If you are like me, you enjoy cruising around the internet, being entertained and educated about things that interest you. I'm always on the lookout for real estate news, decor trends, home improvement projects, and DIY topics especially useful for home staging. Along the way, I stumble on related topics -- people, places, products, and subjects that because they are so well presented I can't help but read, investigate, or listen to.
I've decided to highlight just a few things that have caught my attention. None of these are affiliate links. I am not being given product or reimbursement of any kind from these mentions. It's just a random sampling of what I think is worth sharing, a kind of charcuterie board where you can take what you like and maybe discover some new tastes.
Sites I like
Some of these websites are ones I visit regularly and others only when something catches my eye.
Did you know that you can go to eBay and use the term "books by the foot" or "decorative books" to find merchants who sell bundles of color-coordinated hardcover books? Instant library for homestaging!
Here's what to consider if you have a patio and are planning to sell your home.
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/patio-red-flags-36916492?utm
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| Learn what the red flags are for people buying a home that has a patio or deck attached. Photo: Apartment Therapy |
I like the variety of art in this home.
https://www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/pf/artfilled-estate/
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| Art in a staged home doesn't have to share a similar genre throughout the house. Photo: Laura Casey |
Kate Wagner, who writes the blog McMansion Hell, is SO entertaining and humorous. She pokes fun at those super-sized suburban homes typically built between 1980 and 2008, the American housing bubble. Be prepared to be tickled, as well as taught about what makes architecture attractive and functional.
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| Plan to spend some time when you visit McMansionHell. |
Another Kate I admire is Kate Riley of Centsational Style. She recently published her list of fake plants that don't look fake. Since I think today's faux greenery is a boon to home stagers, this is definitely info that deserves sharing.
https://centsationalstyle.com/2021/05/realistic-looking-faux-plants/
Products I like
Again, I don't make money on any of these items. I'm only doing what most women enjoy doing -- spreading the word about what works for them.
I'm never without this hand lotion. My friend Ellen gave me some for Christmas a few years ago, and I've been hooked ever since. It's extra rich so you don't need more than a dab. I put it on my hands every night before bed, just to enjoy its orange blossom scent. If you're not familiar with Naked Bee, you may not know about their line of natural skincare products. 
https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Bee-Moisturizing-Lotion-Blossom/dp/B000S01TBG
I have used this Ikea round, metal side table in a number of stagings. It's affordable, attractive, and versatile. It doesn't take up much visual room, and it's the perfect height for a bedside table, but also useful for outside bistro settings.
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| The Lindved table has simple lines that mesh with different styles. The price is just $25. Photo: Ikea |
Why do we all love canning jars so much? I think it's because they are so versatile and sturdy, and no matter what size you choose, they have that mouth that makes them easy to fill and clean. They're microwave- and freezer-friendly. The size is consistent and measurable. And with the right lids, you can actually use them for canning. Here's another reason to love them -- colorful plastic lids for regular or wide mouth jars. These lids are not for canning but they are dishwasher safe, made of food-grade, BPA-free plastic, and come with gaskets to make the seal leakproof. Pretty enough for gifting foods, too.
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| The bright caps make it easy to code the contents. For example, when using for refrigerator storage, you could use yellow for leftovers, red for "use right away," and blue for soup ingredients, and teal for "Hands off! This is for Mom only!" |
I've just finished a book entitled An American Bride in Kabul, by Phyllis Chesler. It's the fascinating account by an American woman who married a Muslim man from Afghanistan in 1961 when they were both college students in New York City. Her book was written in 2013, and is more relevant now than ever. Although she envisioned an exciting life of travel and adventure, once in Afghanistan, she became part of her husband's wealthy household ruled by unimaginable restrictions and contradictions. Although she nearly died while there, she was able to flee the country alone and has since become an active advocate for the rights of Afghan women. Eye-opening!
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781137365576
I hope you've found something here to interest you, that sparks your imagination or helps you relax. Curiosity is a gift, and according to this post, has the power to help you handle anxiety, because it lets people "tap into their natural capacities for wonder and interest." Stay curious.
Top Photo: Page42 via eBay