SALAD A LA ANNECHOVIE
It's already the middle of the week AND just past the middle of October! Are you glad?
This is my favorite salad recipe lately. I often eat salad for lunch, but love it just about anytime.
This particular version is chock-full of healthy ingredients and is totally delicious to boot.
Here's my list of what it's made of:
Mixed Spring Greens
Avocado
Goat Cheese
Smoked Salmon
Whole Almonds
Dried Cranberries
Diced Tomatoes
EVOO/Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar for dressing
Let me know if you try it or what your favorite salad combos are!
CHIC & PRACTICAL HOLIDAY EXTRAS
Are you ever short of seating when the Holidays roll around? Extra chairs always come in handy when hosting dinner parties or gatherings, but the challenge is where to put them when they're not in use?
Folding chairs can be an option, but then, those are hardly ever attractive, let alone comfortable and if you've ever had one collapsed onto you (as I have!) it can be a bit awkward and painful. There are viable candidates that fit the bill for good looks, comfort and easy storage and these practical stackable chairs are a great example. Find these and more stylish options here.
ON THE SUBJECT OF IKAT.......
"Some people thought that perhaps Frances had taken the Ikat trend a bit too far...."
(click on image for larger view)
As much as I love art, design and decoration are very close, if not equal, contenders for my passions. After all - what is design anyway -but art applied to function? For as long as I can remember, I have loved to pore over design and shelter magazines, examining every detail, trying to absorb all the elements of the rooms. I was probably the only teenager ever who looked forward to Dee Hardie's column in House Beautiful. Sister Parish was a hero. I even had my own file of decorating tear sheets, the way most teens collect posters on their walls. Yes, I was and AM a decorating nerd. So this original illustration is dedicated to all of my designer friends and design blogging buddies. Those people who are insanely into decoration and cannot wait for their issue of House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Veranda or Elle Decor to arrive so they can be the first to post the choicest photos on their blog!
FLAMINGO PRINTS ARE HERE!
Now that "Flamingo" has made its' new home in Australia with its' buyer, stretched canvas prints are available
WARM AND FUZZY
This time of year, those of us in the northern Hemisphere start giving a bit more thought to making our homes cozy, warm and comfortable as temperatures drop and the nesting instinct kicks in. Bare floors that seemed perfect during the warmer months now seem to cry out for layers and "warming" up. Rug styles and types are as varied as their owner's needs and personalities, but comfort, practicality and adding a dose of something different to liven things up are all elements I look for. I am not typically an "animal" print person, although a touch of zebra has been growing on me lately as I spot this look more and more in some of my favorite interiors. With a trendy piece, I am not looking to make a pricey investment, but rather a soft rug underfoot to add a punch to a room. Like this bold piece to add a focal point to your decor and yet remain a type of neutral element at the same time. What style of rug is your favorite?
Find many styles, shapes and sizes here.
HOT OFF THE PRESS.....
The newest print in my line-up, "Peonies & Paisley" is now available here.
The original has found a new home with a buyer in D.C. and so the prints are rolling off the press.
What are your plans this weekend? Whatever you're up to, I hope you enjoy it!!
WEDNESDAY EYE CANDY
Happy Wednesday!
I am staying very busy this week and hope things are going well for you. Many originals sold already during my weekend sale, and I am extending it through this weekend (Oct. 14th), so you still have time to check out the pickings and score a deal! I've added some additional watercolor originals, too - it's all HERE.
Just remember to use the code: KEEP15 at checkout to receive your discount.
Here's a little eye candy for the mid-week blahs that features a theme of gorgeous pink.
I am in the mood for a little Fall-ish food....even though it's still in the high 80's here in Florida.
Just picked up some butternut squash and am on the lookout for the arrival of chestnuts and squash seeds soon. I fell for some caramel apples with peanuts, but they were disappointing - a little on the stale side. Anything special you look forward to this time of year?
ORIGINALS SALE EXTENDED 'TIL TUESDAY
The originals are going like hot cakes, but I am opening some of the archives here and releasing some more originals for the sale - head
to see the full selection and don't forget to use code
KEEP15
at checkout to receive your 15% discount.
Enjoy your Columbus Day!
WEEKEND SALE ON ORIGINALS!!!
Get a jump on your holiday shopping this weekend and snap up some of my remaining originals at a discount! If you've been eyeing a piece for yourself or someone special, now's the time to go for it!
Today through Sunday, use code KEEP15 to receive 15% off an original paintings in my shop.
Find them all here
Have a fabulous weekend!
A PROPER BOSTONIAN
A very nice client of mine from Boston recently commissioned me to work on a series of paintings capturing her antique chair collection, made up mostly of family pieces. I thought it was a pretty neat idea and just think how you could order prints of family pieces and then share them with relatives who weren't lucky enough to inherit Grandma's rocker because they weren't her favorite like you were?
Here's the first in the series.
I am starting to line up all of my work from clients to be ready in time for the holidays. If you're considering having me create something for you, time is of the essence! Don't hesitate to contact me A.S.A.P. for more info because my dance card is filling up quickly! Don't be shy -contact me here.
MIGHTY MAHARAJAS
Vendome Press has a fascinating new book out this Fall for those interested in the architectural legacy of the Indian continent.
With over 319 color illustrations showcasing ancient forts and palaces, you could lose yourself for hours.
