Love it in 2013, Leave it in 2012

Can you believe it’s the last day of the year? It’s been a pretty trying year for me personally between my health (two surgeries to remove TWO organs in just six months), the loss of my husband’s father and grandmother, and the stresses of juggling a few too many things at once. I am so ready to kiss 2012 goodbye and welcome a clean slate in 2013! On a much lighter note, it seems everyone has their own predictions on what will be big in the coming year and what should stay behind in the year that is ending, so I thought it would be fun to call upon some friends, who also happen to be a fabulous group of tastemakers in order to get their take on what they think will be huge next year and what they’d like to see fade away. <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rs55ebDnZi8/UN9_CodZXuI/AAAAAAAAV1I/NWcqdUbkVBM/s1600-h/image%25255B103%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="84" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ThKbkL_xIOU/UN9_DO-9z-I/AAAAAAAAV1Q/gt4xpG18pb4/image_thumb%25255B65%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="341" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3_XHEBL5yK4/UN9_IHg8kWI/AAAAAAAAV1Y/ATXU8BGGYzY/s1600-h/image%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="442" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cw_2AwnqZMA/UN9_Ko8DgII/AAAAAAAAV1g/1arNBVeYpDA/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /> <div align="left">My personal take on what will get a lot of love in 2013? First off, I see a return to traditional style for interiors, architecture, and fashion. That’s not to say that it ever went away, but I think people are really ready to embrace classic, beautiful style again and give quirky, overly eclectic, and super modern a rest. Naturally, emerald will have a banner year as Pantone’s Color of the Year, but I also think it will be a big year for navy. I don’t think high gloss lacquer finishes are going anywhere yet and I certainly wouldn’t want them to! In pop culture and fashion, I predict that The Great Gatsby will reign supreme, which I love because I am currently obsessed with the Jazz Age. I also think this will be a huge year for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as we see Kate Middleton experience pregnancy and ultimately welcome a little royal bundle of joy. I am sure Kate will be as effortlessly stylish as ever and all eyes will be upon her and William’s sweet baby. I just hope that the paparazzi allow them to enjoy their privacy. I have a feeling Kate and her baby will be pursued even more than Princess Diana and her boys. Let’s see what everyone else has to say, shall we?</div> <img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://markdsikes.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="116" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mThiUNJmGz8/UN-K39y9QhI/AAAAAAAAV7c/5zaZgOGbQyc/image23%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iUuYqBxGE8U/UN9_QsWtYPI/AAAAAAAAV14/zCSv-zYTrIE/s1600-h/image%25255B22%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="445" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q1ayEs647wM/UN9_TBdu-5I/AAAAAAAAV2A/lFJuul5ctxE/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a></div> <div align="left"><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What do you predict will be big in 2013?</div> <div align="left"> </div> <div align="left"><strong><a href="http://markdsikes.com/">Mark D. Sikes:</a></strong> In fashion- minimalism, a return to classics. And the return of strappy high heels a la Manolo Blahnik! Also, I’m loving a bob, the hairstyle that is. In terms of interiors- I’m obsessed with all shades of green! I’m loving celadon, moss, olive, citron, chartreuse- all lacquered of course. Mixed with my signature- blue and white ceramics. Actually the combination of blue and green is hands down my favorite thing right now. Because of the economic times, I foresee that people will be investing in quality not quantity. </div> <div align="center"><a href="http://sallywheatinteriors.com/index2.php#/home/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OqqQnkoG-S4/UN9_UbzL5XI/AAAAAAAAV7k/KG2S2C4-hs4/image29%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="503" /></a></div> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_xd52LSRxs/UN9_YeWPebI/AAAAAAAAV2Y/S2VyJdaKL8g/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="465" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cvp7BQ5eEts/UN9_bCGPFHI/AAAAAAAAV2g/ojOLjZ2fIkw/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What do you think will be the major trends in 2013?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://sallywheatinteriors.com/index2.php#/home/">Sally Wheat:</a></strong> In 2013, I predict a resurgence in the color peach. It goes very well with the Pantone Color of the Year, Emerald Green, and hasn't seen any love in quite a while. I also think burgundy could be a hot color in decorating because many times interiors follow the fashion trends. I think fur will continue to be big, as well as brass and mixing metals. <br /></p> <p><a href="http://smallshopstudio.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MLrpPMuy17s/UN9_ce3hTUI/AAAAAAAAV7o/PD_jAcObIPs/image40%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="402" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1UKdJBXVs1E/UN9_fs1BcmI/AAAAAAAAV24/abgIAViak78/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5J56pXsNyto/UN9_hqLfG1I/AAAAAAAAV3A/L2W1PNcyYlE/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What do you expect to see a lot of in 2013?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://smallshopstudio.com/">Erika Brechtel:</a></strong> Neutral texture and natural elements like animal furs and horns, woods, metals, stones and minerals (agate!) in neutral tones like black, white, ivory, brown, gray. <br /></p> <p><a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="133" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KsmcckpRf_g/UN9_jP1OsAI/AAAAAAAAV7s/fkwxPooWWn8/image55%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="515" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W5rfCTE1Kz8/UN9_oukTNoI/AAAAAAAAV3Y/9IundjRbQh4/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="440" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tYclcC7Brok/UN9_rHS7t6I/AAAAAAAAV3g/tmsL1knz1Uc/image_thumb%25255B34%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What do you hope to see a lot of in the coming year?