New England Finery Winter Issue!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa9bTT2EAsqKrHI-BSHzMiOn2cyajIU_Ysr7_lUiX9mN4KF7gL5LqwC47Me6O1T22fOGktjvIzD8zjryQSnxEwWdtlln8ots5Yu4tkjsGVvCJ22l20dtu6Ss0_IUsnn1539wHe5PqfvEv/s640/NEF+Winter+2011+cover+art.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Winter 2011</a> : cover photo <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee Photography</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;">The winter issue of New England Finery is now online! Filled with inspiring images of entertaining at home, it is my gift to you this holiday season. Since we are all so busy at this time of year, it is a mini-version at about 50 pages.</span></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;"><br /></span></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx29Gy_i8xhsaSI4rLNgAs2rRmMJp1LgRrKEZh3LP6sKBM837OSjBZV0drtNt4va9h6qlo2nOxWYurJmQ4pY-rjk4Ir-_go3E7GBry3JUuY8c-LyvgXLzf2aI824GnfxKVZ5pnllvuUfr/s1600/patternsNEfinery5p16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx29Gy_i8xhsaSI4rLNgAs2rRmMJp1LgRrKEZh3LP6sKBM837OSjBZV0drtNt4va9h6qlo2nOxWYurJmQ4pY-rjk4Ir-_go3E7GBry3JUuY8c-LyvgXLzf2aI824GnfxKVZ5pnllvuUfr/s640/patternsNEfinery5p16.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/17">New England Finery Winter 2011 p16</a> : photo credit Yvonne Blacker</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fabrics available through <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/home.do">Calico Corners</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: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bold images and graphic patterns are paired with minimal text, because who really has time to read between gift shopping, package wrapping, treat baking and party hopping?!</span></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;"><br /></span></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;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzXWhUnr0yS21tK7-9V0-HE0lbkL8bIS__SDdEWakCNvfiKWeEVuVftMqw5AIEF_xkMo2OaQx6tYa6a3mG6nzsL31YluQMHrwkOM5Oyv3_1YgPojvcDtcTDwB15o7gSCESFn_IqMjCO5g/s640/cakeNEfinery5p30.jpg" width="492" /><span id="goog_466604704"></span><span id="goog_466604705"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/31">New England Finery Winter 2011 p30</a> : photo credit Yvonne Blacker<span style="font-size: large;"> </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;">And in the event that you need a secret “easy</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> recipe to serve up this weekend, consider giving my </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Confection Cake</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a try. It is so simple to make (the little ones can even help) and I think it looks really pretty! The recipe is on <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/31">page 30</a>.</span></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;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2-sj55uB25Ma_8LaNZUS9gI1SP8xB-cOpeJMdm2Ui4qx2jWhvhVZqHjEomDmcQDP9lMNayUQ0u1UyveZAXHkEIc4cvR6MdJYAHdrxe7pD_WWpz3pjAwtWv3_-3GMfAzvrqfenixYDp29/s1600/pomeroy_newleaf_roth_nefinery5p25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2-sj55uB25Ma_8LaNZUS9gI1SP8xB-cOpeJMdm2Ui4qx2jWhvhVZqHjEomDmcQDP9lMNayUQ0u1UyveZAXHkEIc4cvR6MdJYAHdrxe7pD_WWpz3pjAwtWv3_-3GMfAzvrqfenixYDp29/s400/pomeroy_newleaf_roth_nefinery5p25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/25">New England Finery Winter 2011 p25</a> : photo credit <a href="http://www.ericrothphoto.com/">Eric Roth</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Design: <a href="http://www.geraldpomeroydesigngroup.com/">Gerald Pomeroy Design Group</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Florist: <a href="http://www.newleafjp.com/">New Leaf Flores</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: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy holidays, everyone! Whatever you celebrate, I hope you get to spend lots of quality time in the presence of your favorite people. Enjoy!!   </span><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo  </span><span style="font-size: large;">yvonne</span></div><br />

New England Finery Winter Issue!

New England Finery Winter 2011 : cover photo Michael J. Lee Photography The winter issue of New England Finery is now online! Filled with i...

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All I want for Christmas ...

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687514625063074642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aTfx7jFe7R38qS7Gbtk9YaRfe4PogSvzoJu87mkWbBxLgH7S90fl3xH4ZnMQN9kR2fUwgMGZzAO1Thcm_YqkawoUn_ttB1CuR5HSbnJeHsribruYDwO46ANA-wX7jFoOOHULMpEwAjgB/s800/WetStyle+Be.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 520px;" /><i style="text-align: center;"></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><i>The Be Collection from <a href="http://www.wetstyle.ca/">WetStyle</a> available at <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> in Beverly</i></i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If I could have one big gift under my tree this year it would be a free standing soaking tub. Oh, and a newly renovated bathroom to put it in. And it would be just my bathroom. My husband and four boys can have the old one. Just putting it out there : )</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Check out my list of <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2011/12/gifts-that-sparkle-and-shine.html">unique holiday gift ideas</a> that I recently posted for Designer Bath. Maybe you’</span><span style="font-size: large;">ll see an item that would make the perfect gift for someone special or to add to</span><span style="font-size: large;"> your own holiday wish list?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

All I want for Christmas ...

The Be Collection from WetStyle available at Designer Bath in Beverly If I could have one big gift under my tree this year it would be a f...

