The gift for someone who has everything ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSflDbDCqbwoPKMv9nN4Q5HZzpFgEVR5pTKsXGqdeEdpyRghnzKGFOcuuJM4_T5MmuZy2rZWkVjz2hq78M_TbfM9EOnlroSsv1Jk8_rZwdFRx6MXvYjFExFJLczawap-PNm5maGBiMR1Re/s1600/swap+soiree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSflDbDCqbwoPKMv9nN4Q5HZzpFgEVR5pTKsXGqdeEdpyRghnzKGFOcuuJM4_T5MmuZy2rZWkVjz2hq78M_TbfM9EOnlroSsv1Jk8_rZwdFRx6MXvYjFExFJLczawap-PNm5maGBiMR1Re/s800/swap+soiree.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Monique Johnson, Susan Kanoff and Sharon Sullivan</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>preparing for The Swap Soiree in North Andover </i></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Some people can be so difficult to buy for during the holiday season: they have a closet full of designer fashions, racks of shoes, purses for every occasion, more accessories than a small boutique  ... what could you possibly add to their already full closets? My suggestion? An hour or two with fashion coach Susan Kanoff of <a href="http://agreatnewlook.com/">A Great New Look.</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Susan is a wardrobe consultant who can just as easily fill a closet as she can edit one that is overflowing with too many choices. She offers gift certificates for wardrobe consults and will even shop with clients to help them find just the right combination of wardrobe items to make them feel and look their best. She also has a wealth of fashion connections and <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef6_habitat_issue/95">style tips</a> that she is happy to share with her friends and clients.</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/AVvXsEhJLUaX19QgRqdaOU3HKhCOC5KMyu3WdT483LITGtKFZG6oGO3byYqHivjMjLjunnJpV_Udn0PPIKNoYnjgRac4QY0P7p9hS67BKmE1IFefxjZLB-iESV6QTkIypnWOnTU72FQIT-HNAn8c/s1600/Three1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLUaX19QgRqdaOU3HKhCOC5KMyu3WdT483LITGtKFZG6oGO3byYqHivjMjLjunnJpV_Udn0PPIKNoYnjgRac4QY0P7p9hS67BKmE1IFefxjZLB-iESV6QTkIypnWOnTU72FQIT-HNAn8c/s800/Three1.png" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wardrobe consult “after</i><i>”</i><i> photos from Susan’s website.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://agreatnewlook.com/?page_id=256"><i>Click here for the story behind the makeover.</i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Where to find Susan ...</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday, November 28th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm she is hosting a designer clothing swap in North Andover called <a href="http://swapsoiree-eorg.eventbrite.com/">The Swap Soiree.</a> Along with event planner Monique Johnson of <a href="http://www.monxdh.com/">Monx Design House,</a> these two women have coordinated quite an evening of fashion fun. For the price of an $18 ticket, guests can shop rack after rack of designer fashions, shoes, and bags and take home as many bargains as they are willing to swap.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">They are still collecting clothing donations from 9am to 4pm tomorrow at St. Michael’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s Church on Main Street if you want to thin out your own closet, otherwise, guests are able to buy tokens tomorrow night for $4 a piece, with each token good for one item. Such a win-win!</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/AVvXsEgRiZRxgMn3L4ms1Chk_9UdgQj552pL3BjTxxObkiZJZeu_XgU8O2LAbVo-0kmcPJxcEwbO2Ge7S0ypvKwPV7pl0B59Us1RptYsGMWH_GchKtnzZ-1yBXVihBye3HD_On6fYzBh9iAYh5td/s1600/multiheads.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiZRxgMn3L4ms1Chk_9UdgQj552pL3BjTxxObkiZJZeu_XgU8O2LAbVo-0kmcPJxcEwbO2Ge7S0ypvKwPV7pl0B59Us1RptYsGMWH_GchKtnzZ-1yBXVihBye3HD_On6fYzBh9iAYh5td/s800/multiheads.png" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.robertjasonsalon.com/">Image courtesy: Robert Jason Salon of Andover </a></i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I stopped by tonight to drop off some donations from my own closet – I feel emotionally lighter already – and saw lots of like-new pieces and others with tags still on them (we all have a couple of those in our closets ; ) Any clothing that does not get taken home after tomorrow night’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s event will be donated to a local charity. Along with designer labels there will be seasonal refreshments and raffle items (<a href="http://www.robertjasonsalon.com/">Robert Jason Salon</a> of Andover is just one of the sponsors). I will be looking for some sparkly items for my holiday wardrobe and will be asking Susan for her advice while I shop. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Tickets are still available through <a href="http://swapsoiree-eorg.eventbrite.com/">EventBrite.</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">For holiday gift certificates, contact fashion coach <a href="http://agreatnewlook.com/?page_id=201">Susan Kanoff.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br />

The gift for someone who has everything ...

Monique Johnson, Susan Kanoff and Sharon Sullivan preparing for The Swap Soiree in North Andover  Some people can be so difficult to buy for...

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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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Flash mob for change!

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tmAKxk0Ygac" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you were presented with the opportunity to perform in a spontaneous flash mob or hide behind a video camera to record it, which would you choose? Tuesday night, I was standing high up on the Wakefield bandstand as a crowd gathered below me and started to dance to the tune of Katy Perry’s “Firework.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">” Having missed the two official rehearsals prior to our first ever mob dance, I felt much more comfortable capturing the scene on my camera than performing with what turned out to be quite an enthusiastic group! Today I created a video out of the footage and thankfully my teenage son was home to help me figure out how to do that : ) </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4pl-4Vpttgv5cc-uW4NZ2fy1eYpImMar30JQvh_wEqb6dZygjlJWs6kATF_E_uS82Fgc3MZZKX6aQPe2IUWdIArcU9VLnUvg-kt2tiSLeo_a-iiaqVpOzGsKgUXhrXeILkVXDLelBXkV/s1600/WakefieldCommonRoyGoodwin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623803549213671218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4pl-4Vpttgv5cc-uW4NZ2fy1eYpImMar30JQvh_wEqb6dZygjlJWs6kATF_E_uS82Fgc3MZZKX6aQPe2IUWdIArcU9VLnUvg-kt2tiSLeo_a-iiaqVpOzGsKgUXhrXeILkVXDLelBXkV/s800/WakefieldCommonRoyGoodwin.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Note cards featuring the Wakefield common at sunset are available<br />through Gathering Change. All proceeds are donated to help<br />support neighbors in need.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Photo credit: Roy Goodwin </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/">Gathering Change, Inc.</a>, along with performing random flash mob dances, collects spare change to help support local food pantries and social programs. All of our volunteer performers donated their time, and many brought bags full of change to yesterday’s get together. Thank you to everyone who was brave enough to get out there, and thank you to those who support Gathering Change by spreading the word (and liking us <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Gathering-Change-Inc/168454599865240">on Facebook</a> ; )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/html/how_you_can_help.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623815004058708066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4bWlAxUYE794yPYZcqI7jGC2kXPENGZpCSj73sqcmWC_vb2yY14Z8yRQ8tO_lhVGiLHQ5U9xj2lpcxByxnt-VBxSdqlb7uYWFsBug7RiH9PBY_4CmUFc8eom6t0GBoNMekgXQArca7MT/s320/GCI.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 222px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div>

Flash mob for change!

If you were presented with the opportunity to perform in a spontaneous flash mob or hide behind a video camera to record it, which would you...

