Monica Donetti-Ross

"Cassandra was renting a cramped 2 bedroom. Packed her own lunch for years to save money. I found her a place in South Surrey. Needs work but it's hers. It's hard to describe the look on a person's face when they walk into their first home. I never get tired of that."

Monica Donetti-Ross

BRAGGING RIGHTS - AND WRONGS

Choose Wisely:

Being conscientious about what you display and how you display it can turn a potential egomaniacal disaster into a good-looking, intriguing expression of you and yours. Gather together your favorite snapshots, portraits, awards and mementos, and isolate the ones that truly please you. Be creative: That ballpoint doodle your husband drew of yo ...

TIPS FOR CREATING PRODUCE ARRANGEMENTS:

Shop organic or at a local green market. You're likely to discover more interesting-looking vegetables with the top greens still in place.

Pack grocery bags carefully. Carry anything leafy or delicate separately, as you would a bunch of flowers.

Don't get too attached. With a couple of exceptions, these compositions are fleeting. Keep them out of ...

Simple is Grand

• Kept the walls white and the rooms uncluttered
• Save for a few strategically placed pieces of large, ornate furniture (add a splash of bright color to each)
• Opt for a minimalist fabric; a simple shape; lace or a more complicated texture

It's as simple as that, for more great ideas like these, please visit, www.dominomag.com

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where do I begin house shopping?

A: First, thoroughly evaluate the condition of the property: home improvements made by the current owners, whether the owners are anxious to sell quickly and whether the market is hot or cool, which affects a seller's desire to negotiate. Monica can help you with these and other assessments.

Q: How do I know ...

USE STIFF-STEM FLOWERS

Like rose and peonies - they're easy to work with.

BESTOW "PERSONALITY"

By adding an apple or a lime on a stick

"SPIRAL" STEMS

To make a domed arrangement. Watch the how-to video on www.dominomag.com

TIE STEMS

Tightly a third of the way down with raffia or grosgrain ribbon.

PLACE BOUQUETS

In clear glass vases, an oblong shape is an elegant choice.

DECORATING DILEMMAS

Dilemma: Arrangment of small lamps and knickknacks on end tables, without having them looking sloppy. Create a display that's interesting but also useful

Solution: The key is to have one commanding object to ground each table. Try a decent-size lamp, at least 24 inches tall, and surround it with objects of varying scale. they should be of a similar st ...

I just finished uploading this Detached, 13224 - 14A Avenue, Surrey BC

Outstanding location in Ocean Park. Amazing water views and view of the Gulf Islands on a quiet residential street. Huge 3000 plus sq. ft. rancher home with full basement. Three bedroom unauthorized, above ground bsmt. suite. Back lane access and huge separate two car garage. Garage has power and access to telephone as we ...

Outstanding location in Ocean Park. Amazing water views and view of the Gulf Islands on a quiet residential street. Huge 3000 plus sq. ft. rancher home with full basement. Three bedroom unauthorized, above ground bsmt. suite. Back lane access and huge separate two car garage. Garage has power and access to telephone as well as a security system. Perfect for a car buff. Extra 3 car parking pad ...

TURQUOISE PAINT!!!

An amazing wall color!! Benjamin Moore makes an amazing gadget: You hold it up to any surface and press a button, and it tells you the paint number that most closely matches the color you've scanned. "Pocket Pallette" device $299 paint in Kokopelli Teal #648 benjaminmoore.com