Veteran's Day: Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. - Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite celebrities is Gary Sinise. I've long had a crush on him (love me a cute red head!) but beyond that, he's dedicate his life to helping our active military service members, veterans and most especially those who have sacrificed so much so the rest of us can go about our daily business in safety.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_009.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_010.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ALjTZdrLR9A" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation</a> initiatives is to build smart homes for severely wounded veterans so that they can live the most "normal" lives possible. The technology available is remarkable, as is the dedication of all the volunteers and donors to this amazing program. By the end of 2014 they expect to have 30 homes across the country either finished or in the active building process.  This video below shows what amazing features a completed home will have. If you visit <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/programs/restoring-independence-supporting-empowerment" target="_blank">this page</a> on their website, you will see information about each home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wtWFOQlMVEQ" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My dad, Bob Merrill, was in Naval flight school during World War II and though the war ended before he graduated, he was ready and willing to serve. My maternal grandfather Edmund Costello, was an Army Pilot in World War 1.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-Q8FTrXiaw4m3NWq_NFNvkAJXfI8gAOFcVZtbpR4lJxkdVkG2f3C7AXQgO-rlNBl5EB0E11rYwDjHX4ung1QCfL4rk8k1d496q95Sw1EfbIybPaXgiaWq6FJhEMy2ysAGbBiC92sLY/s1600/RMM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-Q8FTrXiaw4m3NWq_NFNvkAJXfI8gAOFcVZtbpR4lJxkdVkG2f3C7AXQgO-rlNBl5EB0E11rYwDjHX4ung1QCfL4rk8k1d496q95Sw1EfbIybPaXgiaWq6FJhEMy2ysAGbBiC92sLY/s640/RMM1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Matthews Merrill</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAyBghzuHEYmsmMmrgbkHi36Of0r2zki1NZZp0a4wuBkWtPgII3IRkYX8h7YFS9WQG3ttCISAoi54EEgmKxhiMm1dsoOfgJsMrmat5gdJmOobP9p212yPUaGYKRUZTrchqmqi3v4egk/s1600/EJC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAyBghzuHEYmsmMmrgbkHi36Of0r2zki1NZZp0a4wuBkWtPgII3IRkYX8h7YFS9WQG3ttCISAoi54EEgmKxhiMm1dsoOfgJsMrmat5gdJmOobP9p212yPUaGYKRUZTrchqmqi3v4egk/s640/EJC2.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edmund James Costello</span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/images/logo.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In honor of them and all those who serve, I have made a donation to support the R.I.S.E. initiative which includes the building of smart homes for those most in need. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would ask you to consider<a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org//product/make-a-donation" target="_blank"> making a donation </a>of any size as well to this wonderful initiative. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>100% of donations to the <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation</a> is dedicated to serving and honoring our nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a sign of my commitment to providing ongoing support of this wonderful organization and most especially the continued growth of their smart home initiative, I will offer anyone who makes a donation between now and the end of 2014 directed to the <a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org//product/make-a-donation" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation RISE program</a> a FREE virtual design plan (Jump Start Level 1) valued at $500. You can read more about this plan <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  This would make a great holiday gift for a new homeowner in your life as well!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2_files/LMDS%20Digi%20Inspiration%20board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2_files/LMDS%20Digi%20Inspiration%20board.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you wish to participate, please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me proof of your donation</a> and we'll take it from there! Donations of any size will be fine, but the bigger the better.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnepZ0GLq13_LLNDVUMF6bKmBIz9g0AJ6lbwXprOXrtYI1_1_WbzRNYyd0Q9TP0sraAAqmsruoob_CaDdVMgUlf3pTB-qp_Bqpu0ZLVJATUkAc8djv-BufntBVogwEpZxn5CygqRDRy4/s1600/Happy_face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnepZ0GLq13_LLNDVUMF6bKmBIz9g0AJ6lbwXprOXrtYI1_1_WbzRNYyd0Q9TP0sraAAqmsruoob_CaDdVMgUlf3pTB-qp_Bqpu0ZLVJATUkAc8djv-BufntBVogwEpZxn5CygqRDRy4/s1600/Happy_face.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously, there are many, many worthwhile causes to support and I appreciate your consideration. Hug a Vet today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06eEXDHdHxwLwlEBZvmDfHx3498QLW_As4wY46ms6oBeQfh6Nv2RgMTdodIlxk3Y-JiI4DVeVfLTeurj68gpYUIHxtYEdIBoubVl9Bi8ajHaAQIRGAwx4Q3PaHCa9vMGdLZqcnTDndjo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06eEXDHdHxwLwlEBZvmDfHx3498QLW_As4wY46ms6oBeQfh6Nv2RgMTdodIlxk3Y-JiI4DVeVfLTeurj68gpYUIHxtYEdIBoubVl9Bi8ajHaAQIRGAwx4Q3PaHCa9vMGdLZqcnTDndjo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Veteran's Day: Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. - Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment

