It’s Good To Check

October 10, 2025 by

June 2, 2097 is the anniversary of Mark Twain’s famous and often-distorted observation, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

Ever eager to indulge in self-promotion and immodesty, I too enthusiastically embrace this self-same debunking.

Because yes, I can substantiate and verify that I am still busy hanging gallery walls, moving large pieces of furniture single-handedly, and all in all, am still heartily inspired. 

And while it is not often discussed in close circles at cocktail parties, another fallacy exists about home staging.  
That it requires a platinum card, a staff of hundreds, and a good sweeping into a dust hole. The ability to make a home saleable is neither a mystical talent, nor a God-giving blessing bestowed upon a lucky few. 

Saying that, not all stagers are created equal.

Set the scene. Tell a story. And give’em a great climax.

Effective staging is not an accident—it’s a strategy. It’s the makeup and wardrobe that seals the deal.
A home has to be true to its roots. You can’t make a mid-century bungalow look like it just jumped off the pages of Architectural Digest. But good staging finds the possibilities. It pays attention to details. It manifests signs of human habitation.
Successful staging focuses on a few special elements executed with great authority.

Organization. Get rid of the dross and organize what remains. (Two feet is ideal for blankets, two inches is perfect for Q-tips.)

And some things are best left in a drawer. Snapshots between the ages of 12 and 16. Portraits of their closest business associates, particularly if viewed from the toilet. Or a series of dog photos.

Focus. A room needs this to come alive. And not an Olympic-size belly flop like a 32-inch TV in the living room. Likewise, a giant speaker with a plant on top doesn’t mask the speaker; it draws attention to it.
A place to retreat. This may be a den, a bedroom or a sunroom. This doesn’t only mean scented candles. It could be a fuzzy throw draped over a bedroom chair, a book open on the window seat, a a bed laden with a smattering  of down-filled pillows. 

Smell. Give aromas their due. Houses filled with stale potpourri are about as desirable as men soaked in aftershave. Conversely, kitchen herbs exude aromas that are more subtle than any upscale air freshener. 

Comfort. Think a bonfire, not an airport lounge. It should invite nesting, reading, daydreaming, playing Scrabble, or snoozing. 
Filed Under: Blog

ROMO

September 24, 2025 by

Be Where Your Feet Are
Do not adjust your sundial. 

It’s hard to find something new, revelatory, of erratic brilliance, to write about. Like it’s all been said before or I’ve said it a million times before. 

First, I know that the first sentence is incredibly important. It needs to immerse the reader into the setting, introduce key characters and get them hooked so that they don’t immediately switch to their Insta feed of avocado toast pics. 

I mean, I’m not trying to write a novel, a haiku, or grow a following of what I’ve cleverly framed as “personal consulting” alongside of my very demanding Netflix schedule. I just want to send out something violently interesting. An offering to people who want to hear from me — a sort of connection. 

Look, I’ll level with you, writing is not my favourite form of activity. But I do have to tell you that I almost wrote a tweet last month about how I don’t like avocado toast, but I deleted it because I didn’t want anyone to get mad at me. But there must be something I can write about.

Umm…something with colourful language. It will also need a lot of words.

How about the weird things people store in their pantry? Or how not to get your arm trapped under a sofa when moving it? Vintage tractor ploughing? Raising succulents from scratch? Or the latest decorative trend — collecting suzanis?
One of all my many inestimable traits is that I only use words from the Oxford English Dictionary that have been recognized for the last 10 years. (My belief in self-reliance is legendary.)

So I thought a long walk and a dance playlist could turn on a lightbulb, so I put on my tee-shirt with dogs all over it, emptied my backpack of some random detritus, found my traveler’s badge which features an image of binoculars that reads “Official World Explorer”, and set out to pace the neighbourhood in an upright, confident gait as I’m in kind of…absolute optimum state of physical peak for my age. I also feel that a little glamour belongs in everyday life. 

Besides, distance provides perspective. 
Umm…first a coffee. I believe in charisma, calcium and coffee. 


Well, that was satisfying and only took an hour and a half. 
Then a got a wheelbarrow of an idea. 

ROMO. What is ROMO?

By now we have all heard of FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out. It’s hearing the distant sound of drums and breaking out in a cold sweat over possibly missing out on something. It’s the angst of seeing people with zero body fat and a thin, rippled waist. It’s the pang of scrolling through polished snapshots of everyone you know on lying on a tropical beach, when the only tropical thing you’ve seen this year is organic pineapples at Sobeys.

The digitally intoxicated pressure to respond instantly or stay perpetually updated has become an exhausting exercise. Where ‘always on’ has become the default.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt
FOMO factory’s dizzying, insidious social media spiral and the constant stream of new content coupled with our human wiring for connection takes an emotional toll on us. It slowly chips away at our self-esteem, threatening us to fall victim to the illusion that everyone else is living a more fulfilling and successful life than our own. Where we feel like life is happening everywhere except where we are. As if we can’t BE enough. As if we can’t ever DO enough.

Cause it don’t amount to a hill of beans when it comes right down to it. (Not sure why I’ve adopted a grandpappy drawl just now.)

The instant accessibility of social media fosters a culture of scarcity and feelings of “never enough”, bombarding us with a sense of perpetual urgency, making our mostly ordinary life feel like we are the extra chair at the table.

People are now spending a near-ubiquitous status of 4 hours and 37 minutes on their phones every day, checking them an average of 58 times each day. Screen-addled interactions are condensed into 140 characters or 30-second clips that sound like testimonials.

Technology is a gift — when used with intention. But if we let it, it can mangle our worldviews and replace the very things we need most: real life conversations, nature’s wild beauty and crowds of trees, and moments of quiet and stillness, like a child lost in a colouring book.
With that in mind, I’d like to flip the script and encourage you to instead embrace ROMO. 

