BEARS REPEATING.....

Ok, I am well aware that these photos of Aerin Lauder's Hamptons home from the current issue of Elle Decor have already been well-circulated across the web. I cannot help it, though. Her style is just so appealing and fresh that I had to post it yet once again. I admire her knack for mixing traditionalism with unexpected color and details, warding off the stodge factor completely. The pool/poolhouse is the picture of refined refreshment and the breakfast nook and banquette with kid's art and chippendale bamboo chairs....what can I say? Perfect! American style at it's best!

SIGNING OFF EARLY....

As the Independence Day Holiday approaches for us here in the States, I am going to sign off a day early. I will leave you with this stunning coral-effect mirror from one of this blog's sponsors, Clayton Gray Home.

I hope that all of you in the US have a fantastic holiday and that the rest of you, wherever you may be reading from, have a very enjoyable weekend. I will see you next week!

MY SISTER'S ETSY SHOP

Her blog

My sister, Elisabeth, real estate agent, fantastic chef AND blog banner guru is multi-talented. With with a little prodding from her big sis, she has now also ventured into the world of Etsy with a banner design shop.

She and her husband enjoy living on the water, deep sea fishing and spending time in the Florida Keys. This tropical influence is evident in her work!

In her Etsy shop, she sells customized blog banners for dressing up your blog. This is her Chinoiserie Design.

Sea Life

Star Rosa

She also offers additional styles that are customizable and is available to create custom designs for your specific needs. Check out her Etsy shop here.

SUMMER EYE CANDY

SUMMER EYE CANDY by ANNECHOVIE on Polyvore.com

MYKONOS MONDAY

This is an oil painting of an alley in Mykonos, done by my father. I really like the tranquil quality with the deep blues of the water and sky. I would like to wish my dad all the best as he is recovering from some cancer surgery last week. Thank God, he came through it well, but it has been a tough time. Hopefully he will be back feeling 100% recuperated soon. This original oil on board (as well as prints) is available. Feel free to contact me here with any questions.

AT HOME IN HOUSTON

(Click image to enlarge)
A portrait of this beautiful new home in Houston was recently completed for my client and fellow blogger, Averill, of Ode et Amo, for her parents. What a thoughtful housewarming gift! I am available to do the same for you, or as a gift for someone special. Please don't hesitate to contact me for more information here.
Have a great weekend!

BLOGGER HUG

Thanks to Sanity Fair and Paris Breakfasts for the very kind mentions today! I so appreciate both of you. I am constantly encouraged and amazed by all of the rewards reaped from blogging and the talented and wonderful people I am blessed to meet.

CHIC SHADES

If you've been looking for a chic pair of shades to protect your eyes from the Summer sunshine, look no further! ideeli is having a sale today on Michael Kors sunglasses with savings up to 80%!

I love this pair with bamboo detailing. Check out these eye-popping deals now here.

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * CAROL GILLOT

Artist, Francophile and blogger Carol Gillot at work

Even before I first started blogging, I read about Carol Gillot and her charming watercolor paintings on Rita Konig's Domino blog. I have since been an ardent admirer of her work. She sells originals and prints of her work on her blog and in her Etsy shop. She also authors a charming blog that features all sorts of interesting photos and information on French life and culture from her frequent trips to Paris. Her posts are filled with fascinating tidbits of information, all imbued with her affection for the City of Lights. Today, she has taken the time to give us a peek into her own background and life.

Where were you born?
Abbington Hospital in Pennsylvania at 3 AM
What would you take if your house was burning down?
My favorite old black watercolor paintbox (it was my mother's), my favorite brushes and my passport.
Best childhood memory?
Going with the family for ice cream cones every Sunday and going by myself to the 5 & 10 in Jenkintown to browse and comparison shop for my dollhouse.

Your favorite book?

"Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?

Burnt marshmallows, popcorn, coffee ice cream, milk shake, caramel macarons from Laduree, a bacon sandwich and an apple.

Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

Cold weather always!
Favorite artists?
Wayne Thiebaud, Delacroix drawings, Steinberg,
Pet peeve?
People rustling candy wrappers in the theater

Favorite travel destination?

Paris of course, then Rio...

Favorite shop?
Fauchon, when it was open in New York- I used to go religiously every Sunday to worship.

Most visited links?
Laduree

Mes Vitrines

Simon Says

Easy Fashion

What is the best thing about being an artist?
You get to paint 24/7. It's also the worst thing about being an artist - extreme focusing.

Thank you, Carol! Don't forget to visit her blog here.

