Cambria Style - Winter 2014

WINTER 2014

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR

ANDREA BOCELLI talks about his music, his life on tour, and how his “passione” for home and family keeps him singing

An aging Victorian home is transformed into a

MODERN MANSION

FAMILY-STYLE BRUNCH with recipes that are easy as they are irresistible

© CAMBRIA 2013

it takes on anything from

fingerprints to footprints

ARMItAge™ Waterstone Collection™ BRADShAW™ Waterstone Collection™

Spilled grape juice and raw chicken weren’t tough enough daily challenges in the kitchen. Now, Cambria wants you to walk all over it. Discover more than 100 innovative designs for the kitchen, bath and floor at CambriaUSA.com.

Winter is when we celebrate the end of one year and look forward to the start of a new one where we can appreciate all things beautiful, whether it be design, food, or music.

WINTER

2014 features

20 BATHROOM REINVENTED Design pros share their experience on everything from space planning to materials to help you create a bathroom that's not just luxurious and beautiful, but comfortable and efficient—for one, two, or the whole family.

26 MUSIC FOR LIFE Renowned Italian singing star Andrea Bocelli—in the midst of another successful, worldwide tour—opens up about his music, his love of America, and how his “passione” for home and family keeps him grounded.

COVER PHOTO: PA ARCHIVE / PRESS ASSOCIATION IMAGES; BOCELLI PHOTO: LUCA ROSETTI; HOUSE PHOTOS: STEVE HENKE

34 MODERN MANSION As part of an A.S.I.D.-sponsored project, one Victorian home in St. Paul, Minnesota, was transformed into a marvelous combination of contemporary and classic interior design, and naturally Cambria played a key role.

26 “I don’t think one decides to become a singer…It is decided for you by the reactions of those around you.”

—ANDREA BOCELLI, “MUSIC FOR LIFE” PAGE 26

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34 C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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© CAMBRIA 2013

Publisher’s Note

M

usic, in many ways has its origins from the Greek mousikê, and emanates from the Latin, musica. One need not go far to find music’s broad and deep meanings in Ancient Greek, and early Rome. Mousika, meaning of arts and sciences, under the auspices of the muses, then with Rome, ars musica, was the poetry melded with instrumentation, that became.

Measures of musica played a part in definition of astrology, the human body, universal order, and the mathematical quadrivium was arithmetics, geometry, astronomy, and musica. It was the fifth century philosopher, Boethius, who coined four major categories of musica in meaning, it is in the 4th category, musica instrumentalis, that is music. It was in that discipline, by which the Andrea Bocelli’s of our world would be born, thus bringing rise to the magical beauty and richness of mousikê and mousika of the Ancient Greek and early day Rome.

live

stylishly

And so it became, poetry blended with organized, polyphonic melodies wherein musical intervals resulted from the mathematical relationship of frequency… …and Andrea Bocelli, in such beautiful and special ways, blesses our times immeasurably, bringing to us the very essence of musica and it’s ancient, Medieval birth.

We humbly bring to you, just a glimpse into the life of this special man…

Have it all at your fingertips.

Download your free Cambria Style app.

Enjoy,

The tasteful features of Cambria Style are as close as iPhone, iPad and Kindle Fire platforms. Go to the App Store and get yours free. You’ll get lifestyle and designer tips, celebrity features, editors’ favorite picks, delicious recipes and new product spotlights wherever you go.

Marty Davis President/CEO

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C A M B R I A

BRAeMAR™ Waterstone Collection™

S T Y L E

OPPOSITE PAGE: DAVIS: STAR TRIBUNE / MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL 2011; THIS PAGE: BEDROOM: © VIRGINIA MACDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY / DESIGN BY ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR DESIGN; LAUNDRY ROOM AND BRUNCH PHOTO / STEVE HENKE

WINTER

7

departments

17 STYLE UPDATE 7 STYLE REPORT

Mix classic black and white with gleaming accents and organic silhouettes for a look that’s as chic as it is timeless.

10 LIVING WELL

Kitchen gear can give your kitchen a bold new look, thanks to modern takes on traditional designs.

11 LIVING STYLISHLY

Sweet and savory treats elevate even the most casual meal to exciting (and delicious) heights.

12 THE HOSTESS THE TIMELESS COMBINATION OF BLACK AND WHITE ALWAYS LOOKS EFFORTLESSLY CHIC. PAGE 8

2014

Entertain in effortless style and create an evening your guests will remember.

14 TABLESCAPES

40 17 DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK

Design expert Ramsin Khachi offers his expert advice on planning a laundry room that’s beautiful and efficient.

EAT + DRINK 40 FAMILY STYLE

Bring style and friends together over brunch, with make-ahead recipes that are as easy as they are irresistible.

44 THE SIMPLE ART OF THE PERFECT CUP Make the most of your daily coffee with tips and tricks from the pros—plus, how to speak “barista” when you’re ordering out.

GUIDEBOOK 47 LOCAL SCENE: Chicago

Turn any gathering into an abundant feast, with a table set to delight the senses.

That “Toddlin’ Town” sparkles all year round, but winter is the time to visit to avoid the crowds.

16 TREND REPORT

48 WORD ON THE STREET

Style maven Cheryl Tiegs shares tips on infusing your rooms with comfortable luxury.

ON THE COVER | Whether it’s at his home in Tuscany or traveling around the world, singing superstar Andrea Bocelli seeks out comfortable luxury to fuel his “passione” for music.

Photography by Luca Rosetti.

Cambria grows more popular online, its brand ambassadors stand out, and a new downtown gallery in Minneapolis combines beautiful design and music.

LAST LOOK 50 A STATE OF MIND

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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CAMBRIA STYLE

Editor’s Letter LUXURY. If you are to ask someone what luxury is, their answer would probably involve a way of life. A way of life that most of us aspire to, but don’t feel we will ever live up to. The luxury that most of us forget is what we have woven into our Winter issue.

You see, we think true luxury is not as simple as opulence or “the finer things in life,” but more about what you choose and how you choose to enjoy it. There is no better model for that philosophy than Andrea Bocelli. One of the most celebrated singers of all time, Bocelli, to those of us looking from the outside in, lives an opulent life. An existence akin to royalty, it would seem. Well, he is the king, but make no mistake, his kingdom consists of his family and their home. Speaking of which, the Bocellis recently acquired a new house in Miami Beach in preparation for Bocelli’s US tour.

Not a family that likes to be apart, this addition will ensure those family ties stay tight. And as the Bocellis begin renovations on this new house, which will include a Cambria kitchen, they will be ready to create another home full of love, laughter, and music. To help you find your own true luxury, this issue has some exceptional stories, tips, recipes, and product picks that are sure to strike the perfect chord. Read how one couple put their retirement dreams on fast forward to spend more time with their family now by renovating a historic bed and breakfast with the help of a bevy of designers. Also, we offer up some delectable family-style brunch ideas that will have even the finickiest of eaters staying at the table for seconds. We even amp up dinnertime with a table setting that begs for a night to linger. To round it out, check out a home office for any space and a laundry that works for you, all designed to give you more time to choose and enjoy the luxury in your life.

Executive Vice President Peter Martin Vice President Shelly Nelson

PUBLISHING PARTNER

Touchpoint Media, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Steve Farbman President Jim McEwen

Executive Editor Amanda Lecky

LouAnn Berglund Haaf Editor-in-Chief

THINGS I LOVE Toronto-based design expert, Ramsin Khachi shares his secrets on the do’s and don’ts of your bath and laundry projects.

Design & Production Manager Kim Siebold Art Director Jenna Akre Photo Editor Alan Gottlieb

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?

CambriaUSA.com/designerseries

I love the graphic nature of this light with just the right amount of sexy curves.

I'm renovating my home and these will be the perfect touch for my housewarming party.

PAGE 13

and we’ll deliver the best in design and lifestyle to your door.

For a complimentary subscription, go to CambriaUSA.com/ stylesubscribe and enter quartz code 96.

HAAF: GEORGE HOLZ

SUBSCRIBE

PAGE 9

S T Y L E

Director of Cambria Style Editor-in-Chief LouAnn Berglund Haaf

EDITORIAL

DESIGNER SERIES

C A M B R I A

President/CEO Publisher Marty Davis

Senior Vice President David Jensen

Enjoy.

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NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING

ST YLE WALLPAPER IS ONCE AGAIN A DESIGNER DARLING. TRY THE TREND

BY COVERING JUST ONE WALL, OR (EVEN BETTER) THE CEILING.

WORK & Play

report

GET A DAILY DOSE OF WHAT INSPIRES YOU BY CREATING AN INSPIRATION BOARD THAT DOUBLES AS COMMAND CENTRAL.

A sliver of space is all it takes to create a personal work center with everything you need to stay inspired—and organized.

FOUND THE PERFECT BRACKETS BUT TIRED OF THE SAME-OLD SHELVING? GET CREATIVE: HERE, EXTRA FLOORING GIVES JUST THE RIGHT RUSTIC LOOK.

LANESHAWTM

Waterstone CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

BENJAMIN MOORE “OYSTERSHELL” #864 BENJAMINMOORE.COM

STEVE HENKE

HAVE SOME LITTLE HELPERS? CORRAL THEIR FAVORITE PLAYTHINGS IN BEAUTIFUL BOXES OR BASKETS. THAT WAY, EVERYONE’S BUSY (AND HAPPY).

CUSTOMIZE A READY-MADE PIECE. HERE, CAMBRIA WITH A CHISELED EDGE REPLACES THE ORIGINAL PLAIN GLASS, ADDING EVEN MORE IMPACT TO AN ALREADY DRAMATIC DESK.

GET THE LOOK: “Coronata Star” wallpaper, $98 per roll, Osborne & Little; scherpingwestphal.com. EKBY BJÄRNUM shelving brackets, $10 for two, IKEA; ikea.com. Butternut Rough Cut Flooring, $2.55 per foot; youngbloodlumber.com. Corbel Glass Console (base only), $1,095; restorationhardware.com. Bulletin board frame, made from decorative moulding, $21.38 per foot; tcmoulding.com. Ella Oval Linen chair, $179.99, Metal Camden Task Lamp, $44.99; worldmarket.com. Panel Calendar, $16, Acrylic Desktop Dock, $24, Harry Allen Aqua Piggy Bank, $200, Paint brush vase, $110, Signature Gold 3-Ring Binders, $24 each, Desk Calendar, $26, Acrylic Riser, $60, Assorted Notecards & Notebooks, $8 to $12; russelandhazel.com. 24" Large Metal “M”, $229; vintagemarqueelights.com. Big and Tall wooden blocks, $80; houseind.com.

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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STYLE report

Black &White

TIMELESS DESIGNS LIKE CAMBRIA’S BELLINGHAM™ AND LANESHAW™ ADD NATURAL RICHNESS AND DIMENSION TO A BLACK-AND-WHITE SCHEME, AND EASILY COMPLEMENT AN UNLIMITED PALETTE OF ACCENT COLORS.

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C A M B R I A

S T Y L E

© VIRGINIA MACDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY / DESIGN BY ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR DESIGN

For a chic look that never goes out of style, start with black and white—then add highlights with gleaming metallic accents or a punch of color.

BLACK PIPING AND A BOLD SILHOUETTE GIVE A SIMPLE CEILING FIXTURE THE TUXEDO TREATMENT.

