pretty lucky morning

girl you know its true

2012-02-13T11:22:00.000-06:00

buvette

2012-02-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

Drool. This spread on adorably french restaurant Buvette is in this month's Martha. Will definitely be checking this place out the next time I am in NYC. Besides the super cute Buvette bicycle, the article starts with tartines and ends with spoons of Nutella. Come on!

heart dish

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Cute and French. Seen on Design*Sponge.

inspired

2012-02-07T09:33:00.004-06:00

I received the beautifully photo-filled Design Sponge hardcover for Christmas and can't wait to spend some more time with it. Grace Bonney's enthusiasm for the non- traditional approach to design is obvious and the images are fun and inspiring. Makes me want to do some redecorating...

Available on Amazon.

I'm back!

2012-02-06T11:43:00.004-06:00

Phew, I've been traveling for work and very happy to be home and back on PLM. Am searching for great valentine's cards today... you know I am not into mushy holidays, but I do love that perfect card.

More soon!

Heart tree at Greer.

Cheese cake

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Gorgeous "cheesecake" adorned with all sorts of fruit and ivy, from a wedding in Bath, England. Seen yesterday on snippet & ink.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:16:00.003-06:00

Photo of my brother and myself, circa 1981.

Merry before and afters

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

1. Burlap table runners = cute, rustic xmas stockings.

2. Old sweaters= fuzzy, festive wreaths!

Details on Design Sponge.

anthro boho holiday chic

2011-12-20T10:00:00.002-06:00

Last year's Southport Anthropologie window that I never got to post. Cute/clever as usual.

Cookiepalooza 2011

2011-12-09T12:00:00.006-06:00

My kitchen was recently transformed into a cookie factory with the help of a few very enthusiastic and detail oriented friends. Already excited for next year!

Cake in a Jar

2011-12-08T14:05:00.006-06:00

Since everything seems to come in a mason jar these days, why not CAKE?! Chocolate cake with whipped cream topping.

happy

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

If I could swan dive head first into this, I would. Vanilla scented sweet potato puree. Seen on the Voltaggios Take On: Thanksgiving on the Cooking channel. Michael lost me at "immersion circulator", but I was paying attention when he mentioned his potatoes are silky smooth because he uses a third of the potatoes weight of butter. Yuummmm.... Best Thanksgiving Wishes!!

scenes from the weekend

2011-11-22T11:34:00.005-06:00

A hand-tied bouquet for myself, dessert at Takashi, tasty turkey cookies at Catering/Chocolate, and the results of a Sunday crafternoon.

hand tied bouquet

2011-11-14T11:40:00.007-06:00

I was generously gifted with a hand tied bouquet lesson at Epoch floral, so was off to class on Friday morning! I learned the technique of building a Biedermeier style arrangement, which is generally a round bouquet in an understated design.

murmuration

2011-11-08T07:00:00.004-06:00

My friend Michelle posted this video on Facebook yesterday and it's this kind of beautiful nature that makes me nerd out for the National Geographic channel.

"Murmuration" by Sophie Windsor Clive, on Vimeo. Click HERE if you can't see the video. Filmed on the River Shannon, Ireland.

Murmuration is such a cool "collective" term... I also like: exaltation (larks), pandemonium (parrots) and parliament (owls). More here.

notebooks

2011-11-07T09:37:00.006-06:00

Minted added some really pretty notebooks recently. Cute and personalized. I've wanted to start a food journal for ages so I can actually remember what we are making and eating.

if i were to dress up like a princess for halloween...

2011-10-31T08:52:00.005-05:00

I think this dress would do the trick. Marchesa Fall 2011, from here and here. Maybe Kate would lend me her fab tiara. If not, it looks like I can get one at Sears!

