tgif & a fun weekend ahead

I am so excited for tonight... we're meeting a big group of friends out at one of my favorite French bistros for a yummy dinner that will hopefully include copious amounts of butter, champagne and chocolate. And lots of laughs, too! I've been looking forward to this night for weeks and don't want to admit how many times I've already looked at the menu online to think about what I might order. ;)


And if that isn't enough, I'm co-hosting our 6th annual(!) cookie exchange with some amazing girlfriends who I don't get to see nearly enough. Can't wait to take home a tray of fresh-baked cookies from all my lovely ladies.

What are you up to, Friends? Hopefully you've got something to look forward to this weekend, too.

xo, Kristin

(Image via From Me To You. You've gotta check out this photography. Uh-mazing!)

chicago fave: the doughnut vault

I would like to introduce you to a new favorite place...


(The Doughnut Vault)


I don't know how long this little spot where heaven meets earth has been open, but I've gotta tell you, the doughnuts are so good! And I don't even consider myself a doughnut person. Well, until now at least.

There are only so many delectable doughnuts churned out each day, and so if you get there late you might just be out of luck. It's genius, actually. Tell someone that she might not be able to have something, and of course she's going to want it more! Most mornings you'll see a line of hungry peeps out the door waiting to get their doughnut fix.

Lucky me, The Doughnut Vault just happens to be down the street from my office.

And yes, I am more than willing to get in line...



Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!
xo, Kristin

"me" time

I had the most wonderful afternoon yesterday. With a babysitter coming for the afternoon and a bright sun high in the sky, I decided to play "hooky" from my to-do list. Four hours disappear in a blink when you're having fun.




An afternoon in the life of a mommy with some free time...

She leaves the house on a dazzling, sunshiney day for a trip to Bucktown for some shopping and lunch. Stopping in first at The Painted Lady, she spies a gorgeous vintage milkglass vase half-hidden on the lowest shelf of an accessory-laden bookcase. Leaving the shop, that vase is tucked safely under her arm, just where it belongs. She pops into Robin Richman to ogle some designer duds and peek at the sparklies in the cases, and at Virtu, she finds the perfect Mother's Day gift. There's a lightness to her step as she strolls down to The Goddess & Grocer, a favorite lunching spot. Grilled chicken, crispy bacon and buttery avocado on ciabatta are perfect. Eating them, uninterrupted, while reading a tabloid magazine is bliss. In her world, no meal is complete without a little something sweet. She savors every sticky bite of gooey marshmallow, crispies, tart raspberry jelly and dark chocolate chunks. And as she licks her fingers clean, she can't help but smile. With a full belly and the afternoon winding down, she has only time to make a few more stops. She samples the eco-friendly hand lotions at Grasshopper 510 and gets a lovely "woven" ceramic bowl at Crosell & Co.. A few Mother's Day gifts from Paper & Print, and she's on the road again. This time, to home.

Now, over 24 hours later, the contentment from a peaceful afternoon stays with her like a hangover as she cuddles her two loves and waits for "Papa" to return home.


(I loved this post when I read it a few days back and wanted to give her writing style a try. I hope Robyn knows that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!)

hitting the pavement

We had a lovely walk today. Quite lovely. And quite long.

Even with a bit of a chill in the air, there were signs of spring all around. Blooming flowers. Budding trees. Green grass turning ever brighter. I took some pictures along the way and wanted to share some of my sunny, Chicago day with you!



A darling little bloom...



A charming house with a white picket fence...



This color pink makes me hungry for cotton candy...



I {heart} American flags...



Are you all as excited as me that tomorrow's Friday?

fun at the farmer's market

Our weekend bounty from the Wicker Park Farmer's Market --



2 big bunches of peonies in white with pink tinges along the edges and soft pink,
A stack of crisp, green asparagus,
2 big portobellos,
And a bagful of fingerling and blue potatoes.

Can't wait for next week's trip!

look what i got! (part 2)

New kitchen chairs from The Painted Lady!

We had a couple reasons to buy new chairs... Lulu took a liking to our old chairs (that were made of wicker) and chewed through the arms on every single one and she ate one of the seat cushions - darn dog!; and we decided we're going to go with booster seats in lieu of highchairs so we needed chairs that we could attach said boosters to. My one caveat was that I didn't want a "regular" set... I wanted something unique.

And so here's what we found! Four vintage, black-and-white chairs with worn appliques on the inside back. They're totally unique and are just the right amount of kitschy cool.







