sketch night

Planning on hopping in to the city for open sketch night at the Society of Illustrators. Nude models with an occasional accessory or two. Anyone nearby planning on going?

red, white and blue

a little red tank for today

just can't get enough white as summer heats up, white wide leg from the gap.

paired with blue and white tanks, and a stripe or two.

patriotic feet shod with striped espadrilles.... perfect for a parade.

waking up to rain....rain boots might be a better call!

"Don't rain on my parade!"

Happy Memorial Day to each of you.

stripes from chance, rain boots from kate spade

rock the weekend

This weekend officially marks the start of Summer. Block Parties, Parades, Ice cream socials, picnics, movies and concerts in the park. The seasons always are full of good things to keep us all rockin! Rock the weekend people.

The winner of the sea star necklace from Julie Lorusso goes to Ellen, check out her fun blog here where she recreates photos of retirement life. Thanks for your comments and as always your support.

knock knock

Knock, knock,

Who's There?

Guess Who!

Anybody guess which blogger and talented interior designer lives here?

I thought that I would post homes of bloggy friends far and wide and have a guessing game.

Laura Casey guessed it right, the above home is none other than this fabulous lady.

Katie Denham Interiors

I remember falling in love with her kitchen when I first began blogging.

sea stars (give-away)

sea stars make me smile.

Summer things,

A straw basket, an espadrille, a boater and a strand of pearls with a sea star.

I have an old brooch that I love, it is of some sort of crustacean and it always comes out for Summer, pinned to a simple sleevless shell or shift.

Well this lovely freshwater pearl necklace is made by Julie Lorusso and she is giving one away to one of you lucky readers!

What sort of item says Summer in your wardrobe?

Winner shall be randomly selected and announced on friday.

I am busy finishing up a few deadlines...before the four day weekend.

Thank-you Julie for your kindness.

Julie keeps a fabulous blog, Monkey Grass Hill.

love pet

The joy of bringing home a puppy is memorable.

Every puppy needs to have a "puppy portrait" used for an announcement.

Friends love seeing a new addition to the family.

Do you have a new pet that needs a portrait or a special pet to commemorate?

Every pet needs one.

Party people

On Thursday, June 2^nd the ladies of Westport, Connecticut will descend upon the J.McLaughlin boutique on Post Road to share in a book signing and luncheon in honor of Jamee Gregory’s latest creation New York Parties Private Views.

Gregory has been known to throw lavish celebrations and her new book highlights other notable entertainers across the country. Guests will mingle and browse tunics and trousers from the new J.McLaughlin Summer Collection while munching on delightful goodies provided by Kelsey Banfield, aka The Naptime Chef.

The 5500 square feet Westport location opened just a few months ago and is a departure from a typical J. McLaughlin store. The space features multiple “shop in shops,” within the larger space, including specialized areas for equestrian, resort, urban, children’s and men’s inspired accessories and apparel. And just in time for Father’s Day the men’s collection will be stocked with last minute gifts perfect for the man on your list.

Winner of the Linnea's lights trio of Cote D'Azure Candles goes to this fine blogger. "A place to dwell." Congrats and thanks to each of you for your kind comments!

linnea's lights "trio give-away"

Today I recieved the sweetest trio, a box of hand-poured triple scented candles

"The Cote D'Azur gift set" from Linnea's Lights.

I love environmentally mindful soy candles along with Mother-Daughter teams.

As the mother-daughter team behind Linnea’s Lights, Lynn Manley and Laura Cler infuse their personal experiences and back-to-basics ethos into each and every candle they make.

Linnea's Lights recently came out with their new summer scents and they are now all available in one special package: the Cote D'Azur Gift Set! I've also attached the Press Release for you here with additional details.

Mimosa

Conjuring thoughts of Provence’s bright mimosa fields, sun drenched hills and evergreens, this scent combines mimosa’s delicate scent with white jasmine’s exotic sweetness and fresh sandalwood for a perfect and balanced halo. This scent is both delicate and powerful.

Lavender

In Ancient Rome lavender was revered for it’s healing properties and relaxing scent. An exquisite luxury, it often cost Romans the equivalent of a month’s wages or more. This candle infuses lavender’s calming effect with rosemary’s sensual woody undertone and lively citrus top notes releasing the true power of this transcendent flower. Tranquil and refreshing.

White Coral

Inspired by the white coral sands of the Maldives, this bewitching scent inspires thoughts of exotic and far away places. When lit, cardamom’s resinous aroma entwines with the bright citrus of neroli, uplifting mandarin and soft woods to create a captivating and calming halo. Enchanting.

The Cote D'Azur Gift Set, contains all three of these newest scents in perfectly sized 2.5oz votives. Retails for $32.

Take a look at the site

"The Cote D'azur Gift Set" containing Mimosa, Lavender and White Coral votives.

Leave a comment and one of you shall win this lovely gift. (Offer limited to U.S.A only)

Winner announced Monday.

my friend jess

I met Jess when I began reading her bubbly blog "make under my life" and had the pleasure of having dinner in Chicago two years ago with her when I was there illustrating a wedding for the exquisite wedding planner Marina Birch Design. I will be back in Chicago the end of July to illustrate another wedding for Birch Design Studio.

I think I need a Jess LC bag for the trip! Love this make-up zippered bag.

Jess is known for her fabulous Jess LC jewelry and now has added a great collection of bags called the Lake Shore collection. Jess will be in Macy's today from 5:30-7:30 at the State Street store in Chicago today for those of you lucky enough to go.

Take a look at her jewelry line and Lake Shore bags and totes, perfect for Summer.

