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!

hippity hoppin'

I know this is going to make me sound like I'm about 8 years old, but I cannot wait for Easter this year. The reason? Candy!! I gave it up for Lent - all of it, the chocolatey and the sugary, the hard candies and the gummies. I even bid adieu to chocolate chips, which I know aren't candy, but are so often my go-to when I need a quick fix that I just knew that if I didn't get rid of them too, I'd not really be making much of a sacrifice. So anyway, my last forty days have been spent missing all those delicious m&m's, skittles and swedish fish... and my peanut butter has been very lonely without its chocolate chips. But miss them no more! In 3 short days I can gobble all those craveable goodies and then some.

We won't be heading up to my parent's house until next weekend, when we celebrate a whole slew of fun things: dad's bday, his retirement and Easter. And I am keeping my fingers crossed that my mom brings home one or two of these:

Growing up, these decadent Chocolate Fudge Eggs were an Easter staple. The Easter Bunny always brought just one for the family to share, and I can still picture my mom at the cutting board with the dreamy fudgy egg, dividing it up for the four of us. The chewy, buttery fudge center is rich and thick, and covered in a shell of delicious milk chocolate. Drool. My sister and I would always fight over the sugar flower... ah, the memories!

There is nothing like these Seroogy's fudge eggs, and I bet they'll be doubly good this year because of my candy fast. I'd better call my mom to make sure she remembers to get one for us. I call the flower!

how's the weather?

Some nights I can barely keep my eyes open past 9:00. And lately, it's been more like most nights. I don't know if it's the gloomy weather or because of Daylight Savings Time or what, but I'm just so sleepy!

The problem with snoozing this early, though, is that I miss the 10:00 news and its all-important weather forecast. Spring in Chicago means wacky weather, and unless you want to be the only one standing on the El platform in a skirt and sandals while everyone else bustles by in parkas and hats, it's best to never miss the weather forecast this time of year.

I wouldn't have to worry about sleeping through it if I knew I could wake up and check my own nifty Enamel Thermometer from Basic French. These indoor/outdoor thermometers have just the right amount of retro flair, and the colors are bright and lively. I am loving the lime, and even though I know it can't tell me whether the weather will rain or shine, it shows me the temp and sure looks good doing it!

recipe to try: strawberry bread

I haven't met a dessert bread that I didn't like. Banana, pumpkin, zucchini... you name it. I like it. And I bake them often. They're easy. I almost always have all the ingredients on hand. And they're a hit with whoever I share them with.

So, when I spotted this recipe for Strawberry Bread in a back issue of Everyday Food, I just knew I had to try it out. I never thought to use strawberries in bread before, but this recipe proves that the combination is friggin' delicious. Soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon and sweet strawberry chunks that melt in your mouth. Perfect with a tall glass of milk.

I made a loaf last week, and we scarfed it down in like two days or something ridiculous, so then I made it again for work, and my co's gobbled it right up. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

(flour mixture? check. strawberries? check. sugar, butter & eggs? check check check.)

So, go ahead and give yourself a little treat this weekend. Make this bread, and enjoy every last crumb.

Strawberry Bread

Serves 8

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 pint strawberries, rinsed, hulled, quartered, and mashed with a fork
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs (I used beaters equivalent)
1/3 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan.
In a small saucepan, bring strawberries to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, and eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture alternately with 1/3 cup water, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in reserved strawberries.

Scrape batter into prepared pan, smoothing top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour (tent with foil after 45 minutes if top is getting too dark). Cool in pan 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges; invert onto a rack. Reinvert; cool completely.

Note: I wish I remembered to take a photo of a finished loaf, but it was already halfway gone before I remembered. Oops!

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

time flies

ugh! No time to post right now, but I'll try to get to it tonight!

scream for ice cream

Summer will be back in just a few months, and that means it's ice cream time! I definitely find myself craving it a little bit more as the days start to get longer and the temps slowly climb up the scale. Usually by summer's end I've had more than my share of ice cream, but really, does anything beat a cool, delicious cone on a hot day? How am I to resist?

