Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Natalia Makes The BEST Treasuries!

Giving credit where credit is due, these treasuries are not really made by me even though they say Jesse Anne Designs but all these here were created by my friend Natalia.  She has made several for me and these are my favorites...well "Mustard Madness" was probably my favorite but these all look nice together.  I adore Natalia's treasuries, I think I have mentioned her before, she is half my age but always manages to impress me with all the things she does...including designing my entire blog.  I love when she makes treasuries for me on Etsy, she sure knows how to make me look good :)

She also takes great pictures and keeps a great journal!
http://www.nisfornatalia.blogspot.com/




Sag Awards 2012

This is my personal "Best Dressed" list for this years Sag Awards.  I am trying to catch up and see as many films as I can before The Oscars but my time is limited at the moment...feel free to make your suggestions on what to watch :)

I'm not that great with the whole "celebrity" thing so I always have to double check my names but I have taken a liking to awards shows over the last couple years because of the fashion.  So many of these dresses are truly pieces of art and I'm taken back by it at.

And *SORRY* I have not blogged in so long or gotten back to anyone here on blogger, via email, or through Etsy.  I have been very sick. I miss you all and I have been just scratching at myself to get back on the computer...though the scratching has nothing to with my illness and isn't literal any way, but you know what I mean.  I will probably blog about it later and post pictures, some I will have to do with separate links for those of you that don't care for blood.

But for now, let us take a look at my countdown of Sag Award's dresses that make my heart happy.


#5 Lea Michele in Versace.  All little too sexy for me but this color is divine on her!

#4 Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein.  This color truly "pops" on the red carpet and I love the classic Hollywood hair style.  Well done Jess!


#3 Michelle Williams in Valentino.  Just a very sweet look all around, red on the red carpet is risky business,
but Michelle pulls it off.


#2 Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta.  The bold color is the perfect shade for her skin tone, I love this!


#1 Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen.  I would sell my left arm for this dress and I'm left handed.  How adorable is Emma Stone? <3

Monday, January 23, 2012

workweak

Here are my favorite picks by an artist in Boston named Dave Mahan.  He uses ink on watercolor paper very often...a man after my own artistic heart. 
Find him on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/workweak







And Again:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/workweak

My Newest Etsy Purchase, The Sandbar

So I actually got these in the mail today from Jess over at The Sandbar.  They are from Jupiter (Island), this is very fun for me to say.  I bought these to use when I shoot my spring/summer line, and they will make perfect background pieces.  I love these!  So make sure to checkout The Sandbar!  Thanks Jess!

Look at my shells!  From Jupiter!





Lemon Bars By Anne (Queen Anne's)

Here is a super yummy recipe provided for you from my good friend Anne, from over at Queen Anne's on Etsy, where you will find lots of vintage goods as well handmade creams.  Both of which I can highly recommend.  Use coupon code "JESSE" for 15% off any purchase from Queen Anne's :)


Lemon Bars

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered (confectioners') sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
8 Tbsp or 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 large eggs , lightly beaten
1 tsp. grated lemon peel (sometimes I leave this out)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

To make crust: Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9" x 13". Butter a large piece of parchment paper (or foil) and line the baking dish, extending over rim.

In a large bowl, combine flour, confectioners' sugar, and butter with fingertips until well blended. Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes.

To make filling: In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until blended. Add eggs, lemon peel, and lemon juice and whisk until blended.

Pour filling over hot crust. Bake until set, about 20 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool completely.

Dust top lightly with confectioners' sugar. To serve, lift the bars out of the pan by the parchment or foil. Place on cutting board and cut into 32 bars.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy.



I will be doing more on Queen Anne's in the near future but just to hold you tight until then, make sure you try out some of her beauty creams/balms.  She is a bee keeper herself so you won't find anything more fresh!  I tried this one here and am in love with it.  I seriously use it every day and it stays on my lips and really protects me against Michigan's nasty elements this time of year. 

Here is the link to her shop that puts you right in the beauty section!

*Don't forget your coupon code!  15% off, just type in "JESSE" when you checkout!*

Blush...









