my little apartment

awe-dubon

2012-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

you know those mornings when you wake up thinking it's Friday and then you realize it's only Wednesday? come on, we've all bee there. and in cases like this one, the only solution is baby animals.

and actually the pony isn't a baby, its just a little pony. which is perfectly fine with me. I'll take two of each, please! and while we're on the subject of baby foxes, I REALLY WANT A BABY FOX. did you know you can adopt a domesticated fox from Russia? well you can. aaaand I'd like one, please. oh man, Bunny would love it!

I see Sharon Montrose's photos everywhere these days. it's like they've become our modern Audubons. my grandfather's house was full of amazing Audubon prints. does your family favor animal-related art?

communal castle

2012-01-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

it's this time of year when Chicagoans start making plans to escape the city. I actually really like winter, but after all the holiday lights come down and the snow turns into grey sludge...you can't help but day-dream of a little getaway.

my friends and I often joke about starting a commune and I love planning vacations with groups of pals and their kiddos. it's so much fun to hunker down in a mountain cabin or a beachside bungalow, make meals together, and just not do anything at all...

wouldn't you love to spend a week or two in this charming farmhouse in Ireland??

or ya know, maybe a castle is more your style...

okay, I'm taking suggestions: where is your favorite place to spend a long weekend? I want details, people!

lists of lists

2012-01-23T10:35:00.001-08:00

wanna know how I keep track of cool stuff I find? oh geez, where do I start...

well, I've finally embraced Pinterest to catalog all of the inspiration photos I collect throughout the day. I dragged my heels on joining, but now I'm totally addicted (like so many of you are, I'm sure!) I used to drag images into my desktop and then rename them and put 'em in folders, but this is SO much easier! I only wish that you could make boards private, since I'd prefer not to share my "gifts" board or other top secret boards. follow me if you're as pin-happy as I am!

I use Svpply to keep track of all the cool stuff I dream of buying. it's really more of a "if I had a million dollars" list, so I go nuts with the pricy frocks and fancy lamps, but I also add realistic items that I end up actually buying. I have a terrible memory, so I find it to be helpful as well as inspirational to go back and look through my list of things...and it's great to casually share with anyone who might surprise you with a gift (hint hint)!

but as far as keeping tabs on the stuff I want to blog about....I'm probably a little behind to times in this department. I keep an email in my inbox and every time I come across a story or a rad space or just something that I want to share with y'all...here's what I do: open the email in my inbox, hit reply, copy/paste the link into the email, and send it back to myself. so it's like this never ending email of stuff.

that is just a teeny-tiny section of the email, it's sooooo looooong. fun fact: my inbox serves as my to-do list, so if it's in there, it's gotta get done. I immediately archive anything I've responded to or taken care of, and it's proved to be a pretty efficient way to get through the daily barrage of emails (thanks to my boo for that tip).

anyway, my inbox has been empty at the end of most days, except for this BEAST. it's been in there for MONTHS and I need to get around to sharing all this stuff with you. but instead of doing that, I'm writing a post about needing to do that. so....there you go.

cali dreamin

2012-01-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

one of my LA buddies has a rad little guest house that he rents out to friends and friends-of-friends visitin' LA.

pshhh, guest house? how about perma-house. I'd live there in a heartbeat. if you have LA plans on the horizon and want a place to stay in Silverlake, gimme a shout and I'll put you in touch with my pal.

the other Draper

2012-01-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

uuuuuugh, these two Dorothy Draper dressers are on Craigslist right now for only $350 and I waaaaaaaant them.

lip service

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

btw, I got a tube of NARS' Heatwave for Christmas and it's pretty much the most perfect red lipstick ever.

sometimes it looks red-orangey, sometimes it looks red-hot pinkish, but it's always bright and it doesn't come off on everything! I love it. just thought you might wanna know.

dark is the night

2012-01-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

it is happening. I am painting my bedroom black. okay, not black-black, but it's gettin' dark and sexy in there and I am so excited! I also have like, a million questions...

the top photo is from Lonny, 2nd & 3rd are Jenna Lyon's bedroom (dream!), next is a room by Anne Coyle for the MerchMart, and finally Anna's bedroom (of Door 16). those are just a few examples, but you get what I'm goin' for, right? my room gets like, zero natural light, so I'm just gonna make it the cave it is meant to be and go for it. I plan on installing a new pendant light with a rheostat and I got a new bed frame, so the whole room is getting a much needed mini-makeover. I don't know about you, but my bedroom is always the last space to feel finished...

questions: what color to use?? Anna swears by Benjamin Moore's Soot, which is actually a suuuper deep indigo, and she uses a matte finish. that top image features Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron, which is a tad lighter and more on the dark charcoal side of the scale. and Daniel has made me a believer in Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur, who's name I absolutely love and is closer in tone to Soot, but a touch lighter, and is pictured in that over-the-top room with the pink bed (yikes).

thoughts? suggestions? tips? advice? ....anyone wanna help paint?

favorite

2012-01-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

fiddle leaf figs are like, my favorite tree ever. I've said it a million times, but seeing a photo like this always makes me a little weak in the knees. too bad I don't have a bright nook like this where I could keep one...

I also love everything else happening in this photo...the geometric rug, woven basket, bentwood chair, white-painted frames and moulding...I have those ceramic IKEA tumblers and I love them. they are perfect for keeping drinks cold and for when I want a really big cup of hot tea. I just noticed the black roller shades at the top. yup, like those too.

rad rug

2012-01-09T08:02:00.001-08:00

ummmm, my friend Veronica is a genius. not only does she make insanely gorgeous wedding gowns, but sometimes she's all "hm, I want a little Persian rug mat in front of my sink. gee, guess I'll just make one!" and then she DOES IT.

this is super awesome and just inspired my whole week. also, have you been following her little-by-little apartment makeover on her blog My Hands Made It? it's kinda the cutest thing I've ever seen and she DIY'ed like, everything. I can't wait to go check it out next month when we have a super special date!

as always, thanks for hangin' in there you guys! magic is in the making over here and secrets are like, overflowing and just waiting to be spilled...I'm pretty sure I can guarantee that MLA will be back and better than ever before the end of this month!!

on the list

2011-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

dean Santa,

thanks so much, you're the best!

love,

dean

wild childs

2011-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

check out these crazy koo-koo buddies I picked up for five bucks:

I admit that part of me is kiiiiinda into the ugly cheetah print fabric, but not enough to keep it. the cane seat is missing on one of the chairs, so I guess whoever owned them had plywood seats cut and turned 'em into fancy cushions. the stuffing seems to be in good shape, so I'll just recover them directly over the existing material.

I'm thinking of finding an old kilim and using that for the seats. or maybe some kind of hide? oooh, or maybe a wool blanket...striped, army, Mexican? what do you think??

vintage pillows

2011-12-09T07:09:00.001-08:00

these two vintage pillows from Projecteur have been in my etsy cart for a few days, so I thought I'd share 'em with ya.

the top one is hand-embroidered and has green velvet piping. I love it! and the bottom one is Scandinavian.

okay, that's all. back to Christmas shopping and other things.

I'M STIL ALIVE!

2011-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

and I didn't move to Paris. well, not yet anyway...

at the suggestion of my mom (hi mama!), I am giving y'all a little heads-up to say hi, I miss you, and that I haven't totally abandoned my little apartment.

actually, I'm super super super excited about blogging again, and I have so much to share with you! so many things have happened, so many things are happening right now, and hello, I haven't even told you about the new love of my life: the city of Paris. there are projects, jobs, ideas, events, secrets, and all kinds of crazy-amazing and just generally crazy things that I want to tell you about.

but if you could just hang on, just a little bit longer...I am working on redesigning this site and for some reason, I just feel like I want to start all shiny and new. ya know? like, I feel like my life at the moment is a parade of awesome and I want to be sitting in a gold convertible when I pass you on the street, not 1982 Toyota Carolla (which, for the record, was my first car). I hope that made sense.

anyway, I still love you and I can't wait to hang out with you again. I hope you're having an awesome holiday season. SEE YOU SOON!!

bonjour!

2011-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

so I kinda forgot to mention it, but I'm in Paris right now. no, not Paris, Kentucky (though I lived there for a while), PARIS, FRANCE.

it's my first time in Europe and I gotta admit, I'm actually surprised at how....French it is here! I mean, everyone is carrying baguettes, smoking, riding bicycles, wearing red lipstick, and drinking wine with like, every meal. the children are adorable, I am tempted to steal one. and contrary to what you've heard, everyone is very nice! you just have to look like you know what you're doing and then if things get confusing, just say "I'm sorry" a lot in French. I love it. love love love love it.

SO, I'd love to know...what do you recommend that I do while I'm in Paris? where should I shop, eat, visit, learn, and party? tell me everything you know!!!

holy crap, I already want to move here.

tight!

