It seems to be human nature as Aesop's fable clearly illustrates in The Fox and The Grapes to get into the sour grape mindset. So often we hear when someone does not get a listing, a barrage of criticism for the agent who did get the listing, for the seller who gave it to them, or for the house
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06/30/2014
We waited till 5PM to take our walk, because most people would be leaving and heading home. However, the surfers were coming in to enjoy the waves. It is always a good time for the beach for the right individuals. Timing is everything! Have a great week ahead! Cheers, Written by Ron & Alex
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06/29/2014
This lovely bush called "caspia" has feathery flowers in purples, and can be used as a dry flower filler. The contrast is this marigold, intense in color, and equally lovely. Together they can complement each other in a bouquet. As John Steinbeck remarked in his book, Travels with Charley: In S
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06/29/2014
We have transcended June gloom this past week, and the weather is perfect for summer! The beach is full of locals and tourists, as was the Saturday Farmers Market. We loved the look of the gear squash, and we always wonder if early man or woman was inspired to create gears based on these. Thes
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06/28/2014
We are redoing the deck planting area, and headed off to Island View Nursery, in Carpinteria. They have an incredible assortment of unusual plants including succulents, bromeliads, and other interesting species. This nursery is located on several acres with a view of the ocean. Everywhere we l
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06/27/2014
As I was wandering around one of our local nurseries looking for inspiration, I noticed this monarch butterfly perched on a flat of petunias. The orange and hot pink contrast is superb. Happy Friday, and have a great weekend. Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel- ABOUT: Napa Consultants, Intern
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06/27/2014
In studying marketing trends, we have noticed an increased focus by brands on the consumer experience. This is very important to all of real estate as referrals of the best kind (word of mouth) are generated by superb consumer satisfaction. In the recent conference at Forrester Research Forum
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06/26/2014
We are both fond of lavender, as it reminds us of the lavender fields of Provence in France, where they use it in cooking. Both in Napa and here. in Santa Barbara County there are lavender farms. Lavender is related to the mint family. It is a hearty perennial that does well in dry, sandy so
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06/25/2014
Gallup Poll released its latest report, “The Myth of Social Media” stating that the majority of consumers are not influenced by Facebook, Twitter, etc. “Social media are not the powerful and persuasive marketing force many companies hoped they would be.” Here is a summary: The influence of
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06/24/2014
If you have the inner drive to go from “good to great” in your luxury real estate or real estate career, one of the concepts to take to heart in Jim Collins’ best selling book, Good to Great, is the hedgehog concept. This is based on the fable of the fox and the hedgehog, the fox is unfocused w
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06/23/2014