<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" version="2.0"><channel><title>Elegance and Grace</title><description></description><managingEditor>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</managingEditor><pubDate>Fri, 8 Mar 2024 00:27:23 -0600</pubDate><generator>Blogger http://www.blogger.com</generator><openSearch:totalResults xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">20</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/</link><language>en-us</language><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><copyright>Copright Grace McNamara Inc.</copyright><itunes:subtitle/><itunes:author>Grace McNamara</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:email>noreply@blogger.com</itunes:email><itunes:name>Grace McNamara</itunes:name></itunes:owner><item><title>Leadership</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/10/leadership.html</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:58:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-820642556067412537</guid><description>Today, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my business career - at least in quite some time.  I was invited to a networking business breakfast sponsored by Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) and Morgan Stanley.  Much to my surprise and delight, I was invited to sit at the VIP table with the keynote speaker, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and former CEO, Carlson.  This is one of the </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Window Fashion Revolution</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/10/window-fashion-revolution.html</link><category>interior design ideas</category><category>International Window Coverings Expo</category><category>WFCP</category><category>window and walls</category><category>window fashion</category><category>Window Fashions Certified Professional</category><category>window treatments</category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:45:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-713784899613415331</guid><description>Window fashions are one of the most key interior design elements that can make a total difference in a room.  That's why we're launching the Revolution to make window fashions stand out and be noticed.  So many consumers, as well as interior designers, ignore windows because they are complicated.  They don't have to be complicated - simply hire a Window Fashions Certified Professional (</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Window Fashion - A beautiful solution</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/09/window-fashion-beautiful-solution.html</link><category>energy efficiency</category><category>interior design schools</category><category>International Window Coverings Expo</category><category>window fashion</category><category>Window Fashions magazine</category><category>window treatments</category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:21:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-5168459419153649308</guid><description>Many consumers do not know what a difference window fashion can add to the beauty, atmosphere and energy efficiency of their homes.  Why?  Because we are not telling them.  Shelter publications seldom feature window treatments on their showcase rooms and when they do, there is little to no mention  of them in the cutline, even though in most cases, these designs definitely finish the room.    </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>What would you like to revolutionize?</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-would-you-like-to-revolutionize.html</link><category>curtains</category><category>draperies</category><category>International Window Coverings Expo</category><category>window treatments</category><pubDate>Fri, 1 Aug 2008 08:19:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-4195595839773619740</guid><description>Window Fashions Industry, let's take a look at how we can revolutionize this industry.  Send me your thoughts on what you think would make a difference!Email me!  grace@gracemcnamarainc.comThanks,Grace</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>News from Window Fashions</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/05/news-from-window-fashions_30.html</link><pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-1629105177172899629</guid><description>Welcome Sheri O'Meara!Window Fashions magazine announces the appointment of Sheri O'Meara as the new editor!  Sheri replaces Colleen Duffy, who we will all miss terribly.  Colleen is moving to Dallas with her new husband, Curt, to start an exciting new chapter in her life.  Look for Colleen to do some freelancing for us once she gets settled.  I assured Colleen that she will love Dallas, one of </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>International Window Coverings Expo - WOW!!!!!</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/03/international-window-coverings-expo-wow.html</link><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:20:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-5963540961075813823</guid><description>WOW would be the word to use when describing everything from seminars to exhibit hall to special events including the new WOW (World of Windows) Awards at the International Window Coverings Expo this past weekend in Atlanta!  Personally walking the show floor and talking to attendees and exhibitors, I was just thrilled to hear that feedback was overwhelming positive.  Despite the economy, the </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Atlanta Tornados</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/03/atlanta-tornados.html</link><pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:25:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-9211063938946213914</guid><description>Fortunately, the areas hit by last weekend's tornados in Atlanta will not affect the International Window Coverings Expo.  This is the latest information that we have received from both the Georgia World Congress Center and our hotel connections.  Please visit www.windowcoveringexpo.com for any updates through the day.  In the meantime, plan to attend an inspiring event that will boost your </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Scholarship</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/02/scholarship.html</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:40:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-4465778870228050484</guid><description>I am so pleased to announce our first scholarship award to be presented at the International Window Coverings Expo next month in Atlanta.  Visit www.windowcoveringexpo.com for more details.  We are awarding a cash and credit scholarship in honor of my mentor, Dorothy Collins.  Dorothy is an icon herself in the interior design field, especially window fashions so I'm proud to present this </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Warmer days ahead</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/01/warmer-days-ahead.html</link><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:06:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-3796303745294664354</guid><description>Sitting in the Twin Cities at 17 below zero at this moment with an even more hideous wind chill factor, my thoughts are turning to warmer climates across the nation.  Just doesn't seem right to be so cold when other people in this country are experiencing weather in the 70's and 80's.  