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By JUDY STARK, Times Staff WriterBriefs and news of note
Peace offering
Offer a wreath of olive branches this holiday season as a gesture of peace and goodwill. Lindsay Olives donates profits from the wreath sales to Second Harvest, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. The wreath is 20 inches in diameter, priced at $50 plus shipping. You can order two bundles of olive branches to use as mantel decor or a door swag for $40. Order from www.lindsayolives.com click on "our store," then on "holiday products."
Don't be spooked by stains
Keep these tips from Whirlpool in mind as you deal with smashing pumpkins and goopy makeup during this month of ghouliana. Stains from pumpkin innards will oxidize and turn brown if you don't attend to them properly. First, scrape off as much pumpkin as you can, then run the fabric under cold water to remove the fruit sugars. Wash the garment in the warmest water possible (read the fabric care label). For oily makeup, scrape off as much as possible with a spoon or butter knife. Wash with detergent in the hottest water possible, which will melt oil- or wax-based makeups.
Wall-to-wall art
Local artist and illustrator Roger Bansemer is branching out into wall coverings. His "Larger than Life" wall murals - landscapes, seascapes, market scenes and wildlife - have been manufactured by Gagne and Seabrook and will be introduced in stores this month. From 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, the murals and the original artwork from which they were created will be on display at the Bansemer Gallery of Fine Art at 342 Main St. in Dunedin. Get an advance look at www.bansemer.com
Quick home design talk
Southern Living magazine and Dillard's are teaming up to offer a one-hour home design seminar at 11 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Westfield Shoppingtown Countryside store. Style expert Tiffany Collins will show how to transform your dining table and mantel from harvest home to holiday sparkle; brighten your kitchen; and turn your bath into a personal retreat. The seminar is free, but seating is limited; call (727) 796-2242 to reserve your spot.
- Compiled by Homes editor JUDY STARK