“Incorporating shades of gray will soften the hard edges of a black-and-white scheme.”

—RAMSIN KHACHI, DESIGN EXPERT

CONTEMPORARY GEOMETRIC DESIGNS TURN BAR ESSENTIALS INTO AN ELEGANT, ENTERTAINING FOCAL POINT.

ORGANIC FORM AND A GLEAMING FINISH ADD JUST THE RIGHT GLITZY HIGH NOTE TO YOUR MANTEL OR COCKTAIL TABLE.

GET THE LOOK: Trina Turk Pillow Embroidered Linen Geometric Tile Black/Tan, $100, Trina Turk Pillow Needlepoint Shanghai Links Black, $52, Trina Turk; laylagrayce.com. Axis Flush Mount Ceiling Light, $264, Y Lighting; ylighting.com. Golden Petals mirror, $295, Neiman Marcus; neimanmarcus.com. Macon chair, Century Furniture; centuryfurniture.com. Anice rug, $999-$3,399, Crate & Barrel; crateandbarrel.com.

Bash Vessels, $235-$395, Tom Dixon; yliving.com. Black Bowfront Chest, $1,299, Wisteria; wisteria.com.

Sequence bar glasses, $219-$939, Artel; artedona.com.

Snap this code to see design expert, Ramsin Khachi discuss the best ways to incorporate black and white into any room.

CambriaUSA.com/designerseries.

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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L I V I NG well 4 3

2 THE PERFORATED ABSTRACT DECORATION WAS INSPIRED BY CORAL AND OTHER AQUATIC LIFE.

MODERN CLASSICS

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Treat your kitchen to a fresh new look with tools that pair gourmet performance with sleek contemporary style.

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2 CITRUS JUICER It’s easy to enjoy fresh orange juice with breakfast, or to add a splash of lemon to a recipe (or cocktail), with the heavy-duty glass Citrus Juicer. $23.95, Old Faithful Shop; oldfaithfulshop.com

3 GOLDEN BOWL A luxurious twist on a humble colander, the 24 carat gold-plated Espera Centerpiece Fruit Bowl adds richness and shine to any table. $1,220, Rablabs; rablabs.com

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AN ARTISAN JUG IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO STORE YOUR COLD-BREWED COFFEE. FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCING THE PERFECT CUP, SEE PAGE 44.

4 ROLLING PIN Destined to be a family heirloom, this eco-friendly olive wood Wooden Rolling Pin is as beautiful as it is sturdy. $29.80, The Rustic Dish; notonthehighstreet.com

5 HAND-CAST BOTTLE Designed and manufactured in Portland, Oregon, the 64-oz. Grigri growler is ideal for storing filtered water or coldbrewed coffee in the fridge, or for keeping carbonated beverages fizzy for days. $65, Portland Growler Co.; portlandgrowler company.com

6 TEA TOWELS Crisp and absorbent cotton Williams-Sonoma dishcloths, striped in khaki (shown) or five other rich shades, make dish duty a delight…well, almost! $18.95 for eight; Williams-Sonoma; williams-sonoma.com

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7 HAND SOAP All-natural ingredients like purified water, aloe, coconut, oat and cucumber extracts make Barr-Co. Pure Vegetable Hand Soap a gentle choice, with just the right note of delicate scent. $24, Barr-Co.; anthropologie.com

SIMPLE, BUT NOT UNSCENTED: YOU’LL ENJOY THE SUBTLE FRAGRANT MIX OF MILK, OATMEAL, VANILLA AND VETIVER.

ESPERA FRUIT BOWL: JOHN MUGGENBORG / RABLABS

WATER FILTER Using the power of gravity to send water through a series of filters, the Ovopur water purifier does not require any electricity—and adds a cool, contemporary flair to your space. $699, Aquaovo; greendepot.com

Sweet & Savory

LIV ING stylishly

Bring your festive meals into perfect balance by mixing flavor sensations, creating unexpectedly delicious combinations in every bite.

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BACON JAM Fresh from Seattle’s famous Skillet Diner, this all-natural salty spread is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or anything (which just might be everything) made better with bacon. $9.95, Skillet; surlatable.com

COMPLEX SYRUPS Versatile handmade syrups add fresh flavor to anything from sparkling water to cocktails to ice cream to salad dressing. $12 each, Morris Kitchen; morriskitchen.com

ARTISAN PROSCIUTTO Made in the USA using heritage pork and sea salt, pre-sliced Proscuitto Creminelli is the perfect centerpiece for a celebratory antipasto platter. $39 for 1.7lbs; Creminelli; creminelli.com

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SPECIALTY SPREADS ORGANIC Upgrade your PB&J PANCAKE MIX with these small-batch Cornmeal Pancake and nut butters, handmade Waffle mix highlights in North Carolina using the sweet, nutty flavor sustainably farmed nuts of corn; just add milk, and inventive ingredients butter, and eggs for a such as wildflower honey. breakfast your guests $12 each, Big Spoon won’t forget. $14.95, Nut Butters; Williams-Sonoma; westelm.com williams-sonoma.com

6 DELICATE DRESSING With notes of raisin, prune, and honey, Saba Dressing, made in Italy from the must of Trebbiano grapes, is the perfect complement to rich treats like foie gras or mascarpone cheese. $50, Saba; deananddeluca.com

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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things TO love

SOMEHOW SHE MAKES EACH GUEST FEEL LIKE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY. She can turn even the simplest meal into a special celebration. She knows who to seat next to whom, that everyone to get everyone dancing. And, most of all, she knows that a party won’t be a success unless the hostess herself is having fun—and she always does.

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C A M B R I A

S T Y L E

© MARCUS NILSSON

looks better in candlelight, which music to play to set the mood, and just how much wine to pour

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ROUND “ROCKS” Keep guests’ drinks fresh during pre-dinner conversation with perfectly spherical balls of ice made in Cocktail Ice Ball Molds, available in two sizes, $9.99 for four 2-inch molds or $7.99 for two 2.5-inch molds, Prepara; prepara.com

HORS D’OEUVRES SERVERS The perfectly arranged cheese platter calls for the perfect servers. Natural White Bone Cheese Knives, $35 for set of three, are made of buffalo bone, polished to a soft luster, Restoration Hardware; restorationhardware.com

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COCKTAIL NAPKINS In a tempting array of rich colors, these Monogrammed Linen Cocktail Napkins, $29 per dozen, add traditional elegance to any gathering, Grandin Road; grandinroad.com

TRAY CHIC Create a focal point for fresh fruit, sweets, or savory bites with a raised server like this Metal Plate Stand, $120, Aidan Gray Décor; laylagrayce.com

“Thatʼs the secret of entertaining.

You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself.”

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BECAUSE EVERY HOSTESS NEEDS THE PERFECT ARRAY OF RICHLY COLORED MONOGRAMMED NAPKINS.

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CHEESE PAPER: FORMATICUM.COM / COURTESY OF COOKING LIGHT / RANDY MAYOR; COOK BOOK: THECANALHOUSE.COM

——BARBARA HALL, WRITER

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5 SAY CHEESE Two-ply, French-made Cheese Storage Paper keeps cheese fresh longer. $9 per box of fifteen 11-inch by 14-inch sheets and adhesive labels, Formaticum; formaticum.com

6 COOL COVERUP Protect your party clothes (and show off your eye for bold, contemporary design) with the graphic Triangle Apron, $45, Ferm Living; fermliving.com

CANAL HOUSE COOKS EVERY DAY Need a little entertaining inspiration? Consult the James Beard Foundation’s 2013 award-winning cookbook, Canal House Cooks Every Day ($35, Andrews McMeel Publishing). In their newest book, Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton—the culinary stars behind the popular Canal House Cooking series and the blog, Canal House Cooks Lunch—share 250 tempting recipes (lobster capellini anyone?) sure to delight your guests. amazon.com

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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RUSTIC ELEMENTS— PATINAED LANTERNS ARRAYED ALONG A ZEBRAWOOD “RUNNER”, FOR EXAMPLE—LEND A COMFORTABLE, HISTORIC AIR TO ANY GATHERING.

APPEAL TO THE SENSES WITH FLATWARE THAT IS HEAVY IN THE HAND, INDIVIDUAL SALT CELLARS, AND, OF COURSE, FLUTES OF THE PERFECT BUBBLY.

HOLLINSBROOKTM

Waterstone CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

GET THE LOOK: (This page) Vintage Bamboo Brass Flatware, Vintage Salt Cellars, Vintage Gold Salt and Pepper Shakers, Silver Petite Compote, Victory; shopvictory.com. Champagne Flutes, $12 each, Hemstitched Classic Napkins in Cranberry, $48 for four, Park Hill Lanterns, $49 each, Pottery Barn; potterybarn.com. Cavendish Goblets, $68 each, Simon Pearce; simonpearce. com. Highball glasses, $71 each, Match; match1995.com. Metallic Crackle Herb Pot in Gold, $14, Anthropologie; anthropologie.com. Zebrawood Plank Runner, $15 per linear foot, Youngblood Lumber; youngbloodlumber.com.

Flowers by Brown and Green, Edina, MN; bgfloral.net.

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GET THE LOOK: (This page) Dauville Handmade Gold Glazed Collection: Platter, $32 each, Pebble Dish in White, $20 each, Coasters, $36 for four, Spreaders, $22 for three, Canvas; canvashomestore.com. Arno Pewter Goblet, $120 each, Match; match1995.com. Vintage Gold-Rimmed Wine Glass, Victory; shopvictory.com. Bellezza White Dinner Plate, $40, Salad Plate, $34, Vietri; vietri.com. Alton Flatware, $119 for five-piece place setting, Williams-Sonoma; williams-sonoma.com. Antique Silver Gravy Boat, $39, Antique Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers, $25, Pottery Barn; potterybarn.com.

Elevate a night at home with family and friends by creating a lush, luxurious setting rich with sights, sounds, and scents designed to delight.

By AMANDA LECKY Photography by STEVE HENKE

METALLIC ACCENTS REFLECT CANDLELIGHT, CREATING INSTANT ROMANCE AND DRAMA.

HOLLINSBROOKTM

Waterstone CollectionTM Š Cambria 2013

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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TREND report

Comfortable Luxury

“‘Rich’ and ‘relaxed’ are perfect partners. Luxurious doesn’t have to mean stiff, or formal.”

— C H E R Y L

T I E G S

Dinner on the couch while watching “Mad Men” feels like a five-star affair when set on a glamorous tray.

Cheryl’s own style is an object lesson in this philosophy: In fashion and home design she favors simple silhouettes and classic styles elevated by fine fabrics like silk and cashmere, for an effect that’s anything but basic. You can apply the same approach to any room in your home. Add a plush throw to the end of your old sofa, and you’ve created a tempting retreat.

Brew your afternoon tea in a delicate metal pot or serve your guests their lunch on a lacquered tray, and suddenly an everyday routine becomes a rewarding ritual.

“It’s the difference between getting comfy in a pair of sweatpants or in supersoft cashmere pajamas,” says Cheryl. “It may seem like a pretty small distinction, but when you treat yourself to the little things, you end up feeling pampered and special, and that confident feeling flows into everything you do.”

A handsome log carrier makes keeping the fire at a roaring crackle even more enjoyable.

Park your feet on a cushy upholstered ottoman, decked out in always-elegant black and white.

