::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living - Issue #5

<div><embed align="middle" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000&documentId=110314231721-b8ed17e17dc94ee0b9947de5d432cea4&docName=surroundings_mar_april_2011&username=Surroundings&loadingInfoText=%3A%3ASurroundings%3A%3A%20Guide%20to%20Decorative%20Living%20Mar%20Apr%202011&et=1300250021638&er=86" menu="false" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" style="height: 272px; width: 420px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><div style="text-align: left; width: 420px;"><a href="http://issuu.com/Surroundings/docs/surroundings_mar_april_2011?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=color" target="_blank">More color</a></div></div><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a><a class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target=""><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner"><br /></div></div></div></a>

::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living - Issue #5

Open publication - Free publishing - More color If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please em...

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Sneak Peak ::Surroundings:: Magazine cover unveiled!

As I'm putting the final touches on my newest issue of <a href="http://www.surroundingsmagazine.com/">::Surroundings:: magazine</a>, I am too excited about the cover to keep it under wraps any longer! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwo2ktY_RIK7xSMVJLuvVQUoJO5xSClgUPIL1QNSB1mohmAKnlZy_WHhyphenhyphenmkDvN1hJxlgW3yqT2cwB92W-wUpTR49vbQP63IGYd91yvGV7cnKnrOR8kTQQSxtefOBbGwANPnct5M9yUV4Y/s1600/Surroundings+Mar+April+2011Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwo2ktY_RIK7xSMVJLuvVQUoJO5xSClgUPIL1QNSB1mohmAKnlZy_WHhyphenhyphenmkDvN1hJxlgW3yqT2cwB92W-wUpTR49vbQP63IGYd91yvGV7cnKnrOR8kTQQSxtefOBbGwANPnct5M9yUV4Y/s640/Surroundings+Mar+April+2011Cover.jpg" width="492" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I'd previously written, photographer <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a> has come on board as cover photographer for the magazine. I couldn't be more excited about this partnership as it's such as opportunity for me to expand my portfolio and learn about creating a cover shot.  Some of the issues may feature my client work and some will be shots we create from scratch, as is the case with this issue. The amazing <a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/">Webster and Company</a> showroom at the Boston Design Center was our playground for the shoot. I spend an afternoon walking the floor and pulling together different concepts from their gorgeous collection of furnishings, lighting, art and accessories. I created three vignette concepts and did story boards for Michael's review and input: </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzG-K0rXqMu6a7KUhIxhOOzYDvKSA564pG3pD5wIEdr9jxHrx79JAMnaEFsxRQXcUl_vPHGVJwPsurmof9BA7wdScdbv1TMuKng228nM24uWgf5MXm0jJi4n-oAXaZbjJPmIvYV5hOaGq/s1600/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114683323.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzG-K0rXqMu6a7KUhIxhOOzYDvKSA564pG3pD5wIEdr9jxHrx79JAMnaEFsxRQXcUl_vPHGVJwPsurmof9BA7wdScdbv1TMuKng228nM24uWgf5MXm0jJi4n-oAXaZbjJPmIvYV5hOaGq/s400/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114683323.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxd-PebAtk_ucmdPgriMnly1QREPWb30jqJBe0Mkel_5Yx7cosTlzIzQ-pWnyFaeLgXLSD2_fAeXjxnEv0dw4iCifzHTfWWWLinwnASHJyPkzfwH8Ap7KrjiqTycrq4uwBJpzBWFrs3yR/s1600/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114699078.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxd-PebAtk_ucmdPgriMnly1QREPWb30jqJBe0Mkel_5Yx7cosTlzIzQ-pWnyFaeLgXLSD2_fAeXjxnEv0dw4iCifzHTfWWWLinwnASHJyPkzfwH8Ap7KrjiqTycrq4uwBJpzBWFrs3yR/s400/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114699078.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIAsY9UPXpMIkxCBQ9nOIASXyYTokEd0XjPjaQFYTVULZVoJU1iF_6NRSyeQcmmiV8-pKz56PWeOTgWXJwiVa2RpVTOUijzgE8kORZaAzYXBF8gGj5zfMqCk-w7SP0gt6N7-cr2BwGgly/s1600/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114717359.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIAsY9UPXpMIkxCBQ9nOIASXyYTokEd0XjPjaQFYTVULZVoJU1iF_6NRSyeQcmmiV8-pKz56PWeOTgWXJwiVa2RpVTOUijzgE8kORZaAzYXBF8gGj5zfMqCk-w7SP0gt6N7-cr2BwGgly/s400/Surroundings+Magazine+Cover+shoot_1300114717359.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Luckily, we were both on the same page as to our favorite and the decision was easy to make! On the day of the shoot, which was about two weeks ago, we arrived with flowers and lots of equipment. Well, Michael had lots of equipment, I had my point and shoot, a tape measure, a basket and a pair of scissors... