If you’ve traveled much recently, you’ve probably noticed that many hotels are upgrading their bedding to higher-quality mattresses, sheets and duvets – most of which are in sophisticated white. There’s no shade cooler and more relaxing! So, you’re probably thinking, white is great for guest rooms and adult bedrooms but for a children’s room? No way!

The truth is, white is a phenomenal neutral for any bedroom – it’s versatile, plays well with colored walls and as long as the bedding is machine washable, why not?

Take a look at our Carolina Mission Bunk Beds (shown above), decked out in white bedding that provides a sharp contrast to the tan walls, curtains and earth-toned carpet. This is a perfect look for a bedroom for children who are no longer toddlers and want something a bit more grown up. Our fun Patchwork Stuffed Owl and Patchwork Stuffed Hippo let you know that the kiddos are still kids, though!

If your room is on the larger side, the Carolina Mission Bunk Beds can also be set up as twin beds.

Our matching Carolina 4-Drawer Dresser also provides the ample storage kids need. Note how our ABC Poster extends the letter motif of the monogrammed pillows on the beds. Wisely (pun intended here), we’ve also continued the owl theme with our Small Ceramic Owl and Large Ceramic Owl, while our Blue Ceramic Bird, Pink Ceramic Bird, Geometric Vase and Pink Tulip Bunch are other eye-catching accents.

The Carolina Mission Bunk Beds and Carolina 4-Drawer Dresser are also available in Espresso.

There’s no need to limit your children’s bedrooms to staid choices like pink for girls and blue for boys! Say yes to timeless, cool, clean white!

Visit one of our DownEast Home & Clothing locations today for more design inspiration. As always, our home furnishings and decor are at truly affordable, “can’t beat it” prices!

Congratulations to Heather Gibb of Layton, Utah, whose photo received the most votes in the DownEast Home Spring Makeover Challenge! As the grand prize winner, Heather will receive a shopping spree valued at $500 at her local DownEast Home & Clothing store in Layton.

Regarding the room featured in her winning photo, Heather shares: “This is in a room I remodeled last spring all centered around this painting by Laurence Amelie of France. Her paintings are on the cover of Rachel Ashwell’s latest book and Creative Display. Now I just have six other rooms to remodel!! But I love the bright pop of color that this painting adds year round!”

Be sure to “like” us on www.Facebook.com/DownEastHome or follow us on www.Twitter.com/DownEastHome to see photos of Heather’s shopathon at DownEast Home & Clothing. Thanks again to all who entered and congratulations to all of our finalists. Your photos certainly inspired us with new ideas for adding a touch of the season to our homes!

Older generations got it – the front porch or stoop is the perfect place for summertime conversation. You can enjoy the balmy outdoor air while also chatting with neighbors who pass by on the street. Let your front porch be more than just a place for newspapers on the welcome mat or shoes left outside!

3-Piece Mint Metal Bistro Set accented with our cheerful Ceramic Yellow Bird and Metal Crown Pot Holder.

It’s still fine, though, if you enjoy the secluded, green retreat of your backyard or rear patio. Wherever you prefer to lounge this time of year, make sure you have comfortable seating and maybe a place for an alfresco meal.

For a pretty, vintage look without even denting your budget, try our 3-Piece Mint Metal Bistro Set for a pop of trendy color. You’ll have friends stopping by in no time!

Visit a DownEast Home & Clothing location near you for lots of great outdoor looks for less!

Are you considering hosting a special occasion at your home this summer? Perhaps a wedding or baby shower, or a summertime brunch for family or friends? Chances are, your dining room will be the focal point – so make it a room to remember!

Tip: Start with a strong foundation. If you’re in the market for a new dining set, our Eastern Dining Table (shown above) has an authentic reclaimed wood top that adds vintage appeal as well as durability for everyday use. Here, we paired it with our X-Back Wood Chairs in teal and Blue Floor Rug for pops of fresh color against the neutral floor and walls.

Summer wreaths tied to chair backs elevate the look from everyday dining to special occasion.

Hydrangeas and roses are perfect summer flowers.

This Ashley 4-Piece Bone China Set brings in more trendy color and an airy, summertime feel. It’s perfect for a shower or a “ladies who lunch” event. We love how the color of the place settings coordinate with the chairs to really tie the look together.

