jillian-ihloff

Use Some Common “Scents”: How to Nail the Perfect Home Atmosphere

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:59:31 GMT

Hello, Dallas homeowners and future homeowners! Jillian Ihloff here, bringing you yet another invaluable piece of advice to make your home buying or selling experience exceptional. You know me for my expert insights on staging, curb appeal, and market trends, but today I'm diving into something often overlooked yet incredibly crucial—home scenting.

Don't Overpower—Impress!

We’ve all been there: standing in a long queue or sitting next to someone on a plane who seemed to have taken a bath in cologne. It's overpowering, and it's the last thing you want people to feel when they walk into your home.

Whether you're staging your home for sale or just trying to create a welcoming atmosphere, the smell plays a huge role. It's not just about the look or even the feel—it's also about the scent.

Allergens Are Real—And Diverse

As someone who struggles with horrid allergies, I can tell you that individual sensitivities vary. It might surprise you that some common fragrances like sunflowers, lily, and pine can turn a pleasant visit into a sneezing marathon for some.

Scenting Tips from the Pro

Here's my quick guide to ensure your home has a welcoming and not overpowering scent:

Limit: Use 1-2 diffusers or scented candles per floor. Position them strategically.
Selection: Stick with warm, lightly fresh scents like Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, or Jasmine with Vanilla. A hint of Bergamot or a citrus scent in the kitchen can be both refreshing and inviting.

For Pet Owners and Beyond: Handle Odors Effectively

Whether you have pets or face the occasional burnt popcorn incident, managing odors is crucial. For pet owners, maintaining a litter box and vacuuming daily is essential to ensure your home doesn't smell like a pet store. And for those unforeseen accidents, opt for odor eliminators rather than simple masking sprays.

My Favorite Products

Below are some of my go-to products to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting.

For Pets: Arm&Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator
For Accidents: Zep Smoke Odor Eliminator
For Ambiance: Nest Reed Diffuser

Remember, your home isn't just a space—it's an experience. And scent is an integral part of that experience. Take my advice and not only will you impress potential buyers, but you'll also enjoy a more welcoming home yourself. Here's to making every sense count!

Wishing you a scentsational day!

-Jillian

Labor Day: Heat, Treats, and Backyard Feats!

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:14:57 GMT

Hello everyone! Can you believe Labor Day is just around the corner? Whether you're staying at home or planning to soak up the sun elsewhere, I've got some fabulous suggestions for making the most out of this holiday. So let's dive in!

1. Sweet Indulgence: Chocolate Sheet Cake

I don't know about you, but desserts top my list for holiday festivities. One of my go-to delights is the Texas Sheet Cake by The Pioneer Woman. Trust me, this cake is a crowd-pleaser! With icing that's poured on while the cake is still warm, this dessert only gets better if it melts in the heat. So, no worries if you're out in the sun. And hey, if you've got kids, you might want to go half-and-half on the pecans! Here's the recipe you won't want to miss: Best Texas Sheet Cake - Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe

2. Giant Yard Games: Make Fun Towering!

Ever played Jenga or Connect Four at an almost life-size scale? If not, you're missing out! These giant yard games are a hit among the young and old alike. They're a fabulous way to inject a bit of competitive fun into your Labor Day celebrations.

3. Water + Sunscreen = A Splashing Good Time

Water activities are a must to beat the heat. It doesn't have to be a pool; think sprinklers, water balloons, or even a good ol' garden hose. Just ensure there's water nearby for a splash-tacular time! Also, let's not forget sunscreen. You'll thank me later.

4. The Ice Factor: Keep It Chill

You can never have too much ice on a hot day. Be it ice bags, a gigantic ice cube in the pool, or quirky ice molds for drinks, make sure you've got your cool down essentials sorted. Trust me, you don't want a mutiny due to a lack of ice!

5. Backyard Movie Magic

You can easily turn your backyard into an open-air movie theater. Got a fence or a large white sheet? Add a projector and some speakers, grab your favorite snacks, and you've got yourself a memorable movie night.

Growing up in Oklahoma and now living in Texas, I know one thing for sure—it's going to be hot and sunny. The key is to tailor your day with things you absolutely love. So go on, make this Labor Day one for the books!

Wishing you all a fabulous and Happy Labor Day!