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The gift of wine

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxbA1v74aq4AbFhhAC6Qffkybig73_hcdZ18yGs0-wKy_Hd068BMQ2F2XDHt9DpVT5SpAbJzeCpF0Mt_MlhJxziCHU_B76yf6JAMNAiX6EQHRbZxH8-_ndNgNmEL7_cXySqDayzT8McI3/s1600/middlesisterwine.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622195912416848866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxbA1v74aq4AbFhhAC6Qffkybig73_hcdZ18yGs0-wKy_Hd068BMQ2F2XDHt9DpVT5SpAbJzeCpF0Mt_MlhJxziCHU_B76yf6JAMNAiX6EQHRbZxH8-_ndNgNmEL7_cXySqDayzT8McI3/s800/middlesisterwine.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“I have something for you!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> my younger sister exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye one Friday night when I was over her place for a visit. “What? It isn’t even my birthday?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">” I replied. We were sitting in her kitchen enjoying drinks and snacks. She got up quickly and disappeared into her pantry. When she returned, she handed me a tall green bottle (ooh, my favorite type of gift!) and she said with a grin, “I saw this and thought of you.” Here is what the label on the back said ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkF5x-19DLn7PbM4uq_KNSeMBbmfkNsrcHMRtca6vYaxhu1vYN5IHw8u2ZQJMxg56eOM82VhVTRg3H72ehMJeICnoPgHEs3Z7bQ8MDMiGPCXZqLxRfsnGfOKAzZbkx16PZyh8a2FxWQ4G3/s1600/middlesisterwine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/custpage.cfm/frm/44808/sec_id/44808"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622195261655889330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvreBjGh7AXI3WvGKNeLKHDR-CPvp3yCbPRcSRntoOf3EzpWU7SRsyImXmvNjBZC-sKggb9jFWXOPBozmlwyTkR4VfHUH3aoLSpy4eL4yc3kejJC3P7kCq3go5NtQEK9XEmSP09-ec1fG/s800/dramaqueen.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">How often do people tell you what they really think of you or how they see you, and then hand you a bottle of wine? Usually a few drinks come first before the compliments ; ) While I wouldn’t consider myself a drama queen, I do like her outfit the best of all the other Middle Sisters in the wine’s lineup of characters (<a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/tHe_giRlS/">check them out here</a>) and I do like social events, and fashion shows, and fundraisers ... hmmm. Just to be sure, I took <a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/CoNtEstS%2C_GaMes%2C_QuiZzeS/">a test on the website</a> to determine which Middle Sister I really am (I actually discovered I am a Smarty Pants, so there, although I might have some Goodie Two Shoes in me, too : ) <a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/">The Middle Sisters</a>, whose motto is “there’s a bit of middle sister in all of us,</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> even have a cute blog with random – and funny – posts from each of the wine girls, like the time Drama Queen was caught out in public wearing Crocs (<a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/blog_direct_link.cfm/blog_id/35950">she wasn’t happy about it!</a>)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.middlesisterwines.com/custpage.cfm/frm/45152/sec_id/45152/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622194943223372930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_JbeZ3wT4BNdUd-VQq4vOiaLeI8V_Qo5zsNlHMIYPPVW0T6MF_5CSVaGisgrH_VUFCFctv4GMl1ZBXKcU-zwXA8B1HFAcZ2RYnfEh60sBIqPnDHiSe_d3z2gYAngxm8GyHxyFWVE2fj3/s800/HASO_LOGO_2.gif" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />While on the site, I discovered that the Middle Sisters donate to organizations that support and promote sisterhood like <a href="http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dress for Success</span></a> and <a href="http://www.winewomenandshoes.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine, Women & Shoes</span></a>, which produces socially engaging events that combines – you guessed it – shoes, wine and girlfriends to raise funds for women and children’s causes. Well, I’ll drink to that!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.newenglandfinery.com/For-sale-rhinestone-wine-shirts.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622205903565096642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu0vUAjJm6na2BWojMXnoFikbd_uU7nXOlQ-Fusfljxk4Yf1t5dncbNcB7OY0pYg5qXeDiN6Ans29SJgeHtGF66gNZ-EYschhAp_nYS1HpcZmOTiAPf4AzrZ8fyUgvnGhX32KydyLDMsZ/s400/shoes%2526wineTshirt.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And while I don’t have a large supply of either shoes (I’m too practical for that) or wine in my house (if I buy it, I drink it ; ) I do think this t-shirt that Linda Smith picked out to sell at <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Fine Living</span></a> is kinda cute. It is available <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/For-sale-rhinestone-wine-shirts.html">in-store or online</a> and will be seen in the next issue of <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery Magazine</span></a> which, BTW, I am working on as we speak! Look for it hopefully by the end of June along with a new website devoted just to <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery.</span> Obviously I have a lot of work to do over the next five days, so unfortunately I will have to keep my wine drinking to a minimum ; )<br /><br /><br /></span>

The gift of wine

“I have something for you! ” my younger sister exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye one Friday night when I was over her place for a visit. ...