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GET THE LOOK: Conrad Navy Lacquer Tray with Gold-Leafed Greek Key Base, $1,245, Worlds Away; lacremehome.com. Pyrénées Log Holder in Chocolate, $688, Artedona; artedona.com. Silk velvet piqué counterpane with Tusser silk border, $750, Yves Delorme; yvesdelorme.com. Maromi Bird Cast Iron Teapot, $99, Teavana; teavana.com. Castered Tufted Storage Ottoman in Ophelia Gray fabric, $579, Ballard Designs; ballarddesigns.com.

TIEGS: WILLIAM CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY

COOLER DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS INVITE A COZIER APPROACH TO LIVING. And now—as a new season begins in earnest—is the perfect time to re-dress your nest, paying attention to details that will make it a warm, inviting place to while away the winter. “This is a chance to really indulge yourself and your guests with accessories that infuse your surroundings with luxury, on every level,” says Cheryl Tiegs, who treats her own Los Angeles home to a seasonal refresher every year.

“But remember that ‘rich’ and ‘relaxed’ are perfect partners,” she adds.

“Luxurious doesn’t have to mean stiff, or formal.”

designer ʼs

NOTEBOOK T H E

B E S T

I N

D E S I G N

T I P S

A N D

T R E N D S

F R O M

T H E

E X P E R T S

Laundry Room Revitalized Design expert RAMSIN KHACHI shares his top lifestyle trends for creating a utility space that works for you.

SOMETIMES, LAUNDRY SEEMS TO GO ON FOREVER. No sooner have you folded the last T-shirt from one load then you’re faced with a hamper full of more dreary duds…and the cycle begins again. To help you plan and outfit an effective utility space that looks just as finished as any other room in your house, we spoke to Toronto-based

design build contractor Ramsin Khachi. “It takes a lot of planning to make necessary spaces like the laundry room work well and look good,” he says. “Start the process by thinking carefully about how you’ll actually use the room.”

Once you have a basic idea of your wants and needs, take Khachi’s tips for creating the perfect laundry room.

READ MORE

INSTALL A BEAUTIFUL COUNTERTOP LIKE CAMBRIA, THAT’S TRULY DURABLE AND YOU'VE CREATED THE PERFECT WORKSPACE FOR EVERYTHING FROM TREATING STAINS AND FOLDING TO THE MESSIEST OF KIDS’ CRAFTS.

IF YOUR BUDGET ALLOWS, ELEVATE YOUR WASHER AND DRYER ON BUILT-IN RISERS, CREATING STORAGE DRAWERS FOR ESSENTIALS UNDERNEATH.

FIELDSTONETM

Desert CollectionTM

PHOTOS P. 17-19: STEVE HENKE

© Cambria 2013

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: WHATEVER THE SIZE OF YOUR LAUNDRY AREA, TAKE YOURSELF THROUGH A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE SPACE. IMAGINE WHERE YOU WILL PUT DIRTY LAUNDRY, CLEAN LAUNDRY, SUPPLIES; ALSO, HOW MANY LOADS YOU’LL WASH AND WHETHER YOU’LL IRON THERE. ALL THESE DETAILS SHOULD HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT FEATURES YOU NEED TO INCLUDE.

BY PAINTING THE FLOOR IN AN ENERGETIC BLACK AND WHITE CHEVRON PATTERN, KRISTEN SHEIKH OF BRUIT DE LA MODE INC. GAVE THIS UTILITY SPACE A DASH OF CHIC.

C A M B R I A U S A . C O M / S T Y L E

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DESIGNER’S notebook

P L A N N I N G

IF YOUR UTILITY SPACE IS IN A CLOSET, COMBINE UPPERS WITH A CLOSET ROD, THAT WAY YOU HAVE THE STORAGE AND CAN STILL HANG CLOTHES TO DRY.

B A S I C S

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GET ORGANIZED

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SET PRIORITIES

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ESTABLISH ZONES

The design of the room will depend on the nature and size of the space and the activities that will take place there. If you have a dedicated laundry room, you may be able to include storage, surfaces for folding, even an ironing board. But if you’ll be retrofitting a closet or co-opting a corner of the kitchen, you’ll have to think more carefully about every inch of limited space. Don’t forget doors— swing-out or pocket allow easiest access—so you can shield the area from view when convenient. And, remember to choose design elements based on both durabiity and beauty. Cambria counters, for example, will give your laundry room a classic, finished look— as well as easy upkeep for years to come.

Make a wish list, with each item ranked by importance—and be flexible. “For example,” says Khachi, “an open ironing board takes up a lot of space that could be better employed by a cabinet to store your supplies. If space is tight, think about moving the ironing board into an adjacent space, like a hallway, when you need to use it.”

CONTINUING CAMBRIA UP THE WALL BEHIND THE COUNTER CREATES A SEAMLESS BACKSPLASH THAT LETS YOU FOCUS ON YOUR TASKS WHILE PROTECTING THE WORKSPACE.

BRENTWOODTM

Cambrian CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

Think in terms of task zones, allowing for a “staging” area, where baskets of dirty laundry will wait to be washed, or clean laundry to be put away; a washing area; and a folding area. “Thinking about zones is especially important when the laundry will be inside another space, like a mudroom,” says Khachi. “You don’t want boot storage to overlap with clean clothes.”

S T O R A G E

04

THINK VERTICAL

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GO HORIZONTAL

If your washer and dryer will be installed side by side, not stacked, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of the vertical wall space above the units. Traditional wall cabinets are one good option— they provide neat-looking closed storage—or, hang open shelves, a less-expensive choice that also makes it easy to grab supplies when you need to.

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06

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SINK

“Don’t limit yourself to the typical plastic laundry tub,” says Khachi. “If it’s in your budget, splurge on a really attractive, but durable sink.” Stainless steel or enameled cast iron in an undermount with a natural stone countertop, like Cambria, will give you a space that’s beautiful and easy to wipe down. And consider choosing a pull-out faucet with a sprayer hose, so you can wash suds out of the basin.

STEVE HENKE

If you have room for a small storage unit beside the washer and dryer, the extra drawers are ideal for utility items, like flashlights and batteries. A finished countertop for folding and storing baskets of clothes makes the most of your space, even if you’re working with a tight area, like a closet.

“Cambria is ideal for laundry room countertops because it’s durable and beautiful, which provides that polished look that we now demand in every room in the house.”

—DESIGN EXPERT RAMSIN KHACHI

08

ADD A CLOSET

“It’s a great feature if you like to shop in bulk—you can store all those paper towels in the closet—and of course it’s a good place to keep your laundry supplies,” says Khachi. Can’t build a closet?

Consider installing a pantry cabinet.

Washers and dryers

combo, consider a

have come a long

front-loading washer.

way since the ones

“Front loaders are

In the laundry room, you have to consider the effects both of moisture and harsh chemicals.

“You don’t want to use any material that can’t stand up to heavy use,” says Khachi. “Cambria is ideal for countertops because it’s non-porous and durable.

I like to run it partway up the wall for a seamless backsplash, too.”

your grandmother

great because

used. Today’s

they’re really gentle

washing machines

on the clothes

are so smart they not

inside and they save

only sense how much

water,” says Khachi.

laundry you’ve just

“Polish off the look

10

piled in, but how dirty

with a Cambria

M A T E R I A L S

09

BE SURFACE-SMART

PICK DURABLE FLOORING

Tile might seem like an obvious choice for laundry room floors, but Khachi isn’t a fan. “This room gets wet and dirty, and grout is notoriously easy to stain. Instead of tile, I prefer to use a seamless, water-resistant material, like linoleum. It’s much easier to keep clean.”

11

REMEMBER THE WALLS

For vertical surfaces that are likely to get bumped and splashed, think about durability and easy maintenance. Ceramic tile is a good option, or sealed bead-board paneling—or a coat of scrubbable semi-gloss paint.

C O N V E N I E N T

07

LEAK GUARD

“No matter where your washer is, consider installing an automatic shut-off valve like the IntelliFlow,” says Khachi. “The device senses leaks whether the machine is on or unattended, cutting in-flow—helping you avoid an expensive mess.” Visit watts.com for more information.

13

CHOOSING APPLIANCES

E X T R A S

12

KEEP CONNECTED

14

LIGHT IT RIGHT

Be sure to include plenty of outlets for charging devices and plugging in small appliances, especially if the laundry is part of a larger space such as the kitchen or mudroom.

“You can’t treat stains if you can’t see them,” says Khachi. “So good lighting is essential.”

For the best effect, install both ambient lighting, like recessed ceiling fixtures, and task lighting—either under-cabinet strips or directed illumination from a lamp or focused wall or ceiling fixture.

it is, and how much

countertop—like

detergent to self-

BRENTWOOD™

dispense. Dryers can

(shown at left)—a

handle everything

great-looking

from sneakers to

addition that’s also

cashmere sweaters,

convenient for

and even help

folding.” And, have

prevent wrinkles.

your electrician

To figure out which

recess the outlets

high-tech machine

for the machines,

to buy, first decide

which usually have

whether you need

bulky plugs. “That

a side-by-side pair

way, they can sit

or a stacking unit.

flush against the wall,

If you have room

taking up less floor

for a side-by-side

space,” he says.

15

HANG IT UP

A drying rod that drips into a sink or a floor drain can be a handy addition if you like to wash delicates by hand. A wall-mounted ironing board cabinet will keep this essential accessible but out of the way.

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BATHROOM WINDERMERETM

Cambrian CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

STEVE HENKE

CAREFUL ATTENTION TO SMALL DETAILS, LIKE THE STYLE OF TURNED VANITY LEGS, THE HEIGHT OF AN OPEN SHELF, OR A DECORATIVE EDGE ON A CAMBRIA COUNTERTOP CAN LEND A SIMPLE POWDER ROOM THE LOOK OF BESPOKE ELEGANCE.

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By AMANDA LECKY

WHETHER IT’S A SPA-INSPIRED RETREAT OR RUBBER DUCKY CENTRAL, THIS IS ONE ROOM THAT DESERVES A LITTLE EXTRA PAMPERING. HERE’S HOW TO CREATE

A

SPACE

THAT

WILL

LOOK

GREAT

TODAY—AND

YEARS

FROM

NOW.

REINVENTED B

eautiful and useful. Your bathroom must be both: a space that’s easy and enjoyable to occupy when you’re showering, grooming, or bathing the kids.

It also has to be safe, able to withstand water and humidity, and timeless enough to look great for years to come.

How to balance form and function, present and future? As with any design project, start by breaking down how you’ll really use the room. Interview yourself the way a designer would, asking questions like: How many people will use the bathroom at one time? What are your habits? What do you need to store?”

And think about resale value, but don’t forget the present. It’s common to let your concern about resale cloud your decisions.

So before you worry that if you don’t install a tub, a future buyer won’t like the bath, or similar, consider what you really want.

Unless you’re planning to move in the next five years, it’s wisest to remodel for your own needs, now—and don’t think so much about the next owner. Instead, let your budget and your tastes guide you, keeping the style of the house and the neighborhood in mind, as well. Then, follow these simple steps to a pretty, practical bath.