XOXO, Jillian

A Recipe Close to My Heart: Jillian's Family Crepes

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:31:58 GMT

Hey everyone! Today I'm shifting gears from real estate and design to share something that is uber important in any home—the kitchen magic! I want to give you a super special recipe that’s close to my heart: our family crepes. This is the kind of meal that evokes nostalgia, is incredibly versatile, and best of all, puts smiles on faces (which is an actual ingredient, by the way).

Ingredients

Before we start, I should note that my family is pretty big, so I often double these measurements to make sure there are more than enough smiles to go around.

5 Eggs ��
1.5 Cups Milk ��
4+ Pats Butter ��
Pinch of Salt ��
1.5 Cups of Flour ��
Pan of Choice ��
A Smile ��

Directions

Whisk Away : Beat 5 eggs in a large mixing bowl, then add 1.5 cups of milk.
Butter Up : Brown 4 pats of butter in a pan until they turn a glorious golden or light brown.
Mix It Up : Pour the browned butter into the mixing bowl with the egg and milk. Give it a quick whisk.
Flour Power : Add a pinch of salt and then gently incorporate the 1.5 cups of flour. Keep whisking until smooth.
Pan-tastic : Melt a smidge of butter in your pan of choice, then pour 1/4 cup of the batter into it.
Spread the Joy : Manipulate the pan to spread the batter into a thin layer. Ah, can you smell the joy yet?
Fill or Top : Go wild here! Sausage, ham, mushrooms, cheese, preserves, Nutella... whatever your heart desires. For my kiddos (and let's face it, adults too), I often serve these on Anthropologie’s melamine plates. They’re my fave!
Smile and Devour : Now comes the most crucial ingredient—a smile. Don’t worry about the calories; I’ve heard they don’t exist when you're this happy.

A Note of Nostalgia

I inherited this recipe from my beloved Aunt Jenny, who adapted it from my Grandmother's classic pancake recipe. When we were kids, stopping by Grandma’s meant two things: chores and, if we were lucky, finding these crepes in the fridge. Strike gold, and you'd even get homemade strawberry jam from her garden. These simple yet precious memories are what family and home are all about.

So there you have it, my family's special crepe recipe. Make it, share it, love it! And don't forget to put your whole heart (and smile) into it.

XOXO,

Jillian ��

YOLO: Working Mom Travel - A Guide for the Ultimate Trip of a Lifetime

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:44:46 GMT

Almost a year ago I began preparing myself mentally for a milestone birthday. Having three kiddos and also working, I knew this would take epic planning and the timing would have to be absolutely perfect to make take it from a dream to a reality. Last week I am excited (and sad) to report that I arrived back from the location of a lifetime! Rome, Florence, Venice, Slovenia and then Croatia. I was blessed to spend three incredible weeks in six different hotels very specifically chosen with who I am in mind. It was very important to me to stay at smaller boutique hotels and visit restaurants that someone who lives in that location would take their grandmother for a meal (because we all know how brutally honest grandparents can be).

Researching each location and what they were known for, whether that be goods, services and or foods and curating lists of local shops and restaurants was also very important to me. Shop local is ingrained into me, not just here in Dallas but also anywhere I visit. Local merchants, farmers and businesses are the life blood of communities! Also important was the assistance of local guides who helped see the sites but also give insight into the history and culture of each place we visited was a game changer in the experience. I will remember each of them forever!

So without further ado, here are some of the travel tips that I am documenting so a-I don’t forget and b-so you can have some ideas for your next trip of a lifetime. PS, I am now a believer in multiple trips of a lifetime. Why limit ourselves to one?

