Designing your best life

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiESjBkOGEF6JuthiwM_-02u4iuOYst02A7zV22T3unEaVbtAXxSlPfG8Dc5PP2GC2g-twTR3oghX0h7mNk4eM5Y6AIzFX1iIsZJd83fqtBZJjqDPGK8wej-v4ZdM0iNgeFbZLPHvdBc/s1600/ginnyandsusan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466848850437422322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiESjBkOGEF6JuthiwM_-02u4iuOYst02A7zV22T3unEaVbtAXxSlPfG8Dc5PP2GC2g-twTR3oghX0h7mNk4eM5Y6AIzFX1iIsZJd83fqtBZJjqDPGK8wej-v4ZdM0iNgeFbZLPHvdBc/s400/ginnyandsusan.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 400px;" /></a>Fashion Coach <a href="http://www.agreatnewlook.com/">Susan Kanoff</a> and<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Professional Life Coach <a href="http://www.coachginny.com/">Ginny Williams</a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Do you ever feel that life is pulling you in many directions, but you just don’t know which way you are headed? And then to top it off, you can’t imagine what to wear when you get there?? </span><span style="font-size:130%;">This past Saturday, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">fashion expert Susan Kanoff and professional life coach Ginny Williams teamed up to present<br />their best tips on how to get closer to finding the answers in a life changing workshop titled<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />“<a href="http://reinventingyourself.eventbrite.com/">Reinventing Yourself from the Inside Out</a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >”</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwfsxPd3-AANyLSj6rgdVqDCPWYY-urcUipwb0KwX5nDyqVEk2ioBLidhMRj6PljlErwGb335dNRt-q2mwNeZHYHkGfym1PgKZZaZrCuQCgn2NGO0Uxu0kvX6e6y-gKHovvBLG8Fmh7E/s1600/SusanKanoff-headerpic01.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466847637780776994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwfsxPd3-AANyLSj6rgdVqDCPWYY-urcUipwb0KwX5nDyqVEk2ioBLidhMRj6PljlErwGb335dNRt-q2mwNeZHYHkGfym1PgKZZaZrCuQCgn2NGO0Uxu0kvX6e6y-gKHovvBLG8Fmh7E/s400/SusanKanoff-headerpic01.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 120px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">These women are truly passionate about helping their clients to make life choices with confidence ... w</span><span style="font-size:130%;">hether those choices involve balancing work and family, dealing with a major life change (or two or three), creating a stylish wardrobe, or just trying to get to the bottom of “what is it that makes me happy and how do I create more of that while weeding out the stuff I don’t like?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I think we all have those days when we wish there were some signs along our personal journey that could clarify things a bit like </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“Don’t take that job ... it’s a dead end</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> or </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“Put that dress back on the rack, you’ll never feel comfortable wearing it and<br />I don’t care if it is on sale!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-tGZKir8T6JtbWlV3q51oyUdtQs6MBnpoMlMJCkD6bLp25C1ln1CDbPJPim8bh5yRDZ3yVRGZzHme78uG3ULZTi8GX8-ty1gPxp8zjWJGh1rJHj1tJ7SwOOGejQhyphenhyphenj31Y92G0vOxuXc/s1600/maria.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466844697486479602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-tGZKir8T6JtbWlV3q51oyUdtQs6MBnpoMlMJCkD6bLp25C1ln1CDbPJPim8bh5yRDZ3yVRGZzHme78uG3ULZTi8GX8-ty1gPxp8zjWJGh1rJHj1tJ7SwOOGejQhyphenhyphenj31Y92G0vOxuXc/s400/maria.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A great example of a stylish outfit that</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> flatters,<br />worn by audience member Maria Markey.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMPsRkn0SpPqTnh1EuTmH4iIJ86zx3R3-GAwF7bkw9Pite-9tWrDL359mddacjjT-sdxtcE_N5nr0gAQ-C3WPH4WViDKpUf100XpID8r_0FjuxIeJJea5cw_uOt6G0akG0ZhI56_vd4s/s1600/susanstable.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466844161236792930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMPsRkn0SpPqTnh1EuTmH4iIJ86zx3R3-GAwF7bkw9Pite-9tWrDL359mddacjjT-sdxtcE_N5nr0gAQ-C3WPH4WViDKpUf100XpID8r_0FjuxIeJJea5cw_uOt6G0akG0ZhI56_vd4s/s400/susanstable.