On my calendar ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MQ1poE7iUiOjPqt6vS4K1UEGdA0nbGBvM9HWxNzGtbVwXKyu0vA6TOX0LzfZcA3lV2sk8I3QDxLfKXLZ_Rhmy4msRJumtcCoG9-G3Z4DgSjV0_R4CKM2mQomTopEUx3hMXA9mGoiGWel/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.24.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MQ1poE7iUiOjPqt6vS4K1UEGdA0nbGBvM9HWxNzGtbVwXKyu0vA6TOX0LzfZcA3lV2sk8I3QDxLfKXLZ_Rhmy4msRJumtcCoG9-G3Z4DgSjV0_R4CKM2mQomTopEUx3hMXA9mGoiGWel/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.24.45+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sweet swag from Designer Bath.</i></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;">March has been a whirlwind ... we have had so many after-hours social events at work that it has been difficult to keep up with posting regularly on my own blog after sharing everything via Designer Bath. If you would like to see photos from the recent ASID Gala at the Mandarin, or if you are curious about the last Passport to Design seminar at Landry and Acari, then please visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DesignerBathMA">Designer Bath facebook page</a> and <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/p/passport-to-design.html">design blog</a> to check out my photo recaps. <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/passport/index.html">Boston Home Magazine</a> will be announcing the winner of the $20,000 Passport to Design Sweepstakes next week so stay tuned!  </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/AVvXsEg5V7mci2NikLbiWxnkWrkHT8E-5p4N6Y2VVOmE1KLyL9vW7LPew1k4TRpZ4n1KG_3UKsWIIiFt2z15S_6tsKRmb0qn90kT1DTlm4edhnISwClgc8pHtddVEp4i2YGLsyDp6qVKAA0yuqgW/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.12.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V7mci2NikLbiWxnkWrkHT8E-5p4N6Y2VVOmE1KLyL9vW7LPew1k4TRpZ4n1KG_3UKsWIIiFt2z15S_6tsKRmb0qn90kT1DTlm4edhnISwClgc8pHtddVEp4i2YGLsyDp6qVKAA0yuqgW/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.12.40+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Passport to Design seminar at Landry and Arcari, March 14th</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>with </i><i>Lynda Onthank, Katherine Hawkins, and Barbara Bradlee</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo credit: Barbara Lynch Photography</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNl4QyZ0iyA_ttQKbHUNsRa36uJ5tLoq-Gir15qfDjvv3sPAbbONAeDUlmQnUjWbR2_XYVKmwWOvsaMrK2A8EwOeuBMrc6mlineLuSpcDPKS5xWx_C2p8J4bSlpXB6EQMR-YtSiBOwbLG/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.14.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNl4QyZ0iyA_ttQKbHUNsRa36uJ5tLoq-Gir15qfDjvv3sPAbbONAeDUlmQnUjWbR2_XYVKmwWOvsaMrK2A8EwOeuBMrc6mlineLuSpcDPKS5xWx_C2p8J4bSlpXB6EQMR-YtSiBOwbLG/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.14.11+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Designer Eric Haydel at the Frette showroom pre-ASID Awards Gala</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston, March 21st</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 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4npz5X4aTNcXBuD-WipNP0HOIWDTrK-6tzvJVPjnhXtDtJ0TrGxXZCC9wAHPfxbcCw75yie-A556IKP6Pr14daoSOu-kznu5Ny2RYhM9FHqkag8jKd2BSo1iI3jHD15OkpEc2ShUtaVx/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.20.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4npz5X4aTNcXBuD-WipNP0HOIWDTrK-6tzvJVPjnhXtDtJ0TrGxXZCC9wAHPfxbcCw75yie-A556IKP6Pr14daoSOu-kznu5Ny2RYhM9FHqkag8jKd2BSo1iI3jHD15OkpEc2ShUtaVx/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+10.20.56+PM.png" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Candice Wu fashion show sponsored by Boston Magazine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>at the Peabody Essex Museum, March 27th // <a href="http://instagram.com/yblacker">via Instagram</a></i></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;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I may be working a lot of nights lately, but it certainly has been fun (hello signature cocktails, passed hors d’ouevres, and swag bags filled with design goodies!) I’d love to see YOU at our next event at <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry and Arcari</a> in Salem MA on this Thursday night, April 4th, from 6pm to 8pm. Sponsored by <a href="http://nshoremag.com/events/northshore_events/#sthash.ZdLauKUj.dpbs">Northshore Magazine,</a> this will be another really fun event! </span></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;"><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/AVvXsEgMNgaSboPlSE6cIAYCHqryuEgtJL0ijeGFXoiyXUXhr1Nz8o9HT_AvE4Q8N6uigGlwR2DpW3N2xb7MIIKOhR-3R6yjkL4VWHa1_qBZijNgXRzuxqW1nUSAeU-xOAK-8N7omB0kjgsu7o7n/s1600/Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNgaSboPlSE6cIAYCHqryuEgtJL0ijeGFXoiyXUXhr1Nz8o9HT_AvE4Q8N6uigGlwR2DpW3N2xb7MIIKOhR-3R6yjkL4VWHa1_qBZijNgXRzuxqW1nUSAeU-xOAK-8N7omB0kjgsu7o7n/s800/Home.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><i>Join me at the “Love Your Home Design Challenge Event”</i></i></div><br /><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;">Three lucky readers will receive virtual home makeovers and have their previously submitted design challenges solved by local experts. The winners will be unveiled that night. ALL of our guests will have the chance to enter to win a Mini Home Makeover raffle prize valued at $2,500 donated by <a href="http://www.sueadamsinteriors.com/home.html">Sue Adams Interiors,</a> <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath,</a> <a href="http://www.howellcustombuild.com/">Howell Custom Building Group,</a> <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry and Arcari Oriental Rugs and Carpeting</a> and <a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting and Design.</a> All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will be donated to <a href="http://www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org/">Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity.</a> And if you are a twitter fan, you could win an additional prize that night just by tweeting during the event. To register to attend, <a href="http://nshoremag.com/events/northshore_events/">click here</a>. Dress code? Why spring colors, of course!</span></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: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUtcFsWefNy2PyK0I0RS4fyc8bpQUYRdDlqf33aErv6F2H4-l3qOTkxXpYypz0oUxpjoEDBkJyHPV-Kpw1CFYiFbDt2D9U8a8_iNZZ7XCLp9wcnp03erDwUcpMMysQcV31cCK4LMkRID-/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+11.47.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUtcFsWefNy2PyK0I0RS4fyc8bpQUYRdDlqf33aErv6F2H4-l3qOTkxXpYypz0oUxpjoEDBkJyHPV-Kpw1CFYiFbDt2D9U8a8_iNZZ7XCLp9wcnp03erDwUcpMMysQcV31cCK4LMkRID-/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-29+at+11.47.15+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=77211541">Design Vignettes via Polyvore</a></i></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: 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;"><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;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>

