My Happy Place

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxctssGy0aUv9WsSCRTCFkuqKNbFukoIAi7DscC5DeFpcB-x_42Yno0NWII_g7myoLanDRZUy8wB-7ovJRYQDfKR3B6HunxmjpPTQutOgiSozXM-nw6-w0kQONLsQf6b3YUqJZ3j-3MLZO/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-27+at+11.16.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxctssGy0aUv9WsSCRTCFkuqKNbFukoIAi7DscC5DeFpcB-x_42Yno0NWII_g7myoLanDRZUy8wB-7ovJRYQDfKR3B6HunxmjpPTQutOgiSozXM-nw6-w0kQONLsQf6b3YUqJZ3j-3MLZO/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-27+at+11.16.28+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/products/product_overview/series/happy_d.us-en.html">Happy D. Collection from Duravit : Design by Sieger Design</a></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Working at the <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> showroom for the past six months has opened my eyes to a wide range of beautiful fixtures that I never knew existed before. Along with being crafted of the highest quality materials, the <a href="http://designerbath.com/content/products/products.html">product lines</a> they carry almost always have brand-specific collections created for them by world-renowned designers (<a href="http://www.brizo.com/jasonwu/index.html">Jason Wu for Brizo</a>, <a href="http://kallista.com/onlinecatalog/collections/suite/landing.kls?collection=Glamour%20by%20Barbara%20Barry&designer=Barbara%20Barry">Barbara Barry for Kallista</a>, and <a href="http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/products/product_overview/series/starck_x.us-en.html">Phillipe Stark for Duravit</a> for example).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Since I have a few bath renovation projects on my to-do list (well technically on my husbands list : ) I have been daydreaming about bringing home some of the pretty pieces that I have recently discovered. Since there is no way that I can choose just one look (I have come to love and appreciate so many different styles, choosing one will be like choosing a favorite child) I am going to start putting together a few different design plans and then see what works for my “significant others.” </span><span style="font-size: large;">Seeing that I share my space with all guys, I have to come up with a look that is boy friendly, but that still appeals to my need for a bit of glam.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuaf5LTELDcaUN5mfp3yor6d6DAhWau8h1sn_540XQxPUq2KPPOT9Vlrv4H1gTJyD1dMtsAEtSQoh161PFAj29qfEFuaCVu2FFCQIj0MPzcTmozR8p62Hhnr5vb-lra2cRqXsJY3o0rVV/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-27+at+10.04.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuaf5LTELDcaUN5mfp3yor6d6DAhWau8h1sn_540XQxPUq2KPPOT9Vlrv4H1gTJyD1dMtsAEtSQoh161PFAj29qfEFuaCVu2FFCQIj0MPzcTmozR8p62Hhnr5vb-lra2cRqXsJY3o0rVV/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-27+at+10.04.53+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/my_designer_bath/set?id=44539805">Plan #1: classic, yet contemporary, white bath with lipstick red accents</a></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My first design plan incorporates a collection from Duravit that is called </span><a href="http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/products/product_overview/series/happy_d.us-en.html"><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Happy D</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> created by <a href="http://www2.duravit.com/au/products/designer/sieger-design-useo6q3ry6.html">Sieger Design</a> of Germany. This classic, yet modern, Bauhaus-inspired style is pretty to look at, but not the least bit fussy. I am particularly fond of the <a href="http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/products/product_overview/series/happy_d.us-en.html/p-92783">metal console</a> beneath the washbasin that functions as a towel bar. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Geometric patterns like the herringbone shower curtain and hexagon floor tile work for both boys and girls, while a print of a tuxedoed bird speaks to the formal art of getting dressed in a gender neutral way. By including some bright red accents to this mostly utilitarian space, I get my girlie-fix in a room that still welcomes the yin to my yang. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for more design plans featuring brands that have caught my eye in the showroom. If you could design the bath of your dreams, what would it look like? </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

My Happy Place

Happy D. Collection from Duravit : Design by Sieger Design Working at the  Designer Bath showroom for the past six months has opened my eye...

