IVY AND PIPER DECEMBER ISSUE

One of the perks of being caught up with work now is the luxury of catching up on some of my online reading.

One of my regular faves these day is Aussie mag Ivy and Piper and it was fun to see one of my prints (above) hanging on the gallery wall of their new headquarters in the December issue.

Co-founders Elizabeth Raptis and Melanie Parker have a phenomenal sense of style and are crazy nice to boot . Check out the gorgeous (and free!) December issue here.

Hope you have a very safe NYE and that 2012 is full of peace and good things for you!

MORE MATCHES SANS MONOGRAM....

I hope that you are having a relaxing, festive and enjoyable holiday! I definitely had a wonderful Christmas and am heading out of town for a week tomorrow - very excited.

All of my matches have been going like hotcakes lately. By popular demand, I am now offering the blue and white ginger jar WITHOUT monogram as well. A little late for Christmas now, but something to consider for yourself or a hostess anytime in the coming year. Available in my shop now HERE

MERCI and MERRY

Pink Pagoda

Design Darling 

Mrs. Dalrymple

Particularity

I still cannot believe it's the last Monday before Christmas!

This elf has been majorly busy in the workshop getting out some special gifts for my clients to give. Things are winding down and although there's still a little time left, I am getting ready to really celebrate and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and enjoy this season with my loved ones. 

Many wonderful things have happened in my life this year, mixed right in with the challenges. I thank God for each and every good thing, not least of which are all of my wonderful readers, customers and fellow bloggers who so generously support and promote my work.  Above are just a few of these bloggers and I'd like to thank the from the bottom of my heart, as well as all of you!

Enjoy your day and savor this special season..........

CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS & FREE SHIPPING TODAY!!

This is what it looks like all decked out for Christmas here in Southwest Florida.

This tree is located in the charming 3rd Avenue shopping district in Olde Naples.  I couldn't resist snapping a photo of this gorgeous tree with the almost full moon in the background as I left Tommy Bahama's after a delicious meal of fish tacos with my Sister and Mother.

This charming pink stucco building houses a women's designer boutique and I love how they strung the lights on the palm trees.

And another sunset at the beach.......

There's still time to find some great gifts and stocking stuffers at my shop in time for Christmas and 

FREE SHIPPING TODAY with code: SHIPFREE!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

A WHOLE NEW TWIST ON "WALLPAPER"

Talk about color and some time consuming tasks.....designer Doug Meyer and his brother, Gene, covered their entire NYC apartment with 2,398 sheets of colored paper.  Pretty nifty!  Check it out online at New York Magazine here. 

ANNECHOVIE ORIGINALS ON SALE FOR GIFT-GIVING

Stumped as far as what to give?  I still have about 20 original paintings for sale now in my shop, as well as prints that can come framed and great stocking stuffers like note cards and cute matches. Just enter code: LOYAL15 in at etsy checkout to receive 15% discount. You can be sure that no one will be duplicating your gift!  Check out all originals here 

DIANE JAMES HOME HOLIDAY GIVE-AWAY WINNER!!

Kate at Party Resources blog has won the random drawing for the Diane James Home Give-Away!

Congratulations, Kate! Please email me your mailing address so that we can ship your gifts off.

Thanks to all of you for your participation!

STYLE IN SPADES

I couldn't resist posting a few pics of the new Kate Spade store in London.  I love all of the spunk and color in the space and the way the Spade line always manages to walk the tightrope between traditional and funky. 

Just my cuppa tea, to use the local vernacular. 

Hope you enjoy your weekend and I will see you back here on Monday!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Diane James Home Give-Away if you haven't already! Drawing is on Monday!

COTTAGE COMFORT

Happy Wednesday! I have now recovered from some serious printing issues (read: unexpected passing of my printer) that had delayed my shop orders going out, but things have now been remedied by the arrival of my new printer and I am now caught up.  I apologize to my customers for a slight delay. Printers seem to go on the fritz when you have the most orders to send out! This time of year is my busiest, so I strive to get orders out in a timely manner while completing the commissions that my valued clients will be giving their peeps. I am skipping town after Christmas for a whole week away and I am looking forward to it!