No, ROMO is not the latest mineable cryptocurrency. It’s not a catchy slogan. It’s a mindset shift. It’s The Relief of Missing Out —a countercultural chocolate cake. It’s like switching from tight jeans to sweatpants after a long day.
“There is no battling the world, only ourselves.” – Paul Kingsnorth
ROMO isn’t about hiding under a blanket, but aligning your lifestyle with comfort and priorities, living your life on your terms. It’s about consciously shifting your focus. It’s choosing to be selective. To choose what not to do, what opportunities not to take. To choose things that bring sheer beauty to life. Going to the Cheesecake Factory. Bustin’ a move. 

This could be your new empowering acronym, going from a packed slate to serenity, from purchasing to minimizing, from pressure to presence.ROMO is the permission to pause. To breathe. To say, “I’m okay right here, doing this little thing that brings me peace”. Cause you’re only passing through once.

And honestly? It’s kind of magical.
“We get by with a smile on our face…We get by.”  – written by Ben Harper
Start by celebrating your own small victories. Did you manage to fold a fitted sheet today? Seriously, that’s a major accomplishment worthy of recognition. I

t’s okay if you don’t have a proper skincare routine. It’s alright to have a smattering of uncharitable thoughts once or twice a day. And it’s fine to wave back at people who were actually waving to someone behind you. 

Happiness doesn’t always come from what we add to our lives. It’s not always about the big milestones. It’s quieter than that. It’s not linear, but constantly evolving. 
Be Present—Right Here, Right Now
It’s the joy of turning down a plan without the soup of the suffering, skipping an online trend, and really being present. Not only can it come from what we choose to address, but also from what we let go of. Like some of that stuff in your basement. Or that incredibly unfortunate wall colour. 
Be intentional and strategic with your choices. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’ without over-explaining.

And gratitude.

Soon it will be The Season of Gratitude and thank goodness for that.Gratitude turns what we have into enough. It’s hard to feel the lack when you are focused on the abundance. Gratitude is a heavy hitter. What we appreciate, appreciates.

Maybe the most exciting adventure you’ll have today is locating a decent cup of coffee. Or being able to stay in your pajamas all day, just because you want to. And that my friends, is something worth celebrating.

Take a minute to close your eyes and say a heartfelt thank you. (It sounds more colourful in Māori.)

More news at 11. Thank you for the quality of your attention. 
Filed Under: Blog

The Great Canadian Bucket List

September 10, 2025 by


Where in the heck is Haida Gwaii…and why do Canadians not know where it is? 

Haida Gwaii is as exotic as it sounds, Canadian-style.

Mention that you’re going to Haida Gwaii and you either you get a blank stare or that knowing look you get from someone with a shared secret. And no one makes it there by accident.

Anyone worth their hiking boots will have this place on their spiritual bucket list. It’s one of the most unique, mystical and spectacular destinations in Canada. And not a single traffic light, shopping mall or a Starbucks in sight. 

The Haida people call it “The Edge of the World”, also known as the “Canadian Galápagos” because of its endemic wildlife. Six of the ten native land mammals in the islands are subspecies that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. That includes the pine marten, dusky shrew, shermine, the Haida Gwaii black bear with its giant jaws perfectly adapted to cracking open shellfish, and the ubiquitous Sitka black-tailed deer. 

I saw eight, one patiently waiting for the ferry. 

Haida Gwaii is as exotic as it sounds, Canadian-style.

Mention that you’re going to Haida Gwaii and you either you get a blank stare or that knowing look you get from someone with a shared secret. And no one makes it there by accident.

Anyone worth their hiking boots will have this place on their spiritual bucket list. It’s one of the most unique, mystical and spectacular destinations in Canada. And not a single traffic light, shopping mall or a Starbucks in sight. 

The Haida people call it “The Edge of the World”, also known as the “Canadian Galápagos” because of its endemic wildlife. Six of the ten native land mammals in the islands are subspecies that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. That includes the pine marten, dusky shrew, shermine, the Haida Gwaii black bear with its giant jaws perfectly adapted to cracking open shellfish, and the ubiquitous Sitka black-tailed deer. 

I saw eight, one patiently waiting for the ferry. 

“Everything depends on everything else.”  —Haida saying 

Reaching Haida Gwaii is an adventure in itself, requiring lots of organization and advance bookings.  Nursing a malady that responds well to salt sea air and migratory by nature, I chose to drive. All told, close to 5000 kms. 

I was off grid for the most part, connecting with this small part on the planet, not having to worry about small engine maintenance or the brevity of tight denim shorts.

Yes, it’s remote, with limited medical resources and complicated transportation. and tightly regulated with only 2000 visitors allowed each year. 

Made up of more than 150 islands, with only two developed, the Haida Nation forms about half of the islands’ population of around 5,000. 

Previously known as The Queen Charlotte Islands, it reverted back to Haida Gwaii in 2010 as part of an agreement recognizing Haida sovereignty and cultural heritage. In February of 2025, the Big Tide Haida Title Lands Agreement formally recognized the Haida Nation’s title over the archipelago, marking a significant step toward being stewards of their lands with Indigenous governance and self-determination.

There’s not much wilderness left in the world.

It a wild but sacred place by nature, a mystical place of legends with unquiet spirits and spectres. 

Rugged, primal, spirited, fierce, and mythic.  It’s a different paradigm—difficult to absorb it all. Unspoiled with expanses of rugged beaches, an endless ocean, and the Haida blood relatives of deep forests. It is raw natural beauty, teeming with wildlife. 

It’s a place of awe and wonder. A place that commands respect, for looking deeply, closely, to recognize its abundance. To move slowly with a gentle step. It is too beautiful. 

No sign of humans. I am deliciously alone. 

I walk among the watchful eyes of the cathedral of triumphant moss-draped Sitka spruce, hemlocks and Redcedars, trees that have stood in place, some for over a millennia. The statuesque power and regality of this lumpy forest-scape with its infinite greens of hanging bogs, curtains of ancient branches, and countless ferns is truly breathtaking. The velvety moss is springy and thick underfoot. The wind whispers secrets. 