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Top 3 opportunities to give

<span style="font-size:130%;">Whether you give your time or your dollars, or choose to spread the word, there are so many opportunities to give. Here are my top three choices for this week ...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/utterly-engaged/shelter-box-usa" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584885684397992818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIiKb0LjEXGGZvEBkJjaslR0Eo5_rJsTlLXfLhQe8fu2Ad1f3DNKbZJltKGDOD04_he_nCMVwOH_pLRTMPb9SpDhnNsMcuuii0HpwLHsoFZzpcCdvP0NBoB0V-MNith6e3hneONncfAlT/s400/forjapan300_250_badge.gif" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Event: <a href="http://www.utterlyengaged.com/for-japan-with-love/">Bloggers Day of Silence and</a><br /><a href="http://www.utterlyengaged.com/for-japan-with-love/">Disaster Relief Collection</a><br /><br />Where: Click here for <a href="http://www.forjapanwithlove.com/">list of participating blogs</a><br /><br />When: Friday, March 18, 2011<br />Collection Dates: March 14-31, 2011<br /><br />Why: All donations will go towards emergency shelter<br />and life saving supplies to Japan via <a href="http://www.shelterbox.org/">Shelterbox</a>.</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLfd9zH24RPNGeWFARv1puEc_fV8g5ex66DgJw-bktPLAUBiKPEYmEbFyXsoxC-L-taMRYHHcuGA2mzBzISPyTEEPFchkOHq_MjhHbq7f1P3eXklTsctNltb3SC-b3nHaR9zwsmpSouy-/s1600/GCI.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shelterbox.org/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584890017403206018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1MGBCb29P0AxbJQZ2LTywx1ybLAVNd_7dHyx3yuwdYhPDIxjux2Bjx6g66yeaZgr4GCLseYF2Zu2bWBUgB3Tb9eBcq_KmfT1UjIA1Kd8U3v5JFeA6ejBR2FssiCP80U81r_D-2ZeF_y2/s400/shelterbox" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 112px;" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelter-Box/268827443036?sk=wall">Like Shelterbox<br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelter-Box/268827443036?sk=wall">on Facebook</a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LfIXrTPteeTZjLCnH2x9HGsy12Y8MxVdJCk-NQ33ak1ZT2Qz791wyrlk3BT2wwEmPh8_kgxQhweXBbHtv3fKdgHp4O-nQFo9ZqL8lN7Xjkwvf6mDbPAdtbOqlFKdYXxLwmaURxIl3uju/s1600/GCI.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.roomtodreamfoundation.org/2011_gala.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584792406926102082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoeB8-VbR3XLUuvckhxC0rCqyt_-WH4mn6ZMrbE6PLzueb4Tf_QOKw2mHAW4nDH8w3a55hY2yG2PEzlYoElpScyuSCEgFWGrGIqIE1sFRDhayopQnf_bOCmlTSXSNrXblHzpWRxqpNUkh/s400/gala2011tktback.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 195px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.roomtodreamfoundation.org/2011_gala.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584792408815255026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRpEH0iyboqbgzR8KxGitkVi3cwUFq2Kzhj5Qx1s6LhM67HHg2uaZ0fx_93PJW1T5137w1sc6J-rOiOYHXnfLOxTEFM_BWQiKqL5xBFfpT1oxnkOJCUt4EDkraM8pPaNk_vCViZL5izpa/s400/gala2011tktfront.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Event: <a href="http://www.roomtodreamfoundation.org/2011_gala.html">Room to Dream Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.roomtodreamfoundation.org/2011_gala.html">Carnival of Dreams</a><br /><br />When: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 7pm<br /><br />Where: <a href="http://www.afhboston.com/directionsandcontact.php">Artists for Humanity</a>,<br />100 West 2nd Street, Boston, MA<br /><br />Why: Donations will help provide chronically ill<br />children with healing environments.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/roomtodream?sk=app_4949752878#%21/roomtodream?sk=wall"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584882106355026642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnjHB5Up25yJN4U4BjfKQPRRoBY7kvuVRrN_Wd1AEQvpVgPdY1Wa6Jyhqb3oudzLF-QmWgWJqZ4VLyCpl_ZDW0D69MEdwsBRm4z2r0INpMEPgs7Dfi3UXsD-ddpEBb9Desy_KBPc296Oy/s400/rtdlogo" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 92px;" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/roomtodream?sk=app_4949752878#%21/roomtodream?sk=wall">Like Room to Dream<br />on Facebook</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.blogspot.com/2011/03/come-to-table.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584879944764262386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v5uU5a0ZJ_TcHKgyMx6DxN2mgHArfvHFgPi_cICFykWdyomlyHbWPBWtnUJr6dyo-NnYcs2zL82CumlCMvwSh0no6aSgxq3OLHl8gYAuimGSIvhOQc8F5Qmgvul7wfSJlyBafok1GCUh/s400/GCfundraiserbutton.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Event: <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.blogspot.com/2011/03/come-to-table.html">Gathering Change Hunger Awareness</a><br /><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.blogspot.com/2011/03/come-to-table.html">Fundraiser Breakfast</a><br /><br />When: Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 9:30am<br /><br />Where: <a href="http://www.thomsoncc.com/">Thomson Country Club</a>,<br />North Reading, MA<br /><br />Why: All donations will support local food pantries<br />and a percentage will be matched by the<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.feinsteinfoundation.org/">Feinstein Foundation</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > One Million Dollar<br />Hunger Challenge</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584883805451514082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLfd9zH24RPNGeWFARv1puEc_fV8g5ex66DgJw-bktPLAUBiKPEYmEbFyXsoxC-L-taMRYHHcuGA2mzBzISPyTEEPFchkOHq_MjhHbq7f1P3eXklTsctNltb3SC-b3nHaR9zwsmpSouy-/s200/GCI.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px;" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/roomtodream?sk=app_4949752878#%21/pages/Gathering-Change-Inc/168454599865240">Like Gathering Change, Inc.<br />on Facebook</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Have a great weekend<br />whatever you do!<br /><br />xoxo yvonne</span><br /></div>

Top 3 opportunities to give

Whether you give your time or your dollars, or choose to spread the word, there are so many opportunities to give. Here are my top three cho...

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Jewelry for a cause ...

<a href="http://makeundermylife.com/about/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529943786571256962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnkEmBJuNo_GD8QT60z8AaEo2xgBIwoam2MMovpijQxSyF6y1xRauxBbR3YQCASNhBWTESiGsK1TpBQ89ZXnrr9Ko8rZUBTBGfKRTdrrM5XaN90TrsCW8geWYLbmuQax-UhTTK-Qmg7OU/s400/MMLAboutSidebar4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 351px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today I’d like to share with you the reason why I am a <a href="http://www.jesslc.com/blogs/news/1649642-become-a-jess-lc-ambassador">JessLC Ambassador</a>. After seeing many design blogs sporting the <a href="http://www.jesslc.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">JessLC</span> </a>ad banner, then reading about the jewelry line and it’s creator, Jess Constable, I found myself following <a href="http://makeundermylife.com/">Jess’s blog</a> on a daily basis to see what she was up to next ... I was curious about her upcoming design collections, but I was also hooked on her “this is what is happening in my life right now” authenticity. The way she candidly shares her ups and downs along with the lessons she has learned on her journey as a jewelry designer, business person, and unique individual had me hooked! </span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/the-good-intention-necklace" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529940635595808530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FJfiqAuYPk7BpShwqE3skETY4wx88nbVu39EjnmZ0MCcfB1PjbEL5lfcRtLrSb9gScY2tAm8M7UxLZzhlaxpsKL24uOt-0b9Bwe0Z45KphnH71V39lc97qXXxt5f8FuV92pUJvUlQvta/s400/SC5_large.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 387px;" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/the-good-intention-necklace">Soc Chic The Good Intention Necklace</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529948992647961970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-iyIZJYfe_EWNj6TMpnAru0UNbhDmldd_nTV6sxkzB-V2ykLbufgeYmkpSDOCFPySQtRhHTESgcv7_db5YpATGvdmlEMLhmzNcAGyhrLLd0joNfsaPmb3Rb17v-bv8_Y4_4n9y7nhleX/s400/GCI.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 222px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And the fact that she created a line of jewelry <a href="http://www.jesslc.com/collections/soc-chic">to promote and benefit social causes</a> was just what I was looking for as a fund-raising item for a local charity that I am involved with, <a href="http://gatheringchangeinc.org/">Gathering Change, Inc.</a> The logo that I designed for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gathering Change</span> has a heart at its center, and the charity’s mission is to help neighbors who are struggling during these challenging economic times. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Good Intention Necklace</span> that Jess has designed is the perfect match for future fund-raising events, and 10% of the sale of each necklace would be donated directly to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gathering Change</span>. I think it would make a thoughtful gift and be a nice way to give to others at the same time. Below are a few more pieces that I love from different collections that Jess has designed. </span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/franklin-dream-bigger-braille-necklace"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529941717572047010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsymBE5uT-uOYmeu4topcBcupSZ3wWAoCpoD3ry29r2_U0qwAdmjK66pAgECzPV5Y6IgFL_LJcoPelJCqDCDw1mSiQUjmRjg61MDX5nAYRkjtm1wuvZflARv11F4sJnaUg2y2M0dE28JYa/s400/dct.JLC.Braille-05-Dream-Bigger.09-28-10_large.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/franklin-dream-bigger-braille-necklace">Franklin Dream Bigger Braille Necklace</a><br /><br />I LOVE this design concept! “Dream Bigger” is actually imprinted in braille on this piece (other pieces include </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">Breathe</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and “Be Present</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;">). How cool to be able to use a necklace as a touchstone!<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/state-thick-cable-and-heart-bracelet"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529942836440036834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qrobdJeeurrVcA1sHx_wSD4qFQDaAT2ZYGHJmVSvhF1DeLTz_4qc31q6fPkig4Lzw2V6KOx9LZHy6ib5Kwfss3Cw4QIMIdEC-jaR2EFzNNWkSgGw0PQwSyaYNapSpwupc9ohZG5oc-nq/s400/CH137_large.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 387px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/state-thick-cable-and-heart-bracelet">State Thick Cable and Heart Bracelet</a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This bracelet is pretty, delicate and strong ...<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">and it also comes in sterling silver.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/division-chevron-earrings"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529942057225074722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgZxa-l4d6tpAT-fc8BKx_okoReIlGuHTcdIKw_4DNQ1dNoEugCF-3dslB12ZR72WFFvPqkgRPfsontRti7tatFM5T-SRMV3Tw63zYm7a7Clu3SeD4OULSweckQw2afG6koLCZpMdbRnH/s400/divisionchevron.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 387px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/division-chevron-earrings">Division Chevron Earrings</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The chevron is a popular design trend right now.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">It always looks stylish and energetic!<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/astor-simple-cable-and-link-bracelet"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529943421079323426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnof7Q0fclDDuxTXuid_BDDQqeRVB7xDFCH2h00Q7HMRq5qvBWh6XRHwKHaptuqR0MUL6Nbz3GJ6uwqJUNFSMi0HtsDv8_WOgARY5DNkA3NFnr3IBSVlPYnNutoP64XGYZuBqj3oocihM/s400/CH138_large.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 387px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.jesslc.com/products/astor-simple-cable-and-link-bracelet">Armitage Simple Cable and Link Bracelet</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love how this bracelet combines both<br />gold and silver.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> It is a great everyday piece<br />that would look good on anyone.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Jess started designing and selling jewelry at the age<br />of 15 (<a href="http://www.jesslc.com/pages/about-jess">read her story here</a>) and her passion for her product is obvious. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Read more about Jess and the inspiration behind her designs by checking out her blog, <a href="http://makeundermylife.com/">Makeunder My Life</a>. While you are there, be sure to check up on her friend and guest blogger, <a href="http://makeundermylife.com/category/dream-reporter/">Piper Toth</a>, who has taken the leap to create a business of her own, named after her blog <a href="http://onesydneyroad.com/blog/">One Sydney Road</a>. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you would like to be a Jess LC Ambassador,<br />contact Jess at jess@jesslc.com</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love being able to support other creative people<br />like Jess, who are doing what they love and<br />are inspiring others to do the same!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://makeundermylife.com/100-jess-lc-ambassador-giveaway/">xoxo</a><br />yvonne</span><br /><br /><br /></div>

