Shop Girl in Chicago

world map wallpaper

2010-06-03T08:40:00.008-05:00

I never thought I would EVER have wallpaper in our condo, but I am trying something new. After watching 9 by Design on Bravo, I have been inspired to just go for it. What is the worst that will happen?

projects around the condo:

2010-06-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

1. I finally got around to hanging up the giant pear with 3M tape. I figure if/when I get sick of it, I can just quickly take it down without damaging the wall.

2. I also started painting a (free) mirror to hang above the fireplace. I was originally going to go with shiny black, but thought it might be too much black with the TV and fireplace. Since we had left over Benjamin Moore Decorator's White in semi-gloss (our trim color), I figured I would use it. (and making the entire project cost about $5.00 and that was for the paint brush)

(the original gold color)

After!

my garden

2010-06-02T22:03:00.002-05:00

(I still need a plant for my vintage crock)

In the Wash

2010-06-02T13:54:00.001-05:00

on etsy.

SATC 2

2010-05-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I am not that excited to see the new SATC movie coming out this week. My husband even asked me out on a date and offered to go see the movie with me. (so sweet) Maybe it is because I have other things on my mind (like a growing baby in my belly and putting together a nursery) or maybe it is because I don't like that the previews make it look like Carrie cheats on Big. I am, however, excited to see the fashion and set design. Like the cute cupcake apron worn in the picture above and available at anthropologie.

Kelly Ripa and the purse vest

2010-05-26T11:29:00.000-05:00

As I was checking out Celebrity Baby Scoop, I came across this picture (see below) of Kelly Ripa with her son in NYC. If you look closer, you will notice a purse like vest. So, I googled it. It is made by Alexander Wang and can be worn as a backpack or vest. I am having a love/hate relationship with it.

Here are more of my favorite pictures of Kelly on the streets.

diaper bags

2010-05-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

According to the book Baby Bargains, I should get 2 diaper bags. A smaller one for running quick errands, and a larger one for longer activities.

The Skip Hop Duo would be a perfect size to keep attached to the stroller for short activities around the city. And it is more unisex than other diaper bags.

The L.L.bean boat tote would be good for traveling/toys/beach.

I already have this diaper bag (see my post here) and plan on using it as the main diaper bag.

My sister-in-law has this one by Vera Bradley and it is huge!

I think it would be perfect to pack clothing for a weekend.

I really like the Storksak, but it is expensive and I would rather put the money towards a 529 college plan.

summer shoes

2010-05-25T09:35:00.003-05:00

Remember my favorite summer shoes from last year? I almost bought these in December because they were 75% off, but they were super high and I didn't think I could ever walk a block in them.

This new version is lower and looks much more wearable.

(Stuart Weitzman "Alexlo" Espadrilles)

family

2010-05-25T08:31:00.004-05:00

It's time for a new address stamp and to add the word family into the mix.

(from sweetpaperie on etsy)

Speaking of my mother...

2010-05-19T14:27:00.003-05:00

We couldn't resist this little Juicy track suit found

on the clearance rack at TJMaxx.

I will try to post something not baby related soon.

(like the mirror I am in the middle of painting)

Etsy

2010-05-19T14:12:00.004-05:00

I just ordered this pumpkin costume today. Since my baby will still be super tiny at Halloween, I thought being a pumpkin would be perfect. And Henry also has a pumpkin costume too. Is it weird to have your baby and dog match? I think I am turning into my mom. (in a good way) One year for Christmas my sister, brother, and I even had matching outfits with our Cabbage Patch kids. It was very cool to me at the time.

weekend to do list:

2010-05-14T08:46:00.001-05:00

clean and paint a mirror to hang above the fireplace (I will post pictures this weekend)

hang a vintage German Lasalle Street sign (this was the street of our first home/condo)

finish installing pulls on kitchen cabinets

caulk guest bathroom sink (Pro Caulk makes it very easy)

go to the farmer's market at Division and Clark (And FYI, my favorite baker at the market also opened up a bakery in Wicker Park called BAKE, I highly recommend the blueberry muffin and chocolate cream cheese coconut cupcake)

put together a photo arrangement in the foyer

finish putting away winter shoes/boots and switching to spring/summer shoes

I feel like the process of moving in is never ending... And I want all of the major stuff done before the baby arrives. Well actually, I want it all done a month before the baby is due.

moccasin sandals: part 2

2010-05-13T11:12:00.005-05:00

Remember my obsession with moccasin sandals in 2008 and 2009?
(see here and here)
I found a pair of Minnetonka's with fringe and beads at TjMaxx last weekend for $20.00.