Lucky for us, we got an ice cream maker for Christmas this year (thank you, Keri!) and can't wait to try out some recipes for the homemade goodness! We attempted a vanilla with peppermint chip concoction, but it just didn't turn out and ended up more like frozen milk. Still tasted good, though it wasn't exactly the right texture.

Sounds like I've got myself a challenge! By summer's end, I'm hoping to have perfected the art of ice cream making, and I'm sure I can get plenty of practice with these on my bookshelf.

(The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz, The Ultimate Ice Cream Book by Bruce Weinstein, A Passion for Ice Cream by Emily Luchetti.)

new {cm} feature

I've added a new feature to Contented Me. See it? It's right over there under About Me.

I'm calling it "Little Joys," and each day I'll be adding a new something that made me smile, cheered me up or reminded me that this life is good. These somethings may be big or they may be small, but most importantly, they're appreciated.

I thought it would be nice to share these tidbits with you and hope that it'll encourage you to look for and be glad about the little joys in your lives.

Have a super weekend!

family room decorating

These georgeous, cable knit pillows from Rian Rae - in wonderful earthy tones {check out that navy!} - are modern and fabulous. And I love that they're big at 20x20" or 26x26". The textures make these pillows look so inviting and cozy. They'd look pretty perfect in our family room on the sofa with my antique Ikat pillows.

This set of five white vases from Rosanna would look dreamy in our built-in bookcases. I can just picture the lovely contrast of these sleek pure white vases set in with our colorful, ever-growing book collection. Each vase's shape is unique with graceful curves and modern lines.


These charming Tree of Us coasters by Modern Twist have a simple, fresh design that brings the outdoors in. The nontoxic silicone coasters can be personalized with a pen, too! {Though, I doubt very much that I'd doodle on them because those little trees are just perfect.} They'd be just right on our coffee table, and I'd love to reach for one of these the next time I sit down with a drink!

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.

and puppy makes 3!

Wade is flabbergasted over the fact that I have been steadily posting for the past few months and have said nary a word about our new puppy. So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce you to LuluBear WhitePaw. Also known as Lulu.
We adopted Lulu back in January, and since then lots of people have asked us "what is she?" and the answer is "not a clue!" All we know is that her mom was a golden retriever mix. But mixed with what? Newfie? Chow? I think she looks like a bearcub. Could we possibly have a puppy/black bear mix? Sometimes, I'd be sure that she's actually part devil. Those are the moments when she's got her teeth clamped down on my ankle because I had the nerve to walk past her across the room. Or when she tore Wade's new pants. Or the time when she destroyed a roll of toilet paper in about 2 seconds, leaving little white "feathers" floating around the bathroom in her wake. {that one was actually pretty funny}

The thing is, though, that even when we'd always enjoyed our cozy little home - just the two of us - now that we have Lulu, I can't imagine not having her. That little pup has left such a mark on me, that I just melt when I see her. We're having a great time and laughing more than ever. And our quiet, cuddle times are what I treasure most. It's the three of us now, and what a happy family we are!

growing up

I went weak in the knees when I spotted this adorable Miss Natalie Growth Chart over at Poppytalk today, so I couldn't resist posting about it too. The more, the merrier, right?

This is the perfect gift for new and expecting mothers. It's unique, it's modern, it's portable. And what's best is that it becomes a keepsake to hold on to and enjoy in the years to come. That's something I think we can all appreciate!

dad's big day

My dad turns 60 today. 60!! Now that's a milestone worth celebrating! And even though he doesn't read my blog {he's not exactly Mr. Technology}, I wanted to send out a big Happy Birthday to the blogosophere in his honor. Here's to many, many more!

Sadly, I won't be there to celebrate with him, but if I was, I'd most definitely make him this. German Chocolate Cake is a favorite around our house, and this Inside Out Cake looks amazing. Cue the mouth-watering.

Wow. I think I gained a pound just looking at it.



