Sharon Kotula

Both.

I can't beat the price, features, or free long-distance, especially when so many of my clients are Canadian.

However, it's as undependable as the Lions' defense (I'm from Detroit; I can say that):

1. I often pick up the receiver and have no dial tone, or have dial tone that remains even as I dial numbers, meaning it's not actually connecting the numbers.

2. When calls do come in or go out, they frequently have a lot of static, and/or the other party on the line has a lot of trouble hearing me.

3. I am aware of at least 1 call that did not save the voicemail; fortunately, that caller called again the next day.

4. Even when connected, the phone sometimes goes straight to voicemail.

Overall, if you have another source for phone calls (cell, land line, etc) MagicJack is not terrible as a backup. If this is going to be your only phone, part with the money to get something more reliable. God forbid you have to call 9-1-1 on MagicJack....

Hello!

My store now has signage! (for some reason, AR won't accept the .jpg file right now...)

I wanted to keep my logo's font and colors, but a lot of the companies I found had just your basic fonts. To create a "Brand Name Image" it's important to be consistent in your marketing.

After some time googling around, I came upon SIGN SPECIALIST and it was like the clouds parted!

I was able to upload my custom font, select colors, word effects, etc. I could see different sizes, layouts and pricing instantly. The site was so easy, and I got my order in DAYS. The instructions were detailed and easy to follow. I couldn't be happier!

So if you need some custom vinyl lettering, logos, or signage for a window or car, be sure to check out Sign Specialist!

Hello!

My newest Maricopa vacation home furnishing clients bought a bank-owned home that was painted....vibrantly...? Lots of yellow, purple, red, 1/2-painted rooms, etc.

While I dabble with painting (accent walls, smaller homes), this house is 2800sf AND had 22' ceilings in the formal rooms! That is out of my scope of ability!

I found a fantastic painter, though, and wanted to share his info - his name is Steve Honer, of Fresh Start Painting. He was prompt, detail-oriented, and affordable, and the clients are thrilled with the end result! He also pointed out that the baseboards downstairs were unfinished; nails were visible and they weren't caulked, painted - good catch! He uses Dunn-Edwards paints (professional quality) and was very thorough in clean up.

Steve can be reached at 623-628-3444. Use him, but don't hog him - I'll need him again soon!

I met with my Plaza Residences vacation home furnishing clients yesterday (the 3-bedroom ones) and noticed the sign at the community entrance - "Only 4 units remain!" and that prices are now from $169,900!

I've blogged about it before, but Plaza is a fantastic community for vacation home owners - it's gated, garages are available, the amenities are plentiful (pools, spas, fitness center, business center, theatre room, etc) and the units are spacious and bright! Lots of windows for natural light.... It is walking distance from Kierland Commons shopping/dining/entertainment, and the new Scottsdale Quarter.

I have new clients starting Nov 1 at Plaza Residences - they are in escrow for the "Boston" 1 bedroom floor plan. I look forward to more time up at Plaza!

Hello!

In the midst of 4 other vacation home furnishing projects, I was finally given the go-ahead to furnish the studio model at Thunderbird Retirement Resort in Peoria. I had won the project back in....August...? but corporate took awhile to get all the paperwork done.

I don't have enough time to edit and upload all the photos, but here is a teaser:

I look forward to furnishing many more model homes and model condos! It was fun and everyone at Thunderbird is THRILLED with the end result!

By the way - if you or a family member are looking for a mature community with great services - everyone (staff, residents, sales) was DELIGHTFUL and so friendly at Thunderbird! They have studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units and great activities and amenities! Be sure to check them out!