Pretty Paper Goods

Last week I was writing a few thank you notes and realized that I was running low on stationary. Shocking, I know. During my last weekend in Chicago, I had a field day in Paper Source. My favorite little treat I picked up was this notepad. It is from Snow & Graham and called Tweets. I am very into this look right now. Clean lines, the color palete and little birds!

I am also looking for new personalized stationary. This is one the I really like, but also wonder if I should move to something more formal. This is Whitney English.

This is definitely not more formal, but I am loving the elephant. This is Boatman Gellar.

These are too die for and I am considering throwing a cocktail party, just to order these! This is from Muffy Writes a Note.

Erin Condren Life Planner

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of the group deal on Plum District. It was for Erin Condren. Erin has a ton of fantastic stationary and paper goods. Even with my Google calendars, the iPhone and all the latest in technology, I still like to write down my schedule and see everything in written form. I ordered the new Life Planner and am completely in love! I chose the Favorite Things planner. It has so many features I love; the ability to personalize it with my name, list all of my favorite things on it and pretty, pretty colors.
Here is a pic of my new planner.

Here is a better list of what I included; bouquets of colored pencils, grosgrain ribbon, elephants, npr, tea shoppes, patent leather, monograms, pearls, barefoot contessa, manicures, farmer's markets, stationary, botanical gardens, kate spade, flip flops, theatre, magazines, rowing, nyc, volunteering, books, fresh cut flowers, headbands, champagne, macaroons, tennis, polka dots, france, summer camp, shag: the movie, etiquette, cocktail hour, outdoor showers, sex and the city, hot air balloons, culinary arts.

I have been using it for two weeks and just love it!

The City Flea

This past Saturday was The City Flea downtown. Modeled after the Brooklyn Flea, The City Flea had an inaugural summer this year. The City Flea is another project that is helping to revitalize Over-the-Rhine. It was the first Saturday of June, July, August and September. I was lucky enough to make it to three of the four fleas. Many of the shoppes have vintage items, antiques, homemade crafts, jewelry and foodstuffs. There are also a number of great food vendors; My favorites are Streetpops, Fireside Pizza and Cafe de Wheels. My favorite purchased item were little necklaces made out of Scrabble pieces and they have little quotes on the front. They are made by Sunday Afternoon Housewife. I purchased the Paris one and the letter S was on the tile. It was meant to be!

The Location:

Whirleybird Granola: Delicious and Homemade!

Some random yard art!

Homemade Toys and Lovies:

Vintage Goods:

I am already looking forward to next year.

Jonathan Adler Treats

I was visiting my second hometown a little while ago and had a few minutes to pop into Jonathan Adler. I could really own everything in the store, but alas my paycheck does not permit that. Here are a few itmes, I am really coveting: St. Tropez pillow is so pretty and colorful. Plus, it makes me want to take a little vaca.

I think this very cute ellie notepad would be a welcome addition to my desk.

And the best piece of all is the ellie cookie jar, that I am loving in all white.

I am really developing a huge love of all white ceramic animals and have a feeling sometime in the near future I will be starting a new collection.

Girls on the Run

Yesterday, I spent the morning in training to be an Assistant Coach for Girls on the Run. I am part of the Cincinnati group of over 400 coaches! 400!!! It was an amazing 6 hours.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The 12-week programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Each week, participants learn important life skills while completing a physical activity. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K race event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

We learned the history, goals, structure, administrative parts of the program. We also did a few practice sessions. My group is meeting Monday and Wednesday at a YMCA close to my work. I will be coaching every Monday and on Wednesday as my schedule allows. I think the work GOTR is doing is invaluable and so needed by girls today. Life is getting harder and more complicated at an earlier age for girls.

Here is a great video, featuring Founder Molly Barker.

Cheerful Flowers

We are having a snowstorm here on Thursday. I actually like the snow when I don't have to drive in it. But, it is gray here still, so I thought some lovely pictures taken last Spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden would be cheerful.

This is probably my favorite picture - all the tulips in bloom. I keep thinking I need to have this developed into a bigger size and frame it.


I would love to see these flowers in a cluster in a pretty white vase.


The refreshing and pretty waterfall.


The Bell Tower on Evening Island. In the evenings during the summer they have concerts on Evening Island and also bring in bell ringers from all over the world to do a concert.

Keep thinking Happy Spring Thoughts!

