oh i love verre!

Ok so my mother is probably the biggest fan of this line (& btw-my mom has great taste!) so I can't claim to be the biggest fan but I do love Verre by Julie Burton. Her work is delicate, colorful, unique and it really is artwork. Each little glass drop is an individually hand blown piece. I am such an admirer of this elegant line. I have one necklace I have been wearing regularly for 6 years and I got each of my bridesmaids a necklace from this line because I knew everyone would love it. Every design comes in over 100 different, beautiful colors. Oh and her packaging is just such a treat, little glass jars for each piece. I can't say enough about it but Verre is an amazing line and I can't wait to get more for myself and give it to everyone I can think of!

farmer market inspiration

I have been trying to make the farmer's market part of my weekly routine. We have had some tasty meals because the produce inspires you to make something delicious every time.  Not to mention the beautiful colors! You learn a lot too in the process, lots of fun at the farmer's market this summer! I guess I'm not the only one, I found some lovely market-inspired art to go with my beautiful produce.

My Lincoln Square market buys this week!

Enjoy your Farmer's Market Letterpress Print by Starshaped Press.

Vintage metal berry basket from Diz has neat stuff.

Sweet market tote from Igloo Letterpress.

Ceramic market baskets from Anthropologie.

Head's up! market poster from Igloo Letterpress.

Cherry tomato & fresh mozzarella bites with fresh basil, crowd-pleaser, colorful, easy & delicious!

stationery love: mr. boddington's studio

My friend David deserved a huge congrats for his decision to move on to bigger and better things. Since we were meeting up for a friendly happy hour, I thought this was the perfect card that says it all. I bought this one at a local card shop but you can check them out here. Mr. Boddington's Studio has bright, quirky illustrations, hand-lettering and a distinct style all their own.

summer bike ride

I saw this cute print from one canoe two and it instantly made me realize I haven't had enough bike rides this summer! I love all the bike inspired art out there, it always brings me a sense a nostalgia and fun.

Let's go ride bikes letterpress print from one canoe two | Ride on bicycle notebook from Spring Olive | 1965 Schwinn hollywood archival print by Lisa Congdon | Sunny yellow & gray bicycle note cards from two poodle press

orange crush today

Today just feels like a day for a pop of orange and here are some lovely orange stumbles for the day.

Voula Earrings from Anthropologie, handmade by Athens based designer Dimitriadis. 
Kallia bag with orange leather accents from etsy shop Milloo.
Angel Hour watch from Tokyo Bay.
Salt water sandals from Anthopologie
Vintage film reel from etsy shop Ohio Picker.
Halogen CarryOver Scarf from Nordstroms ($28).
Summer sorbet dangles from shipandshape.com.

travel memories

I love to travel for so many reasons but right now I relish my travel memories to some amazing spots. These are some of my favorite rings from my travels. It's so fun to meander back in my memory to the cute spots I bought these, the people I was with and the lovely people I met along the way. I love them all.

in the mail today

Ok so I didn't exactly mail this but I love this birthday card for Dad. It's simple, it's to the point and it's printed old school with antique type! My Dad may not appreciate all the detail but I love giving cards like this one from Starshaped Press. I bought mine at the incredible boutique Two Sided in Lakeview. This little Chicago letterpress company has some great posters and lots more cards to choose from here.

a work of art

I love a lot of things, and food is definitely one of them! This ultimate grilled cheese from Lady Gregory's on my list of favorites. I ran across this picture I took in the fall and it instantly made me salivate, it's gooey, it's crunchy, it's delicious...and look at it, it's a work of art. Try it. And if you claim you've had one better, I must try it! Or if you can teach me the skills to make this delightful treat, I will forever be indebted to you. Till then, I will be at Lady Gregory's at least once a month for life!


Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant • 5260 North Clark • Chicago, IL

a lil' deal from ali's collection

Ali's collection is a great little Evanston based jewelry line. I love the vibrant colored stones mixed with her incredible metal work. You can find some uber unique pieces in her collection and they always look great. Check out this great lil' deal she's offering you and get $20 off- click here.

etsy love: bringin back the hanky!

When I was a kid my Dad always had a handkerchief within reach, so maybe it's my nostalgia but I am all about bringin' back the hanky! And The Honey Press is leading the charge with these super-cute designs. They make not only great sneezy sheets but could be a pocket square, a splash of color tied to a purse or even a cute piece of decoration to have around the house. Now which design will suit dear ol' Dad?

i want this on my wall

Lisa Congdon has an amazing little blog I try to check at least once a week, you can take a look here. She does some lovely hand lettering that I can't get enough of but she is also an all-around amazing artist. I stumbled across this piece, called memory, today and just fell in love. This incredible color pallet mixed with a vintage doily is just perfect. I would love to have this on my wall. This is one of the reason's I love Lisa's blog, there is always a little surprise in what she does.

color love today: black, white, cream

I always love the contrast of black & white. I have been finding myself drawn to these great patterns and pops of black. You know it'll go with everything so that's always a huge bonus in my book. It's fun, it's classy- what's not to like?

BOWLS: These lovely little bowls are created by a Minneapolis etsy artist, Wind and Willow Home.
PLATFORM SANDALS: Great pair of sandals from Anthropologie.
BOOKS: Oh, I am just enamored with these vintage books from the SorryThankYou79 etsy shop, via Lovely Clusters Blog.
ARROWS: Sycamore Street Press created this graphic arrow letterpress print, I love these little illustrated arrows!
DECANTER: Vintage black amethyst decanter from Magpie Fields.
PLATTER: The ladies of Matchbook Magazine did a great feature showcasing West Elm Inspired by South Africa. This tray is the work of HIV–positive artists of Cape Town–based AIDS–awareness nonprofit Wola Nani.

in the mail today

This is one of my all time favorite cards from a.favorite design. "you're f@!%ing amazing" is typed on an antique typewriter, lined with pages from the phone book and just plain perfect for that special someone. So this was the perfect card to let my friend, Jen, know how amazing she is! I love sending snail mail.

ruff house coaster art

There is some great coaster art out there right now. It's such an inexpensive way to bring in some lovely design and personality, plus it makes a great gift! I ran across Ruff House Art and  I couldn't pick just one, they have some fantastic designs and there is something for everyone.

summer ring

I love a good chunky piece of jewelry I can wear all the time with everything. I stumbled across this lovely piece at Ali's Collection. I could see myself wearing this all summer long.