versatility...

...the ability to take a garment in your wardrobe...mix and match with a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...this then equals...value...and by mixing and matching a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...it doesn't mean you can use it to dry the dog and polish the silverware...but you may be able to wear a piece to the office and then on to a blind date that nite with just a change of jewelry and/or shoes...

always look for colors that fit into the basic palette of your wardrobe...look for classic design and style that is consistent with your own...look for fabrics that are seasonless...tropical wools and medium weight cottons...for example...seasonal fabrics...like linen or velvet...may be well worth the investment...but they won't necessarily be appropriate year round...

it almost becomes like a game...how many outfits can you prepare out of one piece of garment...try for a casual...then a work appropriate...and then an evening look...the more you do it...the easier it becomes...and then you really start maximizing your purchases...

and if this seems like too much of a challenge...i can help!

elena daciuk
fabulous finds
wardrobe stylist
415.577.6133
fabulous.finds@yahoo.com

photo source

New member update: Shelley Bond

Women on Fire is happy to introduce our newest member: Shelley Bond

Shelley Bond is the owner of BEADJOUX...slightly eccentric handmade jewelry, which she began in 1994. She has never been a person who fits cleanly into categories and her varied jewelry designs demonstrate that. Shelley makes one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry and sculptures. She sells her jewelry at customer-hosted parties, various art and networking events, at Silicon Valley Open Studios, at an open studio each December in Belmont CA, and is available to design and make custom jewelry. Her materials are gold and sterling wire, seed beads, contemporary and vintage beads, found and recycled objects, shells and semi-precious stones. Both her large and small jewelry pieces have a definite point of view. You can see her work on www.shelleybond.com or follow her on facebook.

Stay tuned for future blog posts from Shelley Bond!

Do You Own a Small Business?



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Business Insurance 101

You’ve achieved your dream of owning a business. But as you know, the boundless opportunities of business ownership come with plenty of risk. When you’re confident that your organization’s people, property and revenue are safeguarded from the unexpected, you can focus on what’s most important—running your business.

Your Business Insurance Options Explained

Your day-to-day operations are complex; understanding business insurance doesn’t have to be. There are coverage options available to protect just about every aspect of your business from employee injury to natural disasters. Some insurance is required by law and others by business associates, such as lenders and landlords. Obtaining the right type and amount of insurance for your business will help you avoid gaps in coverage where you need it most.



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At a minimum, your business should have:
•Business Property Insurance that can protect your business by funding repair or replacement of damaged physical assets when disasters such as fire, windstorms, hail or vandalism strike.

•Business Liability Insurance that can protect your business against financial losses resulting from claims of injury or property damage caused by you or your employees and your products or services.

•Workers' Compensation Insurance that can satisfy your employees’ medical needs in the event of an accident or disease and make a quick return to work possible, while removing lawsuit potential by current or former employees.

•Business Auto Insurance that can get you on the road again quickly after an accident and ensure your business is protected against losses from injuries to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians for which you and your employees are liable.



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•Business Crime Insurance that can provide your business with protection from fraud, theft, forgery or robbery.
Additional insurance options your business may need include:

•Employment Practices Liability Insurance that can cover your business if discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination claims are made by present, former or future employees.

•Life Insurance for Business Owners that can help you plan for business succession, survive the loss of a key employee or partner and retain/reward your top people.

•Retirement and Benefits for Business Owners that can secure your financial future and that of your employees.

•Umbrella Coverage that can make sure your business is shielded from the effects of potentially ruinous lawsuits with additional liability coverage.

•Bailee Coverage to protect you and your business if damage is done to customer’s goods, including jewelry and clothing.

•Transportation and cargo Coverage to cover your company if goods are damaged or lost when being transported by one of your vehicles or common and contract carriers.

•Spoilage Coverage in the event that perishable goods are spoiled due to a mechanical breakdown or power outage.

•Non-Owned Auto Coverage if an employee is involved in an auto accident while driving a personal automobile on company business.

Before You Purchase

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all business insurance coverage. Your business is as unique as you are. After carefully reviewing your assets and potential risks, your Farmers agent will work closely with you to build a tailored insurance solution that meets the specific needs of your business. What’s more, your agent will take time to help you understand every aspect of the policy.

If You're Already Covered

You’ve made a sound choice to protect your organization and employees with business insurance. However, your business has specific needs which may change over time. Reviewing your policy annually makes certain your coverage options continue to fully protect your assets. When in doubt, contact a Farmers agent for help. Farmers also offers lines of insurance for many aspects of your life, both professional and personal. Ask your agent about personal coverage options that can complement your business insurance policy.


Posted by Virginia Trowbridge
Farmers -Trowbridge Insurace Agency
http://www.trowbridgeins.com/

The Anatomy of a Home Stage

I was recently called to a home in the Sharon Heights area of Menlo Park. The sellers were downsizing and needed help preparing their home to place on the market. I was hired to stage the interior and help with the exterior and landscaping.

As you can see from the before pictures the interior was painted white. The furniture was contemporary and the owners had quite a bit of art. I decided to paint the interior a warmer neutral color and to accent the fireplace wall with a darker color to accentuate the stone fireplace surround. The fireplace is the focal point of the room and the stone surround had beautiful colors in it.

I kept the furnishings neutral with a monochromatic look. When using a monochromatic look it is important to bring in differing textures, such as a shag rug, chrome accents and velvet upholstery.  I utilized some organic elements such as the seashell collection on the coffee table, which I mixed with large reflective globes, which are actually large Christmas balls turned so that you cannot see the attached hanger.

In the master bedroom I again painted a warm neutral and accented the wall that the bed is on to pop off the bedding. The lamps are jewel encrusted which again brought in some texture and shine. The result is dramatic and is optimum for the virtual tour marketing pieces.

This home sold with multiple offers and $150K over listing price within days. I credit the owners with allowing me to design what I felt was best for the home.