SPACE PLANNING

SUSSEXTM

Desert Collection

TM

© Cambria 2013

Whether you’re starting from scratch to design a new bath or remodeling an existing room, your first task is to come up with an efficient layout. “Of course, your considerations will be different depending on the type of bath, but you’ll typically need to decide whether you want one vanity or two, a walkin shower and a tub or a shower/tub combo,” says interior designer Libby Castro. “But one thing I always try to plan is a separate compartment for the toilet. It gives the bath a much more private feeling, and lets more than one person use the space at a time.” New York-based designer Jeffrey Einhorn agrees.

“I also like to create a dedicated NOT JUST FOR shower room,” he says. “I’ll have one COUNTERTOPS: end of the bathroom partitioned off, FOR A LUXE then I line the walls with Cambria.

CONTEMPORARY LOOK, WRAP CAMBRIA It's a look that's modern and elegant, AROUND A PAIR OF but also incredibly easy to clean.

FACING MASTER VANITIES. The result is really luxurious.”

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THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN’S BATHROOM IS HAVING ENOUGH ROOM FOR EVERYBODY. HERE DOUBLE SINKS, DOUBLE STORAGE, AND EVEN A STOOL FOR EACH KEEPS EVERYONE CLEAN AND HAPPY.

STORAGE

The designers agree: There’s no such thing as too much storage in a bathroom. “Too often, homeowners design this gorgeous, spa-like space,” says Castro, “and then cover every surface with hairspray bottles and vitamins because they haven’t planned enough closed storage.”

Inside the vanity, you might consider opting for drawers instead of cabinets: They’re more efficient and more accessible. Just make sure they’re deep enough. If your largest container is 13" tall but the drawer is only 11" deep, you’ll be disappointed. Einhorn likes to build shallow closets into master bathrooms, and into shared family or kids baths, too. “It’s great to be able to store towels and extra toiletries right at the point of use,” says Einhorn.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

WHITNEYTM

Jewel CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

WHITE DOESN’T NEED TO BE HO-HUM. ADD SOME PIZZAZ

BY CHOOSING A COUNTER WITH DIMENSION AND INTEREST. HERE WHITNEY™ FROM CAMBRIA’S JEWEL COLLECTION GIVES JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SPARKLE TO BRIGHTEN UP A CHILDREN’S BATHROOM.

The sinks, tub, toilet, and faucets you choose will affect not just the look of the space but its function, so choose wisely. Buying online can be fast, easy, and cost-effective, but it often means forgoing the chance to touch and feel your fixtures—so you could end up with a faucet handle that cuts into your palm when you turn the water on, or a bathtub that hurts your back when you recline. If you can visit a large showroom to see the items in person, the trip could be well worth your while.

When it comes to luxurious extras—body sprays in the shower, for example—consider whether you’ll actually use them, or if you just like the idea. “In FOR A SIMPLE, TIMELESS LOOK, my experience, most of my clients don’t end CONSIDER USING A up using those sprays,” says Castro. “And they STONE, LIKE CAMBRIA, waste a tremendous amount of water.” A better WITH UNDERMOUNT SINKS. THE RESULT IS bet, perhaps: “Rainshower shower-heads don’t A POLISHED EFFECT cost that much more than standard models but THAT'S ALSO EASY TO CLEAN. feel really luxurious,” says Einhorn. “Plus, it’s something you’ll enjoy every day.”

And, finally, think about upkeep. If you’re choosing fittings with a metallic finish (warm finishes like polished nickel are particularly current right now, says Castro), look for Physical Vapor Deposition or PVD technology, a method that bonds the outer finish to the faucet’s brass base, for a stronger finish that resists scratching, tarnish, and wear.

BRINGING COLOR IN KEEP PERMANENT MATERIALS AND FINISHES TIMELESS BUT INTRODUCE ENERGY AND PERSONALITY WITH COLORFUL ACCESSORIES. GET THE LOOK (from left): Michael S. Smith Labyrinth Tile, $52.94 per sq. ft., Ann Sacks Collection; annsacks.com. Ikat Collection Tile, $200 per sq. ft., New Ravenna Mosaics; newravenna.com. Arcade Shower Curtain, $98, Jonathan Adler; jonathanadler.com.

Threshold Floral Bath Rug, $24.99, Target; target.com. Modern Stripe Tumbler, $8, West Elm; westelm.com.

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BATHROOM BLUNDERS

For a clean, contemporary look that’s a breeze to maintain, choose a frameless shower enclosure with Cambria on the walls and floors.

Design experts share common mistakes, so you can steer clear.

INACCESSIBLE STORAGE

“If the only cabinet you have is right under the sink, you’ll find its interior clogged up by plumbing pipes,” says Ramsin Khachi. Plan additional drawer storage or a shallow closet if you can.

INADEQUATE LIGHTING

“Not all bathrooms are large enough to install lighting on the sides of the mirror,” says Castro. “If you have to put the lighting above the mirror, splurge on a second, lighted makeup mirror on an accordion-arm, so you’ll have good, flattering illumination for grooming.”

NOT ENOUGH COLOR

A pale, spa-like bath is appealing, but beware of going too monochromatic. “With all the glossy, cold surfaces, it can really help make the space feel warmer and more inviting if you incorporate some touches of color here and there,” says Castro.

MARBLE SURFACES

NEWPORTTM

Marble CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

“Marble is beautiful, but it’s too soft and too permeable to use successfully in a bathroom,” says Einhorn. “Instead, go with a pale Cambria design, or, for the floor, porcelain tile that looks like stone.”

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IN A JEWEL-BOX OF A POWDER ROOM, AN UNDERMOUNTED SINK CREATES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE EMPHASIS ON THE RICH VEINING OF THE NEW QUAY™ CAMBRIA COUNTER AND THE SCULPTURAL FAUCET.

“You don’t have to worry as much about storage or upkeep in the powder room, so it’s the perfect place to get creative.”

—LIBBY CASTRO

MATERIALS AND FINISHES

NEW QUAYTM

Waterstone CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

Obviously, bathrooms are wet. Even areas that don’t get splashed with water are likely to be affected by humidity from the shower. As such, your main concern when choosing materials is to select surfaces that will stand up well to moisture —and to have them installed properly. Think seamless and water-repellent. “Your goal is to create a waterproof enclosure, so I like to line the entire shower area, including the ceiling,” says Castro. “My clients often want marble, but it’s not a great choice for the bath,” says Einhorn. “It’s too porous, so water and chemicals like beauty products will stain it. Even granite is too porous. Instead, I use Cambria. Cambria’s really versatile because you can use it on horizontal surfaces, of course, but you can also install it on backsplashes or shower walls, where it creates a nearly seamless surface that’s super-easy to clean.”

Another tip from Einhorn: For the floor tiles, ask your installer to use epoxy grout. “It’s more stain-resistant than traditional grout,” he says.

FINISHING TOUCHES

A flattering color-scheme—everyone looks good next to warm cream or coral hues, says Castro—and plenty of lighting— always installed to the side of the mirror, never above, where it could cast harsh shadows—will go a long way toward creating a bathroom you like to spend time in. Add piles of cushy combed-cotton towels and well-placed artwork and accessories and you’ll have an inviting, personal retreat.

MAKING IT LUXE CREATE YOUR AT-HOME SPA

BY OUTFITTING THE BATH WITH ACCENTS THAT SOOTHE THE SENSES AND THE SPIRIT. GET THE LOOK (from left): Horn Bath Accessories, $15-$65, Restoration Hardware; restorationhardware.com. Savon de Marseille, $7, Kaufman Mercantile; kaufman-mercantile.com. Monarch Mercury Jars, $12-$28, Perpetual Blooms Towels, $8-$36, Anthropologie; anthropologie.com.

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© CAMBRIA 2013

dream

big

At Cambria, opportunities are limitless. That’s why we’re always modernizing and improving our iPad app. With its new updates, you’ll be able to view photos of our elegant product installed inside immaculate kitchens and baths in every design. The Cambria app is also available for the iPhone.

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BY CAROL LINN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCA ROSETTI

MUSIC FOR LIFE VIRTUOSO

ANDREA BOCELLI

HAS EARNED WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM FOR HIS SINGING, BUT HIS “PASSIONE” FOR HOME AND FAMILY KEEP HIM GROUNDED.

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“I DON’T THINK ONE DECIDES TO BECOME A SINGER… IT IS DECIDED FOR YOU BY THE REACTIONS OF THOSE AROUND YOU.”

ANDREA AND VERONICA ON THE MAIN STAIRCASE OF THEIR HOME IN FORTE DEI MARMI. WITH ALL THE OPULENCE AND GRANDUER OF THE HOME, AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE IT QUICKLY BECOMES APPARENT THAT IT IS A HOME TO A BUSY, LOVING FAMILY.

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F A SCREENPLAY TOLD ANDREA BOCELLI’S LIFE STORY, IT WOULD BE DISMISSED AS TOO IMPROBABLE: A young Italian boy tragically loses his sight, then grows up to become movie-star handsome. He dreams of a singing career, but decides practicing law is more practical. Then at 34, he’s discovered by an opera star and rockets to global fame almost overnight, using his golden tenor to bring classical arias to the masses.

And yet that’s exactly what happened. In a career spanning only two decades, Bocelli, now 55, has reached

S T Y L E

a pinnacle that almost defies superlatives: He’s sold 80-million records to become the world’s best-selling classical artist, has appeared before cheering audiences in China, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and across Europe, South America, Canada and the United States and has performed for the British Royal Family, three popes, and four U.S. presidents. “Star” seems too limited a word.

In 2013, he added yet another chapter to the saga, releasing his 14th studio album, “Passione,” a collection of love songs that includes duets with Jennifer Lopez and Nelly Furtado, and a compilation of live highlights, “Love in Portofino.” He also set down roots in a new country— this one. In October, he purchased a house close to the beach in Miami, a home where he and his family can have a home base during long stays in the U.S. Soon to come in the kitchen: sleekly elegant counters of Cambria stone.

It’s not surprising that the Bocelli’s would choose Cambria for their new house. Not only is it a product both sufficiently durable for a busy family and luxurious enough for a discerning maestro, the company has its own Italian heritage: The expertise and technology used to craft the stone comes from northern Italy. Like Bocelli, Cambria as a company strongly believes in the importance of family, and has enormous pride in remaining family-owned and family run.

And completing the familial connection, Cambria President and CEO Marty Davis is a good friend of Bocelli’s longtime friend, producer, and collaborator, David Foster. Foster, a music industry powerhouse and 16-time Grammy Award winner, produced some of Bocelli’s top albums, including “Amore” and “Passione” as well as several PBS specials, and has performed with Bocelli on numerous occasions.

“David Foster’s deep admiration for Andrea in and of itself, is an awesome statement about Bocelli’s prominence in music,” notes Davis. “Worldwide admiration of Andrea Bocelli, brings forth what an enormous and special man of music he really is. And to be so deep in his love of friends and family, he has a fullness in him that is to be cherished; we hear it all come out in his music.”

Nor is it surprising that Bocelli, who has the world at his feet, would choose to settle here. “I love America,” he says. “American audiences are the most special in

OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP: COURTESY ANDREA BOCELLI; BOTTOM: PAVAROTTI ZUCCHERO BOCELLI © SVEN HOOGERHUIS / CAPITAL PICTURES / RETNA LTD.