Reading list:

2010-05-13T09:33:00.002-05:00

My new niece:

2010-05-10T10:02:00.002-05:00

Watching my brother become a father is the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

I can't wait to see my husband with our baby!

It's a boy!!

2010-05-07T09:05:00.004-05:00

dinner

2010-05-04T14:31:00.002-05:00

upside down patio garden

2010-05-04T13:54:00.005-05:00

While checking Sam's Club for baby items today, I came across this perfect size for a balcony garden for $59.95. And then I did a google search for "upside down patio garden" and found one at Walmart for $25.00. Can you tell which one is cheaper?

(the bottom picture is from Sam's Club)

boy or girl?

2010-05-03T11:46:00.004-05:00

We find out on Thursday!!!! And it doesn't really matter what we have, just as long as the baby is healthy.

And a boy or girl can wear tan Ugg baby boots.

work bag: part 2

2010-04-30T11:37:00.003-05:00

Since my work bag is technically a diaper bag, I finally decided to buy the bag I originally wanted when I first started teaching 7 years ago. It is made of seatbelts and I hope it lasts me for awhile.

Scrapboxes

2010-04-28T10:09:00.005-05:00

I have never really been into scrapbooking because it takes so much time, money, and organization. I think these scrapboxes would be easier for me (less overwhelming than making an entire book) and a better way to display memories. (see the directions and more examples here)

Uppababy Vista

2010-04-28T09:41:00.004-05:00

After reading Baby Bargains and countless reviews, I finally decided on the Uppababy Vista stroller. (which is backordered until the end of May)

See why below:

1. bassinet feature, car seat adapter, and seat (that holds up to 50 pounds)

2. removable and washable material (even the huge basket is washable)

3. it has a sun canopy with SPF 50

4. the rumbleseat allows for 2 kids to ride in the stroller (with the car seat or the regular seat)
5. the wheels won't pop - which if you saw what I did to my bike tires last summer you would understand this is a very good thing

6. and just in case we decide to have 3 kids, George Jr. or Lily can ride on the skateboard piggyback

baby bedding

2010-04-27T09:47:00.003-05:00

crib sheet from Dwellstudio at Target

bed skirt from Baby Mod at Walmart

Baby Mod Olivia crib from Walmart

balcony

2010-04-23T09:21:00.003-05:00

ideas from cb2 and Ikea

world map

2010-04-20T09:32:00.005-05:00

I know I want to hang a vintage school map in the nursery (don't worry, not above the crib like in the picture below), but now I am liking the idea of a huge (8' by 13') world map on one wall.

(from Dwell studio)

(from Urban Outfitters)

herb garden

2010-04-16T20:04:00.001-05:00

I finally kept a plant alive!!!

Henry

2010-04-16T09:24:00.003-05:00

After the baby is born, I am thinking about getting a pet patio pickup service for Henry. (at least for a few months during my time off) I have a feeling that once we start this service, we will never want it to end. Or maybe it won't be so hard to take out Henry and the baby all by myself.

maternity wardrobe

2010-04-14T09:43:00.008-05:00

Before I was pregnant, I thought that my wardrobe would still fit for the first half of the pregnancy. I was very wrong. I have been able to continue wearing my same workout clothing, leggings, coats, cardigans, underwear, and a few dresses. And that is it. For the past month, I have been living in H&M long tunic dresses and leggings. (And I have to add that I was very disappointed in H&M's selection of maternity clothing at the Michigan Ave. store)

Here is the rest of my maternity wardrobe:

Belly Dance Maternity:

(this is also a nursing dress)

Target:

(in black and white)

I also found a super cute maxi dress that I can't find a picture for online.

Old Navy:

Motherhood Maternity:

shoes and baby stuff

2010-04-13T09:11:00.003-05:00

Being 17 weeks pregnant, the only fun things to shop for are shoes for myself and baby anything. I am very excited to try on shoes from the Cynthia Vincent line at Target.

White Christmas

2010-03-23T09:11:00.001-05:00

is coming to Chicago in December!!!!

