ENGLISH BERRY TRIFLE

Acrylic on gessoboard (6x6)

This was the second painting in my series of desserts! It's an English Trifle, a traditional and delicious British dessert that's been in existence for over 3 centuries and is especially great to serve when you entertain, and a great addition to your holiday tableau. For my fellow blogger Suzie, (who is living in Beijing, China but restoring a home in Calabria, Italy) I have included the recipe! Hope all of you have a wonderful and festive weekend!

English Trifle (c.1997, M.S. Milliken & S. Feniger, all rights reserved)

1 (10 3/4ounce) frozen pound cake

1/3 cup sweet Sherry
1/2 cup raspberry jam

3 cups mixed berries (sliced strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)

2 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into chunks

2 peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks

Custard:

8 egg yolks

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole milk

1/2 pint whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

strawberries, for garnish

Cut pound cake in half lengthwise and trim halves to cover bottom of glass trifle dish, or a 9 inch straightsided glass bowl. Sprinkle cake with Sherry to soak, and spread cake with jam, heating jam if necessary to facilitate spreading. Place berries, kiwi and peaches on top of cake.
Heat the milk in top of double boiler over mediumlow heat until film forms on it. Beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla in a double boiler until it forms a ribbon. Then slowly pour the hot milk into the eggs, beating all the time. Place the mixture in a heavy saucepan and stir over low heat until the custard coats the back of a spoon, 10 to 15 minutes. Don't let it boil. Strain it through a fine sieve. Cool the custard in a bowl set in ice water, stirring occasionally. Pour cooled custard over the fruit. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours.
Whip cream to soft peaks. Beat in powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff. Spread whipped cream over the trifle and garnish with strawberries.

If anyone actually makes this, take pics and let me know and I will post them!

DECK THE HALLS WITH.....

...................bow-wows of Ollie!

Ok, the pun is incredibly cheesy, I know. This is one of my recent dog portrait commissions from an especially nice client of mine in Houston. This is her husband's dog, Ollie.

Even though time is running out, one option for holiday gift-giving is to send a loved one a gift certificate for a portrait of their dog, cat, home or anything that personifies them or holds special meaning for them. I will personalize a gift card/certificate for you and then they can anticipate receiving their custom commission in the new year. It's a very thoughtful and un-generic sort of gift. Contact me here for more information.

MORE GIFT IDEAS!!

Orchids

Aqua Interior

Orange Chair Silhouette on Aqua

Palm Beach Chair

Southampton Interior

If you are anything like me, you are extremely busy this time of year! I feel like I want to get things done and under control so I can really celebrate and enjoy Christmas and not be running around like a chicken with my head cut off! It's great to be able to get a gift that doesn't require any "assembly", so for those of you who may be clueless about what to give and a bit short on time, there are some new gift options this week. I am now selling several larger framed prints that feature the same quality of my regular prints on watercolor paper, but also the added bonus of being ready-to-give. They come matted with a neutral acid-free mat and a white frame measuring 11.75 x 15.75 inches (or 30x40 cm). Please keep in mind that almost all of my paintings are available framed, so if there's a particular work you want that you don't see in my store, you can just email me and I will be more than happy to accommodate you!

TIRED OF THE SAME 'OL?

The Yuletide Bonsai, a beautiful miniature camellia plant that will continue to be a great addition to any interior, long past the holidays. Don't we all need a little lasting value these days?

The Noel Rose Bowl, simple, yet stunning.

The Red Berry Bonsai - I thought this was adorable.

or some of my "Orchids" notecards - a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.

While perusing Calyx Flowers recently, I came across some lovely gift or holiday decor choices that are a refreshing departure from the generic and expected. I love paperwhites and even the occasional amaryllis as much as anyone, but here are a few options that really caught my eye. Calyx Flowers is a top notch outfit that will deliver an extra touch of refinement with your gift.

A SHAMELESS FRAME JOB

These prints are looking for a good home!

Ok, PLEASE bear with me here as I expose you to some more of my shameless marketing tactics. Here are some new prints available in my Etsy shop, framed and ready to go! Perfect for gifts!! Wink, wink.

CARDS AND PACKAGES

Lately, my friend Courtney over at Style Court has been featuring some great gift wrapping ideas, as well as sharing some background on cards and holiday gift-giving. I just love how she lined the red envelopes for her holiday cards that I designed for her (above). You can check out her post and blog here. (photo by Courtney Barnes)

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS?

Can you believe it's December today? Where did 2008 go?

Yesterday was a rare rainy day here in South Florida, so it was a perfect afternoon to get some Christmas decorations up and get into the Christmas mood a little. I am never one to want to rush holidays or jump the gun, but, for some reason, this year I am more eager to get into it.