—ANDREA BOCELLI

Built in the 2nd century, Athens’ Odeon of Herodes Atticus, provided a breathtaking backdrop for Andrea Bocelli as he performed a benefit concert for cancer research in 2010. Also known as the Herodion, the ancient venue sits on the southern edge of the Acropolis. Originally built by the Athenian magnate, Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, it featured a steep-sloped amphitheater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof. After a century of use by the Greeks, it was destroyed in 267 A.D. and left as a ruin. Restored in the 1950s, the 5,000-seat Herodion is once again used for music concerts and theater performances, with everyone from opera star Agnes Baltsa to rock legend Patti Smith having graced its historic stage.

ANDREA BOCELLI

the world.” Last April, Bocelli caused a minor sensation by appearing unannounced at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Miami Beach to sing “Panis Angelicus” while parishioners took communion. Bocelli loves America—and there’s no doubt it loves him right back.

It’s never been simple to categorize Andrea Bocelli as an artist; he’s recorded classical music, religious songs, opera, and pop. His own “passione” is for classical music—“it’s good for the soul and the brain,” he says— but adds, “Every kind of music has its own depth.”

Bocelli’s life is a study in similar contradictions. He was born and grew up in Italian winemaking country—La Sterza, a picturesque village in Lajatico, the Chianti region of Tuscany where his family’s roots go back hundreds of years. His father grew grapes, and as a child, he played in the vineyards and even helped with the harvest.

1964

Takes his first music lessons.

1958

BORN IN LA STERZA, LAJATICO, IN TUSCANY

No one in the family was a musician. But even as a youngster, a difficult kid whom relatives dubbed “The Earthquake,” he was drawn to music. As a baby, it was what silenced his crying; as a six-year-old, he began studying piano, and before long had learned every aria from Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” (He went on to master the flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, and drums as well.)

At 12, tragedy struck. Born with a congenital form of glaucoma that limited his sight, Bocelli took a ball to the head during a soccer game, and a resulting brain hemorrhage left him completely blind. It could have been a life-changing loss, but he refused to let it confine or define him—in fact, these days, blindness is something he doesn’t even bother talking about. That same year, he entered a local singing contest, performing “O Sole Mio.” As he sang, he later told a reporter, he could hear people in

1970

Wins his first singing competition at age 12. Already suffering from congenital glaucoma, loses his remaining sight after being hit in the head with a soccer ball.

1992

Opera great Luciano Pavarotti (photo, far left) hears Bocelli on a demo tape made for Italian rock star Zucchero (center) and becomes a fan and mentor.

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the audience crying; when he was done, rapturous women kissed him on the cheek. Though he went on to study law at the University of Pisa, it was clear he had found his calling, or as Bocelli firmly believes—his calling found him.

“I don’t think one decides to become a singer,” he later said. “It is decided for you by the reactions of those around you.” During his time as a student and early years practicing law, Bocelli played and sang in local piano bars. In 1992, Luciano Pavarotti heard a demo tape Bocelli had made with Italian rock star Zucchero. Duly impressed, the opera legend sought out Bocelli and has since become a friend and mentor. In 1993, Bocelli entered the Sanremo Music Festival preliminaries and won the Newcomers section; he did it again in 1994 in the main competition. His debut album flew up the Italian Top 10, going platinum in weeks.

From there, the momentum never slowed: Bocelli has earned three Grammy Award nominations and “The Prayer,” written

by David Foster, which Bocelli sang with with Celine Dion for the film “The Quest for Camelot,” won a Golden Globe Award and Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Seven

albums have reached the Billboard 200 Top 10. Bocelli’s “Sacred Arias,” which features spiritual songs like “Adeste Fidelis” and “Ave Maria,” became the best selling classical album by a solo artist in history. In 2006, he performed “Because We Believe,” co-written with David Foster, at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

“Andrea Bocelli really is my favorite artist of all time,” says Foster. “He is the only singer I have worked with that truly walks in two worlds—classical and Pop—and he’s equally comfortable in both genres.

He’s a renaissance man, a genius talent even amongst geniuses and his voice gets me every time. It is truly a privilege and an honor every time I get to work with him.”

The hard-to-categorize quality of Bocelli’s artistry is also true of his life. Part of the reason for his popularity is his liquid, seductively emotional voice and his rugged good looks. (In 1998, People Magazine named him one of the world’s “50 Most Beautiful People.”) Some of his most famous duets have been with striking female singers—“Con Te Partirò,” recorded as “Time to Say

SHELVES IN BOCELLI’S RECORDING ROOM HOLD HIS MANY AWARDS, INCLUDING A FEW OF HIS SEVEN WORLD MUSIC AWARDS.

THE BOCELLI FAMILY IS TIGHT KNIT. ANY GATHERING, EVEN ONE AS BRIEF AS A FAMILY PORTRAIT, IS REASON ENOUGH TO LAUGH AND JOKE TOGETHER.

1994

Releases debut album and makes operatic debut in Verdi’s “Macbeth.”

At Christmas, sings “Adeste Fidelis” before Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica.

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1996

His duet with English soprano Sarah Brightman, “Time to Say Goodbye,” sells more than 12-million copies and becomes one of the bestselling singles of all time.

1997

Releases album “Romanza,” which becomes the best selling album by an Italian artist in history.

1998

Makes debut appearance in the U.S. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Invited to the White House

by President Bill Clinton.

“...IT’S BEAUTIFUL. THE AFFECTION VIRGINIA GIVES. THE TENDERNESS.” —ANDREA BOCELLI

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IMPROMPTU MINI-CONCERTS ARE FREQUENT EVENTS AT THE BOCELLI HOME. HERE, AMOS PLAYS WHILE ANDREA AND MATTEO LOOK ON.

AMONG SEVERAL PIANOS IN THE BOCELLI HOME IS THIS ONE IN THE DINING ROOM, WITH ALL HIS CHILDREN’S NAMES INSCRIBED.

Goodbye,” with English soprano Sarah Brightman became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

But at heart, he’s a family man. During his early tours, sons Amos and Matteo often joined him; sometimes, the singer took buses rather than planes between U.S. destinations so the boys could see the countryside. Bocelli and his wife Veronica Berti, who also is his manager, recently welcomed a baby girl, Virginia, and now she joins the family on tour too.

“It surely makes life more complicated,” Bocelli says about the newest addition to the Bocelli clan. “But it’s beautiful. The affection Virginia gives. The tenderness. Of course, the boys also did it. But they are now 18 and 16 years older, so the tenderness—it’s a little changed,” he laughs.

“It’s something of a new experience, having a daughter.”

And from the sounds of things, he’s enjoying every minute.

Bocelli’s life seems one of luxurious glamour. He’s been on screen and television, and has performed at global society’s most glitzy events—including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s $2-million wedding just outside Rome.

At the same time, he feels a deep desire to work to raise money for good causes, singing at events like a Ground Zero memorial concert for those who died on 9/11, one in Milan that raised aid for victims of the Southeast Asian tsunami, and another in the Roman Colosseum to benefit victims of a catastrophic earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy. An endeavor that the Bocelli’s are particularly proud of is the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, founded in 2011, which helps “fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort, or disability.” Its efforts include supporting the purchase

1999

Wins Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for “The Prayer,” his duet with Celine Dion. Releases the album “Sacred Arias,” which sells five-million copies and becomes the best-selling classical music album in history.

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2001

At invitation of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, performs Schubert’s “Ave Maria” at a Ground Zero tribute to victims of 9/11.

2002

Sings at the wedding of Luciano Pavarotti.

2006

Appears on hit American TV show “American Idol.”

2009

Makes film debut and his debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. Performs in Rome’s Colosseum to benefit victims of a devastating earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy.

CELINE DION AND ANDREA BOCELLI / KMAZUR/WIREIMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

AT HEART, HE’S A FAMILY MAN. DURING HIS EARLY TOURS, SONS AMOS AND MATTEO OFTEN JOINED HIM; SOMETIMES, THE SINGER TOOK BUSES RATHER THAN PLANES BETWEEN U.S. DESTINATIONS SO THE BOYS COULD SEE THE COUNTRY.

BOTTOM LEFT: ANDREA BOCELLI (L) PERFORMS ON STAGE WITH THE ABRUZZO SYMPHONY © SVEN HOOGERHUIS / CAPITAL PICTURES / RETNA LTD.; CENTER: BOCELLI AT HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME: COURTESY ANDREA BOCELLI; BOTTOM RIGHT: ANDREA BOCELLI AND DAVID FOSTER AT THE GRAMMY AWARDS / VINCE BUCCI/PICTUREGROUP / AP IMAGES

THE BOCELLI HOME, ONCE A SMALL HOTEL, OFFERS A BREATHTAKING VIEW OF ONE OF ITALY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES.

of necessities for Syrians in refugee camps, and funding research that could produce new machines and devices to help the blind navigate the outside world. “When I was a boy…I knew the condition of being in need. After that, I had the chance, or better, the joy, to be able to give back.”

Bocelli has a demanding travel schedule. Between November 2013 and February 2014, for instance, he’ll perform in Budapest, Glasgow, Leeds, Las Vegas, Phoenix, New York City, Washington, D.C., Tampa and Sunrise, Florida, Atlanta, Bratislava, and Istanbul (Tour Information at andreabocelli.com). He has been to almost every country in the world. But the irony is that he often doesn’t experience much of the local scene during those travels— mostly just airports, hotels, dressing rooms, and stages.

When he needs pampering in his homes away from home? He seeks out luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton, whose familiar layouts allow him to move around the room easily. And his discipline is strict. He maintains a regime of silence the day of a performance, to protect his voice, and stays away from rich food and drink while on the road. His regular practice schedule is at least an hour a day. “It’s like a gym,” he’s said. (And despite his worldwide success, he still suffers from stage fright.)

2011

Establishes Andrea Bocelli Foundation to “help fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability.”

The reality is that he’s happiest on familiar ground. “When I’m in Italy, I hear my language and I feel so comfortable,” he says. Although Bocelli regularly returns to his family’s farm to ride horses, the Bocellis live in the coastal resort town of Forte Dei Marmi, about 25 miles north of Pisa. It’s a breathtaking spot—Giorgio Armani also has a house here— bracketed by the sea and peaks of the Apuan Alps. Bocelli’s home, a three-story villa that was once a small hotel, is across the street from one of the country’s finest beaches, and characteristically both elegant and down-to-earth. Two dogs and a parrot share the space, which is airy, light-filled and tranquil, but comfortable—a spot where a guest feels welcome to plop down on the furniture. Not surprisingly, it’s filled with musical instruments. “Almost like an instrument shop,” he says, laughing, “Pianos, brass, violins.” Both boys have taken music lessons since they were small and still accompany their father, and many times visiting friends, in impromptu concerts. Other at-home pleasures are equally quiet: boating, swimming, reading. Whether in Tuscany or Miami, it’s that peace that most pleases Bocelli. Home, he says, “is my instruments, and my own bedroom.” And his music. Whatever his fame, his first love remains the sound itself. “Music,” he says “is a gift from God.”

Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2012

Reunites with 16-time Grammy Award-winning music producer David Foster to make his album “Passione,” which reaches gold status, selling more than half a million copies.

LEARN MORE For more information on Andrea Bocelli’s 2013–14 “LOVE IN PORTOFINO” TOUR, go to andreabocelli.com.

To learn more about the ANDREA BOCELLI FOUNDATION, please visit: andreabocellifoundation.org.