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Some of Susan’s wardrobe staples:</span><br />fashion tape to discreetly secure what is loose,<br />wrinkle spray to smooth things over,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />a craft box to store jewelry tangle-free,<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">and a stylish black wedge to look good on the go.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBqZ_6JMZdTQm8REb7u9THswyNulWoxfk0SG09-xdDM0CDYr7hyphenhyphenlpJlH6tfN2fZMNHCMXifjuaQNYCcUyJ6E8fpqcwGZQpXCiqd-1ujEJlg6R6dV6EaJyPu_jp9_pw6am3JEGPx4sZtE/s1600/ginnyandkathleen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466844150572485138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBqZ_6JMZdTQm8REb7u9THswyNulWoxfk0SG09-xdDM0CDYr7hyphenhyphenlpJlH6tfN2fZMNHCMXifjuaQNYCcUyJ6E8fpqcwGZQpXCiqd-1ujEJlg6R6dV6EaJyPu_jp9_pw6am3JEGPx4sZtE/s400/ginnyandkathleen.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Coach Ginny with<br />Kathleen Rose-Johnsen<br />of </span><a href="http://koolkatdesign.com/" style="font-style: italic;">KoolKat Design</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> While a lot of us go to friends or family when we need our most urgent questions answered like “does this outfit make me look ... ?” </span><span style="font-size:130%;">there are times when a fresh perspective from a non-related person is in order! I have discussed personal goal setting with Ginny on many occasions. She has really helped me to focus on what I want more of in my life. Her ability to ask the right questions, really listen to my replies and then guide me toward finding my own answers has been like talking to a best friend/cheerleader/fairy godmother/emotional therapist all rolled into one! Just following her on Twitter, I am reminded often of how to take a positive approach to facing life’s daily challenges that can either slow us down or inspire us to greatness. And while I have not worked with Susan before (although I would gladly empty my closet and start fresh in exchange for one day of power shopping with her!) I have been following her on Twitter where she links to her favorite places to shop, offers “client” discounts and highlights current trends in fashion.<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwfsxPd3-AANyLSj6rgdVqDCPWYY-urcUipwb0KwX5nDyqVEk2ioBLidhMRj6PljlErwGb335dNRt-q2mwNeZHYHkGfym1PgKZZaZrCuQCgn2NGO0Uxu0kvX6e6y-gKHovvBLG8Fmh7E/s1600/SusanKanoff-headerpic01.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Twitter Logo and Bird" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/3242600140_8c8cedc115_o.png" /></p><div style="text-align: center;">Susan Kanoff on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/Fashioncoach">Fashion Coach</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ginny Williams on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/coachginny">Coach Ginny</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOc1M0xmpJmPIYgDytsztvggFwxBctxjQhuAGkpe49joyYUuMR1sxhTHFu4ihCEIfn2SHidCcKGMvM-N0xZpdh6tRvaRAv3JdMc2VV-fib5qzG5SFDmD1tlXawvskrWFx6MUVZog6U1c/s1600/ReinventWorkshop.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466904818044668770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOc1M0xmpJmPIYgDytsztvggFwxBctxjQhuAGkpe49joyYUuMR1sxhTHFu4ihCEIfn2SHidCcKGMvM-N0xZpdh6tRvaRAv3JdMc2VV-fib5qzG5SFDmD1tlXawvskrWFx6MUVZog6U1c/s400/ReinventWorkshop.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">More workshops like this will be scheduled in the future.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />When someone loves what they do, they are able to share a special joy with the people around them. Saturday’s workshop was a lot like that. I left feeling like I had been in the company of women who really care about helping others to be happy in their own skin, doing what they love and enjoying the journey!<br /><br />A few years ago, I attended Oprah’s <span style="font-weight: bold;">Live Your Best Life</span> tour when it was in Boston. This workshop felt very similar in its ability to uplift and inspire. I will end today’s post with a great quote that Ginny<br />used to begin Saturday’s event ...<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"> Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;" >”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">– Marianne Williamson, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A Return to Love</span></span><br /><br /><br /></span></div>

Designing your best life

Fashion Coach Susan Kanoff and Professional Life Coach Ginny Williams Do you ever feel that life is pulling you in many directions, but you...