(go here for tickets)

Spring Break reading list:

2010-03-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

the weekend to do list:

2010-03-19T09:38:00.007-05:00

run along the riverwalk

watch MSU basketball

try on this nursing dress at Belly Dance maternity

(I lived in my long black maxi dress last summer)

Sunday brunch with my aunt, uncle, and cousins

Old St. Pat's

2010-03-19T09:13:00.002-05:00

My husband and I recently joined a church in our neighborhood! We are attending the new member tour and dinner next week. (And no, you don't need to convert to Catholicism to join) This church is full of couples, young families, and single people. And did I mention the World's Largest Block Party???

Spring Break!

2010-03-18T11:59:00.002-05:00

8 days away........

I can't help myself...

2010-03-15T11:59:00.003-05:00

I added baby moccasins at the last second to my basket on endless.com, along with a new pair of fit flops. I figure brown will be cute for a boy or girl.

Dinner

2010-03-10T11:21:00.003-06:00

Since our oven is broken and not heating up, this recipe from my aunt's new blog would be great to make for dinner.

Nursery ideas:

2010-03-09T08:12:00.002-06:00

existing paint color
(BM Mineral Ice - it is a little more light blue than it looks here)

Flensted sheep mobile

vintage children's blocks framed from Room and Board

(for $219.00 - which I will make for around $20.00 for 2)

Catalina magazine rack from Pottery Barn Kids

safari rug from west elm

or this hopscotch rug at cb2

baby mod crib from walmart

vintage school map

Ikea hemnes dresser/changing table

Eames elephant

mirror on a mirror

2010-03-08T10:00:00.004-06:00

(picture from AT)

In my quest to make our ugly guest bathroom more aesthetically pleasing, I came across this idea from Jenny that I might try.

Kreativ Blogger

2010-03-08T09:16:00.003-06:00

My fantastic and creative cousin gave me this award!

And now, it is the law according to the rules that I must reveal seven things about myself:

1. I am pregnant and due on September 17, 2010!

2. I cry, as if it is me on stage, every year during the Best Actress Oscar acceptance speech.

3. When I was 2, I refused to wear anything but a red velvet dress for an entire year. Along with white tights and black shiny shoes. I remember getting upset in the church nursery if someone stepped on my black shiny shoes.

4. I floss my teeth EVERY night. In fact, I can't go to bed without doing so.

5. I am going to New Orleans with my mom and Grandma for a few days over my Spring Break!

6. I have suddenly turned into a minimalist, since our recent move. I find it easier to clean with less stuff sitting out and overall less stressful.

7. Henry turned 5 last week! We bought him a huge Ikea stuffed prostitute, I mean stuffed animal.

on my mind.....

2010-03-05T11:04:00.003-06:00

Scooter's open today!!!!

And since I am 12 weeks pregnant, my husband asks me every day, "Can I get you anything?" (I need to add that he has gone and bought spiral Macaroni and Cheese, a Shamrock Shake, Blommer's Chocolate, Garrett's Popcorn, and offered to go to the store to get me a dinner roll and butter at 11pm) My response for the past 6 weeks has been, "Scooter's." We are going immediately after my Dr. appointment today!

Patent Leather and Pearls

2010-02-25T09:06:00.004-06:00

My very talented cousin has a new blog and I highly recommend reading it because she has a unique/classic/fashion forward/wearable sense of style. (I blogged about her here) And she now has me obsessed with these Steve Madden Roady boots. I can't decide which color I like best.

train rack (part 2)

2010-02-17T16:11:00.002-06:00

train racks

2010-02-17T11:06:00.007-06:00

Since we don't have an official linen closet in the new place, we really needed a towel rack in the master bathroom. As nice as Pottery Barn's train racks are, the prices are not so nice. (most are around $170.00 to $250.00) I instead opted for Ikea's Grundtal towel hanger/shelf at $19.99. And I actually like it better because of the basic stainless steel design.

condo pictures:

2010-02-11T20:11:00.004-06:00

the foyer

bath mat

2010-02-10T10:03:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite new bath accessories is this rock bath mat. (if you go to the store, it is 20% off the online price) At first my husband thought I was crazy, but I really wanted a bath mat that didn't need to be washed. All I have to do with this one is vacuum it. And it feels SO good on my feet at the end of the day and takes me back to the rock covered beaches in the south of France.

As seen on....

