Hand-Painted Onesies: Erin Lynn Designs

Recently I was the lucky winner of two hand-painted, custom-made onesies from Erin Lynn Designs.

Erin's business is new to Facebook; thus, she offered a giveaway drawing for 2 free stenciled baby bodysuits once she hit 100 "likes" and I was the randomly picked winner...woo hoo!

Here is what she created for our Claire Bear:

And this one was part of our Father's Day gift to my CPA husband, "Daddy's lil Tax Deduction":

I think they turned out great and are an unique addition to Claire's growing wardrobe. By the way, she also creates some beautiful baby blankets if you are in the market for a gift.

Last but not least, is some good news for you: Erin Lynn Designs is offering up another giveaway when she hits 200 "likes" so head over to her Facebook page and like it today for a chance to win!

A Stately Cutting Board

Check out one of my many favorite Christmas gifts this year...

Illinois Plyboo Cutting Board by AHeirloom on Etsy

I think it will make a cute serving board, and possibly also kitchen wall decor if I can find a little hook to attach to the back.

Choose your own state and place the heart over any city you choose. My heart is over Chicago, of course :-) I'd love to eventually also get a Missouri with a heart over St. Louis as well.

Mood Board Monday - Gender Neutral Nursery

This week, I thought I'd bring back Mood Board Monday!

It's really for selfish reasons, because I have been compiling images of everything we plan to include in our nursery and I wanted to see it all in one place before the room was actually put together.

We are planning a gender-neutral nursery since the sex of our baby will be a surprise. I knew I wanted light grey walls (Sherwin-Williams "March Wind"), white furniture and pops of bright, modern colors (read: no pastels) such as vibrant orange & aqua. The crib and dresser are purchased but it was the rug that we just bought which was the inspiration for the rest of the color palette.



Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Abacus, from cb2
2. Dream Menagerie Rug, from anthropologie
3. Jungle Friends-Bamboo Mobile, from petitcollage, etsy seller
4. gion organic bed linens, from cb24.
5.overlapping-squares daybed, from west elm
6. owl lantern in light blue, from urban outfitters
7. orange changing pad cover, from The Land of Nod
8. Hemnes 3 drawer chest, from Ikea
9. Monte Alto Rocker in charcoal, from Monte Designs
10. Cutie Bear Print, from Delicious Design League
11. Gulliver crib in white, from Ikea

Enjoy!

Mood Board Monday - 'Bamboo'zle

It's Mood Board Monday!

Today for the first time I'm not featuring a color combo, but a sustainable material instead...bamboo! Also, these are items that I recently featured in my first etsy treasury, if you want to check it out there. (Thanks to Sarah for introducing me to the world of etsy treasuries. They tie in perfectly with my mood boards!)




Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Modern Baby Clock - Owl, by decoylab, etsy seller
2. Large White Blossom Bamboo Earrings, from theharbingerco, etsy seller
3. handmade bamboo glasses frame, from TAKEMOTO, etsy seller
4. Recycled Skateboard Bamboo Cuff Links, by sevenply, etsy seller
5. laptop stand in bamboo wood, by bbTuna, etsy seller
6. Eco-Retro Desk Clock, by VectorCloud, etsy seller
7. Forest Friends-Bamboo Mobile, from petitcollage, etsy seller
8. Slice Necklaces, by designerica, etsy seller
9. Addison Bamboo Wall Clock, by pilotdesign, etsy seller

Enjoy!

Mood Board Monday - Yellow & Grey

It's Mood Board Monday!

Today it's all about yellow and grey. For the first time, every item I am featuring in my montage is from etsy, which means it is all either handmade or vintage, which I love.



Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. that moment in yellow . fine art print, by gretchenmist, etsy seller
2. Tiny Dove Grey Suitcase. Citrus Satin Lining., from pinguim, etsy seller
3. Vintage Mid Century Handy Hannah Blow Dryer w/stand, from bluebell, etsy seller
4. Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine- Bobby Pin Set, by EclecticOrchid, etsy seller
5. Vintage Fabric Applique Leaf Pillow, by RobinsEggBlue, etsy seller
6. Modern Dandelions print, Yellow and Grey, by fancyprints, etsy seller
7. Vintage Plastic Honey Syrup Dispenser Jar Pitcher, from katysjewels, etsy seller
8. Handmade Tomboy Billfold Wallet - Deco Martini Dot (I have the recripocal of this wallet and LOVE it), by BCharmer, etsy seller
9. flapper . hair clip, by themustardseedco, etsy seller

Enjoy!

Mood Board Monday - Pale Pink & Gold

It's Mood Board Monday!

I'm not usually a big pink person, but today I was feeling a little girly so I threw this together. I love the soft, feminine, vintage feel of this combo of pale pink and gold.



Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Elexia Flower Doorknobs, Pink, from Anthropologie
2. Gold Capiz Hanging Lamp, from ZGallerie
3. Helianthus Goblet, Amber, from Anthropologie
4. Wide-Eyed Dishtowel, Pink, from Anthropologie
5. Kenneth Jay Lane A Secret Affair Ring, Pink/Gold, from Zappos
6. Vintage Leaf Ceramic Dish - Pink, by moxiethrift, etsy seller
7. Squirnuts- 3 blank note cards, by wonting, etsy seller

Enjoy!

Mood Board Monday - Moss Green & Chocolate Brown

Welcome back to Mood Board Monday!

This combo might be so 2008, since it was in fact my wedding color combo (along with orange) way back then ;-) But I still love the combination of a mossy green and chocolate brown. It's so earthy, retro and modern all at once.

Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Moss Monogram from my wedding, photo by Jon Koch
2. Onesies with a green and brown striped necktie, by SuperSweetCreations, etsy seller
3. Tree at the Chicago Botanic Garden, photo by me, on flickr
4. Missouri, by Frank Chimero, on flickr (I own the Missouri and Illinois print and LOVE them).
5. Geometry 20" Pillow, from Crate & Barrel
6. Tetra Bowl, Scales, from Anthropologie
7. Green Lotus Fabric Note Cards, by Lockette, etsy seller
8. Eat Good Food print, by LuckyBluebirdArt, etsy seller

Enjoy!

Mood Board Monday - Midnight & Violet

It's Mood Board Monday!

For my second edition, I'm featuring a mood board I created withthe color combo midnight blue and violet.



Below are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Baby Leg Warmers Gray with Blue and Purple Argyle, by BarefootClips, etsy seller
2. Kimchi Blue Printed Empire Halter Tank in Purple, Urban Outfitters
3. Liberty of London Blue, Purple & Red Toddler Swimsuit, Target
4. Tissue Pom Kit shown in Boysenberry, Navy & Grey, by prosttothehost, etsy seller
5. Lucienne Bracelet - Navy blue silk rose with frosted purple beads, by EternalEden, etsy seller
6. Print Color Options Blue Jay & Eggplant (my fave is 'Keep Calm and Blog On'), by KeepCalmShop, etsy seller
7. Fountain in Midnight Wallpaper by Amy Butler (my inspiration for this whole board!), for Graham & Brown

While this color combo could be viewed as dark or become overwhelming, I love the way it's used above and actually find the berry tones to be romantic yet cheerful. Although unintentional at first, I also really like the accent color of grey that appears in many of these images.

Hope you feel inspired to consider this combo in your own little crevice of the creative world.

Mood Board Monday - Aqua & Orange

Today I'm going to try out an idea for a new weekly post, Mood Board Monday.

It really will just be me, putting together a montage of things that inspire me or that I'm digging at the time. For this first edition, I'm featuring a mood board of the color combo aqua and orange. I'm loving it these days for anything from stationary to fashion to home decor.

Here are the sources of my inspiration...

