Monday, April 29, 2013

THANK YOU, BLOGGERS!





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!!

Friday, April 26, 2013

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.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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

Monday, April 22, 2013

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.

Friday, April 19, 2013

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!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

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

Monday, April 15, 2013

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


Friday, April 12, 2013

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.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

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!

Monday, April 8, 2013

THE KEYS FOR RELAXATION


This is dining alfresco at Morada Bay Cafe, a great spot for lunch 
and even better for a sunset dinner. 

Last week I took a little trip down to my sister and brother-in-laws house in the Florida Keys (which is for sale here, btw). Islamorada to be exact.  Even though I've been living in Florida for 6 years now, I had yet to visit the infamous Keys.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time and was, once again, awed by the natural beauty of my adopted state, especially the water. Breathtaking! Here's my little synopsis and a few highlights. I may spread these out in a couple of posts.


Pretty nice view, right?


Fish tacos are a staple favorite of mine, so guess what I ordered?


this is the sister establishment of Morada Bay Cafe, Pierre's


I love how the outdoor tables are painted in such charming colors - right up my alley!
I can't decide which color combo I like best.




Old Florida style with a tin roof, hot pink shutters and periwinkle blue trim.


If you're ever in Islamorada, I would definitely recommend stopping in for ambience and a little refreshment


Find your place in the sun (or shade)!
Check it out here

Friday, April 5, 2013

BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY IN DECOR


I know it's been a trend for a while now, but beach photography in decor is something I never get bored with. Just like being at the beach, its' appeal doesn't wane with me. This piece is from London-based Etsy artist/photographer Keri Bevan and is a steal. Check out some of her other prints also, like this beautiful Paris rooftop scene - timeless and chic!


It just makes me happy to look at her work.
All here.
Here's hoping you enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

SPRING FLINGS


This Spring, I find a certain color combo jumping out at me everywhere and I am embracing it wholeheartedly! It involves variations of coral/aqua or pistachio/apricot. Can't get enough!!


I wanted to try some coral-ly lipstick, Sort of a Doris Day/Slim Aarons poolside 60's vibe.

Then there's the bamboo hoop earrings I just got from C. Wonder. For me, it's the small things and the COLORFUL things.
What about you? Any color combos you've been drawn to this Spring??

Monday, April 1, 2013

CRAVE JEWELS COUPON








Last week I featured a beautiful necklace by CRAVE and it was a big hit. Since then, owner/designer Erin Garrity contacted me and graciously offered a 10% discount on her site to all of my readers with this code: ANNECHOVIE
Pick up something gorgeous for yourself or a friend to complete your Spring fashion look. 
Here's a great little backstory Erin gave me on the origins of CRAVE. One night she had dinner plans with her boyfriend and decided to make a necklace to wear that evening. At dinner, a woman approached her, asking her where she got her necklace. Erin replied, "I made it!" the woman asked if she had a website and at the time, Erin did not, so she asked how much the necklace was. Erin gave her a price and she bought it right off of her neck!  Elated and inspired, Erin went home to create more and more necklaces and that was how Crave was born!! Check out her terrific shop HERE and be sure to use code ANNECHOVIE at checkout to get your 10% discount.
 
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000028477615