Missing my Daddy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkC75P_PLt5ZHKwrQ3ittYjkF9u4QHO6jG_L4qRCK2w4yLkO_2ojV5wzpH4sbheJh1dmPxc4L0wncZW0S_YaQ538gTMoyVWW9mRdRK30PI7Xu06Ky2hRyhDb3aOrS-qzP-_V9jYGzWmBB/s1600/100_0956_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkC75P_PLt5ZHKwrQ3ittYjkF9u4QHO6jG_L4qRCK2w4yLkO_2ojV5wzpH4sbheJh1dmPxc4L0wncZW0S_YaQ538gTMoyVWW9mRdRK30PI7Xu06Ky2hRyhDb3aOrS-qzP-_V9jYGzWmBB/s320/100_0956_2.JPG" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2009/01/requiescat-in-pace-my-cute-daddy.html" target="_blank">Bob Merrill</a></b> <br />5/24/25 - 1/29/09</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YDp88CkjY_k" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbah9A8rcHJd6gmB4nwZ7BECLdIcqHReDH9Y5C-sQqb9JJZUVlzb5fQGLLS471IdP6V0hhQq6gmOKbEwAyVFQth8t_C9yGBdbuPYopP8daCiyVFvMIg38RWSnKcFjQucxMVksunW5bcYV/s1600/BobDotEnagement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbah9A8rcHJd6gmB4nwZ7BECLdIcqHReDH9Y5C-sQqb9JJZUVlzb5fQGLLS471IdP6V0hhQq6gmOKbEwAyVFQth8t_C9yGBdbuPYopP8daCiyVFvMIg38RWSnKcFjQucxMVksunW5bcYV/s640/BobDotEnagement.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the product of my parents and am so very blessed. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Off to spend the day with my Mom and brother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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>

Missing my Daddy

Bob Merrill 5/24/25 - 1/29/09I am the product of my parents and am so very blessed. Off to spend the day with my Mom and brother.  Subscribe to ::Surroundings::…

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Follow Friday: It's a two-fer

Last week, I showcased the amazing talents of designer and blogger <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2011/01/follow-friday-michelle-morelan-of.html">Michelle Morelan</a>. In this week's Follow Friday post, I am giving a shout out to two wonderful blogger's who were kind enough to pass along a Stylish Blogger award to ::Surroundings:: and <a href="http://www.skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/">The Skirted Roundtable</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vv4Z1K3Hf4s/TTeGt9aB_DI/AAAAAAAADcc/bnZF3DT0S3E/Copy+of+WSH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vv4Z1K3Hf4s/TTeGt9aB_DI/AAAAAAAADcc/bnZF3DT0S3E/Copy+of+WSH.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Wanda S. Horton is a designer in Charlotte, NC who blogs at <a href="http://interiorconceptsbywanda.blogspot.com/">Interior Concepts by Wanda</a>. Her blog is filled with inspiring images and insights into her design work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vv4Z1K3Hf4s/TTm8tvPHR4I/AAAAAAAADdc/QKnXIHp5xT0/2011%20Trends%20Board_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vv4Z1K3Hf4s/TTm8tvPHR4I/AAAAAAAADdc/QKnXIHp5xT0/2011%20Trends%20Board_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></div><br />In particular, I loved her recent post on <a href="http://interiorconceptsbywanda.blogspot.com/2011/01/whats-trending-past-meets-present-in.html">Trends in Design: Past meets present</a>. Her comparison of old school vs. current trends complete with vintage photos (with a shoutout to the original single professional gal Mary Tyler Moore!) So check out <a href="http://interiorconceptsbywanda.blogspot.com/">Interior Concepts by Wanda</a> - you'll always be sure to learn something new!<br /><br /><br /><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/AVvXsEh5VWlQPUVeesWGxANMt4nydv4RPs6-w7DzeoYfObN-jamZSK9BdveGyVZUU2MZwt2fqxM2BkdXMnmSIgXchqOIYpYwzfzkwdMr1LzwfgdYRKobOuD0Zfp42TnE_G13qlftc4LdiXDKg1Oi/s220/picture+for+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VWlQPUVeesWGxANMt4nydv4RPs6-w7DzeoYfObN-jamZSK9BdveGyVZUU2MZwt2fqxM2BkdXMnmSIgXchqOIYpYwzfzkwdMr1LzwfgdYRKobOuD0Zfp42TnE_G13qlftc4LdiXDKg1Oi/s220/picture+for+profile.jpg" /></a></div><br />Gina from Art and Alfalfa is one of the more artistically talented bloggers going. Her ceramic work is amazing. I blogged about Gina a few months ago <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/meet-artist-gina-garner.html">here</a>. Her daily blog is filled with snippets from her lovely life out in a Utah alfalfa field. Her gorgeous home, beautiful photographs and of course, her ceramics are regular features. So, <a href="http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/">stop on over there</a>!<br /><br />Ladies, thank you so much for including me and SRT in your lists of Stylish blogger - I so appreciate the support!<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>

