bathroom sparkle

Among all Sunday chores, cleaning the bathroom is by far my least favorite. Thanks to Martha Stewart, I have discovered the ultimate (green) cleaning formula for keeping my shower clean. To mix up this simple recipe, combine 1 part baking soda, 1 part dish soap (I love Mrs. Meyer) and 1 part water. Mix into a creamy white paste and apply to shower, tub and tile with a wet dish cloth. You will be amazed by how easily the soap scum and gross tub gunk just wipes away (no elbow grease needed). Just make sure to wash down all of the surfaces after you are finished or the baking soda will leave behind a white powdery residue. I dare you to try this for yourself!

And to keep your shower clean between cleanings, we spray down the walls daily (after showering) with pure white vinegar (kept in a spray bottle in our shower).

the making of an Angel

Next weekend, I will be modeling a dress I designed for the Venetian Carnival themed fashion show at the For the Love of Chocolate Gala. The design and fabrication of this dress has pretty much consumed my being over the last two months. But what else is one to do in the dead of Chicago winter? I've always been a believer that if you are going to do something, you should give it your all. This included a photo shoot at Intelligentsia Coffee Roasting Works and the design and creation of this website.

photos by Timothy Breen (Intelligentsia). Hair/Makeup by Alyson Lyon (www.alysonheartsfaces.com)

national margarita day

Did you know that National Margarita Day is February 22nd? Grab some friends and boost your winter mood by providing your body with a healthy dose of vitamin C. We got off to an early start by hosting a taco party last weekend and kicked off this weekend with margarita night on Friday. I recommend 1 part fresh squeezed juice (1/2 lime 1/2 orange), 1 part tequila (ours was infused with jalapeno overnight) and 1 part triple sec. The leftover juice was frozen in ice cube trays and the same mixture was added to the blender for a frothy Friday night treat.

a week of dinners

This week, Chicago reminded us it is still very much winter outside. The cold temps make me want to burrow down and spend my time in doors. It also makes me crave hearty, home cooked meals. Here's some photos from the week and a preview from tonight's taco party.

vegetarian lentil soup

 grilled cheese with arugula pesto

 lentil soup and grilled cheese

 homemade falafel and pita bread

 taco party

 fresh squeezed lime marinade with roasted garlic and peppers (see below)

bridal shower

It's February but the sun is shining and is a reminder that spring is right around the corner. Here are a few photos from a bridal shower I hosted last May.

winter mantel

before & after

In December, we added instant drama to our living room with the addition of new charcoal velvet drapes.

 BEFORE

 AFTER

AFTER

before & after

Last January, after five long weeks of renovating and overcoming an unexpected flood, we moved back home to a newly renovated (and glamorous) bathroom. Living in a one bathroom condo required us to temporarily stay with family. After a pipe was damaged during construction, our two week long project inflated into a five week construction schedule putting a damper on our holidays. A year later, we have officially recovered from the trauma and are thrilled with the finished bathroom. 

 BEFORE

 DURING

 AFTER

 AFTER

 AFTER

 AFTER

sew happy

This Valentine's Day, I am sending homemade cards to the people that mean the most to me. To make these simple cards, I printed the graphic on a piece of heavy weight, iridescent white cardstock. The cards were cut out and folded using a bone folder. I pre-poked holes using an x-acto knife to form the heart shape. Using an upholstery needle and hot pink yarn, I hand sewed each card. Happy Valentine's Day  XOXO