Last month I introduced you to the benefits of Clarisonic with the post: My #ClearlyClarisonic Travel Bag Essentials Checklist. This month the Clarisonic SMART Profile System was put to the REAL Test… my 10 year old daughter who is in karate and always comes home with major oily and grimy skin! To say the least she is…well a Tom Boy… no frilly, girly dresses for her, she loves to play hard and show off her high block at karate with the other boys! I always tell her to wash her face when she gets done with karate, but she doesn’t like taking a washcloth, the cleanser, a towel and all of the other lotions I give her to karate practice.

Teaching My Karate Tween about Clear Skin with #ClearlyClarisonic

Helping Kids Keep Cleaner with Clarisonic:

All Images: Stagetecture

I really like how convenient it is for kids to carry Clarisonic’s SMART Profile System because it fits easily into a gym bag, along with the cleansers, and a towel and they are set.

Clarisonic’s Benefits for Kids, Tween, Teenagers:

I don’t know about your tween or teenager but mine is lucky to run through the shower or splash a drop of water on her face! So when I told her to try it out she loved the bristles and how it lathered on her face. She said her skin felt like it could breathe afterwards. (That’s a good thing… right?)

• Clarisonic is safe, gentle & effective
  • Clarisonic devices cleanse 6x better than hands alone
    • Smart Profile, our top-of-the-line device, cleanses 11x better than hands alone and can also be used with body and pedi brush heads for a head-to-toe sonic cleanse
  • Safe to use twice daily
  • Only takes 60 seconds to cleanse – after all your teen won’t spend more time than that!
  • Clarisonic helps to improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea and helps with kids’ hormonal skin.

The Clarisonic kit came with:

• Clarisonic SMART Profile System with Dynamic Facial Brush Head, Turbo Massage Body Brush Head, Refining Skin Polish, Refreshing Gel

Even in the karate bathroom she can wash up quickly with Clarisonic

Here’s a Clarisonic Video to show you how easy it is for kids to use:

You can watch the Clarisonic videos here:

The best part about the Clarisonic system is that it’s helped me convince my daughter how important it is to keep clear skin after exercising, playing, and getting grimy in the hot and sweaty Florida heat. Once she felt the difference on her skin I will be surprised if she ever goes back to just a wash cloth and little water again!

Next month I’ll show the men how to pack for the gym, travel, or the office with the Alpha Male Clarisonic device made especially for them.

Clarisonic Community:

Are you a long time user or want to give it a try? We’d love for you to tell us your past experiences or what you’re looking forward to with the SMART Profile. Follow Clarisonic on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Instagram and use the hashtag #ClearlyClarisonic to share with other users around the world.

I Join About.com as their Home Staging Expert

If you aren’t familiar with About.com I encourage you to read this article on Fast Company. They pull in more than 100Million viewers a month and they are now making themselves a destination site, rather than just a site you fall upon from the search engines (which isn’t too bad either… right?)

Home Staging Tips & Tricks

As many of you know I started of Stagetecture as a home staging site, thus the name ‘Stage’ (Staging) and ‘etecture’ (Architecture). I’ve always been passionate about helping home sellers and homebuyers with staging, organization, decluttering, and home selling tips and tricks to help them move to the house of their dreams.

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Join me at Http://homestaging.about.com for ideas that will help with:

• Home Staging
• Decluttering
• ROI (Return on Investment) Upgrades
• DIY Projects
• Seasonal ways to appeal to buyers
• Real Estate tips
• Decor Ideas that will help buyers and sellers!

Follow the About.com – Home Staging Pinterest Board

Don’t have time to go through the website? Follow the About.com Pinterest Board that highlights all of the posts quickly and helps you pin ideas to your own moving ideas mood boards!

Follow Ronique Gibson {Stagetecture}’s board About.com – Home Staging on Pinterest.

If you need to quickly access the site – look for the About Home Staging icon in the sidebar of Stagetecture.com.

Don’t forget you can always get helpful moving advice in the “Moving | Realty” category here on Stagetecture.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last time you enjoyed – ‘Summer Backyard Wedding Inspiration ‘ from Natalie Hawkes and this week we start getting ready for college back to school! Madeline Jones is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room and I asked her to help you and your college students get ready for dorm room life. Her board and ideas give easy dorm room organization ideas for a great school year.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

Graduation is a time for celebration, remembering the old and bringing in the new. Getting ready for freshman year in college is the next step.  Transitioning to a new life includes planning for staying in unusually small quarters. Living in a 10 by 10 foot dorm room with a stranger can be a challenge. Necessities like textbooks, a book bag and a planner are the obvious things that are required. However, since space is at a premium, consideration must be given to consolidating while still having character and charm. A dorm room needs to be a study hall and still be a place in which to relax and enjoy.

