GIVE-AWAY WINNER!

The winner of my Memorial Day Bamboo Sheet Give-Away sponsored by Karen Neuberger is Linda at The Lime in the Coconut. The number/name was selected by random.org. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for participating! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

BLOG OUT LOUD

CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS AND ASPIRING BLOGGERS - YOU ARE INVITED!

WHAT:
An ongoing creative event in a symposium format featuring a panel of established bloggers {changing each time }
The idea is to inspire, encourage and share experiences on a variety of relevant topics.... and of course network.

WHEN & WHERE:
Thursday, June 4th at Patio Culture on Abbott Kinney in Venice, CA.

WHO (PANEL):
Jonathan (Happy Mundane), Audrey Woolen (Parcel Post) and Richele Silva (Richie Designs)

This is a cool new venue for creatives being launched by fabulous blogger Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8 and her friend Rebecca Orlov of loving. living. small. They have invited you to join them for an evening of informative conversation, conducted by a panel of established bloggers.

The town hall-style event will feature 5 successful design bloggers who have learned the ropes of creating a presence through blogging.

Enjoy the evening, meet some creative people, have a glass of wine and learn some of the tools you can use to start your own creative blog. To find out more, go here.

THANKS FOR THE MENTIONS!!

I'd like to thank the blogs Kwana Writes and Wishing True for the very gracious posts and mentions this past week!

I really appreciate your support! Check out these great blogs if you get a chance!

CHAIRLOOM'S LATEST

If you move fast, you can snap up these two classic old pieces that have been beautifully re-done in a neutral zebra print by Molly Worth of Chairloom. These antique pieces are available for $750 each right here.

NEW ARRIVALS AT TUCKER BLAIR!

They're here! The long-awaited addition of FLIP-FLOPS available now at Tucker Blair!! Perfect timing now that Summer has had it's official kick-off over Memorial Day weekend.

MEMORIAL DAY BAMBOO SHEET SET GIVE-AWAY!

In honor of Memorial Day and the women and men who have given their lives to defend the freedom of our Country, I am featuring a reader give-away sponsored by Karen Neuberger. A free set of bamboo luxury sheets will be awarded to one lucky winner! Just leave a comment on this post and the winner will be randomly chosen on May 29th!!

Jenna Lowe, Lifestyle Expert for the Karen Neuburger brand, has great tips for pulling off a beautiful party in your backyard or home with friends.

Jenna explains, “As a lifestyle designer, I’m always thinking entertaining in a way that will engage the five senses – sights, sounds, taste, touch, and smell. It’s important to keep all of these in mind, especially when throwing a party during the summertime.”

SIGHT: Setting the Table
“The table setting should be the main focal point to any party and take center stage. Create something whimsical and fun, and don’t make anything too formal. One way to do this is to mix and match tabletop pieces to create different looks. I’m obsessed with KN Luxury Home’s Willow tabletop line ($8-$32, http://www.bonton.com/). The ruffled design is feminine and whimsical and all pieces in the collection are microwave and dishwasher safe. I also love KN’s Rattan Charger ($12) new Thicket 20-Piece Flatware Set ($86), which is adorned with a nature-like design, perfect for summer.”

Don't pass up this chance to win and enjoy your Memorial Day!

CHINOISERIE CHIC

For those of you who haven't yet discovered the new blog Chinoiserie Chic, you are in for a real treat. Prolific blogger and lover of all things chic, Beth Connolly, has recently expanded into new territory with another great blog in addition to her Style Redux. She features all things Chinoiserie and I want thank her for her recent post on my work and kind mentions. I could not resist including a photo of her dog, Isabella, resting comfortably on her Chinoiserie tuffet from Pixie Dust Decor. Check out these sites this weekend and have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day!

PIXIE DUST DECOR

I am loving this photo that is part of a new look book that my friend Stacy McCallum is putting together for her charming children's line, Pixie Dust Decor. She has everything to make a child's environment gorgeous! If you are looking to decorate your nursery, playroom, or child's bedroom, or even just to pick out a gift for a new arrival, be sure you stop by her site and see what everyone is raving about!

AIRSTREAMS, ANYONE??

Seeing spots, but it's very dreamy in here.

I am digging this outdoor courtyard at the Grand Daddy, in Capetown, South Africa!

Looks like each trailer "home" has it's own name and mailbox.

This is their restaurant.....I am certainly not getting any Denny's flashbacks in here....are you?

Have you ever wanted to rent an RV and go on an adventure?
I have to admit, not since I was about 5 has that idea held any appeal for me. When I was in kindergarten, a family I carpooled with bought a gleaming Airstream trailer and parked it in their back driveway. I thought that it was heaven on wheels. The bathroom is what impressed me the most - mobile facilities! I couldn't get over it. I could have spent hours hanging out in the trailer, just pretending we were headed somewhere exciting. It was so cozy and the novelty of the whole experience left quite an impression on me at the time. Fast forward a few years, and for a kid cursed with motion sickness, the idea of any extended travel in a moving vehicle held no appeal. Not to mention the nasty, nubby upholstery and really bad decor in most RV's. Like those blinds Denny's restaurants used to have, that looked like someone wound dirty brown, yellow and orange yarn in between the slats. GAG.

