FRENCH CONDIMENTS
It's been a bit crazy here lately with a HUGE painting to finish, projects for clients and keeping the business humming. Wearing all the hats yourself can be a challenge, but being your own boss is worth it.
Less moving parts (read: difficult people) to "gum up the works" as my Grandpa used to say.
I apologize for being a bit preoccupied. I came across these mustard jars the other day online and was reminded how exceptional packaging can make even the mundane objects in life seem so much more appealing.
Only the French could make mustard look this good!
Check out all the varieties
and have a great weekend!
PRETTY CLEVAH
How clever are these little chairs made from champagne caps? Recycling and art merging for certain. I used to spend hours making tiny baked goods out of Fimo clay for my dollhouse when I was a kid. I'd turn bottle caps upside down and make them into pies with lattice tops, so when I saw this, it almost made me want to try it. The only problem is that I don't have the time, nor do I drink, much less collect champagne cages.
Found via Pinterest from Martha's site. Read more here
THANK YOU
a gracious interview by Katelyn at Pure Panache
I want to thank these bloggers for their support and kind posts recently. I hope that you will take a moment to check out these great blogs if you haven't already!
Enjoy your weekend and I will see you back here next week.
Enjoy your weekend and I will see you back here next week.
A PERSONAL RE-BOOT
I haven't been doing much of this lately, as things have been very busy work-wise. When I do need a break and get an hour or two to re-boot, I like to head to the local beach with my trusty pink portable lounger.
The first Trader Joe's in Florida recently opened here, so I've become a regular as I love their selection and great values. I often come away with one of these to eat at the beach
Trader Joe's "Super Spinach" salad with carrot ginger dressing and a myriad of other raw goodies. I love their roasted sea weed, too. I enjoy every morsel, even when everyone else thinks I am crazy! Have you ever tried it? I say, don't knock it until you've tried it!
Then I will sit and listen to the waves and watch all of the tourists watch this
And I feel rejuvenated enough to go back at it for another day!
Enjoy your Wednesday.
GETTIN' AROUND
I just wanted to thank Sherri in Long Beach, CA for sending in a photo of one of my chair prints sitting pretty above her desk (did you catch the matching stamps, too?) It's fun for me to see where my art ends up and thanks to everyone who takes the time to send an email, photo or leave a comment.
I have the best customers, readers and clients out there! I really do appreciate all of you.
Hope you have a great start to your week.
25% OFF ALL PHONE CASES AT ANNECHOVIE
Now through April 9, midnight PST, all my phone covers on my ZAZZLE site are 25% off. Just enter code: PRESENTCASES
at checkout in the zazzle "coupons/gift certificate" box. Here are a few samples and feel free to contact me here with questions or a custom request.
I am posting early today so that I can take some time to contemplate the significance of Good Friday
and Easter and all that they mean to me personally.
Happy Easter and have a wonderful weekend!
SPRING PINKS & PAIRINGS
Spring is my favorite time of year because I love all of the bright colors that are out in the stores. I don't naturally lean towards black and drab colors (in case you haven't noticed!) Living here in South Florida, we are able to get away with lighter colors because of our warm climate and beach culture.
Pink is definitely up there as a favorite, add to that a fondness for espadrilles and a little height - without sacrificing comfort- and I thought this pair of wedge shoes was adorable. Personally, I think that heels are great and I love the way they look, but generally speaking, I don't like to wear them very often. I am fortunate that my casual, work-from-home lifestyle affords me the opportunity to dodge regular workplace clothing rules and wear what I like and what works for me personally. Often that includes a bathing suit (under casual clothing - convenient for an afternoon swim break) and flip-flops. There are times when a girl wants a little lift though, and that's when I opt for a comfortable wedge with some style and color like the pair above.
I'd probably sport these with a great pair of white jeans (my Summer staple).
and maybe a bright aqua tank
This is kind of my go-to Spring/Summer casual get-up.
There are an endless number of color combinations that are great for this time of year, whether you pair jeans and a tank, shorts and a tee, a sun dress and a great pair of metallic sandals or a colorful tunic and leggings. To me, it's all about color and the ease of putting pieces together that look sharp and yet are comfortable and versatile.
What are a few of your favorite Spring pairings?
30% OFF ALL ORIGINALS THIS WEEK!
THIS WEEK ONLY!! 30% off all remaining original paintings in my shop!
Now's the time to strike if you've had your eye on a particular piece! Please help me make more space in my little studio.
