Finding the Details

My Famous Garden

2007-06-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past week, my porch container garden from last yeart have been featured on two of my favorite blogs
Not Martha and Chicago-Apartment Therapy

It has been really exciting. Gardening has been a passion for as long as I can remember and last year was the first garden I did all by myself. There was definitely lots of trial and error. My tomato plants grew huge, but never bloomed. My herb plants and jalapeno pepper plants grew huge and were delicious all summer long. The one difficulty with a container garden is the amount of water it requires. I have to go out every day and water my plants and beg my bf to water them when I go out of town. In the end all of work was worth it. My porch became an oasis despite its proximity to several dumpsters.
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Go to my flickr account to see more photos of last years garden and this years garden

Style Found

2007-06-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who has the hardest time deciding what style they like because I like pieces from many different of style. As I get rid of the cheapo college furniture from my apartment, I am finding it harder and harder to figure out what style I want my apartment in. I guess my style is similar to what Domino Mag features (bits and pieces of different styles combined in one conhesive look).

I recently discovered the grail of mixing different styles of furniture-"Found Style" by David and Amy Butler. My favorite part of this book is how they mix mid-century modern/modern with flea market finds to create a conhesive look. All the interiors in this book are beauiful. Every time I browse it, I find something else I missed in it. This book also gives me tons of inspiration for objects to look for when I go to the flea market on Sunday mornings. Over the this week and next I will features some of my ebay/flea market finds.

I'm back...

2007-05-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, time does fly. It seems like just yesterday was march, but now it is almost june and I haven't posted in 2 months. Opps. To make matters worse, I am literally losing my mind. Along with crazy work, I am attempting to get my portfolio/resume updated and online, finish up the freelance design work I'm doing for my cousin, spring/summer clean my clothes, etc...

Anyways, enough of that. I am totally excited about the Rotring 600 Old Style Pen/Pencil Set I just bought off ebay. I have never spent so much money on a pen and pencil, but they are sooo cool and I love the weight of them. I discovered them through a freelance designer at my work. After a quick web search, I discover that one of my favorite bloggers loves Rotring pens/pencils too! Hopefully I will get them soon and the creativity will flow.

Pretty Pink

2007-03-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Last night when I couldn't sleep and was channel surfing, I came across the movie Pretty Persuasion and was instantly sucked in. I managed to completely miss it when it first came out. Evan Rachel Wood was awesome in this (I managed to miss Thirteen also). I especially loved her makeup in this. It was very springy/fresh/pink in contrast to the black comedy feel of the movie. This is a look I am definently going to go for this spring.

work, work, work

2007-03-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

Lets Dance!

2007-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks has been hellish. Too much work, too much stress, super cold weather... This video makes me smile and forget about stress for a minute. I have a feel Mika will be the next big thing.

Winter/Work Escapist

2007-02-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

The weather in Chicago has gone from cold to worse over the past weekend and to make matters worse, I have been working crazy hours at work. To escape from thoughts of work and attempt to relax, I headed to the Schaumburg on Saturday to window shop at Ikea and Woodfield Mall. While at Woodfield I got to check out American Eagle's new spin-off store "Martin+Osa".

I absolutely loved the visual merchandising, color pallet and the quality of the clothes. It reminds me of a marriage between J.Crew and Patagonia. I love the different shades of gray sweaters and the thick sweatshirts. It seems like so many retailers are skimping on the quality of the fabrics they use in their lines, which was not the case here. The jeans and wool sweaters were thick and sturdy. The price point is very similar to Banana Republic and J.Crew, but since their Spring 2007 line is coming into the store this week, practically everything in the store was 60%. I definitely took advantage and invested in some gray sweaters, jeans, etc...

Be sure to check out their website. It has a beautiful clean, crisp design. Unfortunately a majority of the line is not online and you cannot purchase anything online. I love the "worth a look" section. It is a great resource for interesting books and music.

