That's what my customer from last night told me.   Yesterday, my office manager begged me to take an appointment.  She knew it was a crazy week and I already had 2 more appointments more than what I like to have (plus have been spending time catching up after my computer crashed).  She said it was an Angie's list customers (and they tend to be better and nicer customers) and it sounded like the timing was urgent and he sounded nice and just wanted to "pick my brain."   Apparently, he had just moved into his new apartment that day and pulled up the carpets (since his wife was allergic) and was hoping to just use the parquet floors underneath.  Before he closed on the place, he had pulled up a corner and they looked fine...but apparently they weren't when he ripped up all of the carpet.  ... 05/24/2012

Remember “Kicking and Screaming in White Plains NY”? Well, this property went on the market on April 26, 2012 after 9 months of very hard work.   After receiving multiple offers they signed contracts on May 4 for $20k over asking price.Needless to say, they are more than delighted.  And when I received this note in the mail today, so was I:Dear Joanna,Thank you so much for all of your expert advice and for your patience.  Your incredible vision and all the support you gave us during this difficult time made the process of getting our house ready for the market, relatively painless.  The results speak for themselves and you will always be a welcome friend in any home we live in. Vera and Eddie Can you see me beaming from ear to ear? 05/12/2012

  Carlson’s Floral and Gift at 625 Dobbs Ferry Road in White Plains always has wonderful arrangements for all seasons and occasions.  I was there shortly before Easter and though the offerings I have photos of are probably no longer  seasonal  I thought I would share them here as I somehow never had a chance to earlier. Its always fun to see what Nancy Schellhas has on display.  Even if you are not looking for a gift, it is a wonderful place to get ideas for your garden. If you are thinking of selling your Westchester home, curb appeal is absolutely essential and Carlson’s is always chock-o-block full of ideas for enhancing curb appeal and making a home “pop”.  Even if you aren’t moving  - or even thinking about moving – enhancing your curb appeal can be fun. Its a gift that most of us ... 05/10/2012

A while back I wrote about a local real estate agent who got left high and dry by a contractor.  I helped "bail her" out by finishing up her carpet job as the previous contractor left in the middle and stole some of her stuff.    It was a very small project that was a lot of work trying to track down the right carpet.  But, I figured I would help her out...both because I wanted to help her (and felt badly about what happened) and I figured later if she had a client that needed flooring, maybe she would recommend me.  I gave her a discounted price because I felt so badly...and now she had to delay putting her house on the market.   Today we got a call from her.  It seems she sold her house very quickly...in 1 week in fact and over listing price (so I guess the carpeting and the staging h... 05/01/2012

Luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring - Westchester NY  Vinyl flooring has come a long way, baby!     When most people hear the vinyl, they think about sheet vinyl...or maybe peel & stick tile...or maybe even Vinyl composite tile (VCT) - the type you might see in a supermarket or a school.     But, the latest trend in vinyl is Luxury vinyl. This is a high end durable vinyl that looks real! Luxury vinyl can be made to look like real hardwood or even tile. The designs use real digital pictures and use registered embossing for the wood grains and tile textures. They are truly amazing in how real they look and feel - in fact, many experts are fooled by how real these look.    Not only does Luxury vinyl look great, but it's waterproof, so it's a great option for areas with water and moisture ... 04/25/2012

It was a cruel twist of irony that this shutterbug was trapped indoors during the glorious weather last week taking her real estate CE classes.  Though the classes were terrific, weather-wise this would have been a better week to be indoors!   But I was able to take advantage of one of my lunch periods to get some shots of Downtown White Plains in its spring glory. The White Plains Beautification Foundation is responsible for many of the floral displays that are carefully tended in the downtown area as well as suburban sections.    White Plains has been called “the City in the Park” and although some of the downtown buildup over the past 10 years has tended too much towards the concrete and steel (that’s just one person’s opinion)  you still see the “green” influence throughout the down... 04/25/2012

Yes, I'm so excited to unveil my new logo....drumroll please.... The Flooring Girl has come to life!  This was designed by one of good friends, Teri Elefante who is a graphic design artist.  She owns Absolute Perfection Graphics and Design.  I think she has done a phenomenal job on capturing the essence of the brand.  I love how she has clearly communicated the equity of the flooring girl - straightforward w/ a hint of elegance and even used a wood background in here.   Teri had a lot to contend with here...first, dealing with me.  LOL.  Second, I already have a website that has a purple background.     The next phase is to adapt my website header.  And, we are incorporating this into signs, shirts, biz cards, stationery, etc.  This is just in time for next week when I have a table at o... 04/15/2012

