WE HAVE A WINNER!

Many thanks to everyone who entered my Valentine's give-away and added themselves to my "Followers" list! You are all valued and appreciated greatly! The lucky winner was chosen randomly via computer. I am happy to congratulate "Karena" who has won the "You're Just My Type" print and her choice of a notecard set.

L' ATELIER DU CAP GRIS-NEZ

Here is another beautiful piece from my French friend Pascale. She is quite a talented artisan and elevates the profession of upholsterer to an entirely new level. If you haven't been to her blog yet, please take a moment to check out her masterpieces here.

NEED A LIGHTING FACELIFT?

Love the aqua with the white!

Have you seen these yet? Talk about a great invention! A simple concept, yet a stroke of brilliance.

April Pride Allison, a talented Seattle-based product designer, came up with these ingenious paper sleeves in a wide variety of colors and prints to add pizazz to your lighting and cover those bland white-ish trunks.

Got an outdated brass chandelier that's as dull as oatmeal? Spray paint it and get your hands on some of these kaarsKoker sleeves! Better yet, buy several sets and switch them out seasonally. At such an affordable price, ($12-23 USD) there's no excuse for dulls-ville anymore! See many more styles here.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE GIVE-AWAY

A very Happy Valentine's Day to all of my wonderful friends, readers and clients! I SO appreciate each and every one of you! In honor of my readers, I am giving away one free quote print (above - frame not included) and set of notecards (of your choice) to the winner drawn randomly on Wednesday, February 18th. In order to enter, just leave a comment on this post and become a "FOLLOWER" in the sidebar. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment letting me know. I hope that you all have a wonderful Valentine's day tomorrow and a terrific weekend - see you Monday!

WAIT, THERE'S MORE......

Courtney Barnes Chair

Small framed versions of both the Ikat Chair and Courtney Barnes Chair, here double-matted in new beveled style black frame. Other prints are available also, feel free to ask me if you have a custom combination in mind.

Now available, the LARGE Courtney Barnes Chair print framed in white here.

THANK YOU FOR THE WARM FUZZIES, LADIES!

This has nothing to do with art or design, BUT I couldn't resist posting this photo my sister sent me. Just goes to prove that even a RAT can be styled to be appealing.

I have been a bit remiss in expressing my gratitude, but better late then never, right? I want to thank a few very kind bloggers who have written very kind mentions on my work recently, Kara at The Steel Magnolia House, Melissa at the Preppy Apron , Beth at Style Redux and Lindsay at Lou Lou in Lilly. Thank you very much, ladies - you made my day and your support means so much! If I have missed anyone, please let me know.

OLD FAVORITES, NEW PRODUCTS!

By request, I have now added the Courtney Barnes Chair design to my scalloped note card line.

Also, the Courtney Barnes Chair, is now available in a larger size frame than has been previously available.This is printed on heavyweight quality acid-free watercolor paper (9x12 inches), with an ACID-FREE mat and a black frame measuring 11.75 x 15.75 inches (or 30x40 cm). The quality of the paper makes the print look amazingly like the original! Signed and dated by artist.

Both new additions are available here at my Etsy shop.

WE LOVE DOMINO!

The march issue of Domino - the last issue.

I just wanted to thank Katie Mulinix, a talented writer, who featured a guest post by me last week on her blog We LOVE Domino. Katie is a former Apartment Therapy blogger and created We Love Domino. She wanted to bring together readers and admirers from the blog community and beyond to show support and re-live our favorite features, photos and inspirations from the now (sadly) defunct interiors and style guide. She is featuring posts by many of your favorite design bloggers, so be sure and check it out. Thanks, Kate!

ODDS AND ENDS = HAPPY LIVING

Some of my "odds and ends"

Do you ever just look around at some things that you live with and think, "I like THAT!"
Not necessarily anything new, expensive or exceptional, but just something pretty, helpful or enriching to your life in some way? Something that's been given to you by someone you love or connected to a special memory? Is it me or did that just sound like Mr. Rogers?

What about things that make your life a little easier or make you laugh to yourself when you see them?

(By the way, this anchovy paste -above- is not what I put on my toothbrush, just in case you were wondering. I use a kid's toothbrush because I have a small bite and it's easier to wield in "limited" space. Also, I happen to think anchovy paste is good in a lot of things - but I certainly don't advocate pairing them up together.)

I love books and shells

and leftover white pizza......

What "bakes your cake" or "floats your boat"? I want to know the little stuff that makes you happy.......

