What are your #NewYearsResolutions?

Here are mine:

Personal - be true to myself - this is something that I always strive to achieve, but hope to take more time for "me" this year

Business - continue to add services to offer to my clients, and provide the best value possible

Visit Telus to Donate to MS Society - Waterloo Chapter

Telus Mobility is working to support the efforts of the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society. The generous people at Telus will match all donations made at their store at the Conestoga Mall until December 31, 2011. If you are considering making a donation to the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society this year, please consider making that donation through the folks at Telus Mobility (their store is near the ‘Winners’ entrance to the mall).
YOUR DONATION WILL BE DOUBLED!

They will take cash, credit card or debit. For donations of $20 or more, just bring your Telus receipt to the MS Centre (35 Belmont Ave West, Kitchener) and they will prepare a 2011 charitable receipt for you.

Thank you for helping to spread the joy of the season … thank you to Telus Mobility and thank you to YOU!

Hosting a New Year's Party Tips

- Set a theme and advise your guests to dress appropriately - set the table and decorations according to your theme. Some fun suggestions that I've enjoyed include masquerade, black and white, and James Bond

- Be sure to set out snacks, and offer a selection of beverages, including a non-alcoholic option for your designated drivers.

- Be sure to plan ahead for guests that may over-drink by having a guest room set up (if available), and quick access to the phone number of local taxi companies.
If you're attending a New Year's party, be sure to bring a gift for your host, whether it's as simple as a bottle of wine, or a more personal gift that the host can enjoy after the party While your host may not expect a gift, it is always appreciated.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas & Last Minute Baking Inspiration

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday. If you're doing a little last minute baking today, be sure to check out www.kraftrecipes.com for some inspiration. I use several of their recipes each year for my Christmas baking. They use ingredients that you can usually find already in your home - perfect for last minute treats! #christmasbaking

Thanks for the Tradition Holiday Cards!!!

As our society becomes more and more technologically advanced, it is often easy to forget some of the simplest gestures. While technology has allowed us to improve efficiency, and most can't imagine how they ever lived without their smartphone, it has also made us busier than ever. I encourage you to take some time this holiday season to phone (not email) friends and loved ones, take the time to sit down for tea with your grandparents, and practice patience in the malls and stores.

On that note, thank you to everyone that send me a personal, physical #Christmas card! While I appreciate the e-wishes, nothing beats the good old-fashioned #holiday card.

Concerned about the environmental impact? Try to purchase cards that have been printed on recycled paper, and save your cards to re-use the following year as gift tags by cutting out the cute characters or shiny messages, punch a hole, add ribbon, and adhere to gifts. My friends and family always appreciate the uniqueness of my gift tags.

All I Want for #Christmas...

Last minute Christmas shopping? Here some items on my wish list this Christmas - great for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list:

1. Boudoir Cushion - Bouclair $16.99

2. Red Etched Wine Glasses - Bombay $29 for a set of 4

3. Loose Leaf Teas - Check out Distinctly Tea's Christmas Blend - prices vary

4. Scented Candles - Bath and Body Works offers great scents that burn for several hours - prices vary depending on size

5. Home Baked Goods - I always seem to get a sweet tooth this time of year, and I look forward to sharing my baked goodies with friends and family, and sampling their creations

Visit Telus to Donate to MS Society - Waterloo Chapter

Telus Mobility is working to support the efforts of the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society. The generous people at Telus will match all donations made at their store at the Conestoga Mall until December 31, 2011. If you are considering making a donation to the Waterloo District Chapter of the MS Society this year, please consider making that donation through the folks at Telus Mobility (their store is near the ‘Winners’ entrance to the mall).YOUR DONATION WILL BE DOUBLED!
They will take cash, credit card or debit. For donations of $20 or more, just bring your Telus receipt to the MS Centre (35 Belmont Ave West, Kitchener) and they will prepare a 2011 charitable receipt for you.
Thank you for helping to spread the joy of the season … thank you to Telus Mobility and thank you to YOU!

Great Last Minute #Holiday Gift Idea - BTSH Gift Certificates with bonus offer!

BTSH has gift certificates available in any denomination - great for new homeowners, transition homes, the typical bachelor, or the homeowner in need of an update. Now until Dec. 31st, purchase a gift certificate in any denomination, and receive an additional 10% in gift certificates* towards any BTSH service. Visit www.beyondthestagehomes.com for details.

#Christmas Decorating - Command Hooks to the Rescue Again!

Not the first time I've discussed the wonders of 3M Command Hooks, and certainly not the last! Command hooks hold securely, and can be removed without any damage to your walls, doors, or ceilings. I purchased these large "snowballs" and wanted to hang from my ceiling, but of course didn't want to put any unnecessary holes in my ceilings. As well, since I lack shelves and mantels to display greeting cards and stockings, I simply hung a red ribbon via command hooks behind my couch - keeps these items displayed during the holidays without cluttering the few shelves I have. You can have several of these around the house, hanging from pretty much anywhere you'd like. 

See the full gallery on Posterous

Ikea Kitchen Event Until Jan. 22 - Get 10% Back!!