I'm looking forward to our 2 Active Rain MeetUps this week. This afternoon, we have one at Dagny's in Wilton CT at 4pm. 20 Windy Ridge Place, Wilton CT 06897.  Because she is hosting at her house, everyone is should bring one item - food or drink - so we can all share.  It should be a beautiful day, so maybe we'll hang out by the pool. Tomorrow, we are having one in White Plains NY at Uno's at 6pm.  14 Martine Ave, White Plains NY 10606.  Free parking next door at the Seasons (4 Martine Ave). Hope to see you there! 04/15/2012

One of the greatest things about the spring and fall seasons is that the blossoms and foliage create a vivid color display.  On a bright sunny day, they sight is amazing…but sometimes storm clouds create a contrast that makes the seasonal  colors appear more vivid.  This is particularly true when the sun is peeking through heavy cloud cover – just as it was today.  This photo was taken in White Plains near the Gedney Farms neighborhood.  I actually pulled the car over to capture the moment.  I’ll admit that the composition isn’t what it could be, but really, its more a color display than anything else. © 2012 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.   Fotos on the fly: Spring Blossoms & Storm Clouds…. 04/12/2012

Word Of The Week: QUIET A singular word can be very powerful. Doesn't have to be extraordinary, either. There are SO many words available to us, sometimes we don't hear them anymore. That's one of the reasons I do this series, to focus on all that a single word can be. The word I've chosen this week is QUIET. Instinctively, the first images that come to my mind are harried parents, or a library. Both cases admonishments, a forced condition. But today I'd like to ruminate about QUIET as A CONCIOUS CHOICE. In a career-in a life-heck, in a WORLD where you get ahead by the number of connections, and degree to which you are connected to them all, QUIET would seem to be counter-productive. It's hard to turn off the noise, and slowing down the flow of adreneline feels awkward. Years ago I was... 04/07/2012

  Carlson’s Floral & Gift on 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd. in White Plains is always an uplifting place to visit at any time of year, but with spring in the air and flowers blooming everywhere, it is particularly inspiring.  There is plenty to choose from for your Easter or Passover celebration.  This week there is particular fun for the whole family when the Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to Carlson’s.  So while the adults can shop for florals and plantings for the season, the kids can enjoy  themselves as well.   Right now is the perfect time to shop for  daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and pansies.  The photo here were taken by me a few years ago, but the greenhouse always has beautiful and unique finds. © 2012 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserve... 04/04/2012

The next Professional Women of Westchester meeting sounds rather intriguing.  It's callded "How to Market your Business like a Rock Star."  Robin Newhook of Newhook Marketing Solutions will be the guest speaker. So what is so special about Rock stars? They exude confidence and are passionate about what they do.  And, they do this while showing their true artistic talent They focus on the relationship with their fans.  They empower their fans to participate and help spread the word for others (so their fans become a marketing tool). They are always looking for the next "big Idea."  Sometimes this is a song, sometimes it's a marketing approach, but they are always keeping it fresh.  They use multiple types of media and new media channels When - April 18th Noon - 2pm Where:  Webster Bank, ... 03/29/2012

Who doesn't love jewelry?  Come view and buy something special - either for yourself or a loved one.  You'll find exhibitors around the world - both with finished jewelry and loose gems.  There is a huge selection and you'll get many special discouts - many range from 20-40% off regular retail price.   When: Friday 12:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm Where: Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave White Plains, NY 10606 Cost:  Admission $8 or $6 with a coupon For additional information:  914-995-4050 Westchester County Center Website: www.intergem.com 03/28/2012

  White Plains Beautification has held a special place in the hearts of White Plains residents and commuters for many years. White Plains NY has often been called “The City In the Park” and with good reason. Gardens dot the landscape everywhere from the downtown, to our historic monuments to our parks and suburban enclaves.  Much of this is due to the good offices of the White Plains Beautification Foundation. The following is a press release sent to me by White Plains Beautification regarding the Holocaust Memorial Garden on Martine Ave. The memorial Cedar of Lebanon evergreen that was dedicated in 1992 has died, but plans are being made to replace the tree with the help of Alan and Mary Jane Goldman:  More information is below in the press release: Ruthmarie Hicks     On Sunday, Octob... 03/27/2012