Apparently, things have changed a bit, although, with an economic downturn and gas prices still fairly high, I am not exactly chomping at the bit to rent an RV. However, I have seen some cool examples lately that could soften my prejudice against them. This is a perfect option - no fuel or motion required! Check out this nifty hotel "village" located in Capetown, South Africa made entirely of Airstreams!

ALYS BEACH REVISITED

These stunning new photos are of Alys Beach, a stunning jewel of a community located on Florida's Emerald Coast.

My brother, Jeremy Harwell, took all these photos as part of a project he was working on for Alys Beach. He is an award-winning photographer, based in Atlanta. He specializes in weddings, portraiture and lifestyle photography. If you are in need of exceptional photography, he's your man!

I love the rooflines. This place is completely unique.

Last, but not least, a photo of my adorable and only niece and two darling nephews (left) and my niece and some friends (right). To see more photos in this project, check out my brother's blog or get in contact with him via his website.

MARTHA STEWART POM-POMS

I am looking for an excuse to throw some sort of bash, just so I can get a bunch of these
Martha Stewart pom-poms and hang them! There's something so appealing and summery about them. They add dimension to a room and would be great for a luncheon, shower, reception or dinner party. Heck, even a more permanent indoor decoration for Summer. Your own little installation! New colors are available now at Michaels. (click photo for enlarged view)

Have a super Spring Weekend and I will see you on Monday!

CLAYTON GRAY HOME

This stylish and colorful zebra waste basket and tissue cover are available from Annechovie's newest sponsor- Clayton Gray Home

Clayton Gray Home has a wide variety of quality, high-end home furnishings and accessories at a broad range of price points. They all have loads of style, though! This grasscloth-covered console table by Bungalow 5 makes a great first impression in a foyer. Available in white or black. I am loving the nailhead detail!

Owner Wendy Garraty has a knack for stocking pieces that make great decorating staples or even gifts. I love this practical laminated bag set - you can purchase just one from the collection or the entire set. Looks very chic Palm Beach to me in this canary yellow. Perfect!

This platter and matching plate collection is perfect for Summer entertaining - created by the professor of illustration at SCAD, Allan Drummond, with charming French coastal village scenes. How perfect for a patio soiree?

I am so excited to have Clayton Gray Home on board as one of Annechovie's new sponsors! Proprietor and style maven Wendy Garraty has put together an amazing collection of hip furniture, accessories and gifts that are all available online. Check out her amazing selection here, you don't want to miss it!

2 FOR 1 PRINT SALE!!!

This week only! Buy one print, get one free from my Etsy shop. A tremendous value now until this Saturday, May 16th. Just purchase one print and in the "note to seller" section, specify which free print you want and I will send it off to you with your order!

*Free print must be of equal or lesser value.

URBAN FLEA

I want to say thanks and give a shout-out to Katherine Lee of Urban Flea for her post on my work last week. Katherine is a former Domino staffer now residing in Chicago. She describes herself as "being on a relentless quest to fuse the best of high and low design, bringing a global urban flea market mash-up to the masses. I'm also a burgeoning interior decorator and prop stylist who dreams of starting up her own business some day. Until then, this blog is my outlet! I believe that no matter the price or the place it comes from, good design is good design, and no one should be barred from enjoying the beautiful things life has to offer." Now, how democratic is that? Who can resist checking out a design blog of someone so likable AND talented?
Thank you, Katherine!

TUCKER BLAIR

Taylor Llewellyn (above) is a Georgetown-based entrepreneur whose story goes like this:
He graduated from Colgate University only to find himself very quickly disenchanted with his job and life in corporate America. So, in 2007, he set about creating a company that would offer high quality needlepoint accessories with high style, minus the high markup. What we now have as a result is Tucker Blair, a classic and stylish line offering fashion accessories with primo quality, available at an affordable price because there's no middle man. Genius.

Let's get to know the guy behind it all.....Taylor was nice enough to fill us in on a few personal details here.....

Do you have a motto?
I have a book full of them, I add to it every time I hear a good quote!

What's your favorite color?
Anything bright – love my Nantucket reds

What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A pitcher for the Boston Red Sox – and I still plan on being that when I grow up!

What is something that is essential to your success/well-being as a person and business owner?
Staying busy and active – busy people always get the most done. I make sure to go running 5 or 6 times a week. Great way to clear my head and I also have some of my best ideas during those long runs.

Where were you born?
San Francisco

Favorite food?
Mashed potatoes

What's your pet peeve?
Wasted time/inefficiency – time is the most valuable resource and not using it effectively gets me every time.

