Have You Been Here?

Good Morning!

Hope your weekend was wonderful : )

This past weekend I took some time out with my husband in the city that I love, Chicago.

Sitting back after we just arrived..

The beautiful lake.  One day I will have to go sailing : )

 Being from the east coast and going to the shore almost every weekend seeing this makes me feel at home.

 My husband and I went to this awesome breakfast place called Ina's.  If you are ever in the Chicago area you must go here.  Did I say MUST : )

The atmosphere feels like you came home.  Amazing food.  No cell phones or tv noise allowed in the place.. it creates an environment where conversation is encouraged.  

My husband and I got the salmon cakes with Ina's potatoes and eggs.  Delicious. 

So, go see Ina.  You will be glad you did.

Have a great week everyone

If You Want Statement Furniture..This Is It

Good Afternoon!

About a month ago I was in Chicago with one of my friends and I had to hit up one of my favorite stores

Design Within Reach.

Here are some of my favorites..

 This sofa, which is extremely comfortable, speaks.  To me it has the right amount of funk, power and a touch of a tailored look.  I just have to point out the red chandelier..to die for.

 This light is not just organically beautiful but casts amazing shadows on the walls.  Adds depth.

 These illuminated planters are stunning.  Wonderful for a porch or around a swimming pool : )

I have not been able to get this chandelier out of my head.  This would be perfect in a smaller version over my dining table.  Definitely an investment piece.

What's catching your eye lately?  Any statement pieces?  

BTW..

Thinking about everyone in the path of the fires in Colorado.  Our prayers are with you.

A Little Recap

Good Monday Morning!

I was so excited about a charity that I was helping out with called Project Ladybug.  It's a wonderful opportunity to give back and help the children who fight against cancer and their families as well.

About a month ago my friend and I went for orientation.

 There I am at the bottom of the picture (with the green jacket.. standing next to the silver car)

Wonderful volunteers who gave of their time to help such a worthy cause.

 I was able to take some pics before it all started but couldn't get any more because well, I was working..

How cute is this?  A ladybug car : )

 This is really a very small portion of the space.

And some of the great ladies I had a chance to work with.

Since my pictures don't do it justice..here is a video clip of the night.

Have a wonderful week : )

KBIS Show and Some Familiar Faces

 Good afternoon!

 Yesterday I was at the KBIS Show in Chicago and it was so much fun!

I met up with some awesome bloggers and interior design experts..thanks to Twitter.  Why?  Well, we all scheduled this meet up from there.  Thank God all I had to do was drive while most of them flew in.  These ladies are awesome and you all should follow them..will have their info at the end of my post ; )

There was so much to see and not enough time in my day..

Love these bikes..especially the one that's made out of walnut.  So sweet!

 How about some shine in your space?

 I was really taken aback when we came to a section called the "UNCONTAINED"

This area really showed the different phases of life that we go through and how design meets all of our needs in these stages.

 And this is what this home looks like..

 All of these spaces were made from storage units..how cool would this be to put a space like this on your property?

 For the couple who has busy careers and a new marriage..who love to cook together.

Here is that space..

 Families who want to spend time together..and starter homes

 I love the cork walls.  I really want to do this in my home.  Natural and simple.

The next UNCONTAINED container is how do we deal in design bringing in the older generation into our homes.  There is an answer..

 Weren't those containers amazing?

Here is something else that caught my eye..

 Yes, that is fire.  So many amazing things and my mind was going a million miles a minute.

As I was walking with my friend, Lynne (awesome blogger and interior designer) I noticed someone.  I decided to go up to her just to make sure..

Yep, it was Emily Henderson!  Design Star winner and host of Secrets From A Stylist.  She was so much fun to talk to.  She had me laughing so hard but those pictures I won't share.  I think I looked like a horse..lol.

Not only did I see her but the group of ladies and I met up with ..

Eric Stromer from "OVER YOUR HEAD" on Hgtv.  This guy is really hilarious and a joy to listen to in the session.  Loved meeting up with these gals.  

Here is their twitter handle from left to right ~

@MaureenCmodecor

@lynneknowlton

@Remodel_w_Feia

 

and none other than Robin Siegerman who is the author of Renovation Bootcamp:Kitchen.  I ordered the book : ) 

I was asked to do an interview about my whole experience.  I was so nervous.  If any of the tape gets used I will let you all know : )

Love Chicago and even though I live close I don't get in there enough.

I love this city!

The best way to end my day was to go to dinner with my family..

The end to a most perfect day!

Thank you, Lynne for everything!

 

 

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

Good Evening!

I am starting way late today.  I have a lot of things going on and I can't wait to share all of them with you.  

One of the things I am so excited about is Project Ladybug.  I feel so honored to be a part of this charity.  This chapter is based out of the Chicago area and is in direct correlation to Comer Children's Hospital The University of Chicago.

Little Atia who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the face of this wonderful project.  I am happy to report that she is now in remission.

Atia's Project Ladybug is there to help these families who end up dealing with financial difficulties, emotional support, comfort baskets, etc..

To see more of her story watch this..

http://www.cltv.com/blogs/living-healthy-chicago/wgntv-atias-project-ladybug-fund-20120412,0,475698.story

The good news is you can help!  

Atia's Project Ladybug is putting on their 2nd annual event and it's called Stars And Cars

Miss Dina Manzo (founder of Project Ladybug) will be there.  

She is the former star of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and is now the host of her own HGTV show called Dina's Party.

Meg Caswell

who was last year Design Star's winner.  She now has her own show on HGTV called HGTV's Great Rooms.

 and there will be other celeb sightings..

This will be a night where not only is it fun but we gather for a good cause and make a difference in the lives of these families.  Let us show our support and help in the aid to healing.

Hope to see you there : )

Have a wonderful weekend : )

Inspiration While Shopping

Good Morning!

It's going to be a busy day here...so many meetings.  Looking forward to the slower pace after Christmas though : )

Recently we went to Woodfield Mall and did some Christmas shopping.  Of course, I had to take some pics of some decor that I love : )

I love walking into this store..the detail in the ceiling and the chandelier.  I love the feel of this place and want to use this as inspiration for my bedroom.

 The fireplace...I am addicted to fireplaces.

 I love this painted picture of the model.  I want to do a gallery of my kids in this fashion from floor to ceiling in my basement.

I feel like I went to a tropical place when I am in here.

Love the big fluffy pillows.  Whenever I am walking around the mall I always stop in here to sit and relax.

 Hope you all take a breather in the midst of last minute Christmas shopping.

and for anyone in the area come check out a Heartland Christmas ..
(p.s.  you can see my husband playing the keys in the plaid shirt)

Dreaming of Something Cool

Happy Monday!

It is going to be a scorcher here in the midwest with temperatures in the Chicago area around 107 degrees and might I add the humidity.  My poor hair is definitely going to suffer : (

All of this got me thinking about something cool...

Elle Decor

Just looking at it brings relief. 

Here are some more places that will help remedy on this steamy day.

Elle Decor

Bali

Scenografic Pools

Doesn't that make you just say, "AAAHHH."

Wishing you all a "dip in the cool" this week.