believe

How fun it is to see this holiday blog banner appear during the month of December. I illustrated this for Ronda at "All the Best Blog" several years ago and it was before I even had a blog or much less really knew what a blog was all about. Now I am a believer as I have been busy posting nearly every day on my blog. Do you believe that a blog can bring about all the best to you?

Thanks so much to Ronda for her encouragement, her kindness and her believing in me to be and do my best. A passport to stylish living is something to believe in!

affection

gilded framed cool "Allie" cat

I am quite honored today as Alice aka Allie over at (Summer is a verb) was ever so kind to bestow upon me such a wonderful post. Most cool cats are aloof, but not Alice, she has such a sunny disposition. When I sent off her artwork, she chose to frame this little "quick" illustration that I had done for her, (on the envelope mind you.) If you read Allie's blog, you know she is hopelessly devoted to a "bon vivant" lifestyle. She touts jewels, concoctions, felines, needlework, notions and the latest tonics to indulge one's fancies. Lucky me, to add myself to her list of affections.

Below is the wall of "my" art hung in her bedroom. I feel totally pampered, just like her cats.

Nothing like wallowing in a good scratch, getting the satisfaction of a perfect purrr.

Excuse me while I go leave a token of my affection, in the form of a hairball. Eech....eech~

Good to know that I will always be loved.

latte love

Emily (faithful blog reader) sent me this wonderful photo of a latte that her dear husband made for her. I would love this right now as we had a 2 hour delay due to some nasty weather, snow, icy and rain. I drove my husband to the train, took in a neighbor's daughter to bring her to school and had 3 shifts of breakfast, french toast topped with powdered sugar, hot cocoa, fresh fruit and juice. Making lunches, delivering to school and respective buses.

Now, my day begins.

Hope your day begins with lots of latte love!

no. 12

I drive by this house daily and know the sweet and kind family within and have had this illustration on my "to do" list for quite some time. I find that as the holidays near, doing unexpected good things for others keeps my heart happy. I anticipate a "white Christmas" and seeing lots of snowmen and snowball fights here.

sugar

Truly, the month of December already seems a little sweeter with all the wonderful cookies around. These came from over here.

(sweetness from etsy)

Bear hugs are sweet too.

My Dad loves to say "Give me some sugar, Sugar" which means a hug.

Congrats to this sweet lady "Emily" who won the Jess LC Necklace. She selected gold. Emily has been an avid blog reader and commenter. Hope this makes your day sweeter Emily!

Emily actually lives just outside Chicago, so I am in hopes she can meet JessLC to get her gold necklace!

(Winner selected via Random number generator)

Just this morning, I was awarded The Fabulous Sugar Doll blogger award. Thanks to these chic ladies for such an honorable award. Back later with my acceptance speech.

Nutcracker fun

One of my favorite scenes from the Nutcracker is the dance off against the Rat King and his comrades. How touched was I when the above illustration arrived. This was a gift to me from artist, Maia Chavez Larkin. She illustrated my daughter Amelia and titled this "Amelia takes a stand." If you know my girl, this work captures her fearless smiling self. I can just see her laughing during this dance as she protects the Nutcracker. Surely, Rat King has no idea who he is up against.

Enjoy the first weekend in December.

brand new oldie

This illustration was done for J.McLaughlin, exclusively for Dillard's and every time I look at it, there is something that makes me want to rush out and shop for something new. As a child, I loved riding my bike to a wonderful shop "Bycks" located in St.Matthews in Louisville. I would look at all the pretties. I would feel the fabrics, look at the way things were made and dream of being all grown up and having lots of money to shop for something new. Truth be told, I really love to scout at thrift shops, find bargains and bring home an oldie and make it look brand new.

Are your brave enough to give a gift of old or does it have to be brand spankin new?

Holiday smiles

It is that time of year, Holiday greetings, photo cards and the opportunity to see how families have grown and how they have changed. The addition of a pet, or a new family member is always such a treat to see. I am in awe of those who give birth, adopt or become a foster parent.

In the midst of all that December entails, take time out to go see "Blind side" and feel your heart fill with holiday cheer. Based on a true story, this movie touched me in a real way. As a mother, I left the theatre thinking that taking in someone less fortunate, opening my home is all that we need to know just how fortunate we are. We can so easily get caught up in the material side, and lose focus that it is a time to renew our spirit and hope for a better world full of joy and peace.
Sandra, you should be smiling at your incredible performance, you rock! The role she played of "Leanne" was touching and empowering. I left the theatre feeling stronger, hopeful and proud of women who plow ahead, stand tall and live fearlessly. Have you seen it and what did you think? Did it make you smile or cry?

circle of style

I was honored to illustrate the door of this stylish lady to be used on her holiday greeting. It was the first card to arrive at my door yesterday and how proud was I to see how she had utilized my art along with a photo of her four smiling children. They look so excited for Christmas! My illustration was like a little tiny treasure on top! Read below for the history of the wreath.

pve design illustration for style chronicle

History of the Wreath;

The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing.

Laurel Wreath, Wikepedia

Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.

Do you deck your door with "a wreath" and have you ever given thought to the origin of this circle of style and symbolism? I just love the history and tradition of the wreath.

thanks to Debra over at life-scapes for these lovely wreath images!

silver and gold (giveaway)

armitage double strand necklace, with triple pearl inset, in sivler or gold from JessLC

"Silver and Gold" happens to be one of my favorite holiday songs sung by "Burl Ives" and another favorite is JessLC and her fabulously chic collection of jewelry. I am so honored to be the host of this fabulous giveaway- your choice of silver or gold with these tiny pearls.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jess in Chicago during the month of July. We became blog buddies first. Jess has a life full of good intentions and sparkly energy. You have til Sunday December 6th to enter, simply leave a comment and your choice of sil

The winner will be drawn on Monday December 7th. silver or gold.

(Winner is Emily from Chicago!)

"Bethesda Fountain" - boxed set of note-cards -set of 8

Hop on over to "Make under my life" and see my little giveaway there (a boxed set of 8 note-cards)

After all December is the month for giving!