cameras in the video that we used in a very special home a few years ago that was built by @home Builders. This Lifestylist® was asked to completely furnish and LifeStyle a home using items that had been donated to the sale and create a Homearama House for the home tour. All of the merchandise was then auctioned off, and @home Builders was able to raise over $25,000 for Ronald's House!
If you are looking for a special vintage cookbook, amazing glass, a Victrola or anything in-between, you need to check out this sale. All proceeds go to fund The Ronald MacDonald House in Rochester, NY

Dear Steve Jobs: Thanks for the iMemories

2011-10-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

I started writing this when I heard Steve Jobs was retiring from Apple, and now after I heard of his passing I thought it was time to share it. Rest in Peace Mr. Jobs - you've made the world a better, unforgettable place.
Dear Mr. Jobs,
Thanks to you, I have memories that wouldn't have been possible without your vision, drive, and ability to see the world like no one else could. Because of you, the consumer got a voice in the crazy world of computers and electronics, and you also gave us a company that would listen to that voice. We stopped being looked at as consumers that were a hindrance and not smart enough to understand code, but parents who want to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren. By creating the Apple Stores I know I am never alone, and there will always be someone there to guide me through the technology tunnel. Questions become solutions with a "genius" by my side. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and not only have I found answers, I've also found life long friends.
Vacation photos became more than a stack of photos - you allowed us to make beautifully presented books that chronicled our dreams, wishes and aspirations. Because of your vision a dummy like me was able to put together videos using iMovie about a new animal rescue group that stirred the heart and soul, and made people understand what Animal Rescue Corps was all about. Because of you, 1,000s of animals have now been saved. I've been able to watch my grandchildren grow up on my iPad using FaceTime, and have been able to experience their first time to roll over, steal home base and fall in love. it seems if there is ever something you need, "There's and App For That".
You have not only changed the world, you have made it a better place to be. Your passion and vision has changed all of us, and I thank you. You will be missed, and never forgotten.

Lifestylist® Designed Collections to Debut at the Sunbelt Builders Show

2011-10-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

It has been a really busy summer, and we've been working hard on some really innovative products that we are almost ready to share with you.
Lifestylist® Design has teamed up with three great companies - The Red Baron Companies, Basic Components Inc. and Syntec Industries to put together some curated collections worthy of the Lifestylist® Designed name. These are products that will make your life easier to live with style, are very well priced, and just make sense.
The Red Baron Architectural will be exhibiting at The Sunbelt Builders Show, and we will have some products there to show you that I think you are going to love. Please stop by Booth 1219 and say hello - anyone who mentions that they found out about about us through this page and "liked" us on our Facebook page will get a special thank-you gift!

Southern Energy Homes of Texas Debuts New Homes

2011-09-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

SEhomes of Texas opened their Fall Home Show today, and the response from retailers and landlease community owners has been fantastic. Five Lifestylist® Designed homes are being featured, each with it's own theme. The Opening Day party had a hunting theme, and guests had a wonderful time playing washers and feasting on barbeque that was cooked in a smoker resembling a gun.
These well designed homes have the features consumers are looking for including master baths with separate showers, large gourmet kitchens, split master suite plans and one home even has a media room with a refreshment area.

To get more information on the homes, contact Sales Manager Ryan Blackburn at: ryan.blackburn@sehomes.com

Summer Savings

2011-08-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

One sure sign that summer is almost over is the sales of colorful, outdoor inspired items at the stores. A lot of the department stores start clearing this merchandise our right after the 4th of July to make room for school items, but the home decor stores tend to wait until Labor Day weekend.
One of our Lifestylist® inspired blogs is Dollar Store Decors - items that cost less than a latte. I was out shopping for the 5 new model homes we have to install mid-September, and I was amazed how many cool things that fit this criteria that were giveaway deals, and I also found some great items that I'm going to use to display my "pick-ups" from my summer travels.
World Market was full of treasures today -up to 90% off! I found this great chair and two others that were marked down to $9.95 - 90% off. They had two great outdoor dining tables that were at the same savings, but I tend to collect tables and I know I didn't have room for them. But the chairs had such great style, I know I'll be able to re-purpose them in a living room, or use them as seating in a guest room. I'm tempted to paint them with a metallic paint or possibly a turquoise color, have cushions made and really make them special - at under $10.00 I don't have much to lose.
The painted table was a find at Hobby Lobby where I was able to find two matching ones at 80% off. I loved the colors and character they had, and I'm thinking about stacking them and using them as a display piece. What do you think?
I'm also collecting glassware and baskets that I can use to display my pick up pieces - I love picking up found items when I travel as a memento instead of buying a T-Shirt or shot glass. I'll share how to make picture frames and other ideas with these later, but I've got to get back to my model home shopping and taking advantage of these sales - I'll let you know what else I find soon!

Lush Cosmetics Fights Animal Cruelty Beautifully

2011-08-23T12:14:00.001-07:00

One of this Lifestylist's favorite beauty stores is Lush Cosmetics. I discovered them years ago in England and Canada, and I'm thrilled they now have a store in NorthPark Center here in Dallas. They specialize in natural products, including Henna which is the secret of how I stay a natural redhead ;)
They are wonderful about bringing animal cruelty to light and promoting sustainable environmental practices and the humane treatment of animals. This summer they have been focusing on Shark Finning, and have partnered with Shark Savers to protect sharks from extinction.
To support this cause they have produced "Shark Fin Soap" - a refreshing blend of lime, lavender and seaweed. Stop in to your local Lush store and buy this great way to cool down this summer and support a great cause. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shark Savers.

Ashley Furniture HomeStores Launches "Who's Ready for REAL Furniture" Contest

2011-08-21T23:54:00.001-07:00

As a Lifestylist®, helping others enhance their life and style is what I love doing. Because of this everyone thinks I must live in a glamorous, well designed home, but I have a little secret to share with you. My motto is "your Life, Your Style, Your Way" and that applies to me as well as the people I help, but I have been told that this chair is hurting my reputation.
I bought it a long time ago and it was expensive (and is not from Ashley). I was told it was leather, but after the finish started peeling off I found that wasn't the case. But it does have heated cushions and a massage element in it, as well as that fancy phone so I never had to get up. I tried buying a slip cover for it, but nothing could hide its sad condition. It's still "functional" but it may be time for it to go.
If you have your own furniture that may be past it's prime this is the contest for you! Ashley Furniture is having a "Who's ready for REAL furniture? contest, and the winner can receive a grand prize of a $3,500 shopping spree, and two lucky runner ups will receive a $500 gift certificate.
I hope you don't have a recliner or a room full of furniture past it's prime, but if you do, go to the Ashley Home Store Facebook page and enter. The contest runs through September 9th, and while you are waiting to see if you won be sure to check out the great news designs available at your local Ashley HomeStore.

Portfolio Kitchen and Home Opens Flagship Store in Kansas City

2011-08-17T13:48:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Thermador and Geri Higgins for the opening of the Portfolio Flagship store in Kansas City. There will be a functioning Thermador Culinary Studio in the store and Thermador's executive chef Brad Peterson will be conducting cooking classes and demonstrations during the opening.
Geri is on the Thermador National Design Council with Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber, and we are hoping an invitation comes our way so we can see this beautiful new location in person!

Holy Guacamole!

2011-07-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

VIEW VIDEO"Staycations" seem to be a trend that continues to be popular, and when we went to the Gaylord Texan this week to observe their Jr. Chef Camp it looked like the place to be! Of course "it is always 72 degrees at The Gaylord Texan" so with it being so hot outside, it's a great place to spend a summer weekend.
Chef Joanne Bondy and her team do an amazing job teaching kids what it's like to work in a restaurant kitchen, and one of the teams this week learned how to make guacamole. I loved the fact their wasn't a video game in site, and these kids were having a blast!
To learn more about Chef Bondy and the different activities that she does at the Gaylord, "like" her on Facebook or follow her tweets @joannebondy.

The American Dream

2011-07-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

We all have our own version of what the American Dream is - for many that includes owning your own home.
My dream was to have my own Home Idea Factory - a place where this Lifestylist® could live and work, would have the character that would let me "practice what I preach" and have some room to garden. I was also hoping to have enough space to continue to help with the animal rescue groups I've joined. All of my dreams came true, and now I have a space that will never be "done", but always evolving.
My father told my mother when they got married that some day he would buy her a place on a lake, and he did! Their Hideway Lake home has been the place that many of our family holidays, wedding, and birthdays have taken place, and it is full of wonderful memories.
There are people who are looking for an affordable place with a yard to raise their families, use as a second home or retire to and land lease communities can be a great solution for these people. Land lease communities are those where factory built housing are placed in communities where homeowners lease the land the homes are placed on in a community - many times with amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and tennis courts. I have always believed this is the perfect solution for affordable housing because it can be so cost effective, and I've been wanting to be a part of this solution hands on.
The time has come! Lifestylist® Design has been asked to re-brand and enhance the lifestyle options of two communities in Florida - Parkwood in Port Orange, FL and Countryside Village in Tampa. I can't wait to get started - these communities are a great example of how affordable the American Dream can be. Be sure to get our updates on the progress at Parkwood and Countryside Village Facebook pages.

Would You Live in a Mobile Home or Trailer Park?

2011-06-29T14:20:00.001-07:00

Words can be such powerful things. Every time I hear "trailer park" or "mobile home" I cringe - mostly because of the stereotypes that go along with these two phrases. I've become intrigued lately with land lease communities - the beautiful areas that factory built housing can be sited and you lease the land that your home sits on. Many of these communities have pools, golf courses, clubhouses - everything you need for resort style living. Plus many of these are in dramatic locations such as Oceanside, near ski slopes or in the mountains in areas you could never afford.
Today's factory built housing hardly resembles the mobile homes of yesteryear - the only constant is that they both arrive on wheels. Factory built homes are built to national specifications, and are built to last using the same products that are found in most site built homes. The biggest difference I tend to see is that factory built homes usually offer more cabinets and counter space in the kitchens and baths!
I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you as I discover some of the finest land lease communities, and I'm hoping to be working on some Lifestylist® Designed Homes just for these communities as well.

Sweet Dreams

2011-06-28T21:53:00.001-07:00

Nothing is more important than a good nights sleep. If we don't have the right support from the mattress, the right pillows or the right temperature in the room, sleep might not come easily.
When LifeStyling the corporate apartments for The Hammocks at Timber Banks and Southern Hills, I wanted to be sure that the they truly felt like a home away from home and the clients would enjoy their stay. I stayed in some of the apartments designed by other companies to get a feel of what worked and what didn't, and spent a lot of time speaking with residents and getting a feel for the lifestyle of each and what made them unique. Having a comfy sofa and a flat screen TV was important, but nothing was more important than the bed.
As a Lifestylist® I always take into consideration how a bed fits into a room, and Ashley Furniture now offers beautiful beds with a low foot board or platform that makes any room still feel spacious. Many companies (and consumers)use just a metal frame and no headboard with their beds, but by using a headboard, foot board and rails you create a much more stable platform for your bed which adds support to the mattress. Plus it looks so much better! Be sure to check out the new options that Ashley Homestores offer - great value and style.
An area that I won't ever compromise on is the mattresses and pillows. We use a pillowtop that offers a great nights sleep that was manufactured to our specifications by a local company, and I found pillows that I love at KMart - under $10 but they feel much more expensive.
One of my biggest surprise finds was Sears - I found a "Bed in a Bag" they offered for under $50.00 online! A Bed in a Bag includes a comforter, dust ruffle, shams, and a complete set of linens. Something to always watch out for when choosing a comforter that you will use every day is to make sure it is washable, and this set was. When they arrived I was thrilled to see that they were well made, and in beautiful, happy colors.
As I always say, great design doesn't have to be expensive, and these are great examples of that. I know I'll be adding Sears and KMart to my shopping resources now, and I'll be sure to share with you other great buys that I find.