Identify where you want to go, when and why you want to go there.
Utilize a travel planner. Low/No cost to you and will absolutely be HUGE in getting this best out of your experience.
Once you know the where, whens and whys, plan your ideas around that. Food tours, museum tours, the kind of hotel (would you rather a Boutique Hotel or a Ritz or both). Make sure any tours that you do decide on have a flow. For example, while in Rome doing the Colosseum before the Vatican and St. Peters was huge in knowing more insight into the history of both. But that history was even more enriched by having great guides. And if guides aren’t in your budget, research the order to visit and plan your day and tickets in advance. You do need reservation times!
KNOW the Weather! And even if you know the weather, still pack at least one outfit of the opposite weather. Global Warming is here. For example, when we went to Slovenia there had been an intense heat wave the week before we arrived with temperatures close to 100. When we were there? In the 60’s and rain. We had to buy clothes for the weather.
Plan what you wear for each location but then also on how you will bloat as time goes on. I am not kidding. I gained 11 lbs during our trip and lost 9 within four days of being back home. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Start your outfits tight and end stretchy or a larger size. You’ll thank me later.
Bring medications you would not normally bring with you, even if it is just a couple of each in a little pill box and keep them on you. Laxatives, stool softeners, pepto, migraine and allergy medicine, non-drowsy Dramamine and for God sakes don’t forget band aids, especially ones for blisters. Melatonin, unless you are like me and it makes you want to dance in the streets…
Pack a duffle bag or bring an extra suitcase and a lightweight towel/blanket to go in them. Or both. I did both. You think you won’t want to bring back olive oil, salt, local art and so on but you would be wrong. So wrong. And you don’t want to buy another one last minute while you are there or dispose of clothes so you can fit all the aforementioned olive oil, salt and art.
DO NOT get currency at the airport or an ATM that is not directly connected to a bank. Only use ATMs associated with an actual bank. Trust me.
Have a bag pack or purse and make sure you always have a copy of your passport and keep money in all different sections and zippered areas. That way if someone steals from one place you will still have more in the other areas. Speaking of cash, most places only allow cash tips. Period. And you will be tipping everyone. So always have denominations on you!
Regarding jet lag, set a VERY loud alarm and only allow yourself a cat nap while you acclimate to a different time zone. If you sleep too long during the day you will be punished at night. Vicious cycle.
Have a great attitude! You cannot control the weather, the timing of things or about a million more facets. So stay calm! You will figure out the train stop. You will figure out the hotel room lights. You don’t want to figure out how to say sorry when you’ve been a stressed out mess because you don’t know everything. You aren’t at home! You won’t know it all. Let that add to the flavor of the trip.

Must Have Items:

Power Bank for devices
Travel Fan
Travel Sound Machine
Copies of DL and Passport and Insurance Card both on you and in the hotel room
Great bag pack and purse and water bottle
Extra duffel bag or suitcase
Travel water bottle
Sunscreen
A great attitude and great walking shoes

The most important part? Memories with people you love. We all work so hard and only have one very short life, which is put way more in perspective when you travel places with a rich history, so take the trip wherever it might be and make the memories. Now? Back to work so I can pay for the next vacation of a lifetime!

XOXO - Jillian

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Oklahoma: My Feature in the Dallas Morning News

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:53:06 GMT

Hello, dear readers! I am thrilled to share with you an exciting feature that recently appeared in the Dallas Morning News. The article, penned by the talented Mitchell Parton, shines a spotlight on a unique real estate development project that I am proud to be a part of.

As a Tulsa native who recently moved to Dallas, I am excited to be the listing agent for a project that is transforming a 2,000-acre ranch in Fort Towson, Oklahoma, into a private haven for those seeking solitude and tranquility. The Hollow Point Ranch , as it is known, is a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Dallas and is poised to become a sanctuary for those desiring a quiet second property.

We are selling 50 parcels of land, each spanning 5 acres and listed for $495,000. These parcels are not just for individuals looking to build homes; investors are also welcome to participate. The community is being designed as a "place of refuge" with modern amenities such as fiber internet, an on-site water tower, and well water. As I put it in the article, "If everything hits the fan, you're going to be able to have a place to go. They can have a place to just breathe."

But we're not just creating a residential community; we're crafting an experience. Residents will have shared access to at least 1,200 acres of land, stocked ponds, a roughly 3.5-mile creek, and about three miles of the Kiamichi River, which runs through the property. We plan to build a clubhouse with a pool and a gym, stables and an arena for equestrians, a dedicated hunting area and gun range, rental cabins, and an RV park. In my words, "It's like Disneyland for people who like the outdoors, with all the amenities that it's going to have."

The beauty of this project lies in its individuality. Buyers can use the community's in-house homebuilder or bring in their own. The homes, including the lot price, could cost in the millions, but as I say, "If somebody wants to build a $4 million house, go for it. It's so individualized, and that's I think the beauty of it. You're not having to compare yourself with everybody else. You're able to just have your space."

I am thrilled to see such an innovative project featured in the Dallas Morning News. We are truly pushing the boundaries of what a residential community can be, creating a refuge for those seeking privacy and a connection with nature. I can't wait to see how the Hollow Point Ranch develops and the unique homes that will undoubtedly spring up in this new community.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and other real estate news!