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It’s (almost) a wrap

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqZVVx5twF7rhQFQf_I9Vsj4S7rTGZWAmASc9mXBXRro8KDZkCIgT4VUUJn9bWNe7P0ebWJpum27NUbETpn9Q-lBF3qXQYJZMbGY8a4TEteFKrtEOpk9MlK23dMRd6vNEf3tlLXJ8iFG0/s1600/silver+gifts+CHT+Rosenfeld-Reider.jpg" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685084637590780386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqZVVx5twF7rhQFQf_I9Vsj4S7rTGZWAmASc9mXBXRro8KDZkCIgT4VUUJn9bWNe7P0ebWJpum27NUbETpn9Q-lBF3qXQYJZMbGY8a4TEteFKrtEOpk9MlK23dMRd6vNEf3tlLXJ8iFG0/s800/silver+gifts+CHT+Rosenfeld-Reider.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; " /></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Silver paper sparkles in a room filled with designer patterns.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by <a href="http://katierosenfelddesign.com/">Katie Rosenfeld</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelreider.com/">Rachel Reider</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">for the </span><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 201</span>1</a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8qTo3KsuKrypynkBwfbRG49LiDxto66X919pm0Y38pXsxv9RQvURCaCT560Rt1acjFGnw0_aJvPrWClI_8l4mrX24GEtRO3GIMnSwq4WuJjPeCD8jg7d5oJdyHZs45kW2k15cllWrqRU/s1600/mudroom+CHT+Reider%253ARosenfeld.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685078258812258866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8qTo3KsuKrypynkBwfbRG49LiDxto66X919pm0Y38pXsxv9RQvURCaCT560Rt1acjFGnw0_aJvPrWClI_8l4mrX24GEtRO3GIMnSwq4WuJjPeCD8jg7d5oJdyHZs45kW2k15cllWrqRU/s800/mudroom+CHT+Reider%253ARosenfeld.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; " /></span></a></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Naughty or nice? This wrapping paper is sure to get noticed.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by <a href="http://katierosenfelddesign.com/">Katie Rosenfeld</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelreider.com/">Rachel Reider</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">for the <a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</a></span></div><div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BZtovouf7N9SossSFMcxYhIiPvnhl3SODl5DWrFb3RcqFw95UrRb049WLiz-TR8V2yxLHas4kG47fGnqs2kWAZzAZzuX5Yodc8ML6gKpBjHK9RzdlE0dfrrEja0_XSV_7ufEtU2DaFOo/s1600/wrapped+gift+chandi+-+Bovey.jpg" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685079367989298962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BZtovouf7N9SossSFMcxYhIiPvnhl3SODl5DWrFb3RcqFw95UrRb049WLiz-TR8V2yxLHas4kG47fGnqs2kWAZzAZzuX5Yodc8ML6gKpBjHK9RzdlE0dfrrEja0_XSV_7ufEtU2DaFOo/s800/wrapped+gift+chandi+-+Bovey.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; ; " /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i>Small, brightly colored packages </i><i>look right at home<br /></i><i>nestled in a pair of dining room chandeliers.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by Hillary Bovey of Concord for the</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</span></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3NV6QySxHfDX7VXwt19cLCkFkz5NXyuUF6xBpwG9a8J1EaLlkbOmx1Wo6XU_T-PcNTRUVFnOVtmeM-nFFYVXHMscjOSlF03Rz6LNMOK8DuyiSVQCPCqFQL6oJ-qy4qpHzVNJ-o-P3H9h/s1600/red+room+CHT+McCusker.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685086776432050722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3NV6QySxHfDX7VXwt19cLCkFkz5NXyuUF6xBpwG9a8J1EaLlkbOmx1Wo6XU_T-PcNTRUVFnOVtmeM-nFFYVXHMscjOSlF03Rz6LNMOK8DuyiSVQCPCqFQL6oJ-qy4qpHzVNJ-o-P3H9h/s800/red+room+CHT+McCusker.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; " /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">An evergreen garland strung with gifts adds<br />holiday charm to this traditional fireplace. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by Kate McCusker of <a href="http://www.theodoreandcompany.com/default.html">Theodore & Company</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">for the <a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</a></span></div><div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/57"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685073226677734866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-y00YjsKQjfzZ6giNMFYEGCFuGFTlQBRX4V7rnxctpqJ9cO1msGAmyra2Y5UY6PCq_LZUaVF2JZIQcK1W5_WrawjUi2zvEqhIEdQxmNDMx3psLE7S3iQiHk6FaxyHuLXbBrMpDJTWj2l/s800/Screen+shot+2011-12-11+at+10.12.25+PM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; ;" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">If only ... a place for everything and everything in its place.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/57"><span class="Apple-style-span">New England Finery Magazine, Autumn 2011 p. 57-58</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Michael J. Lee Photography</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Remember this great wrapping room featured in the last issue of <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery</a>? If you are in the throws of the holiday gift buying/wrapping/giving season, I bet this kind of dedicated space is looking like a must-have about now. And if there is a lock on the door it would be the ideal place to hide surprises from sneaky little (and big) ones who just have to know if they are getting everything on their list.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I have barely had a chance to do much holiday shopping myself (so boys if you are reading this you can stop looking), however I have been putting the finishing touches on some holiday gift giving and decorating ideas for the next issue of <b>New England Finery</b>. Look for it online later this week. <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">Click here to subscribe</a> (it’s free – my gift to you : )<br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div>

It’s (almost) a wrap

Silver paper sparkles in a room filled with designer patterns. Space decorated by Katie Rosenfeld and Rachel Reider for the Concord Museum ...

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A few client “Afters”