Fresh Mango Coconut Cobbler

2011-06-26T15:23:00.001-07:00

It's mango season! I was just visiting the Volman family near Boca Raton FL and they had a mango tree in their backyard that was full of fruit. I promised I'd share this recipe with them - it's one of my favorites. If you don't have fresh mangos try frozen or one of the frozen tropical fruit mixes you can find at the store.
Mango Coconut Cobbler
Ingredients:
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 Cup Butter, softened
4 Cups Fresh or frozen mango, or Tropical Fruit - cubed (mango, papaya, pineapple and strawberries)
2 Cups Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Coconut, flaked
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl mic cake mix with softened butter - set aside. In an oblong pan place tropical fruit, add water and sugar then stir. Crumble butter and cake mix mixture on top of fruit, then sprinkle with coconut.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Life is a Beach

2011-06-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

My grand-kids life in Orlando, so they have been to all of the theme parks and other venues there more times than I want to think about. This visit I wanted to do something different, and thought we would visit some of the local spots that are more about lifestyle appreciation and less about spending a large sum of money to be entertained.
Our first stop was the Morse Museum in Winter Park. When I was in Orlando this year acting as the Lifestylist® on The New American Home, one of the neighbors told me about this amazing museum. It was breathtaking, and their collection of Tiffany glass and jewelry was unbelievable. At first the kids didn't want to go, but once we got there they loved it and we stayed for over 2 hours. My daughter joined with an annual membership so they can go back often. I'm going to talk more about this gem in a later post, but it's a must see.
My son and daughter-in-law are expecting a new baby into this world soon, so we all decided to go down to West Palm a day before their baby shower and spend a night at the beach. We chose the Hilton at Singer Island which was right in the beach, and under $200.00. This costs much less than 4 of us going to one of the Orlando theme parks, we could take our own food and snacks, and besides food and lodging it was free!
It was great to see these Jr. Lifestylists put down their video games and enjoy nature. Jenna and I went and explored a reef at low tide, and Christian and I ventured out on the full moon lit evening to search for the sea turtles that were coming in to lay their eggs. Magical memories that none of us will forget.
The baby is expected in a month - I'm thinking there may be some more beach time in our future while we wait!

Thermador Shares Recipe for all Ages

2011-06-25T22:21:00.003-07:00

As a Lifestylist®, I am always on the go. I have opportunities coat to coast, and often get to spend evenings with friends and family experiencing their homes and their lifestyles. There is nothing I enjoy more than an evening at home - either mine, or my friends. For these special evenings I like to have recipes that are my "go-to's" that I can prepare and share.
I'm honored to be on the Design Council for Thermador Appliances, and on a recent visit to their amazing Thermador showroom in Scottsdale, AZ -they put us to work. We got to experience these appliances first hand, and prepared a fabulous dinner that we all enjoyed. My favorite item of all things that we prepared was the Creamed Spinach - who knew? Thermador shared the recipe with me, and since then it has become one of my favorite recipes to share. When I just got to spend some time with my grandkids we prepared this together and they loved it! Thank you Thermador for sharing this great, simple recipe that everyone enjoys. I'm going to return the favor and share it with you here.

Creamed Spinach
5 lbs. of fresh spinach, cleaned of stems and rinsed
1/4 cup butter
1 shallot, fine dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. nutmeg
1 C. heavy cream
shredded Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste
Bring a large stockpot full of water to a boil. Blanche the spinach for only 10 seconds.
Put blanched spinach in a colander and press out as much liquid as possible, then chop.
Melt the butter in a large rimmed skillet over medium heat and add the shallot and garlic. Cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
To that, add the drained spinach, nutmeg and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer.
Transfer to a bowl and using an immersion blender, blend the ingredients to a uniform consistency.
Place in a heat proof serving bowl and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Place under broiler until cheese is golden brown - enjoy!

It's Time to Get Corny

2011-06-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

Right now it's corn season in Texas! The Dallas Farmers Market has a great selection, and even many of the grocery stores are featuring locally grown sweet corn.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite is Chef Joanne Bondy's Habanero Cream Corn. Joanne is the Executive Chef at the Old Hickory restaurant at the Gaylord Texan. Part of the summer series at the Gaylord is Jr. Chef Camp, and this dish is always one of the favorites that that kids prepare.
If you can't get to the Gaylord Texan to enjoy this dish, Chef Bondy has shared the recipe here so you can try it at home.

Farm to Market

2011-06-06T21:06:00.001-07:00

This Lifestylist® is so fortunate to be close to a great farmers market. The Dallas Farmers Market is open 365 days a year, and I love how they make sure you know which the local farmers and produce are.
One of my favorite farmers is Lemleys which has had a stall for as long as I can remember. If you want great tomatoes and peaches, this is definitely the place. They are so nice, and Mr. Lemley is often there on weekends sharing his knowledge.
Not only does buying from farmers help support the local economy, it also is an excellent way to save money and eat healthy. Search out your local farmers market and find out what a difference it can make in your lifestyle.

The Non-Logic of Delta Airlines

2011-06-01T13:47:00.001-07:00

I knew it was too good to be true - my last flight on Delta Airlines I had a great pilot who actually made me feel good about giving Delta my hard earned dollars. The honeymoon didn't last long - less than a week later and their lack of logic rears it's ugly head again.
My next flight is an exciting one - I'm getting to go and visit my kids and grandkids, and attend the shower for my soon to be new grandson! Fares have dropped since I booked it, and I thought I'd try to get in a little earlier so 10 days out, I tried to change my reservations. Keep in mind I've flown almost 1,000,000 miles and I'm part of their "elite" group.
First I went to their website and they only showed flights with crazy connections, so I called and tried to change it the old fashioned way. I won't bore you with the details, but they informed me that it would cost me over $450.00 even though the cost of the flight had gone down! So I said that I would just buy a one way ticket which was now $114.00, but Janelle replied she would still charge me $450.00 because I would be "flying out of sequence". I asked then why I was being penalized for paying for 2 tickets and only using one, and she said it was because there would be an empty seat, and they might have been able to sell it for over $300.00. When I said none of this was logical, she said to fly with someone else then. Did I mention this was a supervisor?
If I ran my business like this I'd be out of business. A Lifestylist® understands that it's all about you, the customer - Your Life. Your Style. Your Way. This is why Southwest Airlines is so successful - they appreciate you and make flying logical!

Perfect Pasta Salad

2011-05-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

It's Memorial Day weekend, and lucky for me the Dallas Farmers Market is full of locally grown produce that offers me endless opportunities for fast, fresh meals. I've started making at least one trip there a week to stock up on what's in season.
This pasta salad is one of my favorite "go to" recipes, and can be changed by adding your favorite vegetables or what is in season. We made it a little more healthy today by using whole wheat pasta.
If you are in a lazy cook mood, try buying a cucumber tomato salad already prepared at your local deli and just add the pasta.

Perfect Pasta Salad
(1) fresh tomato, diced
(1) Avocado, sliced
(1) Cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 Red Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped (dill is a great substitution if you prefer)
8 oz. pasta of your choice cooked, drained and chilled - I like rotini
3 T. Red wine vinegar
1 t. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 c. Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta in boiling water, drain and cool to at least room temperature. While pasta is cooling, chop and slice avocado then toss in lemon juice. Peel and slice other vegetables, then place in serving bowl. Add cooled pasta, oil and vinegar and toss, then add salt and pepper to taste.

Lifestylist® Designed Homes Sell!

2011-05-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

We had great news from a new builder we are working with in Lindale, Texas - Red Baron Building. The week after we went in and LifeStaged some of their homes they had 2 sales and 4 reservations! That's quite an accomplishment for a builder in a smaller community (they are outside Tyler in East Texas) that is building something besides your traditional home.
Red Baron was started because the builder wanted to build homes that offered things he couldn't find when he was looking for a home -polished concrete floors, concrete countertops, oil rubbed bronze hardware, and a lot of attention to detail. Our job was then to show people what these homes could suit their lifestyles.
Red Baron asked us to stage these homes using what was in their warehouse - model home merchandise from a builder that went out of business, and some furniture that belonged to the builder. We then filled in with the necessary items to make these models feel like a home.
These were truly done on a shoestring budget, but we achieved the necessary results - we sold homes! If you would like to see these Lifestylist Designed Homes you can tour them this weekend in the Tyler Home Show or contact Red Baron for a personal tour.

Jim Clayton: First a Dream

2011-05-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

Lifestylist.tv had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with Jim Clayton at the recent MHI Congress and Expo. Mr Clayton is the founder of Clayton Homes and author of the Book "Jim Clayton: First a Dream". In the interview, he shared with us how you can download a pdf copy of his book for free and learn how he sold his company to Warren Buffett. This is an opportunity to get priceless information from one of the best business owners in the country.
As a Lifestylist® I loved his stories in the book about living in a factory built home and why this is such a great choice.

7 For All Mankind Hosts a Summer Soiree

2011-05-14T13:45:00.001-07:00

Summer is officially here, and I'm ready to start my summer shopping! The perfect place to start is 7 For All Mankind - the World's Premiere Premium Denim Lifestyle Brand.

They are hosting a Summer Soiree in Dallas today so I stopped by to see what was new. I am very hard to fit, but they showed me jeans and even a dress that I felt good in!

Looking forward to showing off my new look in Rochester next week at the launch of the Lifestylist Designed @home Builders YMCA Dream Home.

What is a Social Media Lifestylist?

2011-05-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost 10 years since I received the trademark registration of the term Lifestylist! I had been using the term for quite awhile as the definition of what I do, then a wonderful mentor recommended that I trademark the term to protect it. Wonderful advice, and it has been a decision that I have never regretted.
I bought my first domain names when we were still using dial up connections and no one had a clue what to do with a name after you bought it. Again I have been very fortunate to have great advisers around me and because of them I own some very powerful domain names. As Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, YouTube and LinkedIn began to become important, I discovered social media. Most of my clients are on shoestring budgets, so introducing them to the power of social media and how it can help them develop their brands and businesses was a great way to help them stretch their marketing dollars.
So what is a Social Media Lifestylist? That would be me! Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber has been recognized as the go-to person for developing social media programs that will produce results. Her Lifestylist.TV Channel features interviews with lifestyle issues and concerns including puppy mills and the groups dedicated to closing them down, home builders, fund raising homes, and some amazing interviews yet to come! You can also find us at: www.socialmedialifestylist.com. www.socialmedialifestylist.net, and www.socialmedialifestylist.info. This Lifestylist® is against buying designer dogs and is all about rescue, so if you read something else it's incorrect.
The first advice I always give to my clients is to be sure and purchase any domain names that might have to do with your brand, and this is why we have the Social Media Lifestylist domains.
We also believe in giving back to the communities we love and we handle the social media for the USA Film Festival, HomeAid / Home Builders Care Dallas, Chef Joanne Bondy, Photographer Lisa Stewart and Jack's Backyard. Future projects include Legal Honesty and some others we can't talk about yet :)
So if you are looking for a Social Media Lifestylist® to make your brand come alive, accept no imitations - it's a decision you won't regret.