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://shelterinteriordesign.com/">Julie Richard:</a></strong> I predict that in 2013 you'll see interiors and fashion choices inspired by big films such as Baz Lurhmann's interpretation of F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. People's homes will look stylish but approachable and have a collected, evolved look. Mixed metals, an array of wood tones, and ethnic and deco inspired prints will be hot, as well as doses of glamour that include elements such as sequins and gold. Gorgeous color palettes that include multiple shades, and of course emerald, jade green and lavender hues will layer beautifully with these trends. In fashion, lady like glamour that mixes prints and textures inspired by the past will be layered with edgy details. Again, an unexpected array of colors such as blues, greens and red (especially for winter and fall) will trend. Black and White paired together will also remain very popular. <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lesueurinteriors.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="132" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z8X26ZpEFu8/UN9_sQj_7wI/AAAAAAAAV7w/gl7uYjIny2k/image61%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="410" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jxvk0RguHnM/UN9_vXE7rbI/AAAAAAAAV34/lg4P9IOvHcE/s1600-h/image%25255B72%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NoN0Yc03OsI/UN9_xaoo2kI/AAAAAAAAV4A/Yy1Xy49ItpE/image_thumb%25255B46%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What are you expecting to see in terms of color palettes in 2013?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://lesueurinteriors.com/">Meg Lonergan:</a></strong> I think really neutral paint colors are totally going to be the trend in 2013, I find people are using more whites/ivory's/creams/pale grays on walls and adding color through upholstery and drapery. <br /></p> <p><a href="http://www.jngraves.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E6XqUTkqmrA/UN9_ypNniiI/AAAAAAAAV70/ENun12qR_R8/image73%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="500" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hFdUTkHVpq4/UN9_1pKDMEI/AAAAAAAAV4Y/Nj1udfDjJ6I/s1600-h/image%25255B82%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="509" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G9hOJu3gZY0/UN9_4FGINII/AAAAAAAAV4g/Vwpv1s6eXwU/image_thumb%25255B52%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> In your opinion, what will be huge in pop culture and fashion in 2013?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://www.jngraves.com/">Jess Graves:</a></strong> I think fashion and culture in 2013 is going to continue nodding to the 90's - and I think we'll see the return of the supermodel. <br /></p> <p><a href="http://piecesinc.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QzexGpamFDU/UN9_5N_6olI/AAAAAAAAV74/3ZrWnkBqd1U/image83%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="354" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5AmfiN_-bNw/UN9_9w769DI/AAAAAAAAV44/7oiY6mMDkEc/s1600-h/image%25255B93%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="465" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X4aKy1XKGR8/UN-AAY5Y1JI/AAAAAAAAV5A/X9ei-p-Bg14/image_thumb%25255B59%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> What are you hoping we’ll see more of 2013?</p> <p> <br /><strong><a href="http://piecesinc.com/">Lee Kleinhelter:</a></strong> I have really no idea of what will be "big" in 2013, but I know what I'd like more of... "Million Dollar Decorators"! <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VcXDyWcdbp0/UN-ABClreFI/AAAAAAAAV5I/DHiOAik4qmc/s1600-h/image%25255B108%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="86" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tQV1Bq0XwVM/UN-ABtbkiWI/AAAAAAAAV5Q/BAyLtaf4Las/image_thumb%25255B68%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="372" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3AFEsnlJigk/UN-AGQWJ2eI/AAAAAAAAV5Y/EY0ZGDF_aC0/s1600-h/image%25255B98%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="442" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9uv8B5IE8iM/UN-AI8ktYyI/AAAAAAAAV5g/rd9laN35mmM/image_thumb%25255B62%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <br /><strong>Paloma Contreras:</strong> So, now that we know what you are all looking forward to seeing more of in the coming year, I am dying to know—what would you like to leave behind in 2012?</p> <p> <br /><strong>Mark D. Sikes:</strong> Purple and anything that’s not pretty! I’m also praying that the whole eclectic, trendy, Hollywood Regency look fades away. </p> <p> <br /><strong>Sally Wheat:</strong> I would love to leave behind the industrial look.</p> <p> <br /><strong>Erika Brechtel:</strong> Matchy-matchy — gone are the days when furniture styles and materials need to match. I'm all about mixing it up, and putting a glam piece next to a rustic piece, a modern piece next to an antique.</p> <p> <br /><strong>Julie Richard:</strong> I'd like to leave behind perfectly matched interiors that resemble a hotel suite, and the overdone look of the Hollywood Regency style. Hints from this period are fine, I'm just over entire rooms outfitted in this style. As far as fashion goes, the high- waisted 80's style looking boy pants, jeans, and shorts never did much for me!</p> <p> <br /><strong>Meg Lonergan:</strong> I'm a little tired of every single bedroom having an upholstered headboard. I just bought a vintage Baker 4 poster bed and I can't wait to set it up!</p> <p> <br /><strong>Jess Graves:</strong> Something I'd like to leave in 2012? Call Me Maybe and Gangnam Style. May we never, ever hear those songs again.</p> <p> <br /><strong>Lee Kleinhelter:</strong> 3 words-- "Honey Boo Boo" <br /> <br /><strong>Do you agree with our group’s predictions on what to love in 2013 and what to leave in 2012? Is there anything you disagree with? What do you think will be big in the coming year and what would you like to leave behind?</strong></p>