Follow Friday: It's a two-fer

Last week, I showcased the amazing talents of designer and blogger Michelle Morelan. In this week's Follow Friday post, I am giving a shout out to two wonderful blogger's who were kind enough to pass along a Stylish Blogger award to ::Surroundings:: and The Skirted Roundtable. Wanda S. Horton is a d…

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The Skirted Roundtable chats with The Rue Girls

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/rue_website_about_us1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAjmeZx-CZryCmomVw4jADE-i86_CvY_RmyZeI44BpI5rzkExtCVoEeQF15zM9vEEWHIFl9jbddlkEegmNWQkw36A56jr8d5as5LpYO1wGwhgtOlyI3GInjAqo3rpKhqerjlA7AfqwQ4/s400/Ruecover-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAjmeZx-CZryCmomVw4jADE-i86_CvY_RmyZeI44BpI5rzkExtCVoEeQF15zM9vEEWHIFl9jbddlkEegmNWQkw36A56jr8d5as5LpYO1wGwhgtOlyI3GInjAqo3rpKhqerjlA7AfqwQ4/s320/Ruecover-1.png" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's a peak at Rue's Winter 2011 issue. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This week, Megan, Joni and I chatted with the fabulously entrepreneurial team of Crystal Gentilello and Anne Sage - aka The Rue Girls - just prior to the release of their third issue of <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/">Rue magazine</a>. Crystal and Anne - who hadn't met in person when they started the venture last spring, are clearly bundles of energy, creativity and organization. To put together a 300 page publication with a shoestring staff is an amazing feat. Plus, they are incredibly open about how they operate and what makes them special.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/rue_website_about_us1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ruemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/rue_website_about_us1.png" /></a></div><br />So, grab a cup of cocoa and <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2011/01/chatting-with-rue-girls-crystal.html">head over to SRT</a> for a listen and then <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/">click over to their site</a> - because issue three is launching on the 27th!<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>

The Skirted Roundtable chats with The Rue Girls

Here's a peak at Rue's Winter 2011 issue. This week, Megan, Joni and I chatted with the fabulously entrepreneurial team of Crystal Gentilello and Anne Sage - aka The Rue Girls - just prior to the release of their third issue of Rue magazine. Crystal and Anne - who hadn't met in person when they star…

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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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Follow Friday: Michelle Morelan of A Schematic Life

