A SPRING FLING

Aren't you glad it's Friday!! I certainly am, my friends. It's been a week of running around, a great deal of subway rides and lots of back and forth making sure the final touches of my present project go as smoothly as possible (more details to come once I'm finished with it). This weekend I plan to relax and do close to nothing, except devour the new issue of Sweet Paul Magazine that's out and about. The Spring issue is chuck full of great decorating ideas, savory recipes and loads of DIY projects for the whole family. So set some time aside this weekend to take a peek and enjoy this very sweet treat. Thank you Paul for yet another gorgeous edition.

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An Australian Twist

Today you're in for a treat as the fourth issue of EST magazine is out. In case you're not familiar with this gorgeous webazine, it comes from our friends Down Under. EST is relaxed and stylish, is not self conscious and it does not take itself too seriously. Its editors describe it as loving the sun but also appreciating the seasons. It loves looking to the past but also likes shiny and new - this is what gives EST a fun Aussie twist. This edition is dedicated to Scandinavian design, which you know I have a major crush on. So sit back, enjoy and get ready to be inspired by all the eye candy that pops from its pages. Also, remember to enter this week's giveaway here to have chance to win a chic and trendy leather iPad case.

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Mixing It All Up

• By guest blogger Ellen Spencer

A lush room with intense decor commands attention easily. Many people prefer riveting and dazzling patterns over plain colors and a minimal decor. They have a love for interiors that look strong and sensational. Although one can pick out subtle patterns that are not too overpowering, these will also look a lot more prominent than plain colors or nominal patterns. Here is a guide to do up your home using bold and striking patterns:

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Warm Winter Sanctuaries

• Written by guest blogger Jessica. 

As the days have gotten colder and shorter, I've been craving the warmth of a cozy bed, made up to ward off the winter chill. If you're looking for ways to make your bedroom more winter-friendly, here are some ideas that will help you get there. Take for instance the rustic bedroom above, with the deep blue wall color that acts as the perfect background to make the crisp white bedding pop. The thick woven blanket and heavy comforter on this modern bed offer just the right place to curl up, warm and cozy. I especially love the sconce above the night stand.

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Awaiting The New Year

There are only a few hours left of 2011, and as the world gets ready to ring in the New Year I'm preparing my pad for a small gathering with family and friends. The theme: Black-and-White Chic with an international flair since most attending are from different parts of globe. One thing is for sure, it's going to be a melting pot of New Year's Eve traditions under one roof. Having grown up in Venezuela, I can't receive 2012 without some of the things my family and I used to do. One that is mandatory, is eating 12 grapes 12 seconds before Midnight for good luck—of course with a glass of bubbly to wash them down. But if you're hoping for something more specific from the New Year, there are others that are quite fun. My favorite one is to jump into the New Year with a suitcase in hand hoping for a year filled of travels and new adventures. But if you want to start anew, throwing a bucket full of water from your entry door should do the trick (but look out for people walking by so you don't get in trouble). Others belief wearing something red or yellow will bring good energy in the New Year. But whatever your traditions are, I wish you have a marvelous time welcoming another year filled with fabulousness. Happy 2012 to all!!!

A Handmade Christmas

Image via Sweet Paul 

• Written by guest blogger by Lauren Bailey

Most designers cringe when they think of holiday decor. They’re often garish and bright with a one-dimensional cartoony feel that seems only suited for elementary school classrooms. But believe it or not, tasteful and clean holiday decor does exist; you just have to look especially hard for it. But if you have trouble finding sophisticated holiday decorations, you can always make them yourself. Here are some clever ideas that will make your holiday decorating jolly and fun.

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Sweet Holiday Fun

After months of planning, shooting and designing, the Holiday Issue of Sweet Paul Magazine is finally here. Woo hoo!!! This is their biggest issue yet, with 172 pages jam-packed with tons of eye candy, holiday inspiration, gift ideas, delicious baking and finger food recipes and so much more — all done in typical Sweet Paul style. So if you want to get a jump start on your holiday planning, take a few minutes to indulge yourself with this gorgeous issue Sweet Paul has put together to help you get in the spirit. Enjoy!!

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The Depth of Simplicity

• Written by guest blogger Alvina Lopez, a freelance writer and blog junkie who blogs about accredited online colleges. 

I love visually busy rooms. They are far from boring, and I believe they appeal to a subconscious human instinct to take in diverse information. Before we were in neat, organized homes, humans were outside surrounded by the infinite variability and complexity of nature. With this logic, I believe we all like complex patterns in our interior designs. However, as much as we like complex information in our designs, it is entirely too easy to have a room (and its occupant) suffer from over-stimulation. For rooms with gritty urban cement walls or detailed brick patterns, you need to carefully arrange a room with simple, smooth, and minimalist furniture. The furniture then serves as a smooth palette to contrast against the busy walls and floors, thus turning a confusing room into a unified, cohesive one.

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