Love it in 2013, Leave it in 2012

Can you believe it’s the last day of the year? It’s been a pretty trying year for me personally between my health (two surgeries to remove T...

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This Week's Quote: Things to Keep in Mind in the New Year

<center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQvm7AnwC0qyY6OZUwa-zPoIxZBw307tQ_XPOtG21rLp4Xqe9oluHd0PzRs2sSMBseCyPeCJQm4JxRd_bfxv0Dw66xMdOC2Ox_hD4Zwp47_Wed0YaQbp0zu9BR9TOiZlTXrSLIYBM47qY/s1600/stephen+covey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQvm7AnwC0qyY6OZUwa-zPoIxZBw307tQ_XPOtG21rLp4Xqe9oluHd0PzRs2sSMBseCyPeCJQm4JxRd_bfxv0Dw66xMdOC2Ox_hD4Zwp47_Wed0YaQbp0zu9BR9TOiZlTXrSLIYBM47qY/s1600/stephen+covey.jpg" /></a></div><center><br /></center><center>This is longer than a traditional quote, but it is so timely given the fact that the new year is upon us. These are wise words we should all keep in mind as we embark on 2013!</center><center><br /></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center>

This Week's Quote: Things to Keep in Mind in the New Year

This is longer than a traditional quote, but it is so timely given the fact that the new year is upon us. These are wise words we should all...