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Magnets and mantras ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SNXuwFhlpX3rcmhFeGZTojsXc472a4oA_WjZc6EEc-3uySLWWL5iS7Nn4ZpAcSgmdtw7uyZ3hGPYxh0dSsl9aoYkv67gW6kg1WPAIIviHIUD83SE3vYK7mnbgao9dQhnsqohORtd28I/s1600-h/magnet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443509385893395170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SNXuwFhlpX3rcmhFeGZTojsXc472a4oA_WjZc6EEc-3uySLWWL5iS7Nn4ZpAcSgmdtw7uyZ3hGPYxh0dSsl9aoYkv67gW6kg1WPAIIviHIUD83SE3vYK7mnbgao9dQhnsqohORtd28I/s400/magnet.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />We are in the market for a new refrigerator. The one we are using is well over a decade old and has been badly abused by four little people. I am not kidding. My mother-in-law has the same one, bought at the same time, and it is in pristine condition. Ours looks like it has gone to battle. Even the fruit and vegetable drawers have taken a beating. And recently the handle has been stripped down to the studs (I didn’t know refrigerator handles had studs but apparently they do!) My husband and I were planning on purchasing a new fridge as part of our kitchen remodel project that we have been talking about forever. Well it is time. I am hoping that the new and improved food storage unit has one feature (besides being extremely durable) ... I need to be able to keep magnets on it. I know, some people think magnets on a refrigerator aren’t very sophisticated. For me, I love to enter someone’s home and see who and what is important to them in their daily lives. Plus it is a great place to put all those quotes I am so fond of! Stainless steel models are notorious (or celebrated?) for not being able to hold a magnet to them. I will let you know if our new model remains a clean slate or becomes a vertical scrapbook.<br /><br /><br /></span></div>

Magnets and mantras ...

We are in the market for a new refrigerator. The one we are using is well over a decade old and has been badly abused by four little people....