Cheers to Art

As part of my 2011 Resolutions, I am trying some new hobbies. Last Friday, we went to Cheers to Art in Madeira. This store/studio is amazing. As you walk in, they have a cheerful reception desk with shelves of locally made jewelry, funky purses and a BAR. Yes, you can have a cocktail as you create your own work of art.

The space is clean and airy. They have tons of art on the wall. Each class paints the same picture with your own interpretation. They also have open studio time, where you can paint your own canvas. This wall shows a few of the options that are available.

This is me working on my masterpiece - of course it is pink and green. It is titled "Swirls"!


Once it dries, you can take it home and hang it up.

Vintage 338

One of my favorite places in Lincoln Park is Vintage 338. It is a wine bar that also serves an amazing brunch. I really like the building it is in and the decor inside is a little contemporary and a little retro.

I enjoyed a new take on a Croque Madame. It was delish!

The Wine Bar.

I love this chandelier. I like the luxury of the crystals, but the toned down look of the shades.

Summer Essentials

We are two months into summer, but I wanted to do a little post on a few summer essentials for me. Of course, everyone loved Sandra Bullock (and her wardrobe) in The Blind Side. This movie inspired me to wear The White Watch. Mine is a Michael Kors from Nordstrom.


My summer bag is the Big Buddha Mia. (A funny note: this bag is vegan. Who would have thought?) This bag was an O magazine favorite in January 2010. I actually found it downstate at the gift shop in Starved Rock State Park. Definitely the best thing about our outdoor adventure. The color says tan, but it is actually almost a pearly light pink. This bag also graced the most recent Project Runway, runway in fuschia. There is a good chance the charcoal color will be my winter bag.

My summer shoe is the Elaine Turner Liz Flat in Raffia with Black Patent Leather Trim. This shoe also comes in a pink patent, but the black works with more of my wardrobe. I love these shoes because they are unique and comfortable. Most days my shoe choice is a peep toe heel, but depending on what I am doing at work, I have to cover my toes and these shoes do it perfectly.


My summer nail polish shade is OPI Strawberry Margarita. And yes, I like to wear it both my fingers and toes.

And with the ridiculous heat, I need the ever trusty Tervis Tumbler with me at all times. With a clear lid and a red straw!

I hope everyone is enjoying there summer!

Cruisin'

This year for my birthday, all the besties pitched in and presented me with a wonderful Trek Cruiser in Pink! Here is a picture of my lovely bike. I love the attention to detail. The pink handlebars have dark pink stitching as does the seat. Everything on the bike is perfect. And pink!

They even put an adorable pink bell on my bike! Now all I need is a little basket for the front. I have been scouring the internet for the perfect basket (at the perfect price). I can't wait to spend the summer riding my cruiser.

A Peek Inside

On many blogs, the bloggers give you a peek inside their room, car, purse, backpack, etc. I was tiding my bathroom and thought a shot of the medicine cabinet would be fun. A warning: I am a product junkie.



Top Shelf: Neutrogena Active Sport SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque, Fresh Linen Travel Candle, Eye Drops, Bumble & Bumble Straightening Gel, OPI Italian Love Affair Nail Polish (my go to color), Target Brand Eye Make-up Remover, Contact Solution and Contact Case.



Middle Shelf: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, Aveda Hang Straight, Aveda Be Curly, Aveda Smooth Infusion, 2 containers of floss (I'm militant), Crest Night Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Health Toothpaste, Special Dental Rinse.



Bottom Shelf: More Contact Solution, Alba Eye Serum, Alba Moisturizer, Clean & Clear Toner, Aveda Dual Elements SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Eye Serum, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion with SPF 15, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme, and finally Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist.



Obvi, I am a huge fan and buyer of Aveda. I have actually been an Aveda girl since 5th grade. I really believe in them as a company and trust in a product. When I am faithful to my skin care regime, these products are amazing. The Tourmaline Charged Products are wonderful, especially the eye creme.

Anthro on Thursday

As I was both drinking my morning tea and browsing on Anthropolgie. Of course, there are so many adorable lovelies on Anthro, but here are few that really popped out at me.

Tea & Crumpets Apron
I love the white ruffle, the pale aqua and of course, the Carrie Bradshawesque flower.


And while wearing my Tea & Crumpets apron, I would enjoy a biscuit from this very cute jar.


My love for Anthro and Elephants comes together in the adorable Elephant Salt & Pepper Shaker. I like that they are white and would really pop against a pretty table runner or table cloth.