2013–14

Embarks upon nine-month, threecontinent world tour to promote his latest album “Love in Portofino.”

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mansion

MODERN Photography by STEVE HENKE

T

HOW ONE YOUNG COUPLE BROUGHT FRESH, YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND STYLE TO A HISTORIC VICTORIAN HOME.

he pages of St. Paul, Minnesota history are filled with sepia-tinted photos of bearded men in starched collars and women with tight chignons. Looking at their stoic, unsmiling faces, it’s easy to forget that these people were dynamic young entrepreneurs, building mansions, raising children, and entertaining family and friends in one of the country's fastest growing cities.

One of these couples was Frank and Anna Shepard. Frank and his father worked with James J. Hill, constructing the Great Northern Railway from St. Paul to Seattle. Like many successful capitalists of the day, the Shepards lived in close proximity to each other. Frank and Anna and their four children lived in an enormous Victorian red brick home on the corner of Dayton and Farrington, and Frank’s parents lived across the street.

The young Shepards’ home was a sprawling Queen Annestyle mansion built in 1882 with three floors, more than 20 rooms, exquisite hand-carved woodwork, and plaster ceilings. More than a century later, when Andy and Whitney Blessing stepped through the front door, the home had sat empty for several years. Even though every room was in disrepair, the young couple could tell that the spirit of the original family home was still intact.

REALIZING THE POTENTIAL

Despite the amount of work required to restore the home, Andy, a contractor, and Whitney, a realtor, could see the potential. As the couple made their way through the house, they could envision their children racing up and down the stairs and hanging Christmas stockings on one of the home’s many fireplaces. They also realized that there

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IN A POWDER ROOM, THE VINTAGE-STYLE SINK FEATURES A CUSTOM CAMBRIA COUNTER AND A BACKSPLASH SHAPED WITH A CLASSICAL SILHOUETTE.

CASTELLTM

Cambrian CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

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The elegant master bathroom features historic herringbone patterned tile juxtaposed with modern his-andhers sinks, a sleek, contemporary tub, and luxurious heated floors.

WHITE CLIFFTM

Desert CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

was enough space to open a bed-and-breakfast, something that they’d dreamt about doing when they retired.

Andy and his team of craftspeople removed a century’s worth of non-historic detritus, including fluorescent lights, drop ceilings, sheetrock walls, and layers of old wall covering, carpet, and flooring. “When you peel away everything that’s not historic, the secrets come out and you begin to understand the home and how the original owners—and their servants—lived,” says Andy. Once the couple could see where the original walls were located, they designed a new space plan to create private and public spaces with modern functionality and traffic flow. “We didn’t want to build a museum and re-create life at the turnof-the-century,” says Whitney. “Our goal was to honor the original elegance of the home while making it feel young, fresh, and welcoming for our family, friends, and guests.”

ENHANCING THE ELEGANCE

As the couple began restoring the rooms, they realized the value of the woodwork, the hand-molded plaster ceilings, and other details. When they began selecting materials and finishes, they sought out top quality products that matched the timeless elegance of the home while offering modern-day ease of maintenance. At the top of the list was Cambria, with its vivid natural color variations, which blended easily with the palette of historic and contemporary hues. Add to that its versatility and durability and Cambria was the perfect choice for everything from the kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to the showers and fireplace surrounds. The Blessings also appreciated the fact that Cambria is a family-owned company located in Le Sueur, Minnesota, just over an hour’s drive from St. Paul.

IN THE MASTER BATHROOM, CAMBRIA ON THE COUNTERTOPS AND THE TUB SURROUND PROVIDE A CLASSIC, TIMELESS LOOK WITH MODERN EASE OF MAINTENANCE.

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IN A LITTLE NOOK OFF THE KITCHEN, THE POLISH OF A CAMBRIA COUNTERTOP IS THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO AN EXPOSED BRICK WALL.

When Andy and Whitney bought the home, there was no real kitchen, only some pantry-style cabinets and evidence of a pump and a cistern, so they designed their own dream kitchen and dining nook in the former servants’ quarters at the rear of the house. As the house is in a historic district, an exterior wall of windows could not be changed, so the couple placed the sink, a commercial range, two wall ovens, and a refrigerator on the other three walls. To give the kitchen a fresh, casual feel, they created a spacious center island topped with Torquay (Waterstone Collection). The white stone with gray veining was a perfect compliment to the gray painted wood of the island's base and the dark gray of the main countertops in Devon (Desert Collection).

They finished the room with a mix of traditional design elements including classic wainscoting, Victorian-style trim, and subway tile, balanced with modern arabesquepatterned tile and valances, and contemporary chrome and glass light fixtures.

WINDERMERETM

Cambrian CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

IN THE FAMILY'S LIVING ROOM, ANDY AND WHITNEY LOVE THE EXOTIC LOOK THAT CAMBRIA LENDS TO THE FIREPLACE DESIGN.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, I WIPE THE COUNTERTOPS AND THE CENTER ISLAND WITH WARM WATER AND A SOFT CLOTH AND EVERYTHING SIMPLY SPARKLES. —WHITNEY BLESSING Just as the Blessings intended, the kitchen is a favorite gathering place for their family and friends. Everyone loves sitting around the center island, enjoying a glass of wine while Andy prepares a Sunday night dinner of salmon, risotto, and roasted kale. “I wanted a kitchen that cleans up well,” says Whitney. “At the end of the day, I wipe the countertops and the center island with warm water and a soft cloth and everything simply sparkles.”

HONORING THE SIMPLICITY

BRADSHAW

TM

Waterstone Collection

TM

© Cambria 2013

Casual family meals take place in the cozy dining nook adjacent to the kitchen. Because the space was originally

THE KITCHEN FEATURES A SPIRITED MIX OF TRADITIONAL DESIGN ELEMENTS INCLUDING CLASSIC WAINSCOTING, SUBWAY TILE AND CAMBRIA COUNTERTOPS, BALANCED WITH CONTEMPORARY LIGHT FIXTURES AND MODERN ARABESQUE-PATTERNED TILE AND VALANCES.

DEVONTM

Desert CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

TORQUAYTM

Waterstone Collection

TM

© Cambria 2013

As part of the renovation process, Andy and Whitney Blessing collaborated with a team of 39 interior designers from the American Society of Interior Designers Minnesota Chapter (ASID MN). Together, they transformed the historic home’s 22 spaces into a very modern mansion. Learn more about the designers who were involved in this project at CambriaUSA.com/mansion. To see more of the house or plan a visit, go to New Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast at newvicbb.com.

part of the servants’ quarters, the woodwork is pine, unlike the costly mahogany elsewhere in the house. Rather than replace the window frames and bookshelves, Andy and Whitney simply sanded and stained them. In the process of restoring the room, Andy found an original brick wall behind the sheetrock. While the original architect never intended for the wall to be exposed, Andy and Whitney loved the warm colors and rough texture of the 19th century bricks, so they left them just the way they were. To balance the simplicity and rusticity of the room, the couple added a comfortable banquette upholstered in colorful blueand-green striped velvet with an eminently practical chartreuse vinyl seat.

CREATING NEW TRADITIONS

With so many rooms to renovate, Andy and Whitney were careful to manage their costs, using decorative paint finishes instead of expensive wall covering, a selection of furniture from their previous home, and other inventive solutions. “I

love it when design needs to be created to meet a budget,” says Andy. “I think that when you’re challenged, you’re more creative.” Being cost-conscious also allowed the Blessings to invest in luxurious yet practical design elements, such as in-floor electric heat in the master bathroom, and a gas fireplace in the living room. Instead of commissioning a custom mantelpiece, Andy designed a cost-effective mantel made by a local millwork company and created an exotic look for the surround using natural stone by Cambria.

Now that the house is finished—even though a family home is always a work in progress—the Blessings find that the living room is one of their favorite spaces. They love hanging out with their three children and their dog and playing games around the fireplace. They’re already looking forward to the holidays in their new home, helping the kids decorate the Christmas tree and hang their stockings on the fireplace—exactly as they had envisioned when they first stepped through the door of this historic family home.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: PAGE 34

CODIE DONAHUE Codie Donahue Interior Design LLC PAGE 36

BROOKE VOSS Brooke Voss Design MARTINA WILLEGALLE Designs by Martina PAGE 37

KIMBERLY HERRICK Herrick Design Group BECKY KOHOUT RJK Interiors PAGE 38

CHARLENE ACKLEY Charlene Ackley Interior Design, LLC PAGE 39

LETITIA LITTLE Letitia Little Interior Design SHEREE VINCENT Fusion Designed

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eat+drink DUTCH BABY RECIPE: P.43

A CAST IRON SKILLET CAN BE YOUR BEST BREAKFAST HELPER. OLD AND WELL-SEASONED IS BEST; IF YOURS IS NEW, YOU CAN SEASON IT YOURSELF. SEE CAMBRIAUSA.COM/STYLE FOR DETAILS.

Family Style

By AMANDA LECKY

•

Photography by STEVE HENKE

These easy and delicious updates on hearty brunch classics will prove irresistible to family and friends.

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SPINACH AND CHEESE STRATA RECIPE: P.43

BACON CORN HASH RECIPE: P.43

CREAMY, SALTY, DELICATE SOFTBOILED EGGS ARE A COMFORT-FOOD CLASSIC—AND A SUPER-EASY BRUNCH STARTER.

BELLINGHAMTM

Waterstone CollectionTM

ELEGANT OVEN-TO-TABLEWARE WILL SIMPLIFY COOKING AND SERVING, AND WILL MAKE FAMILY-STYLE GATHERINGS FEEL FESTIVE AND FINISHED.

BROWN BUTTER APPLE GALETTE RECIPE: P.43

TOMATOES AND TOAST RECIPE: CAMBRIAUSA.COM/STYLE

© Cambria 2013

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eat+drink COOKING THE PERFECT EGG IS EASY, IF YOU KNOW HOW. FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS, VISIT CAMBRIAUSA.COM/BRUNCH.

EGGS FOR EVERYONE

B R U N C H I S A L L A B O U T C O M F O R T.

For more delicious egg recipes, like the egg-andblue cheese sandwich pictured at left, visit CambriaUSA.com/brunch.

Comfort foods, served at a comfortable hour, in a comfortable setting. And it’s a meal that should be as easy for the host or hostess to prepare as it is for the guests to enjoy. That means dishes that can be made or at least prepped ahead, and that are designed for serving family-style—so there’s no last-minute fussing by the chef, and everyone can sit back, sip their coffee (or mimosas), and enjoy every last bite of egg-y, bacon-y goodness. Finding the right recipes is easy, too. Give old-favorites a foodie twist by adding fresh herbs or perfectly aged cheese—or look online for real-life inspiration like some of our family favorites from two award-winning food blogs, home chef Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, and former pastry chef Phyllis Grant of Dash and Bella.

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BELLINGHAMTM

Waterstone CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

EVEN BREAKFAST DESERVES AN INDULGENT DESSERT, LIKE THIS NOT-TOOSWEET FREE-FORM APPLE TART.

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”

—JOHN GUENTHER, JOURNALIST

R E C I P E S BACON CORN HASH Makes 4 to 5 cups INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice 1 pound red potatoes, scrubbed clean and diced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 to 31/4 cups) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 medium-large ears corn, kernels cut from the cob (21/2 to 3 cups) 1 bundle scallions, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS:

Toss bacon into a large skillet over medium heat, no need to heat the pan first. Let rest for a few minutes until it starts sizzling, then move the bits around so that they begin to brown evenly.