Jr Lifestylists Help Collect Donations For Animal Rescue Corps

2011-05-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

What an amazing week! Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber was able to be part of a very important animal rescue in Kaufman County, Texas that was planned and executed by Animal Rescue Corps. It's one thing to hear about puppy mills and the horrible conditions these poor animals have to live in, but it's another to actually be able to see it for yourself. The animals arrive terrified and filthy -many of them have never actually stood on solid ground before because they are kept in wire cages and are surrounded with urine and feces - even the ones with babies. After a few short days of love and attention they leave having hope, and there is no better feeling in the world!
We were able to interview Scotland Haisley - the leader of this amazing organization and find out how others can get involved, especially kids. Take a look at our interview, then go to www.animalrescuecorps.org and become a part of the solution! You can also get up to the minute information by "liking" them on Facebook.
These rescues are very expensive to make happen, and without very needed funds for this group we won't be able to end the suffering. I'm looking forward to the next rescue and being able to share the results here!
Thanks to Kristina Bowman for the photography of this amazing rescue.

Vote For Your Favorite Lifestylist® Designed Kitchen!

2011-04-22T08:59:00.001-07:00

Voting starts today on the Lifestylist® Designed kitchens in the @home Builders YMCA Dream Home, and we are anxious to know which one is your favorite. Go to 13Wham.com and be sure to watch the video at the bottom where I show the different styles, or for more information on how we made the choices we did, go to Lifestylist TV!

Remembering Tim Hetherington

2011-04-20T18:22:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about being involved with the USA Film Festival is that many times we have guests and films that I may not know about before we come, but after meeting them and seeing their films you never forget them.
Tim Hetherington was one of those very special people. I didn't know anything about Tim or his film Restrepo before we screened it, but I became one of it's biggest champions after seeing the film and getting to spend time discussing it with Tim.
Restrepo is about the war in Afghaninstan, and it makes the war and our soldiers who are over there fighting for us very personal. Tim made it clear when we talked afterward the film wasn't about politics, but it was about people. He didn't go and stay at the Afghanistan Inn every night - he lived like the soldiers did which is why the film was able to give us such an intimate portrayal of what life was like.
Today I learned that Tim was killed in Libya by a rocket propelled grenade. He was working on his ongoing multimedia project that was to highlight humanitarian issues during wars and conflicts. His ability to put things on film and make you feel like you are there right beside him is going to be missed.
When I met Tim and the soldiers that came with him to the screening, I couldn't stop hugging them. The sacrifices they make, and Tim's personal sacrifice won't be forgotten.

@home Builders Gives Back With a Lifestylist® Designed Home

2011-04-19T22:24:00.001-07:00

We are honored that @home Builders has asked us to help design the YMCA Dream Home!
This home will benefit the YMCA of Greater Rochester, and will have a lakeside lot in The Preserve. What really makes this home unique is that YOU can go to www.13wham.com and vote on what materials and lifestyle will be included in the home. There will be 3 Lifestylist Designed choices every week for a month, and at the end bidding will open on the home.
This video explains how we used the @home Builders Design Center to make the choices.

How to Design Your Own Model Homes

2011-04-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

There's a trend these days to have a staff member decorate a builder's model homes. With budgets so tight that could be a great way to save some money, and I know lots of you have questions as far as if this is the right way to go. For those of you are thinking of going in this direction, I wanted to share a basic timeline of what needs to be done to organize and merchandise your new model homes so you will have an idea of what is involved in the process.

1. Meet with builder and their team to get information. Find out what the demographics are of the potential buyers, plans of the models you will be building, who the competition is, and what your budgets will be. It's also critical to know what the time frame is for completion and if there are any grand openings or other events planned.
2. Shop the Competition. I'm always amazed when I go out and walk model homes, and it's obvious that the decorators or merchandisers didn't take a look at the competition. I've seen homes with the same colors and even the same furniture right next to each other! You want your buyers to remember your homes over the competition, and an easy way to do that is to make them unique and memorable. If you can take digital images of what you see you can shaare these with your team to help them understand the competition as well. As a Lifestylist®, this is one of the most important parts of what I do. Understanding the buyer's lifestyle and what's important to them helps me prioritize where I should spend my budget.
3. Trend Tracking. Do you have an idea of what's hot and what's not to your buyers? Hard to change out items, such as flooring, cabinets, and bath fixtures need to be on-trend but not trendy. These are items that the customer are going to have to live with for quite a few years. Window treatments, wall colors, furniture and bedding are areas that you can "trendier" colors and designs since they can easily be changed out.
4. Space Planning. One of the biggest reasons to merchandise and model a home is so that the buyer can become emotionally attached to a home and understand how the home will flow, and their furniture will fit into the rooms. Using the right scale of furniture is critical, and using items that are too big, too small, or the wrong style can turn a buyer off from the home. A floor plan needs to be evaluated and furniture should be drawn in to scale on the plan. This also give the builder an idea of what will be included in the cost of the model.
5. Product Selection. Another important part of the decorator or merchandisers job is to help with the selections for the home. Having the proper lighting, flooring, trim, and details in a home is an important part of making it all come together, and if the builder is selling options and upgrades, showing these in the model properly is very important.
6. Ordering. You now have a plan, a budget, and a direction that you are taking, now it's time to place the orders. One of the advantages a professional merchandiser has is relationships and wholesale accounts with the appropriate manufacturers. If you don't have these you can buy at local retail stores, but keep in mind the extra time it will take to find the perfect items, purchase, move to a warehouse or staging location, and possibly assemble the items. A builder wants you to install a model home as quickly as possibly, so everything really needs to be taken to one location then taken to the model in one trip.

So you have your items ordered... what next?

There's lots more to do, but you'll have to check back to find out what else needs to be done. I'm off to Rochester, NY to work with one of my favorite clients - @home Builders to install a beautiful new model home and to kick off a wonderful program where @home Builders and Riedman Development are giving back to the community they love. If you can't wait to learn more, contact us at: answers@lifestylist.com and we'll share our insight with you first!

Animal Rescue Corps Saves Animals from Puppy Mill

2011-04-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Animal Rescue Corps has been busy in Tennessee this week saving over 120 animals from a life of squalor and sadness. Devoted volunteers have been working night and day to give these animals a better life, and the outpouring of love and compassion from the people of Tennessee as well as others from all over the country has been amazing.
One of these amazing volunteers is Rachel McAuley. She and her severely handicapped daughter run their own non-profit with horses, and Rachel has spent several days at the ARC shelter helping out with this rescue. Rachel decided to do a "Letters to the Puppy Mill Dogs" event, and her daughter Mary who is 9 years old shared the following:
Hello Puppy Dogs,
My name is Mary and I have Special Needs just like you have Special Needs. I can't walk because I am in a wheelchair and your past has kept you from walking due to cages, but don't worry because your little paws are about to hit the ground. I can't talk like you, but I can express myself with my eyes, sounds, and body language just like you. You have special needs that includes someone taking care of you all day with the respect that you deserve. I wear diapers and you use potty pads. I like the couch and you will like the top of a couch someday or a lap to lay on or a pillow to lay above your owners head. I like to be recognized, just like you want to be recognized. I love my parents arms and you are getting that feeling right now being in someone's arms. Isn't it nice, warm, and a safe feeling? Don't worry my friends because you are going to get to experience this world that includes grass, playgrounds, children, and the roam of a house.
Make sure puppy dogs, that you Thank Animal Rescue Corps for coming to get each and everyone of you and the volunteers that are snuggling you up, by not biting when they put their hand in the cage to care for you.
You are Special! Sleep Tight and Hang Tight because your world is about to be full of colors.
"God is always on your side, after all He created you."
Trust Me,
Mary McAuley (9 years old)
My mom can type my heart!
If this doesn't make you love and appreciate everything you have and cherish what an amazing role model Mary is to all of us...
Please help support Animal Rescue Corps and the amazing work they are doing. My very own special 9 yr. old Jr. Lifestylist® Jenna made her birthday party a fundraiser for Animal Rescue Corps - if she can help you can as well!
This Lifestylist® is trying to do her part by opening a store on eBay, and at least 10% of all of our sales will be donated to Animal Rescue Corps. All of these haunting photos were taken by the talented and compassionate Kristina Bowman.
Please join us in making a difference!

Good Manners Never Go Out of Style

2011-03-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

The world lost a very special person today - Elizabeth Taylor. She always handled herself with grace and dignity, and was a wonderful role model for all of us who were fortunate enough to grow up watching her on the silver screen. As a board member of the USA Film Festival, I've learned never to form an opinion about someone until I meet them in person, and sadly Ms. Taylor is one that I would have given anything to meet but it wasn't meant to be.
Denise Vivaldo - who is one of my favorite writers as well as being my role model in the styling world just posted a story in the Huffington Post about her encounter with Ms. Taylor. It makes me love Denise and Ms. Taylor even more. The title of the story is Elizabeth Taylor: Good Manners Never Go Out of Style and I couldn't agree more.
This weekend I was working with photographer Lisa Stewart LifeStyling Savor Dallas- a special food and wine event that I enjoy attending every year. To make the shots Lifestylist® Designed, I take my own glasses, plates, and styling utensils and try to get at least 50 great food and wine shots in about a 2 hour time frame - and did I mention we do this while the event is going on and we have to work around 2,000 -3,000 attendees? It's quite a juggling act. What struck me the most about this year's event was the lack of courtesy shown to the chefs and wine makers by the attendees. The whole point of an event like this is to educate people about your food and your wines, and hopefully they will come to your restaurant or buy your wines after the event is over. You would have thought some of these people were trying to win a million dollars by snagging the most to eat and drink -we were literally getting pushed and stepped on when we were trying to set up our shots, and people were taking the food that I styled right off of the plate (my plate) before we got get it photographed. The wine makers didn't have a chance to tell about their wines, because someone else was already putting out their empty glass to be filled.
Good manners never go out of style, and I'm actually appreciating the manners that my parents drilled into me at an early age. I never want to be the one pushing for a glass of wine or a dime sized piece of cheese - I want to remain a Lifestylist® and savor every moment and experience that I get to indulge in. Thanks Denise for this wonderful memory I will now have of Ms. Taylor and the reminder to live our lives with the dignity that others have shown us.

