CHARLESTON WEDDING
I hope that you had a good weekend! I cannot believe it's already the middle of January.
I finished my taxes (hurray! and phew!) and caught a few cheering rays in the sun as well.
I couldn't resist sharing a few photos taken by my very talented brother, Jeremy Harwell, of a beautiful wedding at Middleton Plantation in Charleston, SC. Jeremy has an eye for capturing all of the gorgeous details and piecing them together in his own trademark photo journalistic style. This wedding was published in Southern Living Weddings and you can view more of it on his blog here.
WRITE IT DOWN AND IT WON'T (NECESSARILY) HAPPEN
Eat this! (I eat a few teaspoons at a time - deluxe and delish, trust me)
At the risk of sounding cynical, I just wondered if anyone else gets a little weary of hearing about goals and self-help books? What would you think if someone started out their new year by declaring that they really weren't going to try and follow any New Years resolutions? That they were just going to be a realist after years of living and recognize that, despite the best laid plans, life happens and there's a certain wisdom AND SMUG SATISFACTION in ignoring self-help books and resigning one's self to making the best of actuality and being thankful for what IS, at the present. You can shoot for the stars, but much more is at stake in life than living the American dream, reaching all of your goals or doing it "for me". Somehow all of that "me" ambition is sounding more and more hollow as I witness people running around like chickens with their heads cut off, pumping themselves up by repeating pep talks to themselves in the mirror and telling themselves that whatever they dream, they can make happen, while they get more miserable and frustrated by the day. I've seen some of the most ambitious and ruthless people who have striven night and day, to the point of being sick, to realize their ambitions. They actually sold their souls to make their dreams happen and are now sitting atop a heap of ashes compiled of their incinerated relationships, demolished careers, decayed reputations and shipwrecked integrity.
Now, I am certainly NOT espousing the virtues of stagnation, laziness or being undisciplined, but what ever happened to contentment, peace, self-sacrifice and living for a cause greater than yourself? I am not sure, but I definitely know I don't want to make 2012 a "ME" year. I want to make it a be thankful, be kind, don't whine and don't obsess year. I want to enjoy loving and serving the people God has placed in my life, doing everything to the best of my ability and enjoying all that I DO have, instead of comparing myself to others or striving for a pot of gold somewhere.
This includes savoring all of the small pleasures in life and eating a little high-fat ice cream here and there. Here are just a few of the little everyday, seemingly insignificant things that have really been making my life easier lately.
What are some of the little things that make your everyday life a little better, easier or more enjoyable?
This stuff is amazing.....I was visiting my boyfriend in Chicago and my wimpy Florida girl-who-lives-in-a-perpetual-humid-cloud lips were majorly chapped, peeling and tight. My problems were totally solved within 1 day of applying this!
Buying the equal of a propane tank of tropical smelling and silkiness-producing shampoo/conditioner from Costco (this should last me until I check into a retirement home!)
Wet Ones wipes with the NEW citrus scent
(smells just like Tommy Bahama's tropical candles! Keeps this germaphobe happy and healthy when coming in contact with gas pumps, door handles and anything nasty)
Yes, this is a scrunchie and a neon version at that. What can I say? Growing up in the 80's and 90's
didn't leave me entirely unscathed fashion-wise and these make pulling my wet hair back so simple and damage free. American Apparel makes the best versions, I think. Enough gripping power to hold my thick hair taut.
**P.S. I have not been compensated in ANY way for mentioning these products in my rant, but I am not above accepting gifts from any of the makers, should you feel so inclined.
Hope you have a terrific weekend!!
ESCAROLE IS THE NEW CAVIAR
I am completely hooked on this stuff! A great winter comfort food. The best part is that it's so good for you - low calorie and tastier than just about anything. This is a photo I took of my version, made from this recipe and then topped with some goat cheese and walnuts (or almond slices, your choice). I also add some lemon juice and substitute old bay seasoning for crushed red pepper flakes while sauteing.
If you make it, please let me know what you think - I'd love your feedback!
GEORGETOWN ROWHOUSE
I hope that your 2012 is off to a great start so far!
January is always a month for me to get caught up and started on new projects after the holidays.
I am now taking orders for home portraits again and wanted to share this charming Georgetown home I recently completed for a client as a Christmas gift for her husband. Home portraits make a great keepsake or gift for any occasion and are available in a variety of sizes and mediums to fit your budget and needs.
Feel free to contact me here for details!