Putting up the tree just isn't as festive without a great soundtrack, so this year it had to be one of my favorite classic standbys, Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I am a total sentimental sap and I grew up watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" every year on TV. Seeing it when I was little, I was moved by it's poignancy and I used to cry and try to hide my tears from my parents. So that, coupled with the fact that I am a real jazz lover, makes this a winning pick. It's mellow and comforting and festive all at the same time. I also love this little replica of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree that is available here. There's something so winsome about it, it's sparseness standing in stark contrast to other trees. Just makes me smile. Has anyone else done any holiday decorating yet? What is your favorite holiday soundtrack?

TURKEY DAY - A RETROSPECT

This Thanksgiving, we broke with tradition and had our family meal at my little sister's house.

I love her kitchen - she is an amazing cook and did a wonderful job of hosting everyone.

It was just crisp enough to enjoy a nice fire

It was a beautiful, perfect day outside

Not exactly what most people picture when you say 'Thanksgiving", but it works for me!

How did you celebrate??

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This is a prayer that my mother first saw framed and hanging in Garrison Keillor's dining room in a magazine. I sketched it all in for her and she painted it with gold on a blue strie background. It hangs in her kitchen now. It reads:
" O Lord, we thank you for this food, for every blessing, every good - For eartly sustenance and love, Bestowed on us from Heav'n above. Be present at our table, Lord, Be here and everywhere adored. Thy children bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with Thee."

This is one of my early paintings, done back in the 90's when I was a young whippersnapper! I love to sit by the fire when it's chilly (I never dress like this, though. LOL)

I want to wish all of my US friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am heading out of town to my little sister's house to spend it with my family. I am thankful for the countless good things that I am blessed with. Even thankful for the things that don't always appear so good at the time, that are often transformed into blessings later. I am thankful for all of you loyal readers, clients, fellow bloggers and friends. I wish all of you a very pleasant rest of the week/weekend! You guys are the best!

POSTING TIME

I often sit here on my sofa, sometimes with a little bag of contraband and my notebooks, working on my blog posts. Chocolate has been known to stimulate creativity, you know!

I slip off my flip-flops, prop up my feet and type. Today I've got some new merchandise to peddle.....just in time for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza (and any other holiday I may be neglecting to mention).

Orange Bergere Chair

Royal Worcester Jar

Here is the latest addition to the stationery selection on my Etsy site. I am now offering a set of 8 flat scalloped notecards/envelopes. The paper is a beautiful weight and there are 5 different designs. These can also be personalized with your name or initials!

RedChinoiserieChair

Orange Chair Silhouette

Palm Beach Chair

These note cards make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts and you are supporting Indie art at the same time! Be sure and check out my shop and so many others on Etsy this Holiday Season - unique and handmade gifts you won't find everywhere else, delivered to you straight from the artists.

NEW HOMES FOR MY WORK

These photos were sent to me by Anna Spiro of Absolutely Beautiful Things. They are of her gorgeous shop and design firm in Brisbane, Australia. Here she framed 2 of my prints, Ikat Chair and Courtney Barnes Chair. Anna's trademark is classic style mixed with lively color and I think she couldn't have chosen a lovelier way to frame these!

These two prints are now in Kate Conroy's Manhattan home. I really like the gold bamboo frames she chose.

When you put a lot of time into creating something, you can't help but be interested in what happens once it leaves your hands and ends up in it's new home. It's always fun for me to see the photos that my wonderful customers/clients send me of my work hanging in their homes (and, in the case of the top photos, their shop). It's very fulfilling to see them put their own personal stamp on my work with their framing choices and make it a part of their environment. I feel so grateful to not only be able to do something I love, but also that I get the opportunity to meet such exceptionally nice people via my blog and Etsy site. Just a reminder that I SO appreciate the support of all of you - readers, clients and fellow bloggers. You never fail to brighten my day! I hope everyone has an especially nice weekend and I will see you back here on Monday.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Wouldn't one of these matted and framed prints make a quick and easy gift? These are 8x10 inches (image size is 5x7) and have an easel back that will stand on any flat surface or is equally suitable to hang on your wall. Frames are also available in black with a white mat. Contact me here or check out my Etsy site.

CAN I QUOTE YOU?

Nothing like a colorful and positive message to brighten your space! Whether it's a hallway, powder room, office, bedroom or anywhere! Here are a few new quote posters in addition to a couple of my most popular. They are all 11x14 inches (actual image is 8.25 x 10.75 - white margin for framing). They are printed with primo inks on high quality, heavyweight paper and available with or without mat and frame. Available now on my Etsy site. Custom designs/quotes are also available - just contact me here for more information.