Again, wait a couple minutes before shuffling the pieces; you’re looking for them to get evenly golden and crisp.

This should take about 10 minutes.

Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan and transferring the bacon to paper towels to drain.

Heat the pan to medium/medium-high, making sure the bacon fat is sizzling nicely, then add your potatoes all at once in a single layer. Sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of table salt and several dashes of freshly ground black pepper.

Let them cook for a few minutes in one place and get a bit golden underneath before turning them over and moving them around. Repeat this process until the potatoes are browned on all sides; this takes about 20 minutes. Spoon off all but a small amount of the fat.

Bump up the heat a little and add the corn to the skillet. Saute the potatoes and corn together until the corn gets a bit brown but stays fairly crisp, about four to five minutes. Add the drained bacon, and stir the mixture together until it’s evenly warm, about one more minute.

Remove the skillet from the burner and sprinkle the scallions over the hash. In two minutes, they should be warm and mellowed. Season with more salt or pepper to taste, if needed.

Pair With:

MARC HEBRART BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE Champagne, France

The perfect complement to the smokey, toasty richness of the bacon and roasted corn, the ripe, sun-kissed flavors of the wine’s juicy cherry/raspberry center will make you think breakfast should be served all day long.

SPINACH AND CHEESE STRATA (Adapted from Gourmet Magazine; February 2003)

Serves 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS:

1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed of all excess liquid, and chopped 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (1 large) 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 8 cups cubed French or Italian bread in 1-inch cubes (1/2 lb) 6 ounces coarsely grated Gruyère (2 cups) 2 ounces finely grated parmesan (1 cup) 2 3/4 cups milk 9 large eggs 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard DIRECTIONS:

Sauté onion in butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until it’s soft, about five minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and nutmeg and continue cooking for one minute.

Stir in spinach, remove from heat and set aside.

Spread one third of the bread cubes in a well-buttered three-quart gratin casserole dish or other ceramic baking dish. Top with one-third of bread cubes, one-third of spinach mixture and one-third of each cheese. Repeat layering twice with remaining bread, spinach and cheese.

Whisk eggs, milk, mustard and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper together in a large bowl and pour evenly over strata. Cover with plastic wrap and chill strata for at least eight hours or up to a day.

The next day, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F. Bake strata, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand five minutes before serving.

DUTCH BABY

BROWN BUTTER APPLE GALETTE

Serves 3

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:

4 eggs 1 cup whole milk 1/4 cup crème fraîche (or sour cream) 3/4 cup all-purpose flour pinch salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 Tbsp. salted butter powdered sugar lemon maple syrup

INGREDIENTS:

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry 1/2 stick salted butter juice/zest from 1/2 lemon 1/2 vanilla bean 4-6 apples 2-4 Tbsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. apricot jam DIRECTIONS:

DIRECTIONS:

Throw your eight- or nine-inch cast-iron pan (or ovenproof dish) into the oven.

Preheat oven to 425°F. You want your pan to be very hot.

In a food processor or a blender, blend well the eggs, milk, crème fraîche, flour, salt, and vanilla (30 seconds or so). If you mix it by hand, add the flour in a few batches and mix really well.

Add butter to the hot pan in the oven.

Careful. The butter will brown very fast. When the butter is just melted, remove pan from the oven, quickly pour in the batter, and put the pan back in the oven. Resist the urge to open the oven. Hopefully, after a few minutes the pancake will start to climb up the sides of the pan and puff up in the middle. It's done when the edges start to turn brown and the batter is just set in the middle.

About two minutes before it's done, you can sprinkle it with powdered sugar, praline, or chocolate chips and they will melt into the surface.

Serve with powdered sugar and lemon.

Or warm maple syrup. Or both.

Pair With:

PHILIPPE FOREAU VOUVRAY DEMI-SEC ‘CLOS NAUDIN’ Loire, France

Preheat oven to 350°F. Take dough out of freezer and let sit until soft enough to roll out. Roll out dough, place it on a sheet pan, and refrigerate.

Melt the butter. When very lightly brown, remove from heat. Cool. Add lemon juice/zest. Halve and scrape in vanilla bean. Mix well.

Cut a little cap off of the top and bottom of each apple. Peel. Cut in half from top to bottom and remove core from each half. Slice each half lengthwise into super thin slices. As you finish each half, slide the slices into the brown butter/lemon mixture and coat all over.

Taste the apples to see if they're tart.

This will determine how much sugar to use. Spread the apple slices over the dough, leaving edges of dough uncovered. Sprinkle apples with sugar.

Bake until crust is crispy along the edges and the apples are softened and nicely browned (about 45 minutes). Broil the top if it's not brown enough. A nice touch is to paint the tops of the cooled tart (apples) with warm apricot jam.

Serve with créme fraîche or ice cream.

Pair With:

Lush and glossy, with scents of toasty apricot and sweet honied florals, this well-balanced wine is the perfect accent for the sweet notes of this dish.

DOMAINE CARNEROS BY TAITTINGER ‘LE RÊVE’ BLANC DE BLANCS SPARKLING WINE Carneros, California

Sophisticated, with notes of lemon curd and baked Asian pear, this wine is a gorgeous accompaniment to apples.

Pair With:

BERLUCCHI FRANCIACORTA BRUT NV Franciacorta, Italy

Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to the Champagne region of France, yet it's still unknown to many ‘bubble’ fanatics. With creamy tones to highlight the gruyère cheese and earthy notes in tune with the spinach and spice, this wine is sure to impress any bubble-loving guest!

DUTCH BABY & BROWN BUTTER APPLE GALETTE RECIPES Adapted courtesy of busy mom and former pastry chef Phyllis Grant’s DASH AND BELLA BLOG; dashandbella.blogspot.com SPINACH AND CHEESE STRATA & BACON CORN HASH RECIPES Adapted courtesy of New York City home cook Deb Perelman’s popular SMITTEN KITCHEN BLOG; smittenkitchen.com Leslee Miller, Certified Sommelier of Amusée Wine

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By AMANDA LECKY

Photography by STEVE HENKE

THE SIMPLE ART OF THE

PERFECT CUP

In the rushed routine of daily drivethrough orders, it’s too easy to forget the rich and delicious history of coffee.

When it comes to your morning coffee infusion, faster is often necessary— but in all the rush, the delicious ritual of brewing and serving coffee is sometimes lost. So take the time to savor the aroma and flavor of the world's favorite beverage by trying a new brewing style, a locally roasted, organic bean, or just by serving up your coffee in an incredibly elegant cup.

You’ll find the experience is more than just good to the last drop.

LINWOODTM

Cambrian CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

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WHETHER YOU’RE POPPING IN A COFFEE POD OR TAKING AN EXOTIC, TURKISH TURN, MAKE EVERY COFFEE HOUR A SPECIAL TREAT BY SERVING YOURSELF IN STYLE—COMPLETE WITH TREATS FROM THE REGION, LIKE TURKISH DELIGHT, PICTURED ABOVE.

WHAT THE LABELS MEAN

Be Your Own Barista

You know what they say: If you want it done right, do it yourself. Jose Vido, of Morningstar Coffee, shared the basics of perfecting your brew.

THE BEANS

THE ROAST

» Type: There are two main

» Light roast: If you like more

categories of coffee beans.

Arabica beans have a more delicate, less acidic flavor than Robusta beans, and are considered superior— although Robusta beans are often favored for espresso.

delicate—and also more acidic—flavors, a light roast, which allows the distinct qualities of the bean to shine through, may be for you.

» Medium roast: The most

popular roast for commercial coffee brands, this results in a sweeter, toastier flavor than a light roast.

» Variety: Different growing

regions create different flavor profiles. For example, Ethiopian Arabica beans are less bitter than Kenyan Arabica beans. There’s no “best” variety; which one you like best will depend on your tastes.

» Freshness: Once coffee

» Dark roast: This style is

beans have been roasted, their natural oils begin to dissipate, releasing their rich flavor into the air, instead of into your cup. Find a local roaster and buy beans roasted no more than a week before your purchase. Then, grind the beans yourself, just before brewing.

roasted until the sugars in the bean start to caramelize, and the oils are drawn to the surface, creating a smoky flavor. This roast style often obscures the flavor of the bean itself, and is sometimes used for lesser-quality beans.

THE METHOD

» Automatic drip: This is the

style most of us are familiar with. You put ground coffee in a filter basket inside your coffee maker, fill the water reservoir, and wait while the

machine does the work. The results are fast, but most coffee aficionados prefer methods that extract more flavor from the beans.

» French press: The French

press is a glass or plastic cylinder fitted with a metal plunger. You put the ground coffee in the bottom of the pot, add not-quite-boiling water, let the coffee steep, and then press down the plunger. Because there’s no paper filter, more of the bean’s flavorful oils end up in the brew, producing a rich result.

» Pour-over: Using an

inexpensive cone-shaped filter holder set atop a single cup, you slowly, slowly add almostboiling water to the grounds you have spooned into the base of the cone; the wateradding process can take several minutes. But the taste, the pros say, is so smooth and rich, the extra time is worth it.

SINGLE ORIGIN: Coffee beans from a single coffee farm, not blended with beans from other producers.

FAIR TRADE: The Fair Trade Certification program helps protect small growers in the face of volatile market conditions, allowing them to form co-ops to compete against large agricultural conglomerates, and guaranteeing them a purchase price that protects against market fluctuations.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Produced without the aid of chemical fertilizers, Certified Organic coffee is better for the environment—but not necessarily better for you, since the brewing process eliminates all existing chemical residues anyway.

BIRD-FRIENDLY OR “SHADE GROWN”: This refers to a practice of growing coffee under the natural tree canopy, with little alteration of the environment—a boon for biodiversity.

Jose Vido, President of Morningstar Coffee. Roaster and supplier of organic, sustainably grown Fair Trade coffee. morningstarcoffee.com

DID YOU KNOW? WHEN COFFEE FIRST MADE ITS WAY TO EUROPE IN THE 17TH CENTURY, IT SPARKED A CLERICAL CONTROVERSY SO GREAT IT TOOK POPE CLEMENT VIII TO INTERVENE. HE TASTED THE NEW BEVERAGE HIMSELF… AND IMMEDIATELY GRANTED PAPAL APPROVAL. THE REST IS CAFFEINATED HISTORY.

CHEMEX CLASSIC: SURLATABLE.COM

THE RIGHT STUFF

COFFEE CANISTER Store your freshly ground coffee inside the Friis Coffee Vault ($25); its airtight stainless-steel construction maintains freshness longer by eliminating the effects of exposure to light and air. amazon.com

CHEMEX SYSTEM One popular type of pour-over coffee maker, the Chemex Classic ($34.95$42.95) allows you to make more than one cup at a time.

Choose from three-, six-, eight-, or ten-cup models. surlatable.com

BURR GRINDER Coffee gourmets prefer burr grinders over blade grinders, and the Baratza Precision Grinder ($229) is one of their favorite models. It offers 40 grinding settings, for precise control. williams-sonoma.com

COLD-BREW TO GO For when you just don’t have time to make it yourself, Slingshot Cold Brew ($17 for a two-pack) is handbrewed in North Carolina, and available in both readyto-drink and concentrate. slingshotcoffeecompany.com

DIY COLD BREW The Toddy Cold Brew System ($39.50) extracts the bitter acids that other brewing methods leave behind, for a smooth, delicious cup of iced coffee every time. toddycafe.com

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AT THE COFFEE HOUSE For the best experience when you’re ordering out, it helps to learn the language.