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * KERRY IRVINE
I'd like to introduce you to Manhattan based artist Kerry Irvine. I first discovered her colorful work via my exposure to decorator Eileen Kathryn Boyd. She has graciously agreed to share more about herself here.
Enjoy!!
Where were you born?
I was born in Huntington, Long Island and at 23 years old I moved to Manhattan where I currently live.
What would you take if your house was burning down?
Logically, my Mac would be the smartest thing to grab as I made my quick escape. It contains all of my cherished pictures of family and friends as well as a record of all the art I have created in the last ten years or so. It would be the easiest thing for me to carry as I maneuvered my way down the fire escape from my second floor apartment. Additionally, I would probably receive minimal eye rolling from my local fire fighting friends as I emerged with fairly light hands.
I do have a " fantasy escape" too. In it, the fire would be of very little danger, small and slow burning. I would have enough time to toss all of my canvases, art supplies and heaps of clothing and shoes into the open arms of the fire fighters below. One might scream up to me "Don't forget the vintage leopard coat we all love so much!" I'd put on all my good jewelry, a brave smile and gallantly climb down into the cheering crowds who were still holding all of my belongings. Then a moving truck would whisk me off to some church basement or school gym which I would promptly re decorate for them as I waited for some gorgeous new apartment to materialize.
Your favorite book?
Your favorite book?
When I am blocked or need an escape, I find solace in books of all genres. Often I will follow an author through every book they have ever written. Here are a few of my favorites :
I love the dry, sardonic humor of Davis Sedaris,the soulfulness of C.S. Lewis.and the wit and the weirdness of Chuck Palahniuk . I find Tennessee Wiliams to be deeply thought provoking and often tragically autobiographical. Joan Juliet Buck is someone I discovered when I was eighteen, I was fascinated to learn she had also been the Editor in Chief at French Vogue. I get lost in biographies and autobiographies of all kinds ("Life" by Keith Richards is fantastically entertaining and irreverent all the way through) I love the the stacks of art,music and photography books I have collected over the years and use them for reference constantly. I will also admit to sitting on the beach and escaping into the world of "Twilight" .....Yes, I know what you're thinking, but maybe I'll call that "research" .....
If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?
I am not much of a foodie and I can barely make toast. My small Manhattan kitchen has become my art studio and my unused stove, a work table. Sounds hazardous but if I were to attempt to cook for you, there would be real danger. Obviously, I eat out a a lot. If possible, I would do a tasting menu made up of all of my favorite restaurants. I would start with The West Coast Gigi salad from The Palm. Then I would dig into their Surf 'n' Turf where they do all the lobster cracking for you. Next, I would inhale the Cavatelli Pugliesi from Grano in the West Village and a few bites of delicious turkey burger from Tavern on Jane. Hopefully an Ilegal Mezcal Margarita would be delivered to me along the way. Dessert would be the decadent chocolate bread pudding from my friend Janet French's Preston Street Gourmet. My night cap would be at another neighborhood favorite,Highlands in the West Village. While sipping a Jameson with friends, I would have to wonder "Why was that was my last meal ?"...…
Do you prefer hot weather or cold?
I find inspiration for my paintings in all seasons and weather conditions. A warm summer day at the beach would be a more preferable place to set up and paint, but a snowstorm can be just as beautiful to watch unfold.
Favorite artists?
I am and continue to be so inspired by so many different artists. It is so important to always be looking at other peoples art and to continue to feed your eyes. Some of my favorite painters are: De Kooning, both Willem and Elaine. Rothko, Arthur Dove, Matisse, Kahlo, Modigliani,Van Gogh Kandinsky, O'Keeffe, Botticelli,Klimt, Joan Mitchell, Lee Krasner and the list goes on.....Living artists would be Helen Frankenthaler, Emily Mason, Jennifer Bartlett, Wolf Kahn, Kara Walker, my sister Michelle Irvine Schleider and two of my mentors Stan Brodsky and Catherine P Mac Donald.
Most importantly, my biggest influence and favorite artist is my late mother, Toni Wagner Irvine. She lovingly showed me how to open my eyes and use the world around me as my palette. I see her love of life and color in every brush stroke I make.
Pet peeve?
I am infuriated by closed minded individuals who are unwilling to evolve emotionally, morally and intellectually. Change is hard, but necessary for growth.
I also get a little upset by dried up paint I forgot to store correctly.
Best childhood memory?
I have an excellent memory, often remembering moments my sisters have long forgotten. One of my favorites is the summer days we spent painting on long sheets of unrolled butchers paper, spread across the backyard lawn by my mom. My four sisters and I would spend hours painting away and without a care in the world. Some of us took it more seriously than others, who seemed to paint on everything but the paper ; i.e., the lawn, each other, the dog.
