Invitations

My cousin/bff is getting married in April. I always find it a bit tricky to design things for family and friends- they're like clients that never go away! Naturally I was a bit nervous about how her invites would turn out and if she would approve.

We put them together this weekend, it was nice to finally see the finished product. She was so excited, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. It was a bit of a challenge, especially when she described what she wanted as follows: (and I quote) "I want something elegant, and romantic but still simple that includes chocolate brown and robin's egg blue with a branch and a birdcage imagery somewhere on the invite".  Ok..got it..I think. The paper doilies made the perfect romantic (and cheap!) touch she was wanting. Success!

Fishies

meh

I have been wanting to share pics of my little finned friends for a while now and finally got around to getting some pictures. Gimme a break, I've been B-U-S-Y. I know what you're thinking, fish suck. But mine don't. They actually have the funniest personalities and are so much fun to watch!

My big boy ( a 6" goldfish) is my little pride and joy..his name is Mad Max. He rules the tank! Josh thinks I'm crazy because when he passes I'm going to try to get him taxidermied (He's a freakishly big goldfish and I'm proud dammit!). My two other little goldies are named Junior ( the white one with the orange head) and Julie ( the all orange little gal).  Junior is just now growing into his brain and is in that weird teenage stage...he looks so funny. They all follow Max everywhere and swim through the tank as a little unit, it's so cute.

My other one, well, he has a story. Sunny was tiny and in bad shape at a petstore (in the goldfish aquarium of death) when I was picking up supplies. I asked them if I could have him for 99 cents and they agreed. Come to find out he was actually a KOI! He thinks he is a fancy goldfish but this spring he will find out that he in fact isn't when I release him into his new home, an actual koi pond.

Do you have pets that you are sort of obsessed with? :)

Spamalot

Last night we had the joy of seeing Monty Python's Spamalot and let me tell you it was SO ridiculously funny. It was by far the most enjoyable Broadway production that I have ever seen. My most favorite part had to be when they busted out the 'His Name Is Lancelot' song ..I was literally crying!

The set changes, lighting, acting, dancing, singing..everything was flawless! Josh even had a good time which, I have to admit, I was a little worried about. Well done cast and crew of Spamalot!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day to my best friend of so many years!

I just started on a new commissioned painting that I want to share...pics to come! It will be for a Chicago library. I tried to get good photos last night but my camera was having issues!

I hope you all have a great day and remember that even if you aren't dating someone that there are still plenty of people around you who need some love!

My goose problem is now front page news!

Update on Lucy the Goosey: To my surprise today, I was given the morning paper at work..my lil goose has made front page news! Thank you so much to Tim Chitwood at The Ledger Enquirer for the article (and trying to catch her himself!). Also, a big thank you to Chuck Leonard and Laura Ann Sills with WTVM News for being on the spot with cameras rolling, you might have caught the segment about it tonight on the news ( with me and my mom being interviewed). The game warden, Officer Jolley, was on hand and had made it his mission...he sat there all day today trying to get her, I never heard that he caught her today. He's probably sick of everyone contacting him about it ( thank you!:) He tried a few times while I was there but had to resort to changing into camo and hiding..she is a smart gal and recognizes a net! He wants to get her and take her to the state facility to be treated and re-released. A wildlife licensed expert by the name of Chris Ferguson met me last night to analyze her and said that her leg doesn't look salvageable at all..it will probably need to be amputated. But as long as we can get her treated she will be fine with a little peg leg..we just have to make sure the infection doesn't continue to go to the rest of her body, which could kill her if we don't get her soon. More to come! P.S. A HUGE thank you to Lisa Parrish with Animal Ark Rescue for networking and getting the word out!

Who can help me save this goose?

