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Hi Friends,
Ahhh, spring is in the air and there's nothing like the promise of a new beginning to help shake off the winter hibernation blahs. And with this in mind, I always like to reconnect with friends old and new. In this issue, I have asked some of my friends to share with you their specialties with hopes that you will find something to enjoy and perhaps, pass along to your friends (by using the icon above).
We have Debra Alicea with her convenient new on-line shopping website for Pampered Chef! Debra is pleased to share with you one of her favorite Pampered Chef recipes.
Heidi Matusik of Calcagni Associates will be showing us one of her recent listings, a beautiful home with great curb appeal!
And, Stephanie Vollaro shares with you Beauty on a Budget (which is something I always find helpful, especially this time of year).
I will be sharing with you tips and tricks for hanging a photo gallery plus a new DollarWise Decorator Q&A!
Thank you to our sponsor, the band Funky Business, for helping us reach an even wider audience. The members of Funky Business are outstanding performers who "cater to a generation that's desperate for an alternative to the run of the mill, wedding factory band". If you or someone you know is planning a wedding or special event, Funky Business comes very highly recommended!
So please enjoy our content and if you'd like to be a contributor to our newsletter, drop me a line!
Thank You,
Jennifer Napoliano
DollarWise Decorator |
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 Hanging a photo or picture gallery can sometimes seem intimidating, but with a few simple techniques, your job is much easier. When putting together a display it's important for each individual piece to come together and read as one unified group. There are several ways to do this. One way to create consistency would to be to group all of the pictures by color or subject matter.
Tip: Having all black and white photos will create a modern gallery feel, while sepia tones lend themselves to a more country style.
Another way to create unity would be to keep all of the frames consistent. Having them all be the same color, wood tone or metal finish will keep the look from getting too busy.
Trick: Want to create this look but all your frames are different? A great DollarWise Decorator tool is spray paint! Take the glass out of the frames and in a well ventilated area, spray them all the color and finish of your choice. Be sure to follow the directions on the can for a great finish!
Now that you've decided on your subject matter and frames, how should you hang them? A display like the one shown above is a symmetrical display and requires all the frames to be the same size. To hang a display like this, first, layout the pictures in a "grid" on the floor to determine a pleasing distance between frames. On the wall, locate where you'll be hanging the top center picture. Next, using a tape measure, measure from the hanger on the top center picture to the hanger on the top left picture. This measurement will be the same for all pictures hung to the left and right of the center row. Last, measure down from the hanger on the top center to the hanger on the second row center. This measurement will also determine how far down to hang the third row. Transfer all measurements to the wall and tap in nails and hang.
Tip: A 3 foot level or a laser level is the tool of choice for this job!
Another type of display is an Asymmetrical display, meaning, different size frames are used, but are still "balanced" on each side of an imaginary center line. When hanging this type of display, it's best to start with a large piece of craft paper. Spread your paper on the floor in one large sheet and lay the pictures on top until you find an arrangement you find pleasing. Trace around the frames and remove them from the paper. Measure the back of the frames to determine where each nail goes and mark location on the craft paper. Smooth and level the paper on the wall and tap in nails. Remove paper and hang your pictures.
Trick: For displays with several pictures, number the frame with a corresponding number on the paper for a quick resource when hanging.
Jennifer Napolitano
JNdesign
(203) 610-7236 |
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Your Personal Pampered Chef!
Brought to you by Debra Alicea, Pampered Chef Consultant
Now ordering is easier then ever! You can shop online and it's shipped straight to you!
This months hostess specials include 60% off select bakeware!
The Pampered Chef Test Kitchens offer you a collection of mouthwatering recipes that will fit into just about any menu. Whether you're planning weeknight meals, looking for a special dessert or dressed-up appetizer, turn to our creative mealtime solutions to get meals on the table quickly, easily and above all deliciously!
Try our feature Recipe:
Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3 cups uncooked penne pasta
3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay) or Chicken Broth
1/2 tsp each salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, divided
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup packed)
2 cups diced grilled chicken breasts
1. Spray Deep Covered Baker with olive oil using Kitchen Spritzer. Slice garlic into baker using Garlic Slicer. Add tomatoes. Cover; microwave on HIGH 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after 2 minutes. Crush tomatoes using Mix 'N Chop. Add pasta, broth, wine, salt and black pepper.
