CLAYTON -- Holiday festivities continue in Clayton with the fifth annual Christmas Home Tour, featuring five area houses appointed with treasure troves of snow globes, nutcrackers, handcrafted decorations, trees with a particular theme, and fragrant garland-wrapped banisters.

There's a blend of sumptuous dcor to a country feel; from old-fashioned to transitional styles.

In the past few days, Shawnda Waite-Lopez has been doing more than her usual multi-tasking as an interior designer and her work in the telecommunications trade; recently spending time -- with glue gun in hand -- affixing bulbs on wreaths to decorate Clayton's downtown, and prepping her home, with its winter wonderland master bathroom, for tour visitors.

"It's the ultimate," says the resident of Crystyl Ranch in Concord. "To have people (visiting) my house is a dream come true."

Her "deck out every year" dcor reflects "the spirit and meaning of Christmas," she says.

Santa's village that sits atop the grand piano in a 10-year-old home tailored to an Old English crowd, and under a chandelier is a burgundy-colored velvet and crme-colored tasseled runner on the dining table.

"It kind of takes you away. It has that feeling," says Waite-Lopez.

Meanwhile, Julie Mancini, also an interior decorator who is a longtime designer at Pottery Barn, has historically been considered for offering family and friends that element of surprise at her Clayton residence, as they gather for the annual ornament exchange or a holiday meal, with its style she describes as transitional.

"It has a look and feel that is warm and comfortable," she says.

"My inspiration is making our house a place to celebrate the holidays," says Mancini, who is also having a raffle to raise more funds for the landscaping project in front of the Clayton Historical Society Museum.

Continued here:
Clayton: Christmas Home Tour slated Dec. 14

The Crew - All Uplay Actions and Rewards SHOWCASE (Bonus Theme, Cars Decorator) Uplay Bonus
The Crew - All Uplay Actions and Rewards SHOWCASE (Bonus Theme, Cars Decorator) All Uplay Bonus Actions: 10 Uplay Points - The Breadwinner: Increase your Daily Salary to 10000 Bucks,...

By: ScereBro PSNU

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The Crew - All Uplay Actions and Rewards SHOWCASE (Bonus Theme, Cars & Decorator) Uplay Bonus - Video

Literarily famous emotion-haver and interior decorator Ayelet Waldman got mad this week at the news that the novel she'd published this year, Love & Treasure, had failed to make the New York Times Book Review's list of 100 notable books of 2014.

OK, so. Obviously this is very jarring to an author, to see a big long list of booksMANY bookson which one's own book has not been included.

But the true and terrible thing is: One hundred books is not so many books! Waldman is not fond of math, but let's do some arithmetic: The New York Times Book Review publishes weekly. There are 52 weeks in a year. So that means that fewer than two books a weekfrom the population of books that have been reviewed in the Book Review (agent, on phone: Great news! You're in the Book Review!)make the cut.

And half of those 100 Notable Books are nonfiction, which leaves only 50 slots for novels and short stories and poetry combined. So we're down to less than one novel a week.

This can be hideously depressing, if you write books. If you write one book, even. At some point in the processafter filing a first draft, maybe, or while awaiting page proofsan author walks into a bookstore and looks around at the sheer number of other books there: book after book after book, on table after table, shelf after shelf. And the same abundance that may previously have been inspiring becomes horrifying; the author senses very acutely what it means to be one grain of sand on a very large beach.

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Ayelet Waldman Has No Idea How Non-Notable It Is to Write a Novel

Cambridge, UK (PRWEB) December 04, 2014

The founders of Paintworks Cambridge, a UK-based company that offers top quality interior and exterior painters and decorators, are pleased to announce the launch of their new website. Thanks to the newly-updated site, customers can easily learn more about the company and their quality services.

Since the day Paintworks Cambridge first opened their doors, they have strived to offer the best interior and exterior decorating services in the Cambridge area, as well as full restoration services. From wallpaper removal and hanging and wood staining to masonry painting and special and lovely painting effects like sponging, rag rolling and marbling, the friendly and talented team from Paintworks Cambridge can handle it all.

For example, Paintworks Cambridges full restoration services can be completed on internal and external surfaces, and they will gladly tackle carpentry glazing as well as tiling. The company uses only the best possible materials and is proud of the many repeat customers that they work with on more than one occasion.

In addition, the founders of Paintworks Cambridge understand how chaotic and disruptive interior decorating and painting can be. As a result, they strive to do everything they can to make sure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible.

