EXPLORE all the trends – from styling to sell, the importance of art, the latest design trends, the iconic feature wall and many other ideas including what’s the latest out there…. This section will help you dress your home, throw new ideas at you and inspire you to experiment with “tried and tested” guidelines that I’m sure will arm you with the best advice to sell your property and enjoy life.
Business tips to my 20-year-old self |
15.04.15 |
If you could see the future, then you could (possibly) avoid making mistakes, or even choose a different path. When it comes to your business, many start their careers hungry, determined, but also a little naïve.
In my 20-plus year career, I have learnt many lessons along the way on how to run a successful business. And I am both proud and humbled that I can wake up every morning and do what I love every single day. That’s not to say that I haven’t stumbled or had any roadblocks. Many times I wish I had had a crystal ball to see into the future or go back in to the past and give my 20-year-old self some advice.
Recently, Fortune magazine ran a feature profiling successful business men and women who are under 40 on what advice they would give their younger selves. Some of the brightest were interviewed and there were some running themes. Surprisingly, it was not all business-based, but rather how they strike work-life balance, where they holiday and even their favourite rooms in their homes!
Here are some of the best pieces of advice that ring true for me as well:
“Ask questions and listen more than you talk. You can’t be an expert at everything– and at 20 you’re more likely to be an expert at nothing! That said, with inexperience comes fresh perspective.” Ivanka Trump, EVP, Development and Acquisitions, Trump Organization.
“It was the same advice that I gave myself when I was 20, which is, any time you have a difficult decision, imagine yourself as a 90-year-old looking back at this moment. What decision would you wish that you would have made? Go forward and look backward,” Nick Woodman, Founder and CEO, GoPro.
“I would tell myself to buy real estate next to the High Line in NYC! I’d also tell young Sarah to be more patient with my career and to realize that good things will happen with hard work and time,” Sarah Kauss, Founder and CEO, S’well.
“When pursuing your first job, focus on working with great people, and not the job with the highest paycheck,” Kevin Chou, Co-founder and CEO, Kabam.
“Get up, dress up, show up. I think of it as my motto—get up with the energy to tackle every day, dress the part, and show up with your best A+ attitude,” Alexa von Tobel, Founder and CEO, LearnVest.
I suppose the lesson here is that throughout our careers, our lives – anything we pursue – at the core of everything we wish to achieve should be pursued with a gung-ho attitude. Go hard or go home. To achieve the best, you must GIVE it your best, every time. And as always, striving for a balance is integral to living a full, satisfied and happy life.
My Favourite Restaurants |
27.03.15 |
Eating out is one of my greatest pleasures.
But, as in any service industry, there are varying degrees of quality. There are over 12,000 restaurants in Sydney so you’re certain to come across the best, and dare I say, the worst. A good restaurant cannot only elevate a suburb’s popularity, but can create a niche market for likeminded businesses. But what makes a good restaurant? There are a number of factors that need to be in the right balance to create a good eatery. And, it must have the ‘X’ factor – that certain je ne sais quoi that make you want to return before you’ve eaten that last mouthful of dessert.
Sydneysiders are spoilt for wonderful produce. Team this with world-class, inventive chefs and the end result can be truly magic. There was a time, not too long ago, that food took a weird twist. It was all about ‘fusion’ and ‘gastronomic experiences’. It was a trend that left you unsure whether you just ate a contemporary art installation or an amuse-bouche. Luckily, chefs have turned their noses up at this and are now focusing on fresh, local, seasonal produce.
Service is as important to me as what goes in my mouth, so if your staff is rude, indifferent or unknowledgeable, I won’t be wasting my tastebuds in your establishment, not matter HOW great the food is. Being greeted on arrival is a must. Extra points if the staff remember your name and accommodate your seating preferences. Nothing says, ‘we appreciate your business’ than being given that attention to detail. Staff who care will know the right balance between attentiveness and being smothering!