Many months ago, I came across this picture and have been hiding it away, waiting to post it. Anthro's signature cups and put to a very unique use. I think this would be lovely for a bridal shower or spelling B-A-B-Y for a baby shower.

I die a little on the inside!

I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

New Glee Promo HD
Uploaded by lostinmiami. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows.

Nantucket Nirvana

On Wednesday, New York Magazine's Fashion Blog, The Cut, announced a collaboration of Sperry and Tucker Blair! Sperry is opening their own stores and will carry Tucker Blair belts. Let's hope they put one in Chicago for all the boaters on Lake Michigan and that before long, they will carrying the TB headbands.


Photo from The Cut

Showtune Tuesday

This week's choice is from How To Succeed In Business (Without Really Trying). Reminds me of Mad Men a little.

A Little Something to Make Me Smile

I am, by nature, a project person. I love a project. I like them because I like to see results. And I like to see them quickly. I am not a very good person for looking at the long term. I like instant gratification. (In my defense, I am the MTV generation. I don't have an attention span longer than a music video sometimes.)

For the first time in a long time, I am actually feeling motivated to work on some long range goals I have for myself.

One of my goals is setting up a nightly routine to help me sleep more/better. I used to be an amazing sleeper, but lately not so much. I have some amazing bedding and a great bed, so I thought having some flowers would be a nice touch on my nightstand. Beside being lovely, these are the best deal ever. 10 Daffodil stems for $1.49 from Trader Joe's. This is three bunches. Instead of busting out a vase, I used my beside carafe. They fit perfectly.



Close up of the bedside sunshine:


I am also a faithful follower of The Satorialist. This morning's posting was amazing. I would love to have that red cape. And he even titled it London Shine!

All these pictures are brightening my day!

Showtune Tuesday

I can't believe it has taken me this long to get to Chicago, the musical! I mean I live in Chicago and I just didn't think about it. Now that it has occurred to me, I had to pick "We Both Reached for the Gun". This is an amazing feat of choreography. The timing, the precision - outstanding. You have to watch it several times to really appreciate the hard work!

Posh Pockets

I have to carry a large purse, because I like to have lots of things with me. My iPod, my camera, my phone, a book, lots of lip gloss, an umbrella, my sunglasses, pretty tissues, and now Posh Pocket games. During my trips to Target, I noticed these cute little books of games and tonight added a few to my purse. They are so pretty and I love to sit a work a puzzle while waiting. Little puzzles are great for short waits. If I know I am going to have a long wait, I pull out my book. But, when I know I only have a little time, this is the perfect solution. I picked up two Sudoku and two Word Searches.

Of course, something pink and green:


I love the little bird:


For the polka dots:


The inside is orange paper:

I Spoke Too Soon!

Just Friday I was posting about the lovely sunshine and sure enough it went away over the weekend. We did get some more snow last night. For most of the time I have lived in Chicago, I worked downtown. Several years ago, I changed careers and took a job in the suburbs. I don't love having to drive to work, but I absolutely adore my job, so I do it. However my drive is rather lovely. I drive up Sheridan Rd. through the city and into the North Shore. I drive along the lake and pass my favorite park. I drive through the great campus of Northwestern and onto the cutest part of Wilmette, Lake Ave.

This is the street I drive every weekday. It has old fashioned lamps, that are delightful when turned on. During the summer, the leaves are full and the trees make a tunnel to drive under. The snow is quite lovely and peaceful.

Two of the cute houses I drive by. P.S. Cute is very expensive in this neck of the woods.

And since I have to do some walking, this year I purchased these:

Let the Sun Shine In...

Today, I had an appointment downtown and took the opportunity to walk around and soak up the sunshine. It was also about 30 degrees, which is practically summer to me at this point.

The Sunshine:


I walked right by Millennium Park, a Chicago favorite and snapped this photo of the Park Grill. This is where you can ice skate at night. It gets very crowded though. During the summer, I like to sit outside and have a burger and beer. The Park Grill has some of the best burgers. Oh, summer I am ready now!!!!

The Park Grill:


I also snapped a lovely view of the building.
The Smurfit-Stone Building:



Do you recognize this building from one of the greatest 80's movies of all time? Yes, Adventures in Babysitting, starring Elizabeth Shue. This is the building Sara climbs out of after being chased.
Which brings me to my favorite part of the movie, the beginning. I love this song by The Crystals. I used to dance around the room just the same way after seeing the movie. I even a dress super similar to that one. There is a good chance, I would still wear that dress today if it fit.



TGIF!