Jewelry for a cause ...

Today I’d like to share with you the reason why I am a JessLC Ambassador . After seeing many design blogs sporting the JessLC ad banner, th...

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Rugs as art + Saturday yard sale

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH7CasMvTxc8KE8UIBnr-hIiknYsBqMfjeDAIoqY3XVcknmWT8UOq9OV_gvCKcbtdDoh9K-r7S9HsHQx66TMq9ggT7PvaXm5-eqLVxhWsw3m5O-HzgFGgbX4AvVpDOKZ7sxm7N_8jhec/s1600/carpetedtrunk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483215163136487058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH7CasMvTxc8KE8UIBnr-hIiknYsBqMfjeDAIoqY3XVcknmWT8UOq9OV_gvCKcbtdDoh9K-r7S9HsHQx66TMq9ggT7PvaXm5-eqLVxhWsw3m5O-HzgFGgbX4AvVpDOKZ7sxm7N_8jhec/s400/carpetedtrunk.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A carpet covered trunk from Landry & Acari</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">During the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/north-shore-design-show-preview.html">North Shore Design Show</a> held at the <a href="http://www.wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> in May, I was able to sit in on a number of design lectures that were scheduled over the course of the week. While in attendance, I took lots of notes (along with many snapshots) knowing that I would share what I learned with my blog readers at a later date. Today I will discuss some<br />really large works of art ... </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mdQ6Gdm3J5QSlAJ3qa0Uj4fQFqdb6QHT-Pvgbaz-KVAkh5XdfjaoCsMgNr6AWbNuO8QBZNfbzRcLxfRGb1Tk9MJvWrJfrmudQ8D4uXPn8VTNcKnNK4uvXgGj98V_p59Lb1oWiarPFw4/s1600/weavingLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217265665603122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mdQ6Gdm3J5QSlAJ3qa0Uj4fQFqdb6QHT-Pvgbaz-KVAkh5XdfjaoCsMgNr6AWbNuO8QBZNfbzRcLxfRGb1Tk9MJvWrJfrmudQ8D4uXPn8VTNcKnNK4uvXgGj98V_p59Lb1oWiarPFw4/s400/weavingLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A loom was brought into the museum to<br />demonstrate the art of carpet weaving.</span><br /></span></span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4sdhEBNgLpSHOwzDI3lkY7aNLAy0Q4kchYjR034FYh2eW5g7ER-d9dO8hhGKGu8cWtp2TmpqRuEeWW9D2VkRydebZqeBv7jdIPXcBRJz2wdaXpxtX0gJkLwaZZv1En5RYs4TgzNFNkA/s1600/lionrugLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217291096132690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4sdhEBNgLpSHOwzDI3lkY7aNLAy0Q4kchYjR034FYh2eW5g7ER-d9dO8hhGKGu8cWtp2TmpqRuEeWW9D2VkRydebZqeBv7jdIPXcBRJz2wdaXpxtX0gJkLwaZZv1En5RYs4TgzNFNkA/s400/lionrugLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Jerry Acari holds a Chinese Art Deco carpet designed<br />with</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > what looks like a Guardian Lion or Foo dog.</span><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Many varieties of rugs were displayed from Landry & Acari’s <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/Oriental-Rug-Gallery.php">oriental rug gallery</a>. Jerry Acari, who has been in the rug business for over 40 years, is a noted expert on oriental rugs and often lectures on the who, what, when, where and how behind </span><span style="font-size:130%;">these functional works of art</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. Each piece is representative of quite likely a year or two of concentrated human effort, in which teams of weavers combine their heart, soul and spirit to create their textile masterpieces. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">It really is amazing how much cultural information can be found in each of these carpets, especially if you know what to look for ...<br /></span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquF_c74grYqkB76lvEbxYx63v20dmc5-grcYu48zRIkUdnj10Hmev1ud-WbRXlR1SY9ZKBiaATuuq73Lf3GmgjDnm2EKC5nDMlp7XUXeZPC7eRAP49zqjUyhmGxnCdPu7_JYWCvzrZD8/s1600/artdecoLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhucEyyC4FQrPP35EUzsVzbpwRIIiEcuXM3uWLSz1ybDtqLgof6qN6jaPw4J-5499U8kKKVH7RXTiliMyiqwS9TNw13HXofd34ZkYJuS5lEpPGzWX5yeOCzgv86MnNRd7N2fgVbPD8nk/s1600/sardisLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217672959023490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhucEyyC4FQrPP35EUzsVzbpwRIIiEcuXM3uWLSz1ybDtqLgof6qN6jaPw4J-5499U8kKKVH7RXTiliMyiqwS9TNw13HXofd34ZkYJuS5lEpPGzWX5yeOCzgv86MnNRd7N2fgVbPD8nk/s400/sardisLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I like how this Sardis carpet from India and the<br />old-fashioned jar of marbles on a sill in the<br />lecture room shared the same colorways. </span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1TH-UiS1FJVx_cUFy1bP_mx-e5YLHbvoUHmST85W7K4vcABqjwsVb0leh7zrDegTumVfhRKim4qFVFvslzJhVkU0MIVsp4G0MjXi7FEjrHFriEf8fhe1KzlL61VLOmoU4SGCrlgwbMU/s1600/marblesWenham.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217514107724930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1TH-UiS1FJVx_cUFy1bP_mx-e5YLHbvoUHmST85W7K4vcABqjwsVb0leh7zrDegTumVfhRKim4qFVFvslzJhVkU0MIVsp4G0MjXi7FEjrHFriEf8fhe1KzlL61VLOmoU4SGCrlgwbMU/s400/marblesWenham.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5DrzuZODpy5asNcdLBh5vlHN08yk9yf3CgmVa0QtELoDWjXlp_ZVHzs0oL5i6xnG1wcqSDchlIpwaAHNsgmBhELXm-xX_lqfW7GiGwuQiV_ESiUj5jWjtYXrwa8u7Fa3wZPZVBGPuD8/s1600/landriacaripattern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZmmpa0xyCb9-VVeTZgkXbHx95XJt2GH7S3IaK6gn66b0cI9z3miSFl8TCoVAB8efX4CAvlm8sLVdmSV3FQp-l0T_P8QA58bUruK06C6wlyrxjpMiI5OxfsxHUEWW9ItKloXMDxIs_iE/s1600/saroukLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484309227373374418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZmmpa0xyCb9-VVeTZgkXbHx95XJt2GH7S3IaK6gn66b0cI9z3miSFl8TCoVAB8efX4CAvlm8sLVdmSV3FQp-l0T_P8QA58bUruK06C6wlyrxjpMiI5OxfsxHUEWW9ItKloXMDxIs_iE/s400/saroukLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Persian Sarouk,<br />circa 1915</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1raVYyl-dO3ZhpPHoeXfV9GNTZbAzmqbq6U2Z0EblidG2Fpwt5IoyQEh6YSUXDtLDiXswByGSpugxOvum5gR3fNUhQW_zWcNXE66ldIusf4MTFF4SpaCZ2ciuALQqh7vjkBmnLjgOJY/s1600/redpaisleyrunnerLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484336790309136802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1raVYyl-dO3ZhpPHoeXfV9GNTZbAzmqbq6U2Z0EblidG2Fpwt5IoyQEh6YSUXDtLDiXswByGSpugxOvum5gR3fNUhQW_zWcNXE66ldIusf4MTFF4SpaCZ2ciuALQqh7vjkBmnLjgOJY/s400/redpaisleyrunnerLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaSLYV_Dbg7S5d3CCsRJDnQTbDZ2dtbxwEm3ufbvBQEo5Q0jHcrwU7vh0x8LVuf6peB0kRrcjB4t6xq9si3Tjg6FlhHjGvqJglY2BWFfaUvJPFKSTxrYml3KRwOUxvbHAQ44adF1c8qc/s1600/redpaisleyLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In general, carpets that are produced by hand are often more visually interesting than those produced to the exact standards and measurements of a machine. Sometimes there will be a change in thread color (the weaver ran out of the original choice), or different types of wool may be used depending on market availability at the time, and some carpet ends may even stop short pattern-wise because the rug makers were ready to call it a day! Modern carpet makers, like Karastan, often try to emulate these unplanned –<br />yet distinctive – pattern variations.