Something borrowed

While I always strive for new and innovative content for my readers, occasionally I find a friend or colleagues blog post so engaging I need to pass it on. Case in point, Organized Audrey, a speaker in which I was fortunate enough to see many years ago. She is a professional organizer for individuals and businesses. Here is an article that came to my inbox this morning from her which speaks to all of us. I encourage you to sign up for her e-newsletters. They are short, sweet and helpful.

In Minnesota, the cooler weather is our first hint. Then comes the first frost. Eventually the snowflakes will make an appearance and then before we know it, we'll be acting surprised that the holidays have snuck up on us once again.

The holiday season represents a time of year when lots of memories are in the making. And because one of the biggest components of being organized is planning ahead, this is a good time to think of things you can do in the next month or two that will help you to celebrate the holidays with less stress.

Here are a few things I hope to work on over the next 4-6 weeks:
• Review family photos to find the one I plan on sending to friends and family and order reprints online.
• Write our Christmas letter and update our mailing list.
• Get my carpets cleaned in time for holiday entertaining.
• Hang outdoor lights before the snow arrives!
• Order wreaths from the Boy Scouts.
• Purchase as many gifts online as possible.
• Plan out my baking list and purchase all of the ingredients needed.
• Be prepared to ship out-of-town gifts the week after Thanksgiving.

Link to sign up for Organized Audrey newsletters and free articles.

I am proud to annnouce....

That I begin training at the end of this month to be a lead instructor for bedding and pillows at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Pineville, North Carolina. I am thrilled that I have been given this opportunity to share my knowledge and love of learning with students from all around the world. I will be teaching on a part-time basis, around 4-6 weeks per year. This still gives me plenty of time to run my business, design and sew for my wonderful clients as well as continue my duties within the WFCP Program as their Workroom Certification Director. I will be busy yes, but I always seem to get more done in an extremely efficient manner so I welcome this with open arms.

Abracadabra!

I have a little fun up my sleeve today! It is called a virtual rendering. Wouldn't it be nice if you could "see" what your room will look like after you commit to a room makeover or simply new window treatments? Well, now that is now possible.

Here is a simple example of what you will see, a virtual rendering of what the treatment will look like in your room. See how closely it resembles the finished product?

Fantastic new fabric line

While in Atlanta I was extremely busy with numerous design and fabrication classes as well as networking and bonding with my peers. It was not until later on Friday that I was finally able to make it to the show floor to view the vendor booths. I had the pleasure of running into a great couple of gentleman who happened to be fabric vendors at the International Window Coverings Expo. There I stumbled upon some of the most exquisite fabrics I have ever seen. And beleive me these are some of the TOP brands in the industry, just not the over the top pricing. I could not help myself :) I now carry the line in my studio in Hastings, MN. Why not have your home stand out from your neighbors and look into cutomizing your home today. And if you would like to view this fantastic fabric just give me a call...you will not be sorry.

I can't decorate! Please help!

From time to time I receive a call from a very frustrated client that says "I just can't decorate". While listening to them on the phone or in person, voicing their decorating dilemma...I genuinely sympathize with them. Although most want me to immediately come and rescue them, I don't and here's why.

The first step in deciding what you like it is to find it, and find it for yourself. You need to scour the books at your local library, home improvement stores, magazines or brochures to find "the look" that suits you and your family. Take lots of notes and start a decorating journal or 3-ring binder with inspiration pictures in it. True, I ask many questions during consultations to narrow down the style that they may have mind, but the truth is every ones perception of a particular style is different, and when you can visualize it and show that vision to another person that is the best way to receive the style that you like.

In addition to this journal I suggest that you also work with a designer that will provide you with virtual renderings of your room so that you with have a pretty good idea as to what the ideas that you came up with will look like in your room. If you would like a FREE sample of what we can do for you send us a photo of your room via email at Jill@ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com and put BLOG OFFER in the subject line (one virtual picture rendering per email address, and offer only valid for the first 15 people that respond via email). We will email you back with 3 new decorating ideas for your room within 2 business days. This offer is only good until March 31, 2010.