2010-02-02T12:12:00.005-06:00

my new favorite show, Modern Family

table from cb2

(in the brother's house - I only noticed this because it is the same table in my dining room)

arc lamp

Cuisinart Griddler

2010-01-22T08:18:00.009-06:00

I was going to post pictures last night, but my husband and I spent 2 hours in Back to Bed picking out our mattress. We were initially just stopping by to look and get a price quote. That was until the salesman offered us 1 pillow and 10% off if we paid cash. We said we wanted to wait and think about it. Then he said he would give us 2 free pillows (instead of 1), 10% off (he copied a medical RX form), free boards for the mattress to sit on, and let us finance it for 2 years with no interest. I wanted to add in a pet bed for Henry, but I honestly didn't think they had them, until I saw this by Tempur-Pedic.

Dinner

2010-01-21T14:13:00.003-06:00

Cubs stadium seats

2010-01-21T10:43:00.005-06:00

While looking at apartment therapy for bar stool suggestions, I came across this house tour. Here are my favorites:

I wanted this entryway bench/locker from Pottery Barn, but my husband wanted Cubs stadium seats in our foyer. I first got the idea for lockers from my cousin's mom.

initial hooks from Anthropologie

I am going to try and post some pictures of our new place tonight!

bar stools

2010-01-19T11:30:00.003-06:00

from overstock

or these from crate and barrel

expedit bookcase

2010-01-15T14:21:00.004-06:00

(all pics from Isuwannee)

My husband will be building the Ikea expedit bookcase this weekend. That is, after we return the 4 square for the 5 square. Every piece of furniture looks tiny in our condo.
I will post pictures soon!

chicken potpie casserole

2010-01-08T11:03:00.000-06:00

This might be the first dinner I make at our new place. And it looks very easy, especially if I buy the chopped onion, carrot, and celery mix from Trader Joe's.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 large carrot, peeled, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
One 8-ounce container sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 store-bought rotisserie chicken, meat torn into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for sprinkling
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
Six to eight 1/2-inch-thick slices Italian bread

Directions:
1. Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400°.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top; stir for 1 minute. Stir in the cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken, parsley and parmesan; season with salt and pepper.

3. Transfer the chicken mixture to an 8-inch-by-10-inch baking dish. Trim the bread slices to fit on top of the chicken mixture in an even layer. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle parsley and the remaining parmesan on top. Bake until crispy, about 15 minutes.

(from Every Day with Rachel Ray December 2009)

Tori Spelling's kitchen

2010-01-08T10:11:00.000-06:00

Black cabinets (in her old house)

White cabinets (in the new kitchen)

I am very tempted to paint our cherry shaker style cabinets white (or black), but everyone seems to think I am crazy. (they look like this)

bathroom organization

2010-01-07T09:25:00.000-06:00

little magnetic canisters to hold bobby pins and ponytail holders

glass cylinder to hold TP
(this was also feature in Domino)

(pics from Martha Stewart)

Reese

2010-01-07T09:22:00.009-06:00

Although I love Reese Witherspoon's red carpet style, what I really like is her every day look. She appears to wear most often a variety of 2 outfits:

a dress/skirt and cardigan/jacket

jeans and a cardigan/jacket/t-shirt

And her color palette is very basic (black, grey, brown, blue) with a few colors mixed in with accessories. The most important feature I like about her style (besides the Jcrew/Gap/Anthropologie vibe) is that she actually looks comfortable.

This is my favorite look:
t-shirt dress, cardigan, hat, long necklace, and neutral sandals with fringe (remember the moccasin sandals?)

rock garden

2010-01-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

stones

boot tray

The lion, the witch and the wardrobe

2010-01-06T09:20:00.002-06:00

I am a little obsessed with trying to find a space in our new place for this antique Italian wardrobe. (from Jayson Home and Garden)

PS: We are moving in on Friday!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-01-05T21:25:00.000-06:00

12/31/07

All I want for Christmas

2009-12-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

is Henry to come home.

vintage wreath

2009-12-21T10:03:00.000-06:00

My mother made this wreath years ago and I love that each time I look at it, I see something new.

Santa

2009-12-21T09:47:00.000-06:00

Christmas in the city

2009-12-19T09:10:00.008-06:00

the Home Alone house

Macy's and the Walnut Room

Christkindlmarket

(and me with my boot of spiced wine)

Macy's on State Street

John Williams the People's Tree

(outside of the Tribune building)

Holiday Ideas

2009-12-17T08:45:00.004-06:00

Orange Clove Balls

I made orange clove balls once when my Grandpa Culver babysat. My Grandpa used to watch very strange TV shows and I saw these on one of them. I distinctly remember while I made these, he was watching "Plant of the Apes."