Don't worry about any disruption to your day to day life, we recognise the importance of maintaining a tidy working area and try to minimise stress and disruption. We work with care, consideration and cleanliness at all times, the company spokesperson said, adding that they truly enjoy bringing new life to a dull and tired room.

We thrive on turning a dated area in to an airy space to be enjoyed. No job is too big or small for us.

Anybody who would like to learn more about Paintworks Cambridge is welcome to visit the newly-updated website; there, they can read about the company and the top-notch services they provide, as well as reviews from satisfied customers who have worked with them.

About Paintworks Cambridge:

Whether people require interior or exterior decorating or both, Paintworks are confident that they won't find another decorator in the Cambridge area that ticks more boxes for quality of service. For those who live in Cambridge and need a decorator, call Paintworks today on 01223 502 950 or 07960 769 175 for a no obligation free quote. For more information, please visit http://www.pwpaintersanddecoratorscambridge.co.uk/

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Paintworks Cambridge are Proud to Announce the Launch of a New and More User-Friendly Website

Felicia interior decorator
Highly Regarded Interior Designer, Felicia Breshears.

By: Jason Modrynski

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Felicia interior decorator - Video

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 03, 2014

Strong, 1980s-inspired pastels, burnished brass and a mix of cultural influences in one space: these are just a few of the home dcor looks you can expect to see more of in 2015, according to nousDECOR Chief Designer Mark Cutler.

Cutler, who in addition to working with nousDECOR is also an acclaimed LA-based decorator with Hollywood A-list clients and work thats appeared in magazines such as Traditional Home, the Robb Report and House Beautiful, has his finger on the pulse of the interior design and decor retail space. Here are his predictions for the top 10 trends that will shape home dcor and interior design in the year ahead:

1.Technology: After a few quiet years, there seems to be a fresh crop of products that are going to start some new conversations about the role of technology in our homes. The first is voice-operated assistants. Jibo is a voice-operated assistant that can do many things, from making calls, adjusting the stereo and even the level of the lights. Amazon has just come out with a similar device, Echo. These may look like toys now, but the potential for these is huge, and these two are just the beginning. The second piece of technology to watch is television streaming devices. For ages, we have had yet another clunky box by the TV, whether its Roku or any other number of devices, but the Amazon Firestick is changing all that. Just plug this piece of magic into the side of your TV and you are done, all for less than $50.

2.Color: Strong pastel colors are making a comeback. Nothing too bright, but definitely colorful. So start to think in terms of Sky Blue, Tangerine and Mint Green. If you are thinking this sounds a little 80s, then you would be totally right. That color palette is starting to come back ... just not leg warmers just yet.

3.Metal: Every design trend forecast must have a metal aspect attached too. Well the metal for this year is brass. Thats right, its back, after being pushed aside by nickel and then bronze for years, brass is now front and center. Look look more to a burnished, satin finish for now, rather than polished brass.

4.Pattern: After years of bright geometrics, trellis and chevron patterns, its now time for an influx of organic and photo-based patterns. Manufacturers are using better technology in their mills, and it is allowing a fresh new look. So look for patterns that are based on organic forms, but not just flowers and leaves, but patterns based on mineral crosscuts, star patterns and photo studies.

5.Acrylic: One of the hottest trends of the year is totally transparent ... acrylic furniture is back. Perhaps it ties in with the 80s idea a little too well, but manufacturers are starting to line the showrooms with new see-through pieces, everything from bookshelves to tables and chairs.

6.Salon Hanging: As it starts to seem like the days of austerity are over, people are starting to shop again, and that means an accumulation of more stuff. So where to display it all? One of the best ways to do that in regards to art, is with salon hanging, i.e., grouping multiple pieces together. Its a great way of showing off many pieces at once, especially pieces with different styles and from different periods. Perhaps this was driven by the opening of the new Barnes Museum, which is famous for its juxtaposition of pieces.

7.Luxury: Its official: luxury is back. No more sitting on scratchy Belgian linen sofas or getting splinters on rough reclaimed tables. Bring on the velvets, silks and brocades. Bring on the varnish, gold leaf and french polish. As people begin to regain financial strength, this year will bring about renewed interest in the finer things, and the desire live like a well-appointed monk in Bruges is fading away.

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Top 10 Home Dcor Trends for 2015 According to nousDECOR Chief Designer and Acclaimed Celebrity Decorator Mark Cutler

Karen Washington could only call the delivery a blessing. Two volunteers with the nonprofit organization Food & Friends had knocked on the doors of her Capitol Heights home, carrying a bag packed with a full Thanksgiving dinner that could feed a half-dozen.