Informative narratives offering glimpses of these amazing edifices and their dramatic history as well as photographs illustrating their grandeur and opulence will keep you turning the pages.
read more about it find it for purchase here
SNAPSHOTS OF THE MUNDANE
My relaxed at home style....crazy bright PJ pants and flip-flops
a large scale commission for an Australian client (6x13 ft.)
Pineapple pj's (brightens up your morning)
My everyday breakfast - a green smoothie
A very cliche' blogger's self-photo in bathroom mirror
Just bits and pieces of life around my place.....hope you have a terrific weekend!
CHANEL TO GO
This is a great option for those of you who are NOT DIY'ers. Framed 16x20 version of my aqua Chanel 5 print framed and ready to ship to you!
Purchase here.
AT THE OFFICE
This painting of an office/studio was commissioned by a client last year. It was fun for me to include all of the elements she wanted, along with a few details via artistic license. Why not have me paint a custom piece for you or as a holiday gift for someone special? I am beginning to take orders now.
Feel free to contact me for more info. and pricing here.
NEW ARRIVALS AT KAYCE HUGHES
Annechovie sponsor Kayce Hughes has brought out some great new pieces for Fall.
Classics with panache - and 10% off for Annechovie readers. Just check them out here
and use code annechovie at checkout to receive discount.
Enjoy the weekend!!
SISTA
Have you read the newest biography on legendary American decorator Sister Parish?
I have not finished it just yet, but I am certainly enjoying learning more about this creative powerhouse from a fascinating family and a truly unique background. I received a review copy from the publisher, Vendome Press, just in time to accompany me to a stint with jury duty. As I sat waiting for hours, tales told straight from Sister's daughter and grandaughter provided me with a unique perspective on this decorating doyenne's life and times and transported me from the crowded, fluorescent-lit room I was camped out in.
Who better to fill you in on what truly made a person who they were than members of their own family?
I am a total sucker for family photos - as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and this book is chock-full of photographs that draw you in and visually illustrate the text and all the "characters" within.
Although Sister decorated many grand spaces - including the Kennedy White House - it is rooms like these in her own Maine cottage that exemplify her trademark look and the homey and colorful flair she was known for. If you love design, history and a good biography, you are sure to enjoy this book!
Find it here
DEVILED EGGS AND ART COLLECTORS
Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Sale on 21 September 2012 features
works by Grotjahn, Guyton, Oehlen, Kusama and Thiebaud, some of the most celebrated post-war period artists, as well as emerging artists. This sale is ideal for both new collectors and the well-established as estimates range from $5,000 - $300,000.
Among the highlights of the sale is Wayne Thiebaud’s 1962 Deviled Eggs (est. $250/350,000, above).
The Sacramento-based painter burst onto the New York art scene in the early 1960s with his sumptuous
paintings of delectable sweets, cakes, pies, hamburgers, roast beef, and as in this painting, deviled eggs. Each
still life was presented as a celebration of the assortment of foods consumed by the new American Middle-
Class. This classic canvas was executed in 1962, the same year Thiebaud had his first one-man show in New
York, a watershed moment in his career. I really happen to love Thiebaud's work and find it very appealing. I mean, how fun is it to hang a painting of deviled eggs above your mantle instead of the predictable landscape or portrait? Food is WAY more appealing.
Hmmm, now all I need is for Sotheby's to get a hold of my English trifle painting and French pastries and put me on the map! I'm thinking I probably have to have a "watershed" moment and die first.
Does crying count as "watershed"?
How fun would it be to paint delicious foods and and get paid a mint to do it??
D-LIGHT-FUL
Cecconi's Soho Beach House- Miami
India Hick's home - Francois Halard
Limewood House
House Beautiful
Hotel Belle Juliette - Paris
Table Tonic
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Today I took the lazy/creative blocked blogger's route and decided to just pull out of my files a few images that I just happened to really like for whatever reasons. A few pretty spaces that I wouldn't mind finding myself lingering in. (I tried to credit photos where I could - if I have missed a source and you know it, just let me know)
That's all....have a wonderful weekend!
AT HOME IN ITALY
For all you Italophiles, there's a brand-new Vendome Press title out this Fall - At Home in Italy.
This lushly illustrated book showcases the quintessential traditional Italian style in many different settings - country houses, ski chalets, seaside homes and castles. Having recently discovered that I have a lot of ancestral links in Lucca, Italy, (thanks, Mom!) I looked at this in a whole new light.
With over 200 photographs, this is a visual tour of residential Italy at its best, capturing the charm and essence of authentic Italian design.
read more and purchase it here
ENDEARING CLASSICS
Do you keep spotting pieces or design elements time and again over a period of years that you never tire of? For me, at times I go through stages with certain "looks" or trends that I may find interesting for a time and then get sick of after they have saturated the market and every magazine, blog and retail outlet.
The more "seasoned" I become with increased exposure to design, there are certain timeless icons that I find perennially appealing. Take for instance this Saarinen tulip table from Interior Addict. My brother had one of these in his Manhattan apartment 10 years ago. I liked it then and I still like it now. It's timeless American mid-century design at its best; the white goes with everything, there's no awkward "legs" for anyone to navigate and the oval marble top is simply beautiful. This classic is just as appealing in a hyper-contemporary loft as in a charming traditional bungalow mixed with antiques. Find this classic and more at Interior Addict
I'd love to hear what would make your list of tried and true design favorites. Do tell!!