I will be in Chicago the end of July and hope Jess has time to meet up with me.

Jess is one girl to watch!

potted garden

A friend of mine loves to keep her deck full of potted veggies for a bountiful harvest. She has herbs and tomatoes galore planned for a lovely Summer ahead. Evenings with a chilled glass of wine and some home made bruschetta!

Are you planting your potted garden or do you have a full blown bounty already in the ground?

first name basis

Ben and I are on a first name basis.

For so many years, he was Sir Benjamin Moore to me, but now that we have gotten to know each other really well, he said. "please, call me Ben."

Is there anyone in your world that you now call on a first name basis. I can think of a few others, like "Kate" - "Ralph" and "Oscar."

You can call me "Patricia" just never "Pat!"

monday motivation - my girl

what can i say, my girl motivates me to be a better Mom.

do you remember age eleven and feeling the world revolved around you.

tell me you do. my girl has her finger on the pulse and had a busy weekend.

dancing, sports night and socializing at birthday parties, manicures, pizza and laughter...

Knowing that things are all good with girls motivates me to instill the positive side of this age.

It can be a challenging age for many.

Making time for

hugs, friends, and heart to heart chats about faith, friends, family and fashion keeps us connected and motivated!

Do your children motivate you?

be back later with the winners from Novica.

monkey business - novica give-away

Guess everyone has noticed that there was a bit of monkey business with blogger.

Well, after all it is friday the 13th.

How frustrating it felt to not be able to post or comment. How thankful I am that e blogger is back in business.

We all need to give thanks and clap our hands.

My hands were up in the air but now that blogger is back, they are at the key board with a wonderful give-away.

Without blogging, I felt like I'd lost my marbles....or paperweight.

But now a bird is back to the nest and the business of blogging and excited to host this give-away from Novica. Take a look around Novica and look at all the artful inspiration for corporate giving.

Two lucky winners will have an e-certificate for $75 each.

Look around Novica and what sort of coporate gift would you like to give or to recieve?

Do you have someone to give thanks to or to recognize for a job well done.

Novica has a wonderful selection of gifts.

Leave a comment, 2 lucky winners will be announced Monday.

Leave an e-mail if you are not a blogger so that you may be contacted.

art in the family

Have you ever longed to visit a place.

Would you consider painting a place that you have never been?

I visited my Mother a few weeks ago and took some photos of her paintings which are happy, vibrant and full of life.

Funny, she painted Venice, although she has never even been.

I have been twice and I can feel the energy and joy in her work.

My Mother has always created with a real zest for life, exploration and self discovery.

Did I mention that my Mother had seven children.

She managed to find time to create art and raise a family full of personality.

Do you have art in your family or passionate artists that you admire?

stacked

stacked

hope you are not disappointed

you were probably mislead by the title of this post

stacked books and periodicals artfully arranged are sexy

piles of "clean" towels are too

neatly folded and stacked linens are flirty behind glass

stacked white dishes piled high and ready for an all out feast

even monograms look stacked and ready to dish it up

how do things stack up at your home?

Fresh white

Nothing like a new coat of fresh white paint.

Remember this cottage in red, well, what do you think?

Should we encourage "The Gardener's cottage" to paint it white and add a zippy black and white awning? What doth thou say?

Happy Mother's Day

Today, I wish all Mothers a Happy day indeed.

While on a walk with my family, I took this photo to honor all Mothers.

Hope all Mothers have a day full of blue skies and lots of love and kindness.

Here is my list of sage tips for all Mothers.

1. Know what you are having for dinner in the morning. My Mom taught me this.

2. Never do for your child what they can do for themselves.

3. Teach your child to contribute to society and make this world a better place.

4. Celebrate little steps for they lead to bigger ones.

5. Lead by example and your children shall follow.

6. Give thanks and praise for routine and good habits. Reminders instill good habits. Repetition is the Mother of learning. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!

What sage tip that you would like to share on Mother's Day?

run for the roses

I absolutely adore this painting by Leroy Neiman. It embodies the spirit of the race. Colorful, fast, and full of energy. Happy Derby Day to each of you!

low country

If you have ever been to Kiawah island, some refer to it as "low country" and I just love the laid back charm of living on the down and low. The beaches there are pretty and the shopping is sweet. Life is better with a little bit of low hanging fruit. I wonder if there are any coconuts in that tree? Have you ever been to Kiawah?

french tangerines

The French Tangerine contacted me via etsy with a monogram request. The above monogram was the first one that I designed.

My client came back with comments to make the letters "equal" in size, so I went back to the drawing board and came up with this one.

I thought this one might be fun using a tangerine as the moniker for the monogram.

After getting to know my client a bit more by reading her blog, my homework paid off.

I realized that perhaps something that was a bit more "french provencal" would be more suited to her style than a monogram. The above artwork was sent.

My client came back requesting just the monogram, no wording and to eliminate one top tangerine. So I did the above illustration and sent it off and she was thrilled.

So you see that part of my work is getting to know the client, and to also let them know that this process takes time as all my work is done by hand and I strive to create original work for each client.

I love creating unique designs for each and every client to be used for personal stationary.

Imagine getting one of these pretties in the mail...from The French Tangerine!

here goes

Since my studio is under renovation and the worst of the dust is about to ensue, I have taken this space for the next few months. I went yesterday to sweep and take inventory of what I need to bring. Let's just say the space came to me and I could not be happier.

I am giving myself a challenge this summer.

Firstly, I have a few commissions to complete and then I am painting a series of work for me.

I am looking forward to having a studio to go and really lose myself in my work.

Here goes. Wish me luck. I am looking forward to sharing my new paintings.