Friday Find: Mary Maxam Fine Art

I was recently introduced to fine artist, Mary Maxam via a giveaway on Karena’s blog, Art by Karena. Last Sunday evening, I found out that I had won the beautiful oil on canvas by Mary named “Lemon Light.”  I’m still pinching myself!

{Entwined}

{Red Sky}

Based in Idaho, Mary was accepted into the prestigious Oil Painters of America exhibition in 2009. She finds much of her inspiration in the beautiful vistas of the Northwest. Her expressive still life and landscape paintings are in oil, acrylic and watercolor mediums.

Mary features a series of fly fishing oils that reminded me so much of my Dad’s love for the sport and annual trips to Idaho. Here are some of my favorites…

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

All-American, Ralph Lauren Guest Blogging & Lake Tahoe Home

Today I am thrilled to be a guest blogger at Tobi Fairley’s Blog. Tobi’s an award-winning interior designer based in Little Rock and her work has been featured on the cover of House Beautiful.

“All-American” was the topic Tobi selected for her guest blogger series. She left the theme broad, but the iconic Ralph Lauren came to mind instantly.

{An issue of Town & Country December 1996 my mom had tucked away}

My mother’s loves for all things Ralph Lauren definitely influenced my decision to focus on his work for Tobi’s article. Not only does my mom love his clothing line, her home in the in Lake Tahoe is also layered in furnishings, pillows and linens from Ralph Lauren Home. She even changes the look seasonally. Jewel tones, plaids and velvets make up the look for winter, while the summer months are a fresh, nautical blue & white.

I took a series of photos of my parent's home earlier this summer while celebrating my dad’s 70th birthday. The image above is the living room and most of the furniture is slipcovered for the summer months. The sofa, ottoman and wing chairs are all covered in Ralph Lauren fabrics although you can’t see them from this image. This winter, I will try to get some shots without the slips.

Here are some more images from some of the other rooms that feature Ralph Lauren...

{Bedroom window seat with custom cushion and throw pillows in Ralph Lauren fabrics}

{Bedroom with Ralph Lauren bedding and headboard}

{Boy’s Western bedroom with Ralph Lauren bedding & flag pillow}

Rue Magazine #6 is Here & WOW!

The July/August issue of Rue Magazine is out and amazing! The photography and art direction is simply the best yet. You'll be so inspired!

The issue features a tour of artist & blogger, Mariska Meijers’ Amsterdam studio. It was so fun to see it especially since I just met her last Thursday at the San Francisco design blogger event. Her work is stunning - and to top it off she is beautiful inside and out!

The "Arabian Days” was another one of my favorite articles in this issue. The photography by Jose Villa is incredible. Not only was the tablescape over-the-top stunning, the photo shoot included a live camel!

Oh, and I love these chairs {page 52} with bone inlay and cane {swoon}.

Congrats Rue team!!! I hope you gals are getting some much needed sleep.

San Francisco Design Blogger Meet-Up

Last Thursday about 25 design bloggers from all over the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond {way beyond!} gathered for a very fun evening. Malka of Closet Innovations opened the doors of her lovely showroom in the San Francisco Design Center and hosted the event. Thank you Malka!

The showroom features some beautiful and highly functional custom cabinetry options to help keep every inch of a home organized. Chic Shelf Paper sponsored the wine at the event and had several of their beautiful custom printed shelf liners on display {see below}. Such a lovely way to finish off a linen drawer!

Yofi, Malka’s sweet poodle also made an appearance and had her nails freshly painted for the event!

The highlight of the evening of course was meeting all the bloggers. I was expecting most of the attendees to be from the San Francisco area, but a handful traveled great distances and happened to be visiting at the time. Natasha came in from Tahoe {found out we had our wedding receptions at the same location – and the same florist!}, Courtney {was in the city to celebrate her 7th wedding anniversary – congrats!} was in from Southern California, Michelle {& her sister} came in from Atlanta and Erica {taking a much needed girly get-a-way with a friend – she has 5 sons} was in from Canada.

But the award for traveling the most distance goes to Mariska from the Netherlands {she too was on vacation}. Mariska is pictured above with Malka at the event.  

I brought my camera with the intention of taking lots of pictures, but failed. So, I am stealing some from Courtney. He was the only male that attended and he has a fun post about being a rooster amongst all of the hens. I did however manage to take this cute shot above of Kate, Courtney and Michelle on a Murphy Bed that was in the showroom.

{Courtney, Mackenzie and Michaela}

I also wanted to thank Michaela. Not only is she the best intern in the world, but she also helped out with this event. Big hug Michaela! Thanks for taking this picture too!

We had a great time and want to plan another meet-up this fall. Stay tuned!

Friday Find: Hammocks & High Tea Home Decor

I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Young, the founder and creative force behind Hammocks and High Tea, last year while in New York City to see the Nate Berkus Show. Hammocks and High Tea is an organic home decor collection that includes hand crafted pillows, drawer liners, tea towels and tabletop linens. It’s amazing to see how her line has blossomed in the last year.