Small, simple touches can have big impact, such as these place cards on neutral kraft paper and faux pearl napkin rings.

Tip: Include decorative accents to create a finished look. Our small and large Moroccan Lamps add height when paired together, as well as a rustic, vintage touch. Soften them with our summery Mini Preserved Roses in pink.

Finally, this Grey 3-Tier Cake Stand adds more antique-look charm as well as functionality. Use it for displaying cookies, cupcakes or tea sandwiches.

Whether you’re planning a special event in your home or just want to make it look its summertime best, visit one of our DownEast Home & Clothing stores for great prices and design inspiration today!

Thanks to everyone who entered the DownEast Home Spring Makeover Challenge! We were truly inspired by all of your great ideas for spring home decorating! While there were SO MANY wonderful choices, we’ve narrowed it down to ten finalists based on creativity in design and style.

Now the fun begins – it’s up to you to select the one winner who will receive the grand prize of a $500 DownEast Home & Clothing gift card!

Here’s how to cast your vote for your favorite photo – it will only take a couple of minutes!

1. Review all the photos in this post (there are ten total).
2. Scroll to the bottom of the post and click “Comments.”
3. Complete the comment section by typing in your first and last name (required) and email address (required). If you have a blog or website, please also leave your URL (or leave that box blank). Note: Only your name will appear with your vote on the blog; your email address will not be visible publicly.
4. Be sure to also type in the comment box the full name of the person whose entry you’re casting your vote for – hit the “Say It” button and you’re done!

Once you submit your vote, it will appear on the blog after a moderator has approved it. One vote is permitted per person. The voting period begins on May 24 and runs through June 3.  The finalist who receives the most votes wins!

So let the design inspiration begin! Keep scrolling to see all of our amazing finalists…their opportunity to win is in your hands!

Addie Taylor – Sandy, Utah

Addie shares: “Here are the photos of my room makeover I did for spring. Our walls used to be this ugly sea foam green and I’ve really loved the chevron and bright colors mixed with neutral I’ve seen this spring. One day my husband came home to find me repainting the walls. At first he wasn’t so sure of the bold colors but he’s grown to like it.”

Becky Lewis – Highland, Utah

Becky describes her photo as “Rustic Springtime.”

Amy Allen Johnson – Salt Lake City, Utah

Amy shares: “I always have projects I’m trying to finish and here’s a collage of the three spring decor items I finished for Easter: 1. Mini Bell Jar Diorama with fluffy chick, grass and candy; 2. Magnolia Paper Pomander – punched flowers pinned onto a foam sphere using pearl-head pins. A great way to bring flowers inside without worrying about watering them!; 3. Painted Wood Eggs – using acrylic paints, my kids and I made designs on wooden eggs.”

Corrine Stokoe – Sandy, Utah

Corrine shares: “This photo is of my living room, where I used a white slip covered sofa as a blank canvas and added some pops of color with pillows, a tray and some fresh flowers.” 

Heather Gibb – Layton, Utah

Heather shares: “This is in a room I remodeled last spring all centered around this painting by Laurence Amelie of France. Her paintings are on the cover of Rachel Ashwell’s latest book and Creative Display. Now I just have six other rooms to remodel!! But I love the bright pop of color that this painting adds year round!”

Heidi Parson – Idaho Falls, Idaho

Heidi comments: “I just finished my baby girl’s room. Spring has always been such an inspiration for me when decorating my home. I love colors that breathe life into a room such as soft blues, greens and whites. My favorite flowers to decorate with are tulips. The very essence of SPRING.”

Lynn Hicken – Cedar City, Utah

Lynn comments: “I had a talented friend help me by painting this tree above my daughter’s crib. Then I made the burnt organza flowers with rhinestones to really bring out that springtime feel. My daughter loves it!”

Mindy Suttlemyre – Syracuse, Utah 

Mindy says, “I love spring and DownEast.”

Trista Aitken – Murray, Utah

Trista notes: “I accessorized my fireplace mantel with spring flowers and butterflies displayed in glass domes. I also used white milk glass vases and egg cups.”

Valery Ross – Saratoga Springs, Utah

Valery says: “Loved doing a makeover in my new house with a new DownEast French tufted sofa and white buffet I’m using as a console! Love mixing vintage and new with my yellow vintage French tufted sofa and chair! I also made chevron and Ikat pillows to tie it all together and add color to the room. Also made ‘Anthro’ knock-off pleated curtains to make the room feel more airy! I’m loving yellow for spring!!!”

