A grey + orange affair ...

<br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 500px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/designer_bath_sparkles/set?.embedder=971780&.svc=copypaste&id=53888818"><img alt="Designer Bath Sparkles" border="0" height="649" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/FEiV6uA68FvIDdjeuJ4fgw/cid/53888818/id/Rgi4bZbJSDmKmkDIE_TswQ/size/c500x649.jpg" title="Designer Bath Sparkles" width="500" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/designer_bath_sparkles/set?.embedder=971780&.svc=copypaste&id=53888818">Designer Bath Sparkles</a> by <a href="http://designvignettes.polyvore.com/?.embedder=971780&.svc=copypaste">designvignettes</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been planning a party and it’s a good one! It will take place this upcoming week at the Designer Bath showroom in Beverly. Local interior designers and design bloggers have been invited to attend our 1st soon-to-be-annual <a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2012/01/contest-shine-with-designer-bath.html">Designers Shine with Designer Bath</a> Award Party.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Back in January, designers were notified that we were hosting a contest to find a designer bath that we could feature in one of our full page ads in <a href="http://services.bostonglobe.com/consumer/dne/default.aspx">Design New England Magazine</a> and have their space shot by <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html">Michael J. Lee Photography</a>. They were encouraged to submit scouting photos of a space they had designed and completed with products from the <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> showroom. We received a lot of submissions! We had judges take a look. A winner was chosen!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">On the evening of our petite soiree we will be honoring the winner, plus recognizing all the talented entrants to the contest. We will be serving some delicious summer fare from our talented neighbors, the women at <a href="http://chiveevents.com/ChiveEvents/home.html">Chive Events</a>. Flowers are being arranged by my favorite floral designer, <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/">Laura Thomson</a>. There will be an effervescent drink. And gift bags.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a little more than a festive occasion ... it is an opportunity to tour our showroom after hours. To see some of the new lines we are carrying like <a href="http://www.kallista.com/home.kls">Kallista</a> and <a href="http://www.zucchettikos.com/tool/home.php?l=it&s=0,1">Zucchetti</a>. To try out a sparkling drink from the <a href="http://residential.everpure.com/en-US/news/release/34/">Everpure Exubera</a> or test drive the SmartTouch Technology faucet from <a href="http://www.brizo.com/technology/smart-touch.html#video">Brizo</a> that designers have been raving about. <span style="background-color: white;">We will have lots of manufacturers representatives in the showroom to answer questions about their products, including our event sponsors </span><a href="http://www.dornbracht.com/" style="background-color: white;">Dornbracht</a><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><a href="http://bainultra.com/" style="background-color: white;">Bain Ultra</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><a href="http://www.maax.com/" style="background-color: white;">Maax</a><span style="background-color: white;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;">If you are in the business of designing luxury baths for some of your best clients, these are just some of the brands that should be on your list of fixtures worth specifying.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to be notified of upcoming showroom events, send me an email at yblacker@designerbath.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Designer Bath logo colors are grey and orange. Am I taking my role as brand ambassador too far if I dress accordingly?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">  </span></div></div>

A grey + orange affair ...

Designer Bath Sparkles by designvignettes I have been planning a party and it’s a good one! It will take place this upcoming week at the De...

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York Decorator Show House 2012

