my kinda cup

love this cup. it is not paper or plastic.

my kinda cup

heart it, i do.

I love this ILOVENY ceramic cup - you can buy one here at the MOMA.

Leave me a comment and I will share a cup with you.

Winner will be announced on friday.

self discipline

How do you impose a little self discipline when you have certain expectations or goals to meet? I often think that good old fashioned "discipline" is the best friend for achieving positive results. You may find this post a little odd, but please bear with me, I do not mean to come on too harshly. I am not here to scold or reprimand you. This is about your own self-discipline.

Why is it that self discipline has become a thing of the past? Today, there seems to be a softness permeating our society, no rules, no bed-time, no curfew, and no punishment for bad behavior. I am speaking on behalf of the value of the virtue of self discipline and the fact that when one has imposed values and standards to live by, one can produce positive outcomes.

Do you value self discipline and structure or do you prefer imposed guidelines? How do you coach or guide yourself to be on your best behavior when you are trying to ascertain a goal or accomplish a project?

Here is a list of reminders, feel free to add yours to the list by leaving a comment, is there a self discipline you are working on perfecting?

Floss

Take your vitamins

Make that Dr. appt.

Exercise

Recycle

Feed the meter

Obey the speed limit

Drive phone free

No texting while driving, please

Read more books

Use your coupons before they expire

Be on time

Volunteer

Challenge yourself

Dedicate yourself to a worthy cause

Get to bed on time

Don't be late

Pay your late fees

Eat your vegetables

Wear your seat belt

Look both ways

Do not interrupt

Wash your hands

Make your bed

Leave a comment (The list is additional comments from "disicplined commenters")

Limit computer time

Say Please and Thank-you

Hold the door open

creative collections

"creative collections" inspiration board, part of the neo-traditionalist's new years plan to live more creatively by taking time for artistic endeavors, inspiration boards, needlepoint, etc.

The Neo-Traditionalist posted her inspiration board the other day and I could not help but re-visit this. Another friend of mine maintains a book of dreams that she admits to mastering her life of intent. She confesses that the act of having a one stop spot to go to where the gathering of collectivity becomes a reality. In fact, her children keep "dream books" too. In essence, we can create the life we want merely from our own ability to inspire. How wonderful to think that the life we want as a "quantum field" of radiating positive energy into action.

Long ago, one of my most favorite tasks as a fashion designer, was to rally some asemblance known as a "Mood Board" full of the seasonal forecast for the up-coming collection. It became a go to place as the collections would take shape, be it swatches of fabric, trims, photos, and or sketches.

Have you given thought to just doing an inspiration board for each season of your life (in advance.) I am starting my Spring board to inspire me, myself and I and I look forward to sharing it with you.

What inspires you? Do you keep a book of dreams or a board full of your inspiration collection?

Please e-mail me pve@pvedesign.com to share your mood board. I plan to post a series of "creative collections."

console me

I am trying to "console" myself by finding a console table like this and painting it to mimic this sort of chic finish with the fabulous decorative border (which is actually inlay shell) I would faux-paint it to look like this. Love the finish, and the skinny gold legs, how it just adds a sophisticated sort of dressed up attitude.

coffee table from "Oly"

I could see painting a tray or a chest or even a small box.

Do you enjoy finding things on your list and giving them new life?

To me it is like winning a "consolation prize!"

october fest

Image from Better Homes and Garden

Look how festive this October door step is! Funny how Autumn just makes me want to get out and give my front steps a full blown harvest. I always admire those that can rally to make an entrance. How about you, do you have a party outside waiting for guests or passer-bys to make a fuss over? This makes me want to have my very own Oktoberfest now!

carpe diem

Smoothie from Martha Stewart

What the mind can create, the mind can achieve. - Clement Stone

In order for the mind to create and to achieve a productive day, begin with a breakfast creation such as the above picture, a smoothie, which consists of banana or strawberry, yogurt, honey and add some flax seeds for added goodness.  Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day.  How do you "carpe diem" your day?  What do you create for breakfast?

the way to my heart

Bake me a cake and you have won my heart over- here.