By providing your email address to place a vote, DownEast may periodically email you company updates and announcements; recipients can unsubscribe from receiving emails at any time. 

Sorry guys, it was a ladies-only event. And even though it was three weeks ago, we’re still talking about what a great time we had!

The Pleasant Grove 5K took place on a beautiful spring morning in late April. The race was part of The Pink Series, Utah’s largest women-only running event and party. It just gets bigger every year!

Granted, all the fun we had was for a good cause. Each year, The Pink Series selects a charitable cause to donate proceeds to, and this year’s charity is Image Reborn Foundation, which provides no-cost healing retreats to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

DownEast is proud to sponsor The Pink Series. And, the fun still isn’t over! Another race – actually a 5k and a half-marathon – will take place on Saturday, October 12, in Park City, Utah. There’s plenty of time to start training and planning a weekend getaway to Park City for just you and the girls!

For more information or to register, visit www.thepinkseries.com.

DownEast employees participating in The Pink Series 5K on April 27 (from left to right): Julie Bell, Katie Farrer, Alliy Sahagun, Sheryll Thorell, Ashley Morch and Candy Friedli.

Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Are you thinking about what to give your mom? Chances are, the gift you make yourself is the one she’ll remember the most.

We’ve gone around the web looking for cute and easy-to-do projects to make your mom’s day truly special – just as she deserves!

If your mom is also a grandmother, then we know that she LOVES photos of her sweet grandkids! These name and picture boards from ‘Lil Luna are beyond adorable. They would look so bright and sunny hanging in Nana’s hallway or kitchen.

source: ‘Lil Luna

Better Homes and Gardens offers another creative way to give photos of the kids – as handmade blooming buds in a pretty vase! What grandmother wouldn’t smile at that?

source: Better Homes and Gardens

Or, maybe you prefer the flowers you give to Mom to be the real thing. This time of year, farmer’s markets are overflowing with beautiful wildflowers you can get for just a song! Add a personal touch to your flower gift with a vase you make yourself. These vases from decor8 are soda bottles wrapped in leftover paper and ribbon, then tied with twine. So simple and so pretty!

source: decor8

Apparently, etching on glass is pretty simple to do and creates some amazing results, as shown on this trifle bowl from Make It & Love It. The blog’s author says it was her very first time etching glass! There are so many ways you could use this process to dress up an otherwise simple glass bowl, plate or picture frame. We’re thinking of monograms and inspirational quotes…

source: Make It & Love It

Speaking of glass, we love this sewing kit in a jar from Martha Stewart. The blue accents on the items inside the jar really tie in with the blue bow and card on the lid. There are lots of other ideas for filling a jar like this – cookie ingredients and a recipe card, bath products – even seed packets and gardening gloves.

source: Martha Stewart

If you have a culinary flair, try this! Imagine arriving at your mom’s house on Mother’s Day morning with this scrumptious breakfast basket from Country Living. Recipes are included on the site.

source: Country Living

Also from Martha Stewart is this elegant and frame-worthy Mother’s Day card – it’s all the more special because you made it yourself! Given to her on a tray with an indulgent treat and a small bouquet, we think mom would feel pretty special, too.

source: Martha Stewart

To all the moms out there, happy Mother’s Day from DownEast! We hope your day is full of family, laughter and joy, and that you realize how very much you’re loved and appreciated for all that you do.

What are your plans for celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

photo source: Real Simple

Spring has sprung, bringing with it warm weather and outdoor activities after many cold months of staying inside. It’s also a great time to start thinking about creating a culinary herb garden. Herbs bring fresh flavor and health to every dish, and there’s something really satisfying about growing them yourself – especially considering the prices that groceries charge for a small package!

With container gardens, you don’t have to overcommit. There’s no digging up a large quadrant of your backyard. Instead, a simple container (or three) that you can place on your patio or deck will do the trick. Whether they’re herbs, vegetables or flowers, potted plants also help to define an outdoor space, creating boundaries and adding visual interest.

photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

Plant the herbs you use most often when you cook. One caveat: Read up on them first to be sure they are right for your hardiness zone, and to be sure you understand their needs. Most herbs require a lot of sunshine, but there are some that don’t. And almost all of them fare better without fertilizer (see how easy?). The little plastic tabs inserted inside the pots at your local nursery will tell you a lot of what you need to know.

