THE HITCHING POST
I generally consider myself a pretty private person and don't want to ever be "one of those" who over-expose and publish every mundane little detail of their existence. However, I just married the love of my life at the perfect relaxed beach ceremony and figured that might warrant a mention to share with my peeps here on Annechovie. You readers have been such a part of my life these last few years and I am so grateful for your support & kindness. I'm on my honeymoon, but will continue to have fresh content posted and feel free to keep up with me here
All orders will be shipped upon my return. Take care and see you soon!!
ANNECHOVIE TURNS 6!
Wow. I can hardly believe it's been 6 years since I started this little blog!
It's been a great vehicle for growth, networking, sharing my work and getting to meet so many of you.
I am thankful for all of God's blessings in my life during the past 7 years. Even the trials, challenges and very difficult times as well as the triumphs and joys. Thanks to all of you for your support - it has meant so much.
As Annechovie turns 6 and I face an exciting new chapter in my own life, I am challenged to perk things up around here and share more as the days go on.
Please stay tuned and thanks so much for being a part of my life and work!
SANDWICH ART
I am really into colorful food and these sandwiches (via Pinterest via Honestly Yum) look like little masterpieces to me. I always find myself drawn to small plates, tapas, tea sandwiches and sushi. If I weren't an artist, I'd be a decorator or a chef. There is such scope for creativity, not to mention that I love eating! You could make these as hors d'oeuvres or an entire meal. Find the recipes for these scrumptious ricotta crostini here.
Hope you have a scrumptious weekend!
GOING CUCKOO NEON STYLE
Design-wise, I am a dichotemy. Part of me loves tried & true traditionalism and the other part of me digs the cutting edge, offbeat and innovative. I guess enjoy stuff that manages to satisfy both.
How's this for putting a hip spin on a classic? Just another great find on Etsy- the neon cuckoo clock.
Find it here.
ANNECHOVIE IN THE BIG APPLE
One of my customers in NYC sent me this photo of their growing Annechovie ginger jar print collection.
This nice woman is a PR guru with a penchant for blue & white. She just bought 2 more framed ginger jars to even up her collection. Find them all here in my shop.
NEW PAINTING - MAHALO 1
I just finished this painting featuring diagonal neon pink stripes and a gilded pineapple. It's available here
Have a fantastic weekend!!
UNCOMMON GOODS ART
Kate Lewis
I have long been a fan of Uncommon Goods and their range of nifty and eclectic gifts. I was somehow unaware that their selection included art until I recently discovered that they carry the work of some great artists, one of whom many of us in the blogosphere are quite familiar - one of our own community, Kate Lewis. I discovered Kate via a blog a couple of years ago and and she even comments here on Annechovie from time to time. Love her style and use of color!
Another artist I was unfamiliar with is Zlatka Paneva. She is based in Los Angeles and blends both pop art/surrealism to work her magic portraying members of the animal kingdom.
Zlatka Paneva
Be sure to check out all the latest art from Uncommon Goods here, you'll be glad you did and might be able to find some great solutions for this Summer's busy gift-giving occasions.
FRAMED ORIGINALS FOR SALE
How was your weekend? Mine was restful and productive at the same time, so I cannot complain!
I still cannot believe it's already JUNE, for crying out loud! These are my 2 newest original gouache paintings, framed and ready to find a place in your home!
Find them here
NEW & BLUE - 3 ANNECHOVIE PRINTS HOT OFF THE PRESS!!
Blue & white Chinoiserie jars have been some of my most popular paintings to date, so, as requested,
I have added 3 more now for a total of 7 prints to choose from. These prints are all reproduced from my original, hand painted watercolors and printed on high quality watercolor paper, so it's hard to tell they are not original watercolors. These are NOT digitally manipulated photographs or stock photos of antique pieces. They are the real deal, folks, art created by my human hand.
Two of the original paintings are available for sale also. More to come!
Check out the latest here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
MID-WEEK FLAMINGO
Busy here shipping out orders and getting work done! I hope your week is going well.
Just wanted to share a photo of the darling flamingo embroidered hand towel Teresa Hatfield sent me from her shop.
MEMORIAL DAY SALE!! 20% OFF AT ANNECHOVIE
This weekend, any purchase in my etsy shop totaling $20 or more is 20% off.
Originals, pillows, matches and prints!
Just type in this code at etsy checkout:
MEMORIAL20
go to my shop here
Have a wonderful Holiday weekend and a big thanks to all of our military and their families for your service & sacrifice!
GREEK SHRIMP WITH TOMATOES AND FETA
This is a wonderful dish my Mother makes that has become a staple favorite of mine.
She got the recipe from Williams-Sonoma and it is unbelievably delicious! This is a photo I took of it served over rice.
Ingredients:
4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white vermouth or wine
6 plum tomatoes, chopped and juices reserved,
or 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) tomatoes, drained and
finely chopped, juices reserved
1 Tbs. dried Greek oregano, crumbled, or 2 Tbs.
minced fresh oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Sweet Hungarian paprika, to taste
2/3 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese,
preferably Greek or Bulgarian
2 lb. large shrimp, peeled, with tail
segments intact, and deveined
2 Tbs. minced fresh mint, plus mint sprigs for
garnish (optional)
Directions:
In a large, nonreactive, flameproof casserole or sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and tomatoes (but not their juices). Add the oregano now, if using dried. Season with salt, red pepper flakes and paprika. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add some of the reserved tomato juices if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Stir in the cheese, then the shrimp. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the shrimp are evenly pink and the cheese is beginning to melt, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with the oregano, if using fresh, and the minced mint. Garnish with the mint sprigs and serve immediately from the pan. Serves 4.