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Fabulous Room Friday 12.28.12

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxVLuUdfkDe_yr1XbHcqRT8gv8vhpW2U70nSel_exJGb41DmJV6MUfhYj8WueWiFLn6JTVL-pfxIaCkLDT1WY9i-8rdA8LrqvDjE44SF-yJZ4C2nHGwbOuSRRvFaQqL5w3X1Q1Vb3_bQ/s1600/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png"><img border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxVLuUdfkDe_yr1XbHcqRT8gv8vhpW2U70nSel_exJGb41DmJV6MUfhYj8WueWiFLn6JTVL-pfxIaCkLDT1WY9i-8rdA8LrqvDjE44SF-yJZ4C2nHGwbOuSRRvFaQqL5w3X1Q1Vb3_bQ/s640/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" width="590" /></a></p> <p align="center">{<a href="http://milesredd.com/">Miles Redd</a>}</p> <p>I’m back! Well, mostly. Thank you for all of the wonderful prayers and well-wishes over the course of the last week during which I have been recovering from the emergency appendectomy I had last Thursday. Our holiday plans were certainly thrown for a loop, but I am so thankful that this happened at home rather than in New York, where I was the night before I got appendicitis, or in Kansas City, where we were supposed to go for Christmas. I am incredibly grateful for my wonderful husband who has not left my side as well as my amazing surgeon. I really have the best doctors!</p> <p>Can you believe it is the end of the year? It’s been a very challenging year for us in many ways, my health included, so I am ready to say goodbye to 2012 and ring in 2013 with the hope that I won’t be needing any surgeries next year! The final “fabulous room” of the year is this lovely bedroom by <a href="http://milesredd.com/">Miles Redd</a>. I’ve spent a lot of time in bed over the past week, so I know the value of a beautiful and cozy bed. This bedroom is chic and stylish in a very classic way—from the embroidered linens and blue palette to the campaign bed and wallpaper. This room is traditional done the Miles Redd way—with the volume turned up! I predict that “pretty” and “traditional” will be quite big in 2013. Stay tuned because next week, I will be sharing the predictions of several respected members of the design community regarding what will be big in 2013 and what we should leave behind in 2012. For more on Miles Redd, check out the amazing <a href="http://markdsikes.com/archive/">interview and tour</a> of Miles’ fabulous townhouse on my dear friend, <a href="http://markdsikes.com/archive/">Mark D. Sikes’ blog</a>!</p> <p><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" /></p>

Fabulous Room Friday 12.28.12

{ Miles Redd } I’m back! Well, mostly. Thank you for all of the wonderful prayers and well-wishes over the course of the last week durin...

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Strategies for Success: Setting Goals for 2013

<div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone! I hope that you all had a magical Christmas. I'm<a href="http://www.melanieduncan.com/category/blog/" target="_blank"> Melanie Duncan</a>, serial entrepreneur and founder of<a href="http://www.melanieduncan.com/category/blog/" target="_blank"> The Entrepreneuress Academy </a>and I'm here to share with you my strategies for success. As the new year creeps in, many of us find ourselves scratching our heads as we try and figure out where we went wrong in keeping last year's resolutions. The truth is 2013 can be your best year ever! It really is all up to you. Here's what you need to do to accomplish more in in 2013: <a href="http://www.melanieduncan.com/category/blog/" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-360" height="526" src="http://www.melanieduncan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/photo-1024x1024.jpg" title="photo" width="526" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> That's right, you heard me. I want you to set unbelievable EASY goals that you know without a shadow of a doubt you can accomplish. Here's why: -It feels good to hit goals (even easy goals) and it inspires you push forward. -When you set goals that you can reach, you actually end up achieving more because you have already proved to yourself that you are capable, instead of dwelling on what you failed to do. -We are all creatures of habit, creating small wins for ourselves will reinforce positive new behaviors and overall growth in our lives. So there you have it! Not so bad, right? Comment below and share with me 1 SMALL goal that you are setting for yourself in 2013. I believe in you! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> xx <a href="http://www.melanieduncan.com/category/blog/" target="_blank">Melanie</a>  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. Hi, it's Paloma! Today, it's been a week since my emergency appendectomy. I spent a night in the hospital and was able to come home last Friday evening. Since then, I have spent most of my time sleeping and resting as much as possible. I have felt guilty about not blogging this week, so I am so thankful for how understanding you've all been. Thank you for your kind words and well-wishes. I am also quite grateful that Melanie was here with a fabulous, motivational post today as I start to ease back into blogging and work. I have definitely been reflecting on my goals for 2013 lately, so this is rather timely. What are you aiming to accomplish this year?</div>

