So a couple of weeks ago we got invited to attend a Blogging Your Way class taught by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring.  These are two amazingly talented ladies in the world of creativity and design.  Holly is a published author of the design book called Decorate, she also has a beautiful blog which reaches millions of people all over the world.  Leslie also has a lovely blog, that is so inspiring called A Creative Mint, which if you love chalky pastel colors, then you are going to want to bookmark her blog.  She also contributes to Holly’s blog with her “Color Me Pretty” column.  And truly the lists goes on for both of these women.

Since we were going to attend these classes, we thought we would build in a couple of extra days for shopping in the big apple.  Here are some of our favorite places that we shopped at.

M&J Trimmings amazing wall of trim. Total eye candy!

Some of the trims we selected.

Mood Fabrics, where the designers on Project Runway Shop.

Tons of fabric at Mood, how's a designer to decide?

Inside the lovely Tinsel Trading Company, where you can find the most amazing vintage findings, ribbons, and glass glitter.

Tinsel Trading Company

Shopping at Miz Mooz shoes, so many choices, just not enough room in our suitcases.

Stopping to say "hello" to Lady Liberty.

Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic boutique

Free People ready for Spring

Shopping at Zara, our new favorite store.

We had to stop by Betsey Johnson to check out all her girlie designs.

Wonder Boutique

Heading up Fifth Avenue to shop at Anthropologie.

Anthropologie window, and the inside did not disappoint

Anthro display

Oversized gorgeous display cabinet at Anthro.

So after two full days of shopping, laughing, discovering the city, and surviving the subway(which is another whole story), we had class to attend to.  Which was the reason we came to NYC in the first place.  Over the course of the next two days we were instructed on finding a voice for our blogs, helpful hints about photography and styling, and learning how to use our blog to tell a story.  It was so wonderful to be surrounded with a small group of creative women who were as passionate about their business/blog as we are.  We felt very blessed to have two of the best in the industry, Holly and Leslie, guide us and teach us.  So we wanted to share some photos that we both took over the course of the Blogging Your Way, NYC class, showing some of the new techniques we learned.

Styled using LuluBelles earrings and some beautiful ribbon

Styled using Lulubelles necklace, velvet and lace ribbon, and a Rifle notebook given to us for the class.

How we styled the lovely vase of tulips on our table. We added velvet ribbon and a brooch.

The amazing windows at the Divine Studios in NoHo. Holly and Leslie created this beautiful garland.

One of Holly's Mood books that she has created as a source of inspiration. Great idea, don't you think?

Leslie's mood board that she created for the class.

Leslie, Natalie, Holly, Gretchen. Behind us is the lovely backdrop of bright colors which they created.

It was the trip of a lifetime, one we won’t soon forget.  We made some wonderful friends that we are already enjoying keeping in touch with.  NYC is a great place to visit, put we are happy to be back home!

XO

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This Feature Friday is about a local Louisville business women, who has just recently started her own business.  Her name is Brandy Siemens.  Her company is Vintage Style and Designs. She is the local distributor of Annie Sloan Chalk paint.  This paint is amazing, and has been around for a while.  We are lucky that Brandy is able to offer it to use locally.

In Brandy’s own words…

“Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a line of paint that is best known for its ability to stick to most anything without sanding or priming first!  It saves a great deal of prep time on any paint project.  It is a very low VOC paint.  Made right here in the USA!  Annie herself is an artist/designer from England who has created this line with 28 great colors.  It distresses quite easily and you use her soft wax to give it a wonderful finish.  Her whole process is very simple.  She says, “It’s a girls paint, but boys can use it too!”

I have always loved to antique and find pieces of furniture to bring back to life.  And so now, I am making this love my life with Vintage Style and Designs.  This allows me to use my background in interior design and art history and still be a stay at home mom!!

I have just started a retail space located in Traderbaker’s Consignments Plus at 5622 Bardstown Rd in Fern Creek (Creekside Terrace Shopping Center) and I have a website coming soon.  I just started the FB page.