On a design note, I just love this room and the casual elegance it exudes.

Antiques without the "dark and heavy".  I only wish I knew the source....if you can help me out, I'd be grateful. 

DIANE JAMES HOME HOLIDAY GIVE-AWAY

Diane James Home is a name synonymous with exquisite quality and unique style, so I am very proud to be hosting this generous holiday give-away from them to my wonderful readers!  

To enter, you must "like" Diane James Home on Facebook and leave a comment here on Annechovie about your favorite design or gift from Diane James Home.  The lucky winner will receive all three items above valued at almost $500 dollars!! Winner will be chosen on December 12th.

Please be sure your comment is linked to or includes your email address so that you can be notified if you're the winner.

Commenters that neglect to do the following 3 tasks will be disqualified from being included in the random.com drawing;

1)"like" Diane James Home on Facebook

2) add feedback on annechovie after visiting the DJH site 

3) list or link to a legitimate email address for contact in case of winning

Best to you all!

HOLIDAY HOSTESS GIFTS!

I'd love to thank Kelly Ottinger of spectacular blog Kelly Market for including my monogrammed ginger jar matches in her hostess gifts holiday round-up this week along with many other unique gift items. I am just getting started on my shopping list, but time is running out quickly. Yikes!!

Hope you have an excellent weekend!

LUNCH QUICK FIX

Lately I have become hooked on quinoa after a friend introduced me several months ago to the great health benefits and tasty flavor.  The terrific thing about it is that I can make a lot of it at once and it keeps in the fridge for a few days with no nasty repercussions. I actually prefer eating it cold for lunch, with a variety of ingredients, depending on what I have at the time.  Tossing in some smoked salmon, spinach, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, slivered and roasted almonds, whatever. I also like to add a little splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of kosher salt and I am good to go.  Makes a healthy, filling and satisfying lunch without any "eater's remorse".  Do you like quinoa? How do you eat yours'? 

THANK YOU & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Stylesson

Lona De Anna

A Peek Inside My World

I'd like to thank these fantastic blogs for their kind mentions lately!! I am so thankful for all of my readers, customers and fellow bloggers. I am also very thankful for the life God has given me and for my loved ones. 

** for all of you who may have been eyeing something in my shop lately, you can soon acquire it at a considerable discount. I am having a 25% off sale Friday only!

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful week!!!

CHICAGO SPACES

Photos reprinted with permission from Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors, by Jan Parr and the editors of Chicago Home + Garden, Agate Surrey, October 2011

Having just spent some time in Chicago myself, I was especially interested to check out this great new book published by Agate that showcases some of the Windy City's most stylish homes. It was created by Jan Parr and the editors of Chicago Home & Garden and features gorgeous photos that invite you into some of the most outstanding interiors of this amazing metropolis so well known for its architecture. 

A few photos from my fabulous time in Chicago - Navy Pier and the Chicago Skyline

At the historic landmark Chicago Water Tower

Marilyn has got to be freezing.....   

Here's hoping you have a warm and wonderful weekend! 

TEA WITH THE QUEEN IN MIAMI BEACH

This is an entirely hand made collage that features cantaloupe silhouette of Queen Elizabeth 2's profile on an aqua background. It's like tea with the Queen in Miami Beach!! Very strong graphic quality. Sort of what I'd call neo-traditional pop art and perfect for gift-giving. Work is mounted on an 5x7 board, ready for framing or even perfect on its own! Limited edition piece signed and numbered by artist on the back.  

Layered with non-yellowing protective coating and available here. 

ROOMS BY KATIE RIDDER

The name Katie Ridder is synonymous in the design world for color and style.  She has a gift for blending the tried and true with the hip and unexpected. Vendome has recently released a wonderfully book illustrated with 240 full color photos highlighting some of her best work.  If you think the cover is attractive, just wait until you get the chance to peruse the pages........