On my calendar ...

Sweet swag from Designer Bath. March has been a whirlwind ... we have had so many after-hours social events at work that it has been difficu...

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Yin and Yang post of the week

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26OOBQmXLy-Um2H-ctU4wh2XkR5dGstiC6hRvYyScj4Pk4McC7KFoCg5A5cwxVeTl02qCghyphenhyphenjdlQZYohQKvKO3RWaNjPz1GFFsvr43ipSWFvLovby2ZorF2oUrgE29a3cF9DU5Jc_Jj9y/s1600/tubfiller%2540JLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26OOBQmXLy-Um2H-ctU4wh2XkR5dGstiC6hRvYyScj4Pk4McC7KFoCg5A5cwxVeTl02qCghyphenhyphenjdlQZYohQKvKO3RWaNjPz1GFFsvr43ipSWFvLovby2ZorF2oUrgE29a3cF9DU5Jc_Jj9y/s800/tubfiller%2540JLS.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Guest Bath designed by Janet Marena of <a href="http://jtminteriors.com/">JTM Interiors</a></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>for the Junior League of Boston Show House in Newton, MA</i></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Raise your hand if you would like to end this week with a long soak in the tub? Being surrounded by water can soothe nerves and bring comfort unless of course the water isn’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t where it is supposed to be. Living on the East Coast I have been following the updates from those affected by Hurricane Sandy. We were lucky this time. We did not lose power (been there before). A tree did not fall on our roof (been there, too). We never ran out of food (and to be honest I didn</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t even stock up partly out of denial and partly due to being tired of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/06/weathering-storms.html">being in a state of emergency</a>). </span><span style="font-size: large;">My entire family was home on Monday – school was closed and work was put off until another day. We tried to ignore the wind outside our window (not easy) that was causing the tall pine trees surrounding our house to sway back and forth. On Tuesday the sun was out and life was back to normal for us.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am thankful.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">At times like these we are reminded that home equals shelter first and foremost. Clean fresh water, a well-lit path to light our way, a place to store the food that nourishes us, and heat to keep our families warm – these are necessities, not luxuries. Being able to stay connected via email, phone, texting, etc. is also becoming something we rely on day in and day out. We feel less alone when we know others understand what we are going through. Knowing that we can quickly reach out to someone – friend or stranger – when we need help is invaluable.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">While celebrating luxury, attention to detail, craftsmanship and creative vision is part of a design bloggers daily musings, I am sure we all respect the fact that we are drawn to interior design magazines and home decor eye candy out of sincere appreciation for the human effort that it takes to make our surroundings be not just comfortable and safe, but beyond our expectations. The art of imagination in the form of decoration is entertaining. When it is applied with layers of meaning based on the stories of those who live there, we are inspired by it. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I invite you to be inspired by the following:</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/AVvXsEhP6kP8hFf2Ble-lbT4zvhPiQqpL6SbamdrYdbtHirWK74E4ntMtg-IigzLD6kUiuLgU-P5pWTZpTHWr2YkUxpmryQZaaF2PQLF3KftsJTUzIjNkX2uWrRIJE5IBZub19doO6EsWDnWUhga/s1600/JuniorLeague+Program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6kP8hFf2Ble-lbT4zvhPiQqpL6SbamdrYdbtHirWK74E4ntMtg-IigzLD6kUiuLgU-P5pWTZpTHWr2YkUxpmryQZaaF2PQLF3KftsJTUzIjNkX2uWrRIJE5IBZub19doO6EsWDnWUhga/s800/JuniorLeague+Program.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jlboston.org/jlb/npo.jsp?pg=detail52">The Junior League of Boston Show House</a> now through November 18th: a three-story estate filled with the imaginative designs of over 35 interior professionals with rooms dedicated to music, gardening, reading, conversation, game playing, and personal sanctuary. All proceeds will support the mission of the Junior League of Boston. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Check out <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2012/11/modern-glam-for-vintage-bath.html">my related post on the Designer Bath blog</a> for more about the historically comforting spa-like bath above.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><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/AVvXsEian4qgknBGB9u-xINLAEU3Urg4he1jyJdr_iTg0gtvcfynbjkdac0FIOyDpmGIYnb_HYRMfCHM8drDjMELpxC3NCkrtDEFfkpZUT2cw12WymvIglPhzsSo15XcsRU_A127zJD2zgD72Pcq/s1600/MichaelNyeExhibit@EndicottCollege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian4qgknBGB9u-xINLAEU3Urg4he1jyJdr_iTg0gtvcfynbjkdac0FIOyDpmGIYnb_HYRMfCHM8drDjMELpxC3NCkrtDEFfkpZUT2cw12WymvIglPhzsSo15XcsRU_A127zJD2zgD72Pcq/s800/MichaelNyeExhibit@EndicottCollege.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“About Hunger and Resilience” photography exhibit </i><i>by Michael Nye</i><br /><i> presented through November 4th at Endicott College, Beverly, MA</i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">On the other end of the inspiration spectrum, I encourage you to attend the Michael Nye photography exhibit, “About Hunger and Resilience” on display now at Endicott College. Sponsored in part by <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/">Gathering Change, Inc.</a> the charity that my friend Dorothy Goodwin started around the time of the last Presidential election, it presents the audio stories and arresting photos of thirty individuals who have all experienced hunger, homelessness, or lack of resources. Listening to someone share their personal story of hardship in their own voice is a very intimate and moving experience. Many of these storytellers were affected by events outside of their control. States of emergency so to speak. If you are unable to attend this event, learn more about <a href="http://www.michaelnye.org/hunger/abouthunger.html">the inspiration behind the exhibit here</a> and see more photos from <a href="http://returntothecenter.typepad.com/the_center/2012/10/michael-nyes-about-hunger-and-resilience.html">opening night of the Endicott exhibit here.</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><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/AVvXsEj7ghgjbdgiJ_Jj5rm28MaoMLr7bNe3JhQtRozUHA282lIiAjC7x9cxfbSBtyVOzX0aJHFE9-qpt4FTReBuCHLU3m4MC2zVF4UW8RNzdTgAlWMrKphrWiM8pgWEvqe-6o0UPobHh_uEEYGW/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-02+at+8.03.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ghgjbdgiJ_Jj5rm28MaoMLr7bNe3JhQtRozUHA282lIiAjC7x9cxfbSBtyVOzX0aJHFE9-qpt4FTReBuCHLU3m4MC2zVF4UW8RNzdTgAlWMrKphrWiM8pgWEvqe-6o0UPobHh_uEEYGW/s800/Screen+shot+2012-11-02+at+8.03.56+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">And because it is my bread and butter, I invite you to attend a seminar/panel discussion that I have helped to put together for Designer Bath. Called <a href="http://designerbath.com/passport/index.html">“</a></span><a href="http://designerbath.com/passport/index.html"><span style="font-size: large;">From Studs to Stunning: Remodeling Tips from the Pros</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> it is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7th from 6 to 8pm at the Designer Bath showroom in Beverly. Local design and renovation experts will share their tips on how to plan a bath remodel with confidence.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Did I ever tell you about the day I went to help out on the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2012/06/habitat-for-humanity-builders-blitz.html">Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz</a> and just as I was preparing to leave I noticed that my ancient second floor bath was leaking buckets full of water into our first floor powder room? Fortunately the first floor bath was gutted at the time, but it was very unsettling and slightly ironic. Seriously, I had to laugh. What else could I do? I will be taking notes while sitting in the audience on the 7th. I wish I could enter to win the $20,000 Passport to Design Home Makeover Sweepstakes, but I promise I will be sincerely happy for the lucky winner.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Visit <a href="http://bostonmagazine.com/passport">bostonmagazine.com/passport</a> for more details. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Yin and Yang post of the week