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JXfUe64yw-Am62a8c9GJK3Imv6OrWcDrtgCyCe5JSbcY6il1GNg2dhvEFZOv1fqmMVKT3ihvBIF3SH5QRcrpLMlP1ryBfvLINyyc8H5ZUYZZvezxf5jEpt_uDt-l4OjZpTmKpxmYCNi5/s1600/DSCN4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JXfUe64yw-Am62a8c9GJK3Imv6OrWcDrtgCyCe5JSbcY6il1GNg2dhvEFZOv1fqmMVKT3ihvBIF3SH5QRcrpLMlP1ryBfvLINyyc8H5ZUYZZvezxf5jEpt_uDt-l4OjZpTmKpxmYCNi5/s640/DSCN4490.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The first thing we had to do was pick where we'd set up our vignette which meant removing what was in that spot (very carefully!) and moving my selected items into place. Luckily, there was a perfect location with a big hook (we'd removed an incredibly heavy mirror from the wall) so that we could hang this amazing oil painting by Bill Fisher - and the height was right as well! The wallpaper is Gilded India Tea paper by deGournay. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksKOyWJ6qGUBzrXe7TJex8REWk5wQcnATjQ2R6FoRKJgBb_y1JdAGNtAA_rV2CTcC-Dd4eDuoQPQGW8TIsIRcGpQFo5F2P7FrXxlBPuaX17Ft00uTpxQRUfBDETTpoJGwyELFOWCac6si/s1600/DSCN4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksKOyWJ6qGUBzrXe7TJex8REWk5wQcnATjQ2R6FoRKJgBb_y1JdAGNtAA_rV2CTcC-Dd4eDuoQPQGW8TIsIRcGpQFo5F2P7FrXxlBPuaX17Ft00uTpxQRUfBDETTpoJGwyELFOWCac6si/s640/DSCN4493.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>In the above photo, you can that the lamp base and accessories are different than in the final shot. I'd left those details until we had the shot together, so we could decide what gave us the right feel. We were testing out a pure white vase vs. an earthenware jug. The white vase was too "precious" and the jug blended into the background too much. Don't you just LOVE the Root Table by J.F. Chen? Michael and I both loved the "earthy" nature of the piece and it's roughness next to the dainty Louis XVI chair by Dennis & Leen. As this is an early Spring edition, we also loved creating the feeling of anticipating the coming season - which in New England means that there are wee crocuses blooming amidst the bare branches and remaining piles of snow.  You will also note that the lamp base is different than the one we used in the final image. I loved this crystal ball base, but we needed something with a little more height and went with the Biarritz Crystal base from Vaughn instead and in the end, it was a much better style choice as its swirling design mimics both the Root Table as well as the freedom in the art. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnnKfYp1Y3jOrcw5U4-bW4NI2un7Cmc7tS3QwwrPip_NePPTD7Rna2ATTGL1KzON_QEILoqvNBtT2H16ke55hLqTM_MDfrUJna0hyphenhyphencQSZ55DMamds2biiwh62q10FIEdGN8vBUFFbwhCd/s1600/DSCN4495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnnKfYp1Y3jOrcw5U4-bW4NI2un7Cmc7tS3QwwrPip_NePPTD7Rna2ATTGL1KzON_QEILoqvNBtT2H16ke55hLqTM_MDfrUJna0hyphenhyphencQSZ55DMamds2biiwh62q10FIEdGN8vBUFFbwhCd/s640/DSCN4495.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Here is our final vignette set up. As you can see, we were working in a very tight little spot. And, while my imagined "story" for the cover shot was that we were in a front hall and the owner had just picked some flowers and dropped the basket on the chair on their way in the door, the reality is very different. Also, of note, is that the side chair was slightly too low for the table, so four coffee mugs later and all is perfect. (Someday I am going to write a book about photographers "tricks" to get room shots looking so perfect for the camera!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRLJjLvv7ldleg7k5Jb9GGPE6iEj9rGF3bMvm7XZ1OVoYRZoebKcbJ-S5aVrOLMNbHQkprTbSDBcbzNZVmzYhTtanpPyVYv_UCOZYkLx6qwIcHoKxduQ2VhUFBM1meWDzYVZjGwKMsvs7/s1600/DSCN4494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRLJjLvv7ldleg7k5Jb9GGPE6iEj9rGF3bMvm7XZ1OVoYRZoebKcbJ-S5aVrOLMNbHQkprTbSDBcbzNZVmzYhTtanpPyVYv_UCOZYkLx6qwIcHoKxduQ2VhUFBM1meWDzYVZjGwKMsvs7/s640/DSCN4494.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Here's Michael reviewing the shots as we were creating the final image. What a difference it makes being able to see the final image on screen and knowing when we wrapped up, we had it! Of course, Michael is so good, there would be little doubt anyway, but still...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRMBzHYVnBnQQZsr1qSsE2vRBeNIh4jkcZ2t3_d05r802dID9w5lHmQgPP6Y7tGFAW9r6fiY386xtePhLqT7ehWPtbTIPJSLPzmhUkPeZhvRVm_UlraXCd00XCaoKfondgSSmcR-FH6KD/s1600/WebsterCoverShot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRMBzHYVnBnQQZsr1qSsE2vRBeNIh4jkcZ2t3_d05r802dID9w5lHmQgPP6Y7tGFAW9r6fiY386xtePhLqT7ehWPtbTIPJSLPzmhUkPeZhvRVm_UlraXCd00XCaoKfondgSSmcR-FH6KD/s640/WebsterCoverShot.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br />And, the final image photographed by Michael. Click on the image for a larger view - the detail is amazing! And stay tuned for the magazine to be released in the next day or so!!<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Sneak Peak ::Surroundings:: Magazine cover unveiled!

