2013 A Lucky Year!

Some people don't believe in luck and some swear by it. I think I'm a little of both since I believe you have to know what to wish for and then remind yourself of it every day. Good luck charms are "hope" and a little bit of "faith" encapsulated in a symbol.  I started my gold luck paintings when I thought about which chic object I would want to see every day to remind me of my goals and dreams. The wishbone has great sentimental value to me, but whatever your good luck charm, I say run with it. Louis Vuitton has. The recent campaign is all about luck...from lucky numbers, four leaf clovers, you name it. Well, if you got an LV item this holiday, then you are lucky!

LV's lucky charms. 

For just $28, this 24K Gold Four Leaf Clover is a steal if it brings good things. 

Gold wishbones are everywhere right now, from jewelry to decor.

Even better, pair the 24K Gold Wishbone print with a gold 24K Kiss. 

  Hope everyone gets a kiss on New Years Eve and good luck in the New Year!

A Pop of Gilded Mint

It's been a little while since I did a Gilded Mint feature of decor, party decorations and ideas that are all about some gild and mint. Here are a few to inspire!

Perfect timing for the holidays!

Deep mint walls with gold mirror and statement chandelier that is all Gild!

I like the mint colored cabinets are offset with a little brass and gold glimmer in the faucet and stove. 

A pop of mint on the bead board backsplash. 

Now, that is a Gilded Mint cake!

Check out this New Years Eve party designed by Kate Landers and featured on Layla Grace. Looks like Gilded Mint will be ringing well into 2013!!!

Feature Time

A special thank you to all of those who have featured my art on their website or blog. Take some time to visit these fantastic sites listed here. Obviously, they all have impeccable style and taste;-) Speaking of great style, the ladies at Caitlin + Caitlin Design Co. pulled together a swanky Christmas list featuring my In Paris painting. Check it out!

The Design Duo

All fantastic picks! Below are a few highlights from their interior design portfolio. 

Insanely clever idea instead of a mirror. 

Cute little kitchen nook. 

Great pop of gold against bright colors.

Black & Gold

Gold is a common theme in my paintings because I like the warmth, reflection and movement it can bring to a piece. There is also the luxe factor...a little bit of gold brings a whole lot of rich. Interiors, home decor accents, hardware, fittings, wall coverings, furniture...you name it are donned in a gold hue. I mean, who ever could imagine a kitchen island made completely of brass. A bit much for me, but I do love the decadence of black and gold for interiors.

Make your own grouping with these paintings via Etsy. 

Both simple, elegant prints available via GildedMint on Etsy. Great for you or as a gift!

Accent with Amethyst

It has been a busy week since my last post since filling art orders has taken up a lot of my time. Gold prints have been very popular as gifts for the holidays...and it seems everyone is ready to fancy up their home with a painting to prepare for company. Although gold has been dubbed the color of the year, jewel tones are very hot, hot, hot. Amethyst is at the top of the list, and although I don't like a room full of purple, I do like a few accent touches here and there to luxe up the space.

Soft purple gives this room a little hue.

Graphic and bold.

I love a rich purple set against green.

Be a little different this holiday. 

 

Soft amethyst warms up this bedroom.

Absolutely love purple in landscape design...again, the pop against greenery makes the space.

Salt and Pepper shakers from The Zhush.

Amethyst Bejeweled Painting via Etsy.

Just a little jewel accessory by the Zhush to place around the home.

This is a rug modeled after the ridiculously popular agate. By Studio Bijoux.

Sparkle & Angels

Yes, I am that person. You know, the one that has her Christmas decorations up right after Thanksgiving and  listens to Christmas music nonstop on that radio station that converts itself for the holiday crazies. Now, I do have an excuse on the Christmas decorations other than loving this season. I am usually gone at the end of the month, so I want as much time experiencing the spirit and loveliness in every way. Here's a little taste of my Christmas inside.

My holiday decor is all about silver, gold, white and sparkle. I started my own tradition over a decade ago picking up ornaments from all the places I have traveled to across the globe. The top right cotton angel was from one of my first trips to Charleston before I moved here. My tree is full of ornaments that have meaning and remind me of where I've traveled. 

My front room all aglow. My historic bungalow has a cottage feel and is so cozy with a neutral mix of antiques and modern pieces. 

More travel ornaments from a bell in Mexico and crown in London. 

My angel from South Africa made from local materials. That trip will always be close to my heart. 

Everyone has an angel watching over them and she reminds me of that fact.  

Toasty Holiday Season

So, you may think that I mean 'toasty' in the sense of snuggled up against a warm fire. Mmm, sort of. We are toasty here in Charleston. It was 76 degrees today! Now, I love it, don't get me wrong, but I kind of want the cold, crisp air back! I want my weather to match my Christmas decorations and candles! I also have a little yummy toasted coconut as well...in a delightful beverage form...to make you smile:-)

If there are two things this town does right...they are food and drink. This Ultimate Coconut Cake Cocktail is from the infamous Peninsula Grill here in Charleston. Yes, Oprah literally had their coconut cake practically airlifted whenever she wanted it. This is in a drink form. Smackin' Good!

Coconut Anglaise (find at charlestonmag.com)

1 Tbs Toasted Coconut Flakes

1 oz half-and-half (fat free for those trying to watch it)

1 oz Stoli Vanil Vodka

1 oz Malibu Rum

3/4 oz Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

3/4 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 Strawberry, for garnish

Rim glass in coconut anglaise, then with the toasted flakes. Add liqueur ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frothy and strain into glass. Garnish with strawberry.