MALLORCA, SPAIN

(Click on image to enlarge)
Here's another painting by my father, recently completed from a vintage photo he had of this scene. In it is the hotel he lived at during his brief residence on the island of Mallorca as a teenager in the mid '60's with his parents and sisters. He lived there for only $2 a day - and that included a 5 course dinner. I would love to live in Spain for a while and have an opportunity to paint and soak up the wonderful culture there! Both a print and the original of this piece are available - interested persons can contact me here.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I want to wish my Dad, the best man I know, a very Happy Father's Day! I love this photo because it shows my dad looking a little bit overwhelmed with us when my younger brother, Josh, came home from the hospital. My older brother looks proud and I look totally spaced out! It always makes me laugh when I see it. I am so thankful to have such a caring, encouraging and involved father, even if parenting has been a little scary at times.

Happy Father's Day to all dads out there!

RAINY DAY HEADGEAR

After a record dry Winter and Spring, we are now experiencing quite a healthy amount of rainfall (read afternoon monsoons) and some steamy temps here in South Florida. Not the ideal circumstances for good hair days! However, I think I may have found the perfect solution....or not. It occured to me that this design incorporates several popular trends now in decorating: "tented" ceilings, scallops, and a crown motif. The headaches a contraption like this could bring on just might not be worth it. Perhaps I should stick with a ponytail and save the bottle of Excedrin.

Have a wonderful weekend!

KENNETH JAY LANE @ IDEELI

Reknowned American jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane's designs are on sale today at ideeliI think the turquoise color paired with the gold is stunning for Summer~ prices start at only $12. Save up to 71% - check out the deals here!

HOUZZ.COM

Design/decor aficionados, please take a moment to check out houzz.com, It's a new site where you can create an ideabook of your favorite photos on houzz to share, and can also display them if you would like. Another resource and networking site for people who are crazy about design. Thanks to Robin for introducing me to it!

SAFFRON MARIGOLD OFFER

Saffron Marigold is a company that "stays committed to their goal of offering discerning customers a choice to own home furnishings that have a story to tell, that have been created by human hands, that are unique yet affordable, and that have imprinted upon its fibers generations of skill, culture, and tradition." This lovely new pattern above, "Morning Dew"is the first new design of 2009. The pattern consists of stately, regal diadem-like motifs in royal blue and teal with accents of orange, elegantly patterned across a pale yellow ground. They also offer many other beautiful patterns that are available in table linens, bed linens and accessories, all made with the fair-trade ethic. They are kindly offering Annechovie readers 1/2 off shipping on their first order with them placed anytime this month. All that is required is to mention this offer in the comments section during checkout. Head over there now to avail yourself of this great offer!

VIVRE SALE!

Just a couple of samples of the great offerings available on Vivre

VIVRE is having a HUGE summer sale from TODAY until Friday - both on Style and Living - 4 days only. They will have discounts of up to 60% off, and for Annechovie readers use promo code SUMEXTRA for an extra 15% off the sale on orders $350 and up.

GOING COASTAL

I hope that everyone had a nice weekend! It's getting quite toasty now that Summer is pretty much here, but when outdoors, I am keeping cool in the water. It's amazing how even just the sight of water can effectively make you feel cooler. Speaking of which, here is another Mediterranean piece by my dad, this one done with oil pastels. Both prints and the original are available. If you're interested you can contact me here.

FOR THE LOVE OF PEONIES

I have a thing for peonies, but here in Florida they are difficult to find and nearly impossible to grow. Sophie Dahy Designs can deliver an "everlasting" version here in a very country French style arrangement.....your thoughts? Have a beautiful weekend!

THE GLORIOUS GATOR

Ok, first off, I am a very bizarre mix - those of you who read this blog have probably figured that out by now. I am two parts prep mixed with one part bohemian. Having said that, my eyes always light up when I see a gator.....not just the kind that occasionally visit my backyard here in Florida, but the classic Lacoste symbol. It's a sign that great style and enduring quality are present. So, if you're a fan of Lacoste like I am, head over to ideeli because they are having a killer Lacoste sale today!

UPDATE!!!!!

Apparently, I have been operating under a severe delusion. A concerned individual from Lacoste USA in NY has just corrected me and informed me that the Lacoste logo is NOT an alligator, as I had thought all of my life, but is instead a CROCODILE!! Apparently there is a huge discrepancy and I should have examined the .75 inch emblem with a magnifying glass to detect the distinct difference! Let's chalk that up to another "blonde moment". I stand corrected...you learn something new everyday! Thank you, "Shopgirl"!

BROTHER AND SISTER

(Click image to enlarge)

Here's a recently finished gouache portrait of two little cuties. My client commissioned it as a gift for her husband upon graduation from grad school. What a thoughtful wife! If you are interested in having me capture your little darlings, don't hesitate to write me here for more information.