Saturday, January 21, 2012

My Very First Memory.



My First Memory
The reason why I am even blogging about this to begin with is because I have posted lyrics and poetry on my blog more than a few times  already and I am always dancing on whether to post these particular lyrics…the song is “Yesterday” by the Beatles.  The basis for my apprehension is because this song is attached to my first memory ever, hence I feel like I owe it some sort of fancy disclaimer but I don’t have anything profound to say.  It is very simple, hearing this song really is my first memory and even when I try, I can’t remember anything before this.  I remember being in the living room of a house, the one I grew up in, one that I am pretty sure doesn’t exist anymore and I was with my dad and we listened to this song on one of his old records and we were quiet after it was over and I asked him “Why is he so sad?”.  I can remember my heart just breaking for the man singing this song and wanting to understand it.  Now over 20 years later, I know that the man is Paul McCartney and that there probably isn’t anything on earth that I could do to make him feel better.  But it is still the first thing I remember of my entire life and I love the connection it gives me to other people who have been changed by the music of the Beatles.  It isn’t just my first memory, it is something I have attached myself to ever since and I’m not the same person anymore.  So with all that said…here are some lyrics. 

“Yesterday”
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I'm not half to man I used to be,
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
-McCartney-Lennon
(I don’t want to hear it, McCartney-Lennon for this one)

A Very Important Blogpost (Again)

This is actually a message I am reposting, well the one at the bottom of this message is being reposted.  I am reposting it because of how important it is to me and I want to expand on what I am doing.  I know that my $100 gift card giveaway focused on WW2 vets, and the reason for this is my own personal upbringing because my grandfather, a WW2 vet, but I really want to expand this contest to recognize everyone who has served America in the armed forces.
 
I am opening this up and I am having a second drawing for all of those that do anything to help out our vets.  Just let me know about it because I have a second drawing for ANOTHER $100 gift card to Jesse Anne Designs. 

The same rules all around and the contest runs until the first of April.

Why am I doing this? Because I believe in it with all my heart and I realize I would be nothing without those who serve this country.  I only wish I could do more.

with all that I am,
Jesse
"Thank A Hero" $100 Gift Card Giveaway
It isn’t batman.  It isn’t superman.  It is our Veterans that are true heroes.   When I think of the circumstances of WWII, my head literally wants to explode because this world was a complete mess and these people actually saved the world.  And that is why it is so important to me that we do everything we can to thank these real life heros.
 I know that most everyone is struggling in these times with a broken economy and rising health care prices but these veterans are living in the same circumstances and are aging into their late 80s and early 90s and I think it is important to do what you can.   I do whatever I can, whenever I can and today I am asking for your help too.  If there is anything that you can do to support your local veterans homes, please do it and I want you to tell me about it because any donation that you make whether it be money, canned goods, clothing or your time is important to me.  Anyone who does something to support their local veteran’s home now through April 1st will be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card to Jesse Anne Designs.  The first 30 people who enter the contest will get something no matter what.  A winner will be chosen on April 2nd through random.org and will be notified the same day.   This contest is open to everyone, not just my blog readers but I will use my blog to keep you all updated on who is entered and what they did to get in the contest.  Please snap pictures if you can, even if it is just of some cans of carrots you are bringing over to your local veterans home, it would be great because I will add them to my blog, I do have nearly enough carrot pictures anyways.  Thanks so much, I love forward to hearing from you!

Contact me anytime at: JesseAnneDesigns@gmail.com

With all that I am,
Jesse

Elena Romanova, Watercolor Artist

Elena is a European watercolor artist that I think is truly remarkable and I wanted to share some of her creations with you. I love her animal and abstract work.

You can find her on the web over here: http://www.artollo.com/
Or visit her on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fairysomnia





Nevena Art Glass Knows All










Nevena From Nevena Art Glass knows how to put together a treasury, these were some of my favorites, hope you enjoyed my picks!  She is also an amazing artist...no surprise after browsing her treasuries :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NevenaArtGlass

My Favorite Classic Looks From Film (Part 1)

How on earth could I not begin with Audrey's "Breakfast At Tiffany's" black dress?