(all pictures are from Martha Stewart)

good thing

2009-12-16T13:39:00.002-06:00

Christmas tree remote control

(on sale at Target for $5.00)

DIY Ikea nightstand

2009-12-14T20:45:00.005-06:00

As I was reading the blog my little apartment, I came across a link to this fantastic Ikea hack. It was originally featured on Penny People Designs.

edible wreath

2009-12-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

this is a cute idea from sweet paul

TGIF

2009-12-11T10:12:00.003-06:00

our Friday night agenda:

1. do laundry

2. workout

3. look at Macy's Christmas windows

4. go to Christkindlmarket

5. ice skating at Millennium Park

6. drink beer here or have wine here

2009-12-11T10:10:00.001-06:00

Mixing Paint

2009-12-10T12:15:00.005-06:00

My goal this weekend is to finalize our paint colors for the new place.

overall color: white - Decorator's White by Benjamin Moore
(I am going to use the same color in semi-gloss for the trim.)

Master Bedroom: light grey - Behr's Sterling or Classic Grey by BM

Guest bedroom: light blue - (still deciding this color)

Foyer: recessed ceiling will be painted Artic Blue by BM

And I have heard that Home Depot will mix Benjamin Moore paint colors.

Reindogs

2009-12-10T12:01:00.004-06:00

I bought this nightshirt at Target yesterday. I just have to keep thinking that Henry will be home soon... (no closing date on the condo yet, but it should be soon!)

DIY shelving

2009-12-02T09:51:00.000-06:00

directions at marthastewart.com

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-01T21:17:00.003-06:00

more gift ideas

2009-12-01T14:00:00.000-06:00

cute tshirt

Moleskine 2010 monthly diary

bacon soap

nesting dolls measuring cups

Magazine holder

Cheetah blanket

Guggenheim lego set

fur earmuffs

butter dish

more from Martha

2009-12-01T09:08:00.002-06:00

blue floors? I wish I had the balls to do this...

I am a sucker for any picture with a Dachshund.

I need to find out the paint color of these walls.

grey

2009-11-30T15:27:00.006-06:00

I have been gathering paint colors from Home Depot and I want to paint our bedroom a light grey color. Apartment Therapy is recommending Classic Grey OC-23 by Benjamin Moore.

(Sterling by Behr)

I want it to look like these pictures below, only in a bedroom:

(from Atlanta Homes Magazine)

black friday

2009-11-30T13:48:00.003-06:00

My mom, sister, and I went shopping on Friday at around 7am. This has been our tradition for the past few years and now it is just a bonding experience.

Here are my favorite deals:

Baby Mama for $3.99 at Target

Fiesta 5-Piece Hostess Set for $9.97

and Walgreens had Say Yes to Carrots body butter for $3.99.

I bought 7 jars.

curtain inspiration

2009-11-24T12:11:00.005-06:00

Things I like below:

white walls
huge mirror above the fireplace
and deep red curtains that surprisingly look fantastic
plastic dining room chairs

Cordeliade de Castellane as seen in Elle Decor, House and Garden, and Habitually Chic

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T11:32:00.004-06:00

My husband and I are leaving for MI today! I plan on making pies and pumpkin muffins, helping my Grandma prepare Thanksgiving dinner, getting my hair cut, meeting friends for happy hour, finding furniture for our new place, and spending time with family and Henry. (directions for the center piece made by Eddie Ross are here)

change of a dress

2009-11-20T09:59:00.002-06:00

It is official, well not exactly, but we did sign a contract for a condo and we were approved for a loan. Next up: attorney approval, inspection (we are doing this today), get a clean title from the owner, set an official closing date, clean, and hire a painter!

And I love this moving announcement I saw at Smitten. (while my husband was eating a sandwich at Jerry's)

paint

2009-11-20T09:58:00.004-06:00

(pic from AT)

foyer, kitchen/dining/living room = Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White (recommended here)

And don't worry, we are not painting the floor white.

And I am thinking of going with Swiss Coffee for the trim. We had this in our last condo and Jeff Lewis recommended it this season on Flipping Out.