Select a color palette you love:

First, select a color palette. These colors can be found in the bedding, towels, lamps and a small area rug.  If possible, contact the potential roommate in advance to share in the purchasing of shared items such as poufs, a telephone, area rug, and refrigerator.  This will save money and prevent doubling up on items.

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Choosing smart storage solutions

By using smart storage ideas like a trunk for keeping clothes, or under the bed bins for storing bath towels, and hanging shelves for shoes, space can be maximized. Folding chairs and poufs allow for moveable seating for when friends visit. Foldable ironing boards and refrigerators that tuck away under the desk or in the closet preserve valuable real estate. Containers and hanging shelving provide ample and tidy storage.  A shower caddy is convenient, and laundry bags instead of baskets save space. Also, consider comfort by creating a space that reduces stress and looks cool at the same time. Who doesn’t want a cool dorm room?

Personalize your dorm room

If the dorm room is comfy and looks fun it will allow for relaxation and entertaining. There are lamps that act as iPod or cell phone chargers, do double duty and look cool at the same time.  Add some fun touches like interesting posters or clothesline photo frames. Corkboard can be used to hang pictures of family and friends back home and a white board can be mounted on the outside of the dorm door for messages.

Colorful, small speakers can be used to play music but headphones are a must, especially when studying is taking place while others are asleep.  Some companies make removable wallpaper and decals, which are super unique and won’t damage the walls.  A set of twinkle lights or neon telephone and lava lamp offer interesting ambiance and a little light at the same time.  Have fun with the space and make it your own.  After all, it is the new home sweet home, at least for a few years.

For many people it’s the charm and character of an older property that makes them fall in love with it at first sight. Things such as gabled roofs, ornate fireplaces, wooden floors and tall, elegant sash windows paint a pretty picture. However, on the downside, along with those period sash windows inevitably comes irritating rattles, draughts which chill, and single glazing which brings outside noise in. Fortunately, window manufacturers now extend their ranges to include sash windows which are inspired by the classic design of bygone years which also provide the functional benefits of double glazing which are warmth, quietness, and security. There are two choices when it comes to double glazed sash windows and those are replacing the windows completely with purpose built sash windows made to suit your home and budget or fitting sealed double glazed units into the existing sashes.

Image via: Gary J Ahern, AIA – Focal Point Design

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Replacing Old for New

When it comes to replacing your sash windows with new ones, most companies offer a choice of timber frames for a traditional period look or UPVC frames which again offer a traditional look but with very little maintenance being needed. Whichever type you choose, you can rest assured that the windows will be energy efficient, secure, rattle free and open and close with consummate ease.

Traditional Timber

When you choose timber frames, you will also be offered a choice of traditional cords and weight mechanisms or be able to choose a more modern twist of hidden springs which ensure that the windows open smoothly. In addition, most companies offer a choice of finishes and colour of locks.

Image via: Smith & Vansant Architects PC

UPVC

Many people choose UPVC double glazed sash windows for the reason that they require minimum maintenance. They look fresh and bright and only require a wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Generally these styles of windows rely on a hidden spring mechanism for effortless opening and closing, and some feature a tip and tilt function which makes cleaning them a breeze. As with the timber frames, they too can be supplied with traditional styles of locks, catches and glazing options to personalise your home.

A fully trained professional will guide you through the range of design choices, security features and thermal performance, helping you to choose the right design for your home and budget.

Image via: Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

Fitting Sealed Double Glazed Units

As an alternative to replacing your old windows for new, you may be considering having sealed double glazed units fitted into your existing frames. Even if your timber frames appear to be in good condition, going down this path can lead to problems. The main danger is that the glazing bars may not be deep enough to hold the sealed units. This means that there isn’t room for a sufficient depth of timber beading, which serves to protect the edge sealant from the heat of the sun, thus causing it to dry it out. This then leads to internal misting on the windows. Another cause of premature internal misting which can happen within the first year, is that sash windows notoriously fail to provide a clear drained 5 mm gap around all four edges of the sealed double glazed unit. If you love your sash windows but want to update them Lytham Window Company Limited can help.