As I'm putting the final touches on my newest issue of ::Surroundings:: magazine , I am too excited about the cover to keep it under wra...

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It's cover shoot day!

I'm so excited as today is the day I'll be shooting the cover for my next issue of <a href="http://www.surroundingsmagazine.com/">::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living</a> with the über talented <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a>.  When Michael and I agreed to partner on creating cover shots, it was his brilliant idea to select a showroom or store in which we'd do the shoot.  The goal is to create a shot that looks like it's part of a home and tells a story, even though it's not. And we hope that showcasing different showrooms and shops will bring a little publicity their way as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/homepage_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/homepage_image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, I'm thrilled that our first dedicated cover shot will be done in the beautiful  <a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/">Webster & Company</a> showroom at the Boston Design Center. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/category_furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/category_furniture.jpg" /></a></div><br />Webster & Company carries a wide selection of furnishings, fabrics and accessories from designers such as Rose Tarlow, deGournay, Clarence House, Holly Hunt, Lulu DK, Dakota Jackson and more. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/category_accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.webstercompany.com/images/category_accessories.jpg" /></a></div>So, last week, I spent a couple of hours perusing their showroom to pull together items that I thought would work to create the striking vignette we are looking for. I pulled together three concept groups and sent the images to Michael and was thrilled when his response was "#1!!! LOVE!!!!" as it was my favorite grouping as well.<br /><br />So, tomorrow we'll be on site with cameras, lighting and some other goodies as well. If you're in the building, please feel free to stop by and get a sneak peak!  We're starting at 10:00!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images of <a href="http://www.webstercompany.com/">Webster & Company</a> showroom. </span><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

It's cover shoot day!

I'm so excited as today is the day I'll be shooting the cover for my next issue of ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living with...