Strategies for Success: Setting Goals for 2013

Hi everyone! I hope that you all had a magical Christmas. I'm Melanie Duncan , serial entrepreneur and founder of The Entrepreneuress ...

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A Health Update

<center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Hello, dear readers! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. I am writing from my hospital bed as I had to have an emergency appendectomy last night. That's right, two organs removed in six months. First, my gallbladder and now my appendix. Maybe this is God's way of making me slow down for a bit. I won't be posting for the next few days as I focus on my recovery and getting some rest. Thank you for understanding and for your continued support! Merry Christmas!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" /></center>

A Health Update

Hello, dear readers! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. I am writing from my hospital bed as I had to have an emergency appen...

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Dissecting the Details: Glamorous Kitchens

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! This is Nancy from <a href="http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/">Marcus Design</a> and I'm back with the second installment of <em>'Dissecting the Details</em>,' and just in time for the holiday's we'll be looking at the gathering place of the home - the kitchen. I love the work of designer <span style="color: #a64d79;">Windsor Smith</span> ... all of her spaces are gorgeous, but there is something extra special about a <em>'Windsor Smith kitchen,' </em>don't you agree? Let's take a closer look at all of the elements:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS16A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS16A.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now<em> that's</em> a whole lot of kitchen pretty. Let's dissect, shall we? What must a Windsor Smith kitchen include? Gobs of marble is a good start, including large </span><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/dining-tables/french-kitchen-table/s131540"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">marble-top french table</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, a mix of seating styles that could include this </span><a href="http://www.dwr.com/product/1006-navy-side-chair-brushed.do?sortby=ourPicks"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">navy brushed side chair</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, this </span><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=685383"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">antique leather chair</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, and Windsor Smith's own</span><a href="http://wshcollection.com/Shop/Product/chairs/windsor-smith-slipcovered-wingback-chair.html?Id=80"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">slipcovered wingback chair</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, a ceiling </span><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/pot-racks/small-grey-ceiling-pot-rack/s681962"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pot rack</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for added charm, and of course two oversized black </span><a href="http://richardsonlighting.com/five-light-chrome-drum-shade-chandelier/SKU-6UKMD?callingPage=CatalogBrowse"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">drum-shade light fixtures</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for that WS wow factor! I love the way Windsor is able to make a plate display look clean & modern, and these </span><a href="http://www.sweetpeaandwillow.com/piero-fornasetti-porcelain-plates-four"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fornasetti plates</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> would fit perfectly. Mixing metals is another important element, and can be done simply by adding accessories such as this </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/105905028708567105/"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">brass bowl</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20300s/WS4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know about you but I'm personally going to take quite a few notes from Windsor's classic & chic kitchen designs!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20218%20plus/nancy_signsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af23/nmarcus/post%20218%20plus/nancy_signsmall.png" /></a></div>

Dissecting the Details: Glamorous Kitchens

Hi everyone! This is Nancy from Marcus Design and I'm back with the second installment of 'Dissecting the Details ,' and just i...

