renee rodriguez designs

{delicate breezes}

 

 

Yesterday was the most stunning day here in Ann Arbor, the sun was shining and the most delicate breeze was floating through the air,  a quiet promise that Spring would be here any day and we just needed to be a bit more patient.

 In case you didn't know, our beautiful little town is filled with trees, every kind imaginable and this is why it is named Ann Arbor. Every neighborhood, park and even Main Street is lined with the most incredible flowering trees you have ever seen, and once they blossom it will take your breath away.

I guess after enduring the long and sometimes harsh winters, this is our gift, and what a gift it is, true eye candy.  Once they bloom, I promise to share them here.

photographs blogged at La vie en rose

Chanel Style

 

Laetitia Crahay lives in Paris and designs costume jewelry for Chanel - fabulous, oui? She successfully blends the classic Chanel style with a feminine modern touch to create these spectacular little baubles. 

 

 

I think that Coco would love the new Spring 2010 collection - don't you?

Photographs & Jewelry: Marie Claire, Photograph of Chanel

Have A Lovely Weekend

The weekend is almost here and I really don't know where my week went.  The last time I checked it was Monday - really!  Well, starting now  I vow to be a bit more mindful of time and try not to let life speed by.

However, I do seem to have a jammed packed weekend - after school I am taking Olivia to her favorite Friday "hot spot"  Dairy Queen - will I resist temptation? Highly doubt it!

Tonight my husband is hosting a movie night at his personal training & cycling studio; all the crazy cyclists that he hangs out with are watching the cult classic "Breaking Away". He  was on the cycling team at Indiana University and this movie brings back his glory days! 

Tomorrow Olivia is going on a Easter Egg Hunt with her Grandma. And luck has it that we have our fabulous Uncle Leonard babysitting on Saturday night - you know what that means -yep, a night out with the hubby,  Yippeeee!!!  

How about you, any fun plans? 

Vintage photograph

 

 

Blogs I Adore!

A few blogs that I love to read...

Gathering Sprigs: Heather Spriggs Thompson is a multi talented artist and designer. Her beautiful, vintage inspired blog features articles on design, decor and color trends. The images she selects for each post are delightful, modern and romantic. 

 

Lolalina: I just recently discovered this lovely blog a couple of weeks ago and now I stop by most everyday to take a peek into Laura Gaskill's beautiful world. Her blog is about discovering and living your sweet life - I love that! 

 

Mochatini: Manvi is a multi-talented and creative force - freelance photographer, interior stylists and blog designer. Wow! Her beautiful blog features posts about decor, photography, fashion and everything else that inspires her - I am always inspired when I stop by. 

So there you go, I hope you enjoy today's selections. 

Enjoy and have a beautiful Thursday!

Baby Shower Invitations ~ At Last

 

For the last couple of days {really nights} I have been working on these very cute little shower invitations; and I must say, I really love designing anything that has to do with babies. 

The mommy-to-be has married into a very large and loving Portugues family, hence "Cha de Bebe" which means Shower for the Baby, and now we know she is having a baby boy. Yay!

Initially, she and her mom liked the little stork on my website, but also wanted to have one more option for this very important event. So, I created the swanky little preggy girl invite as well {yes, she looks a bit like my illustrated alter ego ;)}  I really love both of them and I am now waiting to see which one they will choose. 

Which one is your favorite?

 

Custom invitation designs by: renee rodriguez designs
 

Style, Drama and Design

 

I often wonder about the art of blending styles in design; is it a calculated choice or is is simply selecting objects that are truly loved?  A gilded chair partnered with a modern Parsons table, or  a vintage crystal chandelier illuminating a post modern painting -  the juxtaposition of  styles is so beautiful and dramatic.  I love how you have the opportunity to see what the homeowner really loves to be around.

 

I would like to believe that if you really love something it will work as part of your design aesthetic and make your home you.  

So next time you happen to be at a flea market and spot the perfect gilded chair and it is upholstered in magenta velvet brocade - get it!  Think of the spectacular drama you will be infusing into your home.

Photography: Debi Treloar , Figurine photograph:Sarah Kaye Representative, Gilded Side Table, Vintage Photograph
 
 

 

Baby Shower Invitations

I was asked to design an invitation for a baby shower and this is the start of my designs, I still need to create the background and include the details about the shower. But, I wanted to give you a glimpse into what I was working on. Too fun! 

 
 

A Lovely Weekend

Wishing you a lovely weekend! Enjoy today, the first official day of Spring! 

Photography by Walde Huth

{blogs I adore}

 

I know that I'm not alone in saying there are so many amazing blogs  in the "blog-o-sphere"  and so little time to visit them all.  Since I love to share, I thought it would be so much fun to dedicate a day every week to featuring some of my favorite blogs. 

With so many talented souls behind such beautiful imagery, it is my hope that you might join me in visiting their little corners of the blogging world and enjoy their unique perspectives on art, design and life.

Today and every Thursday will be "Les Blogs Que J'adore" {don't be fooled by my French, I used Google translator} so enjoy!

Drum roll please......

 

Draw Pilgrim - A wonderful artist based in Australia who loves the 60's and 70's - whats not to love! There are great features on her designs, books, decor and more. It is one of those blogs that just make me smile every time I stop by. 

 

Fabulous Doodles - I have a weakness for fashion illustration and Brooke is such a gifted and talented illustrator { I secretly wish I could live next door to her in NYC and take classes everyday} but, since that is not possible, the next best thing is her illustration class every Tuesday.  Her blog is a journal of what she is working on and what inspires her - a wonderful visit any day of the week.
 

 

Lanalou Style - Lana works in the design field in Cape Town, South Africa. Her taste and eye for design,textiles and photography is impeccable!  She has the ability to transport you from one beautiful room or destination to the next, every post is visually splendid. 

I invite you to post a comment and let me know what you love about these blogs.

 

A Little Bit Of Green

 Hope your day is fill with fun and maybe a little mischief!