Top (from left to right):
1. Blue Colander, Martha Stewart Collection for Macy's
2. Chicago Ork Poster, Orange & Blue
3. Old Aqua Wheelbarrow by deardaisycottage, on flickr
4. Vintage Enamel Blue and Orange Daisy Brooch, by bunnygoods, etsy seller
5. Orange by D Sharon Pruitt, on flickr
6. Orange and Aqua by wiccked, on flickr
7. Oranges in Turquoise Bowl by hedgiecc, on flickr

8. i love illinois, by qadesign, etsy seller
9. Real Simple Logo
10. Be Yourself. Flower Hair Pins, by jennifermagnesi, etsy seller

So there you have it. Aqua & Orange...not just for the Miami Dolphins anymore.

Letterpress Necklace

This weekend, I ordered the sweetest, vintage Letterpress "S" Necklace from etsy seller 'GwenDelicious'...

Check out the rest of her Letter Press Necklace collection here, as well as her vintage Typewriter Key Necklace collection here. If she doesn't have your letter available, just convo her and she'll let you know when she has your letter in stock. (That's what she did for me!)

I think they make a great personalized gift with some lovely vintage charm.

Vintage Luggage Dog Bed Project

My parents have a set of mustard-yellow American Tourister luggage at home that I'm guessing is from the mid-1970's and was probably a wedding gift or purchased early in their marriage. Growing up I thought it was not-so-cute, and after a while it just sat in our storage room while we upgraded to various duffel and roller bags over the years. It looks just like this...

Fast forward 30 years or so, and I am so happy they've kept it around now that vintage luggage is back in vogue (as far as decor goes). Better yet, they said I am more than welcome to take it off their hands! As the saying goes, everything old is new again.

I still need to bring it back from Saint Louis next time I go visit, but that hasn't stopped me from planning exactly what I will do with it! My plan is to make a Vintage Luggage Dog Bed for my Louie-dog. He currently sits/sleeps on an ottoman near our floor to ceiling windows all day, but I think this will make a much cuter hangout.

Here are some of my inspirations pics from etsy seller 'vintagerenaissance' and her suitcase bed collection:

I also did a quick search on where I might be able to find my own mid-century modern legs to attach, and came across this great post on apartment therapy showing very affordable furniture legs from ace hardware.

12-inch legs $4.49 each

Then I would just need our drill and four of these angled leg plates for $2.79 each.

Since the legs are unfinished, I may paint them as well but I'll have to wait and see how it all comes together. Event though I may not be able to reveal this for a month or two since I don't have the suitcases in my possession yet, I still had to share my excitement about this potential new perch for my pup!

Vintage Metal Mug Stand

Ever since we added the espresso machine to our kitchen's coffee repertoire, I have been struggling with a way to store all of our supplies without crowding our counters and cabinets. I know every show on HGTV will tell you to only have one appliance on your countertop when you are staging your home, but we aren't staging our home...we are living in it and we need things to be accessible!

Thus, I was on the hunt for a cute way to display our new stack of espresso cups and found a clever $6 solution on etsy. This Vintage Metal Mug Stand from etsy seller 'lollipopwater'. Isn't it cute?

I just love the versatility of this treasure from decades past. Also called a "mug tree", I had to stop myself from buying multiple of these stands to use all around the house as jewelry trees, holiday ornament hangers, centerpieces, etc. Maybe one day when I open up my dream boutique they'll be my signature display pieces.

Until then, it will have to make do in my kitchen's coffee corner.

My Vintage Typewriter Is Here

I posted a few weeks ago about my hunt for a vintage typewriter and I'm excited to share that option #3 from etsy seller "iamanie" fit all of my criteria and it arrived yesterday! Overall it's in great shape and looks really nice. I'm in love with the stylish case; it looks like a bowling ball case to me.

I opened it up and found that the seller included a cute little thank you note resting in the keys, with a birdie on it none-the-less. It's like she knows me!