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There for you ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOace-u6oxLNjeeuGXXY4nz34C9xuiabRaT6LAau-S_3DPkeHah0KtQIyFOTlK8mqSI5Pfsiu-3riYpI_Bcyo_BGbBf4hr501brJ0_rVnZgt86t-UdwwsRHnsnwSrMgRWMpC4hmGFUSjg/s1600-h/calendar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427859554665524514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOace-u6oxLNjeeuGXXY4nz34C9xuiabRaT6LAau-S_3DPkeHah0KtQIyFOTlK8mqSI5Pfsiu-3riYpI_Bcyo_BGbBf4hr501brJ0_rVnZgt86t-UdwwsRHnsnwSrMgRWMpC4hmGFUSjg/s400/calendar.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=416">American Red Cross 2010 Calendar</a><br />from the American Red Cross online store</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br />In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, there has been an outpouring of generosity. So many have reached out to lend a helping hand by donating time, supplies or funds to aid in the emergency relief. At the same time, many of us are in the position of reflecting on how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads and our loved ones safe and near. We are reminded how lucky we are to have the basic necessities of life. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">To have clothing to protect us from the elements ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8_A-AnTvAhjw8FvW8fqOdlXeYepSRFDOuZZqgTBcGQOyB8iAdf31FYzAy8KDAJ5ar4CdNgIbIzf9UqOP9SNqCUieJ7b1YttOBTPespvJprm0VlPpxu5ruR_mqLyEtn8Ro1Nr5cwqE4Y/s1600-h/whiteT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427859565358279298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8_A-AnTvAhjw8FvW8fqOdlXeYepSRFDOuZZqgTBcGQOyB8iAdf31FYzAy8KDAJ5ar4CdNgIbIzf9UqOP9SNqCUieJ7b1YttOBTPespvJprm0VlPpxu5ruR_mqLyEtn8Ro1Nr5cwqE4Y/s400/whiteT.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=459">Organic Vintage Tee</a></span><br /><br /></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">To have fresh water to drink ...<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiXZYBISSImGXgGYKKFbXTrKIB9j8_Le7cpB9Q9UwGss5gr3cehLlP2m-wZWwm8t7PiuhcjYiHaV3JJkUkjUTEWY8YLihhA_wNbLBofcG7nruJxosgXl2br7lZZfhKWvETIF0yAfqUBg/s1600-h/waterbottle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427859686256048562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiXZYBISSImGXgGYKKFbXTrKIB9j8_Le7cpB9Q9UwGss5gr3cehLlP2m-wZWwm8t7PiuhcjYiHaV3JJkUkjUTEWY8YLihhA_wNbLBofcG7nruJxosgXl2br7lZZfhKWvETIF0yAfqUBg/s400/waterbottle.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=492">Red Cross Stainless Steel Water Bottle</a> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">To be able to take care of ourselves<br />and the ones we love ...</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlxIxYEfktmmObSsb_G8XJAsM0Q05hgRzjxmkfo_ci_GFKX-7AFsE6sWWQN_dpe5WfpNo-rUplEfascfkcVMdgTVnydCfa_01U-BoPfZSFuRHSZoAzt8ACqP55QGoRLWb20rtUWr6jp0/s1600-h/firstaidkit.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427920619658723474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlxIxYEfktmmObSsb_G8XJAsM0Q05hgRzjxmkfo_ci_GFKX-7AFsE6sWWQN_dpe5WfpNo-rUplEfascfkcVMdgTVnydCfa_01U-BoPfZSFuRHSZoAzt8ACqP55QGoRLWb20rtUWr6jp0/s400/firstaidkit.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 239px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=76">Vintage-style Personal First Aid Kit</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">And when those basic needs are met, to have the resources to enjoy leisurely pursuits ...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig58M1u8mhua2kgB4HMfw23jCynyEATgnoZYFjA2sPj5V-N4kMbZx6FLDxK94l9k01P3oKW8J8h0gs3EJ_U42cFHvmjgYG-sLRnwpZtnGMWW910VgNyPFXVnQHsYdugv0cbfC-mUsch4/s1600-h/skiierart" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427859563114875714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig58M1u8mhua2kgB4HMfw23jCynyEATgnoZYFjA2sPj5V-N4kMbZx6FLDxK94l9k01P3oKW8J8h0gs3EJ_U42cFHvmjgYG-sLRnwpZtnGMWW910VgNyPFXVnQHsYdugv0cbfC-mUsch4/s400/skiierart" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">American Red Cross<br /><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=417">Holiday 2009 Skier Card</a><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And to know that when we are suddenly unable to take care of ourselves, someone else will ...