For more home organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When you watch home makeover programs on HGTV you might mistakenly develop the impression that anyone can be an interior designer. And when a multi-week renovation is presented in a half-hour segment, it’s easy to see how the expertise and experience of designers can be lost in translation. But the truth is that becoming an interior designer takes more than just a flair for decorating and placing the furniture in various configurations. Without the right knowledge and skills on your side, no interior design firm will hire you, no matter how innovative your ideas. Luckily, there are plenty of options for schooling if you want to earn an interior design degree, and here are just a few benefits you’ll gain along the way.

Image via: Carolina Design Associates, LLC

1. Elements of design.

There are technical, artistic, theoretical, and historical aspects to the field of interior design, and the more you’re exposed to and the more you understand, the better chance you have of succeeding in your chosen career. If you’re smart, you’ll take in all you can during your time in school, but the path to a degree will at least instill in you the essential elements of design that are at the root of your trade.

2. Technical skills.

Having a creative instinct and the knowledge to put it to good use is only half the battle when it comes to interior design. You must also incorporate the technical skills that will help you to advance within the modern design industry, including both hardware and software engineered to turn your vision for a space into schematics, floor plans, and 3D images. Undertaking a degree program will give you access to training for AutoCAD (the most essential computer software used in the design industry), as well as the latest and greatest technologies available to professional interior designers.

3. Legal knowledge.

As an interior designer, part of your job will be to remodel interior spaces, including adding and removing walls, moving plumbing and electricity, and so on. So you need to be aware of building codes, permits, and other legal aspects of construction that must be adhered to. In addition, you may be responsible for crews of workers, meaning that liability is a potential issue. The point is that you might not have the knowledge you need to operate within the scope of the law if you don’t take the appropriate coursework provided by a degree program.

Image via: Bagnato Architects

4. Certifications.

Not all states require interior designers to be certified or licensed in order to work, but it’s in your best interest to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam anyway since it proves the highest level of knowledge and preparedness for your field. Of course, you will have to provide a college transcript to take it, but all states that mandate licensure for practice require you to pass this test. And it will almost certainly help you to get hired.

5. Clout.

By attending an interior design program and earning a degree, you’re not only gaining the background information and skills needed to practice your craft, but you’re also proving to potential employers or clients that you’re prepared. Over time you’ll gain experience and make your own mark on the industry (building a portfolio along the way), but when you’re just starting you need the proper credentials if you want to be considered for hire. You wouldn’t necessarily expect to nab an executive position without first looking into real-world or online MBA degrees (or commensurate experience), and neither should you attempt to enter the field of interior design without the appropriate credentials to recommend you.

For more interior makeover ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Working from home is a great option for moms who want to juggle their careers and family lives without sacrificing either one, and teachers have some particularly promising options for at-home jobs. While you may have become accustomed to the old fashioned classroom setting with desks and chalk boards, a surprisingly large amount of education is moving into the virtual realm today. High speed internet connections and free video chatting programs have made it easier than ever before for teachers to take their work onto the web. If you’re a work at home mom looking for online teaching jobs, consider some of these options.

Image via: Paragon Kitchens

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-Tutoring

Qualified tutors are always in high demand, and online tutoring is becoming an increasingly attractive option for students, parents, and teachers everywhere. Learning styles vary significantly from child to child, and many parents have difficulty finding tutors who work well with their children. Online tutoring breaks down geographical boundaries so that you can work with students from all over the country, or even overseas. Popular companies like Tutor Vista and Growing Stars are always in need of qualified workers, so consider this as an option.

-ESL and Foreign Language Instruction

Whether you specialize in a foreign tongue or have a natural aptitude for teaching English to second language learners, there is a wealth of opportunity in the world of language education for work at home moms like you. Companies like Auralog and GoFluent specialize in helping people from all over the world and you can be a part of this by offering your services as an instructor. Long distance language instruction was often done over the phone in the past, but video chatting is quickly becoming the preferred mode of communication.

-Test Prep

Standardized tests are the most common mode of measuring students’ abilities today. Tests like the SAT and ACT are crucial factors in deciding things like college admissions for students everywhere, and there is a great market for helping students to prepare for these tests. You could work with an established company, doing anything from designing test prep courses and literature, to grading and analyzing practice exams.

Image via: Rick Lew

-Online College Faculty

If the growing popularity of online programs like the MBA track at mba.Norwich.edu are any indication, online college education will continue to expand in the next few years. As online schooling becomes increasingly popular, schools need qualified educators to staff their virtual classrooms. Whether you design and run courses for the school’s online platform or work in administrative and advising positions, the world of online college education is always promising. Work at home moms can find great opportunities in this growing field.