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV6Hva0CiKavLhSJJmXhd11dE00jkx2g7oxu1yrnWCw-Hd1oJ-nva0UnE3iBV7wI4bcP5mX_jQxIaR7CoPjVl1KD9ZMjj0YnRBhTh1URRxQ_I2d-5DK3Jl7JM5kY3isxy-GgDqG4Kra5w/s1600/york+show+house+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV6Hva0CiKavLhSJJmXhd11dE00jkx2g7oxu1yrnWCw-Hd1oJ-nva0UnE3iBV7wI4bcP5mX_jQxIaR7CoPjVl1KD9ZMjj0YnRBhTh1URRxQ_I2d-5DK3Jl7JM5kY3isxy-GgDqG4Kra5w/s800/york+show+house+2012+003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Master Suite: <a href="http://www.mlbinteriordesign.com/">Meredith Bohn Interior Design</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>photo courtesy Meredith Bohn</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, July 14th is opening day at one of my favorite annual design events: <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">The Old York Decorator Show House</a> in York, Maine and I have a couple sneak peek photos for you! Designer <a href="http://www.mlbinteriordesign.com/about/">Meredith Bohn</a> of Hollis, NH sent me these fabulous pics ... how did she know I have a thing for designer baths? ; )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEE5OXHnWx88yTar6s0aAZnszmlaQMwR_VdfnoARniGAOzu7Co-ia7rL_3DO0hnwxGv3RFKe4dJ3QOtlGQgU_EeMGNWYxRKOGBwqoCXktoFG6PSJsYWa94WXNDrEYJc83iKBr3K8bF_NO/s1600/york+show+house+2012+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEE5OXHnWx88yTar6s0aAZnszmlaQMwR_VdfnoARniGAOzu7Co-ia7rL_3DO0hnwxGv3RFKe4dJ3QOtlGQgU_EeMGNWYxRKOGBwqoCXktoFG6PSJsYWa94WXNDrEYJc83iKBr3K8bF_NO/s800/york+show+house+2012+005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I’m loving the modern chevron patterned rug with the traditional clawfoot tub</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>in Meredith Bohn</i><span style="background-color: white;"><i>’</i></span><i style="background-color: white;">s York Decorator Show House master bath.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can’t wait to see the spaces in real life! Last year Meredith</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">’</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">s room was <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/20">a french country inspired kitchen</a>. It was featured in the Autumn issue of New England Finery Magazine along with my other favorite </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">“designer </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">focal points</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> from the show.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVdxAqZzkEoLU21IOgrxElX7xDD1nbYbWyNJwMFh5Ni-jpzxeENzYZC-yQr7lmp4Bh_w_zps29MVb-CUFHZ2zGAOpQMrI6W2x12kj543OGz1UVUc21rsWHcifWVqwID60awnsIP3W0ijR/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+9.23.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVdxAqZzkEoLU21IOgrxElX7xDD1nbYbWyNJwMFh5Ni-jpzxeENzYZC-yQr7lmp4Bh_w_zps29MVb-CUFHZ2zGAOpQMrI6W2x12kj543OGz1UVUc21rsWHcifWVqwID60awnsIP3W0ijR/s800/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+9.23.34+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Meredith Bohn Interiors for the 22nd Annual Old York Decorator Show House</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/20">New England Finery Magazine: Autumn 2011 p. 20-21</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>photo by <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1txpbWsSpmT0I2l5hyphenhyphenOQQAEemT4UbbyK7Hna9otVnCb-sfpWdh2TMciFXGRvNoAYi-PeXsVLuWwDc4hPrjUGbTCXqPakMQ7LYbgcg-m9C8vMlbBhq2FyVkUw4aGpnWcYrupe14DpVO7mQ/s1600/program+guide+cover+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1txpbWsSpmT0I2l5hyphenhyphenOQQAEemT4UbbyK7Hna9otVnCb-sfpWdh2TMciFXGRvNoAYi-PeXsVLuWwDc4hPrjUGbTCXqPakMQ7LYbgcg-m9C8vMlbBhq2FyVkUw4aGpnWcYrupe14DpVO7mQ/s800/program+guide+cover+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are always a number of special events tied in with this summer show which happens to take place in the town where my family has vacationed for decades. Next year I will plan to go up for the Friday night Preview Party and stay on through the weekend at </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">my mom</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">’</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">s <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-from-york-seaside-cottage.html">summer cottage</a>. The first night of a show is always so exciting, with all the designers finally able to breathe a sigh of relief that the hard work is done and they can relax and simply enjoy the pretty scenery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Another great event worth saving the date for is the Designer Luncheon. A panel of designers share their behind-the-scenes stories along with trends and tips. I <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/decorators-q-luncheon-in-york.html">attended a few years ago</a> and since then, have become friends with the designers on the panel (<a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nefinery-feb2011/47">Nicole Yee</a>, <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/30">Frank Hodge</a>, and <a href="http://joycejordaninteriors.com/">Joyce Jordan</a> to name a few). <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/35">Gerald Pomeroy</a> will be on the panel this year. I highly recommend sitting in on this one to hear what Gerald has to share. He is so talented and such a genuine soul!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below are just a few happenings, but do check out the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">Museums of Old York website</a> for more.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">July 18 - <a href="http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/cookinghome.html">Stonewall Kitchen</a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Cooking School</span><span style="background-color: white;"> luncheon program, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. -- Price: $60 includes Museums of Old York Decorator Show House Ticket.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-size: large;">July 19 - Behind the Scenes at the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/">Antiques Road Show</a> with appraiser Don Cresswell, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, York Harbor Inn, 6 – 8:30 p.m. -- Price: $60 includes Museums of Old York Decorator Show House Ticket. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="p3"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="p3"></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-size: large;">August 8 - Luncheon at <a href="http://www.yorkharborreading.com/">York Harbor Reading Room</a> with a Designer Panel Discussion. Find out what really happens behind the scenes at the Decorator Show House from four of this year’s outstanding designers: Sue Bartlett, Gerald Pomeroy, Michael Engelhardt and Linda Zukas. York Harbor Reading Room, 491 York Street, York Harbor, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. $60 includes lecture, lunch and Show House Ticket.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">For all events, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oldyork.org/Purchase%20Tickets/showhousetickets.html">order tickets online</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">or </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">call 207-363-4974.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qOMWEBufUYocEo791jqrxWrqhKdpzxY4TwXUDWef-JDdhmF4Pee0AIp4kZhBKuI7bCMAe12rjJTKB00LUcFEmmRv2YAXKgVGLEjhpM6Iax6cSmE6fjB4G7HryKRBly8yS8BcTTe_S6XH/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+10.31.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qOMWEBufUYocEo791jqrxWrqhKdpzxY4TwXUDWef-JDdhmF4Pee0AIp4kZhBKuI7bCMAe12rjJTKB00LUcFEmmRv2YAXKgVGLEjhpM6Iax6cSmE6fjB4G7HryKRBly8yS8BcTTe_S6XH/s800/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+10.31.32+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Barbara Vaughn and Marianne Mooers </i></span><i>of <a href="http://americantraditionsinc.com/">American Traditions, Inc.</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i> for the 22nd Annual Old York Decorator Show House</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/33">New England Finery Magazine: Autumn 2011 p. 32-33</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>photo by <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you are planning to attend the show, and please share any favorite design tips you took away from it. I plan to go up very soon. I wouldn</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">’</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">t miss it!   </span></div><br /><div class="p4"><br /></div><div class="p4"><br /></div><br /><br />

