Blogs I Love: The Brides Guide

For those of you planning a wedding, or who just love to have great ideas in your back pocket for when the time comes, you'll love The Brides Guide, and informative blog by Darcy Miller, editor-in-chief of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Everything from the latest bridal fashion shows to unique favor ideas to reflective and sometimes frantic rants from guest bloggers about to walk down the isle.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Towards the end of 2008 I began to explore my "inner hippie". It all started with a gorgeous printed peasant top with tassels from Bebe. Now I've moved on to patchwork finds from Urban Outfitters - a deconstructed lace inset top and a colorful mini. I love them all...and you should too!

Pics of my Urban Outfitters finds are below. Find your own!

Ecote Floral Print Skirt

Kimichi Blue Lace Panel Top

Artist Ernie Barnes Dies

A few months ago, I did an Artist of the Week feature on Ernie Barnes. Sadly, Ernie passed in April at the age of 70.

Click here to read his obituary, as featured in the L.A. Times. Below is his most famous painting The Sugar Shack, which was notably featured on the '70s comedy Good Times.

The Sugar Shack (1971)

WHY FEED READERS MAKE US FAT

WHY FEED READERS MAKE US FAT

Posted using ShareThis

"When do you read my blog?" : The Best Posting Time Debate

I follow a blog by Bakery -- they offer great tips to bloggers and and other web-based businesses. In their own words: We bake businesses. Their latest post focused on the best time of day to post new blog entries. They referenced a few opinions from top bloggers. But, I've decided to come straight to the source.

When to you catch up on blog reading? During work? Early evening? Late night?

Appreciate all responses!!!

A Very Southern Wedding

Readers: I sincerely apologize for my absence the past few weeks. I've been in complete wedding planning mode -- consumed with venues, invitations, centerpieces -- the list goes on. No excuse. I promise to do better. But while weddings are top of mind, I've decided to give you a little insight into my upcoming soiree.

I'm a country girl, by all means. For that reason, I've always imagined a "country" wedding. You know, old home in the middle of nowhere with lots of character and a large beautiful yard--reminiscent of the beautiful multi-acre yards with towering pecan trees that I grew up with. Well, it seems I'm lucky enough to have my dream come to fruition. While my locale is not exactly "in the country" it is a beautiful antebellum home set up on a hill just off of the Marietta Square and laying in the shadows of Kennesaw Mountain -- beautiful indeed.

FOR PARIS LOVERS!!!

As I was skimming through Google Reader today, I ran past this post by Black*Eiffel. A super cool, paper cut Paris map by Famille Summerbell. I would buy this and frame it, but I don't think its up for sale. Incredible!

HOT!: Open Toe Boots

I was in Savannah this weekend, having quick bite to eat at Vinnie VanGoGos and the charismatic little boy(he was no more than three or four years old) sitting at the table next to us asked me the funniest question: "Why do your shoes have holes in them?" He was referring to my peep-toe flats. With a chuckle, I explained to him that they were called "peep toes" and they were made that way. I don't think he bought it.

He probably would not have approved of my favorite birthday present -- a pair of black patent leather peep toe booties with grosgrain ribbon laces. FABULOUS!!! Talk about a sexy shoe. There are so many versions of this style out right now. It's almost impossible not to find a pair that you'll love. The ones above can be found at ShopStyle.

Etsy: Internet Selling and Shopping Evolved

I recently discovered Etsy from my friend Byron. He's developed a line of offbeat greeting cards called ThirstyPet, and sells them on Etsy. After exploring his store I browsed the rest of the site. I was amazed by the myriad of unique items I found. Artwork, home decor, dress patterns, jewelry, etc. All items sold on Etsy must fall into one of the following categories:

• Handmade by seller
• Supplies
• Vintage (items 20 years or older)

Etsy no doubt will be your stop for unique, possibly even one-of-a-kind (and affordable) gifts (for yourself and others).

Check out the site, and let me know what you think.

Book List: Martha Stewarts Encyclopedia of Crafts

As I was looking through Google Reader, browsing new posts from the blogs I follow, I came across this book in The Martha Blog. I've been looking for a crafting projects resource -- this will definitely come in handy.

You can buy it here. Happy crafting!

Do you have a craft specialty? Tell us about it.

An Introspective: As the Quarter-Life Crisis Continues

On Monday, I turned twenty-six...along way from the days when I dreamt of what it would be like at fifteen or sixteen. Those days are a decade past -- long gone...away. I stopped imagining my future shortly after reaching those teen years. And, maybe that's my problem. There's no real expectation, no anticipation of what life should be like for me as I grow older. Maybe I should start dreaming again.