There’s a prehistoric feel, something ancient. Maybe it’s the isolation. Or the mist. 
This silence within the forest, the silence—sometimes—spreading to the ocean. 

When the tide is out, the table is set. 

I soon reach the sea. It is unparalleled beauty. I feel the mixture of sun and breeze settle over me. I listen as the gin-coloured ocean moves with a lapping promise, an ocean that over centuries has taken great chunks out of the shoreline. Waves crest in broken lines relentlessly washing over the old worn out rocks. The embryonic sun lights the water. 

The long expanse of the windswept beach is cluttered with debris the sea has rejected and strewn. Sun-bleached logs are piled high, some insect-filled and crusted with salt. 

I hear wings overhead. The bald eagles—the majesty of their impossibly wide wings catching pockets of air, gracefully gliding without a single flap. I hear the call of a raven echoing through the trees.  

Here skies are clearer and deeper. The afternoon lingers long, but eventually the sun will sink off the end of the island. The spruce will deepen its shadows to black, and the cream-sickle sky, unaccepting of more light, will turn to what Richard Wagamese described as “the ink of a northern night”—a delicious black cape. 

The sliver of a new fuzzed moon will give the trees a cool grey cast, a moon shadow of sorts, the sky stabbed through with pinpoints of stars. 

Darkness will take away the distraction of sight, leaving only the sound of the sea’s faithful unerring rhythm. It is good. 

There may be fog tonight. A heavy, salt-loop laced fog. Or turn into a soft rain.

I wake to a morning moved by the quality of silence. It is a grey, misty day. I drive the only main road where the ditches are ripe with goldenrod and fireweed in search of more totem poles.
  
Standing on ragged grass surrounded by dense forest, I am alone again. I look up  to the weathering artistry of the poles. I simultaneously feel a haunting chill and reverent awe, for these totems are compelling powers of unblinking intent, with memories of grief, celebration, and death.                 There is a such a connectivity between the people and the poles. 

There are around seven principal types of totem poles: lineage, markers, mortuary, commemorative, ridicule, memorial, and house frontal poles. Some are weathered to a dull grey, some have fallen, most are faded, showing traces of the once-elaborate carvings. 

There’s no word for art in the Haida language. It’s just something they do. It’s a way of life: masks, silver and argillite jewelry, cedar hats taking months to weave, canoes, button blankets and wood carvings featuring the bold ovoid designs of bears, ravens and thunderbirds —techniques passed down for generations. 

“An indulgent god could have provided nothing better.” —Haida master carver and canoe maker Bill Reid                 

 This is Haida Gwaii. The irresistible magnet and intoxication of beauty and quiet majesty. 
This place does something to you, not only capturing your heart, but your soul. It holds your spirit hostage.        

 Is it good to fall in love with a place that you must leave? But it had to end, leaving an imprint that will never fade, the backdrop of my life changed.             

 A place every Canadian needs to visit.        
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Filed Under: Blog

Curb appeal on a shoestring

August 7, 2025 by
It’s hard to find something new, revelatory, exciting, to write about so you don’t immediately switch to Instagram pictures of avocado toast. 

Like it’s all been said before, or I’ve said it a million times. 

How about the weird things people store in their pantry? Or how not to get your arm trapped under a sofa when moving it? Or my own private conundrum that I ponder once a week: is the Pringles man Italian, or does he just have a moustache

So I thought a long walk and a dance playlist could be an easy fix for a lightbulb to turn on, so I put on my bright-yellow safety vest, grabbed an energy drink and my traveller’s badge which features an image of binoculars that reads “Official World Explorer”, and set out to scour the neighbourhood.  

Well, it didn’t take too long before I had a wheelbarrow full of curb appeal faux-paws. 

Man, if those weeds could talk…I mean, a weed is really just a plant that grows in the wrong place. As I always say, to live well is to let go well, and it all starts with a bag of weeds.

But let’s be honest, the front door is the real main character. The home’s handshake.

Screen doors are on the way out. They’re also on the way in. That’s what doors are for. 

One of my most loathed front door situations are metal screen doors. Many don’t open or close well, or worse, are rusted and bent. They instantly age the home, significantly denigrating curb appeal. 

Solution: a Phantom screen door, or just plain take it off.

It’s not too late for potted annuals on the front steps, but I have witnessed a myriad of times where the steps are too narrow for these plants, a “hoarding-type plantation”. 

Not only does this accentuate the narrow steps, but it forces everyone to walk in single file, hoping in turn not to knock over the pots. 

Sometimes less can be more.

Ot worse, using pots and/or vases completely out of proportion, totally changing the vibe. 

Or barring the front door completely.

I see so many front gardens with bare spots. An easy and quick way without the hassle of digging or planting directly in the ground is to set in some potted annuals. Not only does this instantly fill in those empty areas, but they create focal points, drawing the eye and inviting buyers to take a closer look. 

They may be the star of the show with their height, colour and interest, as well looking great in MLS photos. 

Or take the frontage to the next level by simply hanging flowering planters.

Mulch is a miracle worker in front yard landscaping. It’s a super easy way to get a quick refresh, giving flower beds and around trees, a neat, tidy look. 

Choose mulch or cedar chips that have not be chemically colour-dyed.
Filed Under: Blog

Tortoises and Sea-lions and Iguanas, Oh My!

July 10, 2025 by
“One of those flash epiphanies of travel, the realization that worlds you’d love vibrantly exist outside your ignorance of them. The vitality of many lives you know nothing about…Travel gives such jolts.”   -Frances Mayes, A Year in the World  

It all began a long time ago with a barren mound of cooled lava. Situated around 1000 kms. off the coast of mainland Ecuador, the remote Galápagos Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where the reality really does match nature shows. 

And no, Darwin didn’t discover the island. He didn’t even come up with the Theory of Evolution either. it was Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who first proposed the theory of the transmutation of species. But I’m getting distracted.

