with love, Nanette

italia

2009-11-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy the work of Jenifer Altman of Nectar & Light. One of her more recent projects is a dreamy book of her travels in Italy. Available at her shop.

celebrate with luminaire foto + sassy cakes

2009-11-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

For those of you in the Naples area, mark your calendars for November 19th and join us for a sweet evening with our friends at Sassy Cakes. The event will be held at their boutique near Goodlette & Golden Gate. Come hop in the Fotobooth and enjoy the cupcake bar! Please RSVP to nanette@luminairefoto.com or cupcakes@sassycakesinc.com. We hope to see you there!

nyc skyline

2009-11-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

This sketch by autistic artist Stephen Wiltshire blows my mind- I would love to see some of his work in person. He took a 20-minute helicopter ride over the city and then sketched the entire skyline from memory- correct and drawn to scale. More here. Via A Cup of Jo.

mini dancers

2009-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have little ballerina friends. They like to use my camera too. On this afternoon, we all took turns.

something small

2009-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Etsy is such a wonderful place: I just found a little custom porcelain pet tag, maybe for my pup. Though wouldn't it chip when she flops onto the floor? As seen in Rae Dunn's shop.

best show ever?

2009-09-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Quite possibly worth upgrading the cable for: Man Shops Globe, on the Sundance Channel. The show follows buyer Keith Johnson on his world travels hunting treasure for Anthropologie. Hopefully I can watch it online!?

whooo hooo

2009-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Tote from textile designer Virginia Johnson.

red berry macarons

2009-08-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Aren't they pretty!? And I made about 16 on the first try. (I consider that successful after reading about the attempt's of others.) I made a strawberry-raspberry buttercream for the filling. I was feeling pretty smug about the whole baking process... that is, until I tried to get them off the parchment paper. They were glued, superglued, down. It took me over an hour to peel them off, with one out of every two going into the crumble bowl (still delicious, I will eat them all!) I'm not sure how to remedy my sticking/fragility issue, but it will be months before I attempt macarons again.

tomorrow will be tasty

2009-08-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

If all goes as planned, this weekend will be my first attempt at making french macarons. I've done a lot of research and bought a food scale so I'm really hoping for the best. I should go set out my egg whites! Pic from the beautiful and mouth-watering blog cannelle et vanille.

wire sculpture

2009-07-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

I'm always drawn to wire sculptures, I think because they remind me of line drawings and I like the illustrative quality. Today it's this lamp...

fleurs

2009-07-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Spotted today on Oh Happy Day and Oh Joy: the delicate specimens of Lyndie Dourthe.

blues & corals

2009-07-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

A close-up of a Catherine Malandrino sun dress.

and some zig zags

2009-07-14T20:53:00.001-07:00

also from Anthro

more blue stripes

2009-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

spotted at Anthro

sorry, but i always judge books by the cover...

2009-07-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

...and this one looks amazing. Blue, my true love.

merci

2009-07-06T18:29:00.001-07:00

This shop is on my visit-list the next time I'm in Paris. Photo found on Flickr.

cassandra's house

2009-07-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

I could live here... via Design Sponge.

good things to come: Lonny

2009-07-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Something to look out for: Lonny Magazine. In September it will launch online as a decorating and lifestyle mag. (I'm still a bit depressed, okay very much so, that Domino will never again be waiting in my mailbox.) Michelle Adams of Rubie Green is behind this creation, and judging by her other endeavors this magazine will be a treat!

have a ball

2009-07-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Karl and I are thinking about doing one of those bridal shows in the fall... which would entail setting up a booth and such. I saw this photo on Design Sponge yesterday and now this photo from Martha Stewart Weddings. I think we might have to use some of these! Yes, I'm sure of it. Executive decision, done.

all abloom

2009-06-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Look at these! New, from ban.do...

thinking about...

2009-06-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

...the stunning photography of Kari Herer.

alternative alter

2009-06-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful and clever backdrop for a wedding ceremony, and the flowers can double as gifts! I spotted a metal flower stand just like this over at Surroundings Consignment a few days ago. The price was $1000 which seems steep but I'm sure you could bargain. Anyone in South Florida in need? Photos by Ashley Garmon of Photosmashing.

the girl has style

2009-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

I can completely identify, at least aesthetically, with Rubie Green textile designer and owner Michelle Adams. She makes ecologically and socially responsible decisions, has spot-on taste, and seems like the nicest girl you could hope to meet. I follow her blog, and she recently posted photos of her lovely, green, revamped-on-a-budget apartment as seen in Real Living. I could move in right now! She took inspiration from Italy's JK Capri, which I may be obsessed with visiting. Someday I'd like to have her fabric on one of our vintage chairs.