I have a list of things I'd like to explore and conquer, but I just can't seem to find the spark to get going. I've had a few false starts. A flicker of a flame, an ember that I thought would eventually be just the thing I needed to get me going -- to light the fire. But nothing has seemed to catch on -- yet. I'll continue to forge my path to freedom of creative expression. I'll continue to delve deeper -- and even deeper. My life, my livelihood depends on it. At one point I felt as if I were at a crossroad -- safe career or the danger and uncertainty of what I really want -- to be a living creative expression. Early on I decided I needed to balance -- make money but still explore. Well, that definitely didn't work out the way I had planned. As I look back four years later, my dreams have been all but abandoned -- no nuturing. And what do I have to show for it -- no sense of self or rewarding accomplishment.

Now, someone on the outside looking in on my situation may see it differently. You have a career. You make good money. You have your own place. Yes, all of these things are true. But what I don't have is self-fulfillment. I am working towards it and this (writing this blog) is a huge step. If you have issues you must acknowledge them and attack them head on.

I ask for your help. If you can relate to this post, let me know. If you see me hold me to task and give encouragement. Send an email, post a message. I need all the support I can get in this next phase of my life! Hope you all are up for the journey!

New iPhone Upgrades This Summer: iPhone 3.0

Among the highlights:

• Cut, copy and paste across applications
• So-called “push notification” — for example, of breaking news or sports results
• Multimedia messaging service (MMS) for sending pictures or voice memos in instant messages
• Landscape viewing when the iPhone is turned sideways in most applications, including Mail
• The ability to search Mail, Calendar and other applications for key words
• Improved calendar functions
• Stereo Bluetooth for wireless earphones

Get more info here at the Fortune Apple 2.O blog. Or watch the Apple iPhone 3.O software keynote address.

Current Reading: The Piano Lesson & The Last Lecture

So I completed A Mercy last week. It really makes you think about the power of choice. The seemingly simple decisions you make in everyday life can have powerful effects on others in ways you couldn't even imagine.

Next up are The Piano Lesson by playwright August Wilson and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I'm in serious need of motivation right now, which influenced my decision to pick these two books. And on a random note - the city of Pittsburgh is a backdrop both.

For those of you who don't know, back in the day, I used to act. This is something that I'm really trying to get back into. And what's a better way to get fired up than reading a play by one of my favorite authors. The Piano Lesson actually won a Pulitzer Prize for drama. Just getting started on this one. I'll provide more details as I get deeper into the play.

I'm sure you've all heard of Randy Pausch's powerful last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. It was all about living life to the fullest and appreciating every single moment of it. It's amazing how life-changing moments like facing death or loss can help you put life back into perspective. Loved the lecture. Sure I'll love the book.

Artist of the Week: Bruce Wilhelm

Travelers Tale (2009)

Harmony of the World (2009)

Black Hole (2008)

Something I've been wanting to do for a while is feature new and upcoming artists. My friend Tommy helped nudge me in this direction by sending me Bruce Wilhelm's site. His artwork is amazing. His work is now showing at the ada gallery in Richmond, VA and he is a finalist for the 2008 JC Reynal Scholarship to study in Bordeaux, France. Wilhelm is a master of mixed media often using acrylic, color pencil and watercolor, among other technques, in a single piece of work. He obviously has a love for horses as they are often the subject of his work.

Check out more of Wihelm's work at www.brucewilhelm.com.

Book List: A Passion for Blue And White

This new tome from designer Carolyn Roehm takes us through images of rooms she has created using classic blue and white. There is something so clean and crisp about this combination. See images from the book below. Click the cover image above for more info.

Liven up your living space with jewel tones

Domino Magazine

Photos by Melanie Acevedo / April 2007

New Mac Pro and iMac

Yesterday Apple Inc. unveiled new versions of its high-end desktop, Mac Pro, and its more affordable model, the iMac. I'm still torn between the iMac (the new 24-inch version is a lot more affordable) and the new Macbook (17-inches of portable beauty).

Click here to find get more info.

Current Reading: A Mercy by Toni Morrison

So one of my goals for this year is to do more reading. I've already completed my first book The Martha Rules, a book about business management by Martha Stewart which she starting writing during her prison stint. Very good insight and advice for those with bursting with an entrepreneurial spirit.

My current endeavor is A Mercy by Toni Morrison. Believe it or not this is the first Toni Morrison work I've ever read. I saw Beloved and liked it -- apparently I was among a small group that did. A Mercy was hailed as one of the top books published in 2008 by multiple outlets. From the beginning I was drawn to it.

The story is told through the eyes of multiple characters, but paints a clear, cohesive picture of the lives of indentured servants and reluctant masters during the 1600s in a young America. I'm about a third of the way through the novel now. Everytime I pick it up it's hard to put back down.

I definitely recommend it.

Artist of the Week: Salvador Dali

The Persistence of Memory (1931)

Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War) (1936)

For Salvador Dali, using the term eccentric as a descriptor would be an overwhelming understatement. The Spanish surrealist was known for the striking -- and at times appalling -- images in his work as much as he was for his flamboyant lifestyle. These are two of his most famous pieces. One reflective on life in general, the other borne out of a country on the brink of inner turmoil -- much like Guenica my favorite Picasso.