2011-10-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

this is how I want my entire fall and winter to look. I want all of these tights!

I'm looking for the perfect pair of tomato-colored tights. can't be too sheer, but I don't want leggings. where do I get 'em? PS: the Missoni for Target tights are great. probably not worth the eBay price, but if you can still find 'em in the store, they are definitely worth $16.

ketchup & mustard

2011-09-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

yesterday I went to see an 11 and a half foot credenza for a client. THAT IS A BIG CREDENZA. since I was in a neighborhood that I'd never been to before on my own, I decided to do some exploring, which means that I used my Yelp-app to find the nearby thrift stores.

lately I've been enjoying looking for clothes more than furniture and I've found some seriously rad things. also, the fact that I have amazing tailor really opens up the world of thrifted/vintage clothes, because now everything can be made to fit me just right. it RULES.

anyway, I found these two chairs at a Salvation Army, but I passed on them. they were $8 each and plastic. I wanted to love them, but they were just meh, so I talked myself out of it. now I keep thinking I should have gotten them, cause they'd look great if the bases were painted white and they were sitting on my back deck.

OH WELLZ.

what have you found lately?!

shear comfort

2011-09-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

today I thrifted a pair brand-new, never been worn LL Bean shearling moccasins for only $5.99.

and my feet are soooooo haaaaaappy. I have never owned slippers before. do you wear slippers in your house?

cosmic

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

I reeeeeeeally want one of these "Romantic Star Projectors", not just for my house, but like, for a party. this is better than a disco ball!!

thanks for the heads up, Jenny!

around the world

2011-09-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

don't forget to pick up a copy of the Chicago Reader today! it features Victor Wasserman's seriously amazing apartment, which feels like a little trip around the world.

(photos by Erik Sanchez)

now I really want a tractor seat stool. and a yellow pendant lamp. and hardwood floors in my kitchen.

UPDATE: looks like the feature got pushed back to next week. damn that adspace.

gettin' in the zone

2011-09-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

lately, "working from home" involves coffee, incense, and wearing a caftan most of the day. apparently that's my secret formula for productivity.

that's all, back to work!

nightswimming

2011-09-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

I think I've posted an image of this house before, but I came across MORE of them on this cute blog and had to share. this is seriously a dream of a dream house. the shingles, the tile, the colors, the landscaping, the GIANT POOL...

oh, and it has a guest house, of course, so you can invite your friends over and they never have to leave. and, um....is that a fire pit I see off to one side? I'm dying. it also boasts an office, just in case you have a rad business that you'd like to run from home. I mean, if this was your home, would you want to commute to a cubicle every day? nope, me neither.

now how can I see the interior of this place?!

missoni meltdown

2011-09-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't even checked the interwebs or blogs, but I'm guessing that some of you shared my experience at Target this morning...

unlike many, I wasn't counting down 'til today, I didn't set my alarm

at 4am, and I didn't have my running shoes on and a shopping list ready (okay, I actually did have my running shoes on, but that's cause I was going to the gym). I only remembered about the Missoni for Target launch because I was reading Facebook in bed after I woke up...I thought "eh, it's across the street from the gym...I'll just take a peek." also, did I mention that the Target near my house does more business than any other Target in America? it's true. I'm brave.

HOLY EFF. it was crazy-nutso in there!! the employees said that it was worse that Black Friday. people had been lining up since 4:30am. they were basically sold out by 8:05 and they only opened the doors at 8am! women were sweeping armloads into carts pushed by their kids, people were taking whole racks of items and then "trading" to others surrounded by 4 heaping carts. I witnessed 2 girls with carts piled high, taking email addresses on an iPad of people who wanted to buy what they'd scored after they went through the register. GROSS.

I was mostly amused. admittedly, the thrifter/picker/deal-seeker in me began to get a little fluttery when I entered the store and saw the crowd of people, hovering around the picked-over display in the front. both home goods sections were totally cleaned out and you could actually see all the shoe and cart marks on the floor from everyone freaking out.

I hung out around the front display, where an employee would occasionally zoom by and drop a few found/returned items on the table, causing everyone to descend upon them like vultures. I ended up scoring two pairs of tights, a cute bra, and a vase. I also picked up some wellies and coat for friends who have little girls.

when I was in the store at 11:30am, there were over 1300 items already on eBay, now there are over 3400. that's just lame and gross and unfair. I mean, I didn't think the clothes were even that cute, but I have to buy new luggage and I was kinda thinkin' the black & white carry-on wasn't too bad...oh well.

did you brave the crowds? what did you see?! what did you score?!

native sons

2011-09-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed, like times ten, with these amazing Navajo blankets. I wish I could buy them all! how pretty would they look, all folded and stacked....or draped across a sofa, or a bed. or hung on a wall. Navajo blankets are the new suzani.

I think the second one I pictured is my favorite and surprisingly, it's the least expensive (the last one is $18,000!!!) at just over a thousand dollars. I mean, you can totally understand why these amazing relics go for such a high price...have you seen the Antiques Roadshow episode where the old guy brings in "an old blanket" that he just had hanging over the back of a chair?? watch it. I cry every time.

just me & you & "i do"

2011-09-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've been drooling over this gorgeous California elopement that I came across on 100 Layer Cake. mostly I love the inclusion of the horse and the Navajo blankets...

I have done so many amazing weddings this year and I have one more on the horizon...I'm so looking forward to sharing them all with you!

just call her Nancy Drew

2011-09-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

do you remember when I became obsessed with this Osborne & Little wallpaper, but then discovered that it was unavailable?

well thanks to the super-savvy Christine of Bijou & Boheme...my wallpaper fantasy can now be a reality!! she found it for sale on TangleTree Interiors website in three colorways and it's actually not outrageously priced.

since I'll probably only be in my little apartment for just one more year, it'd be silly to spend time and money on such a thing, but there is no doubt that I'll be revisiting this site when I settle into a more long-term home! I'm gonna spring for some samples for now and then hope and pray that it's still available when I'm ready to get up to my elbows in paste (or...hire someone to hang it).

thank you thank you thank you, Christine!!

serious style

2011-09-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

just a little sneak peek of my Space article that will appear in the Reader today. I shot a few vignettes in the home of Erin Oldenberg, a super talented stylist and visual merchandiser for Vanity Fair.

as soon as I walked into her apartment, I wanted to change everything about mine. I love the "cowhide" that she made out of a flat-weave rug- genius!

cooped up

2011-08-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I've talked about my dreams of owning chickens before, but now that I've seen this seriously insanely amazing chicken coop...that dream has like, gone into overdrive. I WANT CHICKENS NOOOOW.

okay, mostly I just want that chicken coop NOW. it's nicer than some apartments I've lived in! I love everything about it...the color, the layout, the driftwood perch, the screens, the slate walkway out front...I mean, it's a dream coop. I never thought I'd have a "dream coop" (much less use that phrase) but this project is just knocking my socks off. and thank you, Nicole, for the heads up!

I'm sure it cost a pretty penny, but I can't wait to try to replicate it...someday. when I have a house. and a yard. you best believe I'm filing this one away in the "future DIY" folder of my brain...

the dude and I are headin' to Kentucky for some farm-campin' and family party-time. I haven't been back since Christmas, so I'm super excited to see the rolling green fields, take a country drive, and sip a bourbon and Ale8. see y'all next week!

missoni madness

2011-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Target is gonna be CRAY come September 13th. just in case you live under a rock (or don't like space-knit chevron), Missoni is introducing an "epic" 400 piece line for Target (repeat after me: "tar-jay").

I've checked out some of the sneak-peeks and look books, but I have to say...I'm not all that jazzed. however, I do really like this quilt....like, a lot. hopefully I'll be able to snag one before everything sells out in like 3 minutes.

okay, okay...the tights look pretty cute, as does this super-adorable baby outfit (what, I don't have a baby...I don't know what to call those things. a jumper? a onesie?). annnnd I like the black and white makeup brushes. and these barrettes. okay, so I also really want to set a rad table with this dish set. and I super-like the weird tray on the right and the one in the middle isn't too bad either.

I am also really digging this dude-sweater, especially since my dude looks especially foxy in cardigans.

but come on Target/Missoni...what the crap is this thing? no way.

bunkin' up

2011-08-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

my temporary roomie is movin' out, which means that I get to have a guest room again! which also means...I have another room to decorate! I'd loooove to use it as an office, but I'm going to give AirB&B another shot and see how it goes.

if any of y'all wanna stay here and have that cute lil turkey make you a drink, please click on my AirB&B listing and lemme know your dates! I'll offer discounts for MLA readers.

and while we're on the subject, have you used AirB&B yet?

likey-loo

2011-08-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

these photos have been sittin' on my desktop, so now you get to look at them.

this is such a lovely look at a summer wedding centerpiece. pale pink peonies, antique blue Ball jars, book pages printed with simple table numbers, and mercury glass votives. so fresh and girly!