York Decorator Show House 2012

The Master Suite: Meredith Bohn Interior Design photo courtesy Meredith Bohn Saturday, July 14th is opening day at one of my favorite annual...

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After work snapshots ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9tknhKKg06PM8mfyXWbZr-XtDLi9SD7W4x6z9UK27SkcakcHQWPr9tuZj8YZML3dvIXBU9zvTJIdVoTuJkwnnE1-4zxsRRxX-vPd07QwXGi6IpPptDl4QfCyUisH9Y9i7Cl84Whv2v4I/s1600/shadow+under+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9tknhKKg06PM8mfyXWbZr-XtDLi9SD7W4x6z9UK27SkcakcHQWPr9tuZj8YZML3dvIXBU9zvTJIdVoTuJkwnnE1-4zxsRRxX-vPd07QwXGi6IpPptDl4QfCyUisH9Y9i7Cl84Whv2v4I/s800/shadow+under+tree.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xX4dHNSMTSWXiC9Sfv1cCLlb1ycgzgBeL1d2HCx1KMh4hoOX46AJZ2taYVVnF73gZWWQu5nnYnYtyZojCSJFC_tV6UdT26Wlkxpy5fIWM9FNw9lp0DZHAnQ5yFGpMwndKuy5E8hQtJUC/s1600/succulents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xX4dHNSMTSWXiC9Sfv1cCLlb1ycgzgBeL1d2HCx1KMh4hoOX46AJZ2taYVVnF73gZWWQu5nnYnYtyZojCSJFC_tV6UdT26Wlkxpy5fIWM9FNw9lp0DZHAnQ5yFGpMwndKuy5E8hQtJUC/s800/succulents.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">I think our bunny Shadow is spending more time </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">outdoors </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">this summer then I am. The boys let him run in the yard every night when the sun is low and the air is cool. I join them after work.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Herding a bunny is serious business. On the one hand I am happy to see him outside hopping about freely, but I would hate to lose him to the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">wilderness (although he certainly deserves a chance at bunny love). We each watch him from a different angle. Bunnies are known to change direction without notice, often turning in the air as they leap for joy.</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">After hearing a dog bark somewhere nearby, we quickly scoop Shadow up and leave him to rest in the safety of his hutch. I go inside to pour myself a glass of wine and contemplate how little attention I have given to my garden. Succulents, however, require minimal care so my hens and chicks appear to be surviving, but surely could use some liquid refreshment as well.   </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span>

