Nice To Meet You

This is one that I have had saved for a while now. Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found it - but I absolutely adore this entryway. Overall the space is neutral, but that pop of color in the bright orange painted bench upholstered in that gorgeous fabric is the perfect touch!

Sunny Days Ahead

I just bought a bunch of vibrant yellow daffodils at the store to brighten up my place. It is always such an exciting time of the year when cheerful spring blooms pop up. Tomorrow is supposed to be warm and sunny, and I can't wait to spend some time outside!

Why You So Blue?

There is something about this bedroom that made me stop and look. While it is not a look that I would try and replicate in my own home, I adore the soft and ethereal atmosphere. The plush velvet, icy acrylic, monochromatic walls and curtains - all in powder blue! If this is a hotel, I would stay there for a night (or two).

Just Keep Reading

{photo via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

My list of books that I want to read just keeps getting longer and longer! It is impossible to keep up on, but the idea of all the information and the stories within all the impending pages is exciting. I have been stuck on the same book for way too long lately. I absolutely need to get through it so I can start checking some of those titles off!

Put Your Dancing Shoes On

After a long long week of work, I feel like dancing tonight! It feels so good to not have anything to do. Don't get me wrong, as a freelancer it felt pretty darn good to have a lot to do as well. But after the many hours of hard work I put in, part of me wants to get up and go do something fun (then the other part of me wants to put my feet up and sip on a nice glass of wine)...I wonder which part will win?

Cake!

How stunning is this cake!?! I love the classic white frosted cake covered in unexpected drapings of nude colored fondant. Plus, the styling in this photo is gorgeous - so simple and elegant with the white cake stand, the apricot toned wall with white moldings, and the clean white table.

Photo Fabulous

{bia Audrey Hepburn Complex}

I am working a photo shoot today using all adorable and charming babies. They are so cute and inspiring. If only we can get their naps, snack times, and giggling moments coordinated!

Real Life

{via Mint}

Here is a room that I feel like not only embodies my true interior design style, but also one that is realistic for anyone to achieve. First of all - there is actually stuff around the space! Everyone has things, but most photographed homes only show the artfully placed tchotckes (books, frames, trays, figurines, etc.). It is refreshing to see a featured room that feels real, but still it clean and beautiful.

Start Saving

It is officially a goal of mine to start saving for a trip to Europe - and more important - Paris. I cannot believe how long it has been since I have visited. I want so badly for The City of Lights to be a regular part of my life. I am stating it here and now that it is a goal I will be striving to make a reality.

Black is Back

{photo via Remodelista}

Check out this cool photo. How slick to have this country kitchen armoire filled with French country wine glasses, stacked high with plates, and draped with tea towels - but then have it painted with shiny black lacquer! Really cool.

How! What? I Mean Really...

There is a crazy, sideways blowing, slushy, cold snow storm in Chicago today. I know! What the? It is just nuts. It is late March right? It was 70 degrees yesterday...right? I don't think I was dreaming. I can't believe I have to dig back out my heavy winter coat already!

Back In The Swing

I worked a day at Botanicals (the event design firm that I worked at for many years) again this week. It was so great to be around fresh flowers again!


This particular picture of these amazing hand-tied bouquets caught my eye. I LOVE garden roses, and these pink and peach ones are incredible! I also love them in combination with the whimsical yellow billy balls and wispy jasmine vines. I am a sucker for gobs of texture and sobet-ish color palates - so this is right up my alley. Yummy.

Accessible Design Is Good Design

I love love this room. The combination of clean and modern mixed with natural and rustic is done seamlessly. The wall of bookshelves used not only for books but for decoration is genius. Plus, you can't beat a space filled with soft natural light. Yes Please.

Dream Room

I came across this room on the MadeByGirl blog. It is the Dubai home of interior designer Caitlin Wilson. The colors are divine (loads of soft ivory punctuated by vibrant turquoise, mustard yellow, creamy apricot, and bold fuchsia). I also adore how casual yet completely glamorous this living room is. The pillows look so comfy but are done in rich patterned fabrics - and the accessories are perfectly placed and thought out. I guess that is why she is a designer. Go figure!