(Please excuse the bad photography... if it's one thing I could learn to do it's to take better pictures!)

look what i got! (part 1)

One of my new favorite things that I picked up last week at The Painted Lady.

I've been looking for a tall, narrow cabinet for the past year or so, and as soon as I saw this vintage, metal black-and-white locker cabinet I knew it was the one! It holds tons of stuff... like extra glasses, recipe binders, and kitchen linens, and is totally one-of-a-kind. How's that for lovely yet practical?

Needless to say, I love love love.

(12 compartment vintage locker cabinet.)

(Detail shot of the bottom.)

(Detail shot at the top. See my little magnet clothespins?)

local shopping in chicago

There are so many things to do around the city this weekend:

Southport Holiday Stroll Friday from 5-9. Enjoy some holiday cheer – carolers, a sleigh ride, free samples and more. Between Byron and Belmont on Southport Avenue.

Do Division Holiday Walk All day Saturday. Participating stores offer sales and treats to customers, and there are free carriage rides down Division Street.

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale Saturday and Sunday. Third annual craft fair with over 150 vendors. At the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse.

DEPART-ment Holiday '08 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Over 125 vendors offering handmade goodies. 2000 W. Fulton (at Damen).

Lincoln Square Christkindl Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Eat traditional German food, listen to Christmas Carols, and sip on glogg as you shop among the dozens of vendors and merchants in Lincoln Square.

Roscoe Village Winterfest Stroll Saturday and Sunday. The shops (between Damen and Oakley on Roscoe) will serve cocktails and appetizers, host live music, and offer wine tastings or trunk shows.

With all these shopping options, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. And it'll be fun trying!

chicago fave: chicago honey co-op

Yep – you read that right. I’m talking about a bee farm on the west side of Chicago with nothing but urban landscape for miles and miles. It's The Chicago Honey Co-op, home to over 100 hives.

The beekeepers, dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture, started the farm a few years ago and have been churning out chemical-free honey ever since. Not only do they have an awareness of their impact on the environment in the big picture, they’ve also focused on their impact much closer to home and are providing job opportunities to the under-employed in the area. I read a big article about the Co-op earlier this year in the Chicago Tribune and was so blown over by how they’ve embraced the community by bringing jobs to those who in many others’ eyes would be seen as undesirable.

In addition to honey, which tastes amazingly good, by the way, they also make pure beeswax candles and soaps, scrubs and balms. During the summer, they sell their wares at Chicago farmer’s markets, but for those not in the area – and all of us locals who are getting ready to face another winter – their products are available online too.

hide and seek

I double heart these tiny cloth boxes (just 3 x 1.5 inches) that close up using origami folds and open again to reveal the treasures you’ve tucked inside. Perfect for jewelry, extra buttons, paper clips or cotton swabs, this cute box can be used for all sorts of things.

The Slate Pebble pattern is my favorite.

Hide Box available from Virtu in Chicago and online.

chicago fave: the examiner

Chicago Dessert Examiner is one of my new favorite stops when I'm surfing the web. It's always full of the latest and greatest on the dessert scene here in the Windy City, and I'm usually left with a mouthwatering list of treats to try after I stop by.

There are nearly 50 cities covered by the Examiner. You should check to see if yours is listed too.

chicago fave: café avanti

Who knew that walking along Southport early on a Saturday morning with Wade and Lulu in tow would turn out to be one of my favorite things about the weekend? The weather was perfect, and we were looking forward to the weekend ahead. Already feeling a little hungry from the blocks of walking we already had behind us and knowing how much we still had ahead, we decided to make a pit-stop at the adorable Café Avanti. The place is decked out in a very kitschy 50’s vibe with blue and brown and pink polka dots. I first visited this local spot earlier in the summer and indulged in only a steamed vanilla milk and promised I’d be back soon to taste something on the menu. I’m so happy I finally got to make good on that promise.

Neither of us was really in the mood for a big meal (we had a 7 year-old’s birthday party later in the day and knew there would be a ton of food that we don’t have the willpower to turn down). So we opted for something light to just fill our bellies a little. I stayed outside with Lulu while Wade ordered, and in just a few minutes, he returned with yummy drinks (he a coffee and me another steamed milk) and some very delicious, piping hot scones. Blueberry Lemon and Cranberry White Chocolate. Perfect texture, great flavors and just the right amount of big blueberries and cranberries in every bite. Yum yum yum. We ate up every last crumb. And were perfectly content to start the walk home.

Café Avanti * 3706 N. Southport Ave. * 773.880.5959

(sorry - no photo for this one... I didn't bring the camera!)

chicago fave: chocolate grape

A wine and chocolate cafe in Wicker Park.