ATLANTA LADY

(Click to enlarge image)
This is a commissioned piece I recently completed of a raised Southern cottage style home in Atlanta. The huge covered front porch is partially obstructed in this view by all of the trees surrounding it. The porch ceiling is painted blue and it looks like a great place to sit and have an iced tea in the Spring. I am always game to capture your favorite place in a painting! Please let me know if you're interested in a portrait of your home.

PULL UP A CHAIR......

Or a beanbag! In the past, beanbag chairs have carried a stigma - something reserved for the college student or bachelor. Not anymore - they are becoming a must-have, especially for people with media rooms and kids. They have evolved into something cool and practical, and especially in this economy, a cost-effective alternative for extra seating. With events like Holidays, the Super Bowl and the Oscars come large gatherings and parties. These events cause people to think about how to redecorate their homes to comfortably accommodate more people.
However, one of the most comfortable furniture options is often overlooked. Bean bag chairs are very easy to setup… just toss it in the corner. They're also very easy to maintain. Many come with waterproof liners, so they're easy to clean. And with the internet, it's easy to find discount bean bag chairs at a great price. Many online stores even offer free shipping and long-term warranties. Kids bean bag chairs are great for bonus rooms, kid's rooms, and even living rooms. Children love these huge, oversized seats. So, next time you are thinking about adding to your furniture décor, consider adding a unique bean bag chair.

THE CAT'S MEOW

Special thanks to my friend, fellow artist and blogger, Jamie Shelman, for her kind mention yesterday on her delightful blog, Small Expectations. She is a witty artist living on Martha's Vineyard with her illustrator husband. She's also a very nice person (which is something that is WAY too underated, btw) and created this illustration for me last week - which I totally loved. Thank you, Jamie!

BODEN AND SF GIRL BY BAY

This is very cool - I read that one of my favorite bloggers, Victoria Smith of SF Girl By Bay, rented out her cheery and stylish digs in San Francisco for a Boden photoshoot. Her home is in the background (above). What a great partnership! Hip, cool, and cheery are adjectives that aptly describe Victoria, her apartment, blog and Boden's clothing.

I love this tunic - new for Spring

I thought these shoes were a punchy and unexpected combo - very fun!

This green trench coat did catch my eye - not that I would wear it often here in the Sunshine State. Classic, yet certainly not boring.

I thought this bag was perfect!

So, if you haven't had a chance to check out Boden yet for their Spring line, I suggest you take a gander. I like their attitude and they put a different spin on things, including offering incentives for recommending them to your friends. As for SF Girl By Bay - a perennial favorite with me and a great way to banish the winter doldrums! Hope you have a Happy Monday!

TOO CUTE TO BE IGNORED

Couldn't resist capping off the week with this photo. Lily Pulitzer-clad Barbie and Stacy dolls. Available here. What will they think of next? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - see you Monday!

SHARE THE LUV

Thanks to Sarah Reilly at Walkin Around - Where the Sidewalk Begins...for keepin on keepin on when it comes to nominating stellar bloggers. Her's is a great blog in addition to the blogs below.
To share the LUV, follow these instructions!
1. Put the logo on your blog or post. (You can highlight the photo and text of this post and copy/paste wherever you need to)
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
top 10: La La Lovely Things, A Day that is Dessert, PVE Design, Monograms and Manicures, Alkemie, Lifescapes, Art by Karena, 3Peanuts, Steel Magnolia Interiors, Weasel's Journey and A Perfect Beginning.

HOUSE PROUD IN D.C.

(click on image to enlarge)
What is it about Washington D.C.? I have noticed a disproportionately LARGE reader/client contingency from the DC/Northern VA metro area for some reason. You guys are wonderful! I am grateful for all of my readers and customers everywhere, but I just wanted to send special greetings today to the folks in and near our nation's capitol and thank you for reading, subscribing and ordering from Annechovie.

I just completed this gift commission of another DC rowhouse that is chock-full of charm. I hope to meet many more of you terrific readers, wherever you are located, and please let me know if you are interested in a portrait of your home - I would love to capture it for you!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * JAMIE SHELMAN

I couldn't resist this, "Aretha's Hat". How apropos after her unforgettable headgear at the Inauguration last week?

Jamie and her cat in "Cat Hugs"

Recently, a visitor with the blogger identity "HamstrJam" kept visiting me and leaving comments, so I was intrigued and followed the link to her blog. I couldn't help but notice these charmingly simple cats she sketches. However, they really aren't as simple as they seem - they are drawn with a true wit and brilliant sense of humor in a style that is somewhat reminiscient of illustrations in "The New Yorker". I found myself quite frequently laughing out loud here in my workspace (good thing no one was around - they would've thought I'd really lost my mind for good...) I left a few comments on Small Expectations (a terrific name for a blog) and then wrote the author/artist Jamie Shelman and asked if I could feature her work here on Annechovie. She has obliged me most graciously and also favored me with some answers to a few of my nosy questions.