The Guest Bath designed by Janet Marena of JTM Interiors for the Junior League of Boston Show House in Newton, MA Raise your hand if you wou...

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Designers Shine Re-cap

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kBE8y-3ZvREOutqYmUiEcyiGFBcMXs6vBQQ3sDuKWpzo3rBdFLhFKDs_Fa_bHWu4_H_plDwMqGFRelKghu66ihfWTi6qe_JegD3T5kHWdEoHSWUvNog1YBdu-tbpT4JFSGmyN0xxgIvd/s1600/Yvonne-Ann-Linda-NancyFaye-Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kBE8y-3ZvREOutqYmUiEcyiGFBcMXs6vBQQ3sDuKWpzo3rBdFLhFKDs_Fa_bHWu4_H_plDwMqGFRelKghu66ihfWTi6qe_JegD3T5kHWdEoHSWUvNog1YBdu-tbpT4JFSGmyN0xxgIvd/s800/Yvonne-Ann-Linda-NancyFaye-Laura.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>At the Designer Bath showroom with Ann Murdock and Linda Hentschel</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>of <a href="http://renaissanceinteriors.com/">Renaissance Interiors</a>, Nancy Faye Glass of Glass House Designs</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and Laura Gifford of <a href="http://www.giffordevents.com/">Gifford Events</a></i></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: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAjdVQajyVQ0Vjx47AZs17wCNEg1BBwmaY5UvDI1E0CkbADy2adhgjWBeWMwooHLYt2-8_-O9mMswNLsMbABULRp7zcUWfsTCx6WMW7eatFfqVoq6xzZ3Z4sUtTM3VhqG_vy4GucjXUW1/s1600/ChiveEvents+tending+bar@DB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAjdVQajyVQ0Vjx47AZs17wCNEg1BBwmaY5UvDI1E0CkbADy2adhgjWBeWMwooHLYt2-8_-O9mMswNLsMbABULRp7zcUWfsTCx6WMW7eatFfqVoq6xzZ3Z4sUtTM3VhqG_vy4GucjXUW1/s800/ChiveEvents+tending+bar@DB.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Lindsey Wishart and Julia Frost of <a href="http://chiveevents.com/ChiveEvents/home.html">Chive Events</a>  </i><i>serving up designer cocktails </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 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojAi6v8uVYzp_CBDmwQCH5f6XouSnYoCc9nMNJPkrW01Yd4QPPn7Vsfct57F1uecRfOHPvkilrXeZNgLUxdgAwLl0U4S2TMZ4Sk0MPJI4-3t2coA30C-mG91JaNcMmpi62CKhD3gI5bcd/s1600/Shine+Awards+gift+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojAi6v8uVYzp_CBDmwQCH5f6XouSnYoCc9nMNJPkrW01Yd4QPPn7Vsfct57F1uecRfOHPvkilrXeZNgLUxdgAwLl0U4S2TMZ4Sk0MPJI4-3t2coA30C-mG91JaNcMmpi62CKhD3gI5bcd/s800/Shine+Awards+gift+bags.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A swag bag of goodies for each of our Shine Award Party guests</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></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;">My summer has been a busy one. I am just getting caught up with posts that detail events that took place in July! The “Designers Shine with Designer Bath” award party was certainly a highlight of my one year anniversary as the marketing director at <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> (officially on the calendar last week, but technically started with them around mid-July of last year on a freelance basis). This was a special opportunity to celebrate the relationships our showroom has with the interior professionals that use Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply as a resource on their kitchen and bath projects. It was also a fun way for me to combine work and pleasure. How great was it to host a party at work and have so many of my design friends on the invitation list? To see more photos from the event – along with the announcement of the winning designer who will be featured in the next issue of Design New England Magazine – see <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2012/08/designers-shine-at-designer-bath.html">my Designer Bath blog post.</a></span></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;"><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/AVvXsEjxvJsw1H7zKPeKyAmEQHlsfDl0tNebQmwnwRJhQJ_hCxBFHMLNvzwdbXPCfwjMzEj0XIUHpCnjwrf5zE1rXA0OZrmEmMasngtIeAd-ZgA7nmgv1UKsL6MlCVqA3qEwP8By4pMuczjSN5rt/s1600/NEF+Summer+Issue+part2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvJsw1H7zKPeKyAmEQHlsfDl0tNebQmwnwRJhQJ_hCxBFHMLNvzwdbXPCfwjMzEj0XIUHpCnjwrf5zE1rXA0OZrmEmMasngtIeAd-ZgA7nmgv1UKsL6MlCVqA3qEwP8By4pMuczjSN5rt/s800/NEF+Summer+Issue+part2.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo by Cassandra Charest</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;">Speaking of magazines, I am extremely happy to announce that part two of the summer issue of <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery</a> is now online! I have a lot to say about how much this issue means to me, but before I start another long blog post, I will leave you with this photo by Cassandra Charest, a Lawrence high school student whose work really moved me while sourcing content for our follow-up to the Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz that took place in early June. Along with <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue/65">her photo essay</a>, there are some great tips on achieving <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue/87">designer style for less</a> plus a <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue/87">scrapbook of photos</a> that highlight the five days that it took to build a home from the ground up for two deserving families in Lawrence. It was an amazing process to witness – get a glimpse of it by checking out the <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue/59">time-lapse video on page 59.</a> Wouldn’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t it be nice if all of our home renovation projects were completed as quickly? </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;"><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;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Designers Shine Re-cap