Random post..I'm trying to take this issue viral. I posted a few ads on Craigslist over the course of a few days about a goose my mom and I have been trying to catch for a few months at Idle Hour Park in Phenix City. She has her poor little leg bound so tightly with fishing line and nobody to help her. I've been told numerous times by the security guards and animal control that they are going to get her but they never do. It was picked up by the Ledger Enquirer team, you can see the article here. Thank God someone will help me to at least spread the word. Here is my YouTube videos on her, she's so cute...I named her Lucy :)

Top Pic via Melanie Stratton

Update! Update!

So I had every intention to post over the holidays but time just got away from me. We have been bizzzy to say the least!

How was your holiday? Did Santa bring you everything you ever wanted? One of my most favorite gifts was from my future brother-in-law, this beautiful clutch from k.slademade!

Can I just say thank Gawd it's a new year? 2011 was pretty good but I'm glad to see it go. We have so much fun changes coming in the new year like buying our first home and Josh finally becoming a working Pharmacist! 

One commissioned painting's final resting place {Pics}

As you all know, I've been doing quite a bit of commissioned work lately. One of my bigger paintings, shown here before being stretched, made it's way to NYC as I prayed it would make it there with no issues.

I was finally able to get some pics from it's owner..what do you think? I was asked to create the painting with blues and greens and allow it to open up the room. I'm glad to know that I succeeded and she was overjoyed. It's always so stressful trying to figure out what the client has in their head and to get it just right.

P.S. If you have one of my paintings please send me pics! I love to see where they end up in your home! :)

Huge Holiday Painting Sale going on NOW!

Original "Barcelona" Painting (8 x10) now only $65! Click HERE

Original "Lagoon" Painting (11x14)  now $99!  Click HERE

Original 'Crush' painting (8 x10) now only $65! Click HERE

Now thru January 1st I am having a MASSIVE holiday sale on ALL ORIGINAL paintings. All are pre-mounted and ready for hanging in your home. Grab them now before they're gone for good. These original paintings are original and no two are alike. They make excellent Christmas gifts! I have all new paintings coming the new year..I can't wait for you to see the new ones I've been working on!

>>Go to The Inspired House holiday painting sale by clicking HERE

Great Rooms, Graphic Patterns

Hi everyone! My name is Jenn and I am a writer for Arcadian Light, a website and blog that specializes in profiling top lighting trends from around the world. I just purchased my first home and I have become completely obsessed with light fixtures and finding the perfect one for each room in the house. Luckily, I have websites like The Inspired House of Wright, where Rachel never ceases to amaze me with her fun inspiring posts - thanks so much for letting me guest post here today!

Great rooms in graphic patterns are always a hit. With so much space to fill in a great room, a vibrant design can help occupy the openness and add dimension, style, and elegance. Applied to walls, furniture, or floors, or highlighted by a fabulous lighting fixture, graphic patterns always look great in great rooms, as evidenced by these eight stylish examples.

This great living room is decked out in with bold Moroccan-inspired bold colours and prints. The expansive sectional sofa features floral patterns that mimic the outdoors that can be seen from all angles through the massive windows.

The floor is a unique place for a great room with graphic patterns. The ceiling fixture illuminates the carpet's bold starburst design in muted reds and pinks. Even the furniture picks up on this interesting color scheme.

A fresh floral motif looks pretty on the accent wall of a great room, but the effect is further heightened by using the same graphic pattern in fabrics, such as the small chair's upholstery.

This dining room section of a great room is stately with gorgeous patterned wallpaper and a soft, breezy colour palette.

Graphic patterns are used in a myriad of ways in this great room - plaid on the chairs, floral prints on the couch, and striped table lamps all complement one another.

A rich shade of blue outfits this great room from head-to-toe. Although only a snippet of this great room is shown, the dramatic effects of this colour are obvious.

This great room is loaded with personality, from the bevy of prints on the wall to the brilliant patterns on the couch.

A great room such as this, with chinoserie motifs on almost every surface, lends a unique old-world feel whilst still being sophisticated. The chandelier is the perfect finishing touch.

What did you think of these graphic patterns? You can make your home a hit by adding some track lights or table lamps! Stop by Arcadian Lighting Blog for more inspiration and great design ideas for your home!

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