For cool Halloween decor and tables, check out this Sweet Paul shoot (pgs 116-123).

well branded- cowshed

2011-10-28T13:47:00.008-05:00

I was in Miami last week and managed to snag a decent rate at the Miami Beach Soho House through Jetsetter. Loved the bath and body products by their Cowshed Spa. Named after the original occupants of the first outpost of the spa in Somerset, England, the products are plant based, contain no "nasties" and are also quite attractively packaged. Really cute. Their online "mood indicator" says I am a knackered cow and I do not disagree!

apples and falling leaves

2011-10-19T09:16:00.009-05:00

Its suddenly brisk outside and the trees are getting ready for another Chicago winter. Have been so inspired by the pretty, swirling red and gold leaves and the bushels and bushels of apples at the farmers market that I combined the two. Old-Fashioned Apple Pie recipe from this month's Food & Wine. Really simple, just dough and apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. I used leftover crust dough and a fun cutter to make the decorative leaves.
*Photos by my personal photographer/husband.

liking alot

2011-10-11T17:29:00.005-05:00

I am in to how organically textural these plates and serving pieces are. From West Elm.

cultivate chicago

2011-10-08T10:10:00.002-05:00

Cultivate Chicago held its first ever festival of food stars, artisanal eats, local beers, and music in Lincoln Park. Chefs like Richard Blais, winner of Top Chef All Stars, and local food hero Paul Virant, of Perennial Virant, did cooking demos with local food producers. The festival was free to enter and you could purchase tastes of everything from artisanal coffee to blueberry upside down cake to pork tostadas to Great Lakes Brewery beers. The festival had 16,000 people in attendance throughout the day and raised $50,000 for FamilyFarmed.org, a non-profit that works with farmers to build local food systems. It was run by Chipotle's Cultivate Foundation, who's mission is to help create a more sustainable and healthful food supply. Really fun!

how to tie a bow tie

2011-09-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

Cute and potentially helpful before that next big event. via 100 layer cake

new notecards

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

mustaches and pink stripes.

fall foliage

2011-09-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

From the farmers market. Plus 3 stems of fragrant lilies.

chicago gourmet

2011-09-27T09:52:00.005-05:00

Michelle, my friend in all things foodie, took me to Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park on Sunday. This fabulous event had over 100 chef tastings, wine, beer, spirits, chef demos and silent auction. We started out hungry and slightly overwhelmed by the number of choices, but quickly got in line and into a groove (aided by the handy Chicago Gourmet I phone app!). With at least 3 chefs per tent presenting a nice variety of beautifully plated tastes, we were quickly on our way to being euphorically happy/stuffed, despite the rain.

Highlights- Braised shortrib and gruyere sandwich on extremely buttery brioche type bread from Socca, squid and tomato salad from MK, salmon sashimi from Giuseppe Trentori in the Buick tent, and our finale, the pot de creme from Sixteen (pictured above, shortly before being devoured).

*first photo by Huge Galdones for Grub Street Chicago.

yes

2011-09-23T11:11:00.004-05:00

I have a confession- I cupcaked twice this week.

paper plane party

2011-09-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

How cool is this paper plane installation?! Recycled paper and monofilament line (plus some nice soft colored lighting). Would be fun for a child's party or room. From Design*sponge.

lovely simple table

2011-09-15T18:24:00.004-05:00

Really like the pretty and neutral table setting here, via once wed today. Twine, burlap, kraft paper and wood, accented by white china and simple, twiggy florals. This would be a lovely setting for a cosy dinner party. The kraft paper here was used for seating assignments, but would be a great place to write out a menu for a more informal party.

I'm back

2011-09-14T09:52:00.004-05:00

We're back from Ireland and can't wait to post some photos of the rugged, rainy countryside! Have just been trying to catch up and get back to normal. Also spent most of yesterday taking breaks from work to check if the Target website is back up for Missoni shopping, but no luck. Back up today but SOLD OUT! That was fast. I would have gone to the local store, but the rumor on Facebook was 200 person long lines and fights in the shoe department. No thanks.

Dahlias are in season (yay!), the gorgeousness above by Saipua, of course.