There is a saying that the "way to the heart is via the stomach."  Heart-of-light, shed some new light, one of appreciation for good food, pure ingredients and creating an artful  life.

Be it with thrift store finds or simply giving a wall a fresh coat of paint in a scrumptious color. 

Everyone is creative and inspires me in their own unique way.  

She chronicles her daily life in her own photo vignettes.  

Her photos have a way of focusing on simple things that really matter in order to live an artful life.

Please welcome Rachel to the blogging scene.  I know that she will inspire you to bake a cake, or even make something simple like a pillow or even a toolkit and then photograph it in a way that will bring new light to your heart.

My kinda gal, with ingenue and smarts.

face to face

photo of  PvE Design - at age twenty-two- circa 1980's,(excuse the water mark on my forehead)

Here we are, face to face.  For those of you who know me, know that I care about skin and taking care of my skin is important.  I thought that I would share some simple tips about taking care of not only your face, but your skin.  The above photo is of my face at twenty-two.

Skin care tips

1.  Cleanse your face morning and evening with a simple cleanser.  I have used many products        but  all you really need is a gentle cleanser that works for your skin.  Try them out to see            what works best.  Your skin should feel clean, not dry or irritated.

2.  Tone, Toner- helps to refresh and my favorite thing is to dispense into a spray pump        bottle.  One  use it as a "spritz" which not only feels refreshing, you use less.  You can even  make your very own with witch hazel, rose water or other delightful natural delights.

3.  Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.  Use a day cream with SPF sunscreen with 25 or higher depending on your complexion.

 Night cream   is a MUST!  Moisturize your hands too with a simple cream! 

  Again, find one that works for you.  I love Lorna's Naturals and Eminence, both are gentle 

  and smell amazing.  Apply the moisturizer to "damp" skin.  Allow the cream to penetrate 

  before you apply make-up.  Use brushes to apply make-up.  The less you touch your skin,

  the better.  Take note of the shelf life of your products.

4.  Eye Cream - Use an eye cream, the layer of skin is thin around your eyes.  Not only does it 

     feel good to apply just a dot around the eye, it helps you to have a young vibrant look.

Drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for radiant results. My Mother would always say, "You are what you eat, and beauty is skin deep." 

We need a little good fat in our diet too, olive oil in dressing is a good fat.

If you do see any signs or skin irritation, speak to your dermatologist.  Dermatologists may also give samples to try and can examine your skin and make the best possible diagnoses.  I am not in the Health Field but have learned so much over the years.

Treat yourself to a gentle facial from time to time along with a massage.  I believe that both are good for the soul as well as the skin.  They help to rid toxins and to rejuvenate skin.

I hope this helps you to find a simple skin routine, it is never to late to set up a skin care regime that works best for you.  It is worth the few extra minutes, face to face with the mirror.

60 years of love and marriage

Happy 60th Anniversary to my parents, Jean & Paul

Love and marriage go together like .... my folks.  They just celebrated their Sixtieth Anniversary.  They are my parents and they are truly two of the most amazing people in my life.

Strength, compassion, hard work, and love, have carried them through life with amazing grace. Through better and worse, they have always made the best of it.  For richer or poorer, they have always been grateful for all they have, sharing simple goodness from the heart.

My father raised on a a farm, one of nine and my Mom, one of four - grew up in the city of Louisville.  They have remained Kentuckians their entire life, born and bred.   I am one of the lucky seven children.  As a mom, I am in awe of anyone with that many children and that many years of love and marriage.  It is not for the weak nor the timid.

