Article 1 | Lake Minnetonka Navigator

In the 80’s and 90’s we were designing floral arrangements with silks and maybe some real elements of woods, greens and natural things. It was the thing to do! It is now time to retire old flower arrangements to the garbage!!!

Have a peaceful transition of parting with those dust craving brass containers! Have you seen the blue roses and pink arrangements that still linger in your friend’s homes on their coffee or dining room tables; dust ridden, old flowers with frayed edges?! Let’s get ready, it’s fun– we can call it the old silk flower hunt! I will come help you find them and dispose of them! Seriously – it is liberating fun!!!!  Out with the old!

It is now 2010, where we design homes we are using fresh flowers to impact your surroundings. Whether your home is for sale or just want that model home atmosphere, try using fresh flowers! One of my favorite looks is to purchase about 15 flowers in one solid color, cut the stems exactly the same size from the bottom of the flower to the bottom of the stem. Put in a square or round vase and display them tightly inside the vase, hugging the top edge of glass – as the stem takes up water the flower will expand to fill up the edge of vase – creating the senses of smell, sight AND touch! This look will NOT be disappoint!

For sources where you can buy flowers at wholesale (and even great retail prices) that will satisfy all the senses of your spirit!!

Contact me and I would be happy to help!!! 612.226.8044 or email: cmontgomery@showhomes.com

Showhomes Gives Back

This weekend, Showhomes Minneapolis sponsored the FreedomFarm Polo Match for the  second year in a row because we are passionate about giving back and helping others.

The FreedomFarm Therepeutic Riding Center was formed to share the freedom of riding a horse with those whose lives, minds or bodies are not as free. Freedomfarm exists to improve mobility and build confidence in children and adults with physical, mental and emotional challenges by using the unique attributes of the horse. (www.freedomfarm.org)

Giving back to wonderful organizations not only makes us feel good, but also helps for the good of others. In today’s economy, donations have been down for many non-profits; so now, more than ever we are sensitive to helping as much as we can. Sharing what God has given us is so gratifying– and we can never out-give God.

If you believe in this cause as we do, you can donate to FreedomFarm too!

What’s your Showhomes Story? | Realtor Testimonial

Shelby Christiansen, Realtor with Edina Realty, explains how Showhomes helped her sell a property in just 4 days!

Turning Cold and Sterile into Soft and Calm Contemporary

ANOTHER ONE SOLD! Previous to Showhomes, this home sat on the market for 410 days… After Showhomes designed the home, it sold in 42 days! Staging works!!!

This home was an over-the-top contemporary modern home with furnishings that were cold and dated with too many curves.  The walls were a stark white with an entry of “car dealership” red. Even the banisters were a shiny red! Overall, the home felt cold, sterile and impersonal.

The home did have great black/charcoal grey carpeting which was a really nice compliment to the home. This gave us something to work with. We had the walls painted with a soft grey tone and accented with my new favorite color “Night Horizon” by Benjamin Moore. The idea was to take the cold, sterile feeling and make it into the soothing, calmness of a spa.

The cold, shiny marble flooring in the family room warmed up with a grass rug. Using pottery, wood, upholstery and suede also had a phenomal effect in this home. These elements created a soft contemporary home that will appeal to much more of our midwestern buyers.

Home Builder | Home Owner | Realtor Testimonial

Bob Carlson, Minneapolis custom home builder, homeowner and realtor explains that his staging costs were zero because Showhomes helped him achieve a higher value on his property. Bob’s home sold in just 22 days for a higher price than he had anticipated!

In and Out Within 2 months!

What’s Your Showhomes Story?
John’s house sat on the market for 497 days without any offers before Showhomes designed the property on December 7, 2009… once Showhomes came in,  it was sold in 60 days!!!

Showhomes works! Contact Cindy with Showhomes to sell your next vacant property. email: cmontgomery@showhomes.com

Home Managers Testimonial

Chris and Jennifer were Home Managers with Showhomes for 4 years. In this short video, they explain how Showhomes helped them save $50,000, learn the housing market and ultimately determine where they wanted to buy a house.

Swedish contemporary in Minneapolis

5019 Wentworth Avenue | Minneapolis, MN

The renovation in this home reflects its Swedish contemporary design… To give it a hip, modern feel, it is filled with mixed textures of wood.

We’ve Got a Sweet Deal For Your Vacant Listing!

Showhomes Minneapolis has a sweet deal for you

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Enjoy The Sense of Taste Series with ShowhomesGirl: Cindy Montgomery as she invites you into one of her Showhomes to learn how to make Sticky Toffee Pudding.

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

PUDDING:
In saucepan cook to a full boil:
1 C water
1 C date pieces (coated with oat flour preferred)
then cool while preparing the below ingredients

Mix and set aside:
1 C plus 2T unbleached all purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
½ t salt

cream together:
4 T soft unsalted butter
¾ C Bakers fine sugar
then add 2 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
then add the date mixture and flour mixture – until just blended. Pour into a steam pan (or loaf pan) bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Gently touch cake; it should feel firm. Reduce heat to 250 degrees and pour ¾ C of warm toffee sauce over the top of cake and back another 25 minutes.

TOFFEE SAUCE
Cook the below with low heat
3 C heavy cream
2 t molasses and 1 T whiskey
2 ¼ C brown sugar

Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes (sauce will reduce slightly)

To serve – slice, pour some warm toffee sauce over the top and then pour a bit of heavy cream over that.