Iphone Super 8

2011-08-29T08:36:00.010-05:00

My husband shot this little video at our friends Brian and Casey's wedding this past Saturday with the Super 8 app on his phone. Yes, on his phone. Song is Holocene by Bon Iver. Brian and Casey look so sweet and happy, I just love it.

Nice work honey!

just pretty

2011-08-26T15:31:00.003-05:00

From here via snippet & ink. I just like the photo, but it could serve as great bridesmaid dress inspiration. Nude dresses in different textures/degrees of sparkly?

yum

2011-08-23T14:28:00.001-05:00

LES

2011-08-22T09:02:00.001-05:00

Sunny Saturday morning stroll around the lower East side of Manhattan.

back to school

2011-08-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

My good friend Rachel spent a rainy crafternoon getting a jump start on Halloween decorations.

cilantro lime butter

2011-08-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

Put this on your corn right away. you will not be sorry.

Cilantro Lime Butter:

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

1 lime, zested and juiced

2 teaspoons salt

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Put the butter in a mixing bowl and, using a rubber spatula, mix in the cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt and cayenne. Use immediately or refrigerate.

Yield: 3/4 cup

You can roast the corn in foil with the butter (in oven at 400F, 25 minutes). From Food Network. We just grilled it and buttered it.

recently...

2011-08-15T08:55:00.004-05:00

The Shedd aquarium hosts "Jazzin at the Shedd" on Wednesday evenings after close. Nice to be able to stroll the aquarium with a cocktail in hand. And who can resist a penguin cookie?

We were gifted some nice jalapenos straight from our friend's vegetable garden so fajita night was in order. Finally, gorgeous weather made for a great visit to the farmers market. The purples were very purple.

grilling

2011-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

We were so inspired by the photographs that we made our meal straight from this article in the latest issue of Food & Wine. Not the whole feast but the beet salad with watercress and pecorino, the potato salad with celery and radish, and lamb chops.

tuesday

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

parlor textiles

2011-08-08T09:16:00.004-05:00

Have been recently searching for a fabric for a bench cushion meant to pad the bench at our kitchen table. Looking for casual but interesting in a blue or green and love these prints from Parlor textile. So pretty and eco-friendly (organic cotton and hemp blend).

not enough time...

2011-08-03T17:49:00.004-05:00

I realized its been ages since the last posting of flowers of any kind. Have been on a crazy schedule, can't wait to get back to looking at/playing with/sniffing some pretty flowers!! Will have to drop by A New Leaf tomorrow and make something fun. In the meantime, pretties from Saipua.

jellies

2011-08-01T08:39:00.005-05:00

Went to the Blu event at the Shedd on Saturday night and was amazed by the Jellies exhibit. No blood, brains or bones in there! Would never want to encounter one on my own in the wild, but they really are so weird and beautiful.

Bubbles!

2011-07-24T16:56:00.008-05:00

Loving this diy project on 100 Layer Cake. It involves $2 and $4 glass bubble balls from CB2 and fishing line. Ok, maybe its a little more involved than that, but it seems pretty straight forward directions-wise and I want to make one to hang over my kitchen table! Instructions here.

watermelon bombe

2011-07-15T17:22:00.002-05:00

Nothing says summer like watermelon, and what if it was a watermelon/sorbet/ice cream combo that looks like a half watermelon that you can slice? What?! I know. Kind of fun! Directions here.

white on white

2011-07-15T08:53:00.003-05:00

Crisp refreshing whites. Gorgeously simple room from Masseria: The Farmhouses of Puglia.

Love how cooling the stucco and marble is, especially combined with minimalist white textiles. The look is spare, but luxurious as the same time. Spotted on Design*Sponge.

ahhh, summer

2011-07-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

Saturday afternoon we had an amazingly relaxing lunch and cocktails outside at the Inn on Castle Hill in Newport, RI. Great people/boat watching.

independence week

2011-07-07T18:40:00.002-05:00

The long weekend stretched into this week, our holiday culminating in the U2 concert at Soldier Field. Awesome, of course.

happy 4th

2011-07-03T20:33:00.000-05:00

via once wed.

dark n' stormy

2011-07-02T07:35:00.002-05:00

Chicago skyline yesterday, from the Chicago Tribune. It looks like a scene from a Harry Potter movie.

