Chicago!

Our family just took a recent trip to Chicago three weeks ago... and we had an amazing time. I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures and the places we went.

Our trip to Gino's East, Love the Graffiti on the walls... and some Deep Dish!

Jake Melnick's for beers! | Love this saying...Why go home? You're Here!

My adorable Niece Lily on the Architectural Boat Tour | Marina City

A view of the City close to Navy Pier... Wonderful!

Cubs Game vs. Giants | Us at Wrigley Field for the game

To Hopleaf after the game, to try out beers we can't get in Idaho

Steps at Art Institute of Chicago | Maharam Kvadrat Exhibit

Millennium Park Cloud Gate and The Crown Fountain

Ledge Glass Box at top of Sky Deck, Sears Tower | Chicago Dog

Tiffany Glass Tile Ceiling, Macy's at State Street

Torta via Frontera Fresco (Rick Bayless) | Chicago's Theatre District

Publican, Out and In (where we saw Thomas Keller dining!!)

Beers we tasted or brought home; Brooklyn Brewery: Brooklyn Brown / Local 1, Brouwerij Contreras Valeir Extra, Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bière, Dogfish Head: Punkin Ale /Sah'tea, 3 Floyds: Alpha King Pale Ale /Moloko Plus, Saison Du BUFF (Victory), Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, Goose Island: 312 Urban Wheat / Green Line / Honkers Ale / IPA / Demolition.

What Home Means to Me

Today my post is related to Pin it Forward, this event is hosted by sfgirlbybay. And its a great way be exposed to many different bloggers out there. The object this time was to use Pinterest a service which provides you an outlet to share, tag, like, and comment on photos that inspire you in different ways. There are many participants, so each day one blogger from 10 groups will write about a similar theme of Home. Today there is postings by passionista!, flora douville, apple blue, the other tiffany, victoria klein, the gift was ours to borrow, quilts a bit, window ledge arts, and poppytalk. I am so excited to be a part of this group of talented and inspiring people!!

A Place to store my treasures and to display all of the things that I love.

A Place to relax and be creative and dream about the future.

A Place to entertain family and friends and to create new ways of living.

Thanks to Victoria of sfgirlbybay, and Pinterest for this great idea. And also to the reading nest for passing this along. Feel free to check out my pinboard here for more inspiration and the locations of each photo. Please check out happy serendipity who will post on Monday.

The Perfect Table Setting

I don't know about you, but I love collecting plates, glasses, napkins, and tablecloths to create "the perfect table setting". It's so much fun to have company for dinner and to try out new combination's. Below are some great examples of some different looks.

House Beautiful, by Rebecca Moses (see this great video)


Photo by Laurey W. Glenn (Southern Living)


by camillestyles


Photographed by Karl Juengel

Bowls!

I love collecting serving bowls with fun patterns and shapes to use for parties. Here are some of my favorite ones.

1. Marker Lines Bowl 2. Granny's Spaniels Bowl 3. Kahla Elixyr White Serving Bowl 4. iittala Origo Orange Bowl 5. stainless steel snack bowl 6. compliments dinnerware 7. Aalto Dual-Colored Bowl 8. Geodesic Bowl

Way Cool Products | Recycled Lighting

I love the look of these recycled and vintage fixtures. They would be a great addition to a country style home or a cabin in the woods. Some of these fixtures could be easy to create yourself.

Wine Bottle Chandelier

Antique Spoon & Fork Pendant Lights

Antique Key Plate Pendant Light

Antique Spoon Chandelier with Teacups