Lifestylist® Advisory: BEE Fresh and Fast

2011-03-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

Oak Cliff, Texas is a great place to be right now if you are a foodie. We've had some amazing restaurants open in our area recently - everything from BBQ to fine dining. My favorite of them all right now though is BEE - Best Enchiladas Ever.
Restaurateur Monica Greene - well known for her legendary Monica's aca y alla and Ciudad restaurants has decided to combine fast with fresh. At BEE you get to write down which main choices you want, then after it's assembled you tell the chefs what vegetables and extras you want on them. You can then "BEE Gone" with your creations, or enjoy them in the bright, sunny dining area or on the patio - this Lifestylist's favorite. favorite. The patio is pet friendly as well so it's a really fun place just to hang out. Check out our Lifestylist Designed Media video to get an idea of why we love to BEE there.
I rarely eat meat, but when I was LifeStyling a photo shoot at BEE recently I got to sample the brisket, and I am hooked! It was lean and moist, and the perfect compliment to my favorite sauce - the Chipotle Crema. You get your choice of one or two enchiladas, so now I just get one cheese and one brisket!
BEE was chosen by a lot of national publications during the Super Bowl this year as the place to be seen - stop by and see for yourself why .
They are located at: 202 W. Davis Street, Dallas, TX 75208 and they are open 11am - 10pm 7 days a week. Tell them The Lifestylist® sent you!

Lifestylist® Advisory: Savor Dallas

2011-03-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that Savor Dallas is less than a week away! This will be the 7th year that I've attended and styled the shots for photography - each year seems to be better than the last. As a Lifestylist®, I appreciate the fact that Savor Dallas is all about Living your Life with Style, and eating well as you do it!
With over 200 chefs, mixologists and winemakers typically bringing goodies that always not only look good enough to eat, but to shoot as well. I have to get with their team, style the item on a pretty plate that I bring along or a beautiful glass, then hand them off to photographer Lisa Stewart of Lisa Stewart Photography. We only have a few hours on each day to accomplish this so I'm always amazed at what Lisa is able to get photographed.
Today I pulled some of my favorite shots and made a video with them -great memories and inspiration on what I want to accomplish this year. Which is your favorite?
For more information on this fantastic event, contact Jim and Vicki at: www.savordallas.com
Most of the photography on the site is shots that Lisa and I did as well, so enjoy!

Verrines: Big Tastes in Small Packages

2011-03-11T15:09:00.001-08:00

It's a small world after all: verrines, a French concept that layers ingredients in a small glass or clear container has been seen in restaurants and high end parties, and now it is making it's way to suburbia.
Verrines are as pretty to see as they are to eat, and it's a great way to cut calories by making portions smaller but still appealing to the eyes and the palette. These bites can be sweet or savory, and can add a touch of elegance to any event.
Pier 1 Imports has a great assortment of mini cordials, dessert bowls and shot glasses complete with coordinating spoons that are perfect for making your own verrines at home.
If you don't want to make these yourself, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill calls these their Mini Indulgences, and it's hard to only sample one. Choices include Key Lime Pie, Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, and Mocha Macchiato - yum! I recently went there with the owners of The New American Home for a celebration dinner and we kept (and ate) the entire Indulgence presentation - now THAT was a celebration!
The verrine trend is here to stay, and we are looking forward to sharing some of our favorite recipes for these here.

Lifestylist® Designed Model Homes for Cavco

2011-03-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

I love the area near New Braunfels and Boerne - great countryside and the best BBQ!
Cavco Home Center in New Braunfels is a great place to start your search - we have done some Lifestylist® Designed homes for them and were amazed with their quality and customer service. They have a great selection of homes that would be ideal as your main or vacation home.
To see a video of some of the homes we LifeStyled for them, check out our Lifestylist Channel on You Tube, and to get more information on what homes are currently available, give the home center a call at: (830) 608-0208. Tell them The Lifestylist® sent you!

Petsmart Takes a Wrong Turn

2011-03-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

I am so disappointed in Petsmart - they usually are one of the more compassionate pet supply stores. They have done a great job sponsoring adoption events with local shelters and groups, and I was really surprised when I saw this promotion yesterday.
Apparently if you bring in your movie stub from the new Nickelodeon film Rango you can get $10.00 off the purchase of any reptile. Supporting the impulse buys of any animal is such a bad idea, and if potential pet owners think their new family members are going to be as cute and entertaining as the ones in the film, they are in for a letdown. As someone who has owned quite a few snakes (the things you find out about this Lifestylist® here!) I can tell you they are very difficult to take care of, don't eat things you would normally want to feed to anyone or any thing, and if taken care of will be a member of your family for decades.
Petsmart -unless you are willing to take back all of the reptiles you sell after the new owners get disenchanted with them, I hope you will rethink this marketing campaign and make a $10.00 donation to the shelters that have to take care of these animals after they are abandoned.
I think the movie looks fantastic, and I know my Jr. Lifestylists are going to be joining me to see it more than once! Let's teach our kids the difference between what is involved in the real-life responsibilities of bringing an animal into our homes vs. the fun, animated ones they see on the big screen. Rango will be coming into my home, but he will be seen on my television screen not behind the screen of a cage.

The Official Lifestylist® Channel

2011-02-16T08:08:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for new housing trends, photos from the New American Home,travel destinations, or decorating ideas? We know the place to go!
Check out The Official Lifestylist® Channel - a place where we are putting together videos and information that can help you find the answers you are looking for.
There are lots of new projects in in production - we would love to hear from you and know what you'd be interested in seeing. Next week we are off to Arizona to visit The Mosaic Cafe, Sabino Canyon and Old Scottsdale! We will also be getting some advice from Thermador on what are the best appliances for my cooking style.
Lifestylist® Designed homes are becoming something that consumers are asking for, and we will be sharing some of our latest designs soon as well. Visit our new channel often to stay in touch - we'll see you there!

Valentines Treats: Citrus Truffles

2011-02-12T19:58:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for something easy and memorable to do for the special person in your life on Valentine's Day?
These White Chocolate Citrus Truffles will be a gift to remember. I entered these in the State Fair of Texas this year and they were a huge hit.
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
Zest of 1 Orange
Zest of 1 Lemon
2 lbs. White Chocolate
1 Tablespoon Shortening
Combine zests and heavy cream in a small saucepan - simmer until bubbles appear.
Remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, warm up again until bubbles appear.
Melt 1 lb. white chocolate, strain cream mixture and add to chocolate. Stir gently and allow to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Roll ganache into 1 inch round balls, then put in freezer to set at least 2 hours.
Melt remaining white chocolate, and stir in shortening. Dip centers into chocolate, then garnish with orange zest.

New Lifestylist® Designed Homes for Champion Homes of Texas

2011-02-11T10:41:00.001-08:00

2011 is looking like it's going to be a busy year! I was at Champion Homes of Texas the other day, and saw lots of new faces and activity. They are looking at some new Lifestylist® Designed decors and homes that are going to leave the competition in their dust!
Champion Homes has new owners and a new CEO, and I think there are some very exciting changes coming.
If you haven't visited with them lately, you need to get with sales manager Jimmy Griffith at: 817-295-2267 and see what's new.

Have You Joined Animal Rescue Corps?

2011-02-09T18:01:00.001-08:00

Finally! A group that is focused on Animal Rescue. Animal Rescue Corps is a new group that was started by Scotlund Haisley and his talented team that has more than 40 years collective experience in animal protection. As a Lifestylist®, I'm thrilled to be involved with this wonderful, important organization.
To make people aware of the group, Animal Rescue Corps is holding a drawing. Simply share your email address with them if you haven't already, and you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a Valentine's gift package that includes: ARC gear, dog & cat goodies, and movie memorabilia from ARC's own Elaine Hendrix.

Gifts From The Heart

2011-02-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day is almost here! I love making gifts for my family, friends and clients, and this is the goodie they always ask for.
At the recent IBS Show in Orlando I had my granddaughter help me make up some cookies and candy that I brought to the NAHB staff and to my favorite clients - it was a huge success. That is one of the important parts of being a Lifestylist® to me - using my talents to bring joy to others.
I've been entering variations of this toffee in the State Fair of Texas for years and this is the version that everyone asks for.
The key to candy making is having a good thermometer, and when I invested in a digital one it made all of the difference in the world. As soon as the temperature gets up to around 250 degrees start watching very closely - it will get to the optimum temperature quickly and if it heats to even 5 degrees more than it should it will burn. Enjoy!
Texas Butter Pecan Toffee
Ingredients:
1 lb Texas pecans
1 lb butter + 2 tablespoons butter for pecans
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light Karo syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb chocolate chips
Directions:
In a skillet, stir butter and pecans together - cook over a low heat until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan combine the rest of the butter, sugar, water and Karo syrup. Stir until mixture comes to a boil, then continue to cook without stirring until mixture reaches a temperature of 290 degrees. Stir in half of the pecans to mixture and turn out onto a 12” x 18” baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and spread after they melt - then sprinkle rest of pecans on top and allow to cool. Break into bite sized pieces.

Staying Warm During Super Bowl XLV: It's Always 72 Degrees at The Gaylord Texan

2011-02-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

This Lifestylist® got a lovely thank-you note the other day from a reader. I had recommended The Gaylord Texan as the place to stay during Super Bowl XLV, and they couldn't agree more! With North Texas having the coldest weather we've had in years, being in the wonderful atmosphere of The Gaylord Texan with all of it's attractions, shopping and dining under one roof is definitely the place to be.
We have had the wonderful opportunity to meet with John Imaizumi - Senior Vice President and General Manager. It is obvious from the moment that you meet him why his "Stars" (what the employees are considered) and guests love him so much. His honest compassion and love for this group shines through, and you can see his attention to detail everywhere you turn.
Even if you aren't staying at this hotel, it's the perfect place to just go spend the day during your Super Bowl XLV visit. The Gaylord Texan is the official hotel for The Dallas Cowboys and is close to the stadium and DFW airport. There is great shopping for those Texas themed items, and coffee shops for you to just sit and people watch from.
The Old Hickory Steakhouse is our favorite restaurant in North Texas, and not only is the food spectacular, the staff knows how to make everyone feel important as well. Executive Chef Joanne Bondy prepares her signature dishes including her Habanero Cream Corn that I can't get enough of! They also have tableside service for their artisanal cheeses and desserts.
If you want to get some lighter fare and focus on a wine tasting, be sure and visit Old Hickory's upstairs wine bar and veranda. It features an Enomatic wine system, and you can get flights of wines that you have always wanted to try in as little as a one ounce pour.
Ready to kick up your heels? The Glass Cactus Nightclub that is also part of the Gaylord Texan is the place to be. It boasts 39,000 sq. ft. of indoor floor space and has 13,000 sq. ft. of outdoor decks overlooking Lake Grapevine. They'll be having a special "Big Game" viewing and After-Party on the 6th.
We'd love to hear about your experiences at the places we recommend - feel free to let us know at: answers@lifestylist.com
Make sure and let people know that The Lifestylist® sent you - we love sharing our favorite destinations.