Transitioning from a day job in education to an online position may not be easy, but many working moms find it a great solution to the problem of juggling work and home lives. Opportunities for educators on the web are vast and varied. Consider these ideas a springboard for your career as an online educator. Make the most of your career in the exciting world of online education by getting started in these promising industries.

For more career ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Teens from all walks of life are excited about growing up, gaining independence, and learning to drive. The excitement of driving comes from the very independence that it provides to teens; they are no longer limited by how far they can walk, ride their bikes, or set out on buses. With a car at one’s disposal it becomes possible to simply get behind the wheel and go at any time. This is one of the things we love so much about driving, the feeling of empowerment that has inspired everything from blockbuster movies to classic novels. However, great responsibilities come with this freedom, and it is important to establish rules for your teenage drivers.

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Safety concerns:

The first and greatest concern for parents when their teenage children start driving is safety, and this is of course a valid concern. To be a safe and responsible driver requires maturity and experience, things that many teens only learn after spending a good deal of time behind the wheel. Be sure to have a frank discussion with your teens about driving safety. Emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts and obeying speed limits. They should never, under any circumstances, talk or text on their phones while driving. Cell phones prevent a dangerous distraction for drivers, so banning the use of them while behind the wheel should be one of your ground rules.

Setting rules and guidelines:

Consider setting a curfew for your teens when they take out the car. Whether they’re driving your car or you’ve provided them with their own, you don’t want them staying out too late in their early days of driving. If they’re staying out late, they’re getting tired, and driving without full alertness can be very dangerous. Also, your teens may be tempted to go to parties when they start driving, which often means staying out late and drinking. Driving under the influence is incredibly reckless and dangerous; you want to keep your teens away from this temptation and make them understand the severity and danger involved.

Driving isn’t all fun and games; you know this very well and your teens should understand it just the same. In addition to the responsibilities of safety and abiding the law, driving is a financial responsibility. Establish ground rules about paying for gas if you’re lending them your own car. Your teenage drivers should never return the car without gas in the tank. It is inconsiderate and fosters irresponsibility. Look up car insurance quotes as well when your teens start driving, and consider having them pitch in on the expense of insurance. They may groan about it, but it will make them better, more responsible drivers.

Starting to drive is a big step in life. It can be either a step towards maturity or a step towards recklessness depending on how you handle things in the early days. Establish rules like these for your teen driver and adhere to the rules at all times. Remember that your teens are subject to the laws of mom and dad as much as they are subject to the laws of the government.

Image source: 1

For more parenting ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Hiring a contractor for home renovations can definitely be a harrying process. Not only do you have to find a vendor that is willing to work with your budget and deadline, but you also need to secure the services of a professional that you trust. After all, your home is in his hands. And if you can’t get any referrals from family and friends you may find yourself winging it by going through a directory. In short, you could end up with a contractor that doesn’t work out as well as you hope. And whether you end up in a dispute over the cost of the project, the work to be done, the amount of time it will take, or some other aspect of the remodeling process, you might find yourself in a pretty bad spot, with work only partially complete and a contractor that refuses to move forward for one reason or another. So what can you do to resolve the issue? Here are a few tips.

Image via

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Start with a clear contract.

When you have an ironclad contract in place at the start of your project, conflicts are far less likely. Aside from having the power of a legal document to bolster your position on any issue, a written contract signed by both parties means that any changes your contractor wishes to make will result only through renegotiation, which gives you the opportunity to gain some advantage. For example, if your contractor needs more time to finish the project, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for this allowance. Just keep in mind that setbacks and overages do occur on such jobs, so your contractor will likely want a little wiggle room in the contract.

Talk it out.

The best thing to do in any conflict situation is sit down and talk like rational adults. You have wants and needs and your contractor does, too. Since this is your home you have an obvious emotional investment at stake (in addition to the monetary expenditure). But for your contractor it’s just another job. So don’t make it so difficult that he takes a walk. If he is the one being unreasonable then you might be stuck with a problem. But you can do your part to work through a dispute by making an effort to meet your contractor halfway through rational discourse.

Cave to his demands.

Nobody wants to pay more to replace ancient pipes that were hiding under the floorboards when they only budgeted for a cosmetic bathroom remodel, but if you want your build to be up to code you might have to cave to your contractor’s suggestions. Or if you need to get back in your house post haste, you might be willing to pay more to get your contractor to shake a leg, even though it’s not your fault that he’s behind schedule. Always remember that you have legal recourse after the fact if you’re somehow dissatisfied.

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Sue.

Unfortunately, you may be unable to resolve a dispute with a contractor any other way. As long as you have a contract in place and you can prove that he broke it you may have a case for reimbursement of some sort.