Here’s how to order.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AMERICANO: Espresso diluted with hot water to

FLAT WHITE: Usually 6 oz., this drink is similar to a cappuccino, but with a greater proportion of foam.

FRAPPE: An icy, blended beverage that usually contains coffee. May be sweet and high in calories.

the approximate consistency of drip coffee.

ICED COFFEE: Simply coffee served cold, over ice.

BREVE: Made like a cappuccino, a breve uses

LATTE: A shot of espresso and plenty of milk with a thin layer of foam. Usually served in larger sizes— 10 oz. and up. Flavorings may be added to create hybrid drinks, i.e. “hazlenut latte” or “caramel latte”.

steamed half-and-half instead of regular milk.

CAFÉ AU LAIT: Known as “caffe latte” in Italian and “café con leche” in Spanish, this is a mix of espresso and heated (often steamed) milk, usually in a ratio of 1:2, espresso to milk.

IF YOU LIKE…

An extra jolt in your espresso drink…ask

for a double, a triple, or a quad, which tells the barista to add a second, third, or fourth shot to the beverage

LATTE MACCHIATO: A latte made by pouring the

espresso in last, over the milk and foam.

CAPPUCCINO: A 1:1:1 combination of espresso, milk, and soft foam; always free-poured, and never spooned. Sometimes topped with cinnamon or chocolate.

MACCHIATO: From the Italian word for “to mark,”

ESPRESSO: A high-pressure extraction of finely

or frothed milk, and, sometimes, a topping of whipped cream, this drink was made popular by sailors at the Portuguese port of Mocha.

ground coffee served in 1 oz. (single) or 2 oz. (double) servings.

a little less buzz…

a machiatto is an espresso with a tiny bit of foam or froth milk “marking” the surface.

MOCHA: Made with chocolate, espresso, steamed

GETTING IT YOUR WAY

ask for a half-caf—a mix of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee

a less-creamy froth… ask for your drink “dry”

to watch your weight…ask for it

“skinny,” so the barista uses skim milk

LANESHAWTM

Waterstone CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

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COFFEE BEANS START OUT GREEN, AND TURN BROWN AFTER ROASTING. HOW DEEP OR OILY THE FINAL BEANS APPEAR DEPENDS ON THE LEVEL OF THE ROAST.

GUIDE book // LOCAL SCENE

CLOCKWISE: PATRICK L. PYSZKA / CITY OF CHICAGO; BLOOMBERG / GETTY IMAGES; DWIGHT LYMAN / SHUTTERSTOCK; GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY / LITTLE GOAT DINER PHOTO: © GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY

ATTRACTIONS

FOLLOW THE PUCK Watch the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks take on the Pittsburgh Penguins outdoors as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series.

The two teams will meet in front of 60,000plus fans at Soldier Field on Saturday evening, March 1. Expect the city—and the bars—to be packed with hockey fans all weekend! (Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, 312-235-7000, soldierfield.net)

THE “MAG MILE” LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN SECTION OF MICHIGAN AVENUE

Chicago

The world's largest and longest running auto show.

CAR GAZING The world’s largest and longest running auto show cruises into Chicago from Feb. 8th to 17th. Nearly 1,000 domestic and imported cars—from green to mean and in between—will be on display and show attendees can take a spin with a professional driver.

Tickets are $12. (McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-7917000, chicagoautoshow.com)

WHETHER IT’S ICE SKATING AT NAVY PIER, WINDOW SHOPPING ON MICHIGAN AVENUE, taking in a night at the theater, or cheering on the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, the City of Big Shoulders has big plans for those who visit Chicago this winter. “Refuse to fear Chicago winters,” says Quinn Butler, principal of Select Surfaces, a Cambria installation partner. “Grab a scarf and experience the outdoor festivals and architecture of the city. Or, head indoors, the city opens up to you in winter just as it does in the summer months, without the fair-weather crowds.” | By JANE COSTELLO FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANT WEEK Eat, drink and save money: Visitors and locals alike are salivating in anticipation of Restaurant Week (Jan. 24 to Feb. 8), when nearly 300 restaurants in the city and surrounding suburbs offer special prix fixe menus for $22 (lunch) and $33/$44 per person (dinner). (eatitupchicago.com)

KATHERINE ANNE CONFECTIONS Take the chill out of the air with a cup of decidedly decadent flavored hot chocolate at this Logan Square organic confiserie—it’s won rave reviews from critics and chocoholics alike. Treat yourself to the truffles and caramels while topping off your beverage of choice with a homemade flavored marshmallow. (2745 W. Armitage Ave., 773-245-1630, katherine-annev.com) FAT RICE Try the homemade noodles, shrimp and pork pot stickers, and “to die for” dumplings and you’ll know why this Portuguese-Asian eatery has become a destination for authentic old-world cuisine with a fresh twist. Named by Bon Appetit as one of the best new restaurants in the country in 2013. (2957 W. Diversey Ave., 773-661-9170, eatfatrice.com)

DOVEDALETM

Marble CollectionTM © Cambria 2013

LITTLE GOAT DINER—HALF-MILE WEST OF THE LOOP

LITTLE GOAT DINER Come for the comfort food and fresh-baked bread, stay for the late-night drinks at this charming little diner located just a half-mile west of The Loop. And when you stop by, you might get a glimpse of executive chef Stephanie Izard, who won Bravo’s Top Chef competition in 2006. (820 W. Randolph St., 312-888-3455, littlegoatchicago.com)

WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER

SHOPPING

NAVY PIER No trip to Chicago is complete without taking in all that the Navy Pier has to offer. There are “Winter Wonderfest” amusement rides, indoor ice skating, bicycle rentals, exhibits, shopping and dining. Construction is underway on the new “Wave Wall” and giant staircase that will give visitors an unobstructed view of the lakefront and the Chicago skyline. (600 East Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.com) THE MAGNIFICENT MILE Geographically located in the northern section of Michigan Avenue, the “Mag Mile” is best known for its high-end stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Peruse eight levels of shopping at Water Tower Place and then head out the door in either direction to hit up Bloomingdales, Tiffany, Nordstrom, and Niketown, just to name a few. (North Michigan Ave., themagnificentmile.com)

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GUIDE book // WORD ON THE STREET

In the Spotlight Interior designers embrace Cambria online, our legendary brand ambassadors shine, and a new downtown space mixes creative home design with world-class music.

Mariel Hemingway Opens Up to Oprah OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS AND CAMBRIA ADVOCATE MARIEL HEMINGWAY, along with her partner Bobby Williams, recently appeared with Oprah Winfrey on an episode of “Super Soul Sunday” (Sundays at 11 a.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network). On the show, Hemingway discussed her upcoming documentary film “Running from Crazy”—set to premiere on OWN in March 2014—that chronicles her family’s history of mental illness and suicide.

Canada Bestows Honors on Ronnie Hawkins Houzz Calls on Cambria INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE RAVING ABOUT IT AND UNDERSTANDABLY SO. Houzz is the largest collection of kitchen and bathroom design and decorating ideas on the Internet. It includes 90,000 ideabooks and more than a million photographs, including multiple Cambria installations. Houzz is a great place for trade pros and homeowners to find inspiration for their upcoming projects.

LOOK FOR CAMBRIA on Houzz at houzz.com/cambriaquartz.

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IN JUNE, LEGENDARY ROCK’N’ROLLER AND CAMBRIA CANADA BRAND AMBASSADOR RONNIE HAWKINS was awarded an honorary appointment to the prestigious Order of Canada, which is the secondhighest honor of merit given by that country’s Governor General. Though he was born in Arkansas, Hawkins has resided in Canada for most of his life. His long career of promoting and performing rock music in his adopted home—most notably with the iconic music group The Band—as well as his large body of charitable work warranted the award. By receiving the Order of Canada, Hawkins joins an exclusive club where he is the only member, as he is the only U.S.-born person to have ever been so recognized by the Canadian government.

Design and Music Meet at Downtown Gallery CAMBRIA’S NEWEST SHOWROOM IN THE HEART OF MINNEAPOLIS demonstrates the company’s desire to expand its presence in the city’s thriving downtown. The Cambria Gallery on 7th showcases a myriad of innovative and inspirational home and commercial vignettes by several locally renowned interior designers, architects, artists and manufacturers, as well as featuring full 4.5-foot by 10-foot slabs. “The Cambria Gallery on 7th embodies the Cambria culture of continued innovation, meticulous attention to detail and solid local partnerships,” says Peter Martin, Cambria Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Partner Services.

Fusing impeccable design, music and local partnership, the Cambria Gallery on 7th also hosts a CBS Radio Minneapolis recording studio for private performances and appearances by national recording artists, celebrities, such as Jennifer Nettles and Sheryl Crow. “We see the Cambria Gallery on 7th as an intimate and beautifully designed performance venue featuring state of the art video and audio capabilities,” said Mick Anselmo, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for CBS Radio Minneapolis. “We are fortunate to partner with Cambria, a great Minnesota-based company, in developing this one of a kind showroom and performance studio.”

The Show Still Goes On JOHNNY CASH’S LONGTIME DRUMMER AND CAMBRIA BRAND AMBASSADOR W.S. HOLLAND recently

GEORGE PIMENTEL / WIREIMAGE

Camp Cambria Launched with Arthritis Foundation CAMBRIA RECENTLY PARTNERED WITH THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION to create Camp Cambria, a six-day overnight camping experience in Maple Lake, MN, that will launch in August 2014 for 132 campers ages 9 to 17.

“Camp Cambria blesses us with the opportunity to provide young children some joy, all in the normalcy of kinship with other kids also stricken, they can relax and be themselves,” says Marty Davis, President and CEO of Cambria. “Juvenile arthritis is a horrific, painful and often overlooked disease. Camp Cambria can lessen its burden…if just for some small time of complete joyousness.”

made a backstage visit at the musical Million Dollar Quartet. Based on a legendary 1956 recording session that Holland himself sat in with at Sun Records in Memphis, MDQ features hit songs from Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Having debuted five years ago, the show is still going strong on a national tour after stints on both Broadway and London stages. Over the years, Holland has made several visits to the show and has occasionally reprised his real-life role by drumming with the show’s band. To hear more exclusive stories from W.S. Holland and his days with Cash, go to cambriausa.com/roadtales.

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LAST look

A State of Mind

BLEND IMAGES: KIDSTOCK / GETTY IMAGES

With the world getting savvier every day at knowing how we think, what we dream about, and what we aspire to, it’s important to be reminded that, at times, it’s less about more, and more about less. True enjoyment, it seems, boils down to a state of mind: a very personal, individual state of mind. One that filters out the never-ending static and brings in a tight focus on the things that really feed the soul. Whether that’s a perfect blue sky on your day off, piling another log on a crackling fire, or just an unexpected hour in the day when there truly is nothing “better to do.” Here’s to the days of luxuriating in the perfection of the little things, from savoring the coolness of a snowflake melting on your tongue to a stolen moment in your day that lasts a lifetime.

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