Champion Homes Donates Show House to Injured Vet

2011-02-04T11:27:00.001-08:00

There are thousands of show homes built every year, but Champion Homes discovered a way to really set themselves apart from the crowd while doing a wonderful thing.
At the recent International Builders Show in Orlando, their Genesis division unveiled "The Tyler" - a beautiful modular home that was built at Champion's manufacturing facility in Lake City, FL. The home showcased how beautiful accessible design can be. The kitchen and master bath had the necessary clear space radius, and the wider hallways allowed for wheelchair accessibility. the home was filled with lots of innovative products - I especially loved the storage options that were shown.
The home was part of the NextGen Experience and was in the outdoor village at the show. Now that the show is over, Champion is teaming up with the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together and will be delivering the home to a lot in Tampa where it will be reassembled. The home has been donated to Mr. Waldemar Alameda and his family. Mr. Waldemar served our country in multiple tours of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, and was severely injured in an IED explosion.
The home is beautiful inside and out, and I love the exterior elevation. The trim and color accents give the home lots of character and allow it to fit into almost any neighborhood in any part of the country.
As the Lifestylist® for Champion Homes of Texas, I couldn't be more proud of Champion and their giving spirit, and I hope that this home serves as an example of what can be accomplished with factory built housing and a company that knows how to give back to the community.

A Lifestylist's Food Picks For Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-03T11:27:00.001-08:00

After years of build up and waiting, Super XLV has come to North Texas! Even with this crazy weather we are seeing more people trying out our favorite places to eat, drink, and be social. I found another great article written by a NT Times writer about where to go, and I love that he mentioned Bolsa - one of my favorite spots right here in The Lifestylist's neighborhood - Oak Cliff.
Bolsa is one of our many restaurants that has focused on using as many ingredients as possible that are locally grown or produced. Everything is super fresh, and the wonderful staff and atmosphere make it a great place to hang out.
The cheese flight is wonderful and a perfect starting point. My favorite entree is the Jimmy's Pizza. It's on a paper thin flatbread and has just enough heat to make me happy.
Save room for dessert - we tried the peanut butter and jelly Panna Cotta was heaven, and drizzled with local honey. Other recent choices were Chocolate Chunk Tart, Lemon Honey Cake and White Chocolate Rum Tart.
Prices are reasonable, and they have a great covered patio for warmer days that is pet friendly.

Soup's On!

2011-02-01T18:11:00.001-08:00

It is FREEZING here today -last night a "northerner" blew in bringing ice, snow and frigid temperatures to Texas. Fortunately I went shopping yesterday and stocked the shelves of things this Lifestylist® loves to cook.
Vegetable soup is so easy to make from scratch - all it takes is your favorite vegetables, some chicken or vegetable stock and my secret ingredient - a few cans of Ro-Tel. I just prep all of the vegetables, put them in my slow cooker, add the stock and Ro-Tel and let it cook for 2 - 3 hours. It couldn't be easier and healthier. I make enough to last a few days so I can be as lazy as I want to.

Recycling an Older Home

2011-02-01T16:33:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look like the interest in The New American Home 2011 is going to continue long after IBS 2011 is over. The homeowners have been gracious enough to put up a website where they are saying thank-you to all of the wonderful companies that have made this home a success. I also just found a great video on The Deconstruction of The Original Homes that shows how everything was recycled.
These homeowners went above and beyond to make sure that this New American Home was one of the best and most successful, and I'm thrilled that they have asked this Lifestylist® to help them add their life and style into their beautiful new home! Stay tuned to see the changes that we make.

NY Times Names Oak Cliff as The Place to Be During Super Bowl XLV

2011-01-30T16:14:00.001-08:00

Part of the Lifestylist® movement is about buying local, and there's no better place than in Oak Cliff. Dude Sweet Chocolate is a must visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth - their artisan chocolates are the best I've had anywhere in the world. Great live music? Check out Jack's Backyard - a little bit off the beaten path but still in Oak Cliff. They have a wonderful "backyard" with fire pits where you can enjoy great food and great local musicians in the company of friends. And a little known fact is that they have one of the best brunches in town with bottomless mimosas - the perfect way to start game day!
We will be sharing as many of our local favorites as we can here before the game. If you need a referral just for you, feel free to email our Lifestylist Advisory Services at: info@lifestylist.com
See you at the game!

Finding Joy in 2011

2011-01-01T14:41:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that in a few hours it will be a new year, but I'm ready for it! 2010 was a struggle for many, and I love the fact that each year rings in with it a sense of optimism and hope.
We all make New Years resolutions that we may or may not keep, but this year I'm making one I'm going to work on every day: finding joy. I have so many blessings, and it's important to remember that. This year I'm determined to enjoy each and every minute I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren, enjoy the journeys I get to take whether that's to the local Mexican supermarket or to another country, and to slow down and enjoy my gardens, a spectacular sunset and my family.
I'm also going to make a commitment to help stop suffering and have compassion for all living beings - animals and people alike. We have rescued quite a few animals on our own, and the love they share with me every day makes it all worthwhile.This year I'm going to extend that effort and try to do more.
I also am so lucky to be able to love what I do and be able to make a living doing it. Helping as many people have a safe roof over their heads and a clean bed to sleep in is a purpose that I'll continue to work on. Every day I go past my neighbors new house and know that I helped get them a safe roof over their heads makes it easier for me to sleep as well.
Having a fantastic and successful New Year isn't just about making more money or being more successful, for me it's about finding joy, and appreciating it when I find it.

The Missing Sandra Lee SemiHomemade Kwanzaa Cake Story

2010-12-28T09:55:00.001-08:00

I am so disappointed! I learned today that the witty post written by Denise Vivaldo about Kwanzaa Cake is no longer up on Huffington Post. This story had over 8,000 views, 1,900 shares on Facebook and 270 comments. Someone sure was enjoying reading it. If anyone has a copy I'd love one -I always wondered how that holiday miracle came to be.
But the great part of this story is that it introduced me to Denise and I was lucky enough to get a copy of her beautiful book "Food Stylists Handbook". I'm totally motivated now to get back into the kitchen and come up some photo-worthy plates of my own. And I promise, no store bought angel food cakes, apple pie filling, "acorns" or oversized tapers will be harmed in the process.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving - Noah's Magic Shoes

2010-12-14T23:03:00.001-08:00

I feel so blessed that I have had the life I have, and because of that I feel compelled to give back every opportunity that I have. Giving people hope and helping others isn't that hard - sometimes it's as easy as just thinking about where you are shopping or making a purchase.
Nothing touches me more than violence to another living being, and the I have been very fortunate to have been introduced to the Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas.The work they do is amazing, and what hurts me the most is how much of a need there is for safe havens like Genesis.
But back to giving back. Over a year ago Director Jan Langbein shared a story with some of her group about a boy who had come to live at one of the Genesis shelters. This six year old boy had never owned a new pair of shoes, and when he received the new pair of red sneakers he proclaimed that they were magic because the treads on them allowed him to walk up a slide backwards. From that story "Noah's Magic Shoes" came to be.
This beautifully illustrated book is truly a labor of love, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Genesis Women's Shelter. You can purchase a copy for yourself or to share on the Genesis website. I shared my autographed copy that I purchased at the NorthPark Center event to my daughter who is a teacher. There are classroom lessons on the website prepared by Dr. Larkin Page, Professor of Children's Literature.
Make a difference this year by sharing the story of "Noah's Magic Shoes" - it is a gift that will truly keep on giving.

Excitement Builds Around The Opening of The New American Home

2010-12-12T16:22:00.001-08:00

I just saw an article in Nation's Building News today about The New American Home. This publication is the official online newspaper of The National Association of Home Builders, and is available to you if you are a member of this amazing organization.
If you are not a member, please feel free to contact us - we'll get the information to you that you need in time to join us at the International Builders Show and tour the home!

Pixie Dust

2010-11-26T07:55:00.001-08:00

I just returned from a magical week in Orlando. Someone said they scatter pixie dust at the airport when you arrive, and I'm starting to believe them. Not only was I able to take part in a home that will probably be one of the the high points of my Lifestylist® career, but I was also blessed to spend some very special time with my kids and grandkids and share my Lifestylist® approach with them. Being a Lifestylist incorporates life and style, and getting creative in the kitchen is definitely part of that.
As part of the staging for The New American Home, I purchased a large amount of beautiful granny smith apples to add color and lifestyle to the kitchen. After we were finished with the shoot, I thought why not recycle them and make a pie with the grandkids? Neither of them had tried making a pie before, and with Thanksgiving being only a week away I thought this could be a great time to make their first.
Jenna may only be 8 yrs old, but she loves to cook and is really good at it. She has taken part in the Jr Chef Camp at the Gaylord Texan that Chef Joanne teaches, and was excited about trying out her culinary skills making a pie. Many adults would be daunted by this task, but Jenna dug right in. After teaching her some basic knife skills and precautions, she peeled and cored all of the apples herself. Brother Christian decided to help us make the crust, and we made a huge mess (sorry Trish!) but I'm sure it was a day that they will always remember.
I am so grateful to have the loving, supportive family I have, and the amazing clients that believe in me and what I do. Here's to the start of a holiday season filled with hope, happiness and lots of pixie dust!

Model Homes That Sell

2010-10-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

Anyone who has ever spent time in a model home has heard a buyer ask the sales person where they can purchase something that they see in the home. More often than not, the builder and sales team don't have any idea, and that memory point is lost.
Lifestylist Design recently did a home for American Custom Builders that was a "ready to go home" - everything in the home was purchased within 10 miles of the home or was available online. By keeping the number of stores used to a minimum, buyers were easily able to see how they could make their new home look "just as good as the model home". All of the furniture used was from a local Ashley Home Store, and buyers purchasing one of the homes received a discount on their own purchases after they closed on their home.
Take a look at a video we just completed of the home and see for yourself how beautifully this concept can be accomplished.

The Great Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

Being a Lifestylist sometimes means getting off the beaten path, and when you do you never know what you'll discover.
This week I was in Western NY for the opening of the Riedman Development and @home Builders Design Center, and decided to take a different route back to the airport. When I did I drove past The Great Pumpkin Farm and knew I had to check it out. If you are in that area it's a must visit, if not take a look at the video we put together. Happy Halloween!

Good Guys Do Finish First - Congratulations to Sandlin Homes

2010-10-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

Sandlin Custom Homes was named Builder of the Year last week by The Texas Association of Builders, and I can't think of a company more worthy of that title.
One of the first model homes I ever worked on was for this family, and after over 20 years I still remember what a great experience it was, and can even tell you the color palette and theme of the house!
Sales Manager Alan Sladek was named Sales Manager of the Year, and they also received awards for model home merchandising, product design, print ad, direct mail piece and billboard!
This company isn't just about winning awards though, it's about building a great home. There aren't many family owned and run companies that have been in business for over 50 years, and there is a reason why this is the case for Sandlin Homes. You can tell everyone who works there takes it personally and it shows in every home that they build. If you are in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area take a look at these beautiful homes and discover what makes them so special.