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquF_c74grYqkB76lvEbxYx63v20dmc5-grcYu48zRIkUdnj10Hmev1ud-WbRXlR1SY9ZKBiaATuuq73Lf3GmgjDnm2EKC5nDMlp7XUXeZPC7eRAP49zqjUyhmGxnCdPu7_JYWCvzrZD8/s1600/artdecoLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217679164806962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquF_c74grYqkB76lvEbxYx63v20dmc5-grcYu48zRIkUdnj10Hmev1ud-WbRXlR1SY9ZKBiaATuuq73Lf3GmgjDnm2EKC5nDMlp7XUXeZPC7eRAP49zqjUyhmGxnCdPu7_JYWCvzrZD8/s400/artdecoLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">This Art Deco carpet from Turkey<br />dates back to around 1925</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3RwjCHBfyoiZDQr0h_tFu0_5avUEPS_DArAp5zX1sBtgqAtH5hzbfbfLJPIzz3OhQQQhxi4DKS3_cGoJJWq9W5bSEow4VM-Z656k8laVqepf2mgmaMAdCLkgaigzhMMtaJ0QxWyJ144/s1600/cityLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217012757281442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3RwjCHBfyoiZDQr0h_tFu0_5avUEPS_DArAp5zX1sBtgqAtH5hzbfbfLJPIzz3OhQQQhxi4DKS3_cGoJJWq9W5bSEow4VM-Z656k8laVqepf2mgmaMAdCLkgaigzhMMtaJ0QxWyJ144/s400/cityLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />In the photo above, the rug in the center, with its symmetrical and curvilinear pattern, is called a “city</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> rug. City rugs are created in heavily populated areas that are exposed to the influence of a<br />variety of world markets.<br /></span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5DrzuZODpy5asNcdLBh5vlHN08yk9yf3CgmVa0QtELoDWjXlp_ZVHzs0oL5i6xnG1wcqSDchlIpwaAHNsgmBhELXm-xX_lqfW7GiGwuQiV_ESiUj5jWjtYXrwa8u7Fa3wZPZVBGPuD8/s1600/landriacaripattern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57VLNM4L-5IVfBTPD8udfB8esUifeDuS228_fnJWfZAwwtaN7y1BxJ9wMezvzJ7pvUdIMDvaAXPanDHoKCCdtohNIjm6gZbvj4kGbkbH_URJtClpZ2LWHiZsvzNVvgp7z9L7_Jt60JWM/s1600/karabaghLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217493684587586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57VLNM4L-5IVfBTPD8udfB8esUifeDuS228_fnJWfZAwwtaN7y1BxJ9wMezvzJ7pvUdIMDvaAXPanDHoKCCdtohNIjm6gZbvj4kGbkbH_URJtClpZ2LWHiZsvzNVvgp7z9L7_Jt60JWM/s400/karabaghLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">tribal” rug is often asymmetrical in pattern, with a wool foundation, done in a wide variety of colors. This type of carpet, like the Karabagh from Azerbejan above, is more representative of family or tribal influences over outside markets.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg76AeYbdQYz539mfhXDtpyDAcovRDo1HI3O_PqUVWo5qPPt0jJDobm0bEde4W-7h86_EklSP3xAW3Af2Z6rzXAaaecK4hw6C3aSDR3WIIw5DhieWmZdCTrJOGrx3Lv0kDaFCwj-UaB0/s1600/suzani.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217280585498738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg76AeYbdQYz539mfhXDtpyDAcovRDo1HI3O_PqUVWo5qPPt0jJDobm0bEde4W-7h86_EklSP3xAW3Af2Z6rzXAaaecK4hw6C3aSDR3WIIw5DhieWmZdCTrJOGrx3Lv0kDaFCwj-UaB0/s400/suzani.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This wool and silk Suzani tapestry was created by a tribe in Turkmenistan and features fine needlework and brilliant colors. Bold geometric patterns like this are a popular trend in design right now.</span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mdQ6Gdm3J5QSlAJ3qa0Uj4fQFqdb6QHT-Pvgbaz-KVAkh5XdfjaoCsMgNr6AWbNuO8QBZNfbzRcLxfRGb1Tk9MJvWrJfrmudQ8D4uXPn8VTNcKnNK4uvXgGj98V_p59Lb1oWiarPFw4/s1600/weavingLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_7cIOZcV70AjmGBRdP851re87OaND__VmXJGcI8PRaA9TgUx3zvEKlz4Vw_9B-0G-1PHY9J0i7QnXuqG5nX1L6U1zg7eNw-JgrHUOHt7mNmWkP_Ue7HvNxG3MniOCGyr_WGiURyAi18/s1600/bridalLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217262988035714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_7cIOZcV70AjmGBRdP851re87OaND__VmXJGcI8PRaA9TgUx3zvEKlz4Vw_9B-0G-1PHY9J0i7QnXuqG5nX1L6U1zg7eNw-JgrHUOHt7mNmWkP_Ue7HvNxG3MniOCGyr_WGiURyAi18/s400/bridalLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A bridal spread (used for a newly married couples bed) is created by village women combining pieces cut from their embroidered shawls, stitching them<br />together with golden threads.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l4IV2lwaa2QKi-1rZ3DHTqDcl3Z0vfu3hT_jLSmoykC0iB2lm0I6mY5MFtC3aXX200aK4tlPhf-04-euc_23aYBczmYm8rnMJkJKQqzugGR31_G0UETCeZRutjt1mkmFyiJ_gkbPHac/s1600/tribalLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217019002352498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l4IV2lwaa2QKi-1rZ3DHTqDcl3Z0vfu3hT_jLSmoykC0iB2lm0I6mY5MFtC3aXX200aK4tlPhf-04-euc_23aYBczmYm8rnMJkJKQqzugGR31_G0UETCeZRutjt1mkmFyiJ_gkbPHac/s400/tribalLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Rugs often have different looks from one end to the other. On the one above, you can see how the color of the flowers in the center rectangle are lighter at the bottom, with more pinks and whites, while the top has more navy and scarlet blossoms. When you lay a carpet in your space, walk around it and take a good look from each angle before deciding upon final placement. The effect of light and dark can be dramatically different! Inquire about taking a carpet home to see how it looks in your home before purchasing ... it is the best way to know for sure if a rug will work with your design plan.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aRQjAV4u5mN4xn7oQq_SOPQzKRlDbbMmeXh-0nNMqsSzfZs07eeV4G3Plewt6YR4FXgBPZQRhmEhLXs-brqFL1jmS2Bo0PBBkUdh4n7pE4eSVpxg9I9JiLjfzIp5H6x8VL3z60RGGLU/s1600/redcarpetLA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217008847954610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aRQjAV4u5mN4xn7oQq_SOPQzKRlDbbMmeXh-0nNMqsSzfZs07eeV4G3Plewt6YR4FXgBPZQRhmEhLXs-brqFL1jmS2Bo0PBBkUdh4n7pE4eSVpxg9I9JiLjfzIp5H6x8VL3z60RGGLU/s400/redcarpetLA.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">An interesting story:</span> S</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ynthetic red dye was often applied by hand and paint brush to the tips of each carpet strand of a multitude of imported rust colored Sarouk rugs over a period of twenty years that were originally ordered to be an oriental red (the rose colored strands unexpectedly changed to rust as a result of alkaline in the finishing process). Then in the 1990’s, these same rugs were often stripped back to their original rust colorings by a company that is still based in Poughkeepsie, NY. Trends come and go, but it seems a well-made oriental will last forever!