I am in loveeeeee with these dip-dyed curtains. it is much harder to dip-dye curtains than one might first believe. I know this because I tried it once. you have to have a big, clean space to let the curtains dry after they've been dyed and you have to have a big big big bucket in which to properly dye them. I'm still thinking of trying it again...we'll see.

notes from the weekend

2011-08-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

I did a little thrifting this weekend and found some gems...wanna see?

this rad bamboo table was hidden under piles of kids crap and was barely noticeable. it definitely needed a good cleaning and probably a little repairing, but with a little love, a coat of paint, and a new glass top, this could be one seriously amazing desk. or a dining table?

I literally pushed a guy out of the way when I saw these chairs. they're Cesca knock-offs, but I still get so excited when I see this style. I racked my brain trying to come up with a way to use them, but I ended up leaving them behind.

okay, am I crazy for liking these chairs? if you can make the photo bigger (I don't know why sometimes you can and sometimes you can't), you'll see the nubby details in the fabric. they're so awesomely early 70s. I'd love to see these four tall-backed dudes around a white Saarinen table with some chintz wallpaper. whoa.

also, my new favorite thing to do? take photos of notes and random scribbles that I jot down while I'm on the phone. It's so much easier to have a photo of an address, measurements, a grocery list, etc. than it is to keep track of a piece of paper. does anyone else do this?

okay, back to bein' busy!

shoe sleuth

2011-08-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

I don't want to jinx things, but it feels like fall outside and I am love love love loving it. this is my favorite time of year, but it's so short and fleeting that we rarely get to enjoy it. the air is cool, the sun is warm, and sometimes you can smell chimney smoke at night. I can't wait to get the fire-pit out and start layering my dresses with a blazer and boots.

and speaking of boots...remember these guys? they were featured in an issue of Martha Stewart Living and my plea to find out who makes them still stands. I NEED THESE BOOTS. I've been hunting for the perfect riding-style boots since my vintage pair died last year and I'm still at a loss. a prize goes out to whoever does the best Nancy Drew...

and while I've got your savvy self on the hunt...any ideas as to who makes these amazing platforms? I neeeeeed them. okay, I don't need them, but I waaaaaant them. I rarely wear high-high heels these days, but I know for a fact that these would get a regular rotation in my wardrobe.

thanks, little detectives!

suzani sale!

2011-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

let's just get this party started: I have 5 amazing suzanis that I'm selling and they have your name written all over 'em! also, can I just tell you how hard it is to NOT KEEP THEM? they are seriously gorgeous and I wish I could just drape them all over my house and pretend I was the Princess of Uzbekistan. but I can't.

they are cuter than a box of free kittens, don't you want to take one home with you?

this hot-pink number is the only hot-pink suzani in the lot (Nicole, this one is calling to you!). it's also silk-based, which makes it extra fancy. how amazing would this be hung vertically as a headboard?? I see white eyes hidden in the pattern...what do you see? (74" x 55")

this guy is the largest one and I love love love the color palate. black, tomato red, yellow, white, and a little hint of green...the pattern is consistent all over, so you could drape it over your sofa or use it as a bedspread. it's got that heavy, cold weight to it that old quilts have...do you know what I mean? (100" x 61")

this is probably the brightest suzani of the bunch and I like the bird-like flowers on the bottom and top. it feels almost Mexican or South American with the colorful designs around the edges...can you imagine walking into a room with this as the focal point? ummm, I would keel over or steal it. (79" x 59")

okay, wait, is this the most colorful? they're all colorful!! that's why we love them so much! the edges of this suzani are kinda navy-ish and I thiiiiiink it's this one where you can see the signatures of the two people who worked on it. they just printed their names in ink right on the front, in the middle of the piece. I didn't notice until I'd looked 'em over like 3 times, but it's a neat little secret. (75" x 54 1/2")

this is the darker one of the lot and I love the way the orange and pink pop against the mauve-y maroon. I think this suzani has a Moroccan vibe to it and can see it slung over a sofa with some poufs in the room and a brass & glass coffee table. and you know me, I'd work some taxidermy and a bar into the room as well. (98" x 59 1/2")

wanna add a gorgeous antique suzani to your home? EMAIL ME! I can send you more detailed photos if so desired. each suzani is $200 and I'll gladly ship it to you at the cheapest rate. if you live in Chicago, you can pick-up or I'll deliver.

I dye

2011-08-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

hey y'all- thought I'd share the latest makeover I did for my Space column in the Chicago Reader...Timmy & Molly are two super-cuties who needed some help with their Ukrainian Village apartment, so I came to the rescue with my $150 budget and a few tricks up my sleeve.

here's the before:

the walls were a hospital-esque greenish color and the room lacked a cohesive vibe. Molly and Timmy keep a rad little blog called Making Our House a Home, and when they blogged about a rad painted rug, I instantly knew what I wanted to do...

so, long story short..I splatter-dyed a carpet remnant, dip-dyed some curtains, and Molly and Timmy patched the walls and repainted a warm white (MS Popcorn). then I did a little restyling, brought in some much-needed greenery (such an easy way to bring life- literally- into your space!), and POOF! now they have a charming living room.

soooooo...whatcha think? it was such a super fun project. and remember, I can do this for you-- all you have to do is email me!

pillow fight

2011-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

my bff Martha got one of these Kentucky pillows for Christmas and I've been coveting it ever since.

and it got me thinkin' how neat it'd be to have a pillow for each state I've lived in. they could live in various places around the house, one in the den, one on the chaise in the bedroom, one in the guest room.

this idea necessitates a bigger house.

gettin' groovy

2011-07-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

check out this fancy sucker I scored on the ole' C-list...for freeeeeeeeee!

yes, that is delightfully geometric velvet. and yes, that is a chrome base. I think Milo Baughman and Paul Evans would approve.

un deux trois quatre

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was ~~flipping~~ clicking through the new Lonny magazine and here are some things that I liked:

peachy-ish grasscloth wallpaper, slate floors, mirrored Parson's desk, brass lamp, mod round lamp, Saarinen with a sheepskin, duh.

I am like, crazy-obsessed with this photo. I love the barely-there blue wall color. I know I don't like wall color, but trust me...this is a dead-on example of one of my favorite neutrals. those little brass sconces are ridiculously perfect with that crazy beachy mirror and don't even get me started with that table. I want it, but I think it's like, as much as a plane ticket to France. trust me, I know because I've been looking at ten thousand travel websites on a daily basis. but back to the table...I want those crazy Eames-y spider legs! and generally I'm not a big topiary person, but that one can stay because it's cute.

this is a photo of a Gwyneth dish. I am one of the people who actually really likes her, but I guess I can understand why the haters be hatin'. but how can you loathe someone who wants you to eat this delicious meal? you can't.

it's super-crazy-hot in Chicago and I do. not. deal. well. with. heat. which is why I hauled my sweaty, grumpy self into Home Depot yesterday and bought an air conditioner for my bedroom. which means that I now lo longer leave my room. so since I work from home, this also means that my bed is my desk. I would looooove to have a space that is so lovely and calming. it would also be nice to have a space that was this big and that had windows that faced something other than my neighbor's living room window and my roommate's bedroom. it's weird and dark in here, y'all. but at least it's COLD.

14 Before 30

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

well...I tried, but I didn't quite knock everything out...here's what I managed to cross off before I hit the big 3-0:

1. start an indoor herb garden - DONE!
although I've now moved it outside and everything is very happy, except the lavender. it died.

2. read 6 books
sadly, I did not even come close. I draaaaaaged myself through The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and am apparently the only person in the world who didn't like it. I'm a good ways into Freedom and so far it's pretty good. I wish I had more time to read...

3. lose 10 lbs. (and keep 'em off!)
workin' on it! I love that I can now make my own schedule and go to the gym whenever I want. I'm feelin' good and healthy and will reach that goal before I know it.

4. cut my hair - DONE!
but now I miss my long hair. why?!

5. clean out my closet & storage closet - DONE!
and ooooh my goodness do I feel so much better.

6. leave the country
it didn't happen before I turned 30, but we are going to Paris later this year and I cannot wait!!!

7. find the perfect jeans - DONE!
Gap's Always Skinny and the Legging Jean. best. jeans. ever.

8. go ice fishing - DONE!

9. visit the Shedd Aquarium - DONE!
weeeelll...technically I went to the Shedd. but we went on a rainy Sunday and discovered that EVERYONE goes to the Shedd on a rainy Sunday. the line to get in was over three hours soooo, we didn't stay. but I went! and I'm looking forward to going back.

10. stop drinking soda
erm, this didn't exactly happen. I don't drink a lot of soda as it is, but sometimes a girl just really needs a Mexican Coke after a night of partying, ya know?