After work snapshots ...

I think our bunny Shadow is spending more time  outdoors  this summer then I am. The boys let him run in the yard every night when the sun i...

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Sunday snapshot ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DuU7Y1CJyv0EtFlKGwh8lIjC4Faqhmt91NqE9z6p2yrV_ESDtdiyfgsQQ12uoCQiZqYiqs1kb_jvgE6EHgIoVBl1WB7t3dC7DbLB3nBHBVWXRH8K2aqF1-puUDC0nY5I_Q388JZTpvx6/s1600/backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DuU7Y1CJyv0EtFlKGwh8lIjC4Faqhmt91NqE9z6p2yrV_ESDtdiyfgsQQ12uoCQiZqYiqs1kb_jvgE6EHgIoVBl1WB7t3dC7DbLB3nBHBVWXRH8K2aqF1-puUDC0nY5I_Q388JZTpvx6/s800/backyard.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our backyard used to be a small farm. At one time there were cows, and the owners before us had sheep. We just have one bunny plus four boys. If we were to grow rows of corn, we would have the perfect plot since there is full sun most of the day. But usually we just like to throw a ball around or grill a meal. I had to walk way out back to find this shady spot. I am thinking some major landscaping is in order. Perhaps a pergola where the grapevine arbor used to be or an allee of trees. </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/yblacker/landscape/" style="background-color: white;">Follow me on Pinterest</a><span style="background-color: white;"> to see what I imagine this property could look like.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />

Sunday snapshot ...

Our backyard used to be a small farm. At one time there were cows, and the owners before us had sheep. We just have one bunny plus four boys...

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Saturday snapshots ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiLjnAcjC4gP8RpZ2ceAR7QFw0L8n43EuLFzub22fn3VyvQZVY8jnBIxmg_AiDI_ii9Gsw0_j1piJT1C2A479hAxZrCPyqQE975yPaXWySJ3RNOTVICCwnXpLEyzlOO_Gk9RKv1X_VjnQ/s1600/bunnies+in+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiLjnAcjC4gP8RpZ2ceAR7QFw0L8n43EuLFzub22fn3VyvQZVY8jnBIxmg_AiDI_ii9Gsw0_j1piJT1C2A479hAxZrCPyqQE975yPaXWySJ3RNOTVICCwnXpLEyzlOO_Gk9RKv1X_VjnQ/s800/bunnies+in+garden.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">They look so cute, don’t they? Twin bunnies relaxing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">beneath the new plants I just added to my garden.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmavYKMOngLl1KgFvKGXPdCR2aBZH6hc1W5PWlv13AKyZkZejT9F-o7TKXfgsX7Jz91kA2LSl412sJSJVSWjpMYYQH5S09JB60p9itLrHxosInnwGUqtAdBGDTqxw_1qPo98srPHi6RV5T/s1600/apres+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmavYKMOngLl1KgFvKGXPdCR2aBZH6hc1W5PWlv13AKyZkZejT9F-o7TKXfgsX7Jz91kA2LSl412sJSJVSWjpMYYQH5S09JB60p9itLrHxosInnwGUqtAdBGDTqxw_1qPo98srPHi6RV5T/s800/apres+lunch.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not so cute to find the perennials eaten up</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the bunnies nowhere to be found.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Didn</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">’t realize I was serving lunch ...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Saturday snapshots ...

They look so cute, don’t they? Twin bunnies relaxing beneath the new plants I just added to my garden. Not so cute to find the perennials ea...

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Huge home improvement SALE alert!!!

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

Huge home improvement SALE alert!!!

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

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Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz Week!

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

Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz Week!

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

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