The best thing about my parents is their positive outlook.  They both look in the same direction - that is when they are not looking at one another.    Now that is what I call true love.

bag to school

School has not begun here, but for many across to nation, school is in session.  For Fall, my thoughts turn to having an organized bag.  Call me old fashioned, I need a calendar to write on or to make notes, tissues, a pen or two, lip stick or gloss, wallet, glasses & case, cell phone and a clip to gather papers or a small box for receipts.  What's in your bag for school?  

Thank-you to each of you for keeping my son in your thoughts - we are in hopes that he will be back on his feet and home soon.  He will be out of commission for sports for a while and will not be able to begin school next week.  You cannot imagine how grateful I am for your comments, your smiles and your positivity.

traveling sketch book

A traveling sketch book comes with me on all my travels.  While we were in Strasbourg, France I enjoyed sketching this scene while we were on a boat on the canal.  

One of the things that I loved about Strasbourg were the roof tops.  My sketch books tell a picture story.  I use them as a starting point for my artwork.  My small bag  contains;

1 legendary Moleskine watercolour notebook

1 small traveling Windsor & Newton watercolour paint box

Pencils & Micron Pens

1 container for holding water w/lid.

  

My traveling sketchbook helps me to "look" and to really appreciate the sights around me and the ability to take time and sketch what I see.  Simply sketching with a black micron in a black bound mole skin sketch book takes me traveling - even when the trip is over and I am back home.  Do you travel with a journal or a sketchbook?  Try it and you will be amazed at how much joy it will bring you.  Besides, I always meet people who tell me "Oh, I can't even draw a stick figure" - and I reply, "Well, I am so glad that I inspired you to start today!"  I always tell my children or students that I teach art to, "getting started is half the battle, so start now!"

shopping lists

I came across this gal while on NPR and just had the best laugh. Hilary Carlip has written a book, a la carte book containing "memoirs" based on found "shopping lists." She even goes so far as to dress to match the list. One list was written on the inside of a matchbook, "oreos" and "coors" which I found pretty funny. Do you shop with lists and what does your list say about you. I can already imagine what some of your lists must look like. If Ms. Carlip found yours, what would she find and how would she portray you? Care to share?

a welcome mat

Coming home to a welcome mat or a perfectly matted custom illustration of your home is the perfect way to begin the day.   All of my illustrations are finished with a hand selected matte with the assistance of an expert local framer who always knows how to accent my artwork.  The arrival of your artwork not only ships better, but then it is ready to frame - but alas, the framing may also be done for you too.  The above artwork for Making it Lovely was matted in a buttery suede matte which really added to the warmth of this lovely home.  I love to see what exciting things Nicole is doing to her home or hear about her business. 

A custom cut mat brings new meaning to " welcome mat", something soft and sophisticated to come home to.  Does your home have a welcome mat or is that something on your list?

all over a plume

said found "plume" ( one of 2)

Just the other day, my daughter came running to me as we were on our way from the parking lot to our pool club, "Mommy, look what I found!"  Lo and behold, a lovely plume from a peacock. I had to think, I have never seen a peacock around here.  Like I have said before, my life is dedicated to create and to inspire an artful life and perhaps there is a larger, grander plan for me, sort of like that story, "chicken little the sky is falling."  This time it is "peacock feathers!"

Charles d"Orbigney 1807 - Wikepedia

( I love the pencil back-ground which pops the peacock)

Whenever I see a peacock, I cannot be help to think how the feathers they drag behind look like that of a train on a haute-couture dress or that of a wedding dress. If you have ever worn a dress with a train, there is a certain elegance and a weight that controls your movement to a regal promenade, similar to that of a peacock train of feathers. It feels like that of a custom weighted drape that spills on the floor, sweeping up puddles. What a gorgeous creature with a dressmaker train, designed by nature.

Mr. Peacock posing for the camera while we in Florida

Look at this stunning peacock, how happy was I when he posed for the photo when we were in Florida a few years ago. I must admit that peacock blue is electric. For Fall I am looking for yarn to knit something for my neck, a scarf, or perhaps a long necked sweater in some brilliant shade of  "peacock blue." 

