HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FLORIDA!!

While celebrating Christmas last weekend at my sister's home, I snapped this photo with a 10 foot marlin that hangs in her entrance hall - I loved the Santa hat on its fin.

Decorating ceases to be fun when it gets too serious.....

Thanks to all of you for your support throughout 2010. I so enjoy sharing life with you and getting to know so many of you! Here's to 2011 and a lot of fun, ideas and camaraderie ahead. 

 Have a safe and Happy New Years celebration!

See you in 2011!!!

50% OFF SALE EXTENDED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR!

Due to an overwhelming response, my 50% off sale is being extended and I am "hanging on" for the rest of 2010. Sale ends at 12:00 am EST Saturday morning. Until then, keep those orders coming, my friends. I am a busy girl! Includes all prints, canvases and originals left in my shop.

Thanks for all of your support!!

50% OFF SALE!

DON'T MISS THIS ANNUAL SALE!!

Everything left in my shop, including PRINTS, CANVASES, and SOME ORIGINALS IS
 50% OFF HERE
Type in code: CMAS50
at checkout to automatically tabulate discount

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Rembrandt

As I celebrate Christmas, I am reminded, once again, what it's all about. The music, the food, the decorations, the sales, the times with family and friends - all are a great part of life. I hope to take away something much more, though. I want to remember what I was put on earth for, and why my Saviour humbled Himself to become a baby. It's a time to forgive the people who abuse and take more than their share, to extend grace to the unloveable and weak, to live giving out unselfishly to others and to embrace deeply the people who have loved us. In short, to exist for a purpose much greater than ourselves and our own ends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for reading this blog and being a very important part of my life. May the Source of Christmas be a reality in your life and may this Season make a lasting impression on your hearts!!

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

PAUL SMITH + MINI + CORGI = CLASSIC COOL

Ok, I know you're probably thinking, not ANOTHER post on Mini Cooper!!  

Please indulge me for a second - I couldn't resist showing this miniature Mini with Paul Smith's signature stripes. I can't help thinking what a kicky little accessory it would be to have around to "up" the fun factor at home - forget the fact that I don't have kids. It combines 3 things I love, Paul Smith's design, stripes and Mini Cooper. It's made by classic British toy brand Corgi and available here. What a perfect stocking stuffer!

YA'LLTIDE

I spotted this wreath in Living, Etc. and thought it was refreshingly different hung horizontally. I like. I also dig the weathered green table and antique bird cage with candles. What is your take on it?

BLING FROM BALTIMORE......and A SALE AT ANNECHOVIE!

Thanks to fellow blogger Nelle Somerville, my little Christmas tree now has some dignity. The bare stand is gone, and a little bling is definitely increasing the holiday cheer factor. Nelle wrote and offered to send some silver lame' fabric to dress up the base. Goes with my flashy pink tinsel tree perfectly. Aren't fellow bloggers the best? Enjoy 20% off all items in my shop today with the code: TREE20

Enjoy your last weekend before Christmas and I'll see you back here on Monday!!

IVY AND PIPER GIFT GUIDE

I'd like to thank the fabulous new online magazine Ivy and Piper for featuring my topiary painting (lower right hand corner) in their holiday issue gift guide. Click here to see their fabulous Mini Issue for yourself. It's full of fabulous decor and gift ideas!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING....

I am a huge fan of Australian gourmet/lifestyle guru Donna Hay. She takes anything Martha Stewart has done to an entirely new level with way more artistic panache. I love these pop-up gift wrapping ideas and her recipes are nothing short of incredible. If you aren't already familiar with her lifestyle site and magazine, please follow the link above and check out her offerings for yourself - you won't be disappointed!

IF CHARLIE BROWN WAS A GIRL......

the tree might look something like this......I can't decide whether to cover the base of my little tree with a blanket - Linus-style - or to leave it alone to enhance the pitiful effect.....what do you think? Cast your vote!!

HAVE A COZY WEEKEND!

KELLY MARKET

I'd like to thank Atlantan Kelly Ottinger and her cool site Kelly Market for including my "Do Not Trifle With Me" poster in her gift guide for foodies. Being a foodie myself, it was fun being included. What little time I spend watching TV, is usually on the Food Network and eating is one of my greatest joys in life. I would love living abroad in different cities, painting nothing but the unique culinary offerings of each place.

This time of year I look forward to roasted chestnuts, brie, home-made shortbread, roasted turkey (mostly for the golden skin) and butternut squash, heavy on the butter! What delicacies do you enjoy this time of year?

MONDAY GRATITUDE

Driftwood Interiors 

Table Tonic 

Oliveaux

Hello Lover

Jenesequa 

Barefoot in the Orchard 

French Essence

I hope that you had a great weekend! Can you believe that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away? I am working feverishly to get my work out to clients in time. I'd also like to wish a very Happy Hanukkah to all of my wonderful Jewish readers!!

Many thanks to all of the bloggers above who have written on my work recently. I am continually amazed at the support and kindness that I have met with from my fellow bloggers, readers and customers. Words cannot express how appreciative I am for each of you.

(Click on the titles of the blogs to read each post.)

MY SUNNY SPOT

This is a corner of my cozy little cottage where I work and live. I love all of the light that comes streaming through the windows.  I wish you all a sunny, relaxing weekend!

MARISKA IN MIAMI

Fellow artist, designer and blogger Mariska Meijers is coming to Miami during Art Basel.

She will be exhibiting her colorful and chic paintings beginning Friday, December 3, 2010 at Bobby Berk Home in the Design District Miami at 53 NE 40th Street . Contact phone is 305 603 7495. I encourage anyone who will be in town to stop by and support this extraordinary artist and wonderful person!