take me to portugal

2009-06-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

I keep coming back to this photo again and again. Praia Piquinia by Christian Chaize, found on the neat site 20x200.

treasure hunting

2009-05-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun getting to know my new Nikon D300. On the way home from the market this morning we spotted an antique shop estate sale. I snapped a few shots of pieces that I wouldn't mind taking home. I love the mirrors and lamp as is, but I couldn't resist recovering the chairs... if they belonged to me.

more florals above

2009-05-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

This chandelier reminds me of the hanging garden.

up in the air

2009-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

I came across this beautiful installation on Black Eiffel. The hanging garden is by Gerda Steiner & Jorg Lenzlinger. Wouldn't it be great to see this in person?

pop icons for summer

2009-05-04T08:50:00.001-07:00

We're going on a last minute cruise to the Bahamas at the end of the month! If I could I would buy myself this towel, I love the bold floral print & colors. The design is a collaboration between Diane von Furstenberg and the Andy Warhol Foundation.

surprise

2009-04-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

These landed in my parent's backyard on a recent gloomy day. My mom blogs about it here.

found it

2009-04-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

In Miami last week, I spotted this great dress on a girl and just happened to see it on a hanger at Anthropologie a few hours later. How serendipitous. Oh Anthropologie, no wonder I like the dress. It's actually a swim cover-up.

smart

2009-04-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Driving around in my car is so fun now! It really feels quite big inside, or I should say normal-car-sized inside. To the beach yesterday we packed three bags, a cooler, two beach chairs, and an umbrella. Karl always wants to rock paper scissors me for who gets to drive.

taste bud + eye candy

2009-02-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

I'm in love I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! ...With this collection of seasonal and local recipes from The Jewels of New York. The styling is amazing, I don't want to stop staring. I can't wait for the farmer's market tomorrow.

loveology

2009-02-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

I just found this beautiful blog via Frolic. These days I have to really enjoy a blog to add it to the mile-long bookmark list.

a valentine for pilots

2009-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

These pictures remind me of the Planet Earth series (of which I am a huge fan), and also I like hearts, even if they are cliché. Via the awesome Black Eiffel.

a pile of coats

2009-02-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist snapping this pic at a wedding on a freakishly cold Atlanta day. We were grabbing the girls coats right before the photos. I was largely in charge of holding them, but here they landed with Karl, who is buried back there somewhere.

pup

2009-02-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Karl shot these a few months ago while playing with a new lens. Oh, the cuteness.

oooh

2009-01-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Joanna Goddard's engagement photos are knocking my socks off. These images will be floating around my head for awhile. Photography by Max Wanger.

a message

2008-12-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

As seen on Flickr, by Keri Smith.

balloons balloons

2008-12-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

I have balloons on my mind lately. I recently gave the book "The Red Balloon as a holiday gift." Last month I had Karl do a portrait shoot with balloons, which I hope we can do again. And I was happy today to spot this print from Etsy seller blancucha.

past ornament swaps

2008-12-10T20:25:00.001-08:00

This Christmas is my third participating in the Holiday Ornament Swap put together by cake & pie and freshlyblended. It works like this: I am put in a group of ten or so swappers, and I create and mail an ornament to each person. In turn each person mails one to me. I am so happy with the way my project turned out! So far I've received 3 ornaments, and I can't wait to see the rest. They're little presents that keep coming throughout the month. I love all of the varied handmade touches now on my tree! The ornaments above are from my first two years of swapping.

the bounty

2008-12-04T15:51:00.000-08:00

Last spring we became members of Worden Farm, a local organic farm in Punta Gorda. We have been itching for our first delivery ever since, and today is the day we've been waiting for! The veggies are so beautiful, not to mention delicious. Tonight we had grilled eggplant and some salad greens. (Market pic via Worden Farm site.)

maybe for Christmas...

2008-12-01T04:53:00.000-08:00

I can gift these yummy macaroons from Sucré. Or just order them for myself...

oh so tactile

2008-11-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

A fun interview + gorgeous process video of illustrator & artist Kat Macleod over at The Design Files.

the backsplash

2008-11-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Our last rented condo was brand new. The backsplash area needed something glossy so it could be easily wiped clean. I painted these floral branches for visual interest, and then topped it with a glossy clear coat. I love it when landlords let me paint.

it needs some work

2008-11-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

Here it is: my newly acquired vintage Schwinn Varsity. After searching for a few months I found it on Craigslist. It's very crusty and needs a bit of attention before I can ride. A woven basket, bell, and leather seat should do the trick.

the fabulous garlands

2008-11-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

These make me happy.

birds and blue

2008-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

I just think this wallpaper by Louise Body is too gorgeous. It will be so fun to someday have a home of our own and make more permanent design decisions, like wallpaper. For now I could use it on a folding screen, or in a frame...

i want to ride my...