SEE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Everlasting Home Style Trends vs. Temporary Fads

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:12:39 GMT

Just as with fashion, there are fleeting trends and timeless classics in the realm of interior design and décor. Candles shaped like busts or cats might be all the rage today, but their popularity will likely wane. Chinoiserie, on the other hand, has an enduring appeal. The golden rule? Stay true to your style and create a space that fills you with joy each time you enter it. That said, if you're in the process of selling your home, exercise a bit more restraint with personal touches that might not appeal to every prospective buyer.

Current Décor and Design Trends:

Plaster: This trend might raise some eyebrows, but its vintage charm aligns well with old-home lovers.

Enclosed Kitchens: While open concept is in vogue, enclosed kitchens have their own appeal. They're perfect hideaways for those seeking solitude. You can read a magazine or invite girlfriends over without much disturbance.

Mixed Metals and Finishes: The right blend of matte black, white, gold, rust, chrome, warm wood, and light wood can exude style without being overly trendy.

Nature-Inspired and Moody Spaces: If your home's lighting varies and each room serves a unique purpose, why not customize the design concept for each space? It's a resounding yes from us.

Timeless Décor and Design Trends:

English Style Design and Décor: If living in London or the English countryside isn't feasible, infuse your space with English charm. Think floral and plaid fabrics, antiques, earthy shades, and pastels.

White: Whether it's paint, pottery, décor, or furniture, white will always be a versatile, timeless choice.

Antiques and Secondhand Items: This approach not only helps the environment, but it also allows you to breathe new life into pre-loved items. Whether it's Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, antique shops, or freebies left by the roadside, reusing these items adds character and sustainability to your space!

Want to shop some of my favorite items? Click the link below! -Jillian

Design Enthusiast's Guide: Five Dos and Don'ts of Staging Your Space

rob@committeecreative.com (Rob Stofer) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:36:50 GMT

When preparing your home for listing or simply making your space more welcoming for guests, certain rules should guide your approach. And fear not, rule-breakers, there are times to go against the grain too! Each 'do' has its opposite in a 'don't'. Here are the Dos paired with their Don't counterparts. Ready to dive in? Let's get the party started...

1. Gallery Wall: Artistic Expression vs Personal Exhibition

DO: Curate a gallery wall with tasteful images, artwork, or textiles.

DON'T: Fill the gallery with personal photos of you, your family, friends, or pets.

A thoughtfully assembled gallery wall can inject personality into your home without becoming overly personal. You want guests and potential buyers to appreciate your style, not wonder about your personal life or aspire to steal your hairstyle.

2. Accent Walls: Showcasing Style vs Overdoing It

DO: Feature an accent wall or area to express your unique style.

DON'T: Paint an entire room in your favorite color, or scatter too many accent walls throughout your home.

Accent walls can exhibit your flair and suggest to a potential buyer that they, too, can stamp their style onto the home. However, going overboard might suggest a scattered design approach and deter buyers or guests. Keep it tastefully balanced.

3. Throw Pillows: Comfort vs Clutter

DO: Decorate with fun, vibrant throw pillows.

DON'T: Overwhelm your couch or bed with an excess of throw pillows.

Throw pillows can bring a room to life, but overdoing it can make your space look cluttered. Swap out your pillows periodically to keep the look fresh. Also, keep them clean and fresh-smelling — nothing puts off guests like a throw pillow that smells like a wet dog or a diaper-clad toddler!

4. Ambient Scents: Pleasant vs Pungent

DO: Infuse your home with a light, pleasant scent.

DON'T: Overwhelm with intense fragrances or use too many different scents simultaneously.

Everyone has different scent preferences, so opt for lighter, universally appealing scents like vanilla, lavender, or sandalwood. Intense or overly personalized smells can make your space uncomfortable for some guests or potential buyers.

5. Floral Arrangements: Enhancing vs Overloading

DO: Adorn your home with flowers, using one or two types per arrangement.

DON'T: Create large bouquets with a chaotic mix of different flowers.

While flowers and greenery are a must for home staging or entertaining, too many varieties can be distracting and make your color palette appear too busy. Keep it simple and enhance your space, rather than detract from it.

Remember, the key is to embrace your style in your space while ensuring it's calming and welcoming, rather than overly busy. Your life may be busy, but your home doesn't have to reflect that! Here's to making all our design dreams come true… tastefully.

Bringing Summer Indoors

rob@committeecreative.com (Rob Stofer) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:50:27 GMT

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, vacations, cherished memories, and relaxation. Longing for the feel of summer throughout the year, or just looking to freshen up for the season? Here are some ideas:

Seasonal Swaps and Additions

Throw Pillows: Switch out your throw pillows for lighter, brighter, and summer-inspired designs.