I would wear it while having a cup of tea, and eating apricots and fresh figs on this dinnerware found in the Anthropology catalogue. For only twenty dollars, I can have a dinner plate or a bowl for $16 for my morning cereal which would certainly make for an elegant start to my day.

Like I have said, Inspiration comes in many forms and I hope that you take time to look for the clues which are often found, stepped upon or fall from the sky.

the perfect ride

image of Audrey Hepburn

Summer is a fantastic time to go for a bike ride.  Audrey Hepburn has always been a favorite of

mine.  She makes riding a bike look chic and fun.  Her little friend certainly adds an allure to the photo.  I can't but help of think of Dorothy and the witch riding her bike with Toto too, "I'll get you my little pretty."

I could not resist taking this photo of this illustration while in Paris.  This was hanging in front of the Library.  Parisians ride bikes to get around and they always manage to look well turned out, sporting suits, dresses and often a basket or bag is in tow with a baguette of french bread.

Now that is what I call the "perfect accessory."

So to the drawing board I go inspired by these ladies and their jaunty bike rides.

For my elegant ride, I will pick this chic ride from Venilover.  That leather seat reminds me a a stunning saddle.  I quite like the "horn" to honk!   All I need is a basket and a little pup for my perfect ride.

le Voltage

Maison 21 decided to up the voltage and raise this chandelier found on e-bay as a design challenge.  It caught my attention over at Mrs. Blandings as she designed a chic Bordello for a "quick" visit of pure and utter decadance.  Next, off to Katiedid where I sported my muff and my portable flask of vodka as temperatures dropped and lead me into no mans land to an icebound dacha.  I was quite happily snowed in there, which then led me to my own challenge of flipping my own switch, to "Le Voltage."

"Entre, s'il vous plait" to "le Voltage" - through this gate for an evening that you will never forget.

I felt that this chandelier needed sharing for all to see and a setting commensurate with it's grandeur.  I mean it would be perfect in a Master Bath but then again, how cruel not to share it with the world.  Philanthropic interests at heart.  Le Voltage was designed after Versaille and I have decided to add an opera house there and invite each of you to a grand fete!

Nothing to wear, I am sure that you can come up with something to promenade along the red carpet as you have made the cut for an evening of total excess in a rather gloomy economy.   Just what the Doctor ordered to make us feel happy, a night out of high voltage to electrify! 

Blinded by the light, perhaps a pair of these would help to cut down on glare.  Dolce & Gabana has these for $386,ooo.  Not to worry, they are in the gift bag along with some other goodies, that will be handed out after you pass the gates.    I mean if I can afford such a chandelier, surely, I can afford to give each of you a party bag.  Hurry take your seats as the performance is about to begin.

Now that you are seated, turn off your cell phone and put away those noisy candy wraps and anything else that might ring, or bling during the performance.  Quite a venue of star performers on this evening's program, Kiri Te Kanawa, Madonna, Prince and several other surprises. Sit back, dim the lights, and let the evening at "Le Voltage" light up your mind and your hearts.  Fireworks to follow the show in the formal gardens along with refreshments.

r.s.v.p with a comment for me.

Hostess with the mostest!

LE VIF cover girl, my mother-in-law "top" hostess at the Expo 58 in Brussels

While we were in Europe, visiting Brussels, one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the "Atomium."  Once upon a time in 1958, at the Brussels Fair, Expo 58 there was a certain fair hostess greeting tourists and working as one of the fairest of them all.  My mother-in-law happened to be a fair hostess, one of the top 3 out of 500 hostesses.  She recently attended the 50th Anniversary Party for Hostesses.  

PARIS Match "Centerfold" - my mother-in-law happens to be on the fold. 

 

She told me one of the most important responsibilities as a Fair Hostess was that of "hygiene"

and that a part of her job was to inform other Hostesses that they were to return home and come back for lack of proper hygiene.  Can you imagine?  Today, we (Americans) take for granted the daily showers and shampoos and all the products a plenty to keep us fresh as daisies.  

