beautiful home: Desember 2009

Kamis, 31 Desember 2009

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

I had a great and crazy year in blog world and in my real world. Tonight there will be Champers, Smores, Sparklers and Kissing. Next year there will be big changes for me and my family. I know what you are all thinking, AUSTRALIA!!! Sorry, but it looks like that dream will be put on hold for now. Hubby's future new job is looking more promising and it also looks like I have a promising buyer for my Shop/Home. This means getting all ducks in a row, moving somewhere and maybe an addition to our family.

That is plan A. Plan B is, sell it all and move Down Under.

Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.

I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year. Love Ya, Heidi

Sorry No Origin on this image.

Image found on We Heart It.

I don't know where I found this image, I think The Container Store.

Image found on We Heart It.

My New Year's Blessing for You

We're busy packing and getting ready to travel back and forth from Colorado to Kentucky twice in the next two weeks, so I won't be able to be with you all very much during that time. That's over 5200 hard road miles. Yikes.

I will be visiting your blogs as much as I am able, but if you don't see me there, please understand. I'll catch up with you when I get settled in my new home.

I want to thank all of you who have visited my blog, and continued to help me grow this little dream of mine. I can't believe the amount of support one gets here in blogland, and I am truly thankful for each of you. I've learned so many tips from the creativity that is abundant in this little world of ours, and I've learned how to do so many new things, and made many new friends. I hope I have been able to be the inspiration to you that you have been to me.

That being said, here is my New Year's wish for all of my new friends out there in blogland..

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HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ! !

I hope this year that you have a life filled with peace and contentment, laughter and joy, love and solitude. I hope you get all that you could ever hope for.

I hope that you will be happy, and that you will prosper at whatever you do, and that your children will experience the same. I hope that you will be in good health, and if you're ailing, that your health will be restored.

I wish your life to be free of serious incident, and that you find provision for whatever your needs may be.

I wish you friends that offer you laughter in your life, and a place to turn for strength when you are in need.

I hope that you will seek out the good in every situation in your life. I hope you will find a way to see the positive in all matters.

I hope that you will not have to struggle for any reason, but if you do, I hope that you will realize that it is temporary and will not let it get you down.

I hope that you set new goals for yourself, and achieve them.

And most of all, I hope that we can all be better than we were last year. I hope we can all have the opportunity to help others. I hope that we can look at the world a bit differently, and make a difference wherever possible.

May you have someone in your life that you love so much it makes you laugh and cry at the time, and may you be that person in someone else's life.

I wish that you are the person that someone else wants to be like.

Wishing you a year of new blessings for 2010.

With Ultimate Sincerity from me to you, Polly

Senin, 28 Desember 2009

Trends Furniture Of Living Room Furniture

Furniture Of Living Room

Furniture, Trend Furniture Living Room, Sofa Furniture Sets

Furniture / Sofa Sets Of Living Room Design

Minggu, 27 Desember 2009

Buttons & Lace are all you Need to Look Like a Little Lady!

UPDATE 12/29: Little Lady Lampshade just got a new home. She'll be off to Brenda at Cozy Little House in the morning. Thanks Brenda!

Joining up with

Head on over there and see what everybody is doing this week.

Did the title fool ya? Did you think you were going to come here and see me all decked out in something reminiscent of a corseted Victorian dress adorned with buttons and lace? Well, sorry, but that taint me!

I do have something even better though! I've dressed my lampshade up to look like a little lady.

Ain't she pretty?

I was going through my workroom last week and came across this dented little muslin shade. Can you believe I almost threw it away? What was I thinking? I set it on my work table while I continued to clean, and when I went back to the table, I realized that all of the things sitting out on the table with it would look great on the shade.

Sooo, I pulled everything together and started adding things one layer at a time.

(I keep trying to use those keys on every project I start, but it just doesn't seem to happen).

Anyhoo, I got out that new favorite glue of mine. (The Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive - love that stuff!), and started adding the trims. I had no idea where I'd end up, but I rarely ever do when I start something new.

See how much glue I put on there? Can't be too safe. It dries clear, which is good, because then I know when it's completely dry.

Layer, layer, layer.

I had to prop the shade up on a small wastebasket so that the fringe could hang loose at the bottom.

I used clips to hold the trims down where they meet until they dried.

Moving on up.........

When I got to this point, I thought I'd be finished, but then I realized it didn't have enough color for me. So off to the button jars I went.

I found some great shell buttons in greens and golds, so I thought I'd try them out to see how they look.

I think I like them. Let's keep going. See how that glue in the burlap is starting to dry clear?

I used E6000 to put the buttons on. It's thicker and sets up just as fast.