Scented Candles: Light a beach-inspired candle to infuse your home with the aroma of the seaside.

Tropical Flowers: Spruce up your spaces with vibrant tropical flowers.

Cleaning Products: Opt for lemon or lavender-scented cleaning products.

Lighting: Swap any soft white light bulbs for 5500k daylight bulbs for a sunny ambiance.

Photographs: Replace indoor family/friend photos with those from outdoor vacations.

Décor Elements: Add rattan and clay pieces to your space for a natural touch.

Think 'lighter and brighter' and see what you're inspired to swap out! For budget-friendly options, I highly recommend Target, Home Goods, Zara Home, Thrift and Goodwill stores. But, if budget isn't a concern, Anthropologie boasts the happiest furniture and décor around! I personally adore their melamine summer collections — they're kid and kitten-proof!

Paint: A Game-Changer

If you're up for a bigger change, paint can work wonders. Opt for refreshing pastel shades or a crisp white that works all year round. For instance, 'Sea Salt' by Sherwin Williams is a popular choice due to its chameleon-like tendencies under different lighting. Here are some of my all-time favorite paint colors:

• Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams

• Origami White by Sherwin Williams

• Intimate White by Sherwin Williams (a pale pink)

• White Mint by Sherwin Williams

• Celery by Sherwin Williams

• Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore

• Mt. Rainier Grey in Matte Regal Select by Benjamin Moore

• Coastal Cottage by Benjamin Moore

• Caribbean Walk by Valspar

• Violet Tinge by Glidden (Home Depot)

• Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball

Art and Wallpaper: Temporary yet Transformative

If you're hesitant to commit to paint, consider swapping your art for pastel-inspired pieces. Etsy is a fantastic resource for this! Or, delve into the wonderful world of peel-and-stick wallpaper. It's a fun, non-permanent way to add character to your walls, furniture, and bookcases.

Summer Décor: Dos and Don'ts

Avoid getting too literal with summer themes (seashells and anchors everywhere are a no-go!). Steer clear of inspirational quotes. Shiplap's era has passed, so let's bid it adieu. As for colors, avoid ones so bright that they necessitate indoor sunglasses. An exception can be made for small accent pieces, but not walls!

Below are some of my favorite inspirational summer décor ideas. Which one captures your summer spirit?

Sun-Soaked Splendor: Boosting Your Curb Appeal in the Texas Summer Heat

rob@committeecreative.com (Rob Stofer) — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:18:40 GMT

As we brace ourselves for the scorching Texan summer, not only does the heat intensify but so do buyers' expectations. They envision homes that exude brilliance both inside and out. Raises hand This is where your trusty realtor (yours truly) steps in to assist. So, let's talk about the star of today's show: curb appeal.

Sprucing Up: Simple Yet Effective Ways

On a budget and crunched for time? Here are some essential tips to help your home stand out:

Clean and Prune: Remove weeds, trim the landscape, and layer fresh mulch. This instantly tidies your yard, showcasing your home's inherent beauty.
Power Wash: Rent or buy a power washer to clean sidewalks, porches, patio furniture, and more.

Level Up: Going the Extra Mile

Have more time and resources? Consider the following:

1. Native Plants: Choose low-maintenance plants that can withstand the summer heat and are native to the area. This guarantees an attractive garden with resilient plants. Need a list? Check this wonderful resource for native plants to the Dallas area. Some of my favorites include:

Gaura
Texas Sage
Red Yucca
Black-Eyed Susan
Bluebonnet
Lantana
Rock Rose

2. Refurbish: Paint the front door, change the lighting, add new house numbers, introduce planters, and swap out the mailbox. Even these minor changes can create a major impact.

The Wow Factor: Big Budget Ideas

If money is no object and you're seeking lasting beauty, consider adding a water feature, creating a seating area, or expanding the front porch or gardens. Hire a landscape architect or designer for professional insights on maximizing your space.

Inspirational Walks

Take advantage of your early morning or late evening strolls (the only bearable times to walk during a Texas summer!). Look around and draw inspiration from the neighborhoods.

Minimalist or Maximalist?

Regardless of your style, the key to an inviting home is tidiness and warmth. Ensure your home is always ready to welcome you and your guests.

Looking for more on curb appeal? Here's a great article from Domino Magazine , that explains its importance even further.

Lastly, as you brave the summer heat, don't forget to slather on the sunscreen!

Best,

Jillian