Washington thanked them. She hugged them. Come in, come in! she invited.

In the kitchen, Washingtons sons were cutting up peppers and chopping celery. They began unpacking the feast bestowed upon them: roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, green beans, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce.

Washington, 49, could not eat any of it. But it didnt matter.

Before my illness, my Thanksgiving was commercialized and fast, Washington said. But I feel like Im blessed.Thank you.

Tenminutes before, they were all strangers. Now, Petie Bonbrest and her longtime boyfriend, Bill Enselman, were in the living room of a woman giving them an unexpected display of gratitude. They, too, began to wipe away tears.

Bonbrest said: We are blessed to have met you today.

The meaning of Thanksgiving dinner can seem a little obscured at first, when its quickly prepared and packaged by an assembly line of volunteers wearing red hairnets. Every day, the organization based near the Fort Totten Metro station delivers free nutritious, curated meals for those facing life-threatening illnesses. Thanksgiving is Food & Friends biggest delivery day.

For the holiday, the chef abandons the usual nutrition-conscience meal and pieces together a hearty traditional menu. Volunteers over the course of the week spice nearly 10,000pounds of turkey, slice 780pounds of collard greens and dice 975pounds of glazed sweet potatoes.

About 800deliveries were made around the region Thursday, twice as many as the usual haul. The centerpiece is the 12-pound turkey.

Link:
D.C. nonprofit puts the happy in Thanksgiving by feeding ill area residents

Beautiful hand made designs colourful interiors
Features innovative furniture ideas for every room in the house. Topics covered include bookshelf designs, tables, chairs, modern wall units and space saving furniture interior design, interior...

By: Hindu Culture

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Beautiful hand made designs colourful interiors - Video

The 25-year-old star splashed out the hefty sum on the Tudor-inspired four bedroom home which features stained glass windows, turrets, a gym, tanning room, sauna and even an opulent billiards room with a large gold chandelier.

The castle-like property boasts a large back garden complete with a 75 ft swimming pool, built-in bar, spa and entertaining area.

If he doesn't feel like relaxing by the pool, Jason can enjoy a game of basket ball on his personal court.

Sadly, the 'Watcha Say' hitmaker will have to wait a few weeks before he can move in to the house, as an interior decorator adds the finishing touches to the furniture.

Perhaps planning for his new home will divert Jason's mind from his ex-girlfriend Jordin.

The pair split in September after dating for three years, and now the 'American Idol' alum has reportedly hit back at her former beau - who had to cancel his world tour in 2012 after fracturing his neck - in her remix of Drake's 'How Bout Now'.

In an interview with LA Leakers, the 24-year-old pop star revealed a snippet of the tune, which features the lyrics: "Remember I deleted all my other guys' numbers out of my phone for ya?/Remember when you broke your neck and I had to wash your back for ya?

"You didn't really f**k with me way back then, but how bout now?/'Cause I'm up right now and you suck right now. (sic)"

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Jason Derulo has purchased a $3 million bachelor pad.

(PRWEB) November 25, 2014

'To get lost is to find the way.

Jeremy, a student in London and on vacation in Africa, stumbles upon an antique piano in the Tanzanian city of Arusha. The Steinweg changes his life. He launches a number of successful community projects on the African continent before he returns to Europe and becomes a wealthy trader. Years later he is called to Africa once more, but not before literally bumping into Sarah, a world-famous interior decorator. It is the beginning of a tumultuous affair, which lasts ten days. And then Jeremy is gone, leaving Sarah in a deep crisis. Will he be back? Will Sarah recover?

"Steinweg" is a fascinating love story. In an unusual setting it brings together the derailing consequences of clinging to fictional values of the past, and the elating powers of love to embrace the present. Does one have to get lost to find the way?

What readers say: A captivating read! A novel you cant put down. The main characters are simply familiar, but their unpredictable adventures keep you on your toes until the last page. A titillating debut, very contemporary. Wishing for sequels!

Author Hendrik Roelofsen was born in the Netherlands. He travelled the world and now resides in the Swiss Alps, where he climbs mountains and writes non-fiction. "Steinweg" is his first novel.

Paperback, 262 pages. ISBN 978-94-6008-149-1 Worldwide available through Amazon (also on Kindle) and other major book distributors.

For a free review copy of Steinweg contact the author at hgroelofsen(at)gmail(dot)com

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Author Hendrik Roelofsen's New Novel is an Inventive Love Story