As I started to add a few more buttons down the back seam, I thought it was starting to look like a victorian dress, so I decided to make the back the front!

Original Front:

The Cuter Front:

I just love my little lady! And if YOU love her too, you can find her in my etsy shop.

Sabtu, 26 Desember 2009

Snuggled up in a bed of White.

Sweet Dreams to everyone. Enjoy, Heidi

Image via Roche Bobois.

Image via Christopher Maya.

Image via Curious Sofa.

Image via Matias Errazuriz.

Image via Atlanta Bartlett.

Image via Traditional Home.

Sorry I don't have the origin of this image.

Image via Canadian House and Home.

Sorry I don't have the origin of this image.

Image via Traditional Home.

Rabu, 23 Desember 2009

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. If you celebrate Christmas in the biblical sense, then I hope that you will remember to offer up a bit of appreciation for all that you have because of His blessings in your life.

I hope that you all are surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends, the warmth of this sacred season, good meals, and answered prayers.

When you have all that you need, remember to pray for those who do not. Do something special for someone if you can. And please, remember to pray for our troops who cannot be with their families, and those families that won't have them home for Christmas.

Have a Wonderful Christmas!

I'll see you back in a few days.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Love this wreath but I don't know where I found it.

I hope you all have a safe and fabulous Christmas. Love, Heidi

Senin, 21 Desember 2009

Don't Forget The Floorplan

"...This is an apartment I could be interested in, let's see the floor plan. Oh well, there is none. What do they not want me to know? Maybe the rooms are very small? I don't have time for this, next apartment...".

It's very important to have a floor plan for every apartment advertised. Many buyers will simply skip an ad because they can't get the information they need. Omitting a floor plan is a mistake new agents and for sale by owners make.

This can be hand drawn if necessary but critical that it have reasonably accurate dimensions so a buyer can begin to understand what the space is actually like. All ad components are an opportunity to show appealing aspects of the product. One good example is the floorplan below highlighting the unique shape of the bedroom - definitely different from it's competition:

Effective ads strike a balance between a level of accuracy and appeal.

The Top 6 Reasons To Price It Right

Incorrectly pricing an apartment for sale can be counter productive for the seller. Here are some of the most important reasons why:

1) An appraisal becomes problematic. If the buyer needs to get a mortgage the bank will have the apartment appraised. The sale will only close if the contract price is reasonably near recent closing prices.

2) The intimidation factor. "...This is such a high asking price. There's no way the owner will negotiate to a level I can agree to...". Fewer buyers will make offers on an over priced apartment. This is a counter productive situation for a seller who wants multiple offers and the highest price the market will bear.

3) The missing search. Buyers using the web will not find listings priced out of a reasonable search range. One example would be a studio asking $700,000. Few buyers are looking for studios asking this much.

4) Credibility. Under pricing an apartment can also be an issue for sellers. Buyers may interpret this as an indication either something is seriously wrong with the apartment (i.e. it's in awful condition, completely dark, etc.) or the size has been misrepresented; "...This can not be a real one bedroom. The price is so low that it's either a mistake or this apartment is really a converted studio....". If an apartment is to be "under priced" to try to spark multiple bids the ask still must be set correctly as part of the overall presentation.

5) Increased time on the market. An incorrectly priced apartment will probably take much more time to sell. The longer a listing is on the market the less credibility the asking price will have. Certain types of apartments also have a peak period of interest during the year. Missing a window like this can be costly.

6) Helping the competition. One of the classic tactics is using an incorrect higher ask price to help sell other apartments. A savvy seller will encourage a buyer to look at specific other properties because he knows the comparison is favorable.

The credibility and accuracy of a Real Estate ad will determine whether it's the start of a viable relationship between the buyer and seller or the conclusion. An incorrect asking price is an obstacle that causes many buyers to distrust the seller making an already challenging process more difficult. A savvy buyer understands that many over priced and badly presented apartments eventually sell at a discount because the seller runs out of time, money and patience.

The question now is not why it's important to price correctly; it's how to.

Mortgage Matters

Jumbo Loans: Is Anyone Out There?

The last 24 months have truly been one for the books. We have seen the total collapse of the secondary market...the market that buys up mortgages so that banks can re-lend the money. Thankfully, the conforming market had the bail-out of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But what about the non-conforming market (other wise known as the jumbo market)? This is an area where some banks were positioned in a way to lend and others not.

At Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking, we specialize in mortgages from $1,000,000 to $6,000,000. The qualifications have become more stringent. Most jumbo loans in today's market will require any where from 20% to 40% down depending on the size of the loan and the type of collateral. Banks are also requiring a minimum credit score of at least a 720 for these types of loans and a debt ratio not to exceed 38.000%. This may seem very strict. The fact of the matter is that New York City operates in an affluent market and our buyers/borrowers are able to meet these guidelines. It is always recommended to get preapproved before looking to ensure you can obtain financing; especially if you are looking to finance a jumbo loan.