There’s hardly a place on this planet like the living laboratory of the Galápagos Islands, and for many, a pinnacle on their bucket list. It’s a new dimension. The beating heart of nature. Fuel for the sole. 

Everything is slow here, the walking pace, the service, the Wi-Fi.

I wear sandals with what is determined to be an overly exuberant pair of socks to prevent chafing. They are a heathered oatmeal colour, and I feel that they lend my travel outfits a special warmth and authenticity. And khaki shorts with deep pockets, like a local.

The Galápagos Islands are of the most fervently protected places in existence, with a treasure trove of animals found nowhere else on the planet, many endemic. 

This is one of the few places where animals and humans cohabit peacefully as the animals never experienced humans as predators. You can get up close and personal without them being afraid of you. There were times when I had to literally step over animals to get where I was going.

Every cruise, every tour, and therefore every traveler can spend only a limited time at each destination according to a schedule every travel company has to follow. You must be with a certified guide, as you are not allowed to walk on the islands independently.

There are more sea lions than people. They are the charismatic stars and “welcoming committee” of the islands’ coastlines. 

Seeing a sea lion in the Galápagos is like seeing buffalo in Yellowstone. In Yellowstone, the first time you see a bison, you slam on the brakes, stop the car, and just gaze at these majestic creatures. By Day Three, you’ve seen so many that you just want them to get off the road. 

Or if you’ve been on safari in South Africa, they’re like the equivalent of a springbok – they are everywhere.

Each day brings new Attenborough-esque encounters. Because where else in the world can you have an eye-to-eye staring contest with wild animals and lose?

Every group needs a clown. Blue-footed boobies are the poster child for the Galápagos. These clumsy, comical birds are mesmerizing, admitting sounds that previously I’ve only heard from the washing machine. They hop from one blue foot to another in an awkward moonwalk, kicking out one foot in a sort of endearing ritual dance, heads bobbing in unison. They are curiosity personified.

In the olden days, men only dressed up on special occasions, and while the suit might have survived months in mothballs, the socks invariably continued to get worn – to death. Hence why he spends half the evening pulling them up, attempting to look the part. It’s an extension of preening and it’s astonishingly accurate. 

As so with the blue-footed male boobie, except he doesn’t wear socks. Instead, he proudly displays his colourful feet, hoping to woo a potential mate. Instead of flowers and chocolates, the male boobie presents small sticks or stones, or rearranges small pebbles in a circle.
The male frigate bird also has quite a neat party trick. When a pretty girl frigate is in sight, he puffs his bright red neck, inflating it to a ridiculous size. He will then spread his wings, make a loud warbling sound, and point his head to the sky. Very impressive, if I may say so.

Meanwhile a female will circle overhead, carefully assessing her options. She can take her time and usually has many potential suitors. When she sees a particularly good-looking male, or a box of chocolate covered almonds – she will fly down to join her chosen.

Frigates lack the ability to take off from water, they simply soar for days and even weeks on end. They also have this remarkable ability to sleep using only half of their brain, meaning that they can sleep even while in the air. 

Now why couldn’t Darwinism give us this adaption, cause who really can sleep on an airplane? Probably one of the things that confounded Charles for years.

So, what do you ladies think? Team Frigate or Team Booby?

Then the iguanas. Their look? Straight out of Jurassic Park, rugged, and very punk rock. And surprisingly chill. 

As far as wildlife watching goes, they pretty much just sit there motionless and stare at you. Every island has its own version, sporting different sizes and colours as if the Galápagos Islands was hosting their own reptile fashion week.

And then a trip to the highlands of Santa Cruz. This was the main reason I wanted to come to the islands — to walk amongst Galápagos’ most iconic residents, the giant tortoises. 

I had barely stepped onto the reserve when our guide pointed out a tortoise a few yards away. This was a male and was probably over 100 years old. He seemed to have his eye on a nearby female who was completely covered by her shell. Probably just not her type. 

Tortoises seemed to appear at every turn, copy after copy of “ET’s” face, seen across the landscape from almost every viewpoint. I do a few dance steps when I come within a couple of metres of a tortoise. He weighs over 270 kilograms!, moving at the speed of a rock. What a sense of ancestry! It’s overwhelming.

Tortoises take the intermittent dieting fad to epic levels as they can go without food or water for 12 whole months. Although, they do love Manzanillo fruits, the only indigenous toxic plant in the Galapagos. For humans, touching the sap causes dermatitis and eating the fruit can be lethal.

Can you think of anything better than sunshine smitten secluded islands boasting pristine beaches of silky, powdery white sand, and water glowing turquoise? 

Here there are no crowds, no sea of beach umbrellas, nor waiters maneuvering frosty piña coladas. 

Unfortunately.

But you may have to share space with sea lions, turtles, pelicans, and a few iguanas.

We watch Darwin’s Finches and Frigates fly by as we lounge on white sand, soft as flour. There are Red Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying across the volcanic rocky outcrops, feeding on whatever they can find (sounds eerily familiar, although I draw the line at ticks). Herons wade nearby, adding to the peaceful vibe. 

We take a leisurely stroll along a path bordered with prickly pear and candelabra cacti,all well defended with a barrier of spines. 
We took the full day San Christobal 360º tour, complete with the Galápagos handshake: the action used when a person must hold the guide’s arm to embark or disembark a boat. 

As the name suggests, it took us on a full circle by speed boat (note the word “speed”), around the island, giving us the chance to see every side of the island’s diverse landscapes, getting off every so often to snorkel and encounter wildlife. 

It was incredible to witness the island from different angles and a whole bunch of people throwing up off starboard. 
Next, I’ll be heading to some lesser-known spots that Rick Steves highlighted on PBS. I can go without air-conditioning for a few minutes. Stay tuned.
Filed Under: Blog

Storage Secrets on a Shoestring Budget

June 19, 2025 by

There are some home sellers that are so organized that their curtains are ironed, their spice rack is alphabetized, and their microwave is reprogrammed to military time.