I consider myself pretty good at cobbling together design sketches to flesh out a concept for my clients. My "sketches" are actually a combination of hand drawing, computer renderings and image placement.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ih0NPxXRFj8kZX5YFfeOP-UKspmKjpm1irhK7IqWdmTaTbT-6Erl_V9uJpmkoSknyFKOKuaaWu0YuSoaBJP1CVx14uIa6xt-Q58W1ZQkaQofrjaj-NG_fEMZqjg3P93tQUBiiNasShhc/s1600/Z+FR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ih0NPxXRFj8kZX5YFfeOP-UKspmKjpm1irhK7IqWdmTaTbT-6Erl_V9uJpmkoSknyFKOKuaaWu0YuSoaBJP1CVx14uIa6xt-Q58W1ZQkaQofrjaj-NG_fEMZqjg3P93tQUBiiNasShhc/s400/Z+FR.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/PrivateClientPageCindyDaveM1209LR_files/LMDecorative%20MarmLR_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/PrivateClientPageCindyDaveM1209LR_files/LMDecorative%20MarmLR_1.jpg" /></a></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;"></div>My drawing skills are labored and slow, at best. I can manage, but the time it takes for me to do a complete hand rendering is not worth the final results. So, I am constantly amazed and <strike>jealous</strike> impressed by the rendering skills of the über talented interior designer <a href="http://www.michellemorelandesign.com/">Michelle Morelan</a> of Vancouver. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.michellemorelandesign.com/0_0_0_0_226_235_csupload_17233721_large.jpg?u=634217003269742500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.michellemorelandesign.com/0_0_0_0_226_235_csupload_17233721_large.jpg?u=634217003269742500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr-BA0VJkWs5NkaLB5Fl9B5msZoyHQwXO4-rO34QgMR6tVavopg42FFehr21K69JnwvHDKs4v31Komk7dgx9MUlPZVLLcD3aL1cbR69d1YqH5vL7ZubkcqUIXYqnTzN3y2QlbNAKKi_6w/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr-BA0VJkWs5NkaLB5Fl9B5msZoyHQwXO4-rO34QgMR6tVavopg42FFehr21K69JnwvHDKs4v31Komk7dgx9MUlPZVLLcD3aL1cbR69d1YqH5vL7ZubkcqUIXYqnTzN3y2QlbNAKKi_6w/?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.michellemorelandesign.com/0_0_0_0_530_441_csupload_17236784.jpg?u=634217003269742500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.michellemorelandesign.com/0_0_0_0_530_441_csupload_17236784.jpg?u=634217003269742500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOMlK7PWhQesFNPE_n0BCzuGgc62eW5-MmJPrKJedPX8cqLqt131wQrJfHvtid1VIjzMwba7NbAE6AoumlsEA7ij_OOktLbv4hz2RDf9iuPrzOohKL7FYdKE0Xmf4zdWrmD5f1dSnKFve/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOMlK7PWhQesFNPE_n0BCzuGgc62eW5-MmJPrKJedPX8cqLqt131wQrJfHvtid1VIjzMwba7NbAE6AoumlsEA7ij_OOktLbv4hz2RDf9iuPrzOohKL7FYdKE0Xmf4zdWrmD5f1dSnKFve/?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></div><br />I know, right?  Seriously. Michelle's work looks so effortless which is the big thing my own hand drawing lacks (well, not JUST that, but it's the biggest thing). <br /><br />Michelle's blog, <a href="http://schematiclife.blogspot.com/">A Schematic Life</a>, showcases many of her own design projects and renderings, plus commissioned work. She is also offering a <a href="http://schematiclife.blogspot.com/2011/01/schematic-life-rendering-workshop-march.html">rendering workshop</a> in March in Vancouver which I wish I could attend!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSdFEwTx_vyHCqzOxPs3ttQhdDSWNLI5w1rJgRhAN8Pf8OBRctDt2_VquGQNInpjydxufL_RfNU375LCWzCRh_uHQ1aXP8J_hlFliG1IUwZdmmh8VaUdlBkmfvuldHkTSfA2wwdXqgDDp/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSdFEwTx_vyHCqzOxPs3ttQhdDSWNLI5w1rJgRhAN8Pf8OBRctDt2_VquGQNInpjydxufL_RfNU375LCWzCRh_uHQ1aXP8J_hlFliG1IUwZdmmh8VaUdlBkmfvuldHkTSfA2wwdXqgDDp/?imgmax=800" /></a></div><br /><br />Michelle also has a series of videos that show how she creates a rendering. So <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4232082">check that out</a>.<br /><br />Thanks Michelle for adding your voice and artistic talent to the design blogosphere!<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>