Adam W. Turkewitz, CMPS | Private Mortgage Banker, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
530 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036

(212) 805 1172 Office | (516) 456-3687 | adam.turkewitz@wellsfargo.com
https://www.wfhm.com/loans/adam-turkewitz/index.page

Considerations For Foreign Investors Of U.S. Property

Foreign nationals can freely buy U.S. real estate for their own personal use as a residence, either in their own names or through corporations or other entities, without having to report to any government agency. Things get more complicated, however, when foreign nationals or entities go to sell U.S. real estate or co-op assets. The purchase of U.S. assets by foreign investors warrants estate planning in advance of the intended
acquisition. Foreign investors do not have the benefit of U.S. estate tax exclusions, which is $3,500,000 for 2009. U.S. estate taxes are based on the value of the property at death not the gain in value from the acquisition date.

Absent estate planning, a foreign investor’s estate can owe up to 46% of the value of the property in Federal tax upon his or her death. State and local tax obligations can increase the tax obligation to over 50% of the value of the property. Foreign investors can structure their acquisitions through off-shore entities to avoid U.S. estate and gift taxes. Income tax on the rental income or gain from a sale can also be avoided, depending on
the country of residence, by proper planning. Foreign investors can establish a holding corporation that is outside the U.S. either (i) in the country of residency or (ii) in a country with favorable tax rules such as Bermuda or the Bahamas. The holding company then establishes a U.S. subsidiary which then acquires and holds the U.S. asset. The foreign investor then owns stock in the foreign holding corporation. Upon death of the foreign investor, there are no estate taxes due as the transfer of shares of a foreign corporation are not subject to U.S. estate taxes.
There are two forms of apartment ownership in New York City, co-operative and condominium. Coop apartments require board approval. Such boards are generally very unreceptive to holding corporations purchasing into the co-op association. Condos are therefore better suited to foreign investors.

LAW OFFICE OF JOHN P. BRADBURY

Five Penn Plaza, 23rd Floor Phone: (212) 697-3529
New York, New York 10001 Fax: (212) 202-5046
jbradbury@nyrelaw.com
www.nyrelaw.com

Beautiful Loft Design in London

This fantastic 1118 sq.ft. loft where the predominant color is white has been completely redesigned and refitted to create a stunning, high spec space ideal for entertaining, facing west over London and is unlike any other we have seen in this well known and sought after deployment. Overlooking the canal basin, this space boast a crisp clean design throughout, part double height ceilings, gallery master bedroom with dressing room, en-suite and bath suite, plus a study/chill out area and large decked balcony to enjoy the views and sunsets. This apartment is located at the Northern end of Wenlock Road by the Grand Union canal between Old St and Islington in London, and for more info you can visit Urbanspaces website.

LONDON LIVING ROOM INTERIOR DESIGN

LIVING ROOM INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE

LONDON KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATING

BEDROOM FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

LUXURY KITCHEN INTERIOR DECORATING

BATHROOM INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE

Minggu, 20 Desember 2009

Time Flies

It seems that time really has run away from me. It's been 2 weeks since I have posted and what a hectic time it's been.

In all of the craziness, I have hardly had a moment to think about Christmas. Harry and Brad can't believe how uninteresting our Christmas tree is this year!! They think that I have turned from being a Christmas obsessed maniac to a Christmas Grinch! Not so, I keep on telling them...just lots of other great things I am trying to work through...

As from this Wednesday I will be taking one month away from the blog. I need some time to recharge and refresh...however, I am very much looking forward to continue to share my experiences, inspirations, travels etc. with you all in 2010 here on ABT!!!

Image - John Dolan photographer

Very Elegant Modern Furniture for Small Bathroom

Very Elegant Modern Furniture for Small Bathroom – Happy by Novello

Italian company Novello with its Happy collection amazingly demonstrates that furniture for a small bathroom can be very beautiful. This collection combines the refinement of ceramic wash basins and capacious of traditional bathroom furniture. The washbasin cabinets in asymmetric and charming shapes are complemented with wash-basins tops made of different materials like crystal, stainless steel and corian. There are also many kinds of wall mount cabinets and creative shelves in this collection, which are in perfect harmony with the wash basins. The mirrors are offered in various finishes and can be supplied with LED lights along the frame. The furniture amazes by bright and elegant color solutions. The most attractive of them is the violet bathroom set. This color accentuates the curved furniture’s line and make it even more refine. Any small bathroom could have a great look with such furniture set. For further information you could visit Novello site.