<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5DrzuZODpy5asNcdLBh5vlHN08yk9yf3CgmVa0QtELoDWjXlp_ZVHzs0oL5i6xnG1wcqSDchlIpwaAHNsgmBhELXm-xX_lqfW7GiGwuQiV_ESiUj5jWjtYXrwa8u7Fa3wZPZVBGPuD8/s1600/landriacaripattern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217497092901538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5DrzuZODpy5asNcdLBh5vlHN08yk9yf3CgmVa0QtELoDWjXlp_ZVHzs0oL5i6xnG1wcqSDchlIpwaAHNsgmBhELXm-xX_lqfW7GiGwuQiV_ESiUj5jWjtYXrwa8u7Fa3wZPZVBGPuD8/s400/landriacaripattern.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >This carpet was custom-designed by Landry & Acari to coordinate with the colors and design of an oriental pattern. This is a good way to add a<br />modern look to a traditionally-styled room. </span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Today’s technology of communicating via the internet has considerably decreased the production time of carpets made over seas, not to mention it is easier to achieve the desired end result when images can be sent back and forth with the click of a mouse! It is not unusual to see a tent on-site with a computer set up so that the rug foreman can relay design and pattern information to the talented team of weavers. If you were to order a custom rug today, you are likely to receive it in 4 to 5 months instead of having to wait years for your work of art to arrive.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Think of the design possibilities!<br /><br /><br />To read more about Landry & Acari and their<br />commitment to their community, <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/AboutUs.php">click here</a>.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/AboutUs.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484476547493951010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1uTkCG23NDCNuiTDpicBuGxrOBT6k3B0Cc9FYFN0wNWnLRms8e_NQJHrjDfQj9Ap5rmihYJ81V3bPEWiRU9FUrM-FDf1VLFEAPjVBlXreaUoa5GEQBPMCHloRVi3WKeMOUP2zoBMT3s/s400/Barakat-Jeff-Arcari-Bhadohi-India.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For information about the <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/about.php?cid=1">Good Weave</a> campaign that works to end <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/index.php?cid=28">illegal child labor</a> in the carpet industry and the companies that support the mission of<br />the Good Weave program, <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/index.php?cid=24">click here</a>.<br /><br />To donate to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Barakatworld</span>, an organization working in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Boston to support the education of children and women of carpet-weaving communities by building schools and providing free education, visit <a href="http://barakatworld.org/">Barakatworld.org</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryFocus.php?f=Footstools&pic=9&max=18" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484322169551324578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp20kK0O9lNRCc_Vs3lWtK3qvrBKH6UtMdxrW9C4zUDxNqpTnrk89wwDoX6y6spQJ_KVdvLuqtD-kMLbAZyZGHlmw6hEU1CIWDM6l0UH8xfLGkDcHqCp-F8ZlM8E3oe6XTxvQA8ByK8p8/s400/Kilim-Footstool-10-84.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryFocus.php?f=Footstools&pic=9&max=18"></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And don’t forget, carpets<br />aren’t just for floors!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryFocus.php?f=Footstools&pic=9&max=18">Kilim Footstool</a> from Landry & Acari</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For ten tips on choosing</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">the right carpet, <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/Carpet-Buying-Tips.php">click here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH7CasMvTxc8KE8UIBnr-hIiknYsBqMfjeDAIoqY3XVcknmWT8UOq9OV_gvCKcbtdDoh9K-r7S9HsHQx66TMq9ggT7PvaXm5-eqLVxhWsw3m5O-HzgFGgbX4AvVpDOKZ7sxm7N_8jhec/s1600/carpetedtrunk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/Rug-Carpet-Sale.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217701190415666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtlYeMUaPUFjBWahCIxa881egscSD-SX32TwNCC_qcpeMqRKOsO79dZLs8jjKT026O7lxc-VoMXz8try_1TZyRlvVIi2G5mjNbA9U9QW7IjDgp9z52iui0HCgbGVAeayfqMBPVEdxklw/s400/Rug-Carpet-Sale.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 164px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />If you are local and in the market for a new rug, head over to the <a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/Rug-Carpet-Sale.php">one-day yard sale</a> that Landry & Acari is participating in at the Beverly Depot parking lot (Saturday, June 19th only). Maybe you will find the perfect combination of pattern and color that you have been looking for? You will surely find some beautiful carpets worth a closer look. Also at the sale: Circle Furniture, Designer Bath, and Moynihan Lumber. I just might have to head over myself since our kitchen and bath are still gutted without anything to put in them! <a href="http://beverlyyardsale.com/pictures.html">Click here</a> for photos from last years sale.<br />Happy hunting!<br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/index.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217697609259522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm1G573zPA8J4e5Fw4rWLKi4ab-dpzyRz5i-Yavlh1Xi33KUL7Wg_sVXL3Z_nK85CDR14v8r1o_1d53ZdXzHXGDV42E5SyH-gpUXCQlD5uEp66W5AZLJ07Wbddgb6NMxJxX1shmUfVdE/s400/Landry-And-Arcari-Logo.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 67px;" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OmBQVdpmTKdfutXHCiiUFY9ZuzpKI5IzRcTaKGUibtaglxMUWx_5qjMcXyfChO4aKlThn0b72rCAgGLf2Pk9YhLJaqhXetxnooRL1HAqryuMJVPLIbVSWZg0d1uBqZEPoC-PF5j2aXY/s1600/writingmyname.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217276976292354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OmBQVdpmTKdfutXHCiiUFY9ZuzpKI5IzRcTaKGUibtaglxMUWx_5qjMcXyfChO4aKlThn0b72rCAgGLf2Pk9YhLJaqhXetxnooRL1HAqryuMJVPLIbVSWZg0d1uBqZEPoC-PF5j2aXY/s400/writingmyname.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT0Pw8wBP_gpDys9EET9sgSoHw8jifQm2O9FPGoaLLPdPsYRAahYa33l2Fq7qDhBA0J1tkmNthReWmWJ4VTSkDUmjsKMqJrKi76qwNonIii9NpLYP14Zv5X6EI6rshFsxW9mqfOj6Duw/s1600/nameintibetan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483217683620969298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT0Pw8wBP_gpDys9EET9sgSoHw8jifQm2O9FPGoaLLPdPsYRAahYa33l2Fq7qDhBA0J1tkmNthReWmWJ4VTSkDUmjsKMqJrKi76qwNonIii9NpLYP14Zv5X6EI6rshFsxW9mqfOj6Duw/s400/nameintibetan.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>