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The Skirted Roundtable: The State of Shelter mags - print and digi - plus, an announcement!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mdMaGL9LuB3Az9s5RvWTfda7CnWg0AfqLzIOyQEErdMJjsNc93MyEpvKyyp6o6nNczRQPaze2fwywG8QtYomsNWjQbVNmAXk1-wyGSgfCSumI7mpLX-DRSkr_m6WSPt8JrNTmk4FO74/s1600/SRT+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mdMaGL9LuB3Az9s5RvWTfda7CnWg0AfqLzIOyQEErdMJjsNc93MyEpvKyyp6o6nNczRQPaze2fwywG8QtYomsNWjQbVNmAXk1-wyGSgfCSumI7mpLX-DRSkr_m6WSPt8JrNTmk4FO74/s400/SRT+header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This week at The Skirted Roundtable, we chat amongst ourselves about the current state of the big shelter magazines - both print and digital. It's a no holds barred conversation and not one to be missed! We're especially critical of a certain beloved print magazine, <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2011/02/state-of-magazines.html">so check it out</a> and let us know what you think!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolUD6CS1yz4t19fH07NHzaX_HMpYDggTfkieMNXZvQZVIFaHaoN7WzQGCGW7iA4bRbcI8wm78qGBAtZctFtkSQuo3__-J5-zH_85KJaXr8bf8kVsSVZe45NamGU_SJwfzrsgJEfE-nD0/s1600/Mag+covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolUD6CS1yz4t19fH07NHzaX_HMpYDggTfkieMNXZvQZVIFaHaoN7WzQGCGW7iA4bRbcI8wm78qGBAtZctFtkSQuo3__-J5-zH_85KJaXr8bf8kVsSVZe45NamGU_SJwfzrsgJEfE-nD0/s400/Mag+covers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On a related topic, I've been making some important changes to <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings">my own digital magazine ::Surroundings::</a>. The most exciting is that I am partnering with talented architectural photographer <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a> to produce original cover shots for each issue.  Michael has, in fact, been the photographer for three of my four published issues, but we're making it official. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ERRxeSIQMDo6hhxBowoX6MA1ribe-_hbdeABPMpTeAgQwEaJcj3dk8vEpLwv7sdn0MYeuKj5hrC4JlZfkRnY5mtCPe1Rat8uCkgOng3I4MQefLnRkvOUuhFgw9S28j2Gjb_toe-JZv_/s1600/Micahelcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ERRxeSIQMDo6hhxBowoX6MA1ribe-_hbdeABPMpTeAgQwEaJcj3dk8vEpLwv7sdn0MYeuKj5hrC4JlZfkRnY5mtCPe1Rat8uCkgOng3I4MQefLnRkvOUuhFgw9S28j2Gjb_toe-JZv_/s400/Micahelcovers.jpg" width="338" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Michael has shot for some of the most amazing designers, architects and builders and his work regularly appears in the finest New England shelter magazines. Above are some of his recent covers and you can <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/index_files/Page511.htm">check out his work on his website</a> as well (<a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Portfolio_Gallery-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html">and mine</a>, for that matter!) We had a <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/02/architectural-photographer-michael-j.html">great chat with Michael at The Skirted Roundtable</a> last year, if you want to take a listen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/index_files/image7001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://michaeljleephotography.com/index_files/image7001.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, we can't yet divulge the details of our first cover (next issue is slated for mid-March), but it will be amazing, I can promise that! Our plan for each cover is to select a showroom or shop and create a vignette that best represents the theme of the issue, while also showcasing a great resource. More to come on that! The next issue is themed around the subject of "Color", but it won't be the usual mish-mosh of brightly colored items. I believe it will be a more subtle conversation on the subject. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can read my four published magazines <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings">here</a> and if you'd be interested in advertising, you can <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_media_kit">view my media kit here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

The Skirted Roundtable: The State of Shelter mags - print and digi - plus, an announcement!

This week at The Skirted Roundtable, we chat amongst ourselves about the current state of the big shelter magazines - both print and digital...