{is it bad if i choose to make it anyway?}

hello yellow

Thank goodness it's March. Each new day is bringing us closer to spring, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say, "we're ready!" While it's still gray and gloomy outside, I wanted to share some inspiration shots featuring the color yellow. Yellow is sunshine. It is cheer. It exudes brilliance and warmth. Here's to a bright, sunshine-filled spring right around the corner!

(From top: Chest of Drawers; Baby Playing with Paint by Peter Klashorst; Marie Claire Maison Yellow Walls; Living Etc. Yellow Kitchen)

love and friendship captured

Isn't it funny how the internet can lead you to so many different places and people and things that you otherwise never would have heard of? Thank goodness for that or I'd feel like I'm missing out on so much! And I never would have gotten to "know" all the amazing bloggers out there with daily posts that not only entertain and inspire but also offer practical advice and "been there/done that" stories to assure me that I'm not the only one...

So today I was reading my dailies, and it was after I stopped by CookieMag, that I followed a link over to Plover to check out their amazing collection of organic bedding {which I will definitely post about soon!} Then I followed a link to Annie Beedy Photography, and this is where I stopped to check out her stunning portfolio and catch my breath from all that internet surfing.

Annie has captured the spirit of love and companionship in her photographs. The warm embrace between grandmother and granddaughter, a mother and her daughters giggling on what I imagine to be a warm summer afternoon, a pair of wrinkled hands on a woman who I think surely must have many stories to tell. These are the photos that show life in its most simple moments. Photos that remind me of what's important.

The photos above are a few of my favorites from Annie. I hope you like them as much as I do.

all that glitters

I came across the delightful antique jewelry collection at Erie Basin, via Oh Joy! today. W-O-W. One look at those dazzling vintage pieces, and I can't help but behave like Veruca Salt at that chocolate factory. I want it NOW, Daddy! I'll be sure to check back often to see what other rare finds are added to the shop, but in the meantime, I'll be dreaming of these.

Gypsy Set Diamond Ring
Mary Preston French Jet Buttons
Crescent Horn Hair Comb
Garnet Mourning Brooch

spring fever

I am in the mood for a shopping spree and can say with certainty that I could easily fill my closet with all the pieces from the Built By Wendy Spring Collection. Here are a few of my favorites (plus a couple from the Fall '07 line)...

(Clockwise from top left: Two Tone Dress, Sailor Layered Top, Chambray Day Dress, Chambray Camp Shirt, Monogram Tote Dress, Provence Lattice Dress, Provence Bustier, New Wave Top)

perfect afternoon

All I need is a good book, a warm cup of tea, and a cozy throw. I could curl up here all afternoon.

black + white

With the help of Nigella and Bliss, I'm imagining a pretty kitchen in black and white. The colors create a bold contrast yet the forms are simple, soft and with an organic feel. The line of tableware is modern and thoughtfully designed and will surely catch your attention.

Cappuccino Cup & Saucer; Mixing Bowls; Salad & Vegetable Dishes

mantra

I keep a quote torn from a magazine taped up at my desk. It's from some ad - I don't remember what. Triscuits maybe. Or Yoplait. Anyway, the quote reads:

I love everything this simple statement stands for. And even after reading it probably hundreds of times now, I still pause each time and think about how I can apply it to my own experiences.

So that's why I wanted to share it with you. I'm hoping you can find as much inspiration in it as I have.

And also, have a nice weekend!

this thing about poufs

I love the term and I love the many interpretations on this basic design. The "pouf" is a perfect addition to any family room because it's cozy and kid-friendly. As a piece of furniture, it's versatile and can transform from a footstool to an extra seat in a snap. And it's great to lean against if you want to sit on the floor to play games or watch TV. Here are a few poufs that I am swooning over.

(counterclockwise from top: Bovist Pouf designed by Hella Jongerius at RetroModern.com; Flocks Pouf from Design Within Reach; and Leather Poufs from Tazi Designs.)

And of course, I am still loving the Gum Drop Pillows by Amy Butler that I posted about here.

etsy wishlist

Here are a few Etsy goodies that I am totally coveting today...