Serving Tip: Serve with thick slices of French or Italian country-style bread for sopping up the juices.
As Julia Child used to say " Bon Appetit!"
AND THE WINNER IS......
PVE is the winner of this beautiful set of TG Hatfield Designs pagoda linen towels!
I apologize for my late post today - my internet service has been down and is finally restored! Winner was chosen by random.org number generator.
I'd love to thank Teresa once again for graciously hosting this give-away and encourage you to visit her shop here if you haven't already.
Also, I'd like to thank Kate at "Thrill of the Chaise" for her post on my work and for hosting an Annechovie give-away there until June 3rd. Enter here for your chance to win one of my prints!
I just completed this home portrait as a gift that was commissioned by two daughters-in-law for their mother in law. It captures a beloved family home that has hosted many memorable waterfront vacations in Sarasota, Florida. To commission a keepsake or gift of your own, contact me here for pricing and additional info.
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * JILL ROSENWALD
Jill Rosenwald is a name that's synonymous with stylish ceramics and fabulous indie art. Like many of you, the first time I spotted Jill's work, it was a case of instant attraction. Since then, I've been seeing her work everywhere as this Boston-based artist, entrepreneur, wife and mother brightens up the design scene with her trademark style. She has graciously accepted my invitation to answer a few of my nosy questions so we can get a little better acquainted with her and the woman behind the design.
Where were you born?
New York, NY..94th street...my hood.
What would you take if your house was burning down?
My kids..and my husband.
Your favorite book?
Too hard of a question..very tempting to say a book that will make everyone think I am super intellectual..like Proust..or James Joyce! But I love many books..one of my fave writers has got to be William Styron..I adore his books. Confessions of Nat Turner comes to mind..and I just read a book by Richard Russo that was great..Bridge of Sighs. Sad, but a great read.
If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?
These questions are too tough..I don't have true favorites, as I love so many foods. I do know chocolate is on this menu though..for sure a brownie ice cream sundae..and maybe sushi..oh i love me some sushi. Favorite menus have a lot to do with who is doing the cooking - I love the food of Ken Oringer here in Boston....his food is fantasmic.
Do you prefer hot weather or cold?
My perfect day is bright and breezy in the 70's..or 80 at the beach for some boogie boarding..I know..right?
Favorite artists?
Oy with the favorite queries..ummmm..Tara Donovan comes to mind..and Rhianna.
Pet peeve?
That phone thing..where you say "Hello..Jill Rosenwald" and the person on the other end of the phone is on the job..and can't remember who they called ..so even though you've already said who you are..there is that nasty pause..and then they repeat your name and ask "May I speak to Ms. Rosenwald?"! Ouch ..now that is bad.
Best childhood memory?
Gosh. playing touch football in the park with my dad and my brother..that's one. Reading Frances Hodgson
Burnett with my mother. I also remember some fun ski trips..but those are long stories!
Favorite travel destination?
It-ly. Definitely.
Favorite shop?
Nanette Lepore's shop in Boston. I feel like a queen in there.
Most visited links?
I am embarrassed to say that I spend time on my own links -working on my website, my blog, my facebook..jeez. Others that I like are Pandora, Elements of Style blog..the e list...My Favorite and My Best..the blog.
What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist? Another embarrassing admission which I do share is that
I get happy making other people happy. When they tell me how much they appreciate and love what we
do - that is the biggest rush!
Thank you Jill!! Be sure to check out Jill's amazing website, etsy shop and blog!
*re-posted from 4/25/11**
TG HATFIELD GIVE-AWAY & DISCOUNT
Teresa Hatfield of Splendid Sass has been a blogging friend of mine for quite a while now and she just recently opened a great shop of her own on Etsy. I just love her embroidered guest towels!! They are a perfect accent for your home.
She has graciously offered to sponsor a give-away here on Annechovie of this darling blue pagoda towel
She is also offering a generous discount of 15% off today and tomorrow with this code at checkout: SPLENDID
To enter give-away between now and May 17th, just go to her shop at TG Hatfield & Company
Like it on FB and make it an Etsy favorite and come back here leaving a comment on your favorite item in her shop. Winner will be announced May 20th. Don't hesitate to convo Teresa if her shop is out of an item you want or you need a larger order. She will be happy to accommodate you.
Enjoy your weekend and I hope you win!!
SMITTEN WITH SPANISH STYLE
all photos courtesy of Pinterest
I am very fortunate to live in a place where Spanish Colonial architecture is prevalent. I just love the style and am now in the habit of collecting photos of great architectural details to add to my files. I love the white stucco and baroque details, not to mention the strategic placement of beautiful flowering vines here and there, such as my beloved bougainvillea.
IN THE PINK
I love pink....it just makes me feel happy. Here are some "pink" photos for you today from Pinterest.
Enjoy!
FURNITURE FETISH
I have long had an intense interest in furntiture. Isn't this piece (seen all over Pinterest recently) from the most recent Highpoint show amazing? Created with inlaid bone - very intricate work.
I have a Pinterest board just for great pieces like this here