Follow Friday: Michelle Morelan of A Schematic Life

I consider myself pretty good at cobbling together design sketches to flesh out a concept for my clients. My "sketches" are actually a combination of hand drawing, computer renderings and image placement. My drawing skills are labored and slow, at best. I can manage, but the time it takes for me to …

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White House State Dinners

I love a big fancy event and I don't think we get bigger or better that a good old fashioned State Dinner. Last night, the Obama's welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintau. Regardless of which party is in power and who is occupying the Oval Office, a State Dinner is an important part of US diplomacy and has been so since the Grant administration which first started using the State Dinner as a diplomatic tool, honoring a specific foreign head of state. It's part diplomacy, part theater. And a whole lot of fun to watch. Wouldn't you love to be invited?? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGUL2NiBAtlwrSbuOObHcpAfAc0Kq8qc8aJDHghBl6fN0yVX4lL_QcNVRAjGufH_IGwNr_GBZom7FIOQo6n9lg5XybaZ8wFmIZoQsXWtKAbxb7fHv388JlNwtimgmJsmKLrozNePlfhGb/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539302134.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGUL2NiBAtlwrSbuOObHcpAfAc0Kq8qc8aJDHghBl6fN0yVX4lL_QcNVRAjGufH_IGwNr_GBZom7FIOQo6n9lg5XybaZ8wFmIZoQsXWtKAbxb7fHv388JlNwtimgmJsmKLrozNePlfhGb/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539302134.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The traditional formal welcome of the honoree</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHWyFDE8vnJTJ56ernOpEtkfW3Ncx3-8abvKS4hHxejh8URZvg74YemIrX586ydMyid_QVI2nVs9NKkLBPysenIGKWmi_15___B1HzCzPA0nTayD4Rl-Z3MYT4qWvknS5VowUoIqzP7eP/s1600/State+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHWyFDE8vnJTJ56ernOpEtkfW3Ncx3-8abvKS4hHxejh8URZvg74YemIrX586ydMyid_QVI2nVs9NKkLBPysenIGKWmi_15___B1HzCzPA0nTayD4Rl-Z3MYT4qWvknS5VowUoIqzP7eP/s640/State+dining+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The State Dining Room is clearly the place to be in the place to be. Love the portrait of Lincoln overlooking the events of the day. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihixfw40d-ePu_SRzfek3L7AuMcW9CJviZ4A8d7hIAfRXRodG7dZDDV5QWaDcfeZLTzGS3y0a5aqb4XcUQz8j-voMhcwpLdv48OpivPk5GyhunxV1lXp09v0JEpMnKiCmuN5iKV8OSaRRF/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539388839.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihixfw40d-ePu_SRzfek3L7AuMcW9CJviZ4A8d7hIAfRXRodG7dZDDV5QWaDcfeZLTzGS3y0a5aqb4XcUQz8j-voMhcwpLdv48OpivPk5GyhunxV1lXp09v0JEpMnKiCmuN5iKV8OSaRRF/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539388839.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">State Dining Room formal table setting</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dswitU1YR4EZAFBuC3zD-e-LkpPn9JPHwMzSnxBMeSED-vdav-av32_il842UpAZtoHXmBikbJI9Avq72BmXcLetFwVo0ZdqYlBa2WY8e4K7wsuMjIWJMHiCOfryEJJoR_1M3PoTvj65/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539421285.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dswitU1YR4EZAFBuC3zD-e-LkpPn9JPHwMzSnxBMeSED-vdav-av32_il842UpAZtoHXmBikbJI9Avq72BmXcLetFwVo0ZdqYlBa2WY8e4K7wsuMjIWJMHiCOfryEJJoR_1M3PoTvj65/s640/Photo+Gallery_1295539421285.