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270840216574002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s800/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >S<span>tep one: color consultation and linen choices</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the bath</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I forget sometimes to show what I am working on with my decorating clients, so today I am featuring a few homes that I have helped transform with fresh paint colors, new art, decorative styling or design coaching. The spa tub above needed a piece of artwork that could fill the space and still make sense with the colors in the adjacent master bedroom. The bedding, which the homeowner chose, is a multicolored small print floral (scroll down below to see entrance to bath). I found this large canvas with tall flowers bordering a sandy beach. I like how it references water (i.e. being in the tub or in the ocean) plus the flowers in the painting are shown in the same rich colors that are found on the bed. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s1600/monogrammed+towels.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275232548814610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBySYg_wBx0ko_ETS9pQFIsz4QYGH1ym7OB6x-RlbMHnvQFUI3ucnbGbMMjv3bb2fCMzo11t5IzZdoHCkC060y49R90eHLbkjpsdWOMDJ-pe-giVb7DQLGinRaERgUuBGu2ZKUcwRedwma/s800/monogrammed+towels.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I suggested monogramming “his and her</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> towels</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />to add a personal touch to the new bath.</span> </span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s1600/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270852946980466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgOOX_zE0kF_LJig9e9LJcpS6OY6BzfOTN6i0DkYoD536SWijWamsyyt0lVKbZIBY-NsMFyg5c4Pk9lByv98MWyDRBWUbIF5VQdlJDqPVEDcDea5ZMIv-faxksLnWWvBuDceGgbKeW3tP/s800/bedroom-tv-bath.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A cool blue was chosen for the master bedroom walls to coordinate with the bedding and to add a contrast to the warm wood tones of the furniture and the sandy palette of the bath. On top of the dresser, I created a focal point that would also anchor the flat screen wall mounted television. I added a pair of candlesticks for a touch of romance and to help bridge the visual gap between the television and the bureau.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s1600/top+of+dresser2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680285010413061506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKPMgWcE6Q_JUDU1MLOXBCOlmEh1UlqZpleZXHilVePuexzFFmeStfENOeKIy_3A39yv568fljOgukzbE4mwGvgTmnwXUWtQDzvljgpr-ZqVTFWdc4Ly4dRoLVr2n7aXQRXQuCLNTXwPp/s800/top+of+dresser2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For this vignette, I chose objects that were a variety of heights, finishes and textures. A painted vintage box acts as a pretty catch-all for small jewelry boxes along with the odds and ends that typically end up being emptied from pockets at night.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s1600/inside+box.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275222393098978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2iU21tybpF0RjuoVv3iMLyrxpgXQVh9-Sdjp71ltHVYQfZwla-HdSMwYg5Jev7qUNljVTzpjpiZbk7_E6v9IzgfG-WOVvebX0EshiDuXBBDmHW61lrWzdZcHBsEKeXmwtHT5a6viU5RB/s800/inside+box.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />HOUSE NUMBER TWO:</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s1600/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680275455118203186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6WzdauRB-ufqVCKBDtuY2GGuB9fUtY6TcvOiOC9wGFclFxJs19M5KqZmysRvr35X2yjkIiEHRN8OIMOTnRNK9FCSN-RW8B-ZqOD35RHjUfxtEgsHRmg1t22UeG0A2QveBWioKuuZ8jB/s800/blue+wall+%252B+chair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A modern light blue-gray wall color was chosen to compliment the more traditional slate covered floors.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s1600/long+hallway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271075321252562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEYXR0dN9dJ_0He24SNAGfioABvdKmyHU5eO0KPpiJvVxYcp2_SKuI6ONGztAvRKlUwf8403Es5jzbrLwh20GZZNmiMwtlllebpfPA8NdImqSKJhycvWvyKAl1qCCZolbF_zigducQQU8/s800/long+hallway.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />An extremely long hallway was given architectural interest by adding crown molding and wainscotting detail. Now the walls are ready for a gallery of family photos. By keeping the palette monochromatic, the focal point is on the master bedroom at the hall’s end, instead of drawing attention to the expanse of walls.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s1600/brown+bedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680271085188145538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2pFnHSEDPKV3oT8s0f6V-4qbw1GYf4zNLckhwhoHRiEkB1aowO-TOEd5Z4i6VYKooiqHIclz7B5cTqgwn5XJf_Kthpno8br7Ism3hz4eI_TEheW4T0T0Nm93PsClZF273MWQUwBY9X25/s800/brown+bedroom.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The master bedroom in this home is a<br />rich contrast of chocolates and creams.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">HOUSE NUMBER THREE: BEFORE<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s1600/counter+before.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270870073310306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwy7KV5GocnRqxlQPMwVCtkPTJqxXRbmo5UFmW5G03C8zMp97D4ME2HO2PvODsRgdYlUfvFFN286qXf-YnWVofffeJavQyjf1MzeUSfmv9pYXqhyVC_EVJTbNAZuIWEzc2DfmSQZDNmk3/s800/counter+before.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Existing cabinets in this home were refinished and given new hardware to match the new stainless steel appliances. By keeping their existing cabinets, the homeowners were able to splurge on a new granite countertop and tumbled marble backsplash ...</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">AND AFTER<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s1600/counter+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680270855050929010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2I-KzQNc5F5TFNYcTr9x3gMrWeaoRr8ZWivTPfD01bmOmiiK7dBX9egx3cK9Hrn7zFdoCiXqI6_lhGe4fkubli2EJBBNXmal3LzL0lEIXwU1RrHvzi-zA1D8aiAYkw6oGgmI8yaZPkX/s800/counter+after.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />We chose a cranberry, gray and cream colored granite that would pull out the colors in the stained glass door on one of the upper cabinets. The yellow pineapple plays the same visual trick. When you work with what you have, instead of fighting it, the final design looks much more planned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn my decorating tricks ...</span><br />Could your home use a little “design coaxing?” Do you have decorating questions that you would like answered? I am going to be presenting a series of evening decorating workshops at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Schedule_of_Classes.php">TaggArt Studio</a> in Wakefield starting in January. If you would like to sign up, email me at yblacker@verizon.net and I will send you info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special holiday shopping event ...</span><br />There will be a holiday shopping open house at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Home_Page.php">TaggArt Studio</a> on this Friday night, December 2nd from 6pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Along with <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Portfolio.php">fine artwork</a> from studio owner Mary Taggart, jewelry, hostess gifts, and custom children</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> clothing and accessories, my friend <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a> will be there with her always creative holiday trimmings so don’t miss out! For more details, <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=g9l8wkdab&v=001750MJEUdJzMWX3_2uGLcWzCBijQl5h8OXokxA1-3TQQHZzIHhBgyP9KYwfepc9JKPxuOxHmj8D7mj71BKLjIFFJr6HAyeSF4WkP7VNUDu-oRuUwbPzg0jnWEIOGvTzJb">click here</a>. I will be sending over some fliers with the information about my upcoming classes, and you will be able to get on the class list by signing up during this weekend sale. Decorating consultations also make great gifts and I will have some discounted gift certificates available for those hard-to-buy-for someones on your list!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JcTaFeUdbxM6Uu_Qm_zY8RKuZAbfV3QVuq3H6Z8so5NX5lBOBmSHjpGutyLKhd1_cYhLZAoiS6fFW3Bt-a-o4LjxgACeaUESCiJuU2hnEHqUxdLzC0S41TbnC5xN75lW5-HwuvGQEmZ_/s1600/bathtub+w%253Aart.jpg"><br /></a>

A few client “Afters”

S tep one: color consultation and linen choices for the bath Step two: find artwork to hang over the spa tub I forget sometimes to show wha...