Get 10% back in gift cards at the Ikea Kitchen Event - great deal!

http://email.ikea-canada.com/PS!Xb5n1C0Fwq4FBgIAAAAGCgFICgc5ODMxNTQ4CgkxMjAyNjkyODEJAA+5HgoJMTIxNzE0ODE4BQ==?ENCRYP_LINK=xHOc3R6flAFBS5R35hRfK80s%252FMrSWu3dMWtJwtIfMVM%253D&STORE=040

Thinking of buying a home or renewing your mortgage?

Talk to @VinceVasco from Mortgage Alliance http://www.mortgagealliance.com/VinceVasco/mobile/rates.html

Struggling to figure out how to accommodate all your guests?

Shauna Lynn Simon

ShaunaLynn@btshomes.com

(519) 496-4301

www.beyondthestagehomes.com

@btshomes

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." - Albert Einstein

Want to receive information about the latest trends, tips for your home, and special offers? Join our mailing list! 

BTSH rents a variety of furniture and accessories to help to accommodate your guests and spruce up your home for the holidays - contact us for details!

See the full gallery on Posterous

BTSH Latest Design - Custom Home Bar

Here's a sneak peak of the completed bar - finished on time, and on budget. Thank you to Casey's Kitchens, Stanson Electric, McGregor Plumbing, and Kegs Draft Services. Stay tuned for detailed before and afters, including a video tour designer Shauna Lynn of Beyond The Stage Homes.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Final Day of Construction!

Bar is really coming along well!! Today is the final day of construction - upper cabinetry to be completed still and finished off with lighting - hand-blown glass pendant lights will pull the whole room together.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Great Holiday Gift Idea - BTSH Gift Certificates with bonus offer!

BTSH has gift certificates available in any denomination - great for new homeowners, transition homes, the typical bachelor, or the homeowner in need of an update. Now until Dec. 31st, purchase a gift certificate in any denomination, and receive an additional 10% in gift certificates* towards any BTSH service. Visit www.beyondthestagehomes.com for details.

Shauna Lynn gives Hidden Valley Model Home Tour!

Trimming The Tree 101

Make it a family affair!!

Great Holiday Gift Idea - BTSH Gift Certificates with bonus offer!

BTSH has gift certificates available in any denomination - great for new homeowners, transition homes, the typical bachelor, or the homeowner in need of an update. Now until Dec. 31st, purchase a gift certificate in any denomination, and receive an additional 10% in gift certificates* towards any BTSH service. Visit www.beyondthestagehomes.com for details.

Telus Matches MS Society Donations - Today ONLY!

Getting some Christmas shopping done today? If so, please stop by Telus Mobility at Conestoga Mall! Telus will be accepting donations to the MS Society, Waterloo District Chapter …. AND WILL MATCH THOSE DONATIONS. If you are planning to make a donation before the year end, please consider going to the Telus Mobility Kiosk at the Conestoga Mall (near the Winner’s entrance) today only and making that donation.Telus staff will take your contact information so that we can generate a charitable receipt for your donation.Telus is also selling very cute ‘OWLS’, the proceeds of which are coming to the chapter.
Thank you in advance for your support!

Entertaining this Holiday Season?

BTSH rents a variety of furniture and accessories to help to accommodate your guests - contact us for details!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Congratulations Karen!

Great job in the Rick Hansen relay to Karen, bootcamp instructor for Hurts So Good - it was an honour to share this with you!

www.hurtssogood.ca

Home Renos 101 Day 5 - Finishing Touches

Now that you've chosen the floors, the walls, and the lighting, it's time to decorate! Be selective when bringing back any existing furniture into the room - evaluate whether or not the piece still works with the flow and style of the room, and does it fit with the purpose of the room. Be sure not to overcrowd the room with furniture - this is a great time to downsize and remove any extra pieces that aren't necessary.

Does the room need an area rug to bring it all together?

Add artwork, photos, and decorative accent pieces. Take your time finding these, and don't be afraid to purchase something whether you're sure of it or not, just be sure the store has a flexible return policy. Bring it into the room to evaluate. Happy shopping!!

Home Renos 101 Day 4 - Choosing Wall Coverings - Paint/Wallpaper

Once you have chosen the floor, it's time to decide on the walls. If you are working with any existing furniture or decorative pieces, be sure to keep these in mind when choosing style and colours.

Wallpaper - much easier to hang and remove then ever, with some fantastic modern designs available! 

Paint - don't be afraid to use a little colour! If you want to bring colour in from decorative sources instead of paint, there is a great variety of beautiful neutral colours that are not your typical beige. Consider grey taupes, and yellows, and even a light green. 

Whatever you are choosing, whether it is paint, or wallpaper, or both, be sure bring your samples into the room that you are renovating, with the lighting you are intending to use. Do not use extra lighting to "get a better view" as the extra lighting will change how the colours looks.

Interior decorating professionals have access to a large number of paint chips, and allow you to browse through hundreds of colours on site, saving you several trips to the paint store. they can also provide wallpaper ideas and samples. Remember that the lighting at the store is different then the lighting at home, so consider outsourcing this part to a professional. For information on BTSH Colour Consultations, click here.