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blue Room table setting. I am wondering which invited guests don't make it into the big room (State Dining room) and are relegated to the Blue and Red rooms? </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGUL2NiBAtlwrSbuOObHcpAfAc0Kq8qc8aJDHghBl6fN0yVX4lL_QcNVRAjGufH_IGwNr_GBZom7FIOQo6n9lg5XybaZ8wFmIZoQsXWtKAbxb7fHv388JlNwtimgmJsmKLrozNePlfhGb/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539302134.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhK9Zdi9t1zzHLAJWkJ96shekTGuHRlArjTmhwydkqPFclw6bg6cj-nHNHwAS0EKusYTNBOZKSzUzyRyzRoYO-NbTpsIAuok_pOIErC7727wuVqUxdnJJiC47M0I43IV8jWJD6kDAWfJAMQ/s1600/Blue+Room+table+setting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9Zdi9t1zzHLAJWkJ96shekTGuHRlArjTmhwydkqPFclw6bg6cj-nHNHwAS0EKusYTNBOZKSzUzyRyzRoYO-NbTpsIAuok_pOIErC7727wuVqUxdnJJiC47M0I43IV8jWJD6kDAWfJAMQ/s640/Blue+Room+table+setting.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Blue Room table setting. I love the acrylic chairs, but am not sure about the table cloths. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEiTgTVCrwfMABHK8IK594Fgva8CHlrKWOXSHXKntaFKF5zDKPOwtnRcZuwSoQs0UE74qXjVzI2seHHCqtuiwua10qoieDwmIA8GC7bxWjJ3zO-2kY7gEsh8EpE3RzCg7j_pyJ12zY4wpTIW/s1600/white+house+luncheon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgTVCrwfMABHK8IK594Fgva8CHlrKWOXSHXKntaFKF5zDKPOwtnRcZuwSoQs0UE74qXjVzI2seHHCqtuiwua10qoieDwmIA8GC7bxWjJ3zO-2kY7gEsh8EpE3RzCg7j_pyJ12zY4wpTIW/s640/white+house+luncheon.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGUL2NiBAtlwrSbuOObHcpAfAc0Kq8qc8aJDHghBl6fN0yVX4lL_QcNVRAjGufH_IGwNr_GBZom7FIOQo6n9lg5XybaZ8wFmIZoQsXWtKAbxb7fHv388JlNwtimgmJsmKLrozNePlfhGb/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539302134.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Red Room (note the flat screen tv so diners in this room don't miss the main events). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKWX9e3U8utsWLTaY1j-0r7I4mItDhAsTlw7SxB9s1XXavvsiashda4cgSBArveDj84dis2BGc8kp-22thQbAetmhPhCZxKDLU5LKWSxsqnoruDU9ZwsTvUqz6xpVXWpVrAHgrTvf9orX/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295538683373.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKWX9e3U8utsWLTaY1j-0r7I4mItDhAsTlw7SxB9s1XXavvsiashda4cgSBArveDj84dis2BGc8kp-22thQbAetmhPhCZxKDLU5LKWSxsqnoruDU9ZwsTvUqz6xpVXWpVrAHgrTvf9orX/s640/Photo+Gallery_1295538683373.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The State Dining room getting set up. </div><br /><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/AVvXsEhYgPWyOgDeFFoAg6CFqt8Uo059E8EQbT6sBX5KyJ_Pbscm3cQ0jhDVDnOWCCYbOTKNxElHpLE1P-4YsIZcEQLkr7ldAd91J2MastPhlUsEh0_-IT-l0rYkZKScuV9bnDuNfSAdryduqXeO/s1600/state+dinner+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgPWyOgDeFFoAg6CFqt8Uo059E8EQbT6sBX5KyJ_Pbscm3cQ0jhDVDnOWCCYbOTKNxElHpLE1P-4YsIZcEQLkr7ldAd91J2MastPhlUsEh0_-IT-l0rYkZKScuV9bnDuNfSAdryduqXeO/s640/state+dinner+flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pardon me, excuse me, pardon me, excuse me... get out of my way!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7tlLTfTozJEBX51z8DeNCpBb83G2yGxjAKxvGlyMCX67D41xH70VNceKj9e_A3FqMdVRbTl4bKg9fVrwYOG6v0Yj9c9In2WklM_386SiOHl0GaFm9CMRHjrKnkRjtT1Tj3eNGfCjXLxu/s1600/Photo+Gallery_1295539266093.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7tlLTfTozJEBX51z8DeNCpBb83G2yGxjAKxvGlyMCX67D41xH70VNceKj9e_A3FqMdVRbTl4bKg9fVrwYOG6v0Yj9c9In2WklM_386SiOHl0GaFm9CMRHjrKnkRjtT1Tj3eNGfCjXLxu/s640/Photo+Gallery_1295539266093.