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A Northshore Magazine Launch Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9KlAV0W7st7Rd1rwPI-6Pmphv1Yq8WcFFCEmpKyPTiMub4OXVvz2qoNiGsAnnsexSfML4KPuIGg7oopM77wwrNwcPozF-5MTWJsalqMtnMQqhS-zB0Pr7GMbxwMYOlkqY2uU1-3XTE58/s1600/NorthshoreMag@Lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9KlAV0W7st7Rd1rwPI-6Pmphv1Yq8WcFFCEmpKyPTiMub4OXVvz2qoNiGsAnnsexSfML4KPuIGg7oopM77wwrNwcPozF-5MTWJsalqMtnMQqhS-zB0Pr7GMbxwMYOlkqY2uU1-3XTE58/s800/NorthshoreMag@Lucias.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flowersbypetros.com/aboutus.asp">Flowers by Petros of Ipswich, Massachusetts</a></span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">I admit it, I love a good party! Seriously, who doesn’t? And when business and pleasure intersect, well sign me up! I recently attended the launch party for the Home issue of Northshore Magazine at </span><a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting</a><span style="color: #444444;">. Designer Bath has been advertising with Northshore for years so a few of us from the Beverly showroom were there to toast the latest issue.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooIeZLw4Wy3x8L1uG-sq2Vpo2TOISTMUD3J8vuJe_x6vKGjgmtzcBrjn1Ge9HtvUZ2f0HJ2rKXUGuC77DDYO8H6d_7U_uPDJ2lhZi_BAvenl5_Ka3GwdBNpFky_c472Lazkscg1nQda39/s1600/NorthshoreHomeIssue@Lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooIeZLw4Wy3x8L1uG-sq2Vpo2TOISTMUD3J8vuJe_x6vKGjgmtzcBrjn1Ge9HtvUZ2f0HJ2rKXUGuC77DDYO8H6d_7U_uPDJ2lhZi_BAvenl5_Ka3GwdBNpFky_c472Lazkscg1nQda39/s800/NorthshoreHomeIssue@Lucias.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://nshoremag.com/">The March/April issue of Northshore Magazine</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwuPwq01P8SUgSpPIeMjhebZ_9NljyqLpX0nVjvR7bje9_9Zt5DMzjldxancogRONaRWpmuJKIsv4zoEUPTPjUvBGi8klG-agR3tzVdmjDB7RCX2dKxVhuqlnXYtroX6cENyMGnDtd9Ly/s1600/YvonneBlacker_BeezeeHonan_SharonHunt@Lucia's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwuPwq01P8SUgSpPIeMjhebZ_9NljyqLpX0nVjvR7bje9_9Zt5DMzjldxancogRONaRWpmuJKIsv4zoEUPTPjUvBGi8klG-agR3tzVdmjDB7RCX2dKxVhuqlnXYtroX6cENyMGnDtd9Ly/s800/YvonneBlacker_BeezeeHonan_SharonHunt@Lucia's.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><i>With my friends from <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a>: </i><i>Beezee Honan and Sharon Hunt</i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOJYY5DMN3Ca9IZ1E9wKxCB0OuVOmewtPREFfX9tdzXSzRcrWT1S4u0_PbtGIL0OOev3XmEq1Ti3uw4vZHUK948Hp87hOov4frkbRcAx6Ta_yiQWoOtprQVbZuXqFg6igoqg7ygFZ_m-q/s1600/DesignerBath_Finn-Martens_Roth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOJYY5DMN3Ca9IZ1E9wKxCB0OuVOmewtPREFfX9tdzXSzRcrWT1S4u0_PbtGIL0OOev3XmEq1Ti3uw4vZHUK948Hp87hOov4frkbRcAx6Ta_yiQWoOtprQVbZuXqFg6igoqg7ygFZ_m-q/s800/DesignerBath_Finn-Martens_Roth.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Our most recent ad in the magazine features the work of </span><a href="http://finn-martensdesign.com/">Finn-Martens Design</a><span style="color: #444444;">. Patricia Finn incorporated items from the </span><a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a><span style="color: #444444;"> showroom in her vignette for the <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/newenglandfinerysummer2011/37">North Shore Design Show</a> held at the <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> last May. As the Marketing Director at Designer Bath, one of my goals is to support the work of local design professionals. We loved how Pat created a spa retreat with her favorite items from our showroom, and I knew this professional photo taken at the show by <a href="http://www.ericrothphoto.com/">Eric Roth</a> would look great as a full page ad. I plan on showing off more designers work in the future ... <a href="http://designerbath.com/shine/">click here for more details!</a></span></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7C6k0EEKgFWGtaYFnyNhscl_O1vcpUJHa6uJDQ-1cBijr0DMkvhG0sgrTKMbd_qhr-EZ93gYJAGBac1lW_9RbPtBIEJZCU-1WmFvMUme9VDIfsInCjQTBO-aV8Wg36gxmAFfc5uOXy8b/s1600/Finn-MartensDesign%2540Lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7C6k0EEKgFWGtaYFnyNhscl_O1vcpUJHa6uJDQ-1cBijr0DMkvhG0sgrTKMbd_qhr-EZ93gYJAGBac1lW_9RbPtBIEJZCU-1WmFvMUme9VDIfsInCjQTBO-aV8Wg36gxmAFfc5uOXy8b/s800/Finn-MartensDesign%2540Lucias.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://finn-martensdesign.com/biography.html">Leon Martens and Pat Finn of Finn-Martens Design</a></span></i></div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Pat was at the launch party with her husband Leon. Our mutual friend, Mary Donovan, who is now working with </span><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry and Acari,</a><span style="color: #444444;"> was also among the invited guests. Mary has helped me find the perfect carpet for many of my design show spaces.