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Mentoring others in design

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-L2d3ZhQAryCN6Fn1ND7s2PN13CStFCUwiIK9ttJ4R_yrjBnE8z5GuxRR50eD2_och8pE6YTDlDdwazoGCWy0xmFAz-8DS-u6tXpWuQ5XIwuJaW0pxXanRym3RzlgK3PEpuXecQVoujK/s1600/DNE+Woodmeister%253Aeditors.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676186736736687554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-L2d3ZhQAryCN6Fn1ND7s2PN13CStFCUwiIK9ttJ4R_yrjBnE8z5GuxRR50eD2_och8pE6YTDlDdwazoGCWy0xmFAz-8DS-u6tXpWuQ5XIwuJaW0pxXanRym3RzlgK3PEpuXecQVoujK/s800/DNE+Woodmeister%253Aeditors.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ted and Kim Goodnow of </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://woodmeister.com/">Woodmeister Master Builders</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> receive</span><br /></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">their<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://cumar.com/"> Cumar Marble & Granite</a><span> designed award from publisher of<br />Design New England, Steve Twombly, and editor Gail Ravgiala</span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">While the design/build field may appear to be a competitive arena, it actually is very much about creative collaboration and the sharing of information. Every feature story that is shown in a major shelter magazine has been touched by teams of professionals who bring to the table their specific set of talents. When these industry experts take what they know and share it with those around them, encouraging others to do the same, the design community as a whole benefits. Last Thursday evening, at the <a href="http://www.bcaonline.org/venues/cyclorama.html">Cyclorama</a> in Boston, a number of design field professionals – who by their very nature make a point of mentoring others – were celebrated and honored with <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/blog/dne/2011/11/the_2011_mentor.html">Mentors in Design Awards</a> presented by <a href="http://services.bostonglobe.com/consumer/dne/default.aspx">Design New England Magazine</a>. </span><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/blog/dne/2011/11/the_2011_mentor.html">Read about the honorees here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Distinguished Mentors: Lynda Onthank, Steve Durkee, Estelle Bond Guralnick</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Mentors of the Year: Ted & Kim Goodnow</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-KhlWk0AoknOFKWdXGtFwMu2EAhOcESZmHWpWEbYUpqdVagmzH78KowffuekH8dxPwku-NodFTiX59c_DxP-VeVJYOvXBaqyb3TW8LWxlpwKAJPFVkdAz6XV60JLr9F6YmyxU88g9f9O/s1600/DNE+Mentor+Event.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8bDjLmVJ0WaRbyZPFGO-rDk3Gte6oyXxqX_UAjj1ceyZbudLtGVSZ8yrM4hhyphenhyphenkO9BJhn-8NePpDhEbMtSyzTpBOXMS3gPjrkkk9kvSkm-NLWf3zyYeP5F6cjIjCoq8D0pHIk8fRSMHKW/s1600/flowers%253Aart+%2540DNE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676190970703563554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8bDjLmVJ0WaRbyZPFGO-rDk3Gte6oyXxqX_UAjj1ceyZbudLtGVSZ8yrM4hhyphenhyphenkO9BJhn-8NePpDhEbMtSyzTpBOXMS3gPjrkkk9kvSkm-NLWf3zyYeP5F6cjIjCoq8D0pHIk8fRSMHKW/s800/flowers%253Aart+%2540DNE.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Annabelle’s Garden, oil on linen, John C. Traynor<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Fine art and flowers at the 15th Annual<br /><a href="http://fineartboston.com/">Boston International Fine Art Show</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhz2Jt_8BYIj2FMq9ZxOr8U4JkTnJD7LvZJvjAw482Ir2eyAK1fWsa11QOFrNKDPTZVunaul6cx2n8jHhAoGO-1YHtcASJc2y1m5xLHKly0oUpvOeHfH09mgrBbUA6gLLGjaEV37dXE_W/s1600/yvonne%2540DNE.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-KhlWk0AoknOFKWdXGtFwMu2EAhOcESZmHWpWEbYUpqdVagmzH78KowffuekH8dxPwku-NodFTiX59c_DxP-VeVJYOvXBaqyb3TW8LWxlpwKAJPFVkdAz6XV60JLr9F6YmyxU88g9f9O/s1600/DNE+Mentor+Event.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676186809453484770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-KhlWk0AoknOFKWdXGtFwMu2EAhOcESZmHWpWEbYUpqdVagmzH78KowffuekH8dxPwku-NodFTiX59c_DxP-VeVJYOvXBaqyb3TW8LWxlpwKAJPFVkdAz6XV60JLr9F6YmyxU88g9f9O/s800/DNE+Mentor+Event.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-evening-was-opening-night-of-2011.html">Linda Merrill</a>, Estelle Bond Guralnick, <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/estelle-bond-guralnick.html">Michael J. Lee</a>, Eric Roth<br />(Click on links above for their reviews of this event)<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Design New England chose to pair this award ceremony with the celebration of their 5th Anniversary in print and hosted it during the gala preview of the <a href="http://fineartboston.com/">Boston International Fine Art Show</a>. W</span><span style="font-size:130%;">riters, photographers, designers, architects, builders, artists, and editors mingled amidst a backdrop of eye-catching, conversation-starting works of contemporary and traditional art. While networking and socializing with my friends and <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/4">sometimes co-workers</a> was the highlight of the evening, my only regret is not taking more time to really study the impressive galleries at this show. One of the comments made during the awards presentation was that all of us there were artists in some respect. Whether that art involves dedication to a craft, creation or appreciation, the words rang true.</span><br /><br /></div> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhz2Jt_8BYIj2FMq9ZxOr8U4JkTnJD7LvZJvjAw482Ir2eyAK1fWsa11QOFrNKDPTZVunaul6cx2n8jHhAoGO-1YHtcASJc2y1m5xLHKly0oUpvOeHfH09mgrBbUA6gLLGjaEV37dXE_W/s1600/yvonne%2540DNE.