<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJMAL8UyjhehcyE_gUWsexHgdlE6e5rYgtObNbuTXTCRhVgwH5VqfuUQ7hm3A8gbwvAOLSurl7kNCJzE_EbwppKNeyfqn_6bqknQfuzmPs9inJh5xYjwwgi520yt2kw4sq-mo5zWpjxo/s1600-h/redcrossumbrella" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427872669514508498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJMAL8UyjhehcyE_gUWsexHgdlE6e5rYgtObNbuTXTCRhVgwH5VqfuUQ7hm3A8gbwvAOLSurl7kNCJzE_EbwppKNeyfqn_6bqknQfuzmPs9inJh5xYjwwgi520yt2kw4sq-mo5zWpjxo/s400/redcrossumbrella" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=435"><span style="font-style: italic;">“History Through</span></a><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=435"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Posters</span><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > <a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=435">Umbrella</a> </span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Back when the </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/">American Red Cross</a></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">was founded (in 1881!) they had to spread their message to cities, towns and countries with the help of posters like the ones seen on the umbrella and calendar above (all items are available online at the <a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/">American Red Cross store</a>).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Today it only takes a matter of seconds to spread information via the internet. If disaster relief is needed, financial support is just a click or text message away. I think it is just amazing and so inspiring to see people use social media to “<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6816754.html">answer the call!</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">” </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Years ago, I used to work <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>full-time as a graphic designer for an agency that created direct-mail ca</span><span style="font-size:130%;">mpaigns for non-profits like </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp">The American Cancer Society</a>, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.dana-farber.org/">The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute</a>, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/">The Special Olympics</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/">American Red Cross</a>. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">My job wasn’t very glamorous, and even with all of the projects that I worked on I can’t say that any were portfolio worthy. However, I did feel good at the end of the day that I had done something to help others.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1847usa.com/identify/YearSets/1931.htm" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427964607442149010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuEKWqgOMAY7xWevG2yuGKzMyBeRWtteXKTwp5kjEB6gqAbYtw3MeLRzeKjF7Ni5Qjh0yUvLMCVY1xxjW4cxvpTYn3knenGRiO4-XRN92XjvuRIiPPma6wNEQt4metmjg0EAaq35lzU0/s400/2centstamp" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 164px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My official </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">two cents</span> ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Now it is easier than ever for anyone to help. And you don’t even need a stamp, envelope, pen or checkbook! Just text “Haiti</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to 90999 to donate $10 (charges will appear on your cell phone bill) or </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">Yele</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to 501501 to donate $5 (same deal) or visit the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=fe7ad3db31b36210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD">American Red Cross</a> online to learn how you can <a href="http://arc3.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000&s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton">DONATE NOW.</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And if you want to spread the word in a more traditional manner, wearing the Red Cross logo across a t-shirt is a cool way to do it ; )<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.mlkday.gov/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428100062941230034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL9Mt62WOAzovQXIQFgcCO8iDTSrnMDGD9Si0QNOc8BaFIVs0mhenwf12otocXQaOWR8BBxu-gcSIkbSAfDwaLvQfgRZZx1uPVyAN6Z_kOT1V9EmXu7TchitcMxL4N4duofwOXoETa7Y/s400/homepage_logo_bottom_2010.gif" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 58px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">P.S. Since my boys are home from school today, we chose a new quote for our quote board. “Life’s most urgent question is, What are you doing for others?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />– <a href="http://www.mlkday.gov/">Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The runner up quote, also from MLK, was<br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >“</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The time is always right to do what is right.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div>

