Chicago, & a Confession

Labor Day weekend was full of fun, and void of any type of work. It was wonderful! Daniel and I were pretend-locals for a few days in Chicago. We walked and took in the neighborhoods, and ate and drank at our friends' favourite restaurants. Many slices of deep dish pizza were consumed. I am not even ashamed! (I did double time at the gym this week to make up for it, worth it.)

One of my goals for the weekend was to find a pair of rainboots. And I did, just in time for the rain! Another goal was to work on my photography. Honestly, I was too absorbed by my surroundings to commit to having my Canon hugging my neck (especially during the rainstorms). And that brings me to my confession. I went through a spell a couple years ago, when I either lost my Nikon, or simply was too busy. I started putting aged filters on my photos, not only because I liked it, but because it was easy, and covered flaws. I admit it. Hundreds of people are guilty of the same thing. But I'm dedicated to being a better photographer (when I studied photography in high school and college, it was all film! Not admitting to my age but... well... that does put some years on me) and I'm going to refrain from using those filter on this blog. That's my goal.

Here are a few photos of plants and flowers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory that I thought were sweet and pretty. It's free, conveniently located, and I believe it's open year-round!

And here are some really gorgeous bows, adorning the statue of one of my most favourite writers! Does anyone know who this is?

Our Spring Picnic

We've been having oh so much fun having seasonal picnics.. that we've decided we absolutely must do this each month as a group! Danny and I certainly love our picnics together, but it seems that there is an overabundance of laughter and delicious food when we are coupled with dear friends.

This time, Rebekka packed up spiced salamis, artisan bread, two plates of figs, cheese, pickled goodness, and artichokes. Not only that, but she made us heavenly St. Germain cocktails and a magical strawberry soup with a special kick. You can find the recipe on her blog. The wind whipped around us at Shelby Park, but our conversation (and a little Four Roses!) kept us warm and spirited. An afternoon we did not want to ever end.

Also, you can now find these cute mason jars in my etsy shop, then have your own picnic with friends!

Simple Things Turn Magical

I know Valentine's has come and gone, but I wanted to share what my beau and I made for each other. It is so wonderful dating someone who also loves creating, building, and using his imagination. We had picked out some vintaged maps at the Flea Market recently, and he used this old Buffalo map (my hometown) to create a handsome piece of art by designing and carving a lino-block stencil for it. I just adore it! If you want a custom stencil, he makes plenty. Feel free to comment and he'll get in touch with you. Here he is, putzing away on his design machine (laptop).

I painted our silhouettes in gouache, which you know I've been practicing with. I plan to do more silhouettes! Do you want one? I think they make such an elegant, personal gift.

Kelly & Danny

This sweet couple was wed just a month ago. I had the honour of creating matching bride and groom accessories, along with the boutonnieres for the groomsmen and hair pretties for the bridesmaids. It was a fun project for a stylish, laid back (as in fairly stress free!) wedding. I was there day of to help things flow in the right order, and really enjoyed being a part of it on that level as well.

Philip Chad shot some lovely photos of the couple lounging in the park, enjoying their first las paletas as Mr. and Mrs. How cute!