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.

Are you a know-it-all?

This is a little story that I like to call the curse of the know-it-all. We have all met one, seen one, avoided one or perhaps you ARE one! Regardless, I want to share a little story from my life that I hope will help you at some point in the future. Last week, I was asked to install what was described as a very simple drapery job. Original installer had hung the 4 motorized drapery tracks and the sheer drapes closest to the window. I was to arrive, hang outer drapes, program the remote control and steam out any wrinkles- easy enough (or so I thought). Upon arrival, homeowner had informed me of what they thought was a wiring issue. While, I don't claim know everything there is to know about home automation- I have the necessary contacts to find out what I need to get the job done. So while I was on the phone with the drapery track motorization company (and sending pictures to the company of the current wiring) they determined that the initial installer did not set up system with all correct parts to program the draperies to function properly. Furthermore, since the home automation system runs these drapery track motors an infrared remote would not work. I realized soon after this why the original installer was not asked back to finish the job, incompetence. As soon as the necessary parts arrive later this week I will be going back to program the system alongside the home automation company next Tuesday. I will never claim to know all there is to know about the home furnishings industry, that is a ridiculous thought. We live in a world where items are updated and outdated constantly. All I can stress is to have a great support team to call if you do have problems. Get to know your reps, sales staff, customer service and product manuals. It is not embarrassing to call a support line and get the right answers. It is however embarrassing to lose a job because you were too embarrassed you did not know everything. Hint: you will never know everything.

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.

Workroom Wednesdays with WFCP Series- How to Fabricate a Flat Roman Shade

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 10am CST/ 11am EST/ 8am PDT/ 9am MST. This is the first webinar in our "Workroom Wednesdays with WFCP" series which will take place the first and third Wednesdays of each month. In this class you will learn how to fabricate a flat-roman shade using the most up-to-date safety standards. WFCP Workroom Certification Instructor Sharon Konrad will share with you many of her unique tips and techniques for beautiful and efficient flat roman shades. Click HERE to register. $35.00 for WFCP Members, $50.00 non-members

SteamPunk Interior Design

Steampunk style gained its popularity through a compilation of different literature genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, and alternative history. Now that it has evolved from fashion to interior design, you can clearly see the Victorian Era elements throughout. What distinguishes Steampunk interior design from other design styles are of course the gadgets that are supposedly designed during the Victorian Era. These details of interior are the future’s elements seen in a Victorian Era perspective. Even if it is a computer, a machine for XXI century, it is visually perceived as a machine designed in XIX. Additionally, the colors that are used in Steampunk design are often tinted with copper.

What is in a name??? Time is running out!

C'mon people get creative and keep those wonderful entries coming in-AND WIN WIN WIN! WHAT IS THE CONTEST ALL ABOUT? Today through 7/31/2012, I will be having a contest to rename my Impressive Windows & Interiors 'e-newsletter' and my Impressive Windows & Interiors 'blog'. Each person is allowed five entries for each category (10 total). There will be two winners, one for the new e-newsletter name and one for the new blog name. There are no geographical restrictions to this contest, anyone can enter (if you are over 18). Remember, if you are a winner and live out of state you can take advantage of Eye4Design, a virtual design service that we offer. So really there is no reason not to enter. Each winner (2) will receive 1-$250 gift certificate for Impressive Windows & Interiors. It is valid on anything that you would like...a product, a service or even to be used as a gift (transferred to someone else). There is no limit to how many you can win, so one person could win BOTH and could combine them for a really awesome room makeover!!! The gift certificates expire after a two year period. How do you enter? There are five ways. 1) You can 'message me' on facebook via my personal page, Jill Ragan Scully. 2) You can 'message me' on facebook, via my business fan page Impressive Windows & Interiors. 3) You can send me a 'direct message' on Twitter @JillRaganScully 4) You can send me an 'email' at Jill@ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com 5) You can 'respond to this post' and write your suggestion(s).

Please submit entries as soon as possible. If your brilliant idea is the same as someone else and it ends up be a winner, the first one to submit will be the winner!!! Judging (by me) will take place the first two weeks in August 2012 (1-15) and the winner(s) will be notified as soon as possible (on or before August 16, 2012)

Intro to Impressive Windows & Interiors Part 3

View video here

Intro Impressive Windows & Interiors Part 2

View Video here

Introduction to Impressive Windows & Interiors part 1

View video here

Visit our newest listing on Thumbtack.com

Visit us on thumbtack at Interior Decorator

And please stay tuned for our fabric line debuting in late 2012 and our design book available in early 2013.

As always, if you need some inspiration to make your "before" house a home, we would love to help. Visit our website at www.ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com and give us a call at 651-437-5512 today and we will get started on your "after".

Impressive Windows & Interiors LLC - Hastings, MN (Minnesota) | (651) 437-5512

Impressive Windows & Interiors LLC - Hastings, MN (Minnesota) | (651) 437-5512

Time after time...love it!

Great ideas for unique clocks that would be perfect for your home or office

We now have our very own QR code...

Scan with your smartphone to link to our website!

Daily Inspiration

Just a bit of inspiration for your midweek madness :

5 Non Paint Wall Ideas- Very Cool!

http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/08/16/decorating-wall-without-paint?ncid=dynaldusshel00000001

Hollywood Glam in the Bedroom~

One of the most popular ways to decorate a master bedroom is classic vintage luxury or Hollywood Glam! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Paint- When painting your walls use bold jewel tones and classic neutrals for colors. You can pair this with graphic print wallpaper on one wall as a focal point.

Furniture- Luxurious fabrics (silks, faux furs, etc.) paired with gold-leaf, mirrored furniture, crystal chandeliers, and large tufted headboards. Small budget? No problem! Re-purposing an old piece to fit in with your design plan is a great way to make a statement and not invest a great deal of cash. Ralph Lauren came out with a great metallic paint line about 7 years ago and many of the other paint companies have done this as well. Your possibilities are endless!