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi9FNCDwjHBvRTBx5IJ27JvIHUGoakpLjVhV-tqH8XlW3BtL8Kn2b__JheOE9KuPdyKky-7V0nHVkVrGQZd12AyoPomLMMxMmFhe_OzmEFU_KpBDjOMAbE8ZCkap5JraCUkDDYNKnSByh/s1600/marydonovan_leonmartens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi9FNCDwjHBvRTBx5IJ27JvIHUGoakpLjVhV-tqH8XlW3BtL8Kn2b__JheOE9KuPdyKky-7V0nHVkVrGQZd12AyoPomLMMxMmFhe_OzmEFU_KpBDjOMAbE8ZCkap5JraCUkDDYNKnSByh/s800/marydonovan_leonmartens.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Mary Donovan of <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry and Acari</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">with Leon Martens</span></i></div><div><span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP35SMh0nA6DJP6kZkOzGZkTIhfQ2Mv8ifWlyJuGcs6ncVzMQGDr0ArkPQLtt0iueewUdt7R6G7nLf_PZ_vcrQi4rUjr_TbsraL0rDlHz04mRvgtkO3OuA_7tSWn8OF7HB6_Kn8tgPKWoX/s1600/LisaAmore_KellySchetzsle@Lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP35SMh0nA6DJP6kZkOzGZkTIhfQ2Mv8ifWlyJuGcs6ncVzMQGDr0ArkPQLtt0iueewUdt7R6G7nLf_PZ_vcrQi4rUjr_TbsraL0rDlHz04mRvgtkO3OuA_7tSWn8OF7HB6_Kn8tgPKWoX/s800/LisaAmore_KellySchetzsle@Lucias.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Lisa Amore of Lucia Lighting with<br />Kelly Schetzsle of Northshore Magazine</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along with being a fun place to host a party, Lucia’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s has the most amazing selection of classic and on-trend lighting options. I have bought items from them for my own home and have sent many decorating clients their way over the years. In the works is a collaboration for the next North Shore Design Show as well as a special event that we will announce at a later date. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLask8TzXguPN-PiTprxhRaCFoxGLzjp1ur9w3aBKoUyYtmnQNTlyh7mHbTXpPYrRgJAjekRmRUYgIYGbJ2PFD736a7rjeIyfBZOMKmJRnmpahb4xyuLE97XmKH2PkaB4sUPiLzmEvctgJ/s1600/lights+NSspread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLask8TzXguPN-PiTprxhRaCFoxGLzjp1ur9w3aBKoUyYtmnQNTlyh7mHbTXpPYrRgJAjekRmRUYgIYGbJ2PFD736a7rjeIyfBZOMKmJRnmpahb4xyuLE97XmKH2PkaB4sUPiLzmEvctgJ/s800/lights+NSspread.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;">Selections for the home from the March/April issue of Northshore Magazine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8PnKxZZVyL6VZW_ecZHMfp391tJrW4FAYvDcE55FO4P_3nwJM-JVYSvmkcl84W6RPQsrHqrEmBAsSRaZzNgFUzPfMvZprc0wemqXlATnidtBGLJZ1k1sdTmVtaq9ezcetvbUOYHsJ-oG/s1600/TimothySHopkinsCatering@lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8PnKxZZVyL6VZW_ecZHMfp391tJrW4FAYvDcE55FO4P_3nwJM-JVYSvmkcl84W6RPQsrHqrEmBAsSRaZzNgFUzPfMvZprc0wemqXlATnidtBGLJZ1k1sdTmVtaq9ezcetvbUOYHsJ-oG/s800/TimothySHopkinsCatering@lucias.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.tshcatering.com/">Timothy S. Hopkins Catering of Essex, Massachusetts</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">While the Lucia showroom dazzled with its ambient lighting set against a backdrop of historical elegance (the showroom is in a multi-story renovated Victorian mansion), the event itself was beautifully coordinated by my good friend, Laura Gifford of Gifford Events. The food presentation was beyond gorgeous ... </span><a href="http://nshoremag.com/home-issue-launch-party/">click here to see mouth watering photos</a><span style="color: #444444;"> of the entire menu (plus launch party guests) taken by </span><a href="http://www.barbaralynchphoto.com/">Barbara Lynch Photography</a><span style="color: #444444;">. I really wish I ate more when I had the chance but as usual I was too busy chatting. Here are a couple more photos that I took (and some that I borrowed).</span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; text-align: left;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguumJtum354mpAvjSOCPdiQ33JQZaHvl8KfUzCqpoIntTRw9SCt18W9SB9eP1nvsMHXqnCqnJ8_Y5TiP1s3Ea0qQuqo6MSuhVDyrsjihFALdf4taVtU7cMQvKUFq2do_E9GJmtwJKzKym/s1600/suzanne+laura+@lucias_BarbaraLynch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguumJtum354mpAvjSOCPdiQ33JQZaHvl8KfUzCqpoIntTRw9SCt18W9SB9eP1nvsMHXqnCqnJ8_Y5TiP1s3Ea0qQuqo6MSuhVDyrsjihFALdf4taVtU7cMQvKUFq2do_E9GJmtwJKzKym/s800/suzanne+laura+@lucias_BarbaraLynch.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Suzanne Roche of Northshore Magazine with event coordinator Laura Gifford</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.barbaralynchphoto.com/">photo credit: Barbara Lynch Photography</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhjjOib_8-H_-Bcqmm7WHugyxlmkHsdfnlEFJwlaB1jvq6Dk7H8saNPppU3PM7V8pTwFjFdDgZ0FDrkbUlkANdvrZy1Pxo_jfiwGfSKMpyUcquaiiagyn4ryS6ZW13Mf5ypa7f-vD2Lpw/s1600/SallyWilson_TracyEgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhjjOib_8-H_-Bcqmm7WHugyxlmkHsdfnlEFJwlaB1jvq6Dk7H8saNPppU3PM7V8pTwFjFdDgZ0FDrkbUlkANdvrZy1Pxo_jfiwGfSKMpyUcquaiiagyn4ryS6ZW13Mf5ypa7f-vD2Lpw/s320/SallyWilson_TracyEgan.jpg" width="318" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Sally