Hire someone else.

If you’re at the end of your rope with your current contractor, it may be time to start reading business reviews to find someone else. Just remember that if you break the contract before your vendor does you could be on the hook to pay him regardless of how much work he has (or hasn’t) completed.

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Whether you are a college student, friend of a college student or a parent, everyone knows that back to school time is officially here for colleges and universities. Creating the perfect dorm room is on everyone’s mind! I remember in college everyone wanted to “hang” in my room because I was the one with colorful bedding, lamps instead of using the awful fluorescent lighting and my room was always clean!

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While a cool dorm room is the end result, how do you make a designer dorm room without having to spend a lot of money to do it? Let’s face it, when you go to the store – there are so many choices! Today’s DIY Saturday, learn how to create a color coordinated dorm room without being a designer. Watch a video where two designers use everyday finds found at big box stores to create a gorgeous dorm room.

Then use the Dorm Checklist to find your favorite finds and essentials you will need for college.

You Tube Video – DORM ROOM Room Tour Decorating Ideas

Dorm Room Checklist – Essentials for Study, Relaxing & Sleeping

Don’t forget your dorm room essentials! From your study area to relaxing and sleeping. Your dorm room will now become your home so make it personable, functional and enjoyable to party, study, and sleep in! Here’s a checklist of important dorm room items. Check them off to make sure you are ready for school!

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STUDY

• Desk – Don’t have enough room, get a smaller desk for organization.
• Furniture Risers – Lift up your furniture to get more space!
• Lounging Bean Bags – Have a place for all your friends to hang out and sit!
• Desk Lamp – Dorm rooms don’t usually come with desk lights.
• Bookcase
• Docking Station
• Book Light – Don’t wake up your roommate while studying late at night.
• Computer
• Printer
• Extension Cord

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RELAX – SLEEP

• Bed Linen (Twin) – Dorm Room in a Box (Comforter, Sheets, Pillowcases, Pillows, Towels all in one)
• Bed linen (Twin)  – (Comforter, Sheets, Pillowcase)
• Bed Risers
• Pillows
• TV
• TV Mount – Save space and mount your tv to the wall
• Lounge Chair
• Wall Clock
• Alarm Clock/iPod dock – Wake up on time for those early classes
• Microwave

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DORM ROOM DECOR

• String lights – Make your dorm room look cool!
• Room Divider – Keep your privacy and still make your room look great.
• Magnetic Bulletin Board – Keep all your papers in one spot to keep organized
• Area Rug – Dress up your concrete dorm room floor with a warm rug
• Full length mirror – Make sure you look great everyday with an easy wall mountable full length mirror

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Personalize your dorm room with string lights, colorful artwork, and bed linen that makes your dorm room uniquely yours!

For more dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Want more cool dorm room ideas? Click here to visit www.DormCo.com

Ikea has a number of great items for small apartments. From furniture to accessories, watch this You Tube video showing how to install

You Tube – How to Install a Room Divider – Studio Apartment

How to maximize space in your studio apartment

Studio apartments have a challenge because all of your living needs are easily viewable in one space. In order to maximize space you will need to learn new techniques for saving space. From using multifunctional furniture, to getting creative with utilizing vertical space and under bed storage there are endless ways to create more space.

For these helpful tips for decorating or organizing a studio apartment I turned to Tiny House Blog for tips.

1. Provide enough storage

Try to find furnishings for your apartment that will do double duty. You can even find chairs and ottomans that have storage areas inside of them. Just lift up the top and there you will find space for blankets, pillows or other items.

2. Use dividers for larger apartments

You can find beautiful dividers in both thrift shops and high end furniture stores. Use them to enclose various areas of your space. I saw an episode on HGTV where they used four beautiful wooden dividers to make a separate bedroom. It not only provided a private sleeping area, but also created another wall on which to place furniture.

3. Keep clutter at bay

When you have a small area, clutter is not an option. Too many knick-knacks and too much furniture crowds everything together too much. Keep your necessary items, such as extra bed linens put away in a dresser or wicker baskets. Kitchen counters should be kept clean with everything in the cupboards if possible.

4. Another trick for a small space is to buy furniture with legs and that are higher off of the floor

Your eye will look under these pieces of furniture and add visual space. Furniture that is blocky and low to the ground makes a room appear more crowded.

5. Ensure there is plenty of light in your apartment:

Whether you are painting with lighter colors, using lighter colored furnishings or ensuring natural light pours into your space. Light will make your small studio apartment feel brighter, airy and less claustrophobic.

For more small home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.