Sharing is Caring

2010-10-20T11:47:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things to do every year is entering the State Fair of Texas cooking contests. Being a Lifestylist to me is about all of the ways you can live your life with style - not just design.Not because I want to win, but because I really enjoy sharing all of my entries with different workers at the fair afterward. These are the people who really enjoy my cooking and know it's made with love. Officer Stevens is usually by the entrance we use every day, and after she tried my peanut parries she was hooked. I've never won a ribbon with these, but I keep entering because they are the favorites of Chuck and Linda at the Chili Parlor and we've become good friends because of them.
When I brought Officer Stevens her cookies on the last day she said that we had no idea how much our sharing meant to her - and how nice it was just to have people appreciate her. There is no ribbon that can ever top that great feeling when you know you are doing something for the joy of it, but others get to share that joy as well.

The New American Home: Orlando 2011

2010-10-10T07:32:00.001-07:00

I've been attending the International Builders Show for over 20 years now - where does the time go? It's something I look forward to every year, not only as a place to catch up with all of the friends and clients I've made over the years, but also to check out what's the latest and greatest in home design.
The convention floor can be overwhelming - the exhibits are huge and you want to check out every booth so you don't miss anything. I always rest up before the show because I know when I'm there I've got a lot of walking to do. Thank heavens for the digital age though - before you used to pick up catalogs and information as you went, now we can find a lot of that information online.
When the convention was in Dallas I was asked to be the designer and Lifestylist® on The American Home Of the Year - a project with Home Magazine, Home Depot, and Crate and Barrel. It was an honor to work with builder Steve Brooks and his team at Grand Homes, and working on it developed my love of doing editorial work.
This year the International Builders Show is back in Orlando, and the National Association of Homebuilders has asked me to be the Lifestylist® on The New American Home! This is the 28th year that a New American Home has been built to showcase innovative building products and technologies, and including a Lifestylist® on the team is definitely new!
The home is only open to attendees of IBS, but I wanted to share some of the really interesting and unique ideas that are being incorporated into the home as well as introduce you to the very talented team that is responsible for the home. If you haven't signed up to attend IBS yet and you are a member of NAHB, be sure to sign up here so you can see the home in person. I'll be blogging about the progress of the home on my Home Idea Factory blog - please follow the progress of the home there!

Champion Homes Gets Social

2010-09-29T08:16:00.001-07:00

I just found out today Champion Homes has a Facebook page that they are getting ready to add a lot of information and photos to. When I went to check it out, I found photos of the Lifestylist® Designed home we merchandised for them at the Tulsa show and heard that there will be more photos to come of the Texas Show. If you haven't "liked " this page yet be sure to do so - that way you'll be one of the first to see all of the exciting new changes.

Area Rugs Add Warmth to Any Room

2010-09-04T11:27:00.003-07:00

Today is an absolutely perfect day The weather has cooled off to where I'm thinking about changing my home decor to suit the cooler temperatures. - it sounds like a lot of work, but a few changes can make all of the difference in how you enjoy your home. One of my favorite ways to warm things up is with area rugs.
One of my designers with Shaw Living just sent me a copy of their 2010 introductions and they are stunning! Whether you are looking for a bold, urban look or a more classic pattern they have something for you and the colors are right on trend.They also have rugs in their Ever-Touch yarns which feel amazing underfoot or make a great place to lay down and watch the football games.
With hard flooring surfaces becoming more popular every day, and area rug is a great way to add color and warmth. This is a model home for American Custom Builders that was Lifestylist® Designed, and you can see what a difference it made adding this Shaw area rug. It was a long, narrow space and the rug helped add color and define the space. In The Home Idea Factory I have summer rugs that are lighter and in more coastal textures, and in the fall I bring out my area rugs that are in deep, rich colors. Add a few new pillow covers and a throw on the sofa and I'm ready to go!

Z Gallerie: From Soap to Sofas

2010-08-31T07:46:00.001-07:00

Finally! The cooler weather is almost here and the stores are filling up with beautiful new accessories and goodies to seasonalize our homes with. As a Lifestylist® I like to constantly be on the prowl for what's new and exciting, and get an idea of what people are really buying for their homes.
I love Z Gallerie - they are my favorite "go to" source when I am working on a new model home. They are masters at offering personality pieces that help make a room or home memorable, and they also stock those big exciting works of art that you can never find when you need them. But on a recent visit they made me think of them for something I hadn't purchased from them in the past - furniture.
Z Gallerie started out in 1979 as a family run poster shop which has quickly grown to include 54 locations in 18 states! Their beautiful stores have expanded into becoming a one stop shop which make it easy for consumers to get everything they need for their home in one place. The stores are organized into different color stories which make it easy to find everything you need. They offer great accessories and furniture that are so unique people would think you had them custom made.
Speaking of personality pieces, as soon as I walked in the store I fell in love with two chairs I think I'm going to have to have - "Eddie" and "Bella". Eddie was just stunning in leather that was the perfect shade of teal, and Bella was a pearl grey fabric that was just sexy. You know you found something you must have when you can't stop thinking about it, and that's the case with these two chairs.
Make Z Gallerie a destination for your next shopping trip, and let us know what you fall in love with.

Lifestylist® Designed Cafe Gets a Bobby Flay Throwdown

2010-08-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

I am so excited! I just learned that Bobby Flay traveled to Tucson and had a "throwdown" with the Matias family at Teresa's Mosaic Cafe. This is a restaurant that we did the interior of, and as with all Lifestylist® Designed challenges we spent a lot of time getting to know the family and their needs before we came up with a plan.
Teresa's is all about family and the wonderful handmade food so the interior had to have as much personality as the family does. To do this we designed tables made of handmade tiles - thousands of them all that we made by hand. It was an extensive amount of work but the results were definitely worth it.
The episode airs on the Food Network - check out dates and times for your area.

Homearama Returns to Rochester, NY

2010-08-09T10:52:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe it's already time for Homearama again - where does the time go? But this is the perfect time to visit Rochester - the produce season is in full swing, perfect weather and it's also a great time to be thinking about decorating ideas to warm up your home with.
This year this annual event will be held at WaterSong in Penfield August 14th - 22nd. Sponsored by the Rochester Homebuilders Association this 9 days will not only highlight these 5 beautiful homes but there will also be an abundance of wine tasting, cooking demos and decorating seminars.
Lifestylist® Design has teamed up with @home Builders three different years to participate in this great event, but my favorite home was definitely the Ronald McDonald Show House we did a few years ago. We teamed up with the amazing group of volunteers from the Ronald McDonald House and merchandised a home using furniture, artwork and accessories that were donated to Ronald McDonald for their annual ABC Sale.It was truly a Lifestylist® Designed home - I spent three months going over images they would send me of new donations and digging through their warehouse to find the perfect items for this home and by the end we did!
It was a fun challenge to show how you can do a beautifully decorated home using only "gently cherished" items. The best part was @home Builders then did an online auction and visitors to the home could bid on each room. All of the proceeds then went to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. From this, the dinner auction prize and other events that @home Builders did with the home they were able to raise over $25,000 for the charity. To see photos and get more information about this show house, check out the website we designed for it.

Simplify Your Life While Helping Others

2010-08-01T11:59:00.001-07:00

It's hot as heck here today - the 1st day of August and it's supposed to reach 106 degrees! So today instead of even trying to do anything outside I decided to work on one of my new goals and start simplifying my life and style.
Have you noticed how easy it is to make impulse purchases now and how things just start piling up? I think I inherited a little of my parents recession-fear mentality and it's hard for me to pass up anything free like the little soaps and shampoos that you get in hotels. As a Lifestylist® I'm always picking up cool and unusual items that I plan on using for staging or merchandising a model home - thanks heavens the Home Idea Factory has lots of storage or I'd be in big trouble!
Last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to The Family Place - an amazing resource for abused women and families. I serve on the board for HomeAid / HomeBuilders Care in Dallas and we just built new apartments, a clinic and a school room for them and it was so rewarding to see what we were able to accomplish. We were also able to meet some of the women who live there and what a difference the Family Place has made in our lives. As we toured we also found out what a great need they have for some of those things I've been collecting and today I'm going to start simplifying my life to help them with their fresh start.
Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, NY is another charity very close to my heart. A few years ago we did a home that was merchandised completely with items that had been donated to the charity, then auctioned off to benefit Ronald McDonald House. I'll be forever grateful to the volunteers and Rochester community who donated such beautiful items to work with!
Towels, sheets, bath products, diapers... these are all things we may have an abundance of but don't want to throw out the ones that we don't use as much anymore. Stuffed animals that we tend to collect at fairs and in crane games would be cherished by a child that had to leave everything behind to get to safety.
It feels so good to clean away some of the clutter and know that these items are going to help someone else. The less you have to organize the easier it will be!

Color Spotting at Home Depot

2010-08-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

I do love being a Lifestylist®, and getting the opportunity to travel across the country meeting new people and spotting new trends. Recently I was up in the 1,000 Island area of NY and spent a day just driving and looking at the magnificent architecture and natural beauty of that area.
When I found this little cabin tucked by the river I fell in love - especially with the brightly colored Adirondack Chairs in the front of it. Of course I took a picture and never forgot what a great, happy look this was.
Then the other day I was walking through Home Depot and found these bright, happy chairs and I had to have them! Especially since they were only $12.00 each and maintenance free. I love what a difference they made in the backyard of the Idea Factory - even when I'm not out reading a book or birdwatching on them I love just being able to look out the window and seeing the burst of color.
It's easy to use an accent of color to wake up any space. It can be done with pillows in a living room, towels in a bath or with plates in a dining room. Great, fun design doesn't have to be expensive - you just need to be brave enough to try different ideas out.

Getting Inspired by Your Surroundings

2010-07-28T13:25:00.001-07:00

When I work on a model home, my first priority is bringing the outside in - what's going to make the buyer feel like what he experienced before he walked into the model continues into his model experience?
My son just gave me the perfect example - he is buying a new home in Florida, and was troubled after seeing the new model home because they didn't like the colors or feel of the home after it was merchandised. It bothered them so much they actually considered canceling the sale. The colors and the lack of lifestyle felt like they could have been in any city in any community, but it didn't have the warmth that they anticipated their home would have.
At Lifestylist® Design we focus on lifestyle, and what they buyer hopes to experience in his new life in your new home. We just finished doing a Lifestylist® Designed home for @home Builders in Baldwinsville, NY and I thought I'd share the thought process on how we came up with this home.
Timber Banks is a new incredible planned community near Syracuse, NY that features an 18 hole, Nicklaus designed golf course, river frontage with it's own marina, clubhouse, and a stunning, natural beauty all around you that you can call home. It seemed only natural that I would bring this lifestyle and the colors I saw all around me into the design of the model. We went with some of the foggy greys, clear blue sky, river rocks and eco-greens that we discovered on our walks and as a result when you are in the home it truly pulls the outside in. Plan a visit to the Timbers yourself and see what we accomplished - contact Teresa Carpenter with @home Builders for more information at: 315-635- 6006.