At the Designer Bath showroom with Ann Murdock and Linda Hentschel of Renaissance Interiors , Nancy Faye Glass of Glass House Designs and La...

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Huge home improvement SALE alert!!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6blVj-L5ckqs7Pt7slOUwUqW6uf9G52jvlbqXL-UfyYuxOSSh-fvrL2nWsxVU2N7HcsBJnPm9E3rHWy87o2xPSULimWk1wBXSICT4BEF-6WR6abNXfRH1IX2QCn67afgiZMaD6hNEsxl/s800/DB+SaleInvite.jpg" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/designerbath_onsalenow?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222">Click here to view the exclusive online sales flier with showroom photos of sale items.</a></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;">The past few weeks have been a complete blur what with the <a href="http://www.newenglandfinery.com/">Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz</a> project wrapping up (I promise to post updates soon – there is so much to share from our very emotional final day), my kids having their end of school year celebrations (also emotion-filled), plus the on-going planning at <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> for our biggest sale of the year (tons of media insertions have been produced – have you seen them?) </span><span style="font-size: large;">People on the North Shore and beyond have been taking advantage of this sale for the past 22 years and marking their calendars in advance – it’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s that good! Come by the showroom and take home faucets, furnishings, sinks, mirrors, tubs, lighting and more must-haves for the kitchen and bath at major price reductions. There are some gorgeous vessel sinks at ridiculously low prices featured in the flier above ... <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/designerbath_onsalenow?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222">take a peek!</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;">And this Saturday only, join us from 8am to 4pm for their annual Home Improvement Yard Sale which will be set up under a huge tent (rain or shine) at our River Street location. Also offering items at huge savings will be our friends from <a href="http://www.moynihanlumber.com/home/default.asp">Moynihan Lumber,</a> <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry & Arcari</a> and <a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting.</a> Arrive early for best selection and make sure you have room in your vehicle to bring home some amazing deals!! Now is the time to get what you need to finish your home improvement projects at the best price possible! Lots of exclamation points, I know, but I have heard this will be an amazing day of unbelievable deals.</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;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">ll be hanging out with the rest of the Designer Bath & Salem Plumbing Supply team (look for us in our bright Tangerine Tango </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">STAFF</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> T-shirts) so stop by and say hi if you see me taking pictures of the madness : )   </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beverlyyardsale.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJp07w8HB51YRa1C6cMtSbazBuX0YwQH9M_nFI_w_XEFUZHvuz-uAlxrXCli2smDq2DUOz1px1Fnd_Zg1tHhrxtkzY6DATXdwBBKFgWtmkBafoDu-wEWB4LbCwE3bTNHJvTRuyVclwzsb/s800/2012-YardSaleFlyer-1xa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.beverlyyardsale.com/">Visit www.beverlyyardsale.com for more information</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Huge home improvement SALE alert!!!