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxom9LBxg6NclZ643cXesepLA0oTE-1mfdMJaA5gHGDGl3PYshjn0O5L7hEFsto8p657jIFyZeY_FHIKAozbm4GlMAs3LXnrgQC4adry8Wg4bYci0ulzYjvxvQ7EIlEHKhyphenhyphen7vEFPBp1RG/s1600/yvonne%2540DNE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676824040660440482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxom9LBxg6NclZ643cXesepLA0oTE-1mfdMJaA5gHGDGl3PYshjn0O5L7hEFsto8p657jIFyZeY_FHIKAozbm4GlMAs3LXnrgQC4adry8Wg4bYci0ulzYjvxvQ7EIlEHKhyphenhyphen7vEFPBp1RG/s800/yvonne%2540DNE.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">While I do have a background in fine arts, I haven’t produced an oil painting since college (and they weren’t anything like this one!) At one point in the evening, I was told by <a href="http://www.thinkrobertbrown.com/">Robert Brown</a> and <a href="http://elizatan.com/">Eliza Tan</a> that I should have my photo taken in front of it since my sweater complimented the colors so nicely. They know what they are talking about, so I obliged : )<br /></span></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digital.designnewengland.com/designnewengland/20111112#pg2"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676193188999852370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHdjkaJSQj5H0YwjcO9tIUxi6-rIzcN6mjXhl8Sz-Q-pxeFHdnuhfRKrV_xxhhhNoN64B_lpafh0dtzJVTtPup5dAOzHmwZgegEv6TA5yZjMYZsCy_oh_uN0GTXlCUcel5vIBOb0xarD9/s800/DNE+nov-dec11.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://digital.designnewengland.com/designnewengland/20111112#pg2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Design New England, Nov./Dec. 2011</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cover photo: Jim Westphalen</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ1OJBougpnUamt_YDpBDBjjKgJYNDZXCFGwlvlt5fe_OqtPNezO6a_EK0cbhwYgl4_Cm2hb8vrloClMDbinbWFOc1oZnu4f0xS7XZdVPkXWTlPk1dJuOjBUMBTvDCTDQvftpvkzdsBNo/s1600/michael%253Aleslie%2540DNE.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digital.designnewengland.com/designnewengland/20111112#pg49"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676194053781610082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3ejlgzB788NN1DYUqdYUuwrEwaTs4HIbJCEDIAR5vP0UjkFdqg-HcMqLFfSO15HbZLCmK0R3OJLwQ3aw38baraxJhSSrSFX3p3Haq1IsE-THA1c8veWsqkJJ1Op2JXKq9iRiCeF2U-Ef/s800/DesignerBathDNEnov-dec11p47.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://digital.designnewengland.com/designnewengland/20111112#pg49"><span style="font-style: italic;">Design New England, Nov./Dec. 2011</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> p. 47</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFcGxrdgfFBaRBCsXlFyETXILQXdGTBBtzv0cH3baHEYFExj0WzFroWBBJAxxTV8oPLBgCetLeAWFKvQ0QN1tE5TyDs7Nytb3Jy_QzzCBNbuus3sabj4PbKNXxgsW_TM6wVbh3aSSQzKK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-19+at+3.18.41+PM.png"><br /></a>If you haven’t seen the 5th Anniversary issue of Design New England yet, it is <a href="http://digital.designnewengland.com/designnewengland/20111112#pg2">now available online</a>. Turn to page 47 and you will see one of the first ads I designed as the new marketing director for <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> in Beverly, MA. In this role, I handle all of their ad placements, the design of the ads, plus social media engagement like <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/DesignerBath">twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Bath/166893372506">facebook</a> and their <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/">new design blog</a>.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">How does a decorator/magazine editor end up as a full-time marketing director? When I was researching ad sponsorship for the summer issue of <a href="http://www.newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Magazine</a>, I visited the website for Designer Bath since they were incorporated by designer <a href="http://www.finn-martensdesign.com/show_houses.html">Pat Finn</a> in her vignette for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wenham Museum North Shore Design Show</span> last May – <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/newenglandfinerysummer2011/37">one of my feature stories</a>.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://designerbath.com/content/about/best-of-northeast.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677131400893378466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYtZ7dPCLoO3lYjH3Bl1NHLc4QlLEHvrnVFepwYuy8viVwHHD-jI1acQrhsz9QftHEa0oGGN-jyAROJ-QU6-pMY-Xl1YEInxWyLKw3XCpBANKhmW5pllr3E6mtElfQeMrUpCLvkbBRSYM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-11-20+at+12.32.45+PM.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Segment produced by America’s Best TV</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />On their home page Designer Bath posted that they were looking for someone to coordinate photo shoots of high-end baths, design advertising materials, oversee production and placement of television and print media ... I thought to myself “I would love to do that!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">” </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When I met with them and shared my background in advertising and design, along with the fact that my husband is a trade professional, it just seemed like the perfect fit at the right time. But rest assured, I am still dedicated to my creative projects including this blog, <a href="http://www.yvonneblacker.com/">decorating consultations</a> and the direction of New England Finery. It is the sum of all these related parts that make up my creative whole, and each is essential to who I am as a designer, and an artist.<br /><br /><br /></span>