Rugs as art + Saturday yard sale

A carpet covered trunk from Landry & Acari During the North Shore Design Show held at the Wenham Museum in May, I was able to sit in o...

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10 Steps to a Perfect Room

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhC4xeKiF6TMxKUvmPE164Zb0LZ0SVlOakt9dARjMXxvGuaaCdJ6TTI-g1jb6B_vBqjYE6uZ9z8pEY4v7VlR74ih6e9TYmRe476YzCCeRlZN4eGFy9CXvObIf57jodfiLQcIG_FGSVxU/s1600/sallyandpaula10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202905598345842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhC4xeKiF6TMxKUvmPE164Zb0LZ0SVlOakt9dARjMXxvGuaaCdJ6TTI-g1jb6B_vBqjYE6uZ9z8pEY4v7VlR74ih6e9TYmRe476YzCCeRlZN4eGFy9CXvObIf57jodfiLQcIG_FGSVxU/s400/sallyandpaula10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sally Morse of Hunter Douglas with</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Paula Bakies of Acorn Interiors</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br />Recently I was a guest at a design presentation at the <a href="http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/BOSAM/planameeting/main.wnt">Wyndham</a> Andover hosted by Paula Bakies of <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a>. To a full house, she presented guest speaker <a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn">Sally Morse</a>, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas, who shared her design tips on how to<br />create a perfect room, in ten simple steps.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRTvBsZsoyNmBUdQDpMyHoYDhTqSteGSqrtRroXcGJhvpJ8UXTTWD7R0jK7i2WiPuGZhc-Rk42A4yW4TEIHnRJEL0rE23ZB87Trpsukyn4O8Rsm5C0IojX_y4SPsz5OsucAFq59eIwQ/s1600/deniseinpink10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202574300823810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRTvBsZsoyNmBUdQDpMyHoYDhTqSteGSqrtRroXcGJhvpJ8UXTTWD7R0jK7i2WiPuGZhc-Rk42A4yW4TEIHnRJEL0rE23ZB87Trpsukyn4O8Rsm5C0IojX_y4SPsz5OsucAFq59eIwQ/s400/deniseinpink10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Guest Denise McCarthy looks right on trend<br />in stylish hot pink, black and white.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGp1PtyAZqGv_xCnDmsQPZh3Z_SrOkw9FgVx93T97TjxtFkaT2dcBCNTCZPGVV9UL4_Oon575rST2Ohr6Osq6gj2U4MZxjYXXm-ZdD6YEqwU1jNswqCYToxXgzehiZp-VuXj5Ha9722E/s1600/ottomanPB10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202897777948994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGp1PtyAZqGv_xCnDmsQPZh3Z_SrOkw9FgVx93T97TjxtFkaT2dcBCNTCZPGVV9UL4_Oon575rST2Ohr6Osq6gj2U4MZxjYXXm-ZdD6YEqwU1jNswqCYToxXgzehiZp-VuXj5Ha9722E/s400/ottomanPB10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The tables were decorated with custom ottomans designed by Paula which were raffled off at the end of the evening. My favorite (shown above) was a stylish combination of animal print fabrics. Other raffles included select items from guest vendors like Donna Dreher of <a href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Spa_Couture.html">Threads Couture </a>who specializes in custom embroidery. She has helped me on many occasions with <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/search/label/Stevens%20Estate">my design projects</a> just as <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/designers-before-and-after.html">Paula has</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6_kUo7QdAaxDZfZHW0ptR242RAgwiF29KCfchcoGWg1VisHvQIGl5IaUxO4wZIEX3C0NTJqHlYkbjhnWbBa2VgT5xnGMLi-gXONuru_CISjkIPobQmxsY_mEzTSdC2kAIoBWpUvwo94/s1600/donnaTC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483728666277759314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6_kUo7QdAaxDZfZHW0ptR242RAgwiF29KCfchcoGWg1VisHvQIGl5IaUxO4wZIEX3C0NTJqHlYkbjhnWbBa2VgT5xnGMLi-gXONuru_CISjkIPobQmxsY_mEzTSdC2kAIoBWpUvwo94/s400/donnaTC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW23GoTwKIwjpT5-29rZ497MD9WA-tn4DkF5FBV3HGWyH6PbEaaWBYKFZO5jlpLURtro-mCKiF6trhLosyvS8AuLRhIWXqVAghQmr11yNgwlj7vsZkueBTx6L91cqKBx7SGLKAfAVaQI/s1600/threads10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202577638297346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW23GoTwKIwjpT5-29rZ497MD9WA-tn4DkF5FBV3HGWyH6PbEaaWBYKFZO5jlpLURtro-mCKiF6trhLosyvS8AuLRhIWXqVAghQmr11yNgwlj7vsZkueBTx6L91cqKBx7SGLKAfAVaQI/s400/threads10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A beautiful side table was sent home with one lucky guest, courtesy of <a href="http://www.toddfrancisconstruction.com/">Todd Francis Construction</a> and <a href="http://francisrestoration.com/">Francis Restoration</a> of Hampstead, NH.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRtOv-HlGNUIYfBX5MWluERxk5uBR6gHJPv6X75dwJtW6ucToSN99O-nZM4hNiBWWoB7bcUUQcJmCHEQEShYz46Kn8D-rewDGIGOUWITuRYCIx4qo9PnRmrR8J4ek43Wcuk0oXfxx30/s1600/theguys10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202893868591346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRtOv-HlGNUIYfBX5MWluERxk5uBR6gHJPv6X75dwJtW6ucToSN99O-nZM4hNiBWWoB7bcUUQcJmCHEQEShYz46Kn8D-rewDGIGOUWITuRYCIx4qo9PnRmrR8J4ek43Wcuk0oXfxx30/s400/theguys10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCJl-tso9tBbDLt1LjroZyMNtoMlvFsKGiA28C24XgQ9DiqGPVkAQEq2w-3ujZTsb5bs9WqUn63TrD-wrd2kF_pnj6NdmcmWMNApSJxjLXWM7H8hASFCi3WkRxJk0y91i6JzXvhww3Js/s1600/table1_10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202885397720370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCJl-tso9tBbDLt1LjroZyMNtoMlvFsKGiA28C24XgQ9DiqGPVkAQEq2w-3ujZTsb5bs9WqUn63TrD-wrd2kF_pnj6NdmcmWMNApSJxjLXWM7H8hASFCi3WkRxJk0y91i6JzXvhww3Js/s400/table1_10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q_Bk4o7gazgy08NAl3qjnxIzM9CUgBKjG0GzTr9Dwkg2PAkSYJXizZ-4T5a-55jOW0J0PUYfkl2BlS9KBk0mXxuLuPHbsnHjbhuI3J-aidGn0_75ZU0Z1qgWZZZ9zC0H4oxguVew8D8/s1600/table2_10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483745195696100722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z-PyCa_6FfIX5PHjh5NYedzvVu0tdcBkB72MskRu5TNJswRvIK81CISmEX2_xaTTV1q6nulYnzQ0g__kNyNZJpkPHLW6vdT1YuFAHjbn23SgCR4Z6NW7KxmZpINrboHIzcFQs5Yvu1Y/s320/metamorphosislogo.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Katie Blue Nagy and Elaine Trepiccio, the talented designers behind <a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/">metamorphosis art & design</a> gave away a highly coveted lazy susan from their design collection. Here are some more unique items that they show at their Andover location ...