Staging the Living Show

Watch the transformation on the San Antonio Living Show.

Staging Service Week

World Wide Service Staging Week 2008

The local chapter of International Association of Home Staging Professionals pooled their talent to transform the Harvey Najim Respite House.

Before

Staged

Inaguaration Day January 20th, 2009

This is such a strange event for me. I have not been home on Inauguration day in a very long time. There is an allusion that owning a business gives you the free time to set your own schedule, but in fact it is more confining because you never leave it behind.

No matter where you stand in your political opinions this is a historic day in America. "We must begin the work of rebuilding America." For me, and the experiences of 2008 this rings true. For truly the "ground underneath us has shifted." "For the world has changed, and we must change with it". How these words depict My Journey. For it is the economy that lead me to the decision to close what had been my home for nearly 17 years, Traditions.
Change? A new way!

Chinati Hot Springs

Chinati Hot Springs

Set in an arroyo near the Mexico border, Chinati is a primitive respite from the rush of everyday life. We spent the New Year's holiday in this desert oasis with old and new friends. We cooked great food, soaked in the hot tubs and enjoyed time catching up on old times.

I tried my hand at decorating with "found" items such as tree roots, cactus leaves and rocks. I had brought ribbon, candle holders and table runners with me so I had a good start.

On the way out we stopped and purchased 3 colors of spray paint from the local hardware store. Gold, metallic bronze and brown matched the animal print and aqua runners. (Come by the office on Rhapsody and see). I spray painted the tree roots that washed up in the creek bed during a spring flood. Also sprayed were the cactus leaves, bushy limbs and the fallen leaves from a cotton wood tree. When put all together it was quite a sight. When we lit the tea lights and all came dressed in our Burlap costumes it was quite a sight to see!



















One fun thing I did , was to again scour the creek bed, this time for the perfect rocks. (Actually Charles carried up the rocks in by the pans full). We then washed them, heated them in the oven, then poured them out on the table to keep the bread warm.
























Enjoy the rustic views of Chinati Hot Springs in the desert of West Texas.








The mountain pass on the way to Chinati. After you leave the pavement behind, the road curves up and over the pass creating quite a dramatic adventure.

New Year in the desert of West Texas set the stage for Rustic Elegance. Chinati Hot Springs is a primitive oasis with adobe cabins and hot springs on tap. Leslie and I and 25 friends took to the outback with the vision of creating an elegant New Year's Eve dinner. We chose simple table settings of gold chargers, clear tableware and fringed runners made from a sophisticated aqua fabric with animal print added in to compliment the surroundings.

Armed with cans of gold and metalic spray paint I set out to find my decorations. After scouring the riverbed I discovered tree roots washed up from a spring flood, weeds dried to perfection and even some cactus leaves that could be spray painted and added to the table decor. Add burnout brown ribbon and tealights ensconced in recently painted candleabras and you have the perfect combination of rustic and elegant!