Click here to view the exclusive online sales flier with showroom photos of sale items. The past few weeks have been a complete blur what wi...

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Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz Week!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3LC3f1jm6nQBp2JHIJmG_NXhnOjZpAMhFYlJyBh93pajAlgF2em75qChD1wz4AnQs5tr5tT8GWlwLo9-H1ZrhgGkjLSjmK1yRbv61_la0nE9xZ1sZZvLfnFYcuLjLl8xGJPBUXjuBvdZ/s1600/MVHH+wet+hardhat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3LC3f1jm6nQBp2JHIJmG_NXhnOjZpAMhFYlJyBh93pajAlgF2em75qChD1wz4AnQs5tr5tT8GWlwLo9-H1ZrhgGkjLSjmK1yRbv61_la0nE9xZ1sZZvLfnFYcuLjLl8xGJPBUXjuBvdZ/s800/MVHH+wet+hardhat.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This week began with gray skies, torrential rains, swirls of wind and chilly temps ... so unseasonal for the beginning of June.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But on location at the Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz project, I have heard that volunteers arrived wearing sunny dispositions, and were immediately warmed by the positive energy surrounding the Market Street jobsite in Lawrence. </span><span style="font-size: large;">When the planning for this type of multiple-contractor project begins almost a year in advance, the actual coming together of all the parts – in the span of one week – is a sight to behold. It is almost like a choreographed dance (don</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t tell the guys I said that!) Tomorrow I am visiting the site to help out my logistics team members and snap some progress photos for <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue">New England Finery Magazine.</a> Although truth be told, I really just want to soak up the good karma and see for myself the house that hope built.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz Week!

This week began with gray skies, torrential rains, swirls of wind and chilly temps ... so unseasonal for the beginning of June. But on locat...

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Preview Party Pics: North Shore Design Show