I have an excellent memory, often remembering moments my sisters have long forgotten. One of my favorites is the summer days we spent painting on long sheets of unrolled butchers paper, spread across the backyard lawn by my mom. My four sisters and I would spend hours painting away and without a care in the world. Some of us took it more seriously than others, who seemed to paint on everything but the paper ; i.e., the lawn, each other, the dog.
No matter what, she would always gush over our creations and crown us "creative geniuses".
Then she would thoroughly hose us down.
Favorite travel destination?
I am a big fan of long sandy beaches with warm turquoise colored water. Hawaii is a favorite place I am lucky to have visited many times. Bali, a little more difficult to get to, but equally as beautiful.
Favorite shop?
For art supplies: Guerra Paint and Pigment in East Village, NYC, Pearl Paint and Utrecht (available on line).I also love a good tag sale. You can sometimes find canvases that are still in amazing shape. Cover them up with a few coats of gesso and you have an "almost new" canvas to work on.
For clothing : For amazing and original pieces I shop at a home town favorite, Rexer Parkes in Huntington, Long Island. When I've got some cash or they are having one of their awesome sales, Barneys on Madison Avenue in NYC is wonderful. The windows are the most creative windows you will ever see. They are like miniature theaters and art galleries. For a deal I love Century 21 and Loehmann's and Uniqlo. With so many endless possibilities behind their doors, vintage clothing stores hold a special place in my heart. You never know what you will find until you step inside.
Most visited links?
www.NewYorkMagaazine.com, for great articles and updated news on everything from politics to design and fashion.
www.googleartproject.com is a great way to visit museums around the world you may never get the chance to step foot in. You can zoom in so close to the paintings that you can actually see the brush strokes.
www.EKBInteriors.com for her ever so beautiful and inspiring interior designs and style.
www.iggyand Loulou.com have the coolest jewelry and one of the most creative and clever web site I have ever seen.
www.tiltonfewick.com and www.habituallychic.com for cool and creative design stories,
www.dearblankpleaseblank.com for a really good giggle.
and of course, www.annechovie.blogspot.com
What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist?
As an artist, I have discovered the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings without having to give a direct narrative. I can divulge or keep as much of myself as I wish. I allow viewers to fill in the blanks and come up with their own stories. Surprisingly, they will sometimes put as much of themselves into my paintings as I do.
Thank you, Kerry!
Have a great weekend, everyone and don't forget to check out Kerry's site here
HOWKAPOW & HAPPY NEW YEAR
. WELCOME TO 2012! Hope you're off to a good start so far!
These cute mugs from cool British indie site Howkapow are available here
IVY AND PIPER DECEMBER ISSUE
One of the perks of being caught up with work now is the luxury of catching up on some of my online reading.
One of my regular faves these day is Aussie mag Ivy and Piper and it was fun to see one of my prints (above) hanging on the gallery wall of their new headquarters in the December issue.
Co-founders Elizabeth Raptis and Melanie Parker have a phenomenal sense of style and are crazy nice to boot . Check out the gorgeous (and free!) December issue here.
Hope you have a very safe NYE and that 2012 is full of peace and good things for you!
MORE MATCHES SANS MONOGRAM....
I hope that you are having a relaxing, festive and enjoyable holiday! I definitely had a wonderful Christmas and am heading out of town for a week tomorrow - very excited.
All of my matches have been going like hotcakes lately. By popular demand, I am now offering the blue and white ginger jar WITHOUT monogram as well. A little late for Christmas now, but something to consider for yourself or a hostess anytime in the coming year. Available in my shop now HERE
MERCI and MERRY
Design Darling
I still cannot believe it's the last Monday before Christmas!
This elf has been majorly busy in the workshop getting out some special gifts for my clients to give. Things are winding down and although there's still a little time left, I am getting ready to really celebrate and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and enjoy this season with my loved ones.
Many wonderful things have happened in my life this year, mixed right in with the challenges. I thank God for each and every good thing, not least of which are all of my wonderful readers, customers and fellow bloggers who so generously support and promote my work. Above are just a few of these bloggers and I'd like to thank the from the bottom of my heart, as well as all of you!
Enjoy your day and savor this special season..........
CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS & FREE SHIPPING TODAY!!
This is what it looks like all decked out for Christmas here in Southwest Florida.