Scary/beautiful.

bon iver

2011-06-20T09:41:00.008-05:00

Click here: Bon Iver – “Your Love” (The Outfield Cover)

Bon Iver (pronounced bon eh ver), with possibly my favorite cover of all time. via stereogum. Their new album is out today, can't wait to check it out.

thanks dad!

2011-06-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day! photo c. 1980.

have a lovely weekend

2011-06-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

pretty pretty on saipua.

Art fair brunch

2011-06-14T11:58:00.008-05:00

Hosted a brunch last weekend during the Old Town Art Fair. The weather was great, the neighborhood was packed, and we got to see some great friends. All in all, couldn't have been better! Surprise hit were the bacon/cheddar/scallion scones, recipe here. We gave ourselves a break picked up grilled cheeses and chicken skewers from catering/chocolate, our neighborhood caterer. His tiny sandwiches are always a hit and it was nice to be able to just pick them up the morning of and plop them on a plate!

pretty tart

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Fancy homemade dessert after a lovely summer dinner party hosted by my friend Razan and her husband. YUM. Hoping she will share the recipe!

Skillet baked eggs and asparagus

2011-06-07T21:41:00.005-05:00

Made this quick and easy recipe from the New York Times over the weekend with some Green City Market asparagus and it was delicious, especially with a side of prosciutto! We used basil and chives as our 2 herb choices.

3 tablespoons olive oil, more for drizzling

3/4 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 scallions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced

8 large eggs

6 tablespoons roughly chopped soft herbs like basil, cilantro, chives or parsley (use at least 2)

1/3 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Flaky sea salt for sprinkling.

1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the asparagus and the scallions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is browned and tender.

2. Whisk together the eggs, 4 tablespoons of the herbs, and cream. Whisk in Parmesan, salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over asparagus and place the skillet in the oven.

3. Bake for about 20 minutes, until set, but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. It is best warm, not hot.

4. Squeeze one or two lemon wedges over it, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and remaining herbs. Cut into wedges.

Yield: 4 servings.

Summer whites

2011-06-07T18:21:00.002-05:00

Love the way Kate wore her summer whites. So crisp but feminine and princess-like without being dowdy. Dress is Reiss (again, yay!).

brooklyn brownstone

2011-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

ADORE the photos of actress Keri Russell's home in this month's Elle Decor. The look is a great mix of rustic reclaimed woods, a layered neutral color palette, and chic, yet laid back furniture and light fixtures. Its especially impressive that her handy husband renovated and restored it himself. More lovely photos here.

Scenes from seattle

2011-06-02T14:10:00.007-05:00

We stayed at the Inn at Langley, a bed and breakfast with porches overlooking Saratoga Passage, fireplaces, and jaccuzzi's with water views. The hotel restaurant served a delicious and very inventive locally sourced dinner. I think the chef mentioned at one point that everything came from the island or the waters around it except the sugar for our coffee. Speaking of the coffee, it was also delicious and came from a roaster in the town of Langley called Useless Bay.

Sneak peek

2011-05-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

My brother is getting married tomorrow so we are having a rehearsal dinner and welcome party tonight, hosted by my family. I made some paper accessories, can't wait to see how they look on the tables!

Mason jar meals

2011-05-18T15:51:00.002-05:00

Love yet another use for mason jars. So simple and portable! From the decorated cookie via black*eiffel.

bhldn decor shop

2011-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

BHLDN is now selling decorative accessories in a variety of colors. Pricey, but pretty!

Bodega flowers

2011-05-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

The ladies from Little Flower School were featured in a handy tutorial on how to create an appealing arrangement from flower-stand at-the-deli-type flowers. Read here.