The Green Garden Bowl by lgbrinkley is a delightful little catch-all for jewelry or keys.
Take a stroll through Paris with this lovely Bit of Paris print from ArtQuirk.

The I Carry Your Heart set of greeting cards by Project 8256 is the perfect way to say how much you care.

The Hardanger Table Runner from Norwegian Needle has a chic,vintage look with out looking too "granny".

The Vintage Flower Brooch from Vintage Treasures 4 You has an old-world look to complement any outfit.

for the ladies in your life

Sorry about the missed post yesterday... I was trying really hard to write a new post every week day with a few weekenders peppered in this month, but yesterday was just too crazy to get in front of the computer without any interruptions. What a lousy Monday! And after looking at my calendar, I don't think the rest of the week is going to be much better. {insert sad sigh.}

Thanks for listening... I'll stop whining now ;)

Anyway, I was delighted when I read Ez's Creature Comforts post yesterday about the lovely, inspirational book She from Compendium Inc. "She discovered her real measurements had nothing to do with numbers or statistics." Isn't that such a beautiful, thought-provoking statement? The book promises to be full of them.

Mother's Day is just a few months away, and I think this would be a spectacular gift to share with all of our mothers, who have no doubt taught us many of the same ideas over the years. It's the perfect way to say thank you. There are also cards from the same line that are worth checking out.

cold as ever...

... but I do think there is a light at the end of this cold, dark tunnel we call winter. I awoke today to a sound that I haven't heard in months. A sound that is so insignificant any other time of year, but on a cold February morning brings with it so much hope. It was the sound of a bird chirping in the tree outside our window, and when I heard the blissful twitter, I couldn't help but smile. It was enough to make me giddy for the rest of the day. This simple thing, this bird singing its song means so much to me because it reminds me that it won't always be winter. It won't always be cold, and I won't always have to bundle up like Randy from "A Christmas Story" to trudge through the snow. This bird means spring. It will come again. Some day.

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)

xoxo

Sending you all kisses and hugs, hugs and kisses.

Happy Valentine's Day!

(Martha Stewart Cupcake Goodies)

doilie bowls

When Sweet Paul posted this charming photo back in November, I was instantly smitten with it. The delicate {homemade!} doilie bowls are just so lovely and unusual. And that single chrysanthemum bloom is pure beauty. I just had to print it out and now keep it at my desk, where I find myself sneaking peeks at it throughout the day. And how about those fabulous bowls?! Another great example of finding a new use for old things. Well done, Paul! I sure hope to find these in an Etsy store soon!

march of the elephants and giraffes

These adorable stuffed elephants and giraffes from Wren Handmade have marched straight to my heart. Laura Normandin makes each of these charming little beasties by hand using fabulous printed fabrics in clever color and pattern combinations. The result? Must-have stuffed animals for any child's toy collection.

easy living

I wish I was walking into this living room upon opening my front door tonight.

So peaceful. So serene. The time-worn wide-plank floor invites you to take your shoes off and stay a while, and that bright red lamp across the room shouts hello! A comfy sofa flanked by simple, wooden tables and a chair beckons you to come in and take a load off. Napping is encouraged!

I could be very comfortable here.

soda crate catch-all

This would be the perfect bin for Lulu's ever-growing collection of puppy toys! The vintage wood soda crate from Three Potato Four is softly worn with faded lettering and a few dents and dings. It's fun to imagine the places it's traveled and the many hands it's passed between. I'm sure it would still look great even if Lulu decided to do some decorating of her own and added some teeth marks to it! {The pooch is chewing on EVERYTHING... I cannot wait for her to be done teething!}

I love using vintage objects as accessories in my home. Pieces that in their time were meant to be used as purely functional take on a whole new identity when used in fresh, unexpected ways. I think this old soda crate cum puppy toy holder would be a lovely addition to ours and have just the place for it!