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seat cushions for the acrylic chairs - keeping famous tushies comfy!</div><br />Here are some interesting State Dinners in history:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.printsoldandrare.com/roosevelt/045ted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://www.printsoldandrare.com/roosevelt/045ted.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1902 State Dinner for Prince Henry of Germany (Prussia). Note there are no women at the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_03.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> The White House Historical Association (White House Collection)</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/3726/slide_3726_52813_large.jpg?1295545381039" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/3726/slide_3726_52813_large.jpg?1295545381039" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Maimie Eisenhower in the Red Room in 1958</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/3726/slide_3726_52855_large.jpg?1295545466427" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/3726/slide_3726_52855_large.jpg?1295545466427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Kennedys honoring the President of Peru, 1962</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">State Dinners in their modern form began with President Grant. Historically, they featured the traditional long table. It was Jacqueline Kennedy who started using the small round tables which promoted conversation and accommodated more people. The setting above was from 1902.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.projo.com/photos/20070822/fd0822_kennedy_08-22-07_NG6PLLM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.projo.com/photos/20070822/fd0822_kennedy_08-22-07_NG6PLLM.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0rORKp2CTETPUlABdOc5PX9u1h6D6GTMOO1VkI-m4H0q28bweA7XdRvFBwlExfVX7f5WJfEctKXFIdWBtJEOb7ZrRpzc-eeTdCeYmOipfIkV7pBCfBZuIlvPrlRZJr6utZd3_Cs5CP1B/s1600/Nixon+Bailey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0rORKp2CTETPUlABdOc5PX9u1h6D6GTMOO1VkI-m4H0q28bweA7XdRvFBwlExfVX7f5WJfEctKXFIdWBtJEOb7ZrRpzc-eeTdCeYmOipfIkV7pBCfBZuIlvPrlRZJr6utZd3_Cs5CP1B/s400/Nixon+Bailey.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0rORKp2CTETPUlABdOc5PX9u1h6D6GTMOO1VkI-m4H0q28bweA7XdRvFBwlExfVX7f5WJfEctKXFIdWBtJEOb7ZrRpzc-eeTdCeYmOipfIkV7pBCfBZuIlvPrlRZJr6utZd3_Cs5CP1B/s1600/Nixon+Bailey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1974 State Dinner featured then president Richard Nixon accompanying singer Pearl Bailey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="vitstorybody"><span class="vitstorybody"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j191/mikesamerica/mikesamerica2/20060629-15_p062906sc-0478jpg-1-515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j191/mikesamerica/mikesamerica2/20060629-15_p062906sc-0478jpg-1-515.jpg" /></a></div><br /> The First Lady and her staff are responsible for the decor, menu, etc. for State Dinners. This is from the dinner the Bushes hosted for the Japanese Prime Minister. Love the color palette!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/bh_state_dinners/bh_state_dinners_10.jpg" /></a></div>This is the table setting for Queen Elizabeth at the 2007 State Dinner. Note the use of the same gold plates and pearl cutlery as used in this weeks State Dinner. <br /><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>

