DIY Soaps

Add this to the list of totally awesome DIY projects that I'll probably never get around to doing. But just in case I get everything checked off the to do list and feel like getting my craft on, here's the tutorial via Ruffled.

Fine Doodles

Artist Summer Myers, owner of Fine Doodles, turns child drawings into hand painted artwork. Pure sweetness!

(Via Apartment Therapy)

Cameo Appearance

Lately I've been loving the look of over sized rings. During summer, my go to was an antique gold/pearl/crystal beetle (a $5.80 Forever21 find!) but I'm putting the little buggy to rest until spring. For chillier weather, I'm thinking this cameo ring would pair lovely with the textures of the season (layered dresses and sweaters, leather and wool). And $12 to boot!

mon petit chou

This little bag is making me miss my Mom. After 9 days of girl time it's back to the grind today and what do I stumble upon but this...She's called me 'mon petit chou' ever since I took French 12 years ago. It means my little cabbage and is a term of endearment in France. Isn't it just the sweetest?

Calling all Chicago Fashion Lovers!!

Please join the Chicago Fashion Foundation for our Annual Membership Event this Thursday, September 16th, at The Drake Hotel. Featuring keynote speaker Barbara Glass, you won't want to miss it! Gift bags will be available for the first 100 guests and one complimentary drink ticket provided. Members - Free, Non members - $15. Purchase your ticket here.
(Remember the Little Black Dress Party? This will be just as fun!)

The Chicago Fashion Foundation is a dynamic group of working professionals and students committed to supporting Fashion in Chicago. We are made up of an eclectic mix of women and men encompassing every aspect of the Fashion Industry. We host networking events, panels with speakers, and hold an annual scholarship competition for design students in Chicago. We are a not-for-profit organization that strives to promote educational programs for professionals and students.

Follow CFF on Twitter and check us out on Facebook.

Interested in becoming a member?  Contact me!

There's No Place Like Home

Hellooooooo out there....

Wanted to check in and let you know that I haven't disappeared forever, I'm just on a little vacation. I had every intention of posting while away but I got to the country and my mind shut down which is exactly what it needed so I didn't force it. It's been a ferocious few months and I've felt pretty drained. Coming home to Tennessee for Labor Day weekend and staying the rest of the week with my Mom has been the most relaxing experience I could imagine. Give me some girl time, fresh air, animals and greenery and I'm a happy girl. I've perused 500 magazines, barely touched my Crackberry and could care less about the crazy week that's ahead. For years I've tried to find a way to explain how I feel when I'm here (My husband feels it too!) but we've been at a loss for words. Coincidently, on the long road trip home I picked up a copy of Underwired, a fun little monthly publication in Louisville, KY, and came across an article that summed it up perfectly: 

"I feel more myself within these for wall than I do any other place on earth. This house has always remained a constant that connects me to me. In the business of my adult life I become ungrounded and sometimes frantic, but once my feet hit the tiled kitchen floor I am instantly me. 
This house holds some sort of magical power, and I have yet to discover its trick. The moment I step inside, I can feel the essence of the childhood me that played and grew up there. She reminds me that I am loved and that I am safe. I may grow and change, but the love my family has for me does not. That love remains ever-present here."

--Excerpt from"'Four Walls" by Tonilyn Hornung.

So there it is. The reason my mind stops wandering and starts relaxing. It won't be long before I'm back in the city, feeling productive and being busy so I'm going to rest my mind a few more days and regular posting will resume next week. Thanks for understanding :)

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of "Home" from our last trip in May.

Do you have a special 'safe' place where you can refresh and rejuvenate??

I hope you are wonderful! Looking forward to getting back to your lovely blogs when I return :)

Horsing Around

Don't know about you but Anthropologie's September catalog made me want to roam the wilderness with wild abandon....

See behind the scenes images and learn more about the horses here.