The one thing that keeps me going is that lovely climate in Atlanta, Georgia where I'll be traveling to several </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title/><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2008/01/custom-home-furnishings-and-window.html</link><pubDate>Wed, 9 Jan 2008 17:40:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-6290924548181270625</guid><description>Custom Home Furnishings and Window FashionsI am so excited to be working closely with Margie Nance and her wonderful staff and instructors at the Custom Home Furnishings Institute!  Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting her amazing headquarters outside of Charlotte and was I impressed!  It was a slice of professionalism in our industry at it's best. If you operate a workroom business, you </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>21 Years and Counting</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/10/21-years-and-counting.html</link><pubDate>Thu, 4 Oct 2007 12:36:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-5885062383637671845</guid><description>Yes!  Grace McNamara Inc. just celebrated our 21 years in business publishing wonderful Window Fashions magazine and providing the window fashions industry with trade shows, seminars, education, resources and everything you need to run a successful business.  It's a very rewarding experience being in a position in our field where we help people be more successful.The staff celebrated with a team </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title/><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/08/last-child-off-to-college-i-cant.html</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:08:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-7311977465434136483</guid><description>Last child off to college!I can't believe it but my youngest, Ania, will be leaving for college tomorrow.  It's been 14 years since I adopted my girls from Poland - I can't believe the last one is leaving home.  How quickly time passes.   It will be strangely quiet in the house - I guess it will be time to redecorate!</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Minneapolis Bridge Collapse</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/08/minneapolis-bridge-collapse.html</link><pubDate>Mon, 6 Aug 2007 10:56:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-8010539191768706870</guid><description>Fortunately for all of us at Grace McNamara Inc., our families and friends were not involved in this terrible tragedy.  What is frightening is that most of us do travel across that bridge as it is a major route between St. Paul and Minneapolis.  When you see the pictures of how extensive the collapse was,  it is really a miracle that more people did not perish.  It was probably because the bridge</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Beautiful Fabric</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/05/beautiful-fabric.html</link><category>custom fabric</category><category>fabric</category><category>home trends</category><category>IWCE</category><category>silk</category><pubDate>Thu, 3 May 2007 10:09:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-7541318129334765006</guid><description>Plumridge SilkI would like to personally thank Kit Plumridge for the luxurious silk fabric he donated from his wonderful collection for the Red Ball Charity Gala at IWCE. I was fortunate to have a gorgeous dress made by tailor, Susan Peters of White Bear Lake, MN for the event. Kit has always been generous in donating fabrics for special events and displays at industry events. Thanks again, Kit!</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>International Window Coverings Expo</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/05/international-window-coverings-expo.html</link><pubDate>Tue, 1 May 2007 09:34:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-8830098868938118389</guid><description>Washington DC hosted this year's IWCE Show which featured the most impressive exhibit floor to date. Hundreds of new products were showcased along with new technological innovations. Motorization continues to be a huge growth area as consumers demand convenience along with design and function. The shutter sector continues to grow as well as advanced shading systems and screens and the woven wood </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title/><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/04/red-ball-charity-auction-and-gala.html</link><pubDate>Thu, 5 Apr 2007 13:56:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-5600824466312031788</guid><description>Red Ball Charity Auction and GalaBenefitting Womenheart will be one of the highlights of the International Window Coverings Expo in Washington DC next Friday, April 13th.   Spaces are limited.  Register now at www.gracemcnamarainc.comShow your commitment to prevent heart disease!</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title/><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/04/countdown-begins-for-international.html</link><pubDate>Tue, 3 Apr 2007 15:38:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-7653020453825966625</guid><description>Countdown begins for the International Window Coverings Show with the GMI staff leaving for Washington DC next week! So many new things at this show that I can't wait to see. Almost each of the over 250 exhibiting companies are introducing something new! Motorization is becoming mainstream with new technology and developments popping up everywhere.The Red Ball registrations are coming in strong </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title/><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/03/red-ball-auction-trips-in-addition-to.html</link><category>International Window Coverings Expo</category><category>vacation</category><pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:17:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-1347089366414710313</guid><description>Red Ball Auction TripsIn addition to some beautiful luxury products, one of our exhibitors has generously donated an expense paid trip for two to  Somfy's Experience Center in Boca Raton,  Florida to our Live Auction!   The Experience Center is a high end,  fully furnished residential room setting that will feature operable/automated Interior and Exterior window fashions.  The trip includes </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Red Ball Auction</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/03/red-ball-auction.html</link><pubDate>Thu, 1 Mar 2007 12:17:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-7935285380152967875</guid><description>Auction donations are pouring in for the Red Ball to be held Friday evening, April 13th during the International Window Coverings Expo. I'm so excited that I'm going to have to control myself to not bid on most of the items donated. Companies and individuals have been so generous in donating items for both silent and live auctions.Some of my favorites include, of course, the trip for two to Paris</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item><item><title>Paris</title><link>http://eleganceandgrace.blogspot.com/2007/01/paris.html</link><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:16:00 -0600</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033180639749534208.post-4138279812983881141</guid><description>Just returned from a trip to Paris and Lyon.  January is a hot month for trade shows in Europe and the GMI staff covered Heimtextil, Cologne, Salon de Meuble and Maison et Objet.  Look for coverage on all of the above on our website www.gracemcnamarainc.com and in Window Fashions magazine. I had the amazing experience of attending the World Pastry Competition in Lyon France to view the top 12 </description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total><author>noreply@blogger.com (Grace McNamara)</author></item></channel></rss>