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Tuesday whereabouts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.nehomemag.com/wp-content/themes/tarski/headers/greytree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://blog.nehomemag.com/wp-content/themes/tarski/headers/greytree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Today is my second stint blogging over at the <a href="http://blog.nehomemag.com/2011/02/linda-merrill-upholstery-the-value-proposition/#respond">New England Home</a> website. I'm writing about the value of custom upholstery - <a href="http://blog.nehomemag.com/2011/02/linda-merrill-upholstery-the-value-proposition/#respond">so check it out</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.nehomemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Settee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.nehomemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Settee.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And, if you haven't yet had the chance to read my digital magazine ::Surroundings::, I'd love for you to take a look. If you'd like to see specific types of content, let me know!<br /><object style="height: 272px; width: 420px;"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf?mode=mini&autoFlip=true&documentId=110124172644-2ac0dd220bf04558821292ae069dd0a1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" wmode="transparent" style="width:420px;height:272px" flashvars="mode=mini&autoFlip=true&documentId=110124172644-2ac0dd220bf04558821292ae069dd0a1" /></object><br /><br /><br />Otherwise, I'll be hunkered down at home. I'm in the blue zone above. Yup, it says it all...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9z-HwDMIt_SOJqHaGHpXiEA7iO_cmMcZaUQQ5x44_OFIE8jN0YiLEsFlHjBsLAlSUVTPLkJuJgF2hcuFw4C_kzS1rsqiA0tdKvDJr0GC7aye5yDlj0FbPgs_n78m_atkDHefQAwzPMiD/s1600/weather+forecast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9z-HwDMIt_SOJqHaGHpXiEA7iO_cmMcZaUQQ5x44_OFIE8jN0YiLEsFlHjBsLAlSUVTPLkJuJgF2hcuFw4C_kzS1rsqiA0tdKvDJr0GC7aye5yDlj0FbPgs_n78m_atkDHefQAwzPMiD/s1600/weather+forecast.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Tuesday whereabouts

Today is my second stint blogging over at the New England Home website. I'm writing about the value of custom upholstery - so check it ...

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Surroundings mag::E::zine new issue is here!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_jan_feb_2011a?viewMode=magazine"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe48AQx8OZJ3EtY7w3Mi48O1snr6GeZH3ALdWQi8Ph04EePF4AJvzkWdIBbzER5wLG2I8zOjlP_6-S4FlOMFdu68L11KA4zDnzTNfDuT6mGdT2tBdMCFJedBvxDlKMw0Rb3anCyNhqQ9J/s320/Surroundings+Jan+Feb+2011cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object style="height: 272px; width: 420px;"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf?mode=mini&documentId=110124172644-2ac0dd220bf04558821292ae069dd0a1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v2/IssuuReader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" wmode="transparent" style="width:420px;height:272px" flashvars="mode=mini&documentId=110124172644-2ac0dd220bf04558821292ae069dd0a1" /></object></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Surroundings mag::E::zine new issue is here!

  If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me . Thanks!   Subscribe to ::Surroundings...

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Holiday Gift Guide - $5-$500

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010?viewMode=magazine"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIG2oEjEoDLzp5pTQVE89azTgBLkOPQjn4D-35okTP8NC9RnJuFImsjtbTr-QL9NVoqOtOVkhtHVJ59sa2WNqyaZ2W9ExsMZQH77UiQp372WH3vzllGtmXQVCRnh-iLQdj7s1IEojYfvs/s640/Surroundings%252BNov%252BDec%252B2010.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><br />In my Holiday Style issue of my digital mag::E::zine <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010?viewMode=magazine">::Surroundings::</a>, I included 15 great gift ideas from $5 to nearly $500. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010?viewMode=magazine"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-fE_7SYYo4RTXKzuuo8RPra3UMkKDhhaQIg1WXBVK3hh4wu8qiZ5K0KkiRyHDsjMcnYvu9QksELRy1san-yYg2eYcfsxlNs2Q_b7glDKFQ74LCkkHFiFmXc0TigKrnD7XlEMABgYmBfT/s640/Surroundings%25E3%259A%258B%25EF%25B8%258D%25EE%259C%25BE%25EF%25BF%25BD%25E7%2592%2596%25E2%25AC%25AD.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>If you haven't had a chance to check it out, <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010?viewMode=magazine">click here</a> and go to page 5 for all details and links. And Happy Shopping!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Holiday Gift Guide - $5-$500

In my Holiday Style issue of my digital mag::E::zine ::Surroundings:: , I included 15 great gift ideas from $5 to nearly $500. If you haven...