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Style Spotting: Breaking the Rules

<div style="text-align: center;">Happy holidays La Dolce Vita readers! It's Lindsay from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thepursuitofstyle.com" target="_blank">The Pursuit of Style</a> and I'm back with the second installment of Style Spotting.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Were you ever told that mixing black and navy was a big fashion faux pas? I'm imagining a lot of hands in the air right now because I was too. Let's collectively add this one to our 'rules I love breaking' list (<em>along with not wearing white after Labor Day</em>) because black and navy are made for one another! For any former goodie two-shoes that might have some trepidation about rule breaking, don't worry, I've got the photos to back me up.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Take the room below for example, it's by Ralph Lauren Home. If Ralph is comfortable mixing black and navy, traditionalists need not be wary. I'm also an advocate for adding liberal amounts of gold, camel, and zebra to your black and navy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Style Spotting | Black and Navy" class="aligncenter" height="514" src="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/navyblack.jpg" width="550" /><br /> <a href="http://portraitsofelegance.net/tag/ralph-lauren-home/" target="_blank"><em>via</em></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In fashion, the combination is equally classic. Just take a look at the chic-adees below. Fabrics like velvet, satin, and tweed, make the looks even more luxe. Again, feel free to add gold accessories with abandon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Style Spotting | Black and Navy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5077" height="443" src="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/blacknavy2.jpg" width="550" /><br /><em>via</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Style Spotting | Black and Navy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5078" height="397" src="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/blacknavy3.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.9to5chic.com/2012/12/blue-black.html" target="_blank"><em>via</em></a> | <a href="http://pursuitofstyle.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><em>via</em></a></div><img alt="Style Spotting | Black and Navy" class="aligncenter" height="100" src="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/blacknavy4.jpg" width="550" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully by now I've convinced you to consider breaking the rules. If you plan to join me, here are some fabulous pieces to get you started!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Style Spotting | Navy and Black" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5083" height="800" src="http://www.thepursuitofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Untitled.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/12l5nef" target="_blank">West Elm Zebra Rug</a>| <a href="http://bit.ly/UETBoN" target="_blank">J Brand Velvet Jeans</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/UMXUiL" target="_blank">Horchow Coffee Table</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/UMVYXu" target="_blank">Club Monaco Cuff</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/UMXDMQ" target="_blank">Helene Berman Trench </a>I hope you enjoyed this edition of Style Spotting- until next time!</div><center><br /></center>

Style Spotting: Breaking the Rules

Happy holidays La Dolce Vita readers! It's Lindsay from The Pursuit of Style and I'm back with the second installment of Style Spot...

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Sponsor Spotlight: Live.Like.You

<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3aSbSoqNd9Y/UM4zxSt7nJI/AAAAAAAAVzE/q3ZkRjnfZkE/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XJQR703Yf8Y/UM4zy8QNhpI/AAAAAAAAVzM/lfzjeyrHATs/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a> <p><a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/">Live.Like.You</a> is the stylish online shop of interior designer, Jill Sorensen of Marmalade Interiors. Jill originally began <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/">Live.Like.You</a> as a place to sell her signature bedding and eventually expanded the shop to include furniture, textiles, rugs, lighting, and accessories. The product selection that Jill has curated is bright, fun, and stylish—a direct reflection of Jill’s personal style and interior design work allowing anyone to “get the look” in their own home. </p> <p>In addition to shopping through traditional categories, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/">Live.Like.You</a> also allows shoppers to “Shop By Personality” complete with Jill’s paint color selections and room-by-room designed vignettes, so it’s as if you’re getting free design advice to go with designer-curated homegoods. The shop is stocked full of design staples as well as <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/privatelabel">Jill’s line</a> of furniture and textiles which is available exclusively through Live.Like.You. It includes bedding, pillows, draperies, rugs, and some seriously chic headboards. Below, you’ll find a few of my favorite items from Live.Like.You. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EJX7UNGmyL8/UM4z1ovMpCI/AAAAAAAAVzU/fasiHN07-pU/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="448" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pKQGrOOyAs8/UM4z3QrZyYI/AAAAAAAAVzc/nsuolrgzmLg/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a></p> <p align="center">{Clockwise from Top Left: <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/black-key-duvet-cover">Key Duvet in Black</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/mirrors/mini-sunburst-mirror#">Mini Sunburst Mirror</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/case-goods/marco-large-cabinet">Marco Large Cabinet</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/chairs-ottomans/gold-bamboo-stool">Gold Bamboo Stool</a>}</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KP09755vIYg/UM4z6IskBiI/AAAAAAAAVzk/ai0AY_lXZbc/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="465" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wIBSsWGeiLw/UM4z8OqXJcI/AAAAAAAAVzs/jM3BBiiUb2M/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="590" /></a></p> <p align="center">{Clockwise from Top Left: <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/red-bang-bang-duvet-cover">Red Bang Bang Duvet Cover</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/lighting/square-pagoda-lamp">Square Pagoda Lamp</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/carpets/blue-double-zig-zag-carpet">Blue Double Zig Zag Carpet</a>, <a href="http://www.livelikeyou.com/index.php/products/tables/white-lacquer-studded-table">White Lacquer Studded Table</a>}</p> <p><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" /></p>