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7fZDrBCqmZ7Vwq_z0mPGbqbBSi3iQphib-coz54jzqIyWhMCSBPWua4sE2At84TxskJfwhgmnUC-lo9HEAGgQXnlLdy7Q5yRGJ1yzsLDfINVFrLPKqpaPKQps85RGd7SokoXCjXU6bq/s1600/YBlacker_PottingSink@NSDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7fZDrBCqmZ7Vwq_z0mPGbqbBSi3iQphib-coz54jzqIyWhMCSBPWua4sE2At84TxskJfwhgmnUC-lo9HEAGgQXnlLdy7Q5yRGJ1yzsLDfINVFrLPKqpaPKQps85RGd7SokoXCjXU6bq/s800/YBlacker_PottingSink@NSDS.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A corner of my vignette “A Modern Family Mudroom” being featured</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>through May 20th at the Wenham Museum’s North Shore Design Show</i></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;">Getting to the opening night of a design show is quite a journey. Given just under one week to completely set up our 8 ft. x 8 ft. spaces at the <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> – which often includes building a wall or two (thank you, <a href="http://www.howellcustombuild.com/">Howell Custom Building Group</a>), painting, wallpapering, supervising deliveries, installing light fixtures, prop styling and last minute design decisions – by the time the Gala Preview Party rolls around, the designers and museum staff are all ready to celebrate!</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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW0dtW1cDdRBGb_vuXz-zKueXE3HIZaMBLi6dOB8V5GuaWifP8FabdqSez-dARwxgwAf4B3St2e0ivbkld7EzffLWIw2UQzepqbBp1QTY4ZPvgztyvJ-x8XowQE949fkDGVgKpbEqvJDn/s1600/stacy+yvonne@nsds12-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW0dtW1cDdRBGb_vuXz-zKueXE3HIZaMBLi6dOB8V5GuaWifP8FabdqSez-dARwxgwAf4B3St2e0ivbkld7EzffLWIw2UQzepqbBp1QTY4ZPvgztyvJ-x8XowQE949fkDGVgKpbEqvJDn/s800/stacy+yvonne@nsds12-s.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With North Shore Design Show Honorary Chair Stacy Kunstel </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Last Friday evening the 13 designed spaces were unveiled to a full house, hosted by <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">New England Home</a> editor/ designer/ blogger <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">Stacy Kunstel.</a> It was such a pleasure to have Stacy at the show! She is always so gracious, and has a great eye for design. We all appreciated her support of and visit to the charming gem that the Wenham Museum is to all of us on the North Shore.  </span><br /><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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wqKyYwZfu3xQRjJ5OCrwxgkbbSBCk4rBfCwUFmIiFOtQS_4P0k3l_C1Uu-5QUZtqLmojxTX6wT9cbtsB-9A0KIUBzTIGGXKYLJoIedhbc2emzhKa02FA_hXc3kTFg9zgXQsnAv-UZd3F/s1600/StoneForestSink@NSDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wqKyYwZfu3xQRjJ5OCrwxgkbbSBCk4rBfCwUFmIiFOtQS_4P0k3l_C1Uu-5QUZtqLmojxTX6wT9cbtsB-9A0KIUBzTIGGXKYLJoIedhbc2emzhKa02FA_hXc3kTFg9zgXQsnAv-UZd3F/s800/StoneForestSink@NSDS.jpg" width="450" /></a></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;">This indoor/outdoor potting sink was the inspiration piece behind my design. Manufactured by <a href="http://www.stoneforest.com/kitchen-bath/products/view/220">Stone Forest,</a> it is by far my favorite item from the <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> showroom. It looks like soapstone, but is actually honed black granite. The terrarium was designed by my across-the-board-talented friend <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/">Laura Thomson</a> and the tiled chalkboard was a project I collaborated on with a favorite North Shore resource, <a href="http://tile-by-design.com/">Tile by Design</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;"><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/AVvXsEguQZyrOEomC2QDWNIPm42UkQa4iJgz8xW7QprcNR7_63JytVahOe9nBWOZtYGQp9vPlmqO0i0yJvv36xk313ZL0Y_oYr_7biZDlT57NiU_XBEP8vMBYcOVAtgDMdIJFBvt3njpRDheMPJW/s1600/beth_laura@nsds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQZyrOEomC2QDWNIPm42UkQa4iJgz8xW7QprcNR7_63JytVahOe9nBWOZtYGQp9vPlmqO0i0yJvv36xk313ZL0Y_oYr_7biZDlT57NiU_XBEP8vMBYcOVAtgDMdIJFBvt3njpRDheMPJW/s800/beth_laura@nsds.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Beth Gujral and Laura Thomson relaxing amidst furnishings</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>from <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/">Circle Furniture</a> and lighting by <a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting.</a></i></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;">There is a lot more to see in my space – you know how I love details –  but I don’t want to give it all away just yet! For now, I will leave you with some snapshots from the Gala, but am saving others taken that evening for a later post.