There for you ...

American Red Cross 2010 Calendar from the American Red Cross online store In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12...

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A few shout outs ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiNNbO_3-qC0Nk620X_kSt8LEZP6e7WMz_W9vBqwEiqU9bfgnpbmSksVXzBafmbkTguuKi-fvFs7E_3V_I0hJDSnHGjyQJDMq6jsC4A_08x7aPcNubuIvzGaG7RF2H_WSFSPoE8zMRY/s1600-h/boatquote.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422984474054217602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXiNNbO_3-qC0Nk620X_kSt8LEZP6e7WMz_W9vBqwEiqU9bfgnpbmSksVXzBafmbkTguuKi-fvFs7E_3V_I0hJDSnHGjyQJDMq6jsC4A_08x7aPcNubuIvzGaG7RF2H_WSFSPoE8zMRY/s400/boatquote.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />My boys got the above quote this week to set them off on the right foot (I am trying to encourage a supportive band of brothers and they seemed like they needed a gentle reminder). They always surprise me, however, when they can quickly rephrase the quote into kidspeak. According to son #2, “It means if you help someone, good things will happen.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />In that spirit, I am listing links to the businesses of a handful of my friends. Anyone willing to put themselves out there with a business of their own deserves some wind in their sails every now and then. Be sure to mention that you saw them on my blog (I am actually trying to gauge audience interest in different products) or feel free to post a comment here to let me know your thoughts (you can even just anonymously check a box if you liked this post : )</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you in advance for visiting my friends!</span><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Custom_Handbags.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423366637559765314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXqEFmmVfDv6kul2QQxQbgZdGU5NyXxY7Mm7RGZtZdUraU1QWk6C5Op8VU_h0N53n8juEeH1nFLFS8I0PeFTbfKWNKVipbJbCPQ5XOPVNaLK9BsqKhlhA4B6-Nz6bGmAXzyd2pl9P4bE/s400/BagsbyJane%E2%80%93ad.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">People always stop me when I am<br />carrying a bag by <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Custom_Handbags.html">Jane Skelley</a>.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://orantamillwork.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423379660936588658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMAJTiBlzBI4QaYV2LL9YuDsfg-RHmdB7M57HlsEC39pIwzGaA-3PjQLr8ZlCuCXhJl0xvCbjxR06HuY4Dye5m21s6aEKCvk3e9sYVjI4vzNzUSjFv0yPuzWRpkfqKdgbbKK2aOqmsOk/s400/orantamillwork_ad.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 111px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I am putting <a href="http://orantamillwork.com/">Oranta Millwork</a><br />in my own home ... soon!</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wigglesandgigglesfun.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423375635459473282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ybYtcx_k9SQNp1rJurZdFX7fItVO1QJkZWMs8xKVACFOTN8xddmzjxnbD5YJRviXYFzM0VTiwyg-7djaZXWcFGuvG7Y9Yab_kpBiMfOGo_cRr6PgFDPOZRSI_TtllAFfuIzMQP7mus/s400/wigglesandgiggles_ad.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have young children and live<br />in the Boston/North Shore area,<br />you will </span><span style="font-size:130%;">love<a href="http://www.wigglesandgigglesfun.com/"> Wiggles & Giggles</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />for party entertainment or<br />parent-and-tot classes.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Schedule_of_Classes.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424055031876207874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9B7r_YXGCOPkerFFBJnSwtK-QBE5L3coSjF-wJZw_PSVnczh8PwfBQaEjCMH3ETnsoTz9zPUSN5FgUUsndukpnRerTgE4bSIqG05u_Aeb_N_LONKQo2mlfRIVaaA4hDvQ_Rpdp_DCAk/s400/TaggArtLotusBanner_ad.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 157px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Special creative workshops at <a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/Schedule_of_Classes.html">TaggArt Studio</a> are looking good! What a cool idea to combine yoga with creative art instruction! Sign up now to register for other Winter 2010 classes. Classes begin Jan. 11th.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.truebluematch.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423363376534314018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmODl4nPoix821dpELjX24oYs9MwGohb9T7T9Ki8-szRWzQii-dN6qRrMmt_PnqqfYL-sZaAbbgWqNizsfK1FOcK7-2V_Ocxy-oFrCW2Phulxi1pBJqrrZ7b6UTWe_6aanjXTpJo_Q5k/s400/trueblueheader.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 84px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I wish this parent-to-parent matching service was around when I was home all day trying to keep up with a bunch of toddlers (and desperately wishing for adult conversation!) Discover new friends to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood at <a href="http://www.truebluematch.com/">truebluematch.com</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">. Or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/truebluematchcom/133211067233">become a fan on Facebook</a> to receive parenting tips, newsletters and friendly support from founder, Christine Cook (my trueblue friend since grade school!)<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424057392022582418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgoM6HitoNgj7va0yOSirPn_o66d00kGJwVmi-8Zwb1ZvBnt0UThlwryuD1katH25nZxYJeqMMArDGT44Khi3Imjy6GL3o8NTT4gJvJ4vCmQyWHpGGmIzGUbCqnbBMgMHjOcFjlQbBP4/s400/friendsheadersmall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 139px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Some of the above friends are featured on my website <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends Who Design</span></a> which I created in fall of 2008. My goal for this site was to promote creative friends in a virtual marketplace in order to share resources and references. When I came up with the idea for the site, I did not have any experience with blogging. Nowadays, I finder it quicker to share information through this blog, but I still update the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends</span> site often. Check it out and be sure to share it with </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >your</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> friends!</span><br /><br /></div>

A few shout outs ...

