more chalkboard paint

Chalkboard fridge

see another idea from the movie "Because I said so" at bandelle blog

a chalkboard with red frame

House Tour:

India Hicks (host of Top Design and daughter of designer David Hicks)

(images from Domino magazine)

I love the white room and globe in the center of the table

and

the large red vases in the book cases

Is that a huge bird cage or doll house on the table next to the dog?

My Buddy

Remember my buddy?

I overheard my husband singing the theme song to Henry.

(my dog)

Instead of singing buddy, he used Henry's name.

"My Henry, my Henry, my Henry, my Henry, my Henry and me."

My heart melted because I don't even think George knew I heard him singing.

Loft Tour:

Christiane Lemieux of Dwell studio
(from living etc and Domino magazine)

4 things I love:

white book case

wood table

big chandelier

books organized according to color

House Tour

Jenna Lyons: the creative director of Jcrew

(I wanted to save these picture before the Domino web page is gone)

I can't wait to have a big closet someday...

I did find a condo for sale in the South Loop with a 8 x 10 closet :)

I don't know about the black paint.
(Studio Finishes Chalkboard by Benjamin Moore)
It looks nice in pictures, but I don't know about it in person.

I love the all white bed - it is making me re-think my new Dwell Studio for Target bedspread.

I love the old wood dining room table.

I love the dramatic chandelier and zebra rug.

Did you notice the uglydoll sitting on the yellow couch?

personal shopper

My sister and I used to play "Solid Gold" in our basement and twirl our batons to Footloose. On Saturday, I played personal shopper her and my mom at Anthropologie.

Here was the request:

• a dress to wear to a wedding in Mexico
• a trendy/cute shirt to wear out to a dinner/lunch/bar

This is what we found:

Sasina blouse

Southern facing slope dress

Bedding

I saw this bedding by Dwell Studio when I was shopping with my mom and sister at Target today. (Here is the original version by Dwell Studio) We currently have a queen bed and white duvet cover.

Here is a before and after:

(sorry for the wrinkles)




I am thinking of keeping both - using the Target comforter in the spring/summer and the heavier duvet cover in the fall/winter

Henry

I am a sucker for anything having to do with a Dachshund.
Here are some of my latest findings:

dog mat from catsdogswords.com

(I saw this vendor at the One of A Kind Show)

sweater from Anthropologie (it is no longer available)

Kate Spade scarf

my pet lamp by offi

Book Review

"Occasions" and "Style" by Kate Spade

Both of these books have creative suggestions and pretty pictures, but I would not pay full price for them. (I found my used for around $2.00) Kate offers some great ideas for entertaining and dressing (specifically with color combinations), but go to Barnes and Noble, get a coffee, and sit down in a chair to look through these books. I did learn that Kate also has a dog named Henry.

"Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown
I decided to read this book after being in Rome and knowing the movie was coming out soon.
(and because I heard it was better than the "Da Vinci Code") In my opinion, this book is better than the "Da Vinci Code" and I found myself unable to put it down. I couldn't read it at night because it was a little scary (like CSI.)

Bargain of the Week

C & C California organic cotton tank top for $4.10 (including tax)

at Nordstrom Rack (normally $52.00)

that is 3 cents more than my grande latte at Starbucks!

Owl Umbrella Stand

available here and here (for $20.00 cheaper)

Up in the air somewhere

white bulge tiles (available on etsy)

Susan is now making these tiles that are modeled after her art work. (see here and here)

I found this artist at the Renegade Craft Fair in November and have continued to checked out her blog and etsy shop.

I love everything she makes.

Happy Valentine's Day

I made the "Be Mine" mini banner at work yesterday

Henry's new bed and his Valentine's Day scarf from the groomer

a better view of the scarf (and he actually didn't mind wearing it)

and tonight we will be going here

(George has taken me here every Valentine's Day since we have been dating)

I guess in tough economic times people want functional clothing.

And these are also great ideas to take to Mexico. (Kim and Anne)

sold out "sanur" dress/skirt/top from jcrew

unisex circle scarf from aa that can be worn 15 different ways
(regular scarf look, shawl, capelet...)