11. give up high-fructose corn syrup
again...not so much. what, I really like jelly beans, okay? but I have become way more label-conscious and it's seriously grody to find corn syrup in almost everything. luckily I do most of my shopping at Trader Joes or Whole Foods and they steer clear of most of that garbage.

12. go back to LA for a visit
boooo, this didn't happen. but I'm heading there in October to coordinate a friend's wedding at The Ace and I cannot WAIT!

13. become a volunteer
um...oops? I am definitely going to do this within the year and I feel like it'll be easier now that I can make my own schedule. I'm thinking maybe Habitat? learn some building skills? any suggestions?

14. go morel mushroom hunting
so bummed this didn't work out, but with the crazy weather this spring, there was like, one weekend that was good for hunting and I wasn't able to make it. however I did try morels for the first time this year and they were delish!

15. top secret I
this didn't happen, but I'm still tryin' to work it out. it's gonna be FUN! any guesses as to what this one is??

16. learn to cook Indian food - DONE!

17. learn to make pasta - DONE!

18. learn to make bread from scratch - DONE!
well, if pizza dough counts...I'm lookin' forward to making a nice sourdough loaf in the fall when I actually want to turn my oven on.

19. learn to knit
nope.

20. learn to re-wire a lamp
I watched a friend's husband re-wire a lamp when I did a Space makeover...does that count?

21. try my hand at reupholstering -DONE!

22. paint some furniture - DONE!

23. re-learn to use my grandfather’s camera
okay, this is soooo not my fault. the shutter wasn't working properly, so I took my grandfather's ancient Minolta into Calumet to be fixed...and they've been waiting on parts for MONTHS. sad-face.

24. move & redesign MLA
hahahah, yeah....well. it'll happen someday.

25. back up my computer - DONE!
aren't you proud of me, Bob?

26. develop a better understanding of my finances & create a budget - DONE!
we met with a financial advisor and lemme tell ya...nothing makes you feel more like a grown-up than having a financial advisor.

27. start a retirement account
I'll do this next year, as advised by my financial advisor

28. get health insurance - DONE!

29. pay off 2 debts - half DONE!
I paid off one and am workin' on two more bigger ones. I'll hopefully be free n' clear by the end of this fiscal year.

30. top secret II
this also didn't happen, but I'm hoping I can cross this one off before the end of the year. any guesses?

....so there ya have it. I finished 14 out of 30, which sounds kinda lame, but I know I'll be takin' care of most everything by the end of the year. it's been fun to have a giant list to constantly be aware of...I think I'll do this every year instead of making resolutions.

I'm back, let's hang out

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

okay, okay, okay, okay. super sorries for taking like, a month off. I didn't mean to abandon y'all, but things have been happenin' around my little apartment (and my little life) and sometimes ya just gotta take a break.

but I'm back! and I've missed you!! lemme tell you about everything that's been happening:

- I am no longer chained to a desk all day!

- I am pursuing South Social & Home pretty much full-time

- I'm busy busy busy

- I'm happy happy happy

so...that's about the bones of it. I'm working on a handful of design projects, I did 3 weddings last month and have many more on the horizon, and I'm workin' on makin' it all official and be a real adult. Oh right, I also turned 30. let's talk about that, shall we?

first things first: I had the BEST birthday week EVER. like, EVER. I don't know how anything will ever top my 30th, cause my boyfriend, family, and friends pulled out all the stops...first of all, remember when I blogged about being obsessed with this rainbow cake a year and a half ago?

well, look what my super awesome boyfriend had made for me:

ummmm, he's the best person/friend/boyfriend in the whole world. I totally flipped when he cut into it-- I had absolutely no idea!

since my birthday was on a Wednesday, I threw myself a little party on Saturday, but I woke up on Friday to discover my power had been turned off (long story). so what did I do? I filled my house with about 300 candles and bought a firepit for my backyard. and then we partied.

my little brother came up for the weekend as a surprise and he made hilarious masks of me when I was a kiddo. it's weird to see your baby-face everywhere, especially after several glasses of champagne. we served up fried chicken, corn on the cob, watermelon, and boozy tea- the perfect Southern shindig. it was so much fun, I kinda wish I was turning 30 every month!

tomorrow we'll talk about the 30 Before 30 list. I know you're dying to see how miserably I failed at completing it, but hey, I tried!

chicky chicky boom

2011-07-08T07:59:00.001-07:00

I really really really want to make this Lemon Braised Chicken & Beans with Mint Pesto...

I always scour the kitchen section when thrifting, in hopes that I'll score a Le Creuset dutch oven or something similar of good quality that's in good shape. so far I've not had any luck, but it'll happen! and when it does, I'll invite y'all over and we'll enjoy this delish dish with a fresh salad, crusty bread, a bottle of Berger Gruner Vetliner (my fave summer wine- it comes in a liter bottle with a pop-top!), and some coconut sorbet.

have a seat

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

remember my 30 Before 30 list? yeah well, spoiler alert, I didn't finish everything. we'll discuss that later. BUT, I did manage to check one thing off the list: trying my hand at reupholstering. and while I came nowhere to recovering a couch or even an ottoman...I did turn this super ugly chair into a cute little seat.

ew, I left the flash on to really bring out the fug in this three dollar thrift find. and what did I discover when I took it apart? it used to have a caned seat! oh the sadness. but hey, good call, whoever cut a semi-decent circle out of plywood and made a new seat for it. you made my job way easier.

I have a bag of fabric scraps and pieces of Thai silk, but I ended up using a large pillowcase that my cousin brought back from Afghanistan. it's one of a pair, so don't worry, I didn't cut it. I just folded it up underneath and stapled very carefully and sparingly.

AND SHAZAM! this is how it looks after a few coats of paint (it still needs another one). way better, hm?

yes, my bar is a little out of control, thanks to my birthday. and look, I got a staghorn fern from my mama! I might swap the print and the fern, we'll see...oh and you'll also notice two other friends on the bar...

this is the turtle that my new friend Eric gave me when I photographed his house for Space. look, he's smiling!

and I got this amazing, yet seriously bizarre, bottle opener as a birthday gift. I love it, but I know it will totally creep some people out. I have no idea what kind of paw/hand/arm it is, but it's probably endangered and/or illegal. thanks, Joel & Katrina!
soooo, yep. I turned an ugly $3 chair into a super cute suzani-seat. bring it, thirty.

oh hi

2011-06-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

I am kinda obsessed with the porcupine mirror and the knot mirror from Horchow...

also, HI YOU GUYS. I'm not dead. however, I AM thirty and we definitely have a lot to talk about. I promise that blogging will begin happening regularly now, I just needed a little break for myself. my thirty-year-old self. hmmmm.....

hot time, summer in the city

2011-06-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am a wuss when it comes to heat, y'all. you know how some people get grumpy when they don't sleep enough or haven't had their coffee or haven't eaten? if I am hot, I am NOT a happy camper. come summertime, I am all about large iced teas, popsicles, and AIR CONDITIONING. sorry, I don't get how people can remain comfortable (or sane) when they're sticky and sweaty and the air in your apartment feels like a bowl of soup. ew.

if you live in an apartment that doesn't have central air, you have a couple of options. you can go the window unit route or employ a portable AC. I gave the AC-12000E a shot and it really blasts out the cold air. it also looks like it might come to life and be your personal robot butler. it's perfect if you have security bars on your windows or live in a garden unit. it's best suited for those of us with some extra space in our place, as it is kinda on the big side.

have you ever tried a portable air conditioner? are you one of those weirdos who prefers to sit in a hot house, basking in the stale heat? ew. tell me, I wanna know!

my first makeover!

2011-06-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

I just finished up my first budget makeover for my Space column in The Reader...check it out!

here are the "before" photos of Veronica Sheaffer's could-be-cute back porch:

and here's the cocktail-party-ready "after":

we worked with items Veronica and her husband Keith already had and a $150 budget to create this charming room in just one day. Veronica, who you might remember from her recently-launched line of bridal gowns, made the futon cover and the pillows, I found the hex-tables for free on Craigslist (we repainted them) and the lamps at a thrift store, and we revived an old rag rug by stamping a Moroccan-inspired pattern on it with a plant-stand.

I am obsessed with her bentwood chairs and I looooove the antique toboggan that we mounted as a bookshelf. the bamboo blinds were from Home Depot and they were just what I was looking for! Veronica has the cutest 50's vintage home full of jadeite, milkglass, and hobnail...this space echos her sweet style perfect!

wellll....whatcha think? I can't wait to do more makeovers! be sure to email me if you'd like your space considered for Space!

when I dip you dip we dip

2011-05-27T09:03:00.001-07:00

uhhhhhhh. I need to make a pair of these pillows for my living room. like, seriously.

they're not insane-expensive, but they're out of my budget for sure. and where I was considering some tie-dye DIY, I feel like this might have a better outcome? these pillows are "handpainted", but I feel like I could get creative with dip-dying and achieve the same ombre effect.