3 words you'd use to describe yourself?
energetic, passionate, stubborn

When did you start Tucker Blair?
Started Tucker Blair in July ‘07, but it took about 8 months from that date until we launched our site/products.

I am loving these lobster flip-flops, soon to be available.

Tucker Blair also carries a wide variety of these great key fobs.

How adorable is this headband in a classic Rep Stripe?

And last, but not least, the needlepoint belt - the mainstay.

Check out all of the great Tucker & Blair pieces here.....international shipping is available also!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I would like to wish my mother a very Happy Mother's Day! I have been blessed with an incredible mother and friend in her. She has always offered a listening ear, guiding hand, loving arms and a strong shoulder to cry on (or sit on, as in the photo above). Her love and encouragement have been a tremendous source of inspiration to me since Day 1.
I love you, MOM!

I also want to send out my very best to all of the wonderful moms who read this blog - have a very special day!

KAREN ALBERT EXHIBITION

A sample of Karen Albert's work I would like to congratulate my friend, fellow artist and blogger, Karen Albert, on her new solo show opening tonight in Kansas City. I wish I was closer and could attend, but I encourage any readers nearby to take advantage of the chance to see her contemporary work, tour the historic building and meet the gracious and talented artist themselves! Reception is from 5:30 - 9 and refreshments are provided.

ME LIKEY!

This is a portrait I painted of Joni Webb's dog, Georgie.

I would like to thank Lori Spears of blog "Me Likey" for her mini interview and post on my pet portraits last week! Lori is a talented photographer herself and authors "Me Likey" with Sonia Zjawinski. Thank you so much!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * ANNA CORBA

Anna Corba and her dog, Caylus

Anna Corba is a prolific San Franciso-based artist whose work is well-known and loved. She was awarded "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2006 by Country Living. I was introduced to her work through my 91 year old grandfather, who gave me her web address. My grandparents are neighbors of her parents in Michigan, so I was pleased when I contacted her and she graciously agreed to share a bit about herself with us.

Do you have a motto?
"Listen to your heart....the depth of your desire will take you exactly where you need to go..."
What's your favorite color?
It's a tie...sage green and robin's egg blue.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A teacher, a dancer, a poet.

Anna has authored 3 books, including Vintage Papercrafts with Anna Corba (above)

Are you married? Children? Pets?
I've been with my husband for 20 years. We never had children but our mixed breed dog, Caylus, was the love of our lives.
What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist?
My studio, my collections of French ephemera, my bowls full of ribbon, artwork by friends and others who inspire me, the french china cups I drink coffee from in the morning and the magazine 'British Country Living'.
What do you love most about living in San Francisco?
The green winters filled with rosemary and lavender and blue skies, the open, liberal attitude that permeates the culture, the love of fresh earth rich food, great flea markets and a handful of colorful shops filled with just what I need to keep my work life inspired.
Where were you born?
Akron, Ohio!

What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?
The financial roller coaster, the necessity of juggling what seems like millions of balls just to make ends meet, the explosion in the last decade of imagery and objects and how to stay fresh and original amidst an overwhelming array of options.
Pet peeve?
Being in a rush, not taking time to notice detail or simple beauty and sensation.

Favorite food?
All food related to breakfast!...pastries, french toast, scrambled eggs, great coffee with cream, fresh fruit...
3 words you'd use to describe yourself
Soft, quiet, organized, diligent, sentimental.

Thank you, Anna! Check out more of her work here at Found Cat Studio

ECONO-CHIC

How cool is this? A beautiful, functional piece of art. I love the organic form. This is a hand-blown sea urchin vase from Urban Indigo and you CANNOT believe what a great deal it is. Urban Indigo has some very unique gift items for the creative person who doesn't get excited over the generic types of gifts that most stores stock. Something fresh and totally "econo-chic"!

SANDE CHASE & OOOH LA LA CADEAU

Hummingbird Flutter

Bridge Tally

Glamour Memo

Green Tea

Natural Wonder

Mademoiselle

Limone

Talk about eye candy and clever gift solutions, if you haven't seen OoohLaLaCadeau yet, you are missing a lot! My charming Canadian friend, Sande Chase, is a former interior designer with an incredible eye and a gift for putting together some of the most visually appealing gifts I have ever seen. Her elegant packaging alone will knock your socks off! Her latest addition will soon be an entire wrapping supply section - I can't wait to see her selection, as Sande is a genius with presentation. She also authors a charming blog A Gift Wrapped Life, which you are sure to enjoy as well.

VICKY'S YARD SALE

Fellow artist and blogger Victoria Molinelli is now running a stylish online store Vicky's Yard Sale, where you can personally benefit from her artist's sharp eye and unerring sense of style. What could be more "green" than recycling decorative items that others have cast aside and adopting them as treasures of your own? Have a wonderful weekend!