HGTV offers step-by-step instructions for Creating A Stunning Herb Container Garden. If you’re unsure of what you want to grow, here’s a few of our favorites:

Basil. Who doesn’t love a simple caprese salad made with tomato, fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette? Basil does not tolerate the high heat of summer well, so it’s best planted earlier, when things are warm but not “too warm” yet. Also, be aware there are several basil varieties (this is true of many herbs), so choose the one you like best.

Mint. This is a true beginner’s herb since it’s almost impossible to kill. Unlike many herbs, it will also be accepting of partial shade. It’s perennial, so you’ll have it year after year. Fill a pitcher of ice water with fresh mint and lemon slices for a refreshing, inexpensive summer drink!

Cilantro. This easy-to-grow herb is a staple in fresh salsas – also try mixing it with olive oil and lime and using it as a simple marinade for grilled shrimp. Cilantro likes well drained soil and has long roots so it’s best for placing in a taller container.

Rosemary. Actually a perennial shrub, rosemary is aromatic and hardy. If you live in a colder climate, it can be migrated indoors for winter. It’s especially delicious when roasted with meat or veggies. Its woody stems also make inventive skewers for grilling.

Lavender. Another perennial, dried lavender can be used in making scented crafts such as sachets. It prefers a full sun, arid environment and likes to be planted in tight spaces, so it’s great for container gardening. Like rosemary, it can be brought inside during the coldest months.

photo source: House to Home

There are really so many herbs you can choose!

When you pick out your containers, be sure to get ones that have good drainage (or drill some holes in the bottoms yourself). They should also be the right size for what you intend to grow. Be creative – stagger pot heights, mix different herb colors and use unique items around your house as containers. This repurposed wagon is not only cute, it makes it easy to “follow the sun” around a partially shaded lawn.

photo source: This Old House

photo source: Martha Stewart

So tell us: Which herbs have you grown most successfully where you live? Do you have any simple herb ideas for cooking or crafts? We want to know!

We’ve all seen them – those beautiful wreaths in decorating magazines – and thought, “I could do that myself!”

The good news is that if you are even just a little bit crafty, the Internet is chocked full of “do it yourself” wreath projects to try. We’ve gone around the web, in fact, looking for some unique and inexpensive-to-make wreaths to adorn your door or mantel – anyplace you want to say, “Welcome, spring!” These projects are all easy, too!

We love the idea of making wreaths from everyday items. This first one from Happy Clippings uses simple, natural-colored kraft paper that’s been ruffled for effect. Neutrals are in right now, so this would be pretty with basically any room decor.

source: HappyClippings.com

For a similar take on neutrals, here’s a burlap wreath from Chic On A Shoestring. This was originally a Christmas wreath, but it was repurposed with sunny spring greenery and flowers. We especially love how fresh it looks “framed” by the white mirror and complemented by porcelain bird figurines and eggs in soft green…other signs of spring.

source: Chic on a Shoestring

This burlap wreath is from My Blessed Life. The simple wound burlap is quaint and cozy, and the pretty green and turquoise cloth flowers add a pop of trendy springtime color.

source: My Blessed Life

Butterflies are a symbol of warm weather. This wreath from Better Homes and Gardens uses a simple twig wreath and homemade paper butterflies. This is a project that the kiddos could get involved in, too!

source: Better Homes and Gardens

What could be more natural than verdant green moss? This simple wreath from Grace Uncommon is a classic look that speaks to the bounty and beauty of nature.

source: Grace Uncommon

Monogramming is back in high style, so how about putting your “stamp” on your front door with a monogram wreath like this one from Amp & Abi? The letter is wound with yarn. Alternatively, you could switch the capital H for your street numbers.

source: Amp & Abi

Finally, this whimsical wreath might just win the prize for creativity! Gardening is a springtime activity and we can totally see this garden hose wreath from Housepitality Designs dressing up a patio or mudroom door. So cute!

source: Housepitality Designs

Visit all the great websites and blogs we’ve highlighted for “how to” instructions. We hope you received some design inspiration! Which wreath do you plan to make?