Lifestylist® Advisory: Free Travel Resources From Yelp

2010-07-07T19:56:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite new resources is yelp.com - an online resource that can help you find restaurants, hotels, nightlife and shopping in your local area, or wherever you are traveling to. Members review and talk about stores and services and help you find where "the locals" go. I've tried this in several cities and have gotten great suggestions. One of the great things about traveling is getting to try new things, and with the yelp app on my iphone I'm good to go! It will also help you find the closest gas station and emergency services if you ever need them.
You can also also go directly to the reviews of a member you like or trust - please check out this Lifestylist's reviews on Yelp here.
This is another great resource that can help you save money and time when you are making your travel plans. Let me know what your profile is and I'll follow you as well!

Lifestylist® Designed TX Lake House For Sale

2010-06-27T10:52:00.001-07:00

Looking for the perfect home to enjoy lake front living all year long? Look no further - this beautiful 5 bedroom home is what you have been searching for!

Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber and photographer Lisa Stewart visited this week to stage, photograph and help the owner market their home. See why Lifestylist® Marketing can give you the edge you are looking for to help you sell more homes.

Take a look at the You Tube video of the home, or contact Norma K. Smith for more information.

Building an Xtreme Home

2010-06-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

We did it! With a lot of help from the wonderful team at Champion Homes of Texas, Lifestylist Design Inc. was able to complete 4 model homes in a week's time. And the response has been tremendous - retailers have been flocking to the Champion Sales Center to see these amazing new XTreme floorplans.
This week really proved to me what a difference a great management team and leadership can make in the success of a company. I can't say enough about how everyone stepped up and did whatever needed to be done. Even though we had to work on Saturday and Sunday in 100 degree weather there wasn't one person who acted like there was any place they would rather be. The loyalty to their company and attention to detail really shows in every home that they build as well. No matter what price point the home was, it was still XTremely well constructed and I would be proud to call any of them my home.
If you are looking for and XTreme Home to call your own you should check out these new homes. Contact Marc Medders at 800-414-2605 for more information and tell him The Lifestylist® sent you!

Buying Local

2010-05-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

Today was a great day - I got a lot of work done on my gardens then we went to our local farmers market to pick up some goodies for the week.
The Home Idea Factory is in an area of Dallas called Oak Cliff and we are very fortunate because we are close to town but it's an older established area that is really coming into it's own. Some amazing restaurants have opened, I've heard there is now an organic coop and now we even have our own coffee company - Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters. So today we picked up some coffee, and sampled our way through the local farmer stalls at the Dallas Farmers Market. Local peaches were just coming into season and there also was a bounty of tomatoes, onions, squash and cucumbers. It's going to be a healthy tasty week around here!
Some vendors are only there weekends and we discovered the Lucky Layla Farms which had amazing cheeses. I bought the Fresh Campesino which was perfect with my tomatoes, avocados and cucumbers for lunch. I'm going to make some homemade ice cream to use with the peaches for dessert.
One of the best things about being a Lifestylist is getting to explore what's out there and figure out how to make it approachable and accessible. I was amazed how much I saved by buying at the farmers market vs. a typical grocery store - I got 5 huge beautiful tomatoes that were picked that morning for $1 each! My goodies helped me make a quick and healthy lunch for under $1.50 per serving.
We have got to support our local farmers and businesses. The Lemley family has been bring exceptional tomatoes, peaches and other produce to the farmer's market for over 30 years. I know that a lot of the better restaurants in town also buy from them and I can't imagine a summer without their goodies. It's exciting to have all of these choices now and I plan on supported them so they are here for years to come.

Wegmans Celebrates 13 Years on the 100 Best Companies to Work For List

2010-05-21T10:50:00.001-07:00

I know I've shared my Wegmans love here before, but it's great to see I'm not the only one who is crazy about this company and the great people who work there.
On my recent visit to Rochester I stopped in at the Pittsford store to get my goodies to take back to Texas with me - whenever I get the chance to head that way I bring an extra suitcase and cooler so I can bring all of my favorites back with me. One of my new favorites is the Nance's Hot Mustard that I haven't seen anywhere but there and now that my Texas friends have tried it they all want me to bring back some for them as well. I had probably a dozen of them in my cart and I think 3 or 4 employees stopped me and joked about I must be from out of town if I'm buying that much Nance's, and we talked about what a great store Wegmans is and how lucky Rochester residents are to have that resource in their own back yard. After grabbing my Killer Brownies, Ultimate Chocolate Chip cookies, Carrot Cake, and the classic slice of Ultimate Chocolate Cake, I checked out and headed to the airport. Trust me, the minute you walk into a Wegmans no matter what store or city you are visiting you can feel the positive energy and enthusiasm these team members bring to work. I'm not sure many of them even think of it as work, more like a calling. You can't not be in a great mood by the time you leave, especially if you were fortunate enough to bring home some of the fruits and vegetables straight from the Wegmans farm or a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers.
It was great to see on my receipt that Wegmans was on the Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work for list for the 13th year. I know if I lived in Rochester I would love to work for them. Congratulations to the entire Wegmans team for this great honor. If you see someone strolling through the aisles with a basket full of Nance's mustard, it's probably this Lifestylist - please come over and say hello!

Lifestylist Designed Home Debuts in Frisco, TX

2010-05-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

American Custom Builders is inviting neighbors and interested buyers to it's Sneak Peek Sunday today from 1-3pm. Take advantage of the opening to view our latest Lifestylist Designed home and see for yourself this fresh approach to home building and design. All of the furniture is from the local Ashley HomeStore and consumers can go and purchase almost everything they see in the homes themselves. This new marketing approach to model home merchandising is proving to be very successful - come and see the results!

Champion Homes of Texas Debuts new Model

2010-05-10T07:05:00.001-07:00

Our latest Lifestylist Designed Home debuted at the Great Southwest Home Show a few weeks ago and the response has been tremendous. The home was for Champion Homes of Texas, and it was a chance to show what the new Champion Homes is all about, and if you haven't take a look you need to - great homes with great value and style.
Take a look at the article we wrote for MHMSM about the show to learn more about where the factory built housing market is heading.

Talented Friends

2010-05-03T21:30:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out the article in Elle Decor about Alice Cottrell's apartment this month. I'm honored to have this very special designer as a friend, and this is someone who get's the lifestylist concept. Her apartment is beautiful, but is also designed to make her beautiful rescue puppy Charlie feel right at home. Home Interiors that are right sized is definitely a growing trend - this home is only 700 sq. ft. but is designed to accommodate every need of the residents.

MHI Congress in Las Vegas

2010-04-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

My bags are packed and I'm almost ready to go - tomorrow I'm off to Las Vegas to be a speaker at the 20th annual MHI Congress, and of course I made my reservations with the help of my Travelocity Gnome.
Held every year in Las Vegas, this convention brings together that biggest and brightest names in manufactured and modular housing. This year keynote speakers will be Jim Clayton - founder of Clayton Homes and Harold Gross of Market Research Answers so I know everyone that attends will leave with lots of great new information to grow their businesses with. I'm honored to to speaking in from if this group for the 7th year and I hope to be invited back for many years to come.
This year I'm speaking on how a Lifestylist approaches the fast paced world of Social Media. I bought my first domain name in the early 90's and I've always been intrigued with this very cost effective way of doing marketing. Now I have expanded the Lifestylist Brand to include a presence on various blogs, Blogger, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare,Yelp and You Tube. Is it worth the time investment to manage and update all of these? Absolutely! One of my great new clients, American Custom Builders found me through my Lifestylist Blog so I feel investing the time in keeping up with Social Media pays dividends to my brand and my business.
If you happen to be in Las Vegas next week, come and join us at Caesar's Palace. If you mention that you read this I'll give you a copy of my new Do-it-Yourself Guide to Social Media and Networking. See you there!

The Lifestylist Discovers Great Marketing and Food at the Paula Deen Buffet

2010-04-03T08:03:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all! Just got back from Tunica, MS and the South Central Manufactured Housing Show. Part of what being a Lifestylist is all about is experiencing life to the fullest, and even though I went to view housing trends, when I saw that bus with Paula Deen's face on it beckoning me to the casino and her signature buffet, how could I say no?
The show and Ms. Deen's buffet are both housed at Harrah's Tunica. I had stayed there in the past when it was The Grand Casino and let me just say the buffet was anything but grand, to the point that it may have been some of the worst food I have ever had. But love Paula, love her show, so decided I'd give it a go.
I went for lunch, and honestly I thought it was a great value. I think it was about $14.99, and I would have been happy if they just would have brought me up a sleeping bag and I just stayed there for a few weeks. I next to never do buffets because I don't like feeling like I have to over-eat to get my money's worth, and usually the food isn't that great quality. That was not the case here. I knew I was going to have to stay to bite sized portions if I was going to make my way to every station, but from the salads on everything was sooooo good I could have just eaten that! I'm very picky about fresh, and everything seemed super fresh and almost made to order. I wanted to try things that were Paula's signature dishes and they were even better than I had hoped. The cheese biscuits and hoe cakes were out of this world! And the Mac and Cheese.... I've had some great Mac and Cheese but this was one of the best.
There was an entire seafood selection that had mounds of shrimp, oysters and fried goodies, The Lady and Sons station had wonderful southern specialties including yams, fried green tomatoes, ham and fried chicken. And THEN there was a BBQ station and of course dessert. Had to try the Gooey Butter Cake and it lived up to it's name and reputation, but my favorite desserts were the peach cobbler and bread pudding. The only shortcomings for me were the fried pickles and the fact that they had Kool Whip for the dessert items! I didn't realize it wasn't whipped cram until I tasted it and it ruined the experience.
The Paula Deen brand was visible everywhere, and it should have been. Loved how they had recipe cards at some of the different stations so you could make some of the various things you tried at home, and while you were waiting there was a Paula Deen Gift Shop.
The restaurant was beautiful and definitely had Paula's southern charm and a very welcome feel to it. I loved every minute (and calorie) that I spent here, and may have to plan a trip back just so I can do it all over again! If you want to make a weekend out of the journey the casino also offers "Paula Deen Suites" that would complete the experience.