Sponsor Spotlight: Live.Like.You

Live.Like.You is the stylish online shop of interior designer, Jill Sorensen of Marmalade Interiors. Jill originally began Live.Like.You ...

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Greetings from New York!

<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vX_9pc7wpgE/UM4Vun310uI/AAAAAAAAVxc/L49ZO_PQm6w/s1600-h/177962622744840914_9voW0tUz_c%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="177962622744840914_9voW0tUz_c[1]" border="0" height="554" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EXOswufsuUs/UM4Vvw0OAiI/AAAAAAAAVxk/cEHcLVBSEPU/177962622744840914_9voW0tUz_c%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="177962622744840914_9voW0tUz_c[1]" width="554" /></a></p> <p align="center">{A Walk in the Park}</p> <p align="left">I arrived in New York last night. I’m in town for a business meeting that will take place later today. As I headed here, I dreaded the forecast a bit—rainy and cold is never fun, but then I reminded myself that I was headed to one of the most amazing and magical cities in the world to take part in a meeting that could be one of the highlights of my current job. I’ll only be here briefly—maybe a total of 48 hours, but I am hoping to gather some inspiration and see a few of the things New York is famous for during the holidays and hopefully meet up with a friend for dinner. I’ll report back soon! In the meantime, enjoy these gorgeous images of New York by <a href="Eye Poetry Photography">Eye Poetry Photography</a>.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Upper West Side NYC Art, New York Photo, Urban Home Decor, Beige, Neutral Colors - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" border="0" height="447" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/5152764/il_570xN.398779717_1pxl.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" width="554" /></p> <p align="center">{Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous}</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Manhattan - NYC Skyline at Twilight, Mad Men, New York Photograph, Empire State Building, Father's Day, Dad, For Him" border="0" height="554" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5152764/il_570xN.153457789.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" width="554" /></p> <p align="center">{Manhattan}</p> <p align="center"><img alt="NYC Photography, Art Print, Manhattan Skyline, Wall Art, Black and Gold, Chrysler Building, Night, Lights - City of Glass" border="0" height="554" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5152764/il_570xN.243669732.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" width="554" /></p> <p align="center">{City of Glass}</p> <p align="center"><img alt="So Soho (1) - NYC Photography, Ornate and elegant architecture in Manhattan, Columns, Grey, Winter White" border="0" height="554" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5152764/il_570xN.240084800.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" width="554" /></p> <p align="center">{So Soho No. 1}</p> <p><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2012/Signature-3.png" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" /></p> <p align="center">{Images by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73063414/nyc-art-new-york-city-photography">Eye Poetry Photography</a>}</p>

Greetings from New York!

{A Walk in the Park} I arrived in New York last night. I’m in town for a business meeting that will take place later today. As I headed ...

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