 Bird's fly over the rainbow, why then oh why can't I? Judy Garland in "The Wizard Of Oz"

Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire in "Top Hat".  2 for the price of one, they both look so incredible.

So I just watched "Titanic" for the first time within the last year and I never really got the whole Leonardo DiCaprio thing, anyways...now I get it. Watching him walk down the stairs in this film is breathtaking and lots of other things.  This film is truly a modern classic.


Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" was my momma's suggestion and I was on the fence about including this but after thinking about it, this was perfect because it is about one of the only 80's dress that I would consider timeless.

Part 2 coming very soon :)

Friday, January 20, 2012

How Romantic









Va-Voom Vintage Feature & Giveaway...

More Products I Love

Here are a few random supplies that I most strongly recommend, not just because of the product itself but because the companies have integrity and stand behind what they make. 

Prismacolor Colored Pencils:  The best you can find, hands down.  I have never heard any artist say anything bad about this brand and you won't find one here.  Awesome product every time.


Da Vinci Harbin Kolinsky Brushes:  Most consistent brushes if you ask me.  I don't know how they do it, but you really do get the same brush every time.  Buy one of these brushes once and then once more, and you will get exactly what I am trying to say.  And their "spin" brushes will change your life...seriously I'm not the same person anymore. 




Holbein Oil Pastels: These really make me wish I was better with oil pastels.  I'm too much of a mess to work with pastels most the time but when I do, this is the brand I have found to really be the most solid.


PolyShrink by Lucky Squirrel: This is a brand that has just about saved my life.  I'm beyond happy with this shrink plastic and they have amazing customer service.  I honestly have only been using this brand for a short while but in that short time they have just knocked my previous supplier out of the water.  If you buy shrink plastic, buy PolyShrink.


Royal Super Sponge Pack: I'm not actually sure who makes this but you can buy it from blick, maybe they make it?  I know I should know this....I will update this soon but anyways, you can use these for so many kinds of paints, they won't let you down.


Lava Hand Soap: If you can get it on your skin, this can get it off.
Strathmore 500 Series Charcoal: Anything Strathmore is good, but this is a standout product for artists that work with charcoal.


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Shake Shake Shakespeare



Hello!  I normally would never devote an entire post to one new listing but yesterday I listed a necklace with a Shakespeare quote on it and I wanted to tell you all about it because of the two people in the photo prop...they are my grandparents and this is my favorite picture, ever.   I noted it in the listing but gosh I have so much more to say but still I don't know how to express it.  I love these two people more than I could ever tell you and they loved each other in a way that I have never seen before.  :)  So when you look at this necklace,  please do note the two folks in black and white in the background, they are my favorite people ever. 

So if your grandma or grandpa are still with you, give them a hug or call them.  You are very lucky.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90832739/shakespeare-necklace-shakespeare-quote

Butterfly




"Butterfly"

Yesterday I went outside with my momma's mason jar
Caught a lovely butterfly
When I woke up today, looked in on my fairy pet
She had withered all away, no more sighing in her breast
I'm sorry for what I did, I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The ghost slips away

Smell you on my hand for days
I can't wash away your scent
If I'm a dog then you're a bitch
I guess you're as real as me
Maybe I can live with that
Maybe I need fantasy, life of chasing butterfly
I'm sorry for what I did, I did what my body told me to
I didn't mean to do you harm
Everytime I pin down what I think I want it slips away
The ghost slips away

I told you I would return
When the robin makes his nest
But I ain't never coming back

I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I'm sorry

-Weezer (and NOW I'm sorry)


All Things "Glasses"

I lost mine today and am now wearing my old ones but I just thought I would share my favorite "glasses" art with you all!  Also don't forget I *just* started facebook, so please check me out if you can:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesse-Anne-Designs/151341371614328

First of course, the ones you put on your face... :)

Cute and Quirky Nerd Art:

Julie Tillman knows what is up...


Donna McKenzie > Everything Else

Prints from Spain....


These photos are true.  A captain and a feline? YES YES & YES....