2. Return baker to microwave; cover and microwave on HIGH 16-18 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop basil with Chef's Knife. Reserve 2 tbsp for garnish. Grate cheese using Rotary Grater.
3. Carefully remove baker from microwave and remove lid, lifting away from you. Add remaining basil, cheese and chicken to baker; mix well. Garnish with reserved 2 tbsp basil, additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Yield: 8 servings
Nutrients per serving: Light (about 1 cup): Calories 240, Total Fat 2.5 g, Saturated Fat .5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Protein 17 g, Sodium 450 mg, Fiber 2 g
Call Debra Alicea at (631) 821-2122 for any assistance and visit
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House of the Month!
Brought to you by Heidi Matusik, of Calcagni Associates
This property, located at 40 Roseanna Rd, Plantsville, CT is a beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home, set on a private wooded level lot. This 1,902 sqft Colonial features an eat-in kitchen, family room with fireplace, hardwood floors throughout, master bedroom with full bath, walk out basement and much more! Priced at $325,000
Call Heidi today for more information or to schedule a viewing!
Heidi Matusik
REALTOR, ABR
330 South Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
(860) 637-1243 cell
(203) 271-3585 fax
Representing Calcagni Associates Licensed in the State of CT
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Beauty on a Budget!
Brought to you by Stephanie Vollaro, MaryKay Consultant
In today's economy, you want the most bang for your buck (aka DollarWise!) So check out several top ways from Mary Kay to achieve Beauty on a Budget without sacrificing quality, results or service.
Did you know that for as little as $10 you can change your life...or at least your outlook! Find out more from Stephanie Vollaro, Independent Senior Mary Kay Consultant, about $10 and under products from Mary Kay. She can deliver them right to your door, or mail them to you at NO COST! That's Beauty on a Budget! Ask about her no-cost complimentary skin care and color consultation when you contact her through her website. Mention this newsletter, and receive a $10 Gift Certificate when you get together with her!
Catch the Trend Wave
What's the global beauty buzz? This season's trend takes its queue from nature. Just as our home décor might borrow color and accents from a beautiful beach or a lively urban bazaar, so do makeup colors from Mary Kay for spring 2009. To help you wear this trend with confidence visit us here. On Stephanie's website you'll see how a celebrity makeup artist uses professional application techniques to apply the limited-edition Coastal Colors to gorgeous perfection.
Mention this newsletter and get 10% off your order of any color cosmetics from Mary Kay when you place your order with Stephanie, plus get FREE DELIVERY!
Stephanie Vollaro
Independent Senior Mary Kay Consulant
P.O. Box 177
Marion, CT 06444
(860) 426-0744
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Dear Dollarwise Decorator
Dear DD,
I recently painted my home a dark greenish color and my sitting room a Bosc Pear color. Very nice. My hallway is a red wall, which I now feel needs updating. I am considering raised paneling in cream for this area, however the red color runs into the living room which has a cream fireplace and mantel. What color should the wall in LR now be? And, what color on top of the paneling? Floor needs replacing, what texture? Other floors are wood but don't want that in the hall. I would appreciate your input.
Signed A. Diane,
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Dear A. Diane,
Let me say, I love your color choices and bravo to you for using such bold colors! Using cream to soften these bold colors is also an excellent idea. Using a beautiful creamy beige, like Benjamin Moore's Powell Buff, in the living room makes a pleasing palette. Pull in the Bosc Pear in draperies and pillows then sprinkle in some chocolate brown as a wonderful accent to these soft colors. Continue the Powell Buff in the hallway. On the paneling, for an airy feel, try a pickled or limed effect, which gives a light "white washed" appearance. This technique is very on trend for 2009. For a more traditional feel try dark chocolate stain or paint, like Benjamin Moore's Brown Tar, for nice contrast. Hang artwork above the paneling in beautiful tones of green...and don't forget the chocolate brown or "whitewashed" frames to pull it all together!
On the floor try something natural and textural like a seagrass rug or sisal carpet. Good luck with your project and thank you for writing in!
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Thank you for taking the time to visit with us! If you know anyone who would enjoy our newletter please forward us along by using the icon at the top of the page.
I would also like to thank all of our contributors, including our sponsor, Funky Business. With over 10 years performing together, Funky Business understands what it takes to make a great party happen!
And please remember, if you or anyone you know is looking for some help pulling together that "great design", I'd love to hear from you! |
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Sincerely,
Jennifer Napolitano
JNdesign
(203) 610-7236
(860) 621-7333 |
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