MERCI

Pretty Haus

Brilliant Chic

Aesthetic Oiseau

Brown Trading

Visual Vamp

Style Key West

Visual Vamp 

Chic Cottage Charm

Monaco Interiors

It's very important to me to acknowledge the people in my life who do nice things for me and others. Not enough people in this world say thank you or take the time to show their appreciation for what they've been given and God spare me from ever falling into that category!

So many fellow bloggers have supported me and mentioned my work over the last few years, and without them and YOU - my readers - I'd just be painting in total obscurity with only a small percentage of the inspiration and motivation that I am blessed with right now. Having said that, I want to take today to thank all of these blogs that have been gracious enough to write nice things or feature one of my products. Drop by and say hello to these great people and thanks for your support and readership as well. 

Pat yourself on the back! I appreciate YOU!

MY DAD PAINTS PROVENCE & THE GREEK ISLES

I hope that you had a nice weekend! 

Things here in Florida are hot and steamy, as is typical for this time of year. 

I want to share with you a few oil paintings that my talented Father has done recently, all with a Mediterranean theme. The first two are scenes in Provence, the second pair in the Greek Isles.  The originals, as well as prints, are available here with more details in my etsy shop.

IT'S TIME.....

I spotted these in a cool surf shop recently and loved them! This perky little timekeeper by Nixon - the "Timekeeper P" comes in 28 different colors, but these were my faves.....great for Summer and conveniently water-resistant to 100 meters..available here. The problem would be choosing THE best color!
Now it's time for the weekend - I hope yours is a great one!

CHIC COTTAGE CHARM

Erin over at Chic Cottage Charm sent me this photo of her Suzani patterned sofa that looks a LOT like my "Suzani Settee" print that is available here. Check out her charming blog that journals her finds and progress as she and her husband remodel their charming cottage in Virginia. 

INTRODUCING.........

I have been pretty busy gearing up to launch a second shop on etsy, AnnechovieVintage!!

I sell a lot of antique French Limoge china, some depression glass and a few other old treasures, but all at reasonable prices.  Some of it is family stuff - even a few pieces from my great-grandmother. You can check it out for yourself right here and come back often as I continue to add new merchandise.

French Limoge box from my shop

antique French Limoge demitasse teacup/saucer

WELCOME, MARY KAISER, LTD.

I wanted to introduce you to a new sponsor for Annechovie blog, Mary Kaiser, Ltd.

I am thrilled to have her link over on the right side of the blog and encourage you all to visit her great website and online store! Mary is a very talented artist/designer who created the original collage trend for furniture years ago and has since expanded into a multitude of different products and designs. Her line includes, but is not limited to, stationery, accessories for the home, and handbags.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

MATCHBOOK MAGAZINE & MATCHBOXES

I love the new online magazine MATCHBOOK!  It was very exciting to recently have my new matchboxes featured on their blog here. I would like to say a huge thank-you to them and to all of you who are so supportive!

Check out the latest issue of MATCHBOOK here

"LUXE-FUMES" PAINTING NO. 2

I hope that you had a nice weekend!

This week, I've got the second painting in my new "Luxe Fumes" series for you. It's a Diptyque fragrance and is painted in painstaking detail with acrylic on wood gallery panel.  The background is done in a rich raspberry strie. The original is for sale, and prints as well (for large posters by special order - contact me here.) These pieces are great for a bathroom, dressing room, heck, any area. Wouldn't it be great to give a friend a painting or print of their trademark fragrance? Go here to buy or get more details. 

INTO THE SUDS....

As some of you who have been reading this blog for the past 4 years may know, I am a clean freak and a slight germaphobe!  That said, I do like my soap and prefer to use something that smells wonderful and has great packaging to boot.  I am not currently in the market for a soap dispenser, but if I was, this Banho Portugese soap would be next on my list.  I believe in spending a decent amount to get a great dispenser, but I have to admit that I care more about the soap having attractive packaging than the actual luxuriousness/authenticity of its origins.  As long as the soap smells great and is effective, I am not a snob and certainly not picky about which actual soap is in the great container......

My studio sink

My soap (although I cheated and re-filled it with patchouli-scented soap). The authentic Savon de Marseilles soaps are great, but the best thing about them is the glass container and the fact that no matter how cheap the soap you may re-fill the dispenser with, it always looks fantastic!  Definitely worth the initial investment many times over.  What do you use and which brand appeals to you the most?  

Here's hoping that you all have a fantastic weekend!

ANNECHOVIE IN IVY & PIPER

There are a lot of new online design/decor magazines available now, but one of my very favorites is Australian publication  Ivy & Piper. The women behind it, Melanie Parker and Elizabeth Raptis, really know how to put together all the right elements and their taste is flawless!  I was honored to be featured in the "Favorite Blogger" feature of their most recent issue. A huge thanks to Elizabeth and Melanie!!

 If you haven't added Ivy & Piper to your reading list yet, be sure to check it out here - you won't be disappointed!

NEW SERIES - "LUXE-FUMES"

I have been working on quite a few new ideas here in my little cottage/studio.  Summer is the "off" season for me, but as busy as ever because I try to work on ideas that I've been mulling, but have not been able to do during the "very busy" season.  I have a new series that has been painted over the past few months. It's called "Luxe-Fumes" and is all about classic fragrances.....and the beauty of packaging. Even though they've been finished for a while, I am going to bring them out one at a time!  This week I am starting with an old school beauty, Acqua di Parma painted in painstaking detail with acrylic on wood gallery panel.  The original is for sale, and prints as well (for large posters by special order - contact me here.) These pieces are great for a bathroom, dressing room, heck, any area. Wouldn't it be great to give a friend a painting or print of their trademark fragrance? Go here to buy or get more details.  

FAKING IT....

Generally speaking, the term "faking it" doesn't usually carry positive connotations. 

Lord knows there's enough fakes and disingenuous people in this world. When it comes to the sun and getting some color, faking it can be a very good thing!  I was allowed to sample this great line of Borghese bronzing products that combine quality and protection with a subtle and believable color. It leaves you glowing without running the risk of looking like a Snooki wannabe or an artificial pageant queen.  I especially love the Summer Glow tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 - it goes on like a dream without looking like makeup and provides protection, moisture and color without being heavy or masque-like.

Find it for yourself here or at your favorite beauty counter.

Have a wonderful first weekend of June, everyone!

LIGHT MY FIRE.......

O' come all ye pyromaniacs and suckers for cute packaging! 

Brand new to my shop, here are 2 different designs of decorative matchboxes featuring my "Royal Worcester Jar on Pink" and my "Blue and White Ginger Jar" on orange. Each style contains 3 boxes of 20 white-tipped wood matches. These make a great party favor or small hostess gift to accompany a great candle. Can be re-filled once matches have disappeared. Image is on both sides of box, with pink or orange spine on one side, striking side on the other. Looks chic placed next to a distinctive candle or in a small dish or ashtray. 

For the person who deserves something a bit more stylish than an ordinary utilitarian matchbox....isn't that YOU?

They are available here!