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...