The "Atomium" is an amazing architectural wonder.  Recently restored for the 5oth Anniversary, polished to an incredible silvery sheen.  The structure is a series of round balls connected, like that of an atom. 

 The connecting structures are a series of stairs or elevators taking one to the pods for various exhibits.  If you are ever in Brussels, take a trip to the Atomium.  You will be amazed at how many tourists are there.  I was thrilled that we were able to go and that our children saw photos of their Grandmother their on display.  We were so proud of her.

She still reigns fairest of them all to each of us.

Happy 50th Anniversary to you and to the Atomium!

case of the missing art

Brooklyn Limestone posted this empty frame - part of her "trash to treasure" collection.She found them while on her hunt for her sofa.  They were literally in the trash.  What a steal. 

She posted them on her blog looking to readers for help, the frames were missing something. Help being in the form of ideas left as comments.

Funny, when someone asks for ideas I can pull them out of a hat.  I happened to find these great photos in a European Magazine at the Paris Apartment from the 1990's - which I was delighted and thought they would be just the thing for Madame Limestone.  Borrowed ideas, not stolen.

A perfect solution for the case of the frame missing the art.  What thinks thee?

image of heirloom family photos, from a vintage French decor magazine

These items of a personal collection suddenly become transformed into one private place of honor. Perhaps a scrap of wallpaper serves as the perfect back drop to off set a collection.  Don't you just love the mix of frames within frames.  I could see some of those fabulous old keys displayed in frames that Madame Limestone found during the renovation.

These remind me of my teenage "shadow box phase" as I made them for gifts.  

My Mother still has one 

that I made and I look at it in awe of the patience that it must have taken. (all done pre-children of course)

image from a vintage French decor magazine

Elegance is in bringing a collection to one particular spot.  Mixing minimal with baroque or family heirlooms all provide for a unique private collection.  What would your private collection be?  Do tell.  This gives me impetus to hang my illustrations in one giant frame.  I know my framer, Elegant Poster will love this idea too.  "Cha-ching" as my daughter likes to say, unless of course, I can find some frames in the trash.

circle of love

August Family Circle - Connie's favorites on page 28

Family love is unconditional along with a circle of wonderful friends who mention you in the August 2008 of Family Circle.  For a buck ninety-nine, I encourage each of you to get your own copy or subscription.  I posted the illustrations awhile ago that I had done for Connie Dirvin of interiors of her fun home.  Take a look on page 24, at her "Fun House" and be inspired to add a little fun to your home.

I have to admit, I was in earnest hopes that my illustrations would make the cut, but I am so thrilled that pve design was included in, "A few of Connie's favorite things" on page 28.  Connie has a fantastic site too which is a great online home design shopping guide - blink decor.  Connie along with Anne Carr partner to edit the market and introduce strategies for keeping decor fun.

Connie and I worked together years ago and remained in contact with the annual Holiday Card. Connie would call for a variety of artworks that she would ask me to do - such as, a personalized illustration for her father's birthday invitation, place-cards for an at home dinner party with clever quips, and an illustration of her interiors, an illustration of her former Connecticut residence.  I feel so included, like having my very own "Circle of Love."  Connie can count on me, in the blink of an eye, I would illustrate anything for her, even her dog, Chloe!   

one little pig is in the house

Image of Gwyneth Paltrow's yoga home, courtesy of la la lovely

"Home again, jiggety-jig!"  Lusting over this lovely yoga retreat in my back yard to get back to yoga.  Our trip to France was fun, fabulous and fine.  However the scale God is not happy with me and is commanding me to listen to my inner body and back to fruits and veggies for this little pig.  This little home could also double as my art atelier!

Huf and I huf, back to work, yoga, tennis and swimming.   What are vacations and weekends for if you cannot enjoy, within moderation!  Enjoy your weekend where ever you may be.