To receive discount, just type in code: ORIG30 when you are prompted for discount code at etsy checkout.
Find all originals here
THEY ARE HERE!
The latest additions to the Annechovie family this week are here right now!
I sincerely hope that you have a really great weekend and, as always, thanks for clicking over to Annechovie!
PALM BEACH LOOK AT C. BELL
Even though I live across the state, on "the other coast" from Palm Beach, I still find the look perfectly charming and a'propos for the way I want to live. C. Bell is a great source for the PB look and I always enjoy the emails they send that are chock-full of their latest acquisitions.
Like this great Pagoda-style glass panel cabinet OR
These matching end tables/ night stands OR
this colorful oil painting of a Scarlet Ibis with egg. (I have Ibis in my backyard all the time - they love to poke around in the grass looking for food)
All these great pieces can be found here - be sure to sign up for their mailing list while you're at it!
BEACH COTTAGE BRIGHTS
I know that this Florida beach cottage via Metropolitan Home has made the rounds already on the net.
To me, its charm never wears off and fits my lifestyle ideals - laidback, charming and cheery.
After a working weekend and a period of abnormally stressful and heavy encounters with the vicissitudes of life, I am up for a little cheery, what about you?
In the vein of Pinteresting fantasy, here are a few more things that fit with this house. To see even more, follow me at Pinterest here
This dress is available from fellow Etsy shop Devon Baer here
I hope your week gets off to a nice start! and remember this
THANK YOU!
A big thank-you to these blogs who have been gracious enough to feature my work lately.
Your support helps keep me going!
Have a great weekend - I will be hard at work on my latest commission a HUGE 5x13 foot painting for a client in Australia!
SUPER-SIZED CANVAS NEEDS HOME
This oversized canvas giclee print is looking for a good home. It measures 20x30 inches and would bring a lot of color and verve into your living space!
One is available in my store here
NEW!! ANNECHOVIE DECORATIVE CUSHIONS
I am excited to introduce a new line of decorative pillows featuring many of my designs.
These are made of 100% grade A woven cotton, all natural fibers and are made in the USA by sustainably employed single moms. Pillows are machine washable, have a hidden zipper enclosure and include pillow insert.
Every purchase is a contribution to breaking the cycle of poverty for single moms and their children.
The square cushions all measure 20 x 20 inches and the rectangular lumbar cushion's dimensions are 13 x 21 inches.
Find the entire selection, as well as some dining napkins and placemats here.
GET THEM WHILE THEY'RE HOT!
Welcome to Wednesday, folks....I hope your week is shaping up to be a good one!
Things in my own life have been pretty challenging and stressful in every area lately, but I am trying to focus on all I have to be thankful for, which is a lot.....
I believe that, ultimately, everything that happens in our lives is for a reason and that God can bring good out of all things. I apologize to my loyal commenters for being behind in responding. I promise to get back to you when everything has calmed down.
I hope that will be sooner rather than later.
I happen to have 2 of these large 18x24 stretched canvases in my "Porcelain Jar on Pink" available to ship now for a special price here in my shop. These are sure to bring a burst of Spring to your space!
LILY PULITZER HOME
photo via life-love-laughter.tumblr.com
Like any South Florida girl who loves classics and bright-colors, I am crazy about the Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection and can't wait to be able to view the whole range soon. I am one antsy fan (or is that "anne-tsy"?)
In the meantime, I must content myself with bits and pieces I've been able to scrounge off the internet like this photo from the showroom (above) or this photo tour here.
I am especially loving that white lacquered entertainment center with a sky blue interior.
Perfect for my dream beach cottage!
MY MANTRA......
image via Carol Hays on Pinterest
Couldn't resist posting this because it's SO me.
Have a great weekend!
ECLAIRS, ANYONE?
I found myself salivating over some beautiful eclairs from Fauchon, another famous Parisian patisserie, so I was driven to paint them. I decided to create a print in several different colors. Iris (a hybrid of blue and purple), buttah yellow, orange and mint green. I think that artfully crafted foods are some of the most beautiful objects in existence! I not only love eating, but I also love shopping for food and admiring photos of tasty morsels. Both prints and the whole framed/hand-striped mat enchilada are available in my etsy shop now.
A close-up of the Fauchon eclairs
Eclairs with tangerine background
The mint green.
Find them HERE!
IVY AND PIPER BRIGHTS
Welcome to the first Monday of March!
LOVING the latest issue of Ivy & Piper that just debuted, esp. this spread - right up my alley!
Devour it all here