2010 August Archive - Debbi DiMaggio – A Grateful Life!

Archive for August, 2010

ART // color splash

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Debbi DiMaggio

Art Selection – Something special that is rarely done.

Michelle Bello met with us at 55 Sea View Avenue prior to selecting ARTWORK to discuss our ideas and to measure the spaces we were hoping to fill. Michelle emailed us some choices to choose from; most are local artists. Our goal: to add color and bring a more youthful, contemporary look into each room while complimenting the beautiful details and craftsmanship of this exceptional home. My goal as the Realtor is different than that of a designer. My goal is to appeal to a wide range of buyers – the younger as well as the more mature. I hope you enjoy what we’ve done. Stop by on September 13th from 10-1pm to preview our work. To purchase what you see here please contact Michelle Bello. Michelle also has wonderful art hanging in our office at HIGHLAND PARTNERS at 342 Highland Avenue in Piedmont- we invite you to stop in and take a look. Michelle works with professionals to hang each piece safely and precisely. Thanks Michelle!!! I love what you’ve done. You will find my favorite piece in the art room at 55 Sea View Avenue – I call it COLOR SPLASH.

We had two selections to choose from – This was my choice. I liked the way the green and the blue drew your eye to the green plants inside and out and the way the blue drew your eye to the water and the blue sky outside. The other artwork pulled you in and commanded you to focus on the ART entirely and not the home and many details in the room. If we were at a museum or in an art gallery with the sole purpose of selling the artwork, then the other piece would be appropriate. In this case the art complements and lightens the room. My goal has been achieved.We had two selections to choose from – This was my choice. I liked the way the green and the blue drew your eye to the green plants inside and out and the way the blue drew your eye to the water and the blue sky outside. The other artwork pulled you in and commanded you to focus on the ART entirely and not the home and many details in the room. If we were at a museum or in an art gallery with the sole purpose of selling the artwork, then the other piece would be appropriate. In this case the art complements and lightens the room. My goal has been achieved. Don’t forget the Garden and Home Improvement needs as well – Power Washing, Packing, Storing, Hauling, Purging, Managing. And reports, disclosures and permits.

Order a Sketch, book my photographer, Scott Hargis. He is truly amazing. He lights each room in order to obtain the very best shot. And if the lighting is not ideal he will reschedule without complaints. Quentin Bacon, my social media producer is helping me to share the PROCESS with you. I just love the PROCESS. I have so much fun watching the transformation from Lived In to Luxury Living. LIGHTS, Camera, Action, FLOWERS, Brochures, Websites, Print Ads, Write Copy, Blog, Post and so much more. I didn’t realize how many tasks I do each time I bring a home onto the market. Not all agents do as much as I do. I’ll move and help re-arrange, even in my heels.

Watch and Enjoy – Today we hung art and next week we meet with the San Francisco Chronicle and then Scott shoots evening photos Thursday and Interior shots on Friday. Stay Tuned – the final product will be unveiled on line by next weekend. Open for you to see in person September 13th.

Look for us in the Robb Report, the SF iS, the San Francisco Chronicle, Realtor.com, Real Bird, The Hills Newspaper, the Piedmont Post, the Piedmonter, the Montclairion, SF GATE, Debbi and Adam.com, 55SeaViewPiedmont.com, TheHighlandPartners.com and many other websites and social media sites.

Hope to see you on the 13th!

MY SKIN CARE LINE // MODERN skin by Debbi DiMaggio

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Debbi DiMaggio

If I’m not Multi-Tasking, I’m Simply not Breathing. My skincare line stemmed from my passion for learning new things and creating new products. I have a tee shirt line, I’ve designed a Elegant yet Comfortable Travel Line that Mix and Max called 7 Easy Pieces, A Travel Luxury Fashion Experience Service and the latest, my skincare line, MODERN skin by Debbi DiMaggio. I couldn’t find what I needed exactly so I did a little research and I am happy to say my skin has never looked better. Give it a try! www.modernmomontherun.com SkinCare. NEW WEBSITE / New Branding – www.MODERNESKIN.com

REFLECTIONS OF A BUSY SUMMER // A Big Move, A Surprise Party for Chase, Scottsdale, Carneros Inn, My Big Day

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Debbi DiMaggio

Modern Mom on the Run

If i ‘m not Multi-Tasking, i’m Simply not Breathing. And really, truly, if i’m not busy it is very hard for me to focus. I am very organized and much more efficient when i have a lot going on. A lot is an understatement. Most don’t know what A lot really means – in my dictionary. My definition of A LOT – Real Estate, Clients, Marketing, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CSL, NCL, Social Media, Kids Activities, School, Bianca, Chase, Adam, Highland Partners, Marketing Director, Soccer Mom, Accountant, Grocery Shopper, Travel Agent, Chaffeur, Wife, Party Hostess and Scheduler of All, doctors, sports, dentists, ortho, tutors. Of course, sometimes i even play hookie too. My favorite place to play hookie is the Carneros Inn.

KAKUI SUSHI // a wonderful addition to the montclair village – cheers

Monday, August 23, 2010

Debbi DiMaggio

My new favorite restaurant is….. But after dining there 4 times, I still didn’t know the name until today when my friend Quentin and I had lunch there this afternoon. As we headed off to our business lunch and we were deciding where to go, I said, just as I had said the previous 3 times, “let’s go to that sushi place next door to Peet’s coffee”. “That Sushi Place” was its name until today. Over the last few times I had dined there, the owner had welcomed me each time. On our second visit my husband, Adam and I stopped in to grab a quick bite; we were in a huge rush because Adam had a soccer game to get to, NOT to watch mind you, but to PLAY. [Read More..]

MOVING // learning and relating but getting it done!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Debbi DiMaggio

I moved recently… Oh My Gosh – I have sympathy! I know it is easier said then done. But, I do love the purge factor and organizing part of it all.

It’s such a reminder what my client go through, the mess, the kids, the comcast guy… and waiting for all those appointments and service people to show up between 9 and 2. Like I can actually stay put in one place for that long.

In 6 days I had us all moved in and ready for Chase’s Surprise Party – it all went off without a hitch! And everything was in its place – well for the most part. A few boxes here and there, of course, but ART was hung, FURNITURE arranged, Our Walk In Bedroom Closet Organized and POOL TOYS for all. See the dining room shot just after the pile of clothes and moving tape. NOT BAD! Even flowers in their perfect vase.

In time for Chase’s birthday party, I got everything in place. Nothing like having help from professionals. Earl’s Lo Cost Electrical saved the day. After ordering 3 awesome fixtures from Lamps Plus, now, who would have thought, Lamps Plus would have such great lighting. And the price was definitely right. I called Earl and begged and pleaded – ” i just have to have the lights installed i’m having a birthday party tomorrow”. Never mind it is for a 14 year old who probably doesn’t even know that the lights are new. But by all means, i do. And i just needed them installed by the party at 2 on Saturday. Not only did Earl send his nice son and on Friday after 5 they had installed 3 fixtures but i called him in a panic Saturday morning when the last fixture arrived and asked if, okay, begged him to come back and hang the last one that had just been delivered by Fed X and was sitting in that big brown box just waiting to be hung. Thank you Earl’s Lo Cost Electrical for saving the day – or saving my sanity and hanging the fixture right before the party. Did i mention i was so busy focusing on the lighting that i completely forgot about the Birthday Cupcakes!! The party was about to begin as an image of the cupcakes passed through my head. Thank gosh for my daughter and her friend and their ability to drive. So after the surprise they headed off through the tunnel to Orinda to rescue the cupcakes! Thank you Bianca, Marie, Emily and Jennifer. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!