Turn it Around Tuesday: Chaos and the Artwork of Chrissie Macdonald

 {Artwork by Artist Chrissie Macdonald}

When thinks get out of control, it's time for 

TURN IT AROUND TUESDAY!

My life has been cluttered with so many necessary things that my head has been spinning out of control. The last month and half has been insane. However, I think I might be getting back to my old swing of things! What has caused all of this ruckus?  Building a nursery. Moving my home office to our upstairs loft. In addition, my mother came to visit for two weeks and just returned home. What else could prevent me from finishing my novel and blogging?! Nothing, I swear, nothing else!

{Artwork by Artist Chrissie Macdonald}

I'm feel like I can get back to work on my novel and on blogging until the baby arrives at the end of August. My inspiration for today is the whimsical art of UK designer Chrissie Macdonald. I can connect to the energy and chaos of her art, which in all the chaos still has its own beautiful harmony. Macdonald works in paper sculptures most, but she is an artist that follows her inspiration to whatever art medium inspires her. Her is a look at a few more of her works. I do hope to update more often, fingers crossed!

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{Artwork by Artist Chrissie Macdonald}

{Artwork by Artist Chrissie Macdonald}

Where are you in the crowd?

{Artwork by Artist Chrissie Macdonald}

How do you handle chaos in your life?

{Please post with a comment any tips or tricks on how to handle the craziness of life!}

Source Request: The Artwork of Downtown Chic by Robert and Courtney Novogratz

Downtown Chic at Amazon $29

I just received a request to source the awesome artwork as featured on the cover of Downtown Chic. I also love this painting, which works so well with the pattern of the rest of the room. The oil painting is by Brendan Cass, who happens to be as photogenic as his artwork!

Artist Brendan Cass. Take a tour of his art studio at Beautiful Decay.

Cass On His Artwork: 

"The body of work came about through an obsession of travel, in general, and also escapism. Literally and Psychologically. At the depths of my purpose though I am fascinated by the land formations and sense of terrain in Popular inspiring European locales, and also the energy and liberation that many people feel when going to these say, inspiration centers. One can feel as flat as they did back home or really resonate with the sense of departure, and other ness." Read more of this awesome interview here. 

Germany

What I love about the artwork of Cass is his bold use of color and playfulness. At a time when art is often so serious, it's a breath of fresh air to take an escape in Cass's work. His tulip paintings were based on images of Holland. Here is another that is similar to the artwork on the cover of Downtown Chic. 

Holland

Here are a few more of my favorite works by Cass.

Iceland

Italy

Mountain Forest

Vicky,


Thanks for asking about the artwork of Brendan Cass. I feel like I've been on a heavenly trip resourcing all of these awesome images!


Cheers,
Kamela
Modern Girl Style

Watch Brendan in Action! A quick video on a recent NYC art show he had.

Brendan Cass, New Works from Lars Bohman Gallery on Vimeo.

If you've got any questions, please post a comment or send an email to moderngirlstyle {dot} gmail.com! 

Manhattan Beach Memories: Bathrooms fit for the Beach

{image source: First House on the Right}

My mom has been in town and we've been shopping like demons across the GTA area. We've been focused on the nursery, strollers, and clothes. So much in my life is in transition! I woke up this morning and spent an hour doing yoga. I really feel like I'm connecting with my Cali roots! Since I'm not going to be in Cali until after the baby is born, I have been lusting for anything ocean. An outdoor shower or an indoor spa retreat, I wanted to share highlight some regatta-colored and ocean themed inspiration rooms. 

{image: Coastal Living}

Simplicity connects immediately to beach homes. Who's got time to get fussy when all need to do is grab a towel and a favorite book and hit the beach? In my childhood, nothing was sweeter than a day spent at the beach and the rewarding shower that came afterward. I was always in the ocean and catching waves. I can recall vividly all those hot spring days and summer afternoons, standing the shower watching sand and salt drift out my hair. I love the next bathroom because the atmosphere is conductive to meditative showers.

{image source: First House on the Right}

Manhattan Beach was one of my favorite places to hang. The homes weave back and forth from Hollywood executive $5M and up homes to old beach bunglows. What do you prefer? Modern Manhattan or...