I am also thinking about how rad this would look on a pair of floor-length curtains in my bedroom...that I am thinking about painting super dark grey. hm.

artsy

2011-05-26T10:18:00.001-07:00

really digging all the colors in this photos, it feels so warm and positive. I am not an artist by any means, but I feel like if I sat on that stool, I might magically be able to draw.

willy nilly for Lilly

2011-05-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

well be-still my beating, Southern heart...Lilly Pulitzer has done a line of upholstery fabric for Lee Jofa! this sofa is killing me. I have to find a project so I can use some of these fabulous prints! I'm picturing them everywhere! curtains, chairs, a headboard, shower curtain, paired with rattan and cane and marble and lucite. aaaaaugh!

Lilly Pulitzer reminds me so much of my grandmother, I love her bright, cheery, overlapping floral patterns. I have several vintage dresses and skirts, but there were quite a few items on the website that I'd love to wear this summer...

and don't you think this dress would be such a fun bridesmaids dress?

gotta go

2011-05-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

I'm gettin' a new roomie this weekend, so I've gotta get rid of a lot of furniture that I've been ~~hoarding~~ ~~using~~ hoping to find a good home. it's certainly not the exciting sale that Morgan had, but I'm passing along some rad things...

just put these buddies up:

Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca knockoff barstool

chrome and wicker delightfulness! only $30! it needs a new seat, but you can get 'em for like $50 online. what a rad chair/stool! I think it'd be perfect in an entryway to plop your purse, hang your jacket, and put your boots underneath.

IKEA Fornbro side table (discontinued)

I bought this buddy to use in a friend's bedroom, but it didn't work. it's the perfect little occasional table. someone love him, please.

email me if you're interested! I'll knock $5 off each if a reader buys 'em. stay tuned for more goodies, including a gorgeous Danish credenza and a steel desk!

room with a view

2011-05-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

I've had shades on the brain lately and I'm loving this image of a bright, white home office.

I always measure my bamboo blinds to hang inside the window frame, but I really like how these sit just outside. their natural tone and texture gives the room just what it needs and it pairs nicely with the sheepskin and flokati.

what a gorgeous redbud (?) tree outside the window! I'd get so much done in an office like this. do you have a home office? if so, I'm jealous.

bizarro

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

remember when I mentioned that my friends have been lookin' at houses? they sent me some photos from this totally amazing/horrible 8-bedroom monstrosity aaaaaaaaand I kinda wanna move in.

I mean, the countertop is ugly, but I am seriously in love with these fixtures. SERIOUSLY. can you imagine this with white marble and a rad Moroccan brass hanging light? well I can.

but this should give you an idea of the rest of the house..oddly-placed windows, metallic wallpaper, wall-to-wall carpeting, and some seriously sexy furniture.

hey, good job on finding a round comforter for that bed, former residents. and good job modeling, Bob. the house comes with other awesome things, like a white piano, a fully mirrored bathroom, secret rooms, and even hand-written notes tacked to the floor that reads "best wool carpet".

...anyone up for a flipping project??

barn raising

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

be sure to check out this week's SPACE in the Chicago Reader, featuring a seriously envy-inducing kitchen.

the cabinets and shelves are made from reclaimed barn wood and the Carrara marble island is gooooorgeous. love love love love.

just curious...

2011-05-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

...how do you say the word "chaise"?

I say "shayz". some people say it like "chase". I've even heard "sha-say", but that is just weird.

tell me how you say it. I will only judge you a little bit. also, I like this game, let's play it more often.

blazin'

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

K-dubs givin' us a little sneak peak of her new ready to wear line...aaaaaand I want both of these blazers.

she is koo-koo and I love her.

speidi

2011-05-18T14:04:00.001-07:00

BTW, if any of you would like to own a little piece of Speidi history (and it's not Spencer's flesh-beard)...well, now's your chance. bid away, my friends.

the flood gates have been opened

2011-05-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

a few of my friends are lookin' at houses and sometimes they'll send me the links to check 'em out. this has only resulted in evenings on the couch, half-paying attention to Friday Night Lights while looking at all the pretty houses for sale. I thought Craigslist was bad, but real estate listings are so much more fun! ahhhhh, the potential!!

and even though I love a good fixer-upper, some of them are already amaaaaaaaazing. ahem:

this 2 story, 3 bdrm/3bath loft used to be a church. holy mother, I wanna live there!

I do...not.

2011-05-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

here are two little tips for all of you lovely brides to be...

- unless you plan on inviting everyone on Facebook, please try to refrain from constantly posting about your wedding plans. it's just rude. of course all of your friends won't assume they'll be invited, but there's no reason to splash your step-by-step all over the internet. ugh.

- it is never, ever okay to include your registry information on your wedding invitation. that is tacky times 10, y'all. it's also not okay to include a neon photocopy of the list of stores where you're registered in the invitation envelope. not. ever. (got one of those in the mail recently....hm.)

that's all.

delightful dining

2011-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to fantasize about registering for china; I just assumed that I'd probably inherit my mom's set (which I actually really like). buuuut, then I saw this stunning new pattern designed by Klaus Haapaniemi...and now all I can dream about is hosting fabulous dinner parties with the help of these plates and platters:

the pattern is called Korento, which refers to dragonflies, and I love both the use of color and the geometric shapes hidden within the insects' wings. they'd mix up quite nicely with some plain white china pieces, gold bamboo flatware, and gold Moroccan tea glasses. I also think the pattern would look amazing if intermingled with West Elm's Wood-Slices Organic Dinnerware (which I would also love to own), and white ceramic flatware. doest that exist? I don't know. but I want it to.

Cassandra suggested decorating the table with succulents, which I think its a fantastic idea...

I'd also be happy just to have a pair of the mugs...while I'm a stickler for all-white eating vessels, I like to collect pairs of dainty, colorful mugs.

PS: this is the same company/designer that brought us this magical fox & owl set...which would you choose?

weekend doin'

2011-05-16T09:01:00.001-07:00

this weekend was a busy one, as they all will be for like, the rest of forever. I met a cute baby named Calvin, shot an amazing kitchen for The Reader, attended a wedding shower, ran all over the city in the rain, attempted to go to the Shedd Aquarium on a Sunday (bad idea), watched some basketball, saw Bridesmaids, and finally planted my little indoor herb garden.

I turned this:

into this:

yes, my herb garden is going to live on top of my dryer, because my little enclosed back porch is the sunniest room in the house. I don't trust my neighbors gigantor dog who digs up everything, otherwise I'd have planted them outside.

I planted: basil, Thai basil, pineapple sage, sweet mint, thyme, oregano, lavender, and curly parsley. I've also got an onion that's sprouted, so I thought I'd see where that went. and I'm attempting to sprout some avocado seeds, but I've never had any luck with that, so I'm not expecting much there.

this week I am working on projecting positivity, putting good energy into the universe, and focusing on exciting changes. what are your plans?

rugs in the Reader

2011-05-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

if you're local, don't forget to grab an issue of the Chicago Reader to check out my latest SPACE. this time, I featured Martha Mulholland's clever carpet cover-up. girl seriously knows how to layer. like, everything.

this is what her lower lever looked like when she moved in. hi-gloss red paint = murder nook. it looks so much better in charcoal, don't you think?
if you live in Chicago and have a rad space that you would like to be considered for SPACE....email me! I'm lookin' for vintage finds, DIYs, an amazing alley find, etc. I know you're out there, don't be shy!

happy house

2011-05-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

found these photos via roygbiv (via here, via here) and I am preeeeetty positive that I really, really need this rug in my life. like, immediately. where can I get it??

also, I met with some friends/possible new clients last night and I wanna use some curtains like this in their (seriously amazing) house.

fiesta!

2011-05-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

the party was super fun and super tequila-fueled. we ate, we drank, we swapped frocks...Dave wore a mustache.

I thought my first attempt at a Confetti System DIY turned out pretty well. I'm already looking for a reason to try it again and this time I want to twist my own gold rope and make bigger tassels.

I took a tip from Jenny and packed some cheapie flowers in a low glass vase and I thought they looked very festive. I also sprang for some pink garden roses (some of my faves, since they look like peonies) and nestled three big blooms in an antique trophy.

busy week, dudes. wait, more like busy life. yikes.

it's Friday, I'm in love...

2011-05-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

WITH MY MAMA! happy happy happy birthday, to the cutest, best, sweetest, smartest, most supportive, talented, creative, strong woman I know. I have learned so much from you and I am SO proud of all that you've accomplished in your life and especially this year! I LOVE YOU MAMA!