2008-09-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking about these... bike via A Cup of Jo and helmets from London Cycle Chic.

dogs riding on bicycles

2008-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

We like to take Iso on bike rides. She sits in the basket. At first she didn't like it and tried to jump out mid-ride. Now though she enjoys the rides and the wind flips her ears up straight and big and I love it. Actually I'm afraid I might one day crash my bike and flatten her. Karl usually takes her, and I think I trust him a bit more. I came across this picture today and thought, 'there is a bike I can ride!' I'm in the market for something Schwinn or vintagey. I have a free bike that is doing the job for now, but after giving up my car in a month from now, I might just treat myself to something lovelier. Picture via Anthropologie.

more love for Domino

2008-08-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly dragging images into a file on my desktop called spaces. It's a little out of control, but I love browsing through the pictures of cozy bedrooms and outdoor dining nooks. If only we had our own house! We're moving in a week to a rental which will have to do. I just assembled a file of ideas for our new home with Domino's My Deco File. It's easy enough to use but takes awhile if you want to add more than a few images.

diary of a foodie

2008-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I happened to catch a bit of Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie. On the show I saw, they did a segment on Parmigiano Reggiano production in Italy. The website has lots of free podcasts and recipes from the show. Seeing all this great food makes me want to get in the kitchen.

once

2008-06-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

A friend recommended I watch this movie, and I was blown away. I really love all the songs and have been repeating this one in particular. I'm off to track down the soundtrack.

lost in translation

2008-06-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

This print just arrived from Etsy seller equivoque. I do have a thing for Polaroids. This photo is my favorite color.

lovely...

2008-06-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

This photo, of a bride before her wedding, is one of my favorites of the pics Karl has taken. I have many favorites.

Paper Scraps

2008-06-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have a ribbon board hanging behind my computer. When I was in college I made it from a cork bulletin board. The upholstery tacks are a nice touch, n'est-ce pas? The scraps, notes, and photos are collected from here and there. It's an ever-changing gallery.

Cardboard

2008-06-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is a cardboard castle made by Ann Wood. I love the little birds she creates... how can you not? Those cake toppers! Such sweet little details.

TasteSpotting

2008-06-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

How disappointing to find this note!

The Elephant in the Room

2008-05-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

As far as Eames design goes, I've always been partial to the LCW. Until, that is, I saw this baby. Available here, big and mini.

Felt

2008-04-06T20:48:00.001-07:00

These flowers adorn my Christmas stocking which I made last December. I'll have to make more for a pillow or something of the like, they're fun to sew.

Paris, Je T'aime

2008-03-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Short stories about love from each of the 20 arrondissements... I especially enjoyed the short at Oscar Wilde's grave. Click here for the website.

It's Armani

2008-03-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

I read this Look Book profile of Bobby Vita a few years ago and it's been cracking me up ever since. Bobby... always quotable and good for a laugh. I love browsing through the street fashion of the other profiles too. There's even a book.

My Pup

2008-02-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is Iso, our little Yorkie. She's my first dog, and like most pet owners, I'm crazy about her. My photographer husband Karl named her after film speed. On the right is an oil portrait that I painted for Karl's birthday last May.

Funny Face

2008-02-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

I just bought this poster from the movie Funny Face and framed it in glossy white.

Like so many, I'm a big Audrey Hepburn fan. There are so many great books on her style and grace, but my favorite is Audrey Hepburn, an Elegant Spirit, written by her son Sean. The book includes a moving speech she gave to the UN as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. Proceeds from the book go to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund.

Well hello.

2007-09-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

After a couple years of clicking through gorgeous art and design blogs, I've decided that today is the day to put myself out there. I'd like my blog to be a place to share my creative thoughts and ideas, as well as help my absent-minded self keep track of things. (When I look back on my life so far, I seem to remember more from the journal keeping phases.) I'll be posting little sketches and drawings, photos, and paintings of my own creation. Ill also be posting images from here and there that I find inspiring, happy, and beautiful to stare at. And I hope that through this blog, I can figure myself out just a little. Bit by bit.

xo Nanette