But unfortunately, I have not met many. 

There have been a myriad of times over the past two decades where I have been called to stage a home and found that either 1) the homeowner has put away so much that only the bare minimum is left: a few token pieces of art, a couple of accessories, and stripped shelves. 

Or 2), and what is more likely, they have so much stuff that they are completely overwhelmed, making me prone to vent multi-syllable adjectives. 

For them, it’s as tough as keeping healthy habits like “eat whole foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, prioritize your social life, and find purpose in your work.”

Annoying, boring, and easier said than done, when they would rather watch a five-minute video where a twenty-one year old woman with no actual expertise or formal training tells them that their real problem is “not enough clear plastic boxes”. 

And 3), there have been those who really wanted to de-clutter—mostly by giving it to me. 

Lord help us all, could we not have been assigned something easier, like astrophysics or quantum mechanics?

So, as a real estate agent (therapist, confessor, business advisor and risk accessor to all the citizen pilgrims that cross your threshold), what do you do? 

Cue Hallelujah chorus and parting clouds.

Call me in before your seller does a thing––your silver bullet.

I will determine whether those dusty needlework cushions made by their great aunt stays or goes—and if so, how and where to display or store them.
 

A seller’s first inclination might be to shove all their extraneous stuff into closets, cabinets, or utility areas. Essentially one big list of future landfill.

But here’s the problem with that plan. 

Eager buyers, yearning for probably more storage space than they currently have, are going to peek in those very spaces.

You don’t want rolls of Christmas wrapping paper and pictures of junior high school photos falling out every time someone opens the door to the front closet. 

The key is hiding and/or organizing stuff, and doing it well, where it won’t be discovered, or horrifying well-meaning buyers.

Just remember human nature: If buyers can peek inside a closet, cabinet, or drawer, they probably will.

SOLUTIONS:
1. Purge and organize 
2. Rent a storage locker
3. Use the garage or basement   
4. Tap into your social circle and “find a friend you haven’t used yet” to temporarily store extra stuff.
 

ARTFUL KITCHENS
Move miscellaneous items and bulkier tools to the very back of the top shelf in overhead cabinets, getting it out of the line of sight. 

Store small items such as spices and teas in lidded opaque baskets that match in colour and size, lining them up like soldiers in the pantry.

Go vertical! Use stackable organizers to maximize space. 

SIMPLIFIED BATHROOMS
Put anything regularly used in a plastic caddy. When there is a showing, the “One Caddy” method can be quickly stored under the vanity. 

Organize under-the-sink space by using a two-tier sliding organizer to keep items tidy as well as optimizing valuable vertical space.  

Hide everyday shampoos on the bathtub ledge behind the open shower curtain.

Remove over-the-door hangers if the door does not stay open of its own accord. 

BEDROOM GRAVITAS
As long as they are not visible, under-bed rolling drawers are a powerhouse solution, giving you up to 40 ft.³ of extra storage space. 

MARIE KONDO CLOSETS
Now let’s talk about closets. Only wearables, please!

Purchase matching same size baskets to corral extraneous articles of clothing. They don’t necessarily have to be folded well, just make sure they do not overflow.

Hang everything on matching hangers facing the same direction. The slimline rubberized hangers are the best. Nothing slips off them. 

Colour-block the clothes in each section. i.e. suit jackets, pants, shirts, blouses, etc.

LUSCIOUS LINEN CLOSETS
Hands up if this is a space where they shoved the door shut on tossed items and hoped for the best. 

Discard bedding and towels that haven’t been used in ages or are from the Trudeau administration—the first one, and group remaining items in colour-coordinated piles, no higher than 50% of the shelf height. 

Small items such as vitamins, prescriptions, and small toiletries should be stored in lidded non-see-through baskets.

LAUNDRY ROOMS AND PANTRY
Use wall-mounted hangers to clear floor space.

Remember, these storage hacks are more than just tips for quick fixes. And it’s more than just aesthetics. It’s a small move, a little effort, but it totally differentiates the result.

It’s part of the blueprint for a strategic, enticing presentation of a home. 

Simple, effective, and most importantly, it resonates with the dreams and desires of potential buyers for an organized and beautiful space.

Thank you for reading to the end of this post. A baffling decision, but thank you
Filed Under: Blog

Under the Moroccan sun

June 11, 2025 by
The best moment for a box of chocolates is before you bite into one. Once you knew it was caramel, the magic was over. Some trips are like that. 

But not Morocco. The magic had just begun. 

Medinas, mosques, mazes, markets, mountains, and mint tea.

Morocco is a kaleidoscope of colours, aromas and sensations—a palpable sense of living history. Morocco tingles in seconds with 1001 little plates of sensory explosions. It’s almost visceral. 

Morocco is a feast for the senses. 

It all started with ordering the camel tagine…

Wherever I travel I like to eat what the locals eat. For instance, I knew that Morocco is famous for their tagines – chicken, beef, vegetarian, lamb, seafood, and that Moroccans eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So when I saw camel tagine on the menu in one of the restaurants, I was challenged by a non-groumand to order it. 

I found it quite delicious and vowed that I would make the dish when I got home, but alas, soon discovered that camel meat is not readily available here.

Morocco is an explosion of spellbinding patterns and colours. 

Rows of terracotta pots in lines as straight as prayer mats. Intricate plasterwork, soaring minarets, ornate carved cedar ceilings, and jewel-like mosaics. Brass lamps, copper pots, camel bone jars, boxes hand-carved with beautiful designs, porcelain dinnerware and tagines, silver teapots, herbs and spices, as well as linens, leather hassocks and rugs. The periwinkle blooms of jacaranda trees and knobby olive trees.

There are aromas of fresh bread, simmering tagines, and grilling meat.  The taste of a glass of freshly squeezed Sanguine oranges and lemonade sweetened with sugarcane. 