Mentoring others in design

Ted and Kim Goodnow of Woodmeister Master Builders receive their Cumar Marble & Granite designed award from publisher of Design New E...

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Holiday Homes Tour

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s1600/applecidermartinis-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904695148379730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s800/applecidermartinis-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Laura Thomson designed vignette for the</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, MA</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Around the same time that I was planning <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-england-finery-at-antique-show.html">my New England Finery decorated space</a> for the Boston Antiques & Design Show, I was asked if I would like to participate in the <a href="http://homestour.bestforboxford.org/BHTdesigner.html">Boxford Holiday Homes Tour</a>. I thought about it for awhile, but with a magazine to produce, a show to prepare for and a new full-time job (I will share more about that in a later post), I just didn’t think I could pull it off without cutting corners somewhere. I am just one person (my favorite new line : ) and so far have not learned how to clone myself in order to be in two places at once! But I knew someone who could really rock this type of event. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s1600/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904699031431442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s800/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Flower arrangements in vintage red goblets</span> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Designer: Laura Thomson</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My friend, Laura Thomson, who I have watched do amazing work year after year at our garden club <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-in-bloom-2011-part-2.html">Art in Bloom</a> shows, and whose home is to-die-for gorgeous (get a glimpse of it <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/decking-halls-part-1.html">in this holiday post</a>), was willing to step up and be one of the featured designers. And she did an amazing job! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s1600/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673910370794459010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s800/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />She had an entire porch (and a large bit of front yard) to decorate. The porch itself had gorgeous stained floors and rustic looking white-washed walls. To see what Laura did to transform this veranda to an autumn cider-pressing party, visit her new blog <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxford-holiday-homes-tour-part-deux.html">Designing44</a> to read about it in her own words. And be sure to follow her – she is super talented and I can’t wait to see what she posts in the future!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903348589423954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s800/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Want to see more from the tour? Here are some photos that I took while enjoying this </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">holiday stroll</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on a warm, early November day.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s1600/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903562408481682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s800/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I never tire of a classic black urn with fall flowers, grasses, peppers and gourds. So colorful and welcoming!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM8uZk3gcbapD1HtUm36Vu4l-F4AvT-Ps7HPKKWOrkR_yv6fTVejkbEvfpt0gyh5L4aveTCDk-9tPfG_OLktk0-9OlaxhkmXW-oliLXA44sRzc4nkUqSvpKHnUcvZdwesWueT9pxHjsy2/s1600/Thanksgiving+dining+room.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s1600/green+dining+room2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673924455653963122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s800/green+dining+room2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This dining room was striking with fresh green walls, cobalt blue glassware and pumpkin spice damask chairs.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzz_4oO8gMUS9qLZ74pdvTqMrarOkdEkZxVzKuGMjK7a2pgygnk3ywGkH_wMNOUosucRqXtxloqX0O5gqSxRAmgobTV7rN4Q27XP8A7u3LvIYBn-vai5pV-LY3cz6DS5yyWMTlAG9ZH1I/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s1600/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903351146074530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s800/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The designer of this space, Arlene Jaffe or AJ as she likes to be called, came right up to me and introduced herself, “Do I know you from somewhere?” Well my memory is not as good as it used to be, but after a few minutes of “were you here, were you there” we figured out we <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/decorators-q-luncheon-in-york.html">sat together at a luncheon</a> that featured a panel of designers from the Old York Decorator Showhouse back in 2009.<br /><br />I loved seeing AJ’s work in person. She has an elegant sense of style paired with a super-bubbly personality. Note to my designer friends: when showing off your work at a designer showhouse, don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to visitors and get their feedback like AJ does. You will never know what you have in common unless you start a conversation!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s1600/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902856791002946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s800/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">AJ not only decorated this home for the holiday tour, she also decorated the home for every day living. This sitting room was quite inviting. Love the artwork over the fireplace, ottoman focal point and </span><span style="font-size:130%;">textured floor covering.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s1600/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946795955759762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s800/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Another friend of mine was on the tour – Liz White from <a href="http://www.masonandmadison.com/">Mason & Madison</a>. She set up shop in one of the homes and had on display numerous gift items including delectables and adorables ...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s1600/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902887295850274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s800/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673948099318284178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s800/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the designers on the tour, Linda Holt, wrote a <a href="http://newlightredesign.com/2011/11/before-and-after-photos-and-lessons-learned-from-my-first-show-house/">great blog post</a> on being a part of the event. Reading it, I discovered she studied with a color consultant/designer who I follow on twitter, <a href="http://www.mariakillam.com/">Maria Killam</a>. It is a small world! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />If you’d like to take in a holiday tour for yourself (I suggest you grab some girlfriends, your mom, or a design enthusiast to join you) there are a couple coming up that I know of: </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour</a><br />December 3rd<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sandwichhollydays.com/Home_tours.htm">Holly Days in Sandwich:</a><br />Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 11th</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Maybe I will see you at one of them?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/getting-ready-for-the-holiday-season">Click here to view more photos</a> from Laura</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >’</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">s space and see some other homes on the tour that I posted about in my decorating column for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span>.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span>

Holiday Homes Tour

Laura Thomson designed vignette for the Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford , MA Around the same time that I was planning my New England Finery d...

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Mad for Mid-Century Modern

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.alluminare.com/a-mid-century-modern-inspired-living-room/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670901809206081698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2NJjWrq_8pTTmv5HwLIoO9qucpn9LNHlcd8zaK-PYqFx2OHZRKe3h4sKjUW5GaLGbimOr9nqag7XFdbgVYWCdCvL5Vh7wFfHuC6nmykM1eDfUg9WX6KOqzTjVCDyFaSFWEdNkeIdsqFs/s800/midcenturymodernlivingroom.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Do you love Mad Men style decorating? I am really starting to appreciate the clean lines and cool vintage vibe. I recently wrote a series of posts featuring this Mid-Century Modern design aesthetic. Check them out on the Alluminare design blog.<br /><br />• <a href="http://blog.alluminare.com/can-mid-century-modern-design-be-youthful/">Can Mid Century Modern design be youthful?</a><br /><br />• <a href="http://blog.alluminare.com/inviting-mid-century-modern-to-dinner/">Inviting Mid Century Modern to dinner.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">• <a href="http://blog.alluminare.com/a-mid-century-modern-inspired-living-room/">A Mid Century Modern Inspired Living Room</a><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Where do you like to shop for Mid Century Modern?<br /><br /><br /></span>

Mad for Mid-Century Modern

Do you love Mad Men style decorating? I am really starting to appreciate the clean lines and cool vintage vibe. I recently wrote a series of...