Braised artichokes

2011-05-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

YUM. Tried this recipe last weekend and it was easy + delicious. From Food network.

Ingredients

2 lemons
3 artichokes
3 cloves garlic, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken stock

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a medium bowl with water and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon in the bowl, tossing in the lemon halves as well. Rinse each artichoke and trim 1/2-inch off of the stalk. Trim 1-inch off the top of each artichoke. Then cut each artichoke in half, from stalk to tip, and remove the choke with a spoon. Remove the tough outer leaves and trim the outside of the stalk with a paring knife. Add the prepped artichokes to the bowl of lemon water to keep from browning.

Slice the remaining lemon. In a baking dish large enough to place the artichokes in 1 even layer, place the slices in the dish to form a bed for the artichokes. In the center of each artichoke, add a garlic half and drizzle with half the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place cut side down on top of the lemon slices. Pour the chicken stock around the sides, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tops of the artichokes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover and firmly seal with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven until fork-tender and the leaves peel off easily, about 1 hour.

Recent roundup

2011-05-09T08:13:00.008-05:00

Pimm's cup and mint juleps for Derby watching.

Green City Market opened outdoors for the season on Saturday at Clark & Lincoln. Great new addition- the breakfast sandwich at Sunday Dinner. Scrambled eggs, goat cheese, ramps, asparagus and herbs on a toasty grilled ciabatta. Yummmmm. We also got pork chops and asparagus for dinner, plus potted herbs (with a stop at Old Town Gardens for annuals) for finally planting our flower boxes. It was an aggressive Saturday!

Butterflies and bellinis at the Lululemon opening in south Miami. Super fun with bongo drums, yummy snacks and some really buff, bendy people doing yoga demonstrations. Really into the new "pink mist" color. Super cute.

Calypso for Target launched on May 1 and definitely worth a trip. The girl's apparel, women's accessories and dinnerware were highlights. I may go back for the straw tote.

Visited with some of my favorite little people ever. Its amazing how entertaining sand can be. For HOURS.

Hi mom

2011-05-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy mother's day!

Crisp whites

2011-04-27T09:09:00.003-05:00

Love the look of this bridal shower tea party in simple white. More on 100 Layer Cake.

Dumplings part 2

2011-04-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

We made Thursdays dumpling leftovers into soup on Friday.

Shrimp dumplings

2011-04-22T08:42:00.014-05:00

Yesterday I had a serious craving for dumplings. They are my go to comfort food. Next time, I would add some water chestnuts to the shrimp and ginger mixture for a little crunch. I bought the shrimp already peeled and deveined and bought ready made dumpling wrappers to speed the process along. A pound of shrimp apparently makes a lot of dumplings, so will be enjoying them again tonight! Have a great weekend!

Happy monday

2011-04-18T08:08:00.003-05:00

There was SNOW on my car this morning. Am trying to think warm, happy thoughts.

Chick and egg cupcakes

2011-04-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Just in case you needed the sugar high of Peeps + cupcake + jellybeans. Food network.

Totes

2011-04-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Splendid tote on top caught my eye last week. Cute, summery and could possibly hold all of my stuff. Two other fun options, from Gap and Milly.

Pea shoots

2011-04-13T08:59:00.001-05:00

A nice sign of spring- pea shoots! Last night we had them with salmon and chanterelles.

Sunday supper

2011-04-04T10:38:00.005-05:00

Last night we made our first foray into shellfish with steamed mussels in a white wine based broth. We used a Muscadet to cook with and as our pairing. The mussels cook surprisingly quickly once scrubbed and rinsed. We served with grilled french bread, broccolini in a sherry vinaigrette and a steamed artichoke. For dessert, I baked a shaker ginger lemon pie, recipe from the Cheap Tart Bakery, found on Tasting Table. Easy to make, but beware, the filling needs to be refrigerated overnight so start a day early!

Canvas table runner

2011-03-30T17:30:00.003-05:00

West Elm has a crisp white painted canvas runner by David Stark that I am really into. Especially paired with the mediterranean print napkin.