(insert super cute photo of me with her when I was little. unfortunately, I don't have any of those photos handy)

free chairs

2011-05-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

these chairs would be so cute if you painted 'em! someone get on this!

cinco de drinko!

2011-05-05T09:39:00.001-07:00

feliz Cinco de Mayo! I am so excited to celebrate tonight and not cause just cause I'll be drinking margaritas with some of my besties...tonight is my bi-annual Frock Swap!

I host a frock swap twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and invite like 30 girls over for drinks, snacks, and then we trade all of our unwanted clothes. I usually end up with a whole new wardrobe and it's fun to see your friends reinventing your old duds. there's always a ton of stuff leftover and I donate the clothes to a church or woman's shelter.

this year the party happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo and I wanted to fancy up my apartment, south of the border style! I recently posted about wanting to attempt a Confetti System DIY, so I thought this might be the perfect occasion...this has been my crafting station:

I spent less than $15 on materials and spent A LOT OF TIME CUTTING. holy crap. but thanks to my recent addiction to Friday Night Lights, I was perfectly content to sit, shred, tape, and swoon over Coach Taylor and Tim Riggins. also, my deer may or may not be wearing a moustache.

olé, dudes!

lookie-loo

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

ummmm...my friend Christie makes some seriously amazing jewelry, y'all. these new necklaces are my faves. copper, gold, turquoise, brass, vintage glass beads...I want 'em!

you should check out her etsy shop: The Looksee. and not only can Christie make amazing necklaces, but she knows more about succulents and cactuses than anyone else I know.

oh look...

2011-05-04T09:59:00.001-07:00

...that's my rug in Trad Home!

and my boyfriend has those yellow-soled wellies...

I'd like to think that these are photos of my future.

and the winner is...

2011-05-02T08:57:00.001-07:00

...elizabethrae! she's pregnant now and said that she "can't think of a better gift to give herself" after she pops out that little one. she's right, the Mother decanter set is the perfect gift for any mother, be it a new mom or one who has many kids and many years under her belt. bottoms up! elizabeth, please email me so I can have Love & Victory send your decanter.

I'm home sick, y'all and it's the most gorgeous day of the year...grrr! so glad that it's fiiiiiiinally spring, but being stuck in bed is no fun. but speaking of beds, I came across this image and loved it, mostly because the headboard has been upholstered with an old wool blanket.

since my bedroom is an odd shape, I can't afford the 2-3 inches an upholstered headboard would take up, so I've simply nailed a woven wool throw directly onto the wall to act as a headboard and it looks great! photos soon, maybe I'll take some today if I can get my pitiful self up and motivated. waaaaaaah.

my little announcement + it's Friday, I'm in love...

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

...with the redesigned Chicago Reader! have you seen it yet? if you live in the Chicago area, you should pick one up like, now. you'll notice a few changes: it's smaller, it's got a glossy cover, it's got a "B Side" that's dedicated to music....

and oh....whats that? why, it's a new little interior feature called Space, edited by yours truly!

each week, Space will feature (drumroll please) a unique living space in Chicago, be it indoors or out. the section will focus on using thrifted, found, or DIY'ed furniture and accessories and I am really looking forward to all of the amazing spaces I get to photograph and feature! Space will also work with some guest-writers and bloggers, do some makeovers, and eventually include some how-tos, and other helpful interior info...

I instantly knew that the first space I wanted to shoot was the home of my crazy-talented friends India and Chris. India is the genius behind the etsy shop Some Like Us, which is full of fantastic vintage home finds, and the super stylish eBay clothing store, also called Some Like Us. they have an unreal loft in Bridgeport that feels bright and sunny, just like Los Angeles...every time I'm there I feel like I'm a mini-vacation.

question time: what would you like to see in Space? do you have a rad space that you'd like to throw into the ring to be considered for the section? I'm lookin' for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, balconies, porches, patios, back or front yards...gimme a shout if you think your space is the place!

giddy

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

ranunculus, chevron napkins, gold flatware, and a tiny golden horse at every place setting??

definitely one for the personal-files. now I just want to go buy a bag of tiny ponies and paint them gold.

gettin' figgy with it

2011-04-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

mmhmm, I just made a Will Smith reference. what??

soooo, I've been trying to be a good plant-owner, really, I have. and while I've been pretty good at keeping my succulents alive, the tropical-ish tree that I scored on Craigslist (for free, natch) just wasn't very happy in my living room.

I know it looks like I get TONS of sunlight, but I guess it wasn't enough for this guy, so I gave him to a friend who basically lives in a greenhouse and now he is super happy. so this means that my living room is tree-less and it feels SO bare! the tree sortof divided

the living room and dining room, see?

I have always wanted a fig tree but I think that it'd also need a lot of light...also, I seriously love this dining room.

and I've also been considering a Norfolk Pine...but do you have any suggestions?? I'd love to hear 'em.

giveaway: mama needs a drink

2011-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

as I've mentioned before, my Southern mother has the best sayings. she'll throw out one of my favorites whenever things just get to be too much..."honey, I just need to go lay across the bed," she'll say.

but there are times when even proper Southern mothers need more than a good time-out. sometimes...mama needs a drink. and what better way to tell your darling mother that you appreciate all that she puts herself through than by giving her this lovely "Mother" decanter & glass set for Mother's Day?

the set, from Love & Victory, perfectly blends classic and cheeky and would look so fab on a nicely-styled bar (which, hello, you know is like my fave thing in a room). also, is it wrong that I would totally give this to a new mom along with a bottle of her preferred booze? it's like saying "I know you will need this at some point and that is okay." and I love that there is just one glass, not a pair. what's in the decanter is mama's and what's in the glass is mama's...hands off!

and here's the best part: YOU CAN WIN THIS SET! just leave a comment below and I'll announce the winner next Monday!* good luck!

*please be sure to check back to see if you've won, otherwise I've no way to send your gift!

and the winner is...

2011-04-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

...Becky! she said that Apartment Gardening "...would be very helpful, as this is my first year gardening and I've jumped in head-first with beets, brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, kale, and onions!"

beets, brussels sprouts, and kale are three of my all-time favorite foods, so I hope this book helps 'em grow big and strong! thanks to all who entered...stay tuned for more giveaways on MLA!

whatta steel

2011-04-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

guess who's picking up this rad steel desk after work? meeeeeeeee!

and, you guessed it: I got it for freeeeeeeeeeee! this pretty puppy is gonna be perfect in my eventual office (along with the free credenza that I picked up last month) but will live in storage until then . I'll need to balance the industrial-ness of it with some softer touches...I have a few things in mind, but what would you suggest?

cawfee tawk

2011-04-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

bt-dubs, I'm selling this rad MCM coffee table for a friend. like it? it could be yours!

if you live in Chicago, holler at me and we could arrange a little hello and high-five. sweeeet!

get your Zs

2011-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

peeps be hatin' on Z-Gallerie aaaaand it's usually easy to see why. I mean, what the shit is this pillow? and for $129.00?? I do not think so.

but then there are things like this table. am I crazy to think that I could really do something with this table? I'm still not sure about the top (I'd want to see in person), but those curly horn legs are kinda speakin' my language. it'd be fun to glam up a room w/a neutral palate room or even add a sexy little punch in a masculine room.

these striped lanterns are an easy "duh". the bold black and white stripe would be perfect at a chic wedding- think black, white, and pops of kelly green, pink, or yellow- and I'm tempted to pick up some just to have on-hand for my next impromptu party.

these wall panels are speaking to me. they are whispering soft things about wanting to live in a bright, sunny, Spanish-style living room with worn white floors, a flokati, some lacquered furniture, and perhaps a giant Moroccan lantern that hangs from the exposed wood beams. there would be succulents and also some living banana plants. sounds calming and delightful.

okay, I generally detest faux-taxidermy, but this mounted porcelain black beauty is sexxxxxxy. I mean, if this doesn't seduce a Kentuckian, I don't know what will (besides bourbon). hang this stallion in a bathroom with wild wallpaper or just take your bedroom to the nth degree by painting it black and putting him on the wall. there should be brass involved and possibly a fur throw on the bed. eric, I am looking at you.

Z Gallerie is also a great place to buy wedding gifts for people you don't like. for example, this thing.

WANT

2011-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

my friend Jessie from Austin texted me this photo on Friday, all "my friend got these chairs from her grandparents in Florida, I thought you would like them!"

like?!? "like" does not cut it. I WANT THEM. I am thisclose to stealing a church van, driving to Austin, and breaking into her friend's house to steal these chairs. I am not above grand theft auto and/or breaking and entering when it comes to cute chairs with amazing original upholstery in good condition.