Intricate plasterwork, soaring minarets, ornate carved cedar doors and ceilings, and jewel-like mosaics. It’s an explosion of spellbinding patterns and colours. Brass lamps, copper pots, camel bone jars, boxes handcarved with beautiful designs, handmade porcelain dinnerware and tagines, silver teapots, herbs and spices, as well as linens, leather hassocks, and rugs. 

The melodic call to prayer echoes from nearby minarets. The cacophony sounds of cart-pulling donkeys and bustling scooters carrying egg cartons piled high. There is the chatter and bargaining of vendors, an old man sawing with his bow at the two remaining strings of an ancient violin. The sound he produced was just as bad as one would imagine it could be. 

Every transaction is a dance and every purchase is a story. 

Exploring Morocco’s bustling markets and ancient medinas is an experience like no other. At the heart of every medina lies its souk – a traditional market where locals and visitors alike come to shop, socialize, and immerse themselves in the vibrant Moroccan culture. 

Each turn is down a narrow ancient labyrinth and every turn is another opportunity for discovery. Maybe a centuries-old madrasa (Islamic school), a hidden courtyard, an area filled with craftsmen at work, or a tiny shop packed floor to ceiling with treasures waiting to be discovered. 
Getting out without an injury is a feat; getting out without buying something is inconceivable. 

It’s a date.  

Souks are typically organized by trade, with different sections dedicated to specific goods. I wander from the spice souk, air heavy with the scent of cumin, coriander. ginger, cinnamon and saffron, to the leather souk where artisans work on vibrant bags and “babouches”, before stumbling upon the carpet souks and shops selling traditional djellabas or kaftans, all in kaleidoscopes of colours and patterns.


“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world…

Casablanca is routinely listed as one of the best films of all time. It has always been, and still is, mine. So imagine my delight when my first stop in Morocco was the iconic Rick’s Cafe. 
But, contrary to contrary to popular belief, not one clip was shot in Morocco. The masterpiece was shot in two regions: the Warner Bros lot in Burbank and the Metropolitan Airport at Van Nuys near Burbank.

But Ouarzazate is home to Atlas Studios, one of the largest and favourite film studios in the world. Many famous films have been shot here, in countless settings from ancient Rome to futuristic galaxies.

The city of Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past, and is home to the largest Medina in the world. Inside towering 16 km. long walls, it is impossible not to lose yourself in the maze of over 10,000 narrow labyrinth alleys. This is not the venue for the spatially challenged or claustrophobic-sensitive.

The city boasts the largest car-free urban area in the world. The air is thick with the scent of leather, where hides are still processed using methods unchanged since medieval times. The sight of the colourful dying pits is unforgettable. 

Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl is nestled in the Rif Mountains. It’s a city dipped in painted ambiance. Almost every wall and doorway is blue zellige( handmade tiles) or painted in blues that soothe the soul. It’s a place to wander without purpose, to breathe slowly.

In Marakkesh, the Jemaa El-Fna square is bustling with fortune tellers, dancers, snake charmers, musicians, monkey handlers, magicians, and stalls selling mountains of exotic spices, lamps, intricate jewellery, carpets and fabrics. Again, it’s a veritable heaven for us textile “afectuosos”. Dating back to its founding in 1062, it’s the pulse of the city. 

Morocco’s slice of the Sahara desert is stunning. I spent one night among the miles of undulating, wind-swept sand dunes that disappear into the impossible distance. I hear the delicate footsteps of camels on a walking tour. Time stands still.


You may arrive as a traveler—but Morocco will never let you leave unchanged. It’s cultural voyeurism to the max. 
Karyn is the owner of Albertine Design Group Ltd., an interior design firm that specializes in “making the most of what you already have” by organizing, rearranging, and transforming spaces for enhanced and harmonious living, decorating for special events, and  styling. Skilled in caring for paper napkins, porcelain, Persian rugs, and designer clothes—she is always available and completely devoted. Karyn’s greatest gift is the passion she has for her work, understanding the symbiosis between beauty and function to create an inspiring, stylish and original space. She works personally with each client, accounting for tastes, budget and individual requirements. Albertine Design Group Inc. is a Calgary design firm with subsidiary, CRAZY HOUSE Home Staging: The Art of Preparing a Home for Sale. 
Filed Under: Blog

Long May She Reign?

May 29, 2025 by

The weather. My God, it’s all around us.

It’s always about the weather. It’s our first topic of conversation. The stock market may be plummeting, your wrestling team may be failing, and the dwindling supply of sidewalk cafés is alarming, but nothing matters as much as when the sun will come out and the rain/snow/hail/wind/sleet will stop. We don’t care what the metric numerical system says, all we want to know is whether it feels warm or cold. 

If it wasn’t for weather, there would be no one abundantly well qualified to dominate where talking was concerned. It’s also a way of giving less articulate people and those who tend to disguise their feelings, a voice to express their love and affection. 

And some types of weather are more useful than others. Take this weekend, for instance. Our first long holiday/gardening weekend.

“May 24 was, back in 1819, the day Queen Victoria was born. Early Canadians, for reasons of their own, perhaps because they were Victorians, decided that the day should be a holiday. Later Canadians, noting the invention of the long weekend, decided that something around May 24 would be nice.” – Charles Gordon, At The Cottage

By the way, Queen Alexandrine Victoria never ever set foot in Canada. You’d think in her ponderous 63-year reign, she could have found a minute or two to show up at least once. Granted, she was the first to test out the pain-minimizing effects of chloroform during childbirth, and appointed a couple of senators, probably not at the same time. 

Yes, “May Long Weekend” is a cherished opportunity to reflect on the contributions and achievements of iconic Queen Victoria, as well as the impact on employers in terms of freed inmates, and the chance to boost team morale in terms of an extra day off.

Canada (except Nova Scotia and Quebec), is the only country that commemorates Queen Victoria with an official holiday (except in parts of Scotland). Even the British don’t celebrate Queen Victoria.

So why do we? 

A 2015 survey of 1,000 people by Canadian website Ancestry.ca said they had no idea. Sleeping in and crispy waffles? Probably and mostly, because we’ve done it since 1901. 