Brandy is offering a wonderful giveaway to our LuluBelles ladies.  Here are the details…

We (stockist) have each been asked to host a holiday basket giveaway to help promote ourselves and the 2012 ASCP national tour.  Info on the tour can be found atwww.anniesloanunfolded.com. She will be touring 8 cities.  Nashville will be the closest.  Out of every stockist basket givaway, those people will be entered in a second drawing for either one of 8 tickets to her workshop or $350 in paint!

So, for the drawing here are some guidelines:

1. Must become a follower of Annie Sloan’s Blog at http://anniesloans.blogspot.com and comment with “American Tour 2012″

2. Come over to FB and become a fan of Vintage Style and Designs and comment to me as to what you like about ASCP.

3. you can visit Traderbakers to check out the paint in person and fill out an additional entry.

My drawing must be by Dec, 23.

Annie will select the additional winners on Jan. 10th.

Here is the photo of the amazing giveaway basket, Thanks to Brandy!!  It’s worth $150!!

Here are some examples of pieces of furniture that were painted with Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint…

LOVE THIS AQUA PAINT!!

So be sure the enter to win this amazing prize package that Brandy is offering!  We know that we feel inspired now to paint some furniture, frames, chairs, or whatever else we can think of!  Best of luck to you!

XO~Gretchen and Natalie

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For nearly two centuries, Louisville Stoneware has been a part of the culture and history of the city.  Since early on they have taken pride in sticking to the handmade craft of transforming clay into functional art forms.  In this day and age where everything seems to be made by a machine, Louisville Stoneware continues to make works of art that are functional and can be used and enjoyed for many generations to come.

When my son was born I received a few pieces for him as gifts…a bowl, plate and mug with his name on them and a little star.  They are personalized, special and of good quality and we use them pretty much every day.  I had good intentions of ordering a set for my daughter too and now that she is almost two I finally did it.  My friend, Lisa Mullins Masters, actually runs the company so I contacted her and ordered a set.  It turned out so cute, beyond my expectations (pics below!).  If you are looking for a special gift for a baby or child in your life, this is it.  It’s such a wonderful keepsake and something they can actually use too!

So, I think Lisa is pretty amazing for owning this special company and wanted to spotlight her for our Feature Friday.  I know many of us admire a woman owned business and so I asked her to share with us how she got started in it and to tell us a little about her story and this is what she had to say:

I became the steward of Louisville Stoneware about 4 1/2 yrs ago.  I had been In medical sales for years and was looking for a creative change and wanted to remain in sales and also have ownership of my daily work. I met my business partner Steve, who was ready to purchase the nearly 200 yr old pottery company and was looking for someone to partner with and run the company.

A meeting at Starbucks, 2 hot teas and 2 hrs later I was resigning from my career in medical sales and launching on a new career path.  Little did I know it would be one of the best changes in my career that I had made!  Change is scary and uncertain but I felt in my heart the risk was worth taking.  Starting all over again with a fresh perspective allowed me to be a better leader and helped steer the company down a road to success.

Louisville Stoneware operates entirely out of one location at 731 Brent St., in Louisville, KY.   We take clay that millions of years old and transform it into enduring, functional art forms.  We work with basic elements of earth, water, air and fire.  Skilled artisans create timelessly beautiful dinnerware, bakeware, serving pieces and collectibles that can be enjoyed and cherished for many generations.

Most generations collection starts at birth with our birth plates or 3 pc child sets as toddlers and they continue to collect for many years!  We also have retirement, wedding and anniversary plates.  All of our pottery can be peronalized, It’s a great way to commemorate a milestone event. And we never forget our pets.  Both of my dogs have their own personalized pet bowls.

Our stoneware is lead free and non-toxic.  In addition, all pieces are oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. Louisville Stoneware offers factory tours, paint your own pottery, and has a large retail showroom.  You can also shop online at www.louisvillestoneware.com.

Thanks Lisa!

Xo, Natalie

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