A+

2011-04-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

just came across this little A-frame on AT's Small Cool contest...

wouldn't it be nice to have this as a little romantic getaway to escape the city and hide out with your dude for a weekend? sounds perfect to me.

some like us

2011-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

um, I kinda want everything in the Some Like Us etsy home shop...

everyone needs Terance Conran's Home books and I love that African basket...the print on those French napkins is so charming and the pewter birds are seriously rad. yes, please!

giveaway: Apartment Gardening

2011-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

remember how my 30 Before 30 list included "starting an indoor herb garden"? weeellllll...it's almost June and I haven't gotten around to crossing that off. actually, I have a LOT to do before the big 3-0, but thanks to a rad book I've been reading, I'm now ready and suuuuper excited to start my little garden!

Apartment Gardening, by Amy Pennington, is a cute, well-written book that I think might have been written specifically for me. it's chock-full of info, how-tos, tips n' tricks, and even recipes for the "urban gardener" living in a small space. since this is my first foray into the wonderful world of gardening, I am trying to soak up as much of Amy's book as I can...she touches on everything from seeds to soil to sun and encourages a lot of clever repurposing, like using rain gutters as long, simple planters for herbs and lettuces. if you have a yard, a porch, a balcony, or even just a sunny window, there is definitely something in this book for you.

and guess what? thanks to Sasquatch Books, YOU CAN WIN A COPY! just leave a comment below telling me what you're planning on planting and I'll announce the winner one week from today.*

I'm planning on picking up some herbs and gardening things next weekend and I feel totally confidant that I'm gonna have a green summer!

*please remember to check back next Monday to see if you've won!

it's Friday, I'm in love...

2011-04-15T09:58:00.001-07:00

...with springtime. but it is being such a tease! please get here, springtime. please?

well, until this cold weather officially goes away, I am going to stare at these adorable Jonathan Adler needlepoint pillows and dream of sunshine and warm breezes and picnics and sundresses. they're cute, but not too cutesy...what a perfect nursery gift!

I'm going to spend the weekend at a friend's lake house, get some sun, do a little fishing, and work on some design projects. my brain is buzzing with ideas and hopefully I'll be able to share some fun news with y'all soon.

what are your weekend plans?

svpply

2011-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

the internet is SO overwhelming. with everything linking to facebook, twitter, youtube, polyvore, pinterest, beso, tumblr, I mean...I am leaving out like ten thousand things here. I've used "tagging" websites in the past, but none have really worked out as nicely as svpply, especially since you can put a button in your toolbar and just click it to add anything you come across on the internets. I know I'm late in the game here, but I just wondered who out there also uses svpply?

here are a few things that are on my list:

svpply is basically a nice way for me to keep a dream-list of things I would buy, should I win the lottery. it's also inspiring to look at your own list and think "wow, I have great taste." I mean...I think so anyway. you should follow me and then I can follow you. it'll be like we're shopping together, but not.

sofa, so good

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

there are a couple of decent sofas in Craig's free section if you're up for investing your time and/or money in a little reupholstering.

this simple sofa is actually hide-a-bed, which can be super useful for those of us living in a small space. since it's not super-big, it'd be fun to punch up with an unexpected pattern.

I'm kinda loving this crazy Clarence House toile (which was designed by Kazumi, who I think also designed the Herb Chintz that I still so desperately want to find) and it'd be really fun to work with. it's on super-sale via Design Diva, knocked down from $288/yard to $45/yard. holy savings!

and this sectional is apparently in great shape, but I'd remove the blah-grey (and say bye-bye to those horrible pillows) in favor of something a little more fun...

can you imagine it recovered in this lovely linen by Thom Felicia? the pattern is subtle enough to work well on a large piece and the colorway ensures that it wouldn't make your eyes (or the room) feel crazy. it reminds me of China Sea's Arbre de Matisse and I think would achieve the same look for a fraction of the price, and it'd be super versatile.

geez, whenever I post this stuff it makes me reeeeeally wanna make these little fantasies happen. maybe they could happen in your living room? holla at your girl if you would like to make my dreams (and yours) come true. it's like the Make A Wish Foundation for interior designers, with less trips to Disneyland and more making your house pretty.

cute space

2011-04-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

these are two photos from a d*s house tour that I like very much.

what do you think I like about 'em?

bff foreva-eva'

2011-04-12T08:34:00.001-07:00

I met my best friend 2 years ago tonight. he was from Chicago, visiting a friend in LA. it was Easter and I'd just been to a cupcake bake-off, where I made savory country ham cupcakes with sage-butter icing. we sat next to each other at Malo's trivia night and drank tequila and talked about the Museum of Jurassic Technology. our team didn't win at trivia and I lost the bake-off, but I won pretty big that night.

Austin antiquing

2011-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

this chilly Chicago spring is making me miss the warm week I spent in Austin, TX. while I was there for SXSW, hopping from bar to club to patio to tent, I managed to squeeze in a little time for thrifting and antiquing (duh). at the recommendation of my hosts, I hit up Uncommon Objects and ALMOST DIED.

here's why...first of all, this guy:

he looked very wise and chill. also, I love a good neck-beard. all of their taxidermy was pretty reasonably-priced and I think this dude was in the $300 range. and while I snapped mostly photos of dead things, I'm not as carcass-crazy as I once was. or at least that's what I'm telling everyone.

oh remember when I said that thing about not being into dead things? I lied. I really want a big woven basket of turtle shells. is that weird? or just some shells to put on things in stacks. there were TONS of them throughout the store, priced from $10-$50. btw, this is not my shopping cart, because I do not buy old license plates.

I took this kitty's photo because he was totally hilarious looking. his face looked like an ancient drag queen who'd just taken his wig off and he was missing a lot of fur. I'm always drawn to the most fally-aparty mounts, but I am no longer silly enough to want to buy them. lesson learned.

oops, I didn't realize that ALL of the photos were going to be of dead things. see, I totally lied up there. when I first saw this pelt, I was convinced that pattern was stenciled on, but it's not. WHAT IS THIS ANIMAL? that is such a rad hide. I thought about buying it, but then it was like $125. not in my mini-vacay-budget, I had a lot of margaritas to buy, y'all.

I super loved this lamp. don't you? so versatile and shiny. but good luck getting that thing back on a plane. pass.

what do you think these are? no really, guess. they are not petrified pancakes. they are also not concrete coasters. they're marble bowls! this was the one thing that I carried around with me for a while, thinking about taking one home to put my keys and sunglasses in...they looked way less dirty and red in person and I'd picked out the second one from the top. I think it was $35. but then I left it because I'd have to carry a 10lb marble bowl in my purse for the rest of the day and that seemed like a pain. literally. now bummed I passed on this.

hi, little friend. would you like to live at my house? notice his hilarious underbite, he looks so nervous! he is the yang to the chillaxin' goat's yin. or whatever.

I suuuuuper loved this mirror and this basket. imagine the mirror above a hall table or a dresser and the basket filled with turtle shells, sitting next to the dresser. yes? no? yes. I think the mirror was about $45 and I wish I'd brought it home.

is this thing INSANE or what?? seriously gorgeous. I tried to remember what kind of wood it was made out of, but forgot, of course. I love the brass hardware too. it'd be so perfect in a dining room to keep all of your linens and fancy-wares. and it honestly wasn't crazy-outrageous, I remember it being between $700-1200? not in my budget at all, but if that was in LA, it'd be double, easy.

just a big ole snakeskin and a vase of horns., no big deal. man, I love ~~Texas~~ Austin.

I reeeeeeeally wish the actual colors of these geode bookends had come through. I think I stared at them for like 10 minutes. so gorgeous. also, so $225.

I felt very inspired by the palate of this kimono. it feels perfectly spring-time to me and I'd like to wear a red lipstick in the exact same color.

if I'd been able to splurge on anything, I think I would have sprung for these alabaster horse lamps. they were $175 for the pair...I need more horses in my house. and I don't mean a stuffed one.

have you been to Uncommon Objects? where's your favorite place to eat, drink, and shop in Austin? I probably should have asked this before I headed down there, huh...

less stress

2011-04-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

we're friends, right? cool, that's what I thought. well, since you're my friend, I don't mind sharing with you that I've been havin' that "heavy boots" feeling lately. I don't always know why, but some days just aren't fun, ya know?

I found this on Miss Moss (only one of the best blogs ever) and by the end I already felt better. it's a lovely list of things that are simple and obtainable. things you can really do every day that will make it a little easier to breathe.

but today is a good day- I slept well, it's grey and rainy (my favorite), I'm listening to the soon-to-be-released Beirut record, and its FRIDAY.

thanks for bein' my friends, you guys.

it's Friday, I'm in love...

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

with this girl's hair. and the scarf. this photo makes me miss my long hair. okay, yes...the whole time it was long I didn't really know what to do with it and wasn't sure it was "me", but now...I kinda miss it.