Where were you born?
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and currently live on Martha's Vineyard.

What is your artistic background /schooling ?
I received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2006 yet also attended Bucknell University, University of Arizona, Sydney College of the Arts and RISD's summer abroad program in Rome.
Burberry

What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?
My earliest memory of making art or wanting to be an artist is from second grade when my drawing of flowers won a competition to be put on display at the mall! Also, when I was at Bucknell, I had an inspiring art professor and was first exposed to paintings at the Met and I was completely blown away, I could relate so well to all the abstract expressionists.

Opera

Candy Cane

What inspired you most as your subject matter? Does living near/on the Coast influence your work a lot?

Travel, landscapes, patterns, quilts all inspire my abstract paintings and my cats are inspired by all the cats I have known and loved!. They have become a voice for my own thoughts, feelings, and personal reflections.

Family?

My family is from Arizona and my husband is from Baltimore Maryland- he's also a RISD grad and artist of beautiful fashion inspired portraits!

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist?

Good coffee (cafe au laits and croissants in the morning!), the New York Times, good reads, good food, long walks, bike riding, freedom!

Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

Switzerland is looking pretty nice, altough I do love Martha's Vineyard and NYC!

What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?

Income that allows me the freedom to continue to create!

Thank you Jamie, for taking the time to share more about yourself and your art. I encourage you to visit Jamie's charming blog Small Expectations - it's sure to cheer you and bring a smile to your face! She also runs an Etsy Shop - Jamie's Cats.

HAPPY 91ST BIRTHDAY, GRANDPA!

My grandfather when he was a little tyke, growing up in Atlanta, Georgia

Grandpa, me and his dog Bootsie back in the early 80's. Bootsie was a strong, willful mutt and when scrawny little me tried to walk her, it turned into skiing on cement.

A recent photo

A statue of Grandpa at Comerica Park in Detroit

This photo typifies Grandpa. He has an infectious laugh and a great attitude toward life.

I want to wish my Grandpa, Ernie Harwell, a very Happy 91st Birthday today. He is an amazing human being, legendary sportscaster and a wonderful grandfather. I am hoping I take after him - although even at my age it's tough to keep up with a guy like Grandpa. He works out at the gym daily in addition to jumping rope 300+ times, is sharp as a tack and seems to have boundless energy and enthusiasm for life.

I can still remember him good-humoredly driving us to school in his beret, robe and slippers or the times we'd come over and listen to his latest song on his reel-to-reel recorder. I also remember his Motown albums, rousing organ solos, piles of newspapers and all of the Detroit Tigers tube socks and t shirts in the basement. Going to visit he and my grandma was a total media immersion experience, long before the Internet ever came into play. He somehow managed to read a newspaper, watch TV, and listen to the radio, all while carrying on a conversation with everyone in the room. Grandpa had endless patience with his grandchildren and never seemed to get uptight or resent it when we poked around his office, made a lot of noise or tested how many revolutions we could do on his rotating chair before it came to a complete stop.

By far, though, the things I admire most about him are his devotion to God, warmth, sense of humor, loyalty and commitment to his family. Grandpa, I love you very much and am so grateful for the example you have set and the privilege I have been given to have you for my grandfather. I certainly hope you are with us for many years to come! Viva la Ernie!

LIZA HIRST - SATURDAY SALE

I absolutely love this painting by Liza Hirst - it's called "Sunny Outside"

Liza recently published a book of her gorgeous work that is available for sale here

Some of you may remember my lovely and talented friend in the South of France, Liza Hirst. She was featured in one of my artist's portraits a year or so ago. She is very prolific and to say she was gifted would be a gross understatement. Well, Art Lovers, now is the time to profit from her "prolific-ness"! She is clearing out her studio and for a limited time will be offering half off many of her works on Saturdays. Please keep in mind that we are talking French time here - so don't miss out! You can also purchase her newly released book as well. So hurry to her site before Saturday has passed!! (she is about 6 hours ahead of us US East-Coasters, so to get the incredible disount, shop starting after 6 PM tonight) Click here to see her blog/shop.

THIS WILL MAKE YOU SMILE.....

Today, I ran across this adorable narrative by a French toddler on the blog You Make Me Wonder. Even though my French is very limited, thanks to subtitles, I was totally charmed. Her animated expressions made her story that much better. Too cute for words....