The typewriter itself is a Remington Premier. I have no idea what year it was made or anything, so I guess I should research that a bit further, but I love the look.

I tried it out and the space bar sticks pretty badly, but if it becomes a problem I bet I can get it repaired. All of the other keys and functions seem to be in fine working order.

Plus, I won't be using it to type the next great American novel. In fact, at first I think I'll put it to use making some handmade greeting cards. More to come on that!

a vintage typewriter

I'm officially on the hunt for a vintage manual typewriter that is still in working condition. I am not a highly knowledgeable collector, so the age and brand are not that important to me. I do however have three criteria.

1) It should work and I should still be able to purchase ribbon for it so that I can actually use it.

2) It should look nice on display or come with a fun case to look decorative when not in use.

3) It should be affordable, preferably around $100 or less.

So, of course I check out etsy and find some serious contenders...

This one from etsy seller 'vintagejane' is exactly the color and and look I was hoping for at a rather affordable price, $49.00 + $20 for shipping.

I like it, but it does not come with ribbon so I'd have to search for a supplier for that. Also, after a quick 'google' I think this is technically a child's typewriter but it looks to be only an inch or so smaller than some other models I'm eyeing so it still seems to be a great option.

The next one in my price range is from etsy seller 'kewpiesfarmhouse', $63.00 +$23.71 for shipping.

Royal is a good brand, but it's just an okay color & style. However...

...this case makes up for that! I love the vintage luggage feel of it.

This typewriter from etsy seller 'iamanie' also peaks my interest, at $90 and seemingly $0 for shipping! (I'll have to check with the seller on that). I love the color, style...

and the great, albeit damaged, carrying bag!

I think those are my best choices from etsy that fall within my requirements. I could always go the local antique store route as well to save money on shipping and actual touch & feel the typewriter before I buy, but that takes serious scavenger time that I'm not sure if I am willing to invest. What do you think?

And lastly, I'll leave you with these great pillowcases from etsy seller 'bpoetic' that tie in nicely with the theme of my post and would look great on our bed.

I know they are handscreened, but can I bring myself to spend $40 on two white pillow cases? I'm not sure yet.

These are a few of my new favorite things...

This Christmas Dave gave me two of my new favorite things...

First, is this great vintage Mele jewelry box from etsy seller happydayvintage:

I just love the pretty pumpkin velvet lining and the character it has; also I do feel pretty lucky to have a husband "man enough" to have an etsy account ;-)

My next surprise was something I've been coveting since our trip to Italy in September... an espresso machine!

Dave found a great deal on my/our new Krups Espresso Machine on Amazon so I was the lucky recipient of it under the tree this season. At first I was intimidated by the thought of being my own barista, but it is incredibly user friendly and shoots out two perfect little cups of espresso in a matter of seconds. Now that we've mastered that feat, Dave has been reading up on how to properly steam & froth our milk and we had our first few test lattes today; I have to say they might even give Starbucks a run for their money in a blind taste test!

Hope your holidays also brought you a few of your favorite things :-)

Which Ork Poster Should I Pick?

I just posted about my love for Chicago neighborhoods here (#5) and I have come to find that much of the art/wall decor in my home revolves in way or another around geography of some sort. (Unless you are talking about my bird room.)

I already have this piece from Dolan Geiman in our bedroom:

And I have two canvases in our main hallway, from Etsy Seller "geministudio", the Chicago Streets Canvas Art (where I live) and then I had him custom make me a matching St. Louis piece (where I am from) that he now sells in his shop.

But know I think I want a more colorful piece to put in our main living area and I came across Ork who makes some very cool City Neighborhood posters. I especially like a few of the Chicago prints.

Right now I am trying to decided between this printed poster in teal:

Or one of these two screen printed pieces in yellow/blue or orange/blue:

(You know I have a new found love of screen-printing.)

I think they would all look nice with a white frame. So which of those three would you choose?