Handmade Bags and Pouches

This weekend was very yuppie- alot of walking the dog around the neighborhoods, grocery shopping, drinking latte's, making brunch and eating on outdoor patio's. Very Chicago. One of the places I stepped into was Orange Beautiful's new shop at Damen and Leland! Her cute little shop has tons of stationary and original hand made finds such as the super stylish bags by Drikab. Check em out...

Justin Giunta Sample Sale

There is a sale on pieces by Justin Giunta on Swirl and I just had to show off some of his stuff! Most of it is half off for a limited time. What a deal!

New Challenge

This weekend a friend and I went to get "fitted" for new running shoes so I can start fresh after a week of being sick. While we were waiting in line she talked me in to running a half marathon in the beginning of August. I registered last night and am beginning the 8 week training program this week! The last big race I ran was in 2006 when I ran the Chicago marathon so I'm looking forward to getting back into running shape! These pristine shoes need some miles...

LOVE it!

I love when people take old things and make them look so effortlessly chic! Take a look at this image- the loose sketches are framed to make them look "finished" and the old wheels are connected with a steel frame to create a table base filled with so much character!

What i've got my eye on...

JCrew's new spring collection is guilty (again) of making me go into the store (so conveniently located on my way home) to drool in person! These are the pieces I have my eye on...
Nolita White Denim Jacket- i am notorious for wearing jean jackets over dresses, to dress down slacks, with skirts or pretty much any time I can put one on :)

Papillon Water Floral Pastiche Blouse- this is so feminine and flowy.

Vintage Lattice Work Popover- my favorite color combination of mustard and gray!

Beach Cardigan- perfect for those windy up north (Michigan) afternoons!

Orla Kiely

I am loving the Orla Kiely 2010 Handbag line! The fun graphics are very modern and summery with a bright punch of color. Check out the site for more accessories, clothing, stationary and more! This was brought to my attention by Daily Candy who is having a 60% off sample sale! I also just found out they have a whole division dedicated to thrifty discounts called swirl.com. Make sure you check there first before paying full price for anything!

Morning Run

I forgot the feeling you get when you return to running after a long winter. This is what I saw when I got to the lake this morning around 5:30am. Can you imagine how this sight could brighten up your day? And the the feeling of empowerment that comes along with a morning run- knowing that you have already accomplished more than most people will in a day! What a rush. Hopefully the rest of my day keeps getting better!

Hand Crafted place cards

Etsy is featuring Timeless Paper who makes a variety of wedding or party paper embellishments! I fell in love with their hand cut place cards ranging from simple to intricate. They are so amazing- they could double as a favor as well.

Reclaimed Wood from Stone Source

I have been dying to use this reclaimed wood from Stone Source in a project! It has so much character! It could be functional or just used as art. I love how textural it is. Enjoy...

New England Hemlock Bear Wood - unfinished

Raked Poplar- my favorite!

Here is an installation shot:

Home Office Inspiration

Hello! Sorry about the delay- i've been stuck in a storage unit! Moving day = t-minus 10 days! I actually like the process of moving, organizing, pitching and finding wedding gifts I forget we even received! It's been quite time consuming but very rewarding. Looking through anything, i've been thinking of how we are going to fill our new 1700 sq. ft. apartment! We spend alot of time in our home office (well I do, but my husband seems to think the couch is a better work surface for his laptop!) so keeping it organized with enough room to house a double bed, two work surfaces, a shelving unit and all my paper supplies is a challenge! Here are some images i'm using for inspiration. I'm sure almost everyone envies the home office that is stylish and has a spot for everything! Enjoy...

I love the shelving unit full of bins, cute organizing boxes and decor.

I'm thinking we need some wall hung organizers above our large work surfaces.

Speaking of work surfaces- I got two of these desks from ikea a while ago and lined them up so that we each had our own desk but they look like one long surface. (with white legs)

Again- love the stylish organizing bins!
The order that these frames create on the wall is great! Now that i've gone through almost everything that we own- i have discovered a TON of frames! I'm thinking they need to be lumped together in arrangements like this... (instead of placed all over)