Fireplace Mantels

Last Friday I saw the stunning new home of my friend Katherine and family. 

 The whole house is a masterpiece and they've done an amazing job

 furnishing and accessorizing the place. 

 She has a very large, circular sculpture hanging above her fireplace 

and was wondering about adding simple things to the mantel. 

 Candlesticks, decorative boxes, vases or lanterns, found knick knacks

would add depth, interest, and color. 

Old Friend

What a weekend. 

There are few things more pleasurable to me than spending time with old friends. 

 Everything is so easy. Conversation is easy. Silence is easy. 

 There's something comfortable about knowing all of a persons ins and outs--their family, 

their parents, their siblings, their history of friendships and relationships.

 A day of talking and eating and running around together comes so naturally. As I get older 

I realize I don't like to waste my time with friendships that aren't natural.

Chicago is a beautiful city. 

 We spent most of our time in Bucktown, which has so changed since Hubs and I lived there.

We ate at Le Bouchon.

We stopped in Pagoda Red.

I fell in love with this chair.

We went to Millennium Park.

Good times.

Day Off

Today is my day.

 My very awesome girlfriend from high school is visiting for the weekend 

and we're headed to the city to hang and mill around 

and catch up on happenings.

 I love being in the city. 

 And since Hubs is coaching soccer all morning for two of our three, 

I'm anxiously awaiting on G {sitter of amazing patience} to walk in the door so we can head out.

Can. Not. Wait.

Domino Day

{Cue spotlight and choir singers now}

#1

 I've never loved a home the way I do this one, 

set in the Hollywood Hills and owned by designer Mark D. Sikes. 

 Every single room is perfection. I love the modern traditionalism--the mixture of white walls, bamboo furniture, leather, natural woven baskets, chinoiserie, high gloss black paint. 

And that framed picture of Johnny Cash in the black bathroom...too cool for school.