Food knowledge is vital. Staff should easily recommend meals, explain portions and stop you if you’ve ordered too much.
Good manners will always leave a delicious taste in a diner’s mouth.
Unless I’m seated at a bar for a quick cocktail, stools are a definite no-no. If seating is uncomfortable, I will not enjoy my meal. Backless chairs and wooden benches without cushions are telltale signs that the restaurant’s priority is fast turn over. For a quick refuelling meal, this is okay, but not for a nice dinner out with family, friends or a loved one.
Again, Sydneysiders are spoilt for breathtaking views of the Harbour, Opera House, beaches and more. And, many restaurants use this to their advantage. But if you aren’t sitting enjoying a 180-degree picturesque view, the internal décor can be just as good. When you walk into a restaurant, the ambience sets the mood. This ‘wow’ factor can be a combination of art, furnishings and table settings and can dramatically increase your positive experience. Similarly, if the décor is gaudy, the music too loud or the linen not pristine, then even the best meal of your life cannot make your meal an enjoyable experience.
Bon Appétit!
Some of my favourite restaurants include:
Lucio’s (amazing artwork)
Ester (Chippendale 2014 best new restaurant)
The Step-by-Step Guide to Moving House |
25.03.15 |
Moving soon and don’t know where to start? Here’s a guide to help you get organised and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Styling for Easter |
20.03.15 |
It seems we just packed away the Christmas tree and baubles and it’s nearly time to welcome the Easter Bunny into our homes. That floppy-eared bearer of chocolate goodness will be bouncing around hiding eggs only to be found by squealing children (of all ages)!
Sure, the clichéd images are cute, but is there a more elegant way to style home this holiday period? Family and friends will be popping in for a meal or a few drinks and dressing your house is an important and thoughtful gesture in festive times.
Easter time is synonymous with a few main themes: eggs/chickens, chocolate, bunnies and of course religion. You don’t need to incorporate all these, but a few elements from each (or one) can create a wonderful and colourful feel to your home.
The Easter theme of eggs (and chickens) symbolises rebirth and new life. In many cultures dyeing and hand painting eggs is an annual tradition, one the whole family gets involved in. You can hang hand-decorated eggs around your home, just remember to stick with a colour theme. Food dyes, ribbons, glitter and spray paint can produce tasteful and unique ornaments.
There’s no escaping that irresistible, creamy yumminess of chocolate at Easter time, so don’t even try. But, I have one rule: quality versus quantity. If you are a whizz in the kitchen, making your own chocolate eggs is a wonderful way to customise gifts for your family and friends. Or how about make an egg shaped cake or dessert (there are so many scrumptious ideas on Pinterest)? You could also go all out and have a chocolate fondue! Marshmallow shaped eggs or pieces of fruit (grapes, strawberries) on skewers enrobed in molten chocolate… delicious!
If you have young children or will have children over for Easter, nothing beats an egg hunt to bring joy to their little faces. A lovely idea is to create talcum-powder ‘bunny-footprints’ for the kids to follow. Cheap, easy to clean up and no lasting damage to your floors!
And, the kids will need something to carry their goodies in, how about bunny shaped baskets to continue the theme?
Now, you don’t have to decorate your house like a church, but if you are religiously inclined, you can add a reverent touch to your home. I am personally a candle lover and Easter time is no exception. Candles are always alight adding warmth, comfort and sensory appeal to my home.
Enjoy your Easter long weekend and remember, if you crack your chocolate eggs first before eating, all the calories fall out!
All images sourced from Pinterest
SELLING homes is not just a career; it is an art form – one that is carefully honed over years of life experience and knowledge. And, I can proudly say, that I still absolutely love what I do – day in, day out.
For over 30 years, I have immersed myself in real estate and have built an untarnished reputation in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, among my peers and with my clients – many of who are my friends. People say I exude positivity, and I accept this as the highest compliment.