Heart Day...

Some last minute ideas for Valentines Day, to give to others or splurge for yourself.

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Gifts for Him...

Here are some fantastic gift ideas for the dude's in your life.

1. To the West T-Shirt , by Design Bandits, 2. I Love Robots decal, by VerdigrisDye 3. Flavor Savor Mustache Clip 4. Beer Lovers Towel Set,by NestaHome 5. iPhone or iPod grey felt sleeve, by portel 6. STUD pillow, by alexandraferguson 7. Black LEGO Tile Cuff-links, by Cufflinks 8. Monsieur Mustache Pint

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.

Recycled @ Etsy

I work on a daily basis to better my environment and contribute to other peoples built environment by using green products. So I was excited to read a fantastic post on The Daily Green, which talked about sellers on Etsy.com who are producing recycled goods while trying to up-cycle these products as well. Below are some great sellers who are creating items to be uniquely one-of-a-kind. If you want to do more research on this idea, the Etsy Earth Team is a group that promotes these kinds of sellers.

Top: EyePopArt | Iron - a Mandala Record Bowl, jehnepenne | Shabby Reclaimed Wood Box, hilarycosgrove|Alphabet Pillow, ParadiseHillDesigns | TEALIGHT BENCH
Bottom: ErdeDesigns | Beautiful Poplar Planter, YAVAglass | Soda Bottle Glasses, vintagerenaissance | Suitcase Pet Bed

KeepCup

I've been on the look-out for an affordable but user-friendly re-use-able coffee cup. The newest product I discovered is the KeepCup, which comes in three sizes: small (8 oz.), medium (12 oz.) , and large (16 oz.)...and its price is less than $20. They have many colors to chose from which makes it a designer-friendly cup.



Check out their handy Environmental Footprint Calculator which could very easily convince you to invest.

Summer Drinks | Pimm's Cup

Ingredients and Recipe as follows
2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1 | 7UP, lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale | Slice of lemon and orange, a few slices of cucumber, and sliced strawberries |Small amount of mint

Pour the Pimm’s and 7up into a chilled glass or over ice. Squeeze the orange & lemon and drop it in the glass; stir gently and garnish with cucumber, strawberries, and mint.

Can be made ahead of time in a pitcher.