Raised in South America with both British and Caribbean influences, Karen has beautifully blended traditional Caribbean style with a modern aesthetic in her collection. I love that all of her products are made from 100% certified organic cotton or organic cotton/hemp blends and printed with water based inks.

The Dopp Kit is one a Karen’s new products. The toiletry bag is traditional in function and shape, but is modernized with bold patterns and colors – isn't it the best!

Karen, I wish you continued success!

The San Francisco Design Blogger meet-up was last night and a ton of fun… will share more next week!

Leaf Art & Winners

I know I have mentioned it before, but I love Pinterest. In fact, I saw this there and thought it was so amazing, I wanted to share with you.

Yes, this is a leaf. Spanish artist, Lorenzo Duran creates incredible images like this one by carving a dry leaf. Stunning isn’t it? I would not have the patience or skill for this sort of a project. God love the people that do! Go here to see more of his work.

Congratulations to the the 10 lucky winners {T @ The Happy Clipper, Allison, Raquel, CDS, Kristen, a’ la mode, Shesnomartha, Suzy, Hillcrest Acres and Three Men and a Little Crazy} of the Nutmegaroo giveaway!

Also, Nutmegaroo is offering 15% off on all purchases now through August 11, 2011. Just enter the coupon code: SIMPLIFIEDBEE when checking out. Thanks Nutamegaroo!

Girls' Rooms by Designer Ruthie Sommers

I was first introduced to LA-based designer, Ruthie Sommers’ work in the pages of Domino, Traditional Home and House Beautiful. I admire her ability to mix period styles effortlessly and create inviting spaces that layer pattern, texture & color. 

{photography by Patrick Cline via Lonny Magazine}

Recently, Ruthie’s LA home was featured in Lonny’s July/August issue and the article reminded me how much I like her design aesthetic. In the above image, I love how she paired abstract art with fresco-inspired wallpaper by de Gournay.

Ruthie’s daughter’s room has evolved from a nursery that was originally featured in Domino’s October 2008 issue. Today a vintage Lilly Pulitzer daybed is placed where the crib once stood. However, the beautiful hand-painted Chinoiserie mural in Pink Peony from Pratt & Lambert remains.

Some of my favorite rooms Ruthie has designed have been for little girls. Here’s a sampling from her portfolio:

xo

Friday Find: Stylish 3 Ring Binders by russell+hazel

Organizing documents in binders started back in school, but it wasn’t until I directed  corporate events that I learned to appreciate the high-function of three ring binders. Today I still like to organize my work documents in binders, but finding a stylish design has been a challenge.

Recently, I discovered russell+hazel and their stylish, yet functional binders.  Not your typical 3 ring binder, russell+hazel’s three-ring binders are beautifully constructed and designed. They each have special features like a dry-erase interior, handsome book-linen spine and rubber band to keep it secure. In addition, russell+hazel binders are eco-friendly and made from 100% post-consumer recycled content.

The book-linen spine comes in ten solid colors to coordinate with just about any décor.

russell+hazel also offer their binders in chic patterns.

Now, which one shall I order? Do you have a favorite binder you love?

 * * *It's not too late to enter to win a personalized art print from Nutmegaroo!* * *

Lake Tahoe Fiesta on the Dock

Last weekend I was with family on the East shore of Lake Tahoe {where I grew up} celebrating my Dad’s 70th birthday. For the special occasion, we had a small fiesta style supper on the dock. The décor was kept simple, yet colorful. Here are some images from the event:

{sunflowers, candles in jam jars, linens from South America and a lone sombrero}

{handmade Mexican paper flags – it was too windy to have them swag, so they didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned them.}

{homemade margaritas of course!}

{incredible food, but I didn’t even get a chance to take some pictures of the main course because my kids wanted to go back to the house. oh well.}

{I didn’t miss the gorgeous sunset though!}


Happy Birthday Dad!

Personalized Kids Art by Nutmegaroo - GIVEAWAY

Etsy is one of my favorite sites for sourcing fresh, fun and personalized artwork for nurseries and kid's rooms.

Megan Long’s Nutmegaroo™ Design Studio on Etsy is a new discovery that offers stylish, personalized and custom prints for children. I have pulled just few examples of her work. Her designs are clean and simple, yet stylish. They would look great on the wall or in a frame on a bedside table.

Nutmegaroo recently released a new series of personalized initial prints {example below} and to celebrate would like to give ten {yes, 10} lucky Simplified Bee readers a free personalized print from her Etsy store.

In addition, Megan also wanted to extend 15% off on all purchases at her Etsy store now through August 11, 2011. Just enter the coupon code: SIMPLIFIEDBEE when checking out. Happy shopping!

Here’s how to enter to win:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite print on Nutmegaroo. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.
• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at 9 pm PST on Monday, July 18, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Good luck!