HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, MISS LULA!
My grandma back in the 40'sI want to wish my beloved Grandmother a very happy 90th birthday today! Quite a milestone by any definition. She is a wonderful person and I feel very blessed to be her grandaughter. She is still active and manages to maintain her beloved rose garden and share her blooms with folks who are lonely and under the weather. She is an extremely warm and nurturing lady who has passed on her love of reading, cooking, gardening (and tea!) to me. Happy Birthday, Grandma!!
HAPPY SHOTS
And no, I am not talking about alcohol. Smile. I'm referring to some photos from my files that make me happy. Unfortunately, I have no idea as to the source for a couple of them. Bad blogging manners, I know. Please grant mercy. I am currently away and so, just for this week, I have turned off the comments. So, please just enjoy and rest your fingers from the keys. I am posting a few photos simply because I like them. They speak for themselves and I hope they transfer some "happy' your way as well!ANNIE'S AFTERNOON ZINGER
Years ago, I used to make an apple dessert for my boyfriend that my brother teasingly liked to call "Annie's Apple Nightmare". It was my own version of an apple crisp and he hates fruit, so, there you have it....Lately, I have taken to splitting up my work day with a swim and an early afternoon session of "Poolates". After that, it's time for a little pick-me-up that my sister dubbed "Annie's Afternoon Zinger". I am sure it's nothing new to many of you, but I have taken to mixing 3 parts ruby red grapefruit juice to one part Perrier. It's perfect as a healthy refresher and metabolism booster. After downing one of those, I am ready to get back to some serious productivity. Perfect for a little afternoon kick-in-the-pants.
I am away on vacation this week, so posting may be a bit lighter than usual, but I hope you all have a fantastic week and I will be back next Monday!
LANVIN GIVE-AWAY
On sale now at ideeli, this and other great dresses by California-based "Tart". This yellow-chevron number is just the thing for staying cool on a Summer evening. Prices start at only $20. Also, beginning at 2 PM on ideeli, one click can enter you in the the Lanvin give-away. Run, don't walk here and I hope that you have a fabulous weekend!
LACY AND COOL
This necklace by Fox and Clover is beautifully delicate. It is a recycled glass necklace that features a handpainted scalloped oval lace motif. Available on Etsy. I even love the name - Avignon.
IS IKAT IN OR OUT?
This is a sort of design humor "cartoon" that I did last year.Quote reads"Some people thought that perhaps Frances had taken the Ikat trend a bit too far". (click image to enlarge) The original is available here.
Recently, my friend Joni at Cote de Texas, wrote an interesting post examining the whole subject of design trends. She is making a series out of it "Cote de Texas' Top 10 Design Elements"- so it should be fun to follow her posts on her signature elements.
I personally don't think that you should worry about what's "in" or what's "out", but rather what you enjoy living with. I thought Ikat prints were supposedly "out", but I am still seeing them everywhere, even in fashion. What are some personal design elements that characterize your unique style?
THE ETERNAL CITY
I was going through some of my travel photos from a few years ago and came across this view of microscopic me in front of the gates of the Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome. Great memories! Is there a trip that you have fond memories of?BEARS REPEATING.....
Ok, I am well aware that these photos of Aerin Lauder's Hamptons home from the current issue of Elle Decor have already been well-circulated across the web. I cannot help it, though. Her style is just so appealing and fresh that I had to post it yet once again. I admire her knack for mixing traditionalism with unexpected color and details, warding off the stodge factor completely. The pool/poolhouse is the picture of refined refreshment and the breakfast nook and banquette with kid's art and chippendale bamboo chairs....what can I say? Perfect! American style at it's best!SIGNING OFF EARLY....
As the Independence Day Holiday approaches for us here in the States, I am going to sign off a day early. I will leave you with this stunning coral-effect mirror from one of this blog's sponsors, Clayton Gray Home. I hope that all of you in the US have a fantastic holiday and that the rest of you, wherever you may be reading from, have a very enjoyable weekend. I will see you next week!
MYKONOS MONDAY
This is an oil painting of an alley in Mykonos, done by my father. I really like the tranquil quality with the deep blues of the water and sky. I would like to wish my dad all the best as he is recovering from some cancer surgery last week. Thank God, he came through it well, but it has been a tough time. Hopefully he will be back feeling 100% recuperated soon. This original oil on board (as well as prints) is available. Feel free to contact me here with any questions.
AT HOME IN HOUSTON
(Click image to enlarge)A portrait of this beautiful new home in Houston was recently completed for my client and fellow blogger, Averill, of Ode et Amo, for her parents. What a thoughtful housewarming gift! I am available to do the same for you, or as a gift for someone special. Please don't hesitate to contact me for more information here.
Have a great weekend!
BLOGGER HUG
Thanks to Sanity Fair and Paris Breakfasts for the very kind mentions today! I so appreciate both of you. I am constantly encouraged and amazed by all of the rewards reaped from blogging and the talented and wonderful people I am blessed to meet.
CHIC SHADES
If you've been looking for a chic pair of shades to protect your eyes from the Summer sunshine, look no further! ideeli is having a sale today on Michael Kors sunglasses with savings up to 80%!
I love this pair with bamboo detailing. Check out these eye-popping deals now here.
MALLORCA, SPAIN
(Click on image to enlarge)Here's another painting by my father, recently completed from a vintage photo he had of this scene. In it is the hotel he lived at during his brief residence on the island of Mallorca as a teenager in the mid '60's with his parents and sisters. He lived there for only $2 a day - and that included a 5 course dinner. I would love to live in Spain for a while and have an opportunity to paint and soak up the wonderful culture there! Both a print and the original of this piece are available - interested persons can contact me here.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
I want to wish my Dad, the best man I know, a very Happy Father's Day! I love this photo because it shows my dad looking a little bit overwhelmed with us when my younger brother, Josh, came home from the hospital. My older brother looks proud and I look totally spaced out! It always makes me laugh when I see it. I am so thankful to have such a caring, encouraging and involved father, even if parenting has been a little scary at times.Happy Father's Day to all dads out there!
RAINY DAY HEADGEAR
After a record dry Winter and Spring, we are now experiencing quite a healthy amount of rainfall (read afternoon monsoons) and some steamy temps here in South Florida. Not the ideal circumstances for good hair days! However, I think I may have found the perfect solution....or not. It occured to me that this design incorporates several popular trends now in decorating: "tented" ceilings, scallops, and a crown motif. The headaches a contraption like this could bring on just might not be worth it. Perhaps I should stick with a ponytail and save the bottle of Excedrin.Have a wonderful weekend!