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It takes a village - to fill two pages

Well, as I posted on Friday (and you'll see on my sidebar) I published my third issue of Surroundings Magazine - The Holiday Style Guide. It's a lot of fun for me to put this together, but it's a lot of work to do only twelve pages. Seriously - I have new found respect for the <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/">Rue Girls</a> (their 2nd issue is due literally any moment now) and the folks at <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/">Lonny</a>, both of whom put out 200-300 page publications. Of course, they have staff people, but likely not legions of staff, just a few really talented people. I, on the other hand, have just me and I'm pretty cantankerous and am known to whine about holiday bonuses, especially at 3 A.M. Management doesn't find that behavior very productive, but is not yet ready for staff changes. Staff thinks Management should provide a better work environment and stop the late night hours. Picket lines are forming on both sides.<br /><br />Anyway, last weekend (7 whole days ago) I wrote to several of my favorite blog and design friends and asked them to provide me with their best tip for holiday entertaining, or ideas for hostess gifts. Basically, just some little nugget - because this is certainly a group that has lots of nuggets of goodness in their design holsters. Mixed metaphor's aside, they are THE BEST. Within 4 days, I'd received eleven fantastic responses, complete with photos (in some cases staged for this purpose) and great ideas. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG1CFc4xVYIaylNakQpmdf-US3g9jGcdGbP2pZFnr0uwAoDOQFINvdULuazNjp2tc7FBGwxh2R5OhpyHPLWdBDNR5lMCaU5u0WZjqUJ0GfdHsCmN225G5hdRA7kojaiMG6CNLOxmo-CZr/s400/Surroundings+mag%253A%253AE%253A%253Azine+November%253ADecember+2010_1290380954622.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />So,I wanted to take a moment to thank my very generous friends for their excellent ideas and participation. I know how busy you all are and I appreciate your support!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Eddie Ross - <a href="http://eddieross.com/">EddieRoss.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Greet LeFevre - <a href="http://www.belgianpearls.blogspot.com/">Belgian Pearls</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stacy Kunstel - <a href="http://stacystyle.wordpress.com/">StacyStyle</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grant K. Gibson - <a href="http://grantkgibson.blogspot.com/">GrantKGibson, The Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Megan Arquette - <a href="http://www.beachbungalow8.blogspot.com/">Beach Bungalow 8</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vicki Archer - <a href="http://www.frenchessence.blogspot.com/">French Essence</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monika Claassen - <a href="http://splendidwillow.com/">Splendid Willow</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gina Milne - <a href="http://www.willowdecor.blogspot.com/">Willow Decor</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trish Allen - <a href="http://trouvais.com/">Trouvais</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joni Webb - <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scot Meacham Wood - <a href="http://www.tartanscot.blogspot.com/">Tartan Scot</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can read <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010">all their great tips here. </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Speaking of digital magazines, Megan, Joni and I chatted about the new field of digital magazines, including Rue and Lonny, and many others. <b>We're also hosting a give-a-way - a $200 shopping spree courtesy of One King's Lane!!</b>  So, stay tuned for that post up on Monday!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

It takes a village - to fill two pages

Well, as I posted on Friday (and you'll see on my sidebar) I published my third issue of Surroundings Magazine - The Holiday Style Guide...

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Surroundings mag::E::zine Holiday Style Issue is here!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyHLuYJBKe7Jui7zOkd6-4lo2Rqy8y6XISxenaru8b5wW7aog70CBBN24ETUIOWDYjy-A1OMqM1Zk41L-71BWXG0q-iSyu1yYJ_2mxcmPyD6MbdChXcgwMrmL_pYT2CrtzrIJgJiuAecm/s400/NovDec+wrapped+cover.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><embed align="middle" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000&documentId=101119033827-661660bcb5d6446ebdcf0ffb91edf567&docName=surroundings_nov_dec_2010&username=Surroundings&loadingInfoText=Surroundings%20mag%3A%3AE%3A%3Azine%20November%2FDecember%202010&et=1290140036891&er=45" menu="false" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" style="height: 272px; width: 420px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /><div style="text-align: left; width: 420px;"><a href="http://issuu.com/Surroundings/docs/surroundings_nov_dec_2010?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=holidays" target="_blank">More holidays</a></div></div><br />I am thrilled to FINALLY release my Holiday Style Issue of Surroundings mag::E::zine. [Note to self: DO NOT start working on a November/December issue in November...just sayin'].<br /><br />I sent out a call to several of the most popular designers and bloggers out there and am so touched that they were willing to offer their favorite tips for entertaining, gift-giving and holiday traditions. I also include a roundup of 15 great gift ideas from $5 to $500. A little something pretty at all price points. I included my favorite cookie recipe (courtesy of Martha) and a guide for decorating for Bachelors - no more milk crates and leather sofas. So, click the link and read away. I'd love to know your thoughts!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Surroundings mag::E::zine Holiday Style Issue is here!