Marathon Training

I thought I would post an email that I sent to my husband's cousin about my marathon training tips. She is a new runner and considering doing her first marathon in Chicago this October. And if you are in Chicago, now is the time to decide and sign up for the marathon. (since it will fill up) Here is my advice:

Hi Natalie! Sorry for the delay in emailing... I just got back from a run and remembered our conversation. My sister and I have followed Hal Higdon's running guides for a 10k, 1/2 marathon, 25k, and marathons. (so, in my experience, I highly recommend his books)

"Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide"
http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-Ultimate-Training-Hal-Higdon/dp/1594861994/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234562714&sr=8-1

and

"Hal Higdon's How to Train ..."
http://www.amazon.com/Hal-Higdons-How-Train-Schedules/dp/0875963528/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234562714&sr=8-4

You also might want to check out Jeff Galloway's walk-run method. (I think you run for 8 minutes and walk for 1 minute for the entire marathon)
I have "Marathon, You Can Do It" by Jeff Galloway.
http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-You-Can-Jeff-Galloway/dp/0936070250/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234563046&sr=1-2

Other helpful hints:
buy good socks and shoes (go to a running store)

put aquaphor on your feet and other areas (nipples, etc) before a long run

Superfeet insoles are great

Do a practice run - On one of your last long runs, wear the same outfit/socks/shoes that you plan on wearing for the race. Also, eat what you would the night before and the morning of the marathon. And trim your toe nails. I know this might sound weird, but then you at least know if something is going to bother you during the actual marathon. (I have never lost a toe nail or had a blister :) )

I hope all of this info is helpful!
Good Luck!!

Lindsay

Romeo and Julienne Cutting Board

in honor of finishing "Romeo and Juliet"with my freshmen classes:

nude shoes

Stuart Weitzman's Sashay peep-toe shoes

Restaurant Review

RL Ralph Lauren Restaurant

The burgers at RL are rumored to be one of the best in the city, so we decided to check it out for lunch. For $12.00, you get a perfectly cooked burger and fries. While this might seem expensive, considering the location (right off Michigan Ave), it is well worth the great service, beautiful decor, great food, and Coke in a bottle. I would recommend the burger over going for a formal dinner. I once had a lobster dish that was good, but not good enough to go back. I will go back for the burger. (If you remember here, I mentioned that this is one of Oprah's favorite restaurents.)

Up next: Il Mulino New York located in an enormous old Chicago mansion on Dearborn

Tax-free shopping

I just read in CS magazine (it is delivered for free) that my favorite mall (The 900 Shops) on Michigan Ave is offering tax free shopping on February 14-16. This means a savings of 10.25% at JCrew, Club Monaco, Lululemon, and other shops. And you can get 8 calorie per serving ice cream at King Cafe and eat lunch at Potbellys. I want to try the lobster salad.

I heart Target

I found Philosophy body gel/shampoo/bubble bath for 1/2 off

in Peach and Pina Colada

FYI: the new designer jewelry line from Erickson Beamon is out now at the Elston Target

(February 15th is the official release date)

Check it some of the pieces here.

If I were a little younger...

maybe I would wear this outfit from rubgy RL. I don't have a problem with being 29, but there are certain things I won't wear. (like really short skirts other than going to the beach) And as a I think about it, I didn't wear it when I was younger because I am slightly conservative when it comes to dressing. The other day, I went into Urban Outfitters and for about 2 seconds felt like maybe I was too old to shop there... until I saw a woman older than my mother shopping for herself. This was a weird experience for me because I don't normally think about getting older in bad way. I also don't want to be an old lady saying, "If I were a little younger, I would have ..."

This is the reason I want to go to law school, run another marathon (on the Great Wall of China), start playing tennis (again) and the piano (again). (maybe I will wear a short skirt - just because I can) I don't want to be 83 and think back, "I wish I would have done ..."

(and I know I will think this if I don't try)

As 30 approaches in August, I will continue to smother myself in SPF 50 and shop at Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.

Spring/Summer Wish List

urban renewal dress from Urban Outfitters (made out of vintage fabrics)

something yellow, like this bracelet from Jcrew

white jeans

Gap platform sandals


and
Current Elliott boyfriend jeans