Thank you everyone for writing in with your warm birthday wishes for me and welcome to all the new students who joined my inner circle during the 50th Birthday Event!

I received so many personal stories from my readers, many of whom are well into their 50s and enjoying entirely new careers as home stagers.

Many said they feel way younger than their years due in no small part to the fact that they enjoy and feel fulfilled by their work.

On my birthday I went out for dinner in the Distillery District which is an old industrial site from the 1830s that’s been converted into artist galleries and restaurants. That’s me beside one of the many artifacts on the grounds. Figured if I stood next to something old enough, I’d look younger!

That’s a good trick to use in home staging by the way. It’s all about controlling where the eye of the real estate buyer goes and making sure that what you show makes what’s around it look better.

I also bought myself a new espresso machine for my home. I’ve been wanting one for about two years and never seemed able to justify the cost. On my birthday morning I returned a couple of sweaters I had purchased the week before. When I saw the amount of my credit, it struck me how silly it was that I’d been prepared to spend that on clothing but had been denying myself quality coffee that I’d enjoy at home every morning. Then I thought, “I’m 50 already, what the heck am I waiting for?”

What are you denying yourself while spending money on things that might not bring you as much long-term satisfaction? I talk about this topic and more in my free special report Ask Staging Diva: Can I grow a home staging business in a depressed economy?

The past month has been taken up with research and writing my latest book. The new Home Stager’s Guide to Twitter will be available in December but if you’re a subscriber to The Staging Diva Dispatch newsletter, I’ll be giving you a chance to pre-order it in the weeks ahead. Watch your email for more news on this guide, it’s at about 100 pages so far and I know you’ll find it most helpful. (If you’re not a subscriber, sign up now by filling in the boxes at the top left of your screen.)

I welcome your opinions and/or new story ideas and hope you enjoy this month’s posts.