Holiday Party Idea

Throwing a holiday party?! Avoid the confusion of your guests not remembering which wine charm was theirs by having the guests label there own mason jar! Very crafty way of incorporating a theme too! Keep it going with paper bag table cloths and mason jar vases. What is your party theme?

The daily grind

Here's a little of what I've been up- a.k.a why I haven't posted in forever! ...

Greet design- working on save the dates for a fall Chicago wedding and holiday party invitations!

My full time job- a pop up hand bag/accessory store in Lombard.
I installed the patent leather straps myself on this cash wrap that was left over from the last tenant!Decorating the tree (please excuse the blue tint...iphone)
Cooking healthy... instead of waiting for the new year I decided to tackle a healthy diet by trying to get all the nutrients we need. Hopefully it will help stave off any illness that comes with the harsh winter as well!

Rustic White

I'm loving the contrast of white and rough woodsy textures in this space! Especially the old crates on casters. I had an idea to do this a while back for night stands but never got around to it :( This is motivation to get creative again!

Woodsy Gifts

These great hanging clusters of stars would be a GREAT modern mobile for a nursery! Inspire the nature in your youngins... Designed by Andrea Brugi/Samina Langholz and sold at SLOWFASHIONhouse!

Sausage and Fig Pizza

I have been drooling over this Sausage and Fig Pizza recipe from "A Kitchen on Elm Street" for a while! Last night was a perfect night for a fall pizza. I have never made anything with fresh figs so I was a little intimidated but they were the perfect sweet compliment to the smoky chicken sausage and fontina cheese! Visit Noelle's blog for a little kitchen inspiration! I'm excited to try her recipe for Salmon Salad with cilantro lime vinaigrette.

Serving up the Stylish

Every time I leave anthropologie, I find myself "dreaming" of pretty things. They always seem to woo me in every department. Which brings me to remind you of their serve wear! Sometimes I forget that clothing is not the only thing they offer. So... enjoy!

Patronage Platter
I love the intricate edges on this platter! And when is the last time you saw a PURPLE serving dish?

Paper Pretender Dinnerware
I love the simplicity of this faux paper plate! I would love to see some
bright orange sweet potatoes contrasting the white!Jimmies on Frosting Platter
These soft platters could act as a centerpiece down a long table even without anything on them!

Perfect Timing!

I just found these great Chilewich iphone cases! Timing could not have been better since mine just took a digger. We've used this product as flooring before so I know it will be durable. And look really nice too! ...

Sprinkles Cupcakes Chicago

During a LONG sunny walk downtown yesterday, my sweets loving friend and I stopped in to Sprinkles cupcakes. I was so impressed with the design that I'm still thinking about it today! Here are some shots of the minimal design that stuck in my mind... I love the white walls with the sleek blonde wood millwork and glass sheets. I need to go back for a cupcake soon!

I love their mix packaging too!

As time shreds by...

I'm always looking down to the right bottom corner of my screen thinking, "where did the day go?!". Well Susanna Hertrich's days are shredding by as we speak! She created Chrono Shredder, a clever calander which shreds the passing days, leaving a visual reminder of the march of time. Nominated for DMY Berlin Award 2010.

I'm a fan of Ash

I'm loving the ash veneer collection at West Elm! The lines on the Grace Round Expandable Dining Table make it look like a designer piece. You could never get a designer piece for $424 though. That's why I love West Elm so much. Classic pieces for a lesser price and great value. When I was finally ready to graduate from my Ikea coffee table, I took the plunge and bought the Modular Coffee table which we continually get compliments on! Here are some items from the ash line that you might find worth trashing old stuff and welcoming some beautiful new things :)

The metal leg dining console...

Make it a set with the klismos dining chairs...

Framed Entry

Living in the city, I have collected my fair share of keys from different apartments that I've lived in. Living here for six years I have lived in 5 places. Wow! Here's a great idea for those loose keys you have in the junk drawer in the kitchen- make art out of them! ...

Compliments of Young House Love!

Bright WHITE !

Look at this bright white kitchen posted on Young House Love! I have always been envious of people with wood plank ceilings refinished in white. It has such a crafty and light feel. I love how this kitchen incorporates green too. Bright white and fresh green- what better for an inspirational area such as the kitchen?!

Shine Labs Moire Pendants

I love the simple formality of these pendants. The delicate shapes are streamlined with a linear material. This allows them adapt to many more styles! You can find them at ylighting.

Fall Bliss!

Well, it's 50 degrees and sunny here in Chicago today! Most people are mourning the end of summer. On the contrary, I am welcoming the beginning of Fall. There is nothing more satisfying than a brisk morning walk with Myko (our golden retriever) with the sun beating down on your face. Hello big comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice latte's and fireplaces filled with warmth! Here are some fall inspired wedding details I am admiring at the moment...

Raw "Industrial" Design

Sometimes I go to write a post and fear that the lack of text makes me a bad blogger but I personally love images so I'm hoping you are happy with just that! San Francisco's new Bar Agricole is a super cool raw space! Check it out...

New Camera Lens!

A couple of months ago we got a new camera lens because ours went on the blitz. I have been so impressed with the image quality! It also helps that I took a digital photography class at the Chicago Photography Academy from this hilarious and intriguing Irish man. I learned the ins and outs of my camera and got the run down on the perfect settings to allow me to take amazing photos. I highly recommend a class from them!
This weekend is the first weekend in a LONG time that we will be home with no plans other than catching up on work. I plan to get out and with my camera and take advantage of all the sun in the forecast!

The sunrise from our balcony

During my photography class- practicing getting a blurry background!

Shed a light on the puzzle

I just found these lamps from moooi! The "brave new world floor lamp" is 70" high and composed of natural oak pieces notched together. I could see this in an architects study or a modern city apartment! Very industrial...

Just an amazing composition...

Love it...

We just replaced our camera lens with one that has double the zoom range! I am so excited to go up north (michigan) this weekend and take some shots on the lake during sunrise and sunset! In the meantime I have been drooling over the images on suzibeezie's archive. The one above is such a nice soothing image. It's as fresh as a bowl full of lemons :)

The Towering Tote

I have been eying this tote bag at paper source for a while now! Although I wish I could be that girl that could carry a purse out with me every day but I've accepted the fact that I can't! I'm always carrying Lunch, errands, lists, notebooks, extra shoes... you name it. This bag could fit everything and then some! The sturdy canvas can also stand up to the elements of the Midwest! Size: 12" x 7" x 18" with a 9" long handle.

Rocking TURQUOISE

I have been thinking about painting the wall surrounding our fireplace a dark color but I normally think of a dark color being more of a niche color where the wall recedes back from it's surrounding walls. Since ours protrudes from it's surrounding planes I was having trouble figuring out what color could transform this wall. Seeing "Casey's Artful Loft" post on apartment therapy gave me a little more comfort in the dark wall. I'm also loving the dark turquoise color! Hopefully I will find a little time so I can complete this project!

Our before shot:

Costco to the Rescue

I am a huge fan of Costco! Every time someone comes over for dinner we usually have something from the amazing warehouse. Our dog sleeps on a Costco bed and eats Costco food, my husband cannot leave without a slab of ribs (because "they are SUCH a good deal"), our car insurance is through Costco, our mini bar would not exist if Costco were not around... The list could go on and on! They never cease to amaze me with the things they sell. This stainless steel storage unit (found by apartment therapy) is pretty high up on the list of good finds. Although sold as a "tool box" I could find many other uses for this! My office could definitely use the extra wide doors for large paper as well as the durable top for gluing and cutting. Some would even say a kitchen island! What would you use the "stainless steel box for"?