Organic Z's

I just got my weekly update email from West Elm (I still have yet to visit their new store here in Chicago!) regarding their eco-friendly products. It is so great the many main-stream companies are hopping on board and making 'going green' easier for people. I really love this particular bedding:



The dramatic pin-tuck is one of those unique patterns that can seamlessly fit into an extremely traditional home or into an über modern setting (and anywhere in between). The bedding is made from organic cotton and dyed with eco-friendly dyes. I especially like the cool 'sea spray' color.

Breaking Up

I did a major re-haul on my closet/wardrobe today. Though I only got half way through, I am feeling good. It is energizing to purge many of the items that either don't make me feel good when I where them, or I haven't worn in...forever, or are just not how I want to present myself. Some pieces were harder than others to let go of (bye bye quilted Burberry trench that isn't as fabulous and I thought you once were).


This will definitely be an ongoing process (Jen, a little help?), but I feel hopeful and excited at the prospect of collecting a few new staples that will round out my clothing selection. I am a firm believer in not holding onto too much stuff. It clogs your space physically and mentally. I encourage everyone to follow my lead on this one.

Pretty Good Dance Moves

Last night we went to the release show for the band Pretty Good Dance Moves. Their new EP gets your head boppin', and the song 'Leave Me Alone' should be everyone's summer song for 2010. Ed did the artwork for the album, so of course I am proud of that. An update about his new design website in works will be coming soon!

Nerd Alert

{via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

Ed and I got up an' attem this morning to head downtown to check out the infamous dying of the Chicago River (they dye is bright bright green every year in honor of St. Patrick's Day). Though I have lived here all my life, I have never seen the verdant river in person - not sure if I love it or hate it, but I digress...I plan to spend the rest of the day doing laundry, cleaning out my closet, and reading a book.

Knock Knock

I have recently taken on a new part time job! I am now the newest sales rep for Becky & Co, selling greeting cards and other paper products wholesale to boutiques and stores around Chicago. One of my favorite items that I 'carry' is this adorable personal library kit by Knock Knock.


How fun would it be to label all your books with these cards and then stamp the date on it. You would be worry free when lending them to your friends - always knowing who has what (and when its 'due')!

Friday Fun Day

{via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

It is Friday! Also, I want some ice cream.

Flower-less

I am a flower girl through and through...but I started broadening my horizons when I saw this beaut. This elegant and glamorous bouquet of feathers is by Emplume. I especially love the rich camel and cinnamon tones of this particular textural collection against the soft ivory dress. They custom make each order and will ship it to you! I think this is a perfect solution if you want a bouquet that you can save for years to come (please I am begging you - don't try and preserve fresh flowers - there are very few that actually work).

Country Kitchen

This kitchen is one of my favorites that I have come across. It has such a homey feel, wonderful natural light (gosh how I would love to walk right outside), and easy access to your tools (so you can actually cook in the room!). I LOVE the use of multiple area rugs - perfect pop of color in the otherwise neutral decor.

What I Ate (drank): Hot Toddy

{photo via The Dinner Files}

I have officially come down with my first full-on cold of the year. My nose is stuffy and the sneezing won't stop. Tonight Ed made me a delicious and healing Hot Toddy. We made it with steaming hot black tea, a shot of bourbon, a teaspoon of honey, and squeeze of fresh lemon. I think I will sleep well tonight.

Busy Busy

Finally, after months of not much work - I am starting to fill up my days. It feels good to be busy. Fingers crossed that it stays this way!


This photo of a fireplace is so so beautiful. The house I stayed at this weekend was decked out with collections of all kinds. I love this use of multiple white vessels arranged on the white mantle against a white wall finished with a white framed mirror. Tone on tone is one of my favorite ways to decorate, and this is a great example of when it works perfectly. Plus, the addition of the colorful upholstered ottoman front and center is a dramatic and unexpected detail.

Winter Get-Away

I just got back from a wonderful spur of the moment get-away to a friends' lake house. Getting out of the city is one of my favorite things to do in the cold winter months. Those of you not from Chicago might not know about the intense cold, but more importantly - wind - that we endure here for too many weeks of the year.

I spent the last two days cooking for the crew of photo shoot taking place at the house, but when I got out of the kitchen you could find me curled up by the fire wrapped in warm plaid blankets. The views of the ice fisherman, the snow covered branches, and the dogs jumping and playing was just what the doctor ordered.