</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;">This Thursday night there will be an on open house at the Museum hosted by <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/">Landry and Arcari</a> (who provided the gorgeous carpet in my space) with a presentation by Wilson Kelsey design. They will change their current Belgian-style vignette <a href="http://blog.wilsonkelseydesign.com/2012/05/first-picture-of-our-vignette-at-the-wenham-museum-north-shore-design-show/">(see a peek of it here)</a> to a modern looking space right in front of our eyes! <a href="http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/313742/fc75d27c1e/ARCHIVE">Check out this link for more details.</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;">Maybe I will see you there?? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></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: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV1mcj4j6DaVd9tQTyClMJaEpckkCBwvnSw-o_5glktV-eArg-IS92ELHk3Q60Osxfj_pYRZtxK8rxHECa2FkzdWzqWL-CoKtVcz6UWpbD9-F7h30cc85TJ_c9RPqGnyQEuSkMorP8CwE/s1600/yvonne-susan-chris@nsds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV1mcj4j6DaVd9tQTyClMJaEpckkCBwvnSw-o_5glktV-eArg-IS92ELHk3Q60Osxfj_pYRZtxK8rxHECa2FkzdWzqWL-CoKtVcz6UWpbD9-F7h30cc85TJ_c9RPqGnyQEuSkMorP8CwE/s800/yvonne-susan-chris@nsds.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With Susan Howell from Howell Custom Building Group </i><i>and</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>friend Chris Joy. </i><i>Susan is on the Board and Leadership Team</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>of the </i><i>Merrimack Valley </i><i>Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnaDvOCNhC5cyECToaJ6jZi1iE2mKcyjDxwHcvvL5M5M8dSiXZX6O5nC6eD0I9ZGicNZwTfAVL3LnO_V07NRz-oywbf5swe6KCFDx9CA_3RKLMaEEfHk-u25v5J19aU0VVG3xxQgfU4Sd/s1600/Kevin+O'Connor_Yvonne+Blacker_NSDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnaDvOCNhC5cyECToaJ6jZi1iE2mKcyjDxwHcvvL5M5M8dSiXZX6O5nC6eD0I9ZGicNZwTfAVL3LnO_V07NRz-oywbf5swe6KCFDx9CA_3RKLMaEEfHk-u25v5J19aU0VVG3xxQgfU4Sd/s800/Kevin+O'Connor_Yvonne+Blacker_NSDS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With Kevin O’Connor, host of This Old House</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;">During the evening, I did get the chance to chat with Kevin O’Connor, host of <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/">This Old House,</a> who happens to call the North Shore home. We discussed the upcoming <a href="http://www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org/blitz/">Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz</a> which is taking place across the country in June. I had told Kevin that <a href="http://www.stevethomashome.com/about01.html">Steve Thomas,</a> former host of This Old House and current spokesperson for Habitat International, would be visiting the Merrimack Valley Habitat build site in Lawrence on June 9th. Kevin shared some positive stories from his own experiences helping out on Habitat for Humanity projects. I am really excited to be a small part of telling the story of this wonderful organization that pulls together so many professional builders and generous volunteers to help provide affordable housing for those in need <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue">(see current issue of New England Finery Magazine : )</a>  I tried to get a photo of my husband (who is also in the building trades) alongside Kevin, but John was being camera-shy. I did manage to get one picture of him in my space though ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX8K0myydX1GfIG99IvKDr8DRJYyViRk0ZFew5E0UgSxWkK7HXx6m-SF3O6OqJ-nWZVfcy1LKve0Y8c2Y-aWb2_nmsRLhhKjrxvAuHKh7jaTELOV0TcQAH_FVCt_53ivt4NEKKcLmHNhr/s1600/yvonne+john@nsds12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX8K0myydX1GfIG99IvKDr8DRJYyViRk0ZFew5E0UgSxWkK7HXx6m-SF3O6OqJ-nWZVfcy1LKve0Y8c2Y-aWb2_nmsRLhhKjrxvAuHKh7jaTELOV0TcQAH_FVCt_53ivt4NEKKcLmHNhr/s800/yvonne+john@nsds12.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you make it to the show, be sure to check out the amazing chandelier from <a href="http://lucialighting.com/">Lucia Lighting</a> that is hanging above my vignette. John installed it for me from the cathedral ceiling (and made it look easy!) That is what the show is all about, though, presenting decorating and design ideas that visitors can imagine in their own homes while connecting them with the design professionals who can help achieve </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">“</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">the look.</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">The North Shore Design Show is the major fundraiser of the year for the Wenham Museum. All proceeds support the Museum</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">s continued efforts to provide educational exhibitions and enrichment programs for children and families as they have been doing for over 90 years. I am truly honored to participate once again in this year</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">s event! More vignette photos and designer introductions to come ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i>For show hours plus visitor information, <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/northshoredesignshow.html">click here. </a> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Preview Party Pics: North Shore Design Show