yummy goodness on a stick

I dare you to come up with a dessert cuter than these precious Lollipop Cakes. Not only are they adorable, but they look delicious! I have to try these and think I can use my tried-and-true recipe for chocolate balls as the base for the cake. Not sure how to go about shaping the cupcake, but I guess it'll just take practice - and patience! My mouth is watering... Kudos to Bakerella for having the imagination to come up with such a delightful treat!

love is in the air

{Super corny title, I know, but I just couldn't resist!}

Valentine's Day is a week away, and since I just got back from picking up the supplies for my homemade Valentine's from Paper Source (a project I must start tonight if they're going to get delivered on time!), I figured it would be a good day to feature some of the adorable V-Day gift goodies out there. Enjoy!

Clockwide from top left:
Connected Couple pillow from Uncommon Goods.
Love Vase from Uncommon Goods.
Watch with Silk Straps from Pedlars.
Forget Me Knot Ring from Delight.com.
Made with Love onesie set from Uncommon Goods.
Olive Me soap set from Violet.
A-Z of Romance Destinations from Violet.
French Flower Vase from The Macbeth Collection.
Be My Love Bug tower of chocolates from John & Kira.

london calling

I {heart} this rolling pin for sale online at Kathleen Hills. The bone china rolling pin has raised lettering stating "Made in England" that prints right onto your dough. How clever! And what a perfect gift for the baker in your life! I only wish there was a Made in America version - that I could buy right here in America because the conversion rate is awful right now.

kathleen hills

Here are a few items from Kathleen Hills that I am loving today. Something about the crisp white china with bits of vintage-inspired patterns really strikes a chord with me, and the unique designs are to die for. What a great resource for extraordinary tableware and lighting.

(from top: Creamer & Sugar set; Disc Lights; Milk ii Jugs; Star Light)

sheila bridges - design(er) inspiration

I've gotten a little behind on my blog reading, and was so relieved this morning when I could finally catch up on the latest posts from a few of my favorite bloggers. {I hate it when I get behind!} When I popped in at Design*Sponge I was thrilled to read an interview by Pam who is guest-blogging this week. Pam talked with Sheila Bridges, who just happens to be one of my favorite interior designers. I have been a long time fan of Sheila's ever since I first saw her on Oprah when she talked about her book Furnishing Forward - A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime. I turn to it again and again for design inspiration, and my copy has been paged through so many times over the years that it's full of dogears and bookmarks. I found her decorating advice on transitioning from hand-me-downs to furniture that's meant to last and reflect who we are especially indespensible. That's probably because I was at exactly that point in my life when I first picked up her book. I was a recent college grad, moving into a new apartment and just starting design school. I knew that I didn't want an apartment full of second-hand furniture, but also didn't have the money to go out and buy all new stuff either. Sheila taught the importance of incorporating the old with the new and thinking through purchases so they're things we'll actually still want to see in our homes years from now. It was without a doubt great advice for me - and still is!

Check out Pam's interview here!

Also exciting news is that Sheila has a new blog, The Nestmaker, which I will most definitely check out for loads of decorating tips!

elephants

How adorable is this Elephants print from Ink & Wit? The limited edition letterpress print - included in their 2008 calendar - would be just perfect in a child's bedroom. The colors are refreshing , and I love how the pair of elephants seem to be meandering along a path. The design is super sweet, yet hip at the same time. It's perfect for the baby's room that doesn't want to be too frilly or over-the-top cutesy.

tgif

What a long week it was! I am really {really!} looking forward to the weekend. It's going to be a snowy one, so I'm going to pretend just for a minute that I'm here. Ah... smell that salty sea air.

(photo from BeachDwelling.com)

ruffly goodness

I'm not sure why I've been so drawn to ruffles lately, but for some reason every time I see them I swoon. You can imagine my glee when I spotted this dreamy Ruffle Bedding Set over at Beach Dwelling.com. I think I actually squealed when I saw it. I love how the delicate layers of cotton cascade gently over the edge of the bed. So calming. So feminine. I want it! Now I just have to convince Wade that we "need" new bedding. Hmmm.... this isn't going to be easy.