I only have two questions after reading about this adorably hip place: why haven't I been here and how soon can I go?

I wanted to lick the screen after reading the menu of mouthwatering dishes. Like the Wrapped Cantaloupe - "Fresh tantalizing Cantaloupe, wrapped in Prosciutto de-Parma and Pecorino, glazed with Honey Suckle Mango Cilantro." Or this, the Signature Grape Salad - "Peppery Field Greens, imported and domestic juicy large Grapes, Candied Almonds, enhanced with a Peach White Chocolate Vinaigrette and Herb Infused Goat Cheese." I'm sorry, did you say chocolate vinaigrette? {Cue the lip smacking.}

And then there's the desserts {like I didn't check these out first!}. A flight of Mini Cupcakes - "Six served, each with its own Dipping Sauce" and the Mini Petit Fours - "Choco decadence, mini cheesecake, tiramisu, choco torte, orange chiffon cake, mini fruit tarts, and raspberry linzer." And truffles and candies and wine, oh my!

I think next weekend is going to include a stop in at the Chocolate Grape. Maybe it'll be on Sunday for Crepe Mornings. If it's as good as it sounds, I may never leave!

chicago fave - The White Attic

When I first started this blog, I knew that I wanted to post from time to time about my favorite stops for home décor shopping in Chicago. I’m always happy to pass along resources to my friends and it feels good to applaud the very deserving and hard-working shop owners who keep me coming back for more, so I decided this was the perfect way to do both. I've written about a couple here and here, and I’ve still got lots to go, but I wanted to take a few minutes today to talk about The White Attic. No list of Chicago favorites would be complete without it.

Now, I ruefully admit that it has been a while since I’ve stopped in at the amazing little Andersonville furniture shop, and so I don’t even know what lovely one-of-a-kind pieces you’d find right now, but I can guarantee that if you love the idea of taking something old and making it beautiful again, then you won’t be disappointed with The White Attic. Full of vintage (a lot of 70’s era) furnishings that have been given a new lease on life through a shiny coat of paint (in classic hues like black and white, but also pink, blue and green) and eye-catching hardware. I like to call this "loving up." Each piece is unique and has that special home-made feel. And there are also great accessories sprinkled throughout the shop, including Votivo candles, my favorite.

If you're in the Andersonville neighborhood, I highly recommend stopping in to The White Attic. While you're there, say hello to Terry, owner-extraordinaire.

chicago fave: andrew hollingsworth

I recently popped in at Andrew Hollingsworth to do some shopping for a Client and got to thinking that it had been quite a while since I visited the uber-cool River North home furnishings shop. I really shouldn’t let that happen again because I always fall in love with everything there. Andrew has amassed a wonderful collection of classic Scandinavian furniture and modern decorative objects and lighting. The eclectic mix of old and new works because they all have underlying clean lines and fresh forms. This ability to mix and mingle styles and periods is a trademark of Andrew’s, and the result is always fresh, yet timeless.

And what do I really love about Andrew and his shop? His core design beliefs (as listed on the back of his business card):
buy what you love and let the rest happen
great rooms like great love have an element of the accidental
there is always a good reason to give fresh flowers
the best furniture mixes well with others
a good life should be colorful
beauty is in your own eye: follow it
furniture gets bored like people: move it around
buy the best you can afford

What great rules to live by when creating your own living space!

chicago fave: the painted lady

The Painted Lady is one of my first stops when I’m looking for a one-of-a-kind, vintage-modern piece for my home. The charming Chicago shop is overflowing with hand-painted furniture, bedding, art, lighting and tableware. The goods are all stacked and layered about – lending to a totally laid back and cozy shopping experience. And best yet? It’s affordable. So affordable you can’t help but do a double take when you see the price tag, and then you feel that bubbly bliss that makes you hop up and giggle like a school-girl because you've just realized the bargain you're getting.

Beth, the owner, is a busy bee scouring flea markets and antique shops in pursuit of the perfect pieces. From vintage dressers and crystal chandeliers to newly made dishes and linens, the eclectic collection is always changing. And the bedding? Oh my – it’s dreamy. Remember when I was drooling over this? Well, I about fainted when I spotted it laid out on an old iron bed, in all its ruffly goodness. I think I squealed. And as I type this, I still cannot believe I actually walked out without it. {Sigh.} I have to work harder than ever to convince hubby that we need it.