One of my favorite celebrities is Gary Sinise. I've long had a crush on him (love me a cute red head!) but beyond that, he's dedicat...

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Ruby Lane's Holiday Magazine

<a href="http://www.rubylane.com/" target="_blank">Ruby Lane </a>is one of the world's largest online marketplaces for vintage and antique goods including art, furnishings, jewelry, silver, crystal and more. I was asked to select a favorite item from their offerings to be included in their holiday issue of <a href="http://issuu.com/rubylane/docs/ruby_read_winter_2014/34" target="_blank">Ruby Read</a>, their digital magazine. <br /><br /><br /><code><div class="issuuembed" data-configid="0/9829996" style="height: 406px; width: 650px;"></div><script async="true" src="//e.issuu.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script></code><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxklKGGB3WyJD8i_Rg4n3IHSftXf9T8yAKvEl4yyfS2GnHgwgfp9uE5vTSgszKWuVNJHhcrKvIP0o7sCSW2_Vm4n_UHhk3dpwr9Uke4c319eFD_bPHqG6SsTAxaK2wdVGl3KlKDi3qmU/s1600/barset.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxklKGGB3WyJD8i_Rg4n3IHSftXf9T8yAKvEl4yyfS2GnHgwgfp9uE5vTSgszKWuVNJHhcrKvIP0o7sCSW2_Vm4n_UHhk3dpwr9Uke4c319eFD_bPHqG6SsTAxaK2wdVGl3KlKDi3qmU/s1600/barset.tiff" /></a></div><code><br /></code>Here is the<a href="http://www.rubylane.com/item/694606-f3414/Royal-Danish-Bar-Set-Corkscrew-Jigger" target="_blank"> online listing </a>for the Royal Danish Bar set that was my selection.  It's unfortunately way out of my current budget to buy for myself - but I'm keeping it in mind for someday!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" /></a></div><br /><code><br /></code>

Ruby Lane's Holiday Magazine

Ruby Lane is one of the world's largest online marketplaces for vintage and antique goods including art, furnishings, jewelry, silver, c...

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Design & Architecture Resources

Interior design and architecture is a world of details, historical facts and mathematical figures. There's a lot to know. I wanted to be sure to share my Pinterest Board called <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/resources-info/" target="_blank">Resources and Info</a> where I collect infographics on all kinds of subjects, including: <br /><br />Styles of Chair Backs<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ad/df/cd/addfcdbdfde31bb2a7bc691d3ae90812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ad/df/cd/addfcdbdfde31bb2a7bc691d3ae90812.jpg" /></a></div><br />Optimal dimensions for light fixtures over a table<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/6a/44/ae6a44bb388196e32c18404b518a096d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/6a/44/ae6a44bb388196e32c18404b518a096d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sofa shapes and historical details<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/0e/85/de0e850bb2b28bb823353a2f79800a37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/0e/85/de0e850bb2b28bb823353a2f79800a37.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br />There's so much more, so, please feel free to<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/resources-info/" target="_blank"> follow my board</a> and re-pin any items you find useful. Even if you don't have a Pinterest account, you should be able to access the board and download any of these images as needed.<br /><br />I'm going to be California later this week for a design business summit which I'm really looking forward to. It was in the 30's and snowing here yesterday. It's expected to be in the low 80's in San Diego by mid-week. While I'm not a huge fan of hot weather, a touch of it will be nice!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTN6LVuBdwurxLA5dXgabcaIIaCv9ZOdfy9kgQryjWArXp-Kw2tw6u1abKp0pnhhvsok9VTTz1sdnnzrPKM8DzBgAnHnLc_CW133LYAVxpwR-7Wa_pfzJiHF2SV6oukMMjvSCZJendtc/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Design & Architecture Resources

Interior design and architecture is a world of details, historical facts and mathematical figures. There's a lot to know. I wanted to be...

Read more »