Field of Dreams

Our house is set on the corner of the block with a pretty sizable front and side yard, but not a traditional backyard.  We need to carve out some outdoor living space for the 3 months of the year that it doesn't snow here.  This is a picture I took when we were trying to sell our swingset.  The view is from the property line facing the back of our house.

Dave gave the swingset to a teacher at his school and we're left with a pile of mulch.  Just outside the frame on the right side of this picture is our garage, which gives us one wall in place.  Now we have to come up with a plan to enclose this backyard nook. These pictures have been in my "dream" files for awhile.  I heart them because they feel like a living room that happens to be outside.

When I snap back to reality, I realize that we do not live in South Beach or Saint Tropez or anything resembling a tropic.  We live in a lovely little town with rules and government and building codes.  We're not allowed to build a fence or pour concrete within ten feet of our property line.  Hmmmm.  So that leaves these;

I kind of dig them.  They'd be cheaper and easier to maintain.  Something else I didn't know before being a homeowner is that the "pretty" side of the fence has to face the neighbors.  I'm down with that.  It seems courteous.  These firewood boxes look the same on both sides, which means less work for us;

We'll need to plant some greenery so it's not so hardcore woodsman.  I found out today that these beauties, called Pokewood, are native to Illinois.

 Shocking, yes?  I would also hang these DIY pendant lights because they're rustic and adorable;

I love dreaming up these grandiose plans just as it's too cold to actually do something.  Next year.

The Google 15 is Not a Joke

 

I don't think they gave enough pub to the snack bins on each floor. We're talking peanut M&M's, chocolate covered pretzels, nuts, jelly belly's, doritos, popcorn....I could go on and on. It's super great of them to feed us for free, but 4 o'clock becomes the willpower hour. In case you're wondering, I just had a grilled cheese and tomato with a cup of seafood chowder for lunch. In approximately 2 hours, I'll get some pretzels and mustard and a DC. The Google 15 is not a joke.

ScarletBeautiful2

So I ordered a few prints from this great Etsy store, ScarletBeautiful2. We had problems getting the correct mailing address and she ended up sending me two sets of the five 5x5 photographs I ordered. I just received both packages and they're so vibrant and pretty...and original. She said the extra set was mine, so I'm giving them to anyone that's interested. If you want one or all five, let me know. Three of the images are below and the two additional images (not listed on her site) are in the red/pink color family.




I had a hard time hunting down 5x5 frames, but I just found solid, black matted frames for $5/each at Sears. Check out her shop and let me know if you'd like any of the extra prints!

She also has some new images for sale;


For the avid Beatles fan.


Some cute mini art for the kitchen.

A pink-tipped daisy for some muted girliness.

It's my first reader giveaway! Let's see if there is anyone reading this thing :)

Patti Woodring, LLC

Since this blog wants to be an homage to all things DIY, it's only fitting to feature the one and only Patti Woodring. Erin, her daughter, and I went to high school together and have been good friends since we rented a brownstone in LP a few years ago. Her mom has been crafting for years and has evolved into a bona fide woodworker. In addition to making furniture for her friends and family (pro bono), she has been making furniture for Erin's friends as wedding presents. I was so excited that she generously offered to make me a Patti Woodring original. I asked if she would make the Pottery Barn TV stand, below;

Just eight weeks after our wedding, she created the exact item and it's now the focal point of our living room.

It's identical, right? I must also clarify that I opted for the lighter gray paint so it didn't overwhelm the living room. It's a beautiful piece of furniture and it was so generous of her to spend her time making this for us. Erin is in negotiation to become her agent, so you may be able to procure your own piece soon!

I die.

In the words of Rachel Zoe.

I realize that I once mocked my good friend, Chris, for dressing up her poor dog as a lobster. I once got a Christmas card from my friend, Laura, with her Yorkie sitting atop presents and I thought, love the card, but really? And just 2 short years later, here I am. Dave went to his third, yes count them...third, Bears game of the season today, and I thought to myself, I can show my Chicago pride, too. So I hit up Two Bostons and perused an adorable striped collar, a monkey Halloween costume and a FABULOUS Bears collar. I figured this collar could only be complimented by a very dapper looking football sweater. I came right on home and slipped the Bop into this...


Yes, I've emasculated the poor thing.

But Dave only had one thing to say when he got home, "Bear down". Go Bears. And Go Bruno.