Don’t think I walked out empty handed, though. Oh no… impossible. I nabbed the perfect white iron café stool ($22!!). It has just the right amount of nicks, scratches and wobbles. Not sure where it’s going – maybe the upstairs bathroom? – but it was too sweet to pass up. And Kate scored a lovely lounge chair ($625!!) upholstered in a soft yellow and white floral for her new apartment. It is the perfect chair – marrying a soft feminine look with a modern design.

Leaving that shop yesterday, we were two very happy peeps…

The Painted Lady * 2128 N. Damen Ave. * 773.489.9145

chicago fave: scooter's

Do you know what today is? Today is a very special day. It's highlighted on my calendar. I've been counting down for months.

Today is the day that Scooter's Frozen Custard opens for the summer season, and that makes me a really happy girl. I've waited patiently since the doors closed in December, and now I'm ready for more of the frozen goodness that only Scooter's delivers. Since I was a kid, I have loved frozen custard. It's thicker, richer and creamier than ice cream and is melt-in-your-mouth (literally!) delicious. So today is like Christmas for me, but better because I don't have to do anything. No wrapping presents or running around like mad to get all my shopping done. Nope - I just have to walk a few blocks to the best frozen custard shop in Chicago where I'll join a line out the door of loyal customers eager to order their much-missed cones and sundaes and concretes {custard with yummy mix-ins}. You better believe that this won't be my last visit in '08!

And in case you're wondering, my favorite order is the Chocolate Fudge Nut Brownie Chip. It's every bit as delicious as it sounds. Hello heaven.

chicago fave: sweet mandy b's

Kate and I stopped in at Sweet Mandy B's yesterday to take a much-needed break from a day-long site measure. We needed a pick-me-up, and since we were nearby we couldn't resist visiting the sweet-as-can-be bake shop. Any time I get even remotely near the intersection of Racine & Webster, my mouth starts watering as visions of snickerdoodle cookies and frosted cupcakes dance in my head. It is impossible to drive by without a stop.

Awash in cheery yellow and robins-egg blue, Sweet Mandy B's is a happy, cozy bakery serving up old-fashioned treats. Patrons young and old peer into the glass counters picking out scrumptious goodies like whoopie pies, rich brownies, soft and chewy cookies, layer cakes and fresh fruit pies. I tend to stick with the chocolate and vanilla cupcakes topped with {the most amazing!} buttercream frosting and candy sprinkles. Sheer bliss in every bite and so worth cheating on the diet. In fact, this is why I run. I run to eat these cupcakes.

If you've never been to Sweet Mandy B's, I urge you to go now. Run. Run like the wind!

Sweet Mandy B's * 1208 W. Webster Ave. * 773.244.1174

(a dozen dreamy, creamy cupcakes on Valentine's Day)

chicago fave: bittersweet

(outside Bittersweet on a snowy December day)

(The bakery counter showcasing lip-smacking treats)

A few weeks back, my dear friend, Elly, and I met for coffee and a bite to eat at Bittersweet Pastry Shop in Lakeview. Actually, I'm not much of a coffee-drinker, so I sipped a mug of tasty herbal tea while Elly had her coffee. But I digress.

It had been a while since my last visit to the bakery and cafe, and upon stepping into the warm and cheery space, I was quickly reminded of how much I like being there. It's like being transported to a European patisserie with row upon row of tantalizing treats. Luscious tarts, rich chocolate brownies and perfectly-browned merengues line the bakery shelves, alongside oodles of bite-size cookies, crumbly fresh-fruit cobblers and airy French macarons. And did I mention the ice cream? Yep - you can even get that. {cue the mouth watering}

Besides the huge assortment of delightful sweets, the shop also offers fresh-baked breads, muffins, and croissants daily, and those who want something a little more filling will find a menu of homemade soups, quiches and sandwiches. The sunny cafe is the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon with a friend over coffee (or tea!) and pastries. Bittersweet pretty much has it all, and I'm game any time Elly wants to go back!

chicago fave: POSH

I've been a busy bee chipping away at my Christmas gift list, and my latest shopping trip included a stop at P.O.S.H. in River North. P.O.S.H. is one of my most favorite stores in the city - and one of the prettiest with its tables and shelves full of spectacular vintage and vintage-inspired finds. Most of the goods come from European hotels and flea markets, and every carefully-selected piece feels special - like it has a story. P.O.S.H. is approachable and friendly, and you never know what unusual treasures await you. I can spend hours scouring the dazzling assortment of silver, tableware, glassware, stationary, and ornaments, and I rarely leave the store empty-handed (this trip included!). I can't wait to give my gifts and hope they love them just as much as I do!