Don’t just spring clean this year…spring design! Take a photo of a spring themed room or project around your house – a bed made up in fresh spring colors, a front porch or patio you’ve gotten ready for warm weather, even a springtime wreath or centerpiece for your table. Whatever you like! We want to see your design style and what says “springtime” to you. It might just make you a winner!

No purchase is required and entries do not have to include DownEast products, but if they do – please point them out to us! Here’s what to do:

1. Post the photo to one or more social platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or your own blog or personal website – with the tag or description including #DownEastHome or “DownEast Home”.
2. Send the same photo to downeastcontest@fizzbrands.com and include your full name and city and state where you reside. Also provide a brief description of your photo, tell us what social platform it was posted to, and attach a screen captured image from your computer documenting it.

DownEast will select the top 10 entries, with the submitted photos to be used as posts on our blog. And, we will invite our fans to vote for which photo they like the best. The one photo with the most votes wins!

If your entry is among our top 10, when it’s posted on our blog you’ll be able to share the link with your own fans, family and friends to vote for you, too! So, be sure to stay tuned throughout the length of the contest!

The photo that receives the most votes via comments to the blog post will receive a $500 shopping spree at a DownEast Home store in Utah, Idaho or Arizona. In the case of a tie, DownEast will serve as the final judge to select the winner.

So go ahead, show us your style!

* By emailing your submission, you indicate you agree to abide by the official rules

* Contest photo submission period start date: 12:00 AM ET on Monday, April 1, 2013

* Contest photo submission period end date: 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

*Top 10 finalists announced on May 24, 2013; voting period to take place from May 24-June 3, 2013. Official winner announced by June 10, 2013

Official Rules:

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. A purchase or payment will not improve your chances of winning. The “DownEast Home Spring Room Makeover” (the “contest”) officially starts accepting photo submissions at 12:00 AM ET on Monday, April 1, 2013. Entrants have until 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, to submit photos for consideration to win (“photo submission entry period”). The top 10 finalists will be announced on May 24, 2013; and the voting period will take place from May 24-June 3, 2013. Official winner with the most votes will be announced by June 10, 2013. Eastern Time shall control for all purposes of this contest. The contest is governed by these Official Rules, and is subject to all applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws, and provincial or territorial laws, and is void wherever prohibited by law.

1. ELIGIBILITY: In order to enter the contest or receive the prize, you must fully comply with the Official Rules. By entering you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the sponsor, DownEast, whose decisions shall be binding and final in all respects. The following persons are not eligible to participate: Employees, contractors, directors and officers of DownEast, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliated companies, distributors, web design, advertising, fulfillment, judging and promotion agencies involved in the administration, development, fulfillment and execution of this contest (collectively, the “Promotion Parties”), and the immediate family members of each (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and or “step”) and those living in their same households (those persons whether related or not who live in the same residence for at least three months during the twelve-month period preceding the start date of the contest). Contest is open only to U.S. residents over the age of 18.

2. HOW TO ENTER: To enter you must perform the following during the photo submission entry period:

1. Take a photo of a spring themed room or project around your house and post it to one or more social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or your own blog or personal website. Include the tagged phrase #DownEastHome or “DownEast Home” in the description. Failure to include this statement shall disqualify your entry.

2. Using an official email address, send the same photo to downeastcontest@fizzbrands.com and include your full name and city and state where you reside. Also provide in the email a brief description of the photo and name the platform(s) to which it was posted. Also, attach a screen-captured image from your computer documenting it. Failure to follow these steps shall disqualify your entry. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM ET, May 15, 2013. Limit one (1) entry per person per e-mail address throughout the photo submission entry period. Entries by the same person in excess of the limits stated herein will be disqualified. Entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address used to submit the entry.

Content and Entry Requirements. By entering the contest and submitting a photo, you represent and warrant that the photo was taken in your own residence or property and that the photo taken belongs solely to you. If any people are in the photo, you further represent and warrant that you have obtained their written consent or permission to use their image or likeness, and that you will be able to provide that documentation to sponsor upon request. Any submitted content that, in sponsor’s sole discretion, (i) is obscene, profane, lewd or defamatory; (ii) violates or infringes (or may infringe) any copyright, trademark, logo, brand of any third person or entity; (iii) includes harassing or inappropriate content, a commercial solicitation or promotional materials; (iv) does not comply with the contest official rules; or (v) is otherwise objectionable, will not be considered by sponsor and sponsor may disqualify the entry.