<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKvveCwMXX5IpU_wTHcNkvZvVCjGqpbFkvjKrGHPEfVCGRE-x05riArLuqwxXjjFHWEr0ICSLw5uN77ppECEM3NhKGR3Na5__4342WDeOn8-9km5xmloxm1kmkJ8IFVoXvp9cuXSzRWk/s1600/metamorphosis_10steps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483728654316316802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKvveCwMXX5IpU_wTHcNkvZvVCjGqpbFkvjKrGHPEfVCGRE-x05riArLuqwxXjjFHWEr0ICSLw5uN77ppECEM3NhKGR3Na5__4342WDeOn8-9km5xmloxm1kmkJ8IFVoXvp9cuXSzRWk/s400/metamorphosis_10steps.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/">www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com</a><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLsFuW8Y_I-hCiyS1mQdz5OrFZQBLa_q6RB0Yz2dhP5J3OZSxQchevjwwK9lAsungUJeiPXp9JpTRC0mhEL94qTrgOPzDClPwt6F4dJ0ysT4Kyuvbk7IgNLFdyY6yq9p9h_fAYgG7zlM/s1600/DHS_Postcard1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oB-LfRjAaCHdju9jb9v4W1gWTgwiDFIruBwEQwjHT-4RXiGmIWZLEVKGxeT-AkVB4ViqiOrSgBlbUa6gVdd0HeP13Am3sfWzB2zEWC8R3Ypz-bpB4I5mpbfJk0KmHroQ7SfWj1nZNxw/s1600/danversshowhouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483833870696388290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oB-LfRjAaCHdju9jb9v4W1gWTgwiDFIruBwEQwjHT-4RXiGmIWZLEVKGxeT-AkVB4ViqiOrSgBlbUa6gVdd0HeP13Am3sfWzB2zEWC8R3Ypz-bpB4I5mpbfJk0KmHroQ7SfWj1nZNxw/s400/danversshowhouse.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And I am sending one lucky winner two complimentary tickets to visit the summer design show house that I am participating in at Tapley Hall in Danvers to benefit the Danvers Historical Society. <a href="http://eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=DHS">Reflecting on Danvers History through Interior Design</a> runs from July 11th through August 1st and will have thirteen designed spaces, a boutique of designer items for purchase, and special events scheduled at <a href="http://www.glenmagnafarms.org/">Glen Magna Farms</a>, another Danvers historical property.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are just some of the ten steps that Sally<br />shared with the audience (after a delicious<br />meal and yummy dessert, I must add!) ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Iowi1M3UjzYOLmyAlbTqP3J0OiDr4vH_Qp9xM0_7fIBTaB9ehdGb1jEYmNetDa5plLLtAHIVDlPKk9K9cd52JB9a56Ud5qYRqw4vXcODb98nImlWIOCX5Y2mOe7urlQYVfCP9KFcso/s1600/sallyspeaking10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202554197910386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Iowi1M3UjzYOLmyAlbTqP3J0OiDr4vH_Qp9xM0_7fIBTaB9ehdGb1jEYmNetDa5plLLtAHIVDlPKk9K9cd52JB9a56Ud5qYRqw4vXcODb98nImlWIOCX5Y2mOe7urlQYVfCP9KFcso/s400/sallyspeaking10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Be inspired ...</span> Start with an inspiration print/fabric to set the tone and build the color scheme of the room. Using three colors in a space will add the most interest, whether you choose complimentary or contrasting colors. The key is using the right proportion (one color being the star, the other<br />two as supporting characters).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Set the stage for conversation ...</span> Create conversation areas with your furniture placement. Avoid placing furniture up against the wall, bring pieces closer to each other, and always have a table for your guests to set a drink on : )<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Illuminate your space ...</span> By strategically placing light in the corners of a room, even a small space is visually enlarged. Using lamps in unusual places – like on a kitchen counter – add an inviting softness and ambiance to a utilitarian room.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Use window treatments ...</span> to define your decorating style while adding privacy, safety and security to your home (an often overlooked benefit!) Well designed treatments add value to your home while reducing energy costs by cooling a house in summer and keeping out drafts in the cold of winter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Add yourself to the space ...</span> Use design trends as a guide, but don’t forget to include the objects and mementos that are personal to you. They tell your unique story and make your house your home.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5s1oBw3cQ4APJ2YtgivdoIiGPsaHz2QEcUlq52WdieLU-qDlcjkkFh7Fqpm-owbqFACY84qGfqqxEbIThqdnARIXBxftlZDnDkTcpsRGeokkyDT0A1qbLpJ9dA7SJgBQQSBhDSSP-3s/s1600/toys-registration10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202560519398514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5s1oBw3cQ4APJ2YtgivdoIiGPsaHz2QEcUlq52WdieLU-qDlcjkkFh7Fqpm-owbqFACY84qGfqqxEbIThqdnARIXBxftlZDnDkTcpsRGeokkyDT0A1qbLpJ9dA7SJgBQQSBhDSSP-3s/s400/toys-registration10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Summer toys were donated by each guest to benefit the children of <a href="http://www.lazarushouse.org/Donations/default.asp">Lazarus House</a> in Lawrence, a charitable organization that provides food, clothing, shelter, job training and medical assistance to local families struggling to meet their day-to-day needs.<br />To support their mission of helping others to move beyond poverty, <a href="http://www.lazarushouse.org/Donations/CashGifts.asp">click here</a>.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483771064196297858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFkbO1CSDl8rroZYZNZYxdIRZDr0orjwHc88dIsDO3tTPLFVTbIgQPpGiKlJ8TV863IFa1YatKxeVfcEBMwnk2l_WauiwP3Fvi0NmdpvKeu1rwYXPiZA_vK3YRdkMyR-5FhYsQhsbw9I/s320/sallyandjen.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 142px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have design questions of your own, take a trip over to the Hunter Douglas website where Sally and her daughter Jen <a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn">answer any design questions</a> sent their way! Sally will be back in New England in July, and has generously offered a free consultation to anyone who donates $250.00 to Lazarus House, the charity chosen to benefit from the nights event.<br /><br />If you are local and would like more details about this special offer, please contact Paula at <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Thank you, Sally, for sharing what you know in such an entertaining way! And thank you, Paula, for hosting such a fabulous event, and for always helping to make my spaces – and the homes of my clients – look picture perfect!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > xo yvonne</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div>

10 Steps to a Perfect Room

Sally Morse of Hunter Douglas with Paula Bakies of Acorn Interiors Recently I was a guest at a design presentation at the Wyndham Andover ...

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