This living room is just a sample of her style - love the variety of surfaces, texture and color

I thought this kitchen in Virginia was absolutely stunning.

and again, a prime example of her versatility in this pink, sans-the-fluff bedroom she created for her own daughter.  Just another winner in the Vendome library that would also make a lovely gift during the upcoming Holidays (hint, hint). More detailed information and availability can be found here.

SUPER SALE AT HARRISON HOWARD

Fellow artist and friend Harrison Howard is having a rare sale on his amazing work.  This is your chance to get a significant savings on his limited edition fine art prints. Harrison is internationally known for his colorful and detailed work and has completed private commissions for some of America's most prominent families and decorators. The 25% off sale runs today through November 18th so hurry and check out the goods here.

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!

YOUR FAVORITE FRAGRANCE.....

I just wanted to share a commission I recently completed for a client who wanted a very special gift for a friend in NY whose favorite perfume is "Angel" and who is also a big collector of contemporary art.

What a thoughtful and generous gesture - a perfect idea for unique holiday gift-giving.

Whether it's your home, child, pet or a favorite perfume, I would be honored to capture the beauty of it for you. There's still a little time to get on my list so that your commission is ready for holiday giving, so don't hesitate to contact me for more information here . 

MINTED AND HIP HOLIDAY CARDS

Minted.com has some of the coolest holiday card choices (besides mine on etsy, of course!)

The design I chose was by French designer Cecile @ Paper Lounge. Love her style! 

I then uploaded my photo (I had a lot of fun being creative with photoshop to add my face to Jackie's bod to create a sort of retro-spoof card this year) The process is so easy and snag-free. You basically just pick a winner from one of their hundreds of hip designs and upload your own photo (or in my case, just my face to someone elses' photo!) You add the text desired and they send you a proof via email for approval before it goes to press.

Easy as pie, quick as a wink and cute as a bug. I was very impressed. 

Check out their site for both HOLIDAY and NEW YEARS cards. You won't be disappointed!

CRASH CANDLES AND ANGELA ADAMS

I was lucky to receive this adorable Angela Adams design fragrant soy candle from Crash Candles in the mail.

There are a myriad of great designs and scents available and they are all eco-friendly and make a great accessory to brighten up your space or give as a gift!  Check out all the great options from several hip designers here.

Have a wonderful first weekend of November!

TEA CANISTERS

I saw this great collection on Absolutely Beautiful Things a while back.

This is a pattern by Daher of Long Island that was made in England. My mom had several like these when I was a little scrapper in the 70's. These are from a vintage etsy shop here.

Here is another in the same pattern, but an unusual shape I have never seen before. This is available on etsy from this dealer.

I love the pattern on this tray, reminiscent of my childhood and available here.

and for those of you who are blue & white fans, here's another great piece.

Have you ever heard of Daher?  What kind of vintage items appeal to you? 

CB2 ARCHITECT DESK AND A HACK

This desk from CB2 really appeals to me with the clean lines and "lightness" of the frame. The only thing I might be compelled to alter is the color of the chalkboard desk surface.  It's no secret I am a girl who loves color and now that chalkboard paint has witnessed a color revolution, I might have to hack this little number with some brightly colored horizontal stripes. I am just considering the possibilities - but on sale at $199 it may be sucking me in! Check it out here.  

NEW CHRISTMAS CARD!

It has become a tradition now for me to create a new holiday card each year. I have already been bombarded with loyal clients asking me when this year's cards would be available, so today marks the debut of my 2011 Holiday card on my Etsy site. These are also available with personalized printing. For more info on personalization, feel free to contact me here. Also, the cards from previous years (below) will be available as well, so order now and get a jump on the Season!

Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

PALM BEACH GLAM REVISITED

Loving this burst of color via a vintage necklace from one of my fellow Etsy dealers here.

This gives me ideas......inspiration is everywhere!