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Costumes and couture ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuSvHQA0x_9oDYFpAl5JY2tO9W5bJf8Tz_vNZjknADmUV4Izt_8ObWyrQbqcf6dPOcNIEoP6F39iGe3YD8OXsFaZeEWNbqD8AFoCbsxEzKEgO7bdkEqgMIjqdjj9oP__0qajlR1s8pP16/s1600/strawberryfields-yellowsub.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303664845850754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuSvHQA0x_9oDYFpAl5JY2tO9W5bJf8Tz_vNZjknADmUV4Izt_8ObWyrQbqcf6dPOcNIEoP6F39iGe3YD8OXsFaZeEWNbqD8AFoCbsxEzKEgO7bdkEqgMIjqdjj9oP__0qajlR1s8pP16/s800/strawberryfields-yellowsub.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Photo credit: Alinka Amoroso</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Need some last minute inspiration for your Halloween costume? Here are a few ideas that I have collected recently ... although truth be told these are not outfits that you can whip up in a day!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMi0bzTuziJQ0-qne2j4bHFsjMu26pi6QsDmiz2lvtrOeTsXF5uHERhKtu95WRjKsgZtSLfnJa-3ybxmRzZNZ7efpFEadpcM8oEM2FAnD6aP4RyqLLeySXiPtIlFwc6x90b5HjKFZOApE/s1600/knoll+couture.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303665068565266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMi0bzTuziJQ0-qne2j4bHFsjMu26pi6QsDmiz2lvtrOeTsXF5uHERhKtu95WRjKsgZtSLfnJa-3ybxmRzZNZ7efpFEadpcM8oEM2FAnD6aP4RyqLLeySXiPtIlFwc6x90b5HjKFZOApE/s800/knoll+couture.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo credit: Alinka Amoroso</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Knoll Studios in Boston created these costumes out of textiles from their furnishings collections to represent the Beatles for the <a href="http://www.iidane.org/clubportal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=2873&pubmenuoptID=36342">IIDA Iconography Fashion Show</a> held in mid-October. From left to right: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Strawberry Fields Forever, Yellow Submarine and Octopus’ Garden. Models were from <a href="http://www.sga-arch.com/">Spagnolo Gisness & Associates</a> and Knoll won “Best Use of Materials.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Very Project Runway!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUX-a6Rj1b_BQAQPD9Rh2gAu9uy7WueWZj1E0Y-raNz4ym9k1k1TvnM4M2VWWlKutv4wDPgyRmJvZeSua5hDQojIX4K-K97HgU2bvzY0CTlo3oPc60PfAZoKzhGgZf5PIEGdcvuzBAx7f/s1600/strawberryfields+mannequin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303493872509714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUX-a6Rj1b_BQAQPD9Rh2gAu9uy7WueWZj1E0Y-raNz4ym9k1k1TvnM4M2VWWlKutv4wDPgyRmJvZeSua5hDQojIX4K-K97HgU2bvzY0CTlo3oPc60PfAZoKzhGgZf5PIEGdcvuzBAx7f/s800/strawberryfields+mannequin.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I got to take a tour of the <a href="http://www.knoll.com/knoll_home.jsp">Knoll</a> showroom while they were preparing for the show. I promise to post more about Knoll later.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/30931211"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669443859959626162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0TQhTo5e89q5tU7lTqg6RQw9L76WdBTo-JbpM81UrjwldmmU01gQGUDAXP7-81yNt37a-PfOCkRXO6fX9ofdAX8BqYky0g8pzAD3MbULmzvJ-KhMErhJzEJofrTlWJEsWnpwXX5SauB_/s800/Screen+shot+2011-10-30+at+7.47.25+PM.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://vimeo.com/30931211"><span style="font-style: italic;">Click here to see a video clip from the IIDA show.</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Video by Pixelwiremedia</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669467691512030786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9STrX-KcmhhgPUc-0fIKosuzUEtz527pnthG3SeJIquBXhJFYOFSllVqQfcQKKBu1w4mYStbI4q2FBycSQOqFe3b8D_-NZ2k5qS_HmUXJyRvGCz3McJd4rfhdSjnYABjkqCA5DgGnYnC/s800/399px-Kyle-cassidy-steampunk.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk"><span style="font-style: italic;">Steam Punk image via Wikipedia</span></a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrZiumm7fBYn3t1AjW57F3DtEJT8__UahMUl65wc7YJC6dBaS1AcPJ-3wNCB2J1Ob4JIv3-2zTn6IyV1wBMXeBuw4T-UB5jkLXQZasVRVM3bTKFPSkSbL_xxrclP69hHDjmWHxmGIMpEw/s1600/steampunk+skull.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303684522964818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrZiumm7fBYn3t1AjW57F3DtEJT8__UahMUl65wc7YJC6dBaS1AcPJ-3wNCB2J1Ob4JIv3-2zTn6IyV1wBMXeBuw4T-UB5jkLXQZasVRVM3bTKFPSkSbL_xxrclP69hHDjmWHxmGIMpEw/s800/steampunk+skull.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.modvic.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Steam Punk by ModVic </span></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Have you ever seen or heard about the Steam Punk movement before? It is a hot new (?) design trend that combines modern technology with Victorian-era antiques.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmeZMyrd5H0TkD5pYvsYUGAP6quZhdjz5lCnNur4mOHKaOJjju1LQNvGOUPKK0kmc_K_u9Uzxm3-9Bcd4YUMxuT99CcvBHWm96ZwGe3a3EfPcxQ65wB9oynwSVzhjNuEkM5fCVhhhW6q-/s1600/mac+-+steampunk.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669303669463342930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmeZMyrd5H0TkD5pYvsYUGAP6quZhdjz5lCnNur4mOHKaOJjju1LQNvGOUPKK0kmc_K_u9Uzxm3-9Bcd4YUMxuT99CcvBHWm96ZwGe3a3EfPcxQ65wB9oynwSVzhjNuEkM5fCVhhhW6q-/s800/mac+-+steampunk.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Computer transformation designed and executed by</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Steam Punk expert <a href="http://www.modvic.com/">Bruce Rosenbaum of ModVic</a></span> </div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Above is an iMac that has been modified with a creative array of vintage artifacts. Yes, the old-school keyboard actually works! Along with this mash-up of old and new, there is also a fashion component to Steam Punk. Check out the video clip below that shows a parade of Steam Punk enthusiasts masquerading as VictorianProper-meets-ModernDay citizens. Curious to see more? You are in luck because starting on Halloween, there will be a Steam Punk extravaganza and exhibit at the <a href="http://www.crmi.org/">Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation</a> in Waltham, MA.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.edgeptown.com/index.php?ch=style&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=125683">Click here for more info</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/VlxEQEndpzQ"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669455135800549746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHE3TYXFadEGlyL7CHOG6fHGuirLkz0XXy7nkG4y8f5ZrudLiykNvQkQOFBVP9pAGTjDO2AxYVn2ENkUN4Al1048zGDxFkwnypD-MQplkWw6hijdVtPwFdGMIaCRBfKObetrsSLU7LyuI/s800/Screen+shot+2011-10-30+at+9.04.24+PM.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://youtu.be/VlxEQEndpzQ"><span style="font-style: italic;">Click here to view video on YouTube</span></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eONb-Esmj8K6FZrvdYZzAuedh5ywRKHiDbRif8MpuTRvbtferiiLCAWxNUCdDxT7aDpmmnByzHbLyw8Z0_-IrXUwsoMzjfOx0HjazuWG22QCeEky_XNvWfDrhKqPxMY0eZQlmpOQvrz6/s1600/17.McQueenGirlInTreeAW2008-9RedCoat-s.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDuym-bD8xwF_33R4hWI8WgMmy1alqP1ZbO7-w1MjYFI0fq-1PKNQWjvhvbxfY8wfh8ZdzrooXebzeZ-4gRxWkUYUxmAk7Q6LtHFrBvT6K56PHnJJ5VFaaTghoT7YzJpp3vg_kfl0CIR0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-30+at+11.22.26+AM.png"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eONb-Esmj8K6FZrvdYZzAuedh5ywRKHiDbRif8MpuTRvbtferiiLCAWxNUCdDxT7aDpmmnByzHbLyw8Z0_-IrXUwsoMzjfOx0HjazuWG22QCeEky_XNvWfDrhKqPxMY0eZQlmpOQvrz6/s1600/17.McQueenGirlInTreeAW2008-9RedCoat-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669304230074496818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eONb-Esmj8K6FZrvdYZzAuedh5ywRKHiDbRif8MpuTRvbtferiiLCAWxNUCdDxT7aDpmmnByzHbLyw8Z0_-IrXUwsoMzjfOx0HjazuWG22QCeEky_XNvWfDrhKqPxMY0eZQlmpOQvrz6/s800/17.McQueenGirlInTreeAW2008-9RedCoat-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Alexander McQueen: Girl in Tree/Red Coat</span><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">photo credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art</a><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And we can’t talk out-there</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> fashion statements without a sincere nod to the late Alexander McQueen. If I were to dress up for this “come as you wish to be” holiday, I would want to wear McQueen. </span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6pYqOfsgibgYcnNzEtbtVk2r7k6lRyfcY9Fd-w3wMcw65UAGz01NP-BZV1u6jxmsmw9449af1kyoIWurr43hWaM75K3zB9Tz8xuVAj7DQI3FDpKDsMzbgxC9dfhW0oeuKHddQZCEphIq/s1600/knoll+studios.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/69"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669305207387915634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDuym-bD8xwF_33R4hWI8WgMmy1alqP1ZbO7-w1MjYFI0fq-1PKNQWjvhvbxfY8wfh8ZdzrooXebzeZ-4gRxWkUYUxmAk7Q6LtHFrBvT6K56PHnJJ5VFaaTghoT7YzJpp3vg_kfl0CIR0/s800/Screen+shot+2011-10-30+at+11.22.26+AM.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/69">New England Finery Magazine, Autumn 2011</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">photo credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Read more about how McQueen created high-fashions designed to empower women in the <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/69">latest issue of New England Finery Magazine</a>. Now that is what I call dressing up!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Costumes and couture ...