Paper boats

2011-03-30T09:08:00.001-05:00

How fun for a summer party!? Once Wed.

Spring notecards

2011-03-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Made some new notecard sets over the weekend with pool blue cards and khaki Japanese floral paper.

i love this

2011-03-21T18:53:00.009-05:00

Am so excited I can barely type. The crafting nerd in me is drooling. An end of winter knitting party complete with fingerless gloves in winter whites, adorable invites, and spring tulips in jars, wearing knitted collars!! Amazing. See the rest of the details on Design Sponge.

Frillitaria

2011-03-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

Frillitaria are the little checkered purple guys. So pretty, but kind of weirdly stinky for flowers!

Friday love

2011-03-18T08:30:00.010-05:00

Obviously, the earthquake and tsunami disaster has been heartbreaking and ever present on our minds. Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours have organized the blogosphere and created a giving page on Shelterbox USA. Another way to chose a charity is by visiting Charity Navigator. They've listed organizations who are providing relief along with tips on how to donate safely.

Tulip weather

2011-03-17T14:56:00.003-05:00

Warm enough for tulips outside on Wells Street yesterday and today. Finally!

Inches

2011-03-12T09:42:00.004-06:00

Love these "rule" pitchers from Jayson Home and Garden.

Cake!

2011-03-10T08:44:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was my husband's birthday and we had a fun dinner party for two at home. Menu: thyme rubbed beef tenderloin, roasted golden beets, leek bread pudding, and "favorite cake" (the basic white cake from Joy of cooking with a whipped cream frosting). The key to the light and fluffiness of this cake is sifting, lots of sifting. Am looking forward to leftovers today!

We celebrated on Sunday night as well, at Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's Girl and the Goat. Our meal was well worth the two month wait for our reservation- the space is well done, flavors were amazing, and small plates to share is my favorite way to eat. I haven't really been dying to try goat, but the T bone was surprisingly good. As a bonus to this excellent meal, we saw Fabio Viviani from Top Chef eating at the counter and generally hamming it up with other diners.

Happy weekend

2011-03-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Dress crush

2011-03-02T12:52:00.003-06:00

So springy-bohemian-chic. and comfy-flowy. sigh. Shopbop.

Fresh powder

2011-02-28T10:09:00.003-06:00

Just back from Jackson, Wyo. Gorgeous/rugged/snowy. Lots of skiing (definitely needed my helmet) and hot chocolate.

Ok come on

2011-02-22T13:02:00.004-06:00

I am ready to defrost. Was not expecting to see snow today. Anytime now, I would like some sunshine and chirping birds...

Pretty, warm peachy flowers from saipua.

A river runs through it

2011-02-15T15:01:00.002-06:00

Cute chicago print on etsy. i also like this one.

BHLDN

2011-02-14T08:06:00.004-06:00

BHLDN (inspired by the dutch word for "to keep") is the new vintage inspired wedding concept from anthropologie that launched online today. I see some really pretty things...

Be mine

2011-02-13T09:05:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's. Pom pom heart topper on etsy.

ok, if you say so

2011-02-10T09:40:00.006-06:00

For the most trying times.

Papersource.

Have a lovely weekend!

Messy hair

2011-02-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

This little print on etsy caught my eye. One of my new year's resolutions was to curl my hair more often. I know... but at the time it just seemed like a completely valid self improvement type of goal. Am not off to a very good start so may consider abandoning the effort and just embracing my messy hair!

I heart

2011-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Image via Ashley Meaders.

Last weekend

2011-02-04T07:00:00.003-06:00

I spent last weekend celebrating the wedding of my dear friend Katy. She let me do the flowers, which was an honor and a true labor of love. Am hoping her photographer will share so I can bring you the real fabulousness of her wedding, which was held in a very industrial space that Katy and her fiance (whoops, sorry- HUSBAND!!!) Jamie transformed into a serious party venue.

