How's it gonna be?

Ever feel like you're drowning?

{Take a look at yourself. It's important to remember who you are. And who you want to be.}

Life's tough. I know. And we all make our own choices. But it doesn't always feel like it. Sometimes it feels like you make one choice and from then on you're at the mercy of someone else.

{I live here. It's beautiful. I need to remember that sometimes.}

Love is like that. You love. And then you're at the mercy of someone else.
You just have to hope that it's worth it.

{I love this place. In Chicago. I hope it's still there. There's just something hopeful about it. It means nothing and yet, everything.}

Hope. What an interesting concept.

{It is beautiful. Even if vertigo-inducing. Maybe the best things in life are those that make you feel just a little bit sick to your stomach. Maybe.}

 ...Naive?

City Livin'

I live in a studio loft. It's small but it's mine. And, having lived with a boy before, and likely my next move will be in with a boy again, I wanted to satisfy all my girly decor urges.

A mix of vintage, frilly and DIY, my place is slowing becoming what I want it to be. Here's a glimpse...

{Cabinets previously had those ugly off-white doors--and some, the lower, mainly--still do. This is much more fun. But requires much greater organization.}

{This awesome clock was a gift. I just need to (re)hang it. And in a way that it doesn't fall and scare me to death again...}

As you can see, there are a few things awaiting my attention...

• big clock and lamp to be hung
• a rug... I'm wanting to do this but haven't jumped into it, as of yet
• my bathroom...it needs paint. But what color?!
• The unfinished book page wall as seen here
• So many more little ideas as seen here, on my pinterest page.

It's unfinished, but it's home. And it's mine.

Sunburns and Bomb Pops

Hi there. It's Sunday once again. The weeks go by way too fast, no?

I promised a Fourth of July recap so here it is.

What's more American than America's Favorite Pastime? We had lovely suite seats and cold beer. Can't ask for much more.

Parker needed a "cool" treat on the 4th, too.

I had a domestic moment. And I must say, these chocolate-dipped strawberries were rather tasty.

All-American. Sunburns and Bomb Pops.

Veggie burgers on the grill.

I'm including a bit of Farmers' Market Treasures as well.

Have I mentioned how much I love living in the River Market? Oh, I have? Well, it's true. And here's a few reasons why...

I don't think anything smells better than fresh basil.

Italian loaf from the best little Italian grocery in the City Market. I was this.close to getting gelatto. I don't think I've missed Italy as much as I did walking around the little shop. Everything is so fresh and so good.

The fresh food was just begging to be turned into a caprese lunch. So good. Did I mention I missed Italy?

Beautiful, fresh cut flowers. And $6!

Go out and eat some local produce, drink some wine and enjoy what's so great about summer [hint: it's not the 100 degree afternoons].



And if you're really bored, stuck inside where it's air conditioned, check out my Pinterest page here It's where I post all the things I fall in love with on a daily basis. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.



PS- stay tuned for a house loft tour, coming soon!

Antiques and cowboy boots

Alas, the long weekend has drawn to a close and it's back to real life. I did have a fantastic weekend though; I am so happy I got to catch up with one of my very best friends, Emilie, whom I hadn't seen since her wedding in May. We did some vintage shopping to outfit the cute new house she and her husband just moved into.

While helping Emilie shop, I just so happened to find a few great pieces for myself...

Adorable milk glass vases (and only $5!)

A great medicine cabinet that was just what my bathroom needed (ie: more storage!)

What was once a milkglass ashtray has become a tray for my jewelry in the bathroom.

And the piece de resistance, the perfect pair of worn-in, vintage cowboy girl boots. Can you believe I grew up in Kansas and this is my first pair?!  And at $28, they couldn't be more perfect.

By the way, you can see all the cool stuff I love [and can't afford] here, on my pinterest page.

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend. More stuff about my Americana-filled Monday later.