My boys got the above quote this week to set them off on the right foot (I am trying to encourage a supportive band of brothers and they see...

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Creature comforts ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FH_2ehm8l08mHkLneFoZy6yiTO592iiBh9ceFDURkEaM-zFmpxOM3kXi00taDyLd5SxKbJBq0c_Y0ZyD-BX7Wvp0C3_C0gMbLUjcmKq2gTp4B_H9Mt_zo-cxZRinAc98cMD4z8cUGDY/s1600-h/bunny:rings.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309560846949547634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FH_2ehm8l08mHkLneFoZy6yiTO592iiBh9ceFDURkEaM-zFmpxOM3kXi00taDyLd5SxKbJBq0c_Y0ZyD-BX7Wvp0C3_C0gMbLUjcmKq2gTp4B_H9Mt_zo-cxZRinAc98cMD4z8cUGDY/s400/bunny:rings.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is currently one of my favorite </span><span style="font-style: italic;">“</span><span style="font-style: italic;">scenes</span><span style="font-style: italic;">’’</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> in my home ... </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpsqfvxk0FNvJ4XN6D15hrKqlv3xiB5xCTlFz52tjn3T3k2kyt4HeimD_fRIqOLVCB6Ka5zYvD1IZnEUyE4wl-zwmgExMxJxQkXXuWYTZNqC5nXgWHEy5VQTLYoG1KMFTsvNf9z4N-k/s1600-h/bunny:bureau:scarf.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309556204401931810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpsqfvxk0FNvJ4XN6D15hrKqlv3xiB5xCTlFz52tjn3T3k2kyt4HeimD_fRIqOLVCB6Ka5zYvD1IZnEUyE4wl-zwmgExMxJxQkXXuWYTZNqC5nXgWHEy5VQTLYoG1KMFTsvNf9z4N-k/s400/bunny:bureau:scarf.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the longest time, I didn</span>’<span style="font-style: italic;">t have anything special on this small bureau in our master bedroom. Usually clothes would end up on top ... waiting to be put away or hung in the closet. For Christmas, my mom gave me this sweet, ceramic bunn</span><span style="font-style: italic;">y (she collects deers, I collect rabbits) and finding it a home was what prompted me to pull all of these pieces together.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What makes it special to me ...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The vintage bureau was a gift from my parents ... they bought it for $50 at a yard sale and later my mom stripped it of it’s ghastly yellow paint and used a simple treatment of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Minwax</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to highlight it’s re-discovered good looks. I have had it since my first apartment at 21.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNiRZpnLLLjItbW_w3bL1PJaKENtpVSrYff8Deg_0pDs3deZvoYoR2GY0n3ITB-CUwiTWqe39isvwE5qUoBMRtdy503c7oKbr_ENEgebfyLpcva_qjZP4sy2wqRArQo7sHvmKNZHlf0/s1600-h/DSCN1064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309567937667975458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNiRZpnLLLjItbW_w3bL1PJaKENtpVSrYff8Deg_0pDs3deZvoYoR2GY0n3ITB-CUwiTWqe39isvwE5qUoBMRtdy503c7oKbr_ENEgebfyLpcva_qjZP4sy2wqRArQo7sHvmKNZHlf0/s400/DSCN1064.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn6QYR6sVQV7CrChoPhtzK39b5N__BHdb5s3s7vilAlst6AAh_KrUp60vscuYhVcvv7Ef-oapy-h_QuqfdZF0jMer3fytQ22vznmgJTUkuYlr2q6ynGjfiXM24wf6QO_WASgx1wGDQww/s1600-h/bunny:vignette:golden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309552504653513602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn6QYR6sVQV7CrChoPhtzK39b5N__BHdb5s3s7vilAlst6AAh_KrUp60vscuYhVcvv7Ef-oapy-h_QuqfdZF0jMer3fytQ22vznmgJTUkuYlr2q6ynGjfiXM24wf6QO_WASgx1wGDQww/s400/bunny:vignette:golden.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">John and my wedding photo (complete with family and friends literally standing behind us) sets a romantic stage for the objects below ...