Room To Live In

I came across this picture recently and fell in love for various reasons. First of all, this looks like a room that you can really live in (not that it isn't also perfectly styled...). I love the perfect combination of glamor (with the crystal chandelier and the mirrored console table) and real living (like the wooden chair and grouping of liqueur bottles).

More than anything right now, I would love the ability to walk right outside of my place - those French doors leading out into the fresh air and sunshine are so enticing. Some day...

I'm On A Boat!

Ok, no that's not me...

This past week I worked at Soldier Field for The Eagles concert. Our production office had the MOST amazing view. The entire room is surrounded by windows - one side faces the inside of the stadium (perfect for overseeing goings-on), and the other side faces the marina in Lake Michigan. The rich blue skies brought out many boaters onto their sail boats each day.

So - my goal is to get out on a boat soon. I want to lay on the deck, drink some fresh squeezed lemonade, and read a romance novel..anyone...?

Kitchen

Check out this dream kitchen. I am sitting here drooling over the checkered floor, the gigantic wood island, and the gobs of shelving!

Bensimon

While in New York last month, I picked up a pair of elastic slip-on black Bensimons. It is a French brand of shoes - and I am obsessed. Though black is my color choice, they come in a huge rainbow of colors. They are super comfortable, and I wish I could wear them every day...if only sneakers were appropriate for all situations...

A Book A Day...

I have been a reading machine lately! After flying through the (ahem...) Twilight books (yes all four of them), I am now onto the third Stieg Larsson book - 'The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest'. This series is so riveting - plus the fact that Lisbeth Salander is freakin' kick-ass.

Though this was intended to be the third in a series of ten novels (the author unexpectedly passed away before finishing the other books), I can't wait to see what (violent) adventures happen to wrap it all up!

What great book are you reading right now? I would love any good suggestions to add to my list!

Dreamy

I LOVE this room. It is seriously like a dream. The collection of vintage plates against the dove gray wall is such a beautiful contrast to the warm chunky wooden furniture. Plus, who wouldn't do just about anything to have a set of built-in drawers like that!

How Cute

How cute is this room?!? It makes me want to paint the floors throughout my place in bright vibrant colors!

Pretty

{via Lovely Clusters}

{via Design Sponge}

Rain Rain Go Away

I am working a big music festival today, and the morning started with a HUGE downpour of rain. I couldn't see out my windshield driving in early this morning - the clouds were a murky and grey and dark. While we had quite a bit of sunshine throughout the afternoon, the rain is back to drench the thousands of sweaty concert-goers. Ew...

Martini Bar

Check out this beyond perfect build-your-own martini bar by Sunday Suppers. Besides the fact that I have been really into martinis lately, I cannot get over this breathtaking set up. What a gracious blend of chic modern style with thoughtful vintage touches - this is how I see my life.




Mix up your favorite blend of vodka, soda water, vermouth, and 'dirty' water. Garnish with any of the plentiful garnishes (salty olives, fresh lemons, or crisp cucumbers). This makes me not only want a martini, it makes me want to throw a party to set up a display like this and share a martini with friends. Cheers.

Market Days

Today is Wednesday - which means the Green City Market is open today here in Chicago. If only I could get myself up and about and motivated, I would love to go see what is around this year!

Sun Porch

I wanted to share this picture that I came across recently. I think it is a sun porch! How I would love to have one of those! I am crazy about the natural sisel rug topped with boldly-striped and over-stuffed furniture. Plus, that book shelf (wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling) is to die for. I love the white magazine boxes scattered throughout to create some unity. Gorgeous.

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.