A corner of my vignette “A Modern Family Mudroom” being featured through May 20th at the Wenham Museum’s North Shore Design Show Getting to ...

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New England Finery + Habitat for Humanity

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FRu1ySE6mgdo5D4UT8kF1iJZ-PB8cGZSD1t5KAbqhzieBxYstsc7PE6fWvGE0EF8OEGfCf0SjEMyt_H1iWO-slgTpiPUrMv2DSTsak3JsyiCniXAGi0NV5tBnlyppY7D_ZjEWY9m4JMR/s640/NEFcoverHabitat.gif" width="492" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>New England Finery Issue 6: Rendering by architect Andrew Steingiser</i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am really excited to announce that the spring issue of <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Magazine</a> is now online! Well at least part of it ... this issue will be covering from beginning-to-end the building of a two-family home that will take place over the course of ONE week! Across the country, over 200 homes will be built by Habitat for Humanity affiliates during a nationwide <a href="http://www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org/blitz/">Builders Blitz</a> this June, and two of those homes will be built just 30 minutes from where I live. The <a href="http://www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org/">Merrimack Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity</a> is partnering with a team of some pretty amazing building professionals and dozens of local volunteers to ensure that the home you see in the rendering above is completed within the one week time frame. In order to achieve this goal, there is a lot to be done before the build. <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue">Click here to see where the story begins ...</a></span><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to be a part of this exciting project? Click here for <a href="http://www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org/blitz/sponsors-donors/">volunteer</a> and <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/newenglandfinery_adrates_habitat">sponsorship opportunities</a>.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>

New England Finery + Habitat for Humanity

New England Finery Issue 6: Rendering by architect Andrew Steingiser I am really excited to announce that the spring issue of New England Fi...

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