This tree is located in the charming 3rd Avenue shopping district in Olde Naples. I couldn't resist snapping a photo of this gorgeous tree with the almost full moon in the background as I left Tommy Bahama's after a delicious meal of fish tacos with my Sister and Mother.
This charming pink stucco building houses a women's designer boutique and I love how they strung the lights on the palm trees.
And another sunset at the beach.......
There's still time to find some great gifts and stocking stuffers at my shop in time for Christmas and
FREE SHIPPING TODAY with code: SHIPFREE!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
A WHOLE NEW TWIST ON "WALLPAPER"
Talk about color and some time consuming tasks.....designer Doug Meyer and his brother, Gene, covered their entire NYC apartment with 2,398 sheets of colored paper. Pretty nifty! Check it out online at New York Magazine here.
ANNECHOVIE ORIGINALS ON SALE FOR GIFT-GIVING
Stumped as far as what to give? I still have about 20 original paintings for sale now in my shop, as well as prints that can come framed and great stocking stuffers like note cards and cute matches. Just enter code: LOYAL15 in at etsy checkout to receive 15% discount. You can be sure that no one will be duplicating your gift! Check out all originals here
DIANE JAMES HOME HOLIDAY GIVE-AWAY WINNER!!
Congratulations, Kate! Please email me your mailing address so that we can ship your gifts off.
Thanks to all of you for your participation!
STYLE IN SPADES
I couldn't resist posting a few pics of the new Kate Spade store in London. I love all of the spunk and color in the space and the way the Spade line always manages to walk the tightrope between traditional and funky.
Just my cuppa tea, to use the local vernacular.
Hope you enjoy your weekend and I will see you back here on Monday!
P.S. Don't forget to enter my Diane James Home Give-Away if you haven't already! Drawing is on Monday!
COTTAGE COMFORT
Happy Wednesday! I have now recovered from some serious printing issues (read: unexpected passing of my printer) that had delayed my shop orders going out, but things have now been remedied by the arrival of my new printer and I am now caught up. I apologize to my customers for a slight delay. Printers seem to go on the fritz when you have the most orders to send out! This time of year is my busiest, so I strive to get orders out in a timely manner while completing the commissions that my valued clients will be giving their peeps. I am skipping town after Christmas for a whole week away and I am looking forward to it!
On a design note, I just love this room and the casual elegance it exudes.
Antiques without the "dark and heavy". I only wish I knew the source....if you can help me out, I'd be grateful.
DIANE JAMES HOME HOLIDAY GIVE-AWAY
Diane James Home is a name synonymous with exquisite quality and unique style, so I am very proud to be hosting this generous holiday give-away from them to my wonderful readers!
To enter, you must "like" Diane James Home on Facebook and leave a comment here on Annechovie about your favorite design or gift from Diane James Home. The lucky winner will receive all three items above valued at almost $500 dollars!! Winner will be chosen on December 12th.
Please be sure your comment is linked to or includes your email address so that you can be notified if you're the winner.
Commenters that neglect to do the following 3 tasks will be disqualified from being included in the random.com drawing;
1)"like" Diane James Home on Facebook
2) add feedback on annechovie after visiting the DJH site
3) list or link to a legitimate email address for contact in case of winning
Best to you all!
HOLIDAY HOSTESS GIFTS!
I'd love to thank Kelly Ottinger of spectacular blog Kelly Market for including my monogrammed ginger jar matches in her hostess gifts holiday round-up this week along with many other unique gift items. I am just getting started on my shopping list, but time is running out quickly. Yikes!!
Hope you have an excellent weekend!
LUNCH QUICK FIX
Lately I have become hooked on quinoa after a friend introduced me several months ago to the great health benefits and tasty flavor. The terrific thing about it is that I can make a lot of it at once and it keeps in the fridge for a few days with no nasty repercussions. I actually prefer eating it cold for lunch, with a variety of ingredients, depending on what I have at the time. Tossing in some smoked salmon, spinach, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, slivered and roasted almonds, whatever. I also like to add a little splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of kosher salt and I am good to go. Makes a healthy, filling and satisfying lunch without any "eater's remorse". Do you like quinoa? How do you eat yours'?
THANK YOU & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
I'd like to thank these fantastic blogs for their kind mentions lately!! I am so thankful for all of my readers, customers and fellow bloggers. I am also very thankful for the life God has given me and for my loved ones.
** for all of you who may have been eyeing something in my shop lately, you can soon acquire it at a considerable discount. I am having a 25% off sale Friday only!
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful week!!!