Wilson of <a href="http://www.wilsonkelseydesign.com/">Wilson Kelsey Design</a> with</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">Kathy Keegan of Northshore Magazine</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6_cf-anShvLY5gWwrE92qd0BEcCx6ODt_zVyQxj0AoLWW8NujtsS92-xz67Mrzc-tkU4xd98Hj0hdQPUPglwZDTh1mxYgoZwvJkz5c1ZYAKc3Azq_a8gwQ3pBJeBKDtg-LesqeENpXoP/s1600/JohnKelsey_DebraLaPorte@Lucias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6_cf-anShvLY5gWwrE92qd0BEcCx6ODt_zVyQxj0AoLWW8NujtsS92-xz67Mrzc-tkU4xd98Hj0hdQPUPglwZDTh1mxYgoZwvJkz5c1ZYAKc3Azq_a8gwQ3pBJeBKDtg-LesqeENpXoP/s800/JohnKelsey_DebraLaPorte@Lucias.jpg" width="380" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>John Kelsey of <a href="http://www.wilsonkelseydesign.com/">Wilson Kelsey Design</a> </i><i>with Debra LaPorte</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>of </i><i><a href="http://debralaportecommunications.com/">Debra LaPorte Communications</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DJbJdJUnQWmMbUKXYUf3EcTx6Yl9j8uBOlr2kn32gMFkTMj_nk0Xaeyyh38r9QHikjClEaaYPK2xSTb5S0PEy39DlhMul5VQ56P2IbrBFnzLtv4jQiyuFN9N2-GbhQDLlZm2TRgaQ8jZ/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-19+at+10.57.03+PM.png" width="500" /><span id="goog_1262709634"></span><span id="goog_1262709635"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.lauramoss.com/">See this Wilson Kelsey designed space photographed by Laura Moss</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;">in the current issue of Northshore Magazine.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw035XfLdYTKfdnAQoGB2X8Q4beISxCBrgVoRGr96Eh6RLkjGAdxgrpsH_xn4z9eorNp0cAtuEq8xjjQ8OPzdL_AThZ3JJwFXy_EUljwjw-RLtdvUgZsrWWjS1khrQtJRGGxC6z5c7-w4q/s1600/northshoregoodiebag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw035XfLdYTKfdnAQoGB2X8Q4beISxCBrgVoRGr96Eh6RLkjGAdxgrpsH_xn4z9eorNp0cAtuEq8xjjQ8OPzdL_AThZ3JJwFXy_EUljwjw-RLtdvUgZsrWWjS1khrQtJRGGxC6z5c7-w4q/s800/northshoregoodiebag.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">We all left with a full bag of goodies (above are just a few of my favorites) including Designer Bath guest soaps (they smell like lavender and have our logo embedded in them) that I ordered through </span><a href="http://sweetsoaps.com/index.html">Sweet Soaps,</a><span style="color: #444444;"> a great company that I discovered while </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SweetSoaps">on Twitter</a><span style="color: #444444;">. This is what they looked like before sending them off to the Northshore team ...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcsfFyz04Jx1xJwoVrha6s2HfGogHYOJA5Wh1ZoyIw9vypAdsjAfJWjInGdL86L5PZYbC_DmEQjbtNEsWBwzqUuE_OjyLgX78qdAkifhT5i7EtxAV7bvdHBYHYET-ZCBtN93Wwjgd9Tuw/s1600/DesignerBathSoaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcsfFyz04Jx1xJwoVrha6s2HfGogHYOJA5Wh1ZoyIw9vypAdsjAfJWjInGdL86L5PZYbC_DmEQjbtNEsWBwzqUuE_OjyLgX78qdAkifhT5i7EtxAV7bvdHBYHYET-ZCBtN93Wwjgd9Tuw/s800/DesignerBathSoaps.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WCnVvH9PZbIRQeQ6UqYLPP_8I4ABtru-9m2q2xkaBDhohRsQn_4xhY3qpCffmhnlXbXzUOQuUtWkIsI9IXGTvjRTLlCF-nhbri9ZeGJ11QsIjsN6xPuCj7A27v5QfHYdfLHnHF3Dv4Tk/s1600/CakesForOccasions_pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WCnVvH9PZbIRQeQ6UqYLPP_8I4ABtru-9m2q2xkaBDhohRsQn_4xhY3qpCffmhnlXbXzUOQuUtWkIsI9IXGTvjRTLlCF-nhbri9ZeGJ11QsIjsN6xPuCj7A27v5QfHYdfLHnHF3Dv4Tk/s320/CakesForOccasions_pop.jpg" width="311" /></span></a></div><i><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.cakes4occasions.com/">Cakes for Occasions of Danvers</a></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another favorite from the goodie bag was a sprinkle covered chocolate cake pop which was promptly eaten as soon as I got home! Thank you to <a href="http://nshoremag.com/the-magazine/meet-the-team/">the team at Northshore Magazine</a> who put together this fabulous event and to Lucy Dearborn at Lucia’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s for being such a bright and gracious host!</span></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeAAplQdoVISGEfZCohSLj-mauWogZ-hiT-7ws_CI-PFyPmNfNOONpyAM3IVn4rK2-q34pWAX3mR7loEKwAnv5fQHUqO1OF7V0KbZHMyLkp_3fytY055bcs5P0xxYjivZtmCD7jhtv4mi/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-16+at+11.19.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeAAplQdoVISGEfZCohSLj-mauWogZ-hiT-7ws_CI-PFyPmNfNOONpyAM3IVn4rK2-q34pWAX3mR7loEKwAnv5fQHUqO1OF7V0KbZHMyLkp_3fytY055bcs5P0xxYjivZtmCD7jhtv4mi/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-16+at+11.19.44+PM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to see the online version of </span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mygazines.com/issue/54824">Northshore Magazine Home section.</a></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">(I am quoted on page 27 : )</span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br /><i><br /></i></div></div>