Open publication - Free publishing - More holidays I am thrilled to FINALLY release my Holiday Style Issue of Surroundings mag::E::zine. [...

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Surroundings mag::E::zine Fall Issue has arrived!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxG1lewyKlqYTJ9oyx13S5oktQZTPzjhrMiTtcxPibquNjUwXlxuKm5v9gLTDpvOVv9S96tWX1YVlxFydqVkMULsH9HbnnxmFzUCicHRh2flkEQ4aP_ps-d6hCCncK0h8TsLikYEvx4QR/s1600/Surroundings+Fall+2010+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxG1lewyKlqYTJ9oyx13S5oktQZTPzjhrMiTtcxPibquNjUwXlxuKm5v9gLTDpvOVv9S96tWX1YVlxFydqVkMULsH9HbnnxmFzUCicHRh2flkEQ4aP_ps-d6hCCncK0h8TsLikYEvx4QR/s640/Surroundings+Fall+2010+cover.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/surroundings_fall_2010a"><b>CLICK HERE TO VIEW</b></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><embed align="middle" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000&documentId=100906181213-db2b62b4c05c4290b16dbda9f987a482&docName=surroundings_fall_2010a&username=Surroundings&loadingInfoText=Surroundings%20mag%3A%3AE%3A%3Azine%20Fall%202010&et=1283815896554&er=22" menu="false" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" style="height: 272px; width: 420px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><div style="text-align: left; width: 420px;"><a href="http://issuu.com/Surroundings/docs/surroundings_fall_2010a?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=decorating" target="_blank">More decorating</a></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Surroundings mag::E::zine Fall Issue has arrived!

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::Surroundings:: mag::E::zine - Premier Issue!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrEwoJkiKO4HkJBVGfmJbjq6Q_6PttubcMHU7JhTdsPH0k2Tfe2Mrgc7pE9ZUdtGukLjPoDRpJPsXdJwhKzOxB8vz2P-F-FQqMec-kjCMFR5MWrAKf7Zfsx8cxFBUGDeMFngrVxIKKK-B/s1600/Surroundings+Summer+2010cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrEwoJkiKO4HkJBVGfmJbjq6Q_6PttubcMHU7JhTdsPH0k2Tfe2Mrgc7pE9ZUdtGukLjPoDRpJPsXdJwhKzOxB8vz2P-F-FQqMec-kjCMFR5MWrAKf7Zfsx8cxFBUGDeMFngrVxIKKK-B/s640/Surroundings+Summer+2010cover.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br />I've been a little blog-AWOL this past week - sorry! I have a bunch of post ideas lined up (in my head) but my time was spent working on something I've been dying to try for a long while. For years I've sent out a regular e-newsletter to a growing mailing list. For the most part, it was highlights from my recent blog posts, local events, etc. I'd been wanting to provide something more interesting and with some unique "newsletter only" content and finally was inspired by all the digital magazines sprouting up to take the plunge and convert my tired old newsletter to this new and exciting format!<br /><br />And so, I present <b>::Surroundings:: the mag::E::zine</b>! It's only twelve pages (including cover and back) so I'm hardly giving <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/">Lonny</a> or <a href="http://www.perspectivenewengland.com/">Perspective</a> a run for their money! But, I'm happy with this inaugural effort and hope you will check it out!  I'd also like to thank Sarah O'Neil of <a href="http://www.storibookdesigns.com/index.html">Storybook Designs</a> for coming up with the name mag::E::zine after I was pondering magazini, magatini and newzine on Twitter and Facebook this weekend. <br /><br />And please don't hesitate to give me feedback! I do want to know what works and what doesn't. <br /><br /><div><embed align="middle" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000&documentId=100807222406-3646088d8a2f41c4804beab9c98a728c&docName=surroundings_summer_2010&username=Surroundings&loadingInfoText=%3A%3ASurroundings%3A%3A%20%20%20mag%3A%3AE%3A%3Azine&et=1281223755759&er=4" menu="false" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" style="height: 388px; width: 600px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /><div style="text-align: left; width: 600px;"><a href="http://issuu.com/Surroundings/docs/surroundings_summer_2010?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=interiors" target="_blank">More interiors</a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

::Surroundings:: mag::E::zine - Premier Issue!

I've been a little blog-AWOL this past week - sorry! I have a bunch of post ideas lined up (in my head) but my time was spent working on...

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