Design Star - who me?

I have been frequently asked if I will be applying for the next Design Star reality competition on HGTV.

Even though I enjoy the show there are personally two reasons why I would not apply or be on the show.

1. My family

My number 1 job is to be with my family.

2. My business

My number 2 job is to keep my business growing.

Do you know that you do not get paid to be on the show as a contestant other than a daily food allowance?

There would be no money coming in for months. Could you do that?

Did you know that if you WIN - you must move to wherever it is that the producers decide to shoot the show!

I do not want to move nor do I want to be separated from my family.

Simply put - I love my life just the way it is. thanks.

If you would like to check out the other applicants or to apply to be on the show,

check out this link: HGTV Design Star.

HGTV Design Star show - did you vote?

For me, Sunday night Design Star is appointment television. Do you watch it?

Tonight is the finale when they reveal the audience choice on the next HGTV Design star.

Who did you vote for? Was the final person the best choice?

Personally I think many the challenges throughout the series are very tough to execute for the time frames they give. Do you have a favorite challenge?

The Home Stylist celebrates

On August 2, 2008 The Home Stylist celebrates 6 years in business.

I am so blessed to love what I do for a living, meet fantastic clients, and be able to flex my schedule around my family.

Do you know that most small businesses don't make it past the 3 year mark? I am honor that my clients have helped me make The Home Stylist so successful.

Thank you!

And here's to making the next 6 years filled with even more creativity, friends and transformations!

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Curb Appeal sells your home

Not long ago I was interviewed for an article on the importance of curb appeal in the home selling process.

Here is one copy of the article in a well know Philadelphia site called Philly.com.

It has lots for great tips on making sure those impressions count.

US News & World Report: Secrets of Home Staging

Recently the magazine US News and World Report featured an article on home staging.

Secrets of Staging: Sell Your House for More, Quickly
How prepping your house can change the minds of buyers
By Candice Novak

It is a nice overview article on the importance of staging but my favorite sentence is:

"A comprehensive book published last year on the topic is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell, by Marcia Layton Turner and Julie Dana."

Yes, home staging makes a huge difference when you sell your home. The Home Stylist is ready to help you stage your home and help your real estate agent market the property. Call (716) 912-1581

Does your house smell?

One of the most difficult parts of my job is to gently tell people that their homes smell. As the saying goes "if you can smell it you can't sell it".

This time of the year it is easy to open all the windows and let the fresh air in. The winter months when the house is closed tight and even in the summer months when the house it closed because of air conditioning, smells can be a problem.

One of my favorite products is Febreze. I know most of you have heard of it and use it. The makers of the miracle product have two other products that I think are marvelous.







Febreze candles:


The core of the candle is the febreze product. As the candle burns, odors are eliminated. I use it and love it!

Febreze Pet odor eliminator:

This is great for dog and cat smells. Helps to eliminate that wet fur smell. I use it and love it!

BTW - I am not compensated for these endorsements - i just love the products and want to share.

Let's Connect with each other!

Hello faithful readers of my blog. Lately I have been working on beefing up my Facebook page and LinkedIn profile.

Are you also in Facebook?

Will you be my friend? (I feel like I'm on the grade school playground again)

http://www.facebook.com/

You'll find me under Julie Dana, of course ;)

Do you know about LinkedIn?

It is a professional networking site. I highly recommend it to connect and reconnect with other professionals.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/thehomestylistjuliedana

Let's make a connection.

Interior Decorating and Home Staging is a very personal type of business. I really get to know my clients. I consider many of you my friends. Let's help each other network and connect.