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A beautiful beach bunglow? Each home has their perks, but this beach bungalow steals my heart.

{Image via Candace Rose}

Now, my mom, god bless her, just realized that I was sneaking a post in today. She has just demanded that I do this later so we can head off on today's shopping adventure. I just wish we were in SoCal to hit even more amazing shops.

{image: Manhattan Beach}

Modern Mama Style: Bumbleride Baby Wheels & Preggers Update

My kind of lifestyle: Bumbleride Indie

My late afternoon walk brought an unexpected surprise...I think I saw the stroller I wanted. A young mom was pushing her baby down the street. I smiled adorning the baby and the stroller. As she walked by me, I turned around and asked what sort of stroller she was using. She said a Bumbleride Indie. Her stroller was in sea grass, as pictured above. She said she more than did her research and bought this from a boutique called Peek-a-Boo in downtown Toronto. She went on to gush about how much she loves it. She says it handles all sorts of terrain and it takes corners like its on rails. 

When I visited the website, I fell in love with the photography. Who couldn't? I'll have to get out and test drive one of these deals.

Modern Mama Preggers Update: Six Months

My first ultrasound....baby en route!

The truth is...being pregnant isn't easy. I actually thought because I've done yoga for over ten years, I ran the NYC marathon, and I've eaten organic home cooked foods for over a decade that this was going to be a cinch for me. HA!! Laugh now!

My second ultrasound. The baby was sleeping so all we could see was a little foot!

It has been an interesting ride, and perhaps the emotional side of being pregnant has been more of my challenge. I can attest that I haven't been placed on any sort of pedestal, which is fine, but it is more difficult when I feel that my husband acts as if nothing has changed at all. Yet, as my mind considers the physical hardship of the first semester and the emotional hardship of the second semester, I do want to tell the truth. I want my husband to be less alpha male and more supportive of my changes {ie: make dinner, do his own laundry, help clean up around the house, build baby furniture, buy groceries, and connect with me emotionally on a daily basis}. That said, I don't want to get into a bitch rant about how sucky things can get because at the end of the day nothing is sweeter than a kick inside my belly and thinking about holding my first child. I believe that life is a blessing. My life is a blessing, my husband's life is a blessing, and without a doubt my soon-to-be-born baby's life is a blessing. I'm grateful that the universe was supportive of me becoming a mother.  Therefore, I know that the universe will continue to support me in the journey to motherhood as well. I think I just need to catch a break, life, if you're listening. Maybe finding a woman walking by with the sweetest stroller was the start of a break. Sometimes you just have to appreciate the little things and watch it build to the big stuff. 

May Style Ideas: Regatta Blue

Regatta by Raoul Dufy {Painted 1933. Private Collection.}

The word regatta is derived from the Italian "liga" meaning starting line. Today the term regatta translates to a series of boat races, and is the basis of May's color inspiration. The Italians might have coined the word, but there are several artists and designers that have infused beauty and grace with this bold blue. Dufy managed to use pattern and color to capture the intoxicating influence of regatta blue.

Raoul Dufy {1877-1953}

As Dufy illustrates, Regatta blue is versatile. It works well with bold print and colors. In most cases, Regatta blue is best in small doses. A regatta zig-zag strip rug, ikat throw pillows, choinoiserie pottery, and a bold buddha bust display the harmonious and serene influence of Regatta Blue. 

In keeping with the sailing tradition, a living room with big impact. The colors lend a traditional and patriotic feel, and might be a bit much for some, but works well for a coastal home.

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For more modern and eclectic tastes, Regatta blue can be used alone to make a statement. 

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Want a little less Regatta, how about a Regatta-striped Chanel cuff?

Image via Superficial and Loving it

Still not convinced that Regatta is something to love? Remember what this dress did to the world a few months ago? 

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Or what about this little engagement ring?

Kate Middleton Engagement Ring. Worn by Princess Di. {Image Source}

How might you add some blue to your life? Artwork, perhaps?

Image via Fidgety Thoughts

Or maybe something a bit sexier?

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However you use the color this month. Make it your own.