We’ve been housebound for months. We’ve ironed all of our curtains, alphabetized our spice rack, and reprogrammed our microwave to military time. The penultimate Monday of May, the cornerstone of Canadian heritage, marks of the end of the winter “social” season and the unofficial start of summer. 

Summer? 

Right. We haven’t even seen spring yet — for the most part, it’s a season Calgarians only read about.

Gardeners regard Victoria Day as the beginning of sowing season, as it falls at a time when one cannot be certain that frost advisories will not be issued until fall. It’s still too early for strawberries and ice cream, but for us who live quite near the North Pole—it’s a significant occasion, embraced with much enthusiasm.

No, most of us don’t spend the day-long fête crafting miniature sculptures of Queen Victoria out of sand, playing cricket, or a twenty-one gun salute, but instead, display our loyalty with a change in fashion with lighter-coloured athletic wear and reunite with our families for the first time since the winter holidays.

Victoria Day is also lovingly referred to as “May Two-Four”, the number referring to a case of beer (although there seems to be no hard data on the amount of beer consumed from sea to shining sea on this weekend), as well as playing traditional games such as three-legged races, potato sack races, and my favourite, “chasing greased pigs”. 

If you can’t be in Canada celebrating monarchy, heritage, and national unity with your loved ones this weekend, you can help them celebrate via Western Union Canada’s app which can send money to more than 200 countries and territories fast and easily. Or an expensive flower arrangement. 

In case you were wondering, Queen Victoria’s favourite flower was the humble violet.

As for me, I’m just going to focus on myself. Maybe learn about mushrooms—really use the time I have out here in the woods alone, hiding from the invaders. Or just cut some spruce boughs to decorate my living room when I get home. 

Strong and free!

Three cheers for Victoria Day!

Filed Under: Blog

Can’t Keep Meetings Like This

March 30, 2025 by

“Trends exist to make one feel badly about what they don’t have.” -Nate Berkus
Today is either going to be a high or a low depending on your current outlook and station in life. I realize we are living in times that are fraught with controversy and I certainly don’t mean to cause anymore strife, but sometimes you just have to go out on a limb and talk about what really matters. And, today, it’s our highly developed sweatpants culture.

Hmm…I just remembered. I already wrote about that. You might have missed it – deliberately. So why don’t I add to last month’s treatise and wax poetic on the question people all over the word have been asking me –“What is trendy and what is timeless?”

To that end, I have distilled my findings into point-by-point items that almost everyone can follow. Incidentally, many thanks to the Form and Function Foundation for its generous support of my work. 
Will I regret putting up wainscoting? 
First off constituents, I would just like to mention that there’s a lot of really great stuff here, so thank you. I’ll try not to use a lot of dialogue, so you won’t get tired of reading. Or you could send this to somebody who really wants to read it. 

But before I go too far, I would like to note up front that some things will never go out of style because they were never in style to begin with. Like your family’s sword collection and that paint colour you picked that can be seen from 50 feet in a fog.

Also there are probably lots of trends you still haven’t heard of. I mean, we didn’t hear about Antarctica until 1820, but I’m pretty sure it’s been there the whole time. 

By the way, why is it that my phone, when I only said the words “Arco lamp” out loud once three weeks ago, knows to advertise mid-century-modern lamps to me on Facebook, but no one can seem to figure out how to delete the ads for personalized t-shirts.Now on to business.
Boring now may equal timeless later. 
The most timeless look is one where you cannot precisely say when it was installed. It’s knowing what will stand the test of time, not creating a time-stamped home.
I Will Always Love Hue. 

Black. It’s most everyone’s “personal uniform” these days, it’s the very definition of simplicity and ease. Given our past collective pandemic experience, stances on how to react, quickly became starkly black or white. It was so divisive, people set up camp with their lines of thought, santiizing everything. The internet had become the domain of certainly over open questions, assuredness over wonder.Increasingly becoming polarized by spending every waking hour online and the influence those algorithms had on what we interact with socially and politically, we were in a society that chose to see things in black and white. Moral grey areas disappeared. Reality shifted according to convenience and for whom ends justified the means. Now, here we are in present in-between time, this whatever-this-is-right-nowness, this discombobulation. Hopefully, we are returning to colour, pattern and maximalism as reaction. And discernment. 

