JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI

I'm not a big "film buff" as I find so many movies out there to be trashy and mindless nonsense, but once in a while, I do come across something really interesting that I would recommend. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary film from 2011 that follows an 85 year old Japanese sushi chef who happens to be the only sushi guy who has ever won the distinction of having 3 Michelin stars. I love how the film celebrates age, experience, going with your natural gift and being the best you can possibly be at whatever it is you do. Jiro talks about appreciating your work without complaining. Very inspirational, even if you don't happen to like sushi as I do.

Have a terrific weekend and don't forget to enter the TG Hatfield give-away if you haven't already.

The winner will be chosen and announced on Monday.

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!

MAY PERKS

These are a few pretty items that have caught my eye lately.

A watercolor cosmetic pouch here

A perky sweater at JCrew

and a punchy lamp at Poppin

Hope you enjoy the first weekend of May! 

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

THANK YOU, BLOGGERS!

Satori Design for Living

Jacobsohn Design

A big thank-you to these bloggers for featuring my work recently! Please take a minute to check out their blogs and say hello. Thank you!!

PINTEREST PERKS

I just wanted to share a few Pinterest pins that caught my eye lately.

Boy, do I love Pinterest - talk about visual inspiration!

Follow me here, if you like and have a terrific weekend, everyone.

ALL ORIGINALS 20% OFF at ANNECHOVIE!!

All original paintings in my shop are 20% off through the end of April with this code at checkout:

APRIL20

Find them all here

TEXAS CANINE WITH STYLE

I hope that you had a great weekend! 

This is Zoe, an adorable dog who lives in Texas with a great client of mine who commissioned me to paint her portrait, in her pearls no less! 

Texans really do love to look their best, and that includes their dogs as well. Zoe is a princess.

FLAMINGO GOES BIG

For all of my customers who have been asking for a larger version of my "Flamingo" as a giclee print on canvas, it's now available in a 24x30. I aim to please and you can get it here

 There's also a blues-y version called "Estero"

Have a super weekend!

MEET VIOLETTA

Another new family member in my stretched canvas giclee family is "Violetta".

This colorful print incorporating shades of orchid, lilac, fuschia and greens is available as a 18x24 inch canvas and perfect for Spring!

Get one here

CHANEL SUPER-SIZED

I hope that your weekend was a good one!

In response to many requests, I have gone larger with many of my prints on stretched canvas and this is one of them. One of my most popular prints, the Chanel No. 5 is now available in a 24x30 size for big impact in your room. Available in 7 colors - white, black, mint, blush pink, fuschia, tangerine and aqua here.

A smaller version in 16x20 (below) is also available here

BRIDAL BOUQUET

This is a recent commission that was painted as a gift for a bride of her bridal bouquet.

I love flowers and this bride had a particularly beautiful bouquet full of old fashioned English roses and some peonies as well. My client could not have chosen a more thoughtful gift for her friend that 

will preserve her bouquet permanently!

Have a great weekend.

ISLAMORADA PART 2

I couldn't resist posting a photo of "Anne's Beach" - this tree cropping out of the water is a landmark there.

The water is crystal clear, as you can see.

Islamorada is a sportfishing mecca and so if you love to catch fish or EAT fish (as I do) this is the place for you.

The waters surrounding are teeming with Sailfish, Marlin and many other species prized by serious sportfishers. 

I didn't do any fishing myself, but I certainly consumed quite a bit of it. We are talking almost every meal. 

My mercury levels may now be rivaling those of a thermometer....

Lazy Days is a casual eatery on the water with a beautiful view and an endless vista - you can bring in fish you caught yourself and they will prepare it for you.

My yellowtail with capers, onions and tomato was out of this world!

The place is rife with tropical wildlife, including large iguanas. Thankfully, they keep their distance. 

I don't know about you, but I do not mix well with reptiles and amphibians and that goes way back to being a preschooler and the reptile/amphibian house at the zoo.

Hanging at the Cheeca Lodge

Outdoor seating is everywhere and savoring the tropical breezes and warm sunshine is an art in itself.

Speaking of fish.....this place has amazing sushi and a macadamia crusted yellowtail that will melt in your mouth

the crunchy roll is recommended.

If you share my love of shells and coral, this unassuming little joint is a place you don't want to miss.

What it lacks in refinement, it more than makes up for in stellar bargains and a super patient, unusually good-humored woman who patiently and carefully wraps your treasures to protect from breakage.  

The Shell Shack will provide you with a solid dose of seaside kitsch that we all need to make a trip to the beach truly therapeutic.

So, in conclusion, when visiting Islamorada, be sure to:

 soak up the sun, eat plenty of fish, relish the sight of aqua waters, boats, orchid trees, bougainvillea and come away with some great shells & coral to "beach" up your place back home.

 I guarantee that you will leave with a smile on your face, as I did!