jack spade tote

Well since my birthday is coming up, okay in like +/- 45 days (April 15) I figured I would start giving people some hints (ahem Colt) for gifts. ;-) I have had my eye on a tote for sometime now and I think either one of these would fit the bill... and they are on sale too! Buy them here. I think it would be perfect for me to have a decent tote to go back and fourth from the grocery store and The Farmers Markets on Division and Lincoln Park. Yay for springtime! Now I just need to work on attaining a bicycle too!

weekender

I really love this little weekender from Urban. Buy it here $54.

sliding house

Thank you to my architect friend John H for sending me this! Fantastic!

package me pretty

Are you in need of some graphic inspiration? If so, head over to this amazing packaging/graphics/branding blog, The Dieline. Here are a few examples of the package designs they have posted.

graham foundation

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts is one of Chicago's hidden gems. It just so happens to be in my neighborhood and just 3 blocks away on the corner of State and Burton streets. When I first moved here I would walk by this prairie style mansion designed by Albert F. Madlener (Daniel Burnham's protege) and peek through the windows with the utmost curiosity. It wasn't until my dear friend Lauren came to visit that we ventured in. It was to our surprise how AMAZING and BREATHTAKING this place was! The current exhibition/installation on display until June is by London based architectural engineer, Cecil Balmond. He has collaborated on some of the world's most innovative and iconic buildings (i.e. REM Koolhaus CCTV buidling, Beijing) and some of the most prominent architects. This mansion is beautifully detailed! The windows/glazing, fireplace surrounds, ceilings, and reveals are of superb quality and craftsmanship. I have been there about 4 more times just to hang out as there is rarely anyone ever there and it is home to an expansive library filled with architecture/interior reference books. The long community table in the library is inviting enough to stay the whole day and take in all of the amazing literature and information. I recommend this place to anyone that plans on visiting Chicago or lives here. It is free everyday that it's open. Pictures below are from my visit with Lauren.

More info: The Graham Foundation

Exterior shot of mansion via:

phillipp shaerer

via: photographer Phillipp Schaerer

portland.2

A few of the photographs I took from my October visit to Portland. I love that city! It is absolutely beautiful there!