ALL ENTRIES SUBJECT TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES (AS INTERPRETED AND IMPLEMENTED BY SPONSOR).

3. JUDGING CRITERIA; FINALIST/WINNER SELECTION: The top 10 finalists of the contest will be determined on or about May 24, 2013, by the sponsor, DownEast. All of the finalists will have their photo submission posted as separate blog posts on the blog www.downeasthomeblog.com. All finalists will then be notified by email that they have been selected as a finalist, and will be provided the link to where their photo appears on the blog. An official voting period will take place from May 24-June 3, 2013. Voters can cast a vote for the photo they like the best by placing a comment under the blog post of that photo. Finalists are permitted to share the link where their photo appears on their own social media accounts and websites as well as with personal contacts inviting people to vote for their entry. The official winner will be determined as the finalist who receives the most votes during the voting period. The official winner will be announced by June 10, 2013. In the event of a tie, DownEast will serve as the final judge to select the winner.

4. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Potential winner will be notified solely by the email address provided at the time of entry, on or about June 10, 2013. Winner selection is under the supervision of sponsor, whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. The winner will have (10) ten days to reply and confirm acceptance of the prize. If (10) ten days have passed with no response from the selected winner, an alternate winner will be chosen.

5. PRIZES: The retail value (the “ARV”) of the prize is $500.00 and consists of a gift certificate for use in any DownEast Home & Clothing store in Utah, Idaho or Arizona. Winner must redeem the prize in person at one of these store locations. The winner is solely responsible for transporting all products redeemed with gift certificate to their residence. DownEast will not ship products to the winner. There is a total of one (1) prize to be awarded to one (1) winner. No transfer, refund, substitution, or replacement of prize permitted, except that sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute a prize of equal or greater value (or cash equivalent). ARV of all prizes is in U.S. dollars.

6. USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION: Except where prohibited or restricted by law, winner’s acceptance of prize constitutes the winner’s agreement and consent for sponsor and its successors, assigns, transferees, licensees, and sublicensees to use, replicate, alter, publish, broadcast, translate, produce derivative works from, distribute, and exercise all copyright and other intellectual property rights with respect to the winner’s full name, city and state of residence, photographs, and/or statements made by winner regarding the contest or sponsor, worldwide, royalty-free and in perpetuity for any and all purposes. Personal information collected by sponsor will be used for administration of the contest and awarding the prize. Furthermore, by entering, entrants agree to DownEast’s use of entrant’s personal information. DownEast is not responsible for disclosures made by any third party. All entries become the property of sponsor upon receipt and will not be acknowledged or returned.

7. NO TAMPERING; RIGHT TO CANCEL, MODIFY: Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be (a) tampering with the entry process or the operation of the contest, or with any Web sites promoting the contest; (b) acting in violation of the official rules; (c) entries, prize claims or notifications that are lost, late, incomplete, illegible, unintelligible, damaged or otherwise not received by the intended recipient, due to computer, human or technical error of any kind; (d) any inability of the winner to accept the prize for any reason. If sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that technical difficulties or unforeseen events compromise the integrity or viability of the contest, sponsor reserves the right to void the entries at issue, and/or terminate the relevant portion of the contest promotion, including the entire contest promotion, and/or modify the contest and/or select the winner to award the prize using all eligible entries received as of the termination date.

8. RELEASE OF LIABILITY; DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY; FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE: By participating in the contest, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless the sponsor, DownEast, and its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, successors, employees, from any and all liability, for loss, harm (including emotional distress), damage, cost or expense whatsoever, which may occur in connection with preparation for, or participation in, the contest, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of the prize or participation in any contest-related activity and for any claims or causes of action based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery. Entrants and winners acknowledge that releasees have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any representations or guarantees, expressed or implied, relative to any prize, including, but not limited to, expressed warranties provided by the manufacturer of the goods or their affiliates. Except where prohibited, all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these official rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant or sponsor or releasees in connection with the contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the law.

9. ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNER: The winner’s name will be posted at http://www.downeasthomeblog.com on or about June 10, 2013.

10. SPONSOR: The sponsor of the contest is DownEast Home & Clothing, 375 W Hope Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84115.