A Northshore Magazine Launch Party

Flowers by Petros of Ipswich, Massachusetts I admit it, I love a good party! Seriously, who doesn’t? And when business and pleasure intersec...

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My Pinterest Valentine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIKtun_CeuLWw-OW-3lfIyD8GTgybcOQ0QBV1_phiO0RyqVx92fyacifhMMs3bqquwcgo94UUa6bg8JlLAVz3SvLHVautK6qgFF4wvTSjbyiPVO4vJAqxlzcY_YTHzDg0kImpP9te7hT0/s1600/carnation+sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIKtun_CeuLWw-OW-3lfIyD8GTgybcOQ0QBV1_phiO0RyqVx92fyacifhMMs3bqquwcgo94UUa6bg8JlLAVz3SvLHVautK6qgFF4wvTSjbyiPVO4vJAqxlzcY_YTHzDg0kImpP9te7hT0/s800/carnation+sundae.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A carnation sundae (so easy!) created at our Garden Club</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">pre-Valentine’s Day meeting (red oasis is the secret ingredient) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qvnA1Pi-gYm2_r55PAWARh-77Mn5KQqLU1yRILFrmn7KtVs0AzxIJEsf8qMgfPimPUCYuHL-Kk8_4nmnG6FTXNqMbFKYA7O_a3km661wDaIRsZ73iXOqwknyqJuk3MFv2MPHwtyn9lbH/s1600/sugar+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qvnA1Pi-gYm2_r55PAWARh-77Mn5KQqLU1yRILFrmn7KtVs0AzxIJEsf8qMgfPimPUCYuHL-Kk8_4nmnG6FTXNqMbFKYA7O_a3km661wDaIRsZ73iXOqwknyqJuk3MFv2MPHwtyn9lbH/s800/sugar+cookies.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homemade sugar cookies served on a silver tray</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Garden Club ladies know how to host a pretty party ; )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RJYr58jPUzZP58IVoLfZzDGtdb9uz8R7mL7u031UIvy1ZYA7sByu83pS8iMfLn5D3V-It7eDtDnF2cP2JFWO3LzRlAt7q51mhyphenhyphenDRgsZQ7YXf_dPfzUa00OnyAPsIJLl5Ew4BZomWzhpX/s1600/dovechocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RJYr58jPUzZP58IVoLfZzDGtdb9uz8R7mL7u031UIvy1ZYA7sByu83pS8iMfLn5D3V-It7eDtDnF2cP2JFWO3LzRlAt7q51mhyphenhyphenDRgsZQ7YXf_dPfzUa00OnyAPsIJLl5Ew4BZomWzhpX/s800/dovechocolate.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dove chocolates that I received from my boys</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(discovered on my bed forming the shape of a heart)</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-OY8QOZaTApkyK_HvdFchVvtiXVipN1DV9zynGF8TEtdJDB0Of61AeOOFAE5WtrLIIry2RoPxqwY1RZvidgLBqXMhetXDurS0a0xOG4fWuzyBxOqLaNxoEAIoC5WJ5hP7oAtXPSThU6z/s1600/origami+heart+-+ybdesigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-OY8QOZaTApkyK_HvdFchVvtiXVipN1DV9zynGF8TEtdJDB0Of61AeOOFAE5WtrLIIry2RoPxqwY1RZvidgLBqXMhetXDurS0a0xOG4fWuzyBxOqLaNxoEAIoC5WJ5hP7oAtXPSThU6z/s800/origami+heart+-+ybdesigns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Origami heart with hugs + kisses pattern</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for my boys (I made them each one)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Pocket-Heart">{origami heart how-to}</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">happy valentine’s day</span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo </span><span style="font-size: large;">yvonne</span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;">ps all photos are mine but feel free</span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;">to <a href="http://pinterest.com/yblacker/valentine-s-day-pins/">pin them</a> if you are a fan : )</span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>

My Pinterest Valentine

A carnation sundae (so easy!) created at our Garden Club pre-Valentine’s Day meeting (red oasis is the secret ingredient)  Homemade sugar co...

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Decorating tips with Valentine’s Day in mind ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsuWmG4P7fhysxqxtEQ2jucYtcCSggk89mwdlo1vCs-cqJ7QPNkCN1wlYij0gHOlMbstIdPSk8xPcgfuhbDZu7hAOn9PcYZv64f7PaDPzNAxmBjPBwoZ2r7TNMp7Lfj77bYtXJcSzAbFQ/s1600/raisin+dining+room-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsuWmG4P7fhysxqxtEQ2jucYtcCSggk89mwdlo1vCs-cqJ7QPNkCN1wlYij0gHOlMbstIdPSk8xPcgfuhbDZu7hAOn9PcYZv64f7PaDPzNAxmBjPBwoZ2r7TNMp7Lfj77bYtXJcSzAbFQ/s800/raisin+dining+room-s.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Color consultations are a big part of my design business.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a taste of some pretty sweet spaces ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2103165842"><br /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_2103165846"></span>On Lynnfield Patch:  D E C O R A T I N G  W I T H </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">C H O C O L A T E , </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">W I N E , </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A N D  R O S E S<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2103165847"></span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/decorating-with-chocolate-wine-and-roses">{click here}</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />

Decorating tips with Valentine’s Day in mind ...

Color consultations are a big part of my design business. Here is a taste of some pretty sweet spaces ... On Lynnfield Patch:  D E C O R A T...