Photo credit: Alinka Amoroso Need some last minute inspiration for your Halloween costume? Here are a few ideas that I have collected recent...

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Easy as (pumpkin) pie

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fPenfLZgh7JEcmLjfJUr_Bpp2s9vsgbDeAyvYXQ6vPdV5Q9YCJpMVwOf-3VMjQ1TmqGVk-tG_Qupn1hVkotS9iVLNmArmU70zivLFkMJ-GwVt-4AKO76MLSEq4EP60QWiORQTgA-Corx/s1600/pumpkin+with+flowers+%252B+chalkboard.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668386908371912978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fPenfLZgh7JEcmLjfJUr_Bpp2s9vsgbDeAyvYXQ6vPdV5Q9YCJpMVwOf-3VMjQ1TmqGVk-tG_Qupn1hVkotS9iVLNmArmU70zivLFkMJ-GwVt-4AKO76MLSEq4EP60QWiORQTgA-Corx/s800/pumpkin+with+flowers+%252B+chalkboard.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Okay, this is the easiest flower arrangement anyone can do.<br />The only tricky part is carving out the pumpkin : ) </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Ingredients:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">one pumpkin</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">bouquet of flowers plus interesting filler plants (grasses, fall blossoms, ribbons)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">square of <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/floralfoams.html">oasis (floral foam)</a></span></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17hBcrTHpxMfDgsuql1xSExohSlT4ofsnrxnYAn8yWgAEG7-4DK0Tkz0kumxYvOGQ1tRpybsWZCFRZvMPkhz5IZmstNVYmQ7CExHUiunodmTo_k_v-Dwo7awrcTan4ji0yRETMLwN0r12/s1600/pumpkin+with+face+%252B+flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668386916218377570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17hBcrTHpxMfDgsuql1xSExohSlT4ofsnrxnYAn8yWgAEG7-4DK0Tkz0kumxYvOGQ1tRpybsWZCFRZvMPkhz5IZmstNVYmQ7CExHUiunodmTo_k_v-Dwo7awrcTan4ji0yRETMLwN0r12/s800/pumpkin+with+face+%252B+flowers.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />How it is done:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">soak floral foam in a bowl of cool water</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">carve pumpkin while foam is soaking</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">face on pumpkin is optional but will require a vase to be set in the carved out shell</span></li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFuAG03H7Z87i5AGRFGFBlAdX-UMDYt4SKVtIIviUpTFexW8el02iQ5IpVgOtW0GobdmcWMyPiHx1aRNWHQdbxaeaSh1HWZwrpGiBNpyoKBRBJzoIv9WlZzBmIEBH3U-5NzvaBrzU7qeA/s1600/pumpkin+with+flowers+%252B+lid.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668386906637826898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFuAG03H7Z87i5AGRFGFBlAdX-UMDYt4SKVtIIviUpTFexW8el02iQ5IpVgOtW0GobdmcWMyPiHx1aRNWHQdbxaeaSh1HWZwrpGiBNpyoKBRBJzoIv9WlZzBmIEBH3U-5NzvaBrzU7qeA/s800/pumpkin+with+flowers+%252B+lid.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">set a square of wet floral foam inside pumpkin shell</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">cut flowers to length that reaches over the top of the shell</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">place flower stems in floral foam as desired</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">add water to pumpkin shell once arrangement is complete</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />That’s it! Great as a centerpiece, plus no one will walk off with it in the middle of the night : )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Easy as (pumpkin) pie

Okay, this is the easiest flower arrangement anyone can do. The only tricky part is carving out the pumpkin : ) Ingredients: one pumpkin bou...

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