Press: Jeanine Hays quoted about Pinterest on CNN.com

I am so thrilled to share this article with you!  I have been in love with Pinterest ever since the site came online, and was so happy to share my experience as a Pinterest user with CNN.com.  You can read the full article right here.  And big congrats to Co-Founder Ben Silbermann of Pinterest.  The site is just growing and growing!

Original Art: MRS ART

Reflection 

I'm beginning to discover that art runs in the family.  I'm excited to present the work of my cousin, Melissa Selmon Campbell.  An artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Melissa's work is all about emotion.  Her pieces, in which she uses charcoal and mixed media, all share an emotional component, giving her work a depth of feeling.


Praise Him Through It All


Exotic Essence


Sending My Love


Sheer Bliss

Like so many wonderful indie artists that I have posted about on the blog, Melissa has an etsy shop, MRS ART.  You can explore her work, and purchase affordable prints for your own art collection.  Enjoy!

You're Invited: InLiquid Art + Design Event

I am so excited to be on the Benefit Committee for the upcoming InLiquid Art + Design Benefit.  Supporting the arts community is something near and dear to my heart.  The focus on original art here on the blog, is something that has grown over the years.  I love that this space can be a platform for up and coming artists who are looking to get their work out in the public eye.  And that there are organizations like InLiquid, a non-profit organization in my hometown of Philadelphia that is dedicated to exposing the public to works by visual artists and designers.


Nina Simone by Shira Walinsky


Built-up 2 by Miriam Singer


Down Sixth Street: Burn by Lorraine Glessner

If you live in Philly, and are an art lover like I am, I invite you to come and attend InLiquid's annual benefit and silent auction that will be held on February 10th.  It's a wonderful way to support our local arts community.  As a sponsor of the event, Bryan and I will be there and we hope to see you too.  Oh, and you can find out more about InLiquid on their website.  The art is amazing!

{Works from artists that can be found on www.InLiquid.org}

An Update on the AphroChic Book

I thought I would share with you an update on how the AphroChic Book is coming along.  I am learning so much about publishing, and being a writer.  It's completely true that writing a book is like having a baby.  It's hard work that requires a lot of attention, nurturing, prayers that it will turn out ok, and that eats up any time you used to set aside for sleeping or going out.  At the same time it is absolutely rewarding, being able to put your ideas down on paper, to direct a shoot with your vision, and to know that one day this piece of work will be available for others to bring home and enjoy.

If you haven't already, be sure to follow the Behind The Book Tumblr page where we post behind-the-scenes photos from our shoots.  At the end of each shoot we like to take a photo with the entire team, including the homeowners.  It's a great way to document the experience, and the team that makes every shoot a success.  The image above is from one of our latest photo shoots in New York.  We have four shoots down, and twelve more to go.  Next stop...Brooklyn.

{Image taken by Patrick Cline for AphroChic.  Front row: Brittany Ambridge, Kalyn Chandler, Jeanine Hays.  Back row: Todd Chandler, Bryan Mason, Patrick Cline}

My Storage Article on HGTV.com

My living room mantel shot by Jacqueline Mason

I absolutely love writing for HGTV.com.  Part of the fun is getting to connect with some of my favorite creative minds, and featuring their work.  My latest article is about 3 Creative Ways to Store Winter Gear.  The article features the work of Kirsten Grove of Simply Grove; on of my besties, Chante Lasco of Easton Savvy; and you can get a peek into my very own home in this article.  Head on over to HGTV.com for some great winter storage ideas.  I hope you enjoy it!

Beautiful Ethiopian Mesobs

The internet is an amazing place to explore.  In an instant you can learn about a handicraft or work of art from a place halfway across the world.  That's what I love about it.  The other day, while perusing the web I came across an image of a traditional Ethiopian basket, or mesob.  The colors left me awe-struck, and I immediately wanted to learn more.



These colorful woven baskets are actually tables.  Traditional Ethiopian meals are eaten on the mesob.  The top of the mesob is lifted off and a platter is placed in the center of the basket table.  I have been to an Ethiopian restaurant before, but never had this experience.  I have to look for a place here in the states that serves the meal over these amazing baskets.



You can find some beautiful images of mesobs on the web.  I am still looking for a place that sells these gorgeous baskets.  I would love to have one in my home.



If you come across a website, or know of anyone who imports them, please let me know.  For now, let's all just enjoy how beautiful these handcrafted pieces are.

{Images via Addis Abeba, Pinterest, Happy Richters, Far Horizons}

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

That is me standing at the base of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington DC.  My husband and I went last month to see the amazing sculpture of Dr. King in person.  The walk to the memorial felt like a pilgrimage.  We walked past the Washington Monument, by the Reflecting Pool, and I couldn't help but think about the March on Washington, and started to feel the weight of all of those who had come before me to ensure that I could have a better life.  When we walked up to Dr. King the tears just began flowing.  It is amazing to have such appreciation and admiration for a man I never knew.  His quest for justice touched my life so profoundly, and so today I thank Dr. King and all of those who fight against injustice.  You have changed the world.

If you are in or near DC, I encourage you to visit the memorial.  It is a truly a moment that you will never forget.

Design Trend: Felt on HGTV Design Happens

I am in love with felt right now.  Pieces like this armoire covered in felt are at the top of my design list for the new year.  Check out my latest post on the felt design trend over at HGTV Design Happens.  You are going to love it.

Happy Friday!

Blandine Bardeau Neon Necklaces

The work of London-based, French fashion and jewelry designer Blandine Bardeau is thrilling.  I spotted one of her uber-cool necklaces on Design Milk's Pinterest board, and cannot stop exploring her work.



Upon first seeing her neon necklace collection, my immediate thought was that they are a modern day translation of the Masai ceremonial wedding necklace - beaded necklaces with a host of color and pattern.  Whether intended that way or not, these pieces have a particular African feel to me.



I love the juicy colors and the jelly-look of each piece (remember jelly necklaces?!).



And I already have a place in mind for one of these eclectic necklaces.  I hope she ships from London!

{Images via Blandine Bardeau}

The Gus* Modern Spring 2012 Collection

I am a huge fan of the Gus* Modern brand.  Clean lines, a modern aesthetic, and industrial design all come together to create an amazing furniture collection.  Their pieces are foundational.  With a line of chairs, sofas, tables, storage and lighting, Gus* Modern offers all the basics you need to furnish your home.  Here's what's new from their Spring 2012 collection.



The Spencer Bi-Sectional is at the top of my wish list for this year.  It's elegant with tufted details, and it's eco-friendly, made with FSC-certified wood.



These Prairie Tables are shaped to match Canadian provinces.  The tables can be nested together and used in various configurations.  What a clever idea!



The Truss Chair in vivid green is one of my favorite pieces.  It's mid-century modern meets traditional handcrafted design with an interlocking wood frame.



And I absolutely love this Annex Cabinet.  Warm walnut grain comes together with a stainless steel base. The final look is modern and rustic all at once.

You can view the complete 2012 collection and more gorgeous items from Gus* Modern right here.