<br /><br />• a simple pink rose as candle holder (an interesting find from HomeGoods)<br /><br />• tall antique compote a remembrance from my Nana, and the smaller version picked up during a seaside vacation ... both perfect for displaying strands of sparkly costume jewelry</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSECne_MFLzJJfkmO9EjBVr1v10gLakoEdGp3YhypfipCV5VfP1RT3FebZVFRst8cB7vGu4ypZaIWAvt5T1s_-pEyhbZ7fkuKZmSHJ98VZfDGioKQV9bteGsnMWtM9KEIdBAG4RQzpNA/s1600-h/compote:hurricane.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309579365905203426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSECne_MFLzJJfkmO9EjBVr1v10gLakoEdGp3YhypfipCV5VfP1RT3FebZVFRst8cB7vGu4ypZaIWAvt5T1s_-pEyhbZ7fkuKZmSHJ98VZfDGioKQV9bteGsnMWtM9KEIdBAG4RQzpNA/s400/compote:hurricane.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">• glass hurricane (from <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s05/index.aspx?repid=568216">Southern Living at Home</a>, no longer available in this size, but larger ones are currently in catalog) with a biscotti scented candle from Pier 1 -- it smells even better than vanilla<br /><br />• cream scarf as runner (purchased this winter at Marshalls, worn once, but loved even more draped over the bureau top ... in the summer I will switch it out for a more seasonal fabric, but I am loving the warm look it gives the room)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28bIrnmufwic4mKDTPYBAUwYwIt-AZTSHjEjWLJmudZCVZ5O0KA5idObbLGx8peRHX79H2cxcziJK4PExjkC7gYgZkfMhwb9DzTetlcgGUrcywNuc0FjPy8JS8djkhWci4h99JGqDs4c/s1600-h/bunnypaw.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309573358888375906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28bIrnmufwic4mKDTPYBAUwYwIt-AZTSHjEjWLJmudZCVZ5O0KA5idObbLGx8peRHX79H2cxcziJK4PExjkC7gYgZkfMhwb9DzTetlcgGUrcywNuc0FjPy8JS8djkhWci4h99JGqDs4c/s400/bunnypaw.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What made it even better ...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The bunnies paw was hovering and I happened to have this tiny book of quotes (who doesn’t love a good quote??) that fit just underneath. On top of the book I usually keep a couple of pairs of earrings (they look like tiny wedding bands in this picture).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is a quote </span><span style="font-size:100%;">that is a personal favorite of mine (and reminiscent of this scene), taken </span><span style="font-size:100%;">from page 111 of <span style="font-weight: bold;">100 Small Comforts: Wise and Witty Words to Lift the Spirit</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by Lawrence Teacher Books ...</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.’’ - Marcel Proust</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Creating a design vignette is all about establishing visual connections. How do the objects relate to one another? How are they similar? How are they unique? The grouped </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >“</span><span style="font-size:100%;">treasures</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >’’</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> don’t have to be expensive, but they should speak to you in some way. Find some items that have special meaning for you and tell your own story.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2DPLahRkPe4Y-OfLKNK1mFIeLKMOC8ORbhh41M79zRNtZt_hGTWkDOITPXD_-d7ZrHwPoU5FWOcWr-qhPqvGV4yBzdOUoo67LbA9CU_FeqCjfikd_KWV85BIQX1T3UdapDlVxVZqpM/s1600-h/flowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309584776812673234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2DPLahRkPe4Y-OfLKNK1mFIeLKMOC8ORbhh41M79zRNtZt_hGTWkDOITPXD_-d7ZrHwPoU5FWOcWr-qhPqvGV4yBzdOUoo67LbA9CU_FeqCjfikd_KWV85BIQX1T3UdapDlVxVZqpM/s200/flowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 104px;" /></a></div>

Creature comforts ...

This is currently one of my favorite “ scenes ’’ in my home ... For the longest time, I didn ’ t have anything special on this small bureau...

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