I am still deciding what to paint with chalkboard paint. I am thinking the pantry door...

Team Edward

2009-11-16T09:44:00.003-06:00

I finally joined the rest of the world and started reading the Twilight series.

love my dog

2009-11-16T09:38:00.002-06:00

t-shirt by Norma Kamali at Walmart for $6.00

Gift Ideas

2009-11-04T11:16:00.007-06:00

Kate Spade clock

Minnetonka slippers

vintage looking French butter dish

light bulb ski hat

a flower pin from emersonmade

(You need to check out her blog)

Poppy rings at bess and loie

(and only $12.00)

Fireplaces

2009-10-31T12:06:00.000-05:00

(from Martha Stewart's house tours)

more house tours by Martha

2009-10-30T13:13:00.007-05:00

Bathrooms

2009-10-30T12:00:00.002-05:00

holidays

2009-10-30T10:21:00.004-05:00

I have already started looking at holiday decor online and I am disappointed that cb2, Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel have the exact same stuff as last year. However, Anthropologie has new stuff.

wish list

2009-10-28T09:05:00.003-05:00

at P. O. S. H.

salt pot

pancake plate

cute pitcher

pink pie plate

cheese knife and spreader

modern ceiling fan

2009-10-27T09:27:00.004-05:00

I know, the words modern + ceiling fan don't go together. But I actually like this fan.

journal

2009-10-27T09:25:00.001-05:00

I have tried keeping a journal in the past with very little success.

Maybe I could keep up with this one?

future home, part 2

2009-10-22T13:42:00.005-05:00

Now that it is looking like my future home is going to have a fireplace (which was not on my "must have" list), I need to start looking for inspiration. I found this pic during my search of townhouses. I am wondering if the top to my Grandma Nell's pump organ (this one is similar) could be painted black... (but, I don't think it would be be enough)

Here is my "must have" list:

allow dogs :)
2 full bathrooms
big open living / dining room
low assessments (we have seen some places on Lakeshore Drive with a $1200.00 per month assessment!)
at least 2 BIG bedrooms (must fit king size beds)
be walking distance to Lake Michigan
have a high walk score (try this out)
laundry in the unit
covered parking in the building
patio/deck
no stairs (if they are in the unit, that is okay, but we have seen a few beautiful places that are up 3 flights of stairs)

tunics + leggings

2009-10-22T09:40:00.006-05:00

My sister requested a post about leggings.

Not tights, but thicker ankle length leggings, almost like pants.

So here are my suggestions:

*** Note: all items are from Anthropologie and all flatter girls with curves! ***

AG Rosebud Denim Tights

Joe's Knit Chelsea

Future home?

2009-10-22T09:30:00.003-05:00

After looking at 9 condos/townhouses last night, I think we might put an offer on a place!
Here is a sneak peek:

dinner

2009-10-20T14:36:00.003-05:00

Tonight we are using our groupon at Hannah's Bretzel for dinner.

I'm getting the pesto + mozzarella.

Halloween on ebay

2009-10-20T09:58:00.004-05:00

cast iron doorstop

vintage postcards

popcorn cat and witch

black cat mugs

red doors

2009-10-14T10:01:00.003-05:00

Benjamin Moore's Heritage Red (recommend here)

If you can't tell, I am gathering paint ideas for a new home that is TBD.

haint blue

2009-10-14T09:21:00.008-05:00

On a trip to South Carolina last spring, I fell in love with the blue porch ceilings all over the place. I am not sure why they are painted blue, but our tour guide told us it's so birds won't build a nest on the porch. (Apparently if birds look up and see blue they will think it is the sky?)

I don't believe him.

Here is what my google search found for the perfect porch blue:

Benjamin Moore's Arctic Blue

Martha Stewart C26 Porch Ceiling Blue (pictured above)

Sherwin-Williams SW 6471 Hazel, SW 6505 Atmospheric, or SW 6944 Pool Blue

black boots

2009-10-08T13:53:00.004-05:00

I miss Henry, part 2

2009-10-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this dress up close? It has dogs all over it and I love it. I even wore it all last weekend with black leggings. And in case you can't tell with all of my dog posts, I really miss Henry. (He is in MI while we are looking for a home to buy - our building we live in right now does not allow dogs)

animal print

2009-09-30T12:07:00.002-05:00

This belt would match just about everything in my closet.