A LITTLE CAFFEINE, PERHAPS?

One of my "pink espresso" mugs available now on my Etsy site

I am not really a morning person, I'll admit it. Like many people, I enjoy starting my day with a little jolt of caffeinated goodness. I have a mild obsession with Italian espresso makers, although most of the time I drink coffee with a LOT of milk, rather than espresso. Above are a couple of espresso makers that, to me, are beautiful. They are both made by Italian company Francis Francis AND they are both available on my Etsy site as prints and the original painting of the blue is also now for sale. In fact, I have re-stocked my Etsy shop this week with many more originals, so please have a look if you get the chance! Grazie!

*Also, I would like to wish the woman who taught me how to make coffee a very happy 61st birthday~ Love you, MOM!

ANNECHOVIE AT ORLANDO COUNTRY CLUB

Orlando Country Club - founded in 1911
Last week, I participated in the Orlando Country Club's FaLaLa Event, a long standing annual tradition that includes a luncheon and holiday sale to kick off the season. It was fun to "keep shop" and get out and meet some customers face to face. There was a great turnout, despite the dismal economy.

One side of my table

One of my newest quote prints, available on my Etsy site, with or without frame.

Some new holiday enclosure cards, also available now on my Etsy site.

Items available included original art, note cards, scalloped note cards, holiday cards, prints and mugs featuring my work.

Me - keeping shop!

It was wonderful to meet some of my readers in person and get to chat a bit! Thanks to all of you who stopped by my table and introduced yourself and showed your support. It was great to meet you! I even connected with another very friendly blogger, Betsy, better know as "Miss Monogram". You can check out her blog here. There were many vendors there with lovely things. My only regret was that I didn't get the chance to shop or meet more of you! Special thanks to Ann Jones, who chaired the event and invited me. The weather was a bit chilly for Florida and it felt pretty festive. I can't believe the Holidays are almost upon us!

A couple of originals, that I am featuring more of on my Etsy site, as well as my new holiday cards.

HOLIDAY CARDS ARE HERE!!

Holiday Interior

Tree Silhouette - lilac

Tree Silhouette - mint

Cheery Christmas

This year, I have designed several holiday cards and they all are available for purchase on my Etsy site. 3 are very non-traditional with brighter colors not usually associated with the holidays, but very fun!!
Then there's the "Holiday Interior" that is classic in every sense. It features a elegant entry hall with a striped chair and a carved console table with red gift package below a mirror reflecting a holiday bough.

They all come in 2 different sizes, 4.25 x 5.50 inches and 5 x 7 inches. The "Holiday Interior" design also comes in gift enclosure size (3.5 x 2.5). Look for many new gift items to be added to my shop in the coming days.

COURTNEY BARNES AND DOMINO - A WINNING COMBO

The living design encyclopedia, Style Court blogger Courtney Barnes
(photo by Ingalls Photography via Domino)

My rendering of Courtney's chair "re-upholstered" in Peter Dunham's Kashmir Paisley

Rear view of chair with complementary red Shadow Stripe for the back.

Congratulations to my friend and fellow blogger, Courtney Barnes, who was not only featured in this month's issue of Domino (page 44), but is also guest blogging for them. She asked me to do a couple of illustrations for her post on Peter Dunham textiles that was featured earlier this week on Domino Daily Dose. Congratulations, Courtney and thanks for the mention - it's always a pleasure to collaborate with you! Be sure to read her other posts as well, if you haven't already. Prints of this latest version of Courtney's chair are now available on my Etsy site.

YOU'RE MY INSPIRATION.....

A room I painted

The "real enchilada" inspiration - a beautiful room by Alberto Pinto via Domino

I love the color in this room and just tweaked a few things slightly. I see things all the time that I would love to paint just for fun, BUT, so many subjects, so little time!

PACKING IT UP.....

Yesterday, there was a death in my family, and that, combined with an already planned business trip, will probably make posting a bit light this week. When it rains, it pours - I guess it's a good thing I voted early on Saturday. I hope all of you have a great start to your week and take care!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my Dad - you are THE best!

EVERYTHING IS GETTING SHORTER......

OR AT LEAST IT SEEMS THAT WAY!
I have been running a bit short on sleep and time lately as I work to get things together for my wonderful clients, readers and the upcoming holidays. I can't believe tomorrow it's November and we will be turning back the clocks and our days will be shortened. Believe me, I can use all 60 minutes in that extra hour I am gaining! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and try not to eat too much candy!