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Dear Sweet Tooth ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mTy86h89pdamDL0c4wXeVW71JNgFsLDjOS-cQwBUIkOX8eIWeQVz-zwwuVmSBGWjsLvv3WBiRwaSgj5RmI33ln6zgRZzorO9KcEh3iaVoZXHr8DVUXf43LRRfFFOCERS5Y3BIjqXd-vV/s1600/112109W-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mTy86h89pdamDL0c4wXeVW71JNgFsLDjOS-cQwBUIkOX8eIWeQVz-zwwuVmSBGWjsLvv3WBiRwaSgj5RmI33ln6zgRZzorO9KcEh3iaVoZXHr8DVUXf43LRRfFFOCERS5Y3BIjqXd-vV/s800/112109W-71.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.bostonchocolatetours.com/gallery/?id=11">all photos via BostonChocolateTours.com Back Bay photo gallery</a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A true love confession from guest blogger,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pamela N. Simoneau</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not my fault. It’s genetic. I can trace the lineage of the pesky gene back several generations. Fortunately for me, the Bean in Beantown refers to the cocoa bean. At least it does for this chocoholic. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Needless to say, my Valentine’s Day – ok and most holidays – must feature some kind of sinful, soul-satisfying treat. That’s mainly because unlike regular days, the calories don’t count on special occasions like holidays and birthdays. Yes, Anybody’s birthday. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This Valentine’s Day, consider giving your chocoholic friends or loved ones the sweetest experience in Boston: <span id="goog_1074330183"></span><a href="http://www.bostonchocolatetours.com/">The Boston Chocolate Tour</a>.<span id="goog_1074330184"></span> Envision sampling the sublime while strolling Boston’s picturesque sidewalks. Pre-planned stops en route allow local purveyors to showcase their best creations and to offer a subtle education on the origin and evolution of their chocolate delicacies.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsQunJppqN_mwiRHgcnC7_jeCZiRd346A42I8qBmYwLEM80Ea-a8g4Q9Q-vGR1YAjxHmdbQF7rqT6AzMljCH_5XIWggBCaaVoTOAlX9yiO9niUJYX-11pg3sfdcBdDljd-63Hu5axa8R8/s1600/868919018_pdtm4-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsQunJppqN_mwiRHgcnC7_jeCZiRd346A42I8qBmYwLEM80Ea-a8g4Q9Q-vGR1YAjxHmdbQF7rqT6AzMljCH_5XIWggBCaaVoTOAlX9yiO9niUJYX-11pg3sfdcBdDljd-63Hu5axa8R8/s800/868919018_pdtm4-m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As any fanatic worth her salt, or sugar, will tell you, a chocoholic can easily source a tasty morsel to quiet a craving. But the experts at Boston Chocolate Tours have assembled a heavenly smorgasbord of chocolate confections for indulging. For my first Boston Chocolate Tour – oh yes, there will be others – I chose the <a href="http://www.bostonchocolatetours.com/tours/boston/back-bay/">Back Bay route</a> from a list of five individual Boston area tours.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">From cocoa infused espresso at the <a href="http://www.nespresso.com/#/us/en">Nespresso Boutique</a> through <a href="http://scoopshops.benjerry.com/scoopshops/newbury/default.aspx">Ben & Jerry’s</a> chocolate chunk ice creams, Back Bay tour members encounter layers of previously-uncharted chocolate territory. Consider a <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/face/lip-balms-and-scrubs/double-choc">chocolate lip balm</a> from natural cosmetic company Lush, for example. “Lips like sugar” takes on a whole new meaning.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS8D0byb3J7mhfNBUjVZGhN2Fo2i5xprqMiL63z1LhLgDeU4dUZTw6cfrxLM-QwwPWj7ypu1ObcTk_tLaO2Fodm-xJYGoGEKNwOU-D168UDRveCBZq1qIe5kypwtEHUhjY303jiTqqQmI/s1600/868913600_28m7y-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS8D0byb3J7mhfNBUjVZGhN2Fo2i5xprqMiL63z1LhLgDeU4dUZTw6cfrxLM-QwwPWj7ypu1ObcTk_tLaO2Fodm-xJYGoGEKNwOU-D168UDRveCBZq1qIe5kypwtEHUhjY303jiTqqQmI/s800/868913600_28m7y-m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then check into <a href="http://www.hotelchocolat.com/">Hotel Chocolat</a> to experience a more luxurious suite of chocolate. Better than a traditional hotel, this shop is a highlight on the tour. It is by all definitions a sanctuary of authentic, gourmet chocolate. A few minutes in their tasting room will have you happily reaffirming your addiction. Their knowledgeable staff shares the establishment’s fascinating history and philosophy while you follow along, tasting chocolate that can only be described as transcendent.