Visit List: Amalfi Coast, Italy

I'm FINALLY getting married this year -- long engagement (pretty much enjoyable ; ) -- and we are planning to visit Italy for our honeymoon. We're still in the process of choosing the city for our stay. Rome. Florence. Venice. You really can't go wrong. Our dream has always been to escape to a seaview suite in an ancient villa perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. And that's exactly what the Amalfi Coast offers. This has to be one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the world. The region, a cluster of small towns including, Sorrento, Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, is not far from Naples and the isle of Capri lies just off the coast.

It may not be our final honeymoon destination, but the Amalfi Coast is definitely on on our list of places to see. You should check it out as well!

http://www.amalficoast.com/

Artist of the Week: Dale Chihuly

Installations at the Colorado Springs Art Center

Magnificent. The intricate work of Dale Chihuly is breathtaking. He is known for his innovation in glass art, including the use of a team. Chihuly's pieces tend to have an organic feel and are marked by vibrant color. He has permanent installations across the globe, and holds temporary exhibitions in botanical gardens and various museums. Check out the link below to view more of Chihuly's amazing glass sculptures and to learn more about the artist.

http://www.chihuly.com/

domino: The Book of Decorating

It's Christmas morning at the Cooper-Almond abode. Paper and ribbon strewn everywhere. An air of pleasant surprise fills the room. I'm giddy, in anticipation of the arrival of my favorite (and cheapest) gift...a subscription to domino magazine - The Guide to Living with Style. January passes. With little patience, I can't wait and have to buy the February issue off the newsstand. It's amazing -- all about organization. Wink,wink to friends who have seen my desk situation. My February issue finally arrives in the mail. I read it as if new and tab my favorite items - again. Then I catch wind of HORRIBLE news. The March issue will be its last. Depressing. domino was by far my favorite magazine, it encompassed the things I love most - entertaining and decorating. Although I won't be receiving my years worth of goodness, I do still have access to domino: The Book of Decorating. The online previews make this book an easy sell - even top interior designers have this guide on their must read list.

Spring 2009 - Blooming Fashion Trends

While fashionistas are busy catching the Fall shows in NYC and partying at designer soirees, I'm bringing you my favorite Spring trends.

• Nudes & Neutrals: You can never go wrong with these basics, but this season try them in a sky-high strappy heel flirty floaty blouse.

• Slouchy Pants: Okay. I know what you're going to say. Let the MC Hammer pants die with the '90s. But, pair these pants with gladiator heels and a smart jacket or tank and you'll rule the runway -- or at least the sidewalk or grocery store aisle.
  

• Bold Jewelry: From the chunky natural, enamel or baubled bracelets to the bejeweled collared necklaces, the must have jewelry this season is BIG & BOLD.

• Pretty Florals: You'll see these beautifully refreshing prints on everything from shoes to skirts to bags.






• White Denim: I promise I'm not trying to go I Love the '80s on you. But pair skinny white jeans with almost any of the items mentioned above, and you'll be instantly Spring chic!

Artist of the Week: Georges Seurat

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (1884-1886)

Georges-Pierre Seurat is widely considered the father of Neo-impressionism. The Parisian was the founder of the Société des Artistes Indépendants a guild for independent artists in the city. His innovative approach to pointillism makes his work easily identifiable.

Artist of the Week: Ernie Barnes

Ninety Nine, A Hunered

Olympic Gymnast

Ernie Barnes, a native of North Carolina, became an artist after a stint playing in the AFL. His love of sports shined through his artwork. Most of the subjects of his paintings are in motion and displaying their elongated limbs. This unique style helped earn him the honor of being the commissioned artist for the 1984 Olympic Games. Barnes is now one of the most collected American painters.

Artist of the Week: Romare Bearden

Midtown Sunset (1981)

Quilting Time (1987)

Originally hailing from North Carolina, Romare Bearden went on to graduate from NYU and lived a very storied life including stints as a professional baseball player, studying art in Germany, and social work. However, images that played out in the lives of African Americans in the South were major cornerstones of his work. Among his major influences is last week's featured artist, Diego Rivera. Mastering collage technique is Bearden's signature.

Barefoot Contessa: My Love of Ina Garten

I love to cook almost as much as I love to eat. So like many, whenever I'm in the need of culinary inspiration I turn to the Food Network. Among the myriad of cooks and chefs who appear on the network, Ina Garten aka Barefoot Contessa is by far my favorite. She just makes her food seem so delectable. You can imagine how excited I was when I heard she was coming out with a new cookbook called Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, which offers up great recipes using simple ingredients. I was lucky enough to get Back to Basics and her previous book Barefoot Contessa at Home for Christmas (Thanks to a wonderful fiance and family!). If you're a foodie or just want to try out a fresh new recipe or two, I definitely recommend these practical yet innovative cookbooks.