Experience Matters, and Kindess Counts: Meet the Staff of Bond Animal Hospital, White Plains NY 10606 A few weeks ago I was doing some long-overdue updates of online profiles in my various media outlets. Time to take it a step further, and more succinctly put what I, and my business stand for, black and white. One statement I came up with was Experience Matters, and Kindness Counts. My business is much more about people than it is about stuff. Often, people who are in pain of some sort. A change or loss, there is confusion, stress and sadness. I consider alleviating distress to be a big part of my solutions. It's not how all Stagers or Decorators work, but it's what I do. So while it was accurate, it sounded...well, I wasn't sure the tone was quite right-maybe too ponderous? too prissy?... 03/27/2012

I’ve lived in Westchester County NY most of my life, but it wasn’t until earlier this week that I finally learned the origin of the name of Westchester. It always annoyed me that there was Eastchester, a town in Westchester, and it didn’t seem that they were related…and Eastchester is not on the eastern part of Westchester and it just didn’t seem like this had anything to do with the origin. Well thanks to an issue of Westchester Magazine (Dec 2011), I finally found my answer.  Westchester comes from the English town of Chester which is “West”  of many English towns in the same way that we are “west” of many New England towns.  And, of course, we are west of Chester.  So, now I have that mystery solved.  Not sure about Eastchester though, so I have a bit more research to do on that new ... 03/20/2012

Flooring can have a big impact on how large your home looks and feels. Your flooring is like the 5th wall of your home and it's amazing how much of an impact it can make on the beauty and perceived space of your home.   1. Use the same type of flooring material and the same color across rooms. Whenever possible, continue that same surface across rooms. Here in Westchester NY, hardwood flooring is the preferred flooring, and this is one of the many reasons we are seeing the trend to add hardwood to the kitchen - by continuing the same surface, even in the kitchen, you connect the space and it just looks larger.   2. Use lighter colors. Lighter makes the space look larger. Same holds true for walls.   3. Use wider planks. Wider makes the space look larger. Same goes for tile - larger tile... 03/16/2012

The 30th Annual SpringWestchester County Home Show WHEN: March 17th - 18th , 2012WHERE: Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave White Plains , New YorkSHOW HOURS: Saturday, 11am to 6pm Sunday, 11am to 5pm TICKETS: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, Children 12 & under FREE The Westchester County Home Show is one of Jenks Productions longest running regional home shows. Located at the Westchester County Center in prestigious White Plains, NY, this home show boasts an elite attendance from one of the wealthiest enclaves in the metropolitan area. With New York City just a stone's throw away, this home show offers a diverse array of home products and services, with a metro flair, featuring local, state and national vendors, presenting innovative and imaginative displays. The Westchester County Home... 03/15/2012

Yes, it's true, The Beach Boys are coming to Westchester NY.  You can see them live at the County Center in White Plains. May 15th 8pm (Tuesday) 198 Central Ave, White Plains NY, 10606 Here's the link to get your tickets online for The Beach Boys. This sounds like a really fun event, especially for those looking for some good old reminiscing.  The Beach Boys have a truly unique sound and they are sure to conjure great memories for you. View Larger Map   The Beach Boys are coming to Westchester NY 03/12/2012

Westchester County Home Show - Spring 2012 - March 17th and 18th - White Plains Are you looking to do some major remodeling this year?  A new kitchen, a new bathroom, or an addition?  Or maybe you are just looking to spice up what you currently have.  Well if so, the Westchester County Home Show (at the County Center in White Plains) is a great place to start. Iit's the 30th Annual Westchester County Home Show Saturday and Sunday March 17th-18th 198 Central Avenue (County Center) White Plains, NY 10607 Hours: Sat 11am-6pm and Sun 11am-5pm Cost: $10 Adults, $8 Senior, children under 12 free   For additional info, call 860-563-2111 ext 303 Jenks Productions, wes@jenksproductions.com For vendors and sponsors, check out the Jenks website             03/03/2012