Holy Humidity

Well it went from thirty-five degrees last week to ninety-five degrees this week! Chicago weather is unreal. It is painfully humid and hot now. I wish I was laying in the sun by a pool somewhere. It would really be the only appropriate activity.

Sleepy

Wow. I just woke up at one o'clock this afternoon. I thought it was maybe ten...nope - one. I guess that is what your body does when you work ten days in a row.

Weekend

{via Audrey Hepburn Complex}

It is Sunday! How is your weekend going? I am gearing up for another day of work. So whether you are relaxing or being productive (not that relaxing isn't productive), I hope you achieve your goals for the day!

Janet Hill

I won a print of this gorgeous painting yesterday! Janet Hill is a painter from Canada who posted a contest on her blog to guess the theme of her new painting. I guessed correctly and chose this design. I love her modern yet painterly style with their soft colors and visible brush strokes. The colors and themes are all so girl-y (i.e. shoes, dresses, cakes, and kitchens!). I have been long admiring her work and can't wait to receive this print in the mail!

Visit her website here.

Fantastical

This room is so striking and catches my eye every time I look at it. I love the soft yet bold colors (from the apple green and periwinkle wallpaper to the bubblegum pink and butter yellow furniture.) The old fashion tufted chairs paired with the carved dark wood side table are such a wonderful contrast to the modern over-sized photograph. What a feminine and creative way to mix styles!

Happy Mother's Day

I hope everyone was able to either spend some quality time or show some love to the mothers in your life. My sister and I took our mom to get a pedicure this morning after enjoying brunch. Now she is all set for her much deserved upcoming trip to Italy.

Al Fresco

I love spending time outdoors - which isn't possible for too many months of the year in Chicago. I love this photo that I came across recently of the amazingly beautiful outdoor patio. The warm yet calming color palette goes perfectly with the rattan and wooden furniture. The tree in the center of the 'space' sets the tone along with the many lush green plants thoughtfully placed around.

I love my loft apartment, but the one thing I desperately wish I had is easy access to the outdoors. These French doors leading out to this setting is what I dream of. I can just see sitting out here enjoying a refreshing glass of white wine. Ah...maybe in my next place.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Braids in my hair:

My new skirt that I bought yesterday:

Getting sucked into a good book:

Solving Problems:

And Maya:

Floral Picks

{via Coco & Kelly}

I love picking a flower or two here and there from along the road. Just yesterday I came home with a single stem of lush and fragrant lilac(!) to put it in my bathroom. I adore not only the sherbet color palate of this above image but the fact that it shows you can use just about anything for a vase (from a wine bottle to a beer stein to a shot glass). Raise your glass to many bloom filled days this summer!

Black and White

I have been really attracted to rooms and house exteriors that are primarily black and white lately. I love a simple white house with all black trim - then bold pops of fresh flowers for the perfect finishing touch!


In this picture, the clean white walls are accented with rich black painted ceiling beams, fireplace, and accessories. Every room should have something black in it. The slight touches of color in the candlesticks and throw blanket are gorgeous.

Puerto Rico

{via You Are My Fave}

Some good friends of mine recently moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I miss them and their beyond adorable twin boys. I recently came across this gorgeous and subdued photograph and thought of them. I must plan a visit at some point.

Tray Collection

Being partially of Norwegian decent, I tend to gravitate towards items with a Scandinavian vibe. I just came across this collection of trays, and fell in love. These would look so great hung on the wall in a set in a mostly neutral room. The perfect focal point!

{via fingerspitzengefühl}

Saturday in the Park

{via You Are My Fave}

I finally have a day off, and I can't wait to get stuff done that has been put on the back-burner. I have made a list that I need to check off - then - off to sit outside to enjoy a wine spritzer!

Update: I took my dog to the dog beach, and there were hundreds of kites (of all shapes and sizes) in the adjacent park! The picture I chose ended up being perfect for today.