I adore this cutie ban.do scarf and I have so many lovely vintage scarves like it, but am not sure how to wear them without looking silly. don't get me wrong, it's fun having my short curls back...I dunno, I am just feeling very limited and soccer-mom-ish.

but enough of that: what are you doing this weekend? I'm going to see some bands for work, taking Bunny on a puppy play date, and putting together some seriously adorable Save The Dates for a wedding I'm doing this summer. maybe I'll even get the chance to ride my bike? come on, springtime!

jump in a lake

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

this is one of the many ways I picture my summer dream-house in New England or Maine or South Carolina or somewhere on the coast in the Pacific Northwest...

this is what I'd like to see early in the morning...coffee making the whole house smell amazing, visiting friends and family waking up and puttering around, toasting bagles, doing a crossword puzzle with my dude, maybe going to jump in the water when the fog burns off.

yup, that sounds about right.

Veronica Shaeffer gowns

2011-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

for those of you who didn't make it to the fab launch party the other night, I'm so excited to share with you the new collection of bridal gowns by Veronica Shaeffer!

she is seriously talented and her dresses are so breathtaking. that Swiss dot fabric is so delicate and I love how she created lush, full skirts without going too costume-y. and she did it all! she made the gowns by hand, as well as the beaded belts, sashes, veils, and vintage-inspired headpieces. you absolutely must check out her website for more gorgeous photos and be in touch if you're interested in any of these looks OR a custom gown (Veronica is very reasonably priced!)

thanks to everyone who came out! I met a few readers (and one reader's cute mom! hi, you guys!) and enjoyed The Drawing Room's fancy cocktails and hors devours. can we please do this every Monday?

tie die for

2011-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

ever since I moved those IKEA pillows into my bedroom, I've been hunting for something to put on the couch. I'm really digging these Zoe tie-dye pillows from Jayson...

but uh...$150 each? um, I don't think so. I smell a DIY!

I don't think I've tried tie-dying since Mrs. Ray's freshman science class, but I think it'd be an appropriate springtime/Easter project, right? and not too hard, right? I might have to consult my friend Becca of bmatus, who is a seriously talented clothing designer and tie-dyer...any tips or advice, dear readers?

far out

2011-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

I really love working with brides who look at weddings with a unique eye, because that's how I look at them too! and ohmygod, I would looooove to coordinate a wedding with a cosmic hippie vibe...especially if the bride wore Lindsey Thornberg's Heroine Gown...

to keep it looking elegant and not too costume-y, I'd suggest simple jewelry and a perfectly messy braided knot at the nape of your neck. I'd forgo the overdone eyes the model is wearing and keep things light and fresh, with a sun-kissed face, some freckles, rosy cheeks, and bright lips. the dress is made of silk linen aaaaaand it kinda makes me die.

would you dare to wear this at your wedding?

and the winner is...

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

...Dina! who said: "The Lighthouse in red would look sweet on my little white house!"

congratulations, Dina! please email me (link to the left) so I can get your Ramsign house number to you!

thrfty

2011-04-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

taking photos of things helps me not buy them. have you ever tried that? also, I love the awesomely weird looks I get when I take photos of thrift-store crap. like, when I grabbed this lamp, dusted it all off, positioned it just-so next to the cassette tapes, took a photo, and then put it back on the shelf...this lady looked at me like "YOU ARE KOO-KOO!" and I'm all, "LADY, your cart is full of used bras and spatulas, who is the crazy one here?"

anyway, I liked this lamp and seriously debated on getting it. but it was $9.99. what do you think? it's borderline awful, but you KNOW that Pottery Barn or Resto-Hardware has one just like this for $150.

this obviously belonged to a dressing table at some point and I loved the wood framing and the mirror itself was super old and distressed lookin'. I thought about it long and hard, but ultimately passed because I didn't like the base. and I think it was also $9.99 (god, I am so cheap)...kinda having second thoughts though, I think it'd look good on my dresser, as they're the same era/vibe.

but say hello to my new friends, Cute Glass Lamps. they ended up coming home with me, mostly because they were only $4.99 each. they're a little too feminine for my personal taste, but they're really gorgeous and in great shape. I'll either sell 'em or eventually use 'em in a client's home. or hang onto them forever and use them...someday.

happy friday, y'all. what are you doing this weekend? I'm gonna start cleaning up my yard tomorrow morning and then I'm hosting a little get-together to watch the UK/UCONN game. send out the good vibes that Kentucky wins!! GO CAYETS!

PS: don't forget to leave a comment on the Ramsign post to win a charming Danish house-sign! I'll announce the winner on Monday!

my new Danish dude

2011-03-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

guess who got a sexy Danish credenza...for freeeeeeeee! (also, you should know that "for freeeeeee!" has become my catch phrase. I'm like Oprah when she's all..."you're going to...Australiaaaaaaaaaaaa!")

mmhmm, that's right. this guy is allll mine and it's in pretty amazing shape, too. there aren't any defining marks that I can find, other than "Made in Denmark" stamped on the bottom. it's going to be perfect to keep all of my office-y things in. you know, for my new business.

craigslist, I love you.

no scrubs snobs

2011-03-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Angela Finney-Hoffman, of Post 27, recently did a little mini-tour for Refinery 29. I loved a few of the vignettes they shot, but it was mostly the closing quote that grabbed me...

"Chicago gets the kybosh a lot, but it's truly an amazing city. There is so much potential in the design world, Chicagoans are always looking for fresh and new experiences. We have so many people making and designing amazing things. Because of all this, there is a sense of community with younger designers. Open sourcing, sharing, and openly being inspired by others helps us all grow. Snobbery is no longer flattering."

well said. and I totally agree.

giveaway: Ramsign enamel house number

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

this week's giveaway is brought to you by Ramsign, a company based in Denmark who have been making charming porcelain enameled house signs since the early '90s.

the signs, which come in 5 styles, are so charmingly European and would be the perfect simple addition to your front porch. Ramsign is offering one MLA reader their choice of house sign in any style, up to 5 numbers. which one is your favorite?

just leave a comment below and I'll announce the winner next Monday! good luck...

it's Friday, I'm in love...

2011-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

...with talented photographers who have fancy cameras. like the fabulous Lisa Predko.

I know y'all are probably sick of seein' it, but my apartment was just featured in Time Out Chicago and I thought maybe you'd wanna take a gander.

Bunny is waiting for me to make her a Manhattan.

hmmmm, I think it's about time to change up a few things in the living room. Dave needs to be relocated, as does that sad jade plant, and I'd like to find some rad art to flank the mirror. ideas?

anyway, if you happen to pick up a copy of this week's Time Out, you might notice a full-page feature on Ash & Arrow (two gals with an etsy store who'll bring the clothes to you!), shot in this very living room, with yours truly pretending to be a model. eek!

free to be me

2011-03-24T15:24:00.001-07:00

this free dresser will get snapped up pretty quickly, but if you're fast (and live near Antioch) it could be yours! it just needs new pulls and a few coats of paint.

I would throw on some rad brass hardware, stain it black and never look back. BOOM.

babe blankie

2011-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

when I was in Austin, I stayed with my dear buddies Jessie and Dave. not only are they the sweetest and bestest twosome ever, but they also have great taste and are super talented.

for example, Jessie was all "oh, I'm just workin' on this baby blanket, no big deal..." and while I was there for like, 3 days, she FINISHED this amazingly rad blanket that she designed. and sewed. like, by hand (well, part of it). um...I want one:

how cute is that?! some of the fabric is Japanese, as the lil' babe she's making it for has a Japanese heritage. don't you just love it? I do.

here comes baby!

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

don't worry, it's someone else's baby!

a super sweet couple, Johanna and Jack, have their first little lady on the way and they needed some help in the nursery department, so they enlisted the services of my event and interior design biz, South Social & Home.

like my last clients, they wanted to curate a room that didn't scream "baby!", so...no frills, bows, lace, and good lord, no polka-dotted letters that spell out the baby's name hanging above the crib. sorry. no.

they had a super rad scratch-off map that they wanted to work with and I really loved designing around it. the dresser pictured is similar to one they picked up via craigslist and will have repainted (I'm so jealous of it!). I wanted to bring in a soft, traveled, modern vibe with bright pops of color...and here ya have it!

yes, I put a cowhide in a baby's room. is that bad? I don't think so and neither did J&J, they loved it!

if you're interested in hiring me for design services, it basically works like this:

- email me!

- we'll set up a meeting in person, on the phone, or via skype. we'll discuss needs, wants, budget, your space, and share photos, inspiration images, measurements, etc.

- within 10 business days, I'll provide you with two boards for your room. the boards will be accompanied by a detailed resource list that offers options at a range of price-points, as well as a "walk though" or diagnostic of your room. this is where I basically write a novel, telling you how to arrange things, why I chose certain items, how to pull of some handy DIYs, etc.

- this all happens for a super reasonable flat-fee and it's easy! and awesome! and you will love it!