Snow day

2011-02-03T08:22:00.007-06:00

Ventured out twice yesterday. The first time was quiet and it was still snowing pretty hard. The only person out there was the pug guy out for a walk. Later in the day we headed to the park and it was full of people enjoying the snow. Amazed at the number of people on skis in downtown Chicago. What looks like a parking lot is really a long string of abandoned cars on northbound Lake Shore Drive. By the time we saw it, the city had towed some but there were hundreds left and the tow trucks and plows and were working their way north. And, of course, we could not resist jumping in a bit.

Black & white

2011-01-25T11:05:00.006-06:00

Saw this board on Snippet & Ink back in August. The black and white palette is just simple, timeless and puts the focus on fun fonts and details (like the cute talking buttons in the middle) without looking like there is too much going on.

Weddings SO on the brain this week.... am very excited for my dear friend Katy to get hitched this weekend!

A loft and lot of receipt paper

2011-01-19T08:26:00.001-06:00

Amazing space and hanging paper backdrop. Simple white tables help the venue really show itself off. Original and the details are so well thought out. Via 100 Layer Cake. Check out the rest of the photos!

Purple

2011-01-17T14:44:00.005-06:00

Was helping out with some ideas on working purple into wedding tables without being too purple. The idea was three jars of different sizes filled with vaired greens, one purple flower (anenome) and a purple patterned paper. Low key, not too expensive (this was about $45 to put together) and varied in shapes and textures.

Happy weekend!

2011-01-14T15:04:00.003-06:00

Loving these flowers on saipua today. Its been a long week and I am looking forward to being as lazy as possible tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes.

Dots

2011-01-08T23:23:00.003-06:00

I resolve to wear more patterns and fewer boring solids. Starting here. Cute cream mini dots on black. Kate Spade.

Breakfast skillet

2011-01-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

The breakfast skillet was a weekend staple last year and the cold weather has brought it back in style. Found while browsing a William Sonoma catalog.

We sometimes do it without the hollandaise, but if you take the time to make the sauce, you will not be sad.

Ingredients:

2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 10), cut into wedges

3 slices applewood-smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

5 Tbs. vegetable oil

4 garlic cloves

1 fresh rosemary sprig

3 fresh thyme sprigs

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 lb. spinach, washed and stemmed 

For the hollandaise sauce:

12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

5 egg yolks

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

2 Tbs. white wine

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 tsp. Tabasco

1 1/2 tsp. curry powder 

4 oz. Gouda cheese, cut into 4 slices

8 poached eggs

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 400°F. Place a small roasting pan in the oven and heat for 12 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, bacon, oil, garlic, rosemary and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potato mixture to the preheated roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture and continue to roast until the bacon is crisp and the potatoes are tender and golden, about 12 minutes more. Remove the pan from the oven. Discard the garlic and herbs. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep warm. Keep the oven set at 400°F.

Meanwhile, in a fry pan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the spinach, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the spinach to a colander and drain the excess water. Set aside.

To make the hollandaise sauce, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Set aside. In a bowl, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, wine, salt and Tabasco. Using an immersion blender on high speed, blend until combined, about 30 seconds. Reduce the speed to low and add the melted butter in a slow, steady stream. Add the curry powder, increase the speed to high and blend for 1 minute more. Pour the hollandaise sauce into a small sauceboat.

Place the spinach in the center of four 6-inch cast-iron skillets, dividing evenly. Arrange the potato-bacon mixture around the spinach and place 1 cheese slice on top of each spinach mound. Transfer to the oven and bake until the spinach is warmed through and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each skillet with 2 poached eggs and 1/4 cup hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately and pass the remaining sauce at the table. Serves 4.

Adapted from a recipe by Ben Ford, Chef, Ford's Filling Station, Los Angeles, CA.

Before & after chair

2011-01-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

Amazing what a little DIY can do for a piece of furniture! I love the use of two different fabrics for the chair pad and back. Cute! Design*Sponge.