White House State Dinners

I love a big fancy event and I don't think we get bigger or better that a good old fashioned State Dinner. Last night, the Obama's welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintau. Regardless of which party is in power and who is occupying the Oval Office, a State Dinner is an important part of US diplomacy and…

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That's me all over the place

Sometimes, I think I'm here there and everywhere. I guess it's because I am!  I wanted to share other places I'm showing up right now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/wp-content/themes/tarski/headers/greytree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://nehomemagblog.com/wp-content/themes/tarski/headers/greytree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1694045255"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">New England Home</a> magazine launched their new <a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/">blog</a> a couple of weeks ago. It's  a great way to get to know the staff that makes up this great magazine and find out more about upcoming projects. I was honored to be asked to be their first guest design blogger and today is my <a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/2011/01/honeysuckle-pantone%E2%80%99s-2011-color-of-the-year/">first post</a>! This week - it's all about Honeysuckle pink - Pantone's color of the year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDjYdPxyoYZs3Z6i8dwwqrbJlK0O2tAhMlyEfsEL_5IOfLeNG6I07oYcPA4V2UtonquqUgvCmF2u92Ajq39pv6uVJLBnigIABIrRH_NZPHV-cOtL9X01ajNynP94UAVFOljcrUPbvWDIk/s1600/Pantone+Honeysuckle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDjYdPxyoYZs3Z6i8dwwqrbJlK0O2tAhMlyEfsEL_5IOfLeNG6I07oYcPA4V2UtonquqUgvCmF2u92Ajq39pv6uVJLBnigIABIrRH_NZPHV-cOtL9X01ajNynP94UAVFOljcrUPbvWDIk/s320/Pantone+Honeysuckle.png" width="320" /></a></div>So, <a href="http://nehomemagblog.com/2011/01/honeysuckle-pantone%E2%80%99s-2011-color-of-the-year/">click here to read </a>and please do leave a comment and peruse their earlier posts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mieleusa.com/images/mieleusa/models_page/combisets_home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://www.mieleusa.com/images/mieleusa/models_page/combisets_home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I recently wrote an article over at Networx.com called <a href="http://www.networx.com/article/7-new-kitchen-appliances-that-designers">7 New Kitchen Appliances Designers Love</a>. I interviewed three fabulous kitchen designers for the article: <a href="http://www.kitcheninteriors.com/">Susan Serra</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesign.com/">Paul Anater</a> and <a href="http://coreyklassen.ca/">Corey Klassen</a>. So, click on over to learn about their thoughts on what makes a fantastic kitchen appliance.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span><span style="color: magenta;">   </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Lemon.jpg/220px-Lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Lemon.jpg/220px-Lemon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I wrote called <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/18/10-nontoxic-deep-cleaning_n_810047.html#">10 Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes</a> for <a href="http://www.networx.com/">Networx</a> that was picked up on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/18/10-nontoxic-deep-cleaning_n_810047.html#">Huffington Post</a> today. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••</span>   </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIt7ODigu7msnDgFLUecARI_-nS9a_1DHx7qWqvso05VtY5lDZk_FNCRz-xp6Bo7BAvfim5ds5ORqgyXSVxtLI0qIdcoNxW9QXwl95wG9-VLyP1JUl_6pa1_nnYurpG7j6Qxdc0rr68I/s1600/pied-a-terre-new-york-ed1110-rheinstein-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIt7ODigu7msnDgFLUecARI_-nS9a_1DHx7qWqvso05VtY5lDZk_FNCRz-xp6Bo7BAvfim5ds5ORqgyXSVxtLI0qIdcoNxW9QXwl95wG9-VLyP1JUl_6pa1_nnYurpG7j6Qxdc0rr68I/s1600/pied-a-terre-new-york-ed1110-rheinstein-02.jpg" /></a></div>And finally, we just posted our recent chat with Suzanne Rheinstein over at<a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2011/01/chatting-with-suzanne-rheinstein.html"> The Skirted Roundtable</a>. Her work is beautiful and elegant - you will swoon as we did over her New York apartment!<br /><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>

That's me all over the place

Sometimes, I think I'm here there and everywhere. I guess it's because I am!  I wanted to share other places I'm showing up right now:New England Home magazine launched their new blog a couple of weeks ago. It's  a great way to get to know the staff that makes up this great magazine and find out mor…

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