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZQz1aZLi6ZnVee3DM88oz_KmYakpdOxAExLYQXB27TyfYFLWkeRBMKK6R0NU_wr5jDlsKmOCUTRW_FCEvnYTMRzyJcUQTboWb8L4WimWvzjGX8jR8PkKU465agRjGpmUyeu2Ot873QrE/s1600/868917417_m6xne-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZQz1aZLi6ZnVee3DM88oz_KmYakpdOxAExLYQXB27TyfYFLWkeRBMKK6R0NU_wr5jDlsKmOCUTRW_FCEvnYTMRzyJcUQTboWb8L4WimWvzjGX8jR8PkKU465agRjGpmUyeu2Ot873QrE/s800/868917417_m6xne-m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On the day of my tour, our guide Victoria steered the party down Newbury Street while narrating amusing stories with chocolate-related anecdotes. The group also stopped at <a href="http://www.teuscherboston.com/main.sc">Teuscher</a> to savor their signature <a href="http://www.teuscherboston.com/Champagne-Truffles-101.htm">Champagne truffles</a>. Afterwards, those not blissfully intoxicated by sophisticated concoctions, moved on to the award winning <a href="http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/">SWEET Cupcakes</a>.  Here, the seasonal delights are as tasty as they are decorative. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSR7JTHdUWP9s3QwRcyEuDc8LOVhbTzncIaULpnH3tNVVZ2u2T3BMCx3s46oNmlYFe7h-1WCdQsFYyl6bYETwFloZAz2Jik6D2lAf8W_7nNSeug7MHnY1zshUnbRUXFPC9SfIWbZk0IQX/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-08+at+8.57.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSR7JTHdUWP9s3QwRcyEuDc8LOVhbTzncIaULpnH3tNVVZ2u2T3BMCx3s46oNmlYFe7h-1WCdQsFYyl6bYETwFloZAz2Jik6D2lAf8W_7nNSeug7MHnY1zshUnbRUXFPC9SfIWbZk0IQX/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-08+at+8.57.59+PM.png" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/gallery.php#">via Sweet Gallery</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My advice? Try everything. Take home the few samples you’re too full to eat during the tour to share with family or to squirrel away in your own secret stash. Either way, this sensational tour will leave you and your Valentines celebrating the day chocolate ascended from dessert menu to main event.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">For more information about the Boston Chocolate Tours, or to make reservations for a tour or a chocolate making workshop, go to <a href="http://www.bostonchocolatetours.com/">www.bostonchocolatetours.com</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRGqJqaNsmnDt_RDKbP8CURfzc4c2LUKIdzvduy_VblDKl-qy4noJrZMxBofr2YrDbca8JGGZzG_hZ7p3HoQ8MeXDs0N9QMXUDq9Rt1VUVjRudrF2nD8Ixe-wpx3sdZtXPcUxuF6j1psr/s1600/MIT+Endicott+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRGqJqaNsmnDt_RDKbP8CURfzc4c2LUKIdzvduy_VblDKl-qy4noJrZMxBofr2YrDbca8JGGZzG_hZ7p3HoQ8MeXDs0N9QMXUDq9Rt1VUVjRudrF2nD8Ixe-wpx3sdZtXPcUxuF6j1psr/s320/MIT+Endicott+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mitendicotthouse.org/popup/tour3.htm">image via MIT Endicott House</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This year as a special bonus, Boston Chocolate Tours is offering a Valentine’s Day Weekend of chocolate-related events. Taste of Chocolate and the MIT Endicott House have teamed up to present <a href="http://www.mitendicotthouse.org/packages-themed-weekends.htm">A Chocolate Lover’s Weekend</a> on February 11th and 12th. The weekend begins Saturday at 9am with an Introduction to Chocolate and wraps up with a Chocolate Truffle Workshop on Sunday. Come for all or for part of a day. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For information and reservations for the Chocolate Lover’s Weekend, call </span><span style="font-size: large;">617-253-5211 or </span><span style="font-size: large;">email info@mitendicotthouse.org</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5nzdXlbJf6xMiwWCM1YflBSugrJ9j5YIlMx5F35jtopEiopnSWKIlaGf20IR4-hN9bbQbcPwy2g5tNMeTAJ3o9cTTJudmrI2EIZ46q4BqV2vqbKKS-oZT-PP7cejNLBrP4h2NuvyS6fi/s1600/Pam_Profile_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5nzdXlbJf6xMiwWCM1YflBSugrJ9j5YIlMx5F35jtopEiopnSWKIlaGf20IR4-hN9bbQbcPwy2g5tNMeTAJ3o9cTTJudmrI2EIZ46q4BqV2vqbKKS-oZT-PP7cejNLBrP4h2NuvyS6fi/s320/Pam_Profile_sm.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pamela N. Simoneau is a regular contributor</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to <a href="http://www.newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Magazine</a>. </i></div><br /><br /><br /><br />