But back to black and white.
Staying Power 
To say that black and white in interiors is a fad, is to say that neutrals are a fad. Whites and neutral colors that whisper, not shout, will always be the foundation of design. You simply cannot design a home without incorporating any white, black, or neutral colours in one form or another. A good neutral should be elastic, having the ability to flex with furnishings and under different light conditions.
Shades of forest green and navy have also been a timeless choice for interior design schemes thanks to their grounding connection to nature and easy-to-live-with appeal. By the way, colour theory states that purple and brown are complementary, but I have yet to prove this.
When it comes to classic paint colour options, Benjamin Moore’s Historic Collection is wonderfully reliable for adding perennial appeal. These 191 shades have stood the test of time for a reason. They offer a sense both nostalgic and timeless, making  for versatile backdrops that work for many different home styles. 
Subway tiles have never really gone out of style. First installed in New York City subways in 1904, they soon became the norm for subway stations all over the world. The tiles were simple to maintain, reflecting light in the gloomy underground. They then started to show up in home interiors, eventually and continuing to become the most well-liked backsplash option for both kitchens and bathrooms. 
As sure as clouds gather and clouds part, white kitchen cabinets have stood the test of time. They have been popular for decades, and nothing about that is going to change anytime soon. They’re classic, elegant, and understated, while still being able to mesh with contemporary design sensibilities. White cabinets are like chameleons, easily transformed with the addition of colour and various interior design styles. Yes, while a lot of us are craving richer colors and more contrast, there’s still plenty of room for creative freedom in a white kitchen with backsplash tile, the countertop, hardware and flooring.
Speaking of flooring, real hardwood floors in a medium brown, like walnut, are like a pair of blue jeans. They go with any style of furniture or decor. You want to make sure there is not a lot of gray, yellow or red in the stain. While luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring may be practical, it lacks the warmth and character of real wood.
When we picture a Parisian apartment, we most likely picture a space with herringbone or chevron wood floors. This design dates back to the 16th century when artisans fit miniature blocks of wood in a geometric pattern. Fast forward to today, and herringbone and chevron floors remain a favorite. The labor involved does make this a more expensive flooring choice, but you can be sure that they will never go out of style. 
Rooted in the Shaker design principles of honesty, simplicity and utility, Shaker style doors have been in style for more than 100 years. They are the most universal cabinet door style thanks in large part to their versatility. This paired-back kitchen style is distinguished by its simple framed door design with a recessed central panel. The frame can be thin and narrow for a more modern door, or wider for a more traditional cabinet. Various decorative trim and crown mouldings are easily paired with shaker doors. 
You owe it to society to stick with timeless fixtures in brushed or polished nickel, and a white or off-white quartz countertop with subtle, gentle veinings.
TIP:  In a new build, renovation, or just plain updating, choose finishes in the order of the least colour choices. First flooring, then countertops, backsplash tiles, paint colours last.                                                                                       
You are in a long-term relationship with your sofa. Just like a tea kettle that boils in seconds, picking a neutral colour and a structured silhouette can vastly improve your life. Practical leather (with the above stipulation) also stands the test of time. 
Gallery walls have undergone a remarkable transformation from their origins in European salons to today’s contemporary interpretations. What once was a formal display of traditional artwork has evolved into a versatile design element that celebrates personal expression and creative freedom.
I’m starting to see antiques becoming way more interesting to young(er) people. And that makes me so happy because it just breaks my heart when you see the craftsmanship involved and it just gets thrown away and replaced by Ikea. Nothing (much) against Ikea, but it’s just not the same.

Don’t throw out that chair, console, hutch or dresser. Give it a new life by painting, refinishing or reupholstering.
By the way, I’m really glad we could address this for the third time this year. Now, would it be possible for me to borrow your stapler? I need it to put these pages together before 5 p.m.

Never mind, I found it. 
Filed Under: Blog

Last Minute Checklist

March 28, 2025 by

You get the call. Someone wants to see your listing in less than an hour.  The clock is ticking and I’m all about helping. So in that vein, I’ve put together a Last Minute Checklist to make your work life just a little easier.  

These simple and quick staging tweeks you can do at the last minute can have a massive impact in selling your listing quickly and profitably—because small details make a big difference.
CURB APPEAL
A snow shovel is not a porch decoration. Nor are plastic lawn chairs and empty plant pots. It’s all about making a great first impression.
FLIP (ALMOST) EVERY SWITCH 
One of the quickest ways to add the illusion of square footage and to put people in a good mood is to turn on all floor and table lamps. But you want to be a bit discriminate with putting on ceiling lights, as they can make rooms look warehouse-y instead of welcoming.
Use warm-toned 2700-3000K consistent lighting throughout the home. Check for burnt out light bulbs.
Hide cords and wires as best as possible. Cable management is a minor detail that can make a big impact, especially in MLS photos. 
Let in as much natural light as possible—unless you have a spectacularly bad view, in which case, keep blinds tilted downwards. This lets in as much light as possible while disguising as much bad view as possible.
If there are dimmers, adjust accordingly.
PILLOW TALK
An unmade bed gives the impression of-less-than-clean, and that can be an unsavoury image in the minds of buyers. 
Make sure the mattress is fully covered and everything is smooth, straight, and even.
Wrap the bedding behind side rails for the neatest look.
If there are pillowcases, face the openings toward each other.
IT’S PRIVATE 
Keep privacy in mind by storing anything that may give clues as to the present owners. 

As for valuables, financial documents, perscriptions, religious items and family photos, do a clean sweep. Buyers like to view each home as their blank canvas, and that’s hard to do with pictures of someone else’s family in Disneyland.
ROLL UP THE MATS 
Except for the entry.
NOT SO SCENT-SATIONAL
Remove scented plug-ins as there may be buyers who are “scent-sitive”.
LAUNDRY ROOM
Clear anything straggling on floors, the countertop, hanging from hooks or hangers, and on top of the washer and dryer.Last minute trick—store dirty clothes inside the washer.
BATHROOM
Put toilet seats down and check for a new roll of toilet paper.
Hide the plunger, plastic soap dispensers, and toilet brush.
Open the shower curtain.
Remove the bewildering range of skin care products and any reading material. A bathroom is a bathroom, not a library. Amen.

Just as hotels use white items to reinforce the idea that the room is clean, white towels in the bathroom make things look fresh. Fold 2 matching bath towels if there is a tub, and 2 matching hand towels in a powder bath.

Here’s how: Fold one side toward the middle and then the other so no raw edges are showing, and then fold it in half lengthwise to hang.
KITCHEN
If you’re truly pressed for time, you may not be able to complete this…but whenever possible, remove clutter and small appliances off the countertops— and windowsill.
Put sponges, scrubbies and dish detergent under the sink.
Take down items from the top of kitchen cabinets—a muffin top of unpleasantness.

IT’S YOUR TURN TO…
You may get that one potential buyer who will look everywhere, so take out the trash and recycling. All garbage cans should be out of sight. 
 
TEMPERATURE
You don’t want buyers to rush through the home because it’s either too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature depends on the home and season, but keeping it at around 70 degrees should ensure everyone is comfortable.
 
PETS
No thank you. Remove any signs—toys, photos, bowls, crates, leashes, beds, and litter boxes.
 
MUSIC
Put on some soft, smooth jazz or instrumental music.

BRING CHOCOLATES
…cause who doesn’t love chocolate?
Great work! You did it.

Now all you have to do is relax and wait for the lucky buyer who is going to find the beautiful and clean space perfect.
Filed Under: Blog
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