Best Buy Case Study: How to Lose Customers and Referrals for Life

2010-03-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you've heard and seen the worst customer experiences that you could possibly imagine, a company and it's representatives prove you wrong. I have written before about my disappointment with how I was treated at Best Buy, but that was nothing compared to what they put me through today.
I have just returned from a full week of travels where I met with great clients, got to work on fantastic projects and attended the Tunica Manufactured Housing Show. Today I spent the morning working with Champion Homes of Texas and one of their retailers. Champion understands what customer service is all about, and that's why I love working with them. They understand if the client is successful we will all succeed, and we are all in this journey together. I got to help put together a new model home that is going to be incredible, and also got great feedback as well. Be sure to stop by at Trinity Homes in Abilene and see our beautiful new home!
While I was in Tunica I had heard from Best Buy corporate. They apologized for all of the confusion and promised to call the store where I purchased my projector and have them resolve the issue. I was feeling good about things and thought Ryan handled the issue and my concerns well.
Then I made the mistake of ruining a perfectly good day by going up to the store to change out projectors. I thought it was only going to take a few minutes so I was going to call in my dinner order before I went in - fortunately the person that was with me wasn't as optimistic and she was right. We went to wait in the return line - there were two people in front of us. After standing there for about 5 minutes I asked the other people in line if anyone had been working there and they told me the woman who was working there walked away when they got into the line. I walked to the front of the store and asked if anyone could help us and he told me that three people were working in that area and I needed to just "go back in line and wait my turn".We gave up and ended up sitting on the floor - Tunisha who had left before I guess finally got the hint. Guess what - they had nothing in the system about my issues, and the manager said that no one from corporate had called about my issues and they couldn't do anything. I had Ryan's phone number with me and they called - not there. Then they informed me that what was on my receipt wasn't what I was bringing back, and the projector I brought back only sold for $349.00 and my receipt was for $649.00 so it couldn't possibly be what they sold me.
But wait! It gets even better. James the manager (who said that no one up there had talked to Ryan) calls corporate and puts me on the phone with Katie who was in Ryan's department. She informs me that it's impossible for what I bought to have been rung up wrong, I didn't buy the projector there and pretty much called me a liar. So now I have a 7 month old product that doesn't work that I paid for an extended warranty for that they won't honor. I wasn't sure what made me angrier - finding out I paid $876.00 for something that they said should have cost $349.00 or being called a liar.
So I come home, look up the suggested retail on what I have and it's actually $699.00 not $349.00. So sucker for punishment I am I call the Best Buy store. When I press 3 for sales help, no one answered the 2 times I tried so I called back on the Geek Squad line and got James. I told him the pricing he had for my machine was incorrect that it matched what was on my receipt, and he said that couldn't be right because their system showed it at $349.00. Trust me, there is pretty much no such thing as a $349.00 home theater projector, especially made by Epson. So the system that is never wrong was wrong, but Best Buy refused to even entertain this notion.

The moral of this story? The person with me found something she really wanted and was in line to buy it, and I told her that she would be walking home if she spent a dime there. I purchase a lot of electronics for my clients homes plus our Lifestylist® Designed recommends products for the home. You know that I will be very clear where anyone who asks should not make their purchases.
Then we have the other end of the spectrum where companies like Champion treat their clients how they like to be treated and respected. I had a million things to do today, but when Champion asked me to come and meet with their client I did because I appreciate their business and I want them to succeed. I will always be referring Champion Homes of Texas, Youngs Manufactured Homes in Hobbs, NM and Trinity Homes because I know that whomever I refer to them will be treated with respect, and they will get a great value for their money.

I would love to hear your customer stories - good and bad - and I'll share the best ones here. And if anyone would like a great deal on a projector that doesn't work, give me a call :)

Customer Service Experiences: Best Buy vs Apple Stores

2010-03-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

There is a very simple way to earn my dollars and loyalty as a customer - simplify my life and I'll be a customer for life. With as hectic and time challenged as we all are, our time is one of our most precious commodities and something I don't like to waste. Helping to make my life easier and less complicated is what a great Lifestylist, marketing program or customer service department should be all about. To show this, I want to talk about two competitors and how they handle the customer experience.
Best Buy has spent a fortune advertising how they understand the customer and their lifestyles, and they are there for us to help us make the right decisions in our electronics buying dilemmas. They started their "Geek Squad" which is supposed to help customers in their homes or online - for a fee of course. To be honest I had stopped buying at Best Buy because of their sales teams lack of knowledge, and every time I went in and needed help there never was anyone in sight to help. But my grandkids were coming to visit and my television projector that I had bought through NewEgg and have had for years died. I ordered a newer model online and when I received it found out it was a projector, but couldn't be used with cable. Called them, they were wonderful and immediately issued a refund and a call tag so I could ship it back. This didn't leave me with enough time to replace before my company got here so went to my local Best Buy to see what they had. After looking at them and trying to decipher what my options were I made a decision and of course - it was mis-marked and the price was actually $200.00 more than the tag said. They wouldn't honor the price shown, but again I was time challenged so went ahead and bought it. By this time I was working with the manager trying to get them to honor the price, no luck on that but he did talk me into the extended warranty which included one bulb replacement which I knew was an issue. Bought it, got it home in time to hook it up, all was well with the world.
Fast forward 7 months, and the bulb is going out. I call the number on my warranty policy and was given to the parts department after 4 attempts to get connected to the right department, and they didn't have and couldn't get a bulb for my model. The warranty is supposed to be "repair or replace" so they try and connect me to customer service where I get disconnected 3 times. At this point we are going on over 2 hours on the phone trying to get this resolved, and remember I was looking for a way to simplify my life. When I finally ask for and talk to a manager... wait for this... they tell me I have to find a place to buy the bulb, pay for it and install it myself, then send them the receipt and they will reimburse me! The only other thing they would do is I have to take the unit into the store, they will ship it off, then they will try to find a bulb, and it could take up to three weeks. Even though they know the part number they won't look for it until I send the unit to them. Best Buy, and Kevin, Mary, and Daniel who totally wasted my time on a beautiful Saturday - you failed me and every other customer who walks through you doors.
Now let's look at the Apple Stores. If you have never visited one you need to - I just can't say enough good things about them. The people who work their are obviously treated well and love their jobs because they couldn't be nicer, and more helpful. My favorite example is when I was in there having a lesson the other day a gentleman rushed in and asked one of the sales guys for help. Said was from out of town, had an iphone that he hadn't even purchased from Apple and it had crashed. Oh - and the store was packed like it always is. The sales person said not a problem, leave it with us for 10 minutes or so and we'll see what we can do. The customer came back, the phone was fixed, no charge to customer and Apple picked up another Customer for life. Apple is there to simplify your life, and they sure have been able to do that for me. I have the confidence to know that when I buy from Apple I'll have a team of geniuses ready to help me succeed in my marketing and life tasks.
It really doesn't have to be that hard - if you show that you truly care about your customers it will show. Not once did I get a "sorry you are being disconnected", "let us try to find that for you", nothing from Best Buy. They took my money and ran.
The great lesson for me and if there is a silver lesson in all of this it's that everything should start and end with the customer. I do appreciate the customers that support Lifestylist Design and I consider them a critical part of our success. I know Apple understands this as well which is why if it's a product I can't buy from Apple, I'll be buying online and not from a company (Best Buy) that doesn't appreciate my business.

Spring Forward With Your Home Design

2010-03-13T19:22:00.001-08:00

The start of daylight savings is the perfect time for your home to "spring forward" with lighter accessories, accents and even window treatments. Slip covers for furniture and accent pillows are an easy way to change the look and mood of a space. Use a duvet on your bed and get a lighter color and fabric for the warmer months, and a darker, dramatic color for those cooler fall and winter days. These are easy to change out and store, and you'll feel like you are living in a new space!
Pottery Barn and West Elm always have great covers for pillows, and they are often on sale. They are sold with or without the pillow insert so when you aren't using them they don't take up a lot of space. I am also big on having my dining table set, and a pretty spring arrangement and fun napkins, placemats and plates can really put you in the mood.

Feeling Blue

2010-02-24T20:02:00.001-08:00

: The Preserve

: Bedroom Before

: Bedroom After

: Bath with Target Accessories

Earlier this year Pantone named blue, or turquoise to be exact the color of the year. I'm wondering if the winter Olympic committee had consulted with them because blue is definitely a color we are seeing a lot of as we watch the winter games. I love the shades of blue and green that were chosen for the Olympics -it just goes to show how much of a difference the right colors can make in the appearance of an event, branding campaign or even a room. Using navy vs. aqua on a wall makes all the difference, even though they are both blue.
@home Builders hired The Home Idea Factory to merchandise a new model for them, and shades of blue were used in various rooms. This home was around the corner from the previous model which was in different colors, but the challenge was to use as much from the old model in the new one to keep costs down. Everything from the old bedroom was recycled in the new one but we added new bedding and headboards. The kids bath was merchandised with accessories from Target that were on trend and budget conscious. Buyers could actually go out and buy the items they saw and fell in love with in the model home. This new model home has character and personality and lookers became buyers - a community which only sold a few homes a year had 8 sales in snowy November and they now have a waiting list for the next phase.
Color can affect your mood, and happy colors create happy customers.

So Homemade Valentines Treats

2010-02-08T07:29:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite, easy to make sweet treats is toffee. I've been entering variations in the State Fair of Texas for years and this is the version that everyone asks for.
The key to candy making is having a good thermometer, and when I invested in a digital one it made all of the difference in the world. As soon as the temperature gets up to around 250 degrees start watching very closely - it will get to the optimum temperature quickly and if it heats to even 5 degrees more than it should it will burn. Enjoy!
Texas Butter Pecan Toffee
Ingredients:
1 lb Texas pecans
1 lb butter + 2 tablespoons butter for pecans
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light Karo syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb chocolate chips
Directions:
In a skillet, stir butter and pecans together - cook over a low heat until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan combine the rest of the butter, sugar, water and Karo syrup. Stir until mixture comes to a boil, then continue to cook without stirring until mixture reaches a temperature of 290 degrees. Stir in half of the pecans to mixture and turn out onto a 12” x 18” baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and spread after they melt - then sprinkle rest of pecans on top and allow to cool. Break into bite sized pieces.

It's Time for Savor Dallas

2010-02-07T17:29:00.001-08:00

In less than a month one of my favorite events will be in Dallas again - the 6th annual Savor Dallas celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts. I have gone every year, and it's something I'm always looking forward to. Savor Dallas is a unique opportunity where you get to meet the chefs and wine makers one on one and really hear what makes what they do so special.
This year as part of the marketing services that Lifestylist Design offers we can help you have this experience tailored to suit the needs of you and your guests. Our concierge service can help create an experience that you'll never forget. Be sure to put March 5th and 6th on your calendar and join us!

Jr Lifestylists that Cook

2010-02-06T11:14:00.001-08:00

Few things are as satisfying to me as helping kids explore the culinary world. You can see how excited they get when they learn they can make and bake things themselves and the more they learn, the more they want to try. I've seen it time and time again where a child will eat things that they made themselves but you couldn't force them to try it if someone else was the chef.
I just got back from spending a wonderful weekend with my grandchildren and I was able to help Jenna plan her 8th birthday. She had very specific ideas about what she wanted to do, and my job was to execute all of the things that she imagined. Her brother decided he wanted chocolate instead of a white cake, so we compromised and had chocolate cupcakes and a white birthday cake. When I went to the grocery store to get the ingredients I realized it would be much less expensive and just as easy to make the cakes from scratch. If you are looking for a recipe for a specific ingredient, check out the package or their website -the company is only going to share recipes that put their products in the best light so this is a great place to start. I didn't have recipes with me so I checked out the back of the Hershey's Cocoa box and there were recipes for chocolate frosting and cakes. Their grandpa has always made a wonderful butter cream icing that is a family favorite so we went with that for the birthday cake. Jenna will also never let me live down the fact that I misspelled "birthday" - that's a story she'll be telling for a long time!
The kids were so proud of what they were able to accomplish, and the chocolate recipes were fantastic - I think some of the best I've ever had. Jenna wanted a pet themed party, and that's what she got.
Don't underestimate the skills and interest of your culinary kids. Even when things don't turn out exactly as planned you can still create memories and recipes that can last a lifetime.