Dear Sweet Tooth ...

all photos via BostonChocolateTours.com Back Bay photo gallery A true love confession from guest blogger, Pamela N. Simoneau It’s not my fau...

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Designers and social media ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAQuB0ciIhhMo2TAZy9gxFCKmqGmFwiXtIFw4Be-wqH_j-iaeHkKThA4_WTFJOW7Z2N3Uw0Rd38Oplr5SefsywyKlEqoQkAdtKnKPp8t-FXvIrn0Yyjcs9zezaEnj7dnkIsoZajn7T2o9/s1600/Linda%2527sBuffetAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAQuB0ciIhhMo2TAZy9gxFCKmqGmFwiXtIFw4Be-wqH_j-iaeHkKThA4_WTFJOW7Z2N3Uw0Rd38Oplr5SefsywyKlEqoQkAdtKnKPp8t-FXvIrn0Yyjcs9zezaEnj7dnkIsoZajn7T2o9/s800/Linda%2527sBuffetAfter.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Yvonne Blacker</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago I stopped by a friend’s house (Linda Hentschel) to help set her set up a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003355170646&ref=ts">facebook page</a> for her interior design business (<a href="http://www.renaissanceinteriors.com/">Renaissance Interiors</a>). We were going to start with a blog, but figured facebook would be a good place to try out the whole “online sharing” experience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">While we were sitting in her lovely dining room, the black painted sideboard above caught my eye. There was something vaguely familiar about it. I couldn’t put my finger on it but I knew I had seen it somewhere before.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Linda told me she had found this piece at a vintage store and had to have it, even though at the time of purchase it was your standard dated-looking wood finish sideboard. But she could tell it would be the perfect piece on which to set up a buffet station and to store large serving ware until needed for entertaining (which Linda does a lot!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turns out, I had been following the transformation of this piece on facebook (and not on my friends page, because she wasn’t even on facebook at the time)! We both follow the work of <a href="http://newlightredesign.com/">Linda Holt</a>, a designer in Boxford (she had a decorated space in the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-homes-tour.html">Boxford Holiday Homes Tour</a>). She is part of a new business called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chalk-It-Up/322450741099672">Chalk It Up</a> established with her friend, artist Susan Siefer (of <a href="http://www.madpatter.com/about">MadPatter ArtDesign</a>). The piece above was taken from ordinary (but with pretty lines) to one-of-a-kind fabulous with a special chalk-based paint plus hand applied wax finish. See the before – and during – photos below ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnONzH2ELFVRDtJ5slgCZg0A-o4CGdQ64JNnynJWkhjYk7gpTMq5oqKe5Mj2mnkT9BBSkXP_srR0OUtyWCPIhjICxIQhZs9DZoUUUrAbSkLthIJKBZ_ek3Hil0cHQIFlrX-WYYWKxz2sa/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.38.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnONzH2ELFVRDtJ5slgCZg0A-o4CGdQ64JNnynJWkhjYk7gpTMq5oqKe5Mj2mnkT9BBSkXP_srR0OUtyWCPIhjICxIQhZs9DZoUUUrAbSkLthIJKBZ_ek3Hil0cHQIFlrX-WYYWKxz2sa/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.38.12+PM.png" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhWojflcenGipa8oXwq9W3_GJKs9lVxDxhKDBJL9VWqOT-FD0ZS1mT5VfdfePRHfMmSC014C0kW4iQd4ofPyCa8Dqn9msKRAAHu8ejABosMxTV2APNAhVitKcL_k_XhSas7L2-tp85A8f/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.40.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhWojflcenGipa8oXwq9W3_GJKs9lVxDxhKDBJL9VWqOT-FD0ZS1mT5VfdfePRHfMmSC014C0kW4iQd4ofPyCa8Dqn9msKRAAHu8ejABosMxTV2APNAhVitKcL_k_XhSas7L2-tp85A8f/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.40.00+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aWHfFJhCxXa1dSQE1YM1eczMyNnnoN42BNLgxnSS5_mF2m2iNAtNSYChVw4H4L0C_ALbBqI10oeMIqje3UMF8psUYwDpYCku29f8t5chUkZFsTdDs_AGHQ1nwci7mN8c3cA3W3BVGoM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.37.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aWHfFJhCxXa1dSQE1YM1eczMyNnnoN42BNLgxnSS5_mF2m2iNAtNSYChVw4H4L0C_ALbBqI10oeMIqje3UMF8psUYwDpYCku29f8t5chUkZFsTdDs_AGHQ1nwci7mN8c3cA3W3BVGoM/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.37.33+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty cool, huh? On February 11th, Chalk It Up will be hosting a hands-on workshop in North Andover featuring how to use <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/copy_of_How_to_use_the_paint.html">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint</a>. Did I mention there is no stripping or priming needed??? Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chalk-It-Up/322450741099672">Chalk It Up on facebook</a> to get the details on this workshop and follow them to see more furniture transformations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congrats to Linda Holt and Susan Siefer on their new business, and also to Linda Hentschel for dipping her toe in the social media pool! You will be blogging in no time : )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc6vEXaZzpy4b-85SW_GA418MKpRlgDupW8IaSOMS3Yf9Wzs3wRCxp_JA-vMQoNnQgvo48YAuuGChoOUhi7l90Xs3_m__F6pPMRHQIJXpf8WU2XdGzVNauOc9-dzX7vpbqWyceNOhI3Np/s800/Linda%2527sPeacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you can start by sharing the story of how this peacock from <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/">New England Fine Living</a> ended up in your family room??? Or reminisce about our days working together at <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/stevens-estate-receives-design-update.html">The Stevens Estate</a> in North Andover? Or share with us some behind-the-scenes at the Steampunk room you are designing with the <a href="http://www.modvic.com/">ModVic</a> team at <a href="http://audioconcepts.com/">Audio Concepts</a>?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We always share a lot of laughs and designer secrets when we get together – I can’t wait to read your stories online (and please throw in a couple family recipes, too, while you are at it!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIDZB0cMMjwpBuAyN7QqG5c3rfwUwuCy8IncgNP-9w29iiOg0rlbwCA8lRf0SnMbRqSPlFciP-Tioq8tacK12kxMppOKHhGqV3x_NSrHQRSwTBOV2HHR2JcxYYKPkxA30_oe7d9TlopeZ/s1600/NFGlass_LHentschel_YBlacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIDZB0cMMjwpBuAyN7QqG5c3rfwUwuCy8IncgNP-9w29iiOg0rlbwCA8lRf0SnMbRqSPlFciP-Tioq8tacK12kxMppOKHhGqV3x_NSrHQRSwTBOV2HHR2JcxYYKPkxA30_oe7d9TlopeZ/s800/NFGlass_LHentschel_YBlacker.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Nancy Faye Glass, Linda Hentschel and Yvonne Blacker</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Stevens Estate, North Andover, February 2011</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Designers and social media ...

Photo credit: Yvonne Blacker A couple weeks ago I stopped by a friend’s house (Linda Hentschel) to help set her set up a  facebook page  for...

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