Images from www.martinandosa.com

Run Baby Run

2007-01-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

After stuff myself with too many xmas cookies and sitting in front of the tv too much, I decided to get back to the gym. Nothing makes the miles go by on the threadmill than listing to musci with my trust red iPod nano. However the standard white ear buds keep falling out of my ears when I workout which can be annoying when you are gasping for breath. The solution? The Sennheiser MX 75 Sport Buds. Not only are they a super cool neon green color, they use a new "twist-to-turn" design to hold them in your ear. Basically the top portion slips into the space above your ear. I will admit it took me 20-30 mins to figure out how to use them, but know that I know... simple. Sennheiser also has 5 other types of sport headphones, check them out. Now all I need is my Nike+ kit and new running shoes and I will be set.

Lets Get Organized

2007-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for 2007, is to get my life more organized, specifically my finances. Unfortuantly organizing is not an easy task. For me it's much easier to just put all my papers in a paper bag in the closet and forget about them. However, with so many beautiful organization boxes/binders/inspiration online, I may just get it done. Hopefully by the end of the year. lol...

I love the binders and accessories at Russell + Hazel. Especially the "SmartDate™ Set below. It is a complete planning system in your choice of color.

One of my other favorite resources is See Jane Work. I love the desk of the month series. I wish that my desk area looked like this.

It is so inspiring.

Summer Shoes

2007-01-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

I absolutely HATE winter and it is currently 28° and snowing/raining outside. To cheer myself up, I have been looking at some fun summer shoes at www.espadrillasetc.. The selection here is amazing and the prices are reasonable. Here are a few of my favorites:

Allegra, $62

Caprice, $50

Pepi, $98

Pillar, $49

Tina, $68

I WANT IT

2007-01-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

I don't think that I have been so excited about a phone. After watching Steve Job's Keynote speech at MacWorld this morning via the internet, I was amazed. Th capabilities, interface, design of the iPhone are amazing. It will change all future cell phones and MP3 players. I will anxiously be waiting for June to come when it is available.

Spring comes early

2007-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

I totally regretting not purchasing the now infamous Bobbi Brown Chocolate Palette. When I got the email announcement of the Violet Palette, I went straight to Nordstrom to check it out. I was pretty certain that the violet colors would work with my skin, because I have very similar coloring to the model on Bobbi's website. After trying it out, I had to buy it. It is the perfect introduction to spring. The violet blush and eye shadows are fresh, light and youthful. After putting the colors on, I was in the mood to go to Charleston, SC or some warm. I did not purchase the Limited Edition Ultra Violet Shimmer Eye Shadow, but I am planning on going back. I am surprised the lack of press this palette has gotten, however when I was in Nordstrom women were purchasing it left and right.

I also purchase Bobbi's new Concealer to Go that day. As a concealer newbie, this is a great way to try three concealer products for a low price. I am planning on getting the full sizes of the corrector and concealer.

My Top 10 Favs for 2006

2007-01-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Since a large majority of the blogs I read have been listing their favs for 2006, I thought I would join the band wagon.

1. Red 4GB iPod Nano
The best bday present ever. The beautiful metallic red color is much better in life than over the web.

2. Black Riding Boots
After seeing skinny jeans hit the fashion scene and searching for the perfect boots to wear with them, I discovered these via Lucky Mag. They are definently a buget way to look fashionable and unique.

3. Smashbox Lip Stain
See my post below extolling the virtues of this lip stain

4. MINI Cooper
I have been lusting after MINI Coopers for the past 2 years, when my car finally died, I bit the bullet and bought it. I love it, it's the perfect city car and is a great value purchase. I have also meet a bunch of cool people from the Chicago MINI Motoring Club and done some cool events.

5. White Ralph Lauren Sunglasses
I found these at Nordstrom Rack for the lovely price of $20 (originally $120)

6. Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm
I didn't discover this till the Xmas Eve after dieing of chapped lips. The minty rosey taste is refreshing and fun.

7. Lucky's XLong Jeans
Finding long jeans/pants has been difficult my whole life. Lucky is one of the few stores to stock long jeans in store and to have xlongs. These are the perfect length with heels (a most for every tall girl).

8. J.Crew Summer Skirts
I LOVE J.Crew's summer skirts. Every summer I buy at least 4 or 5 of them. I try to wait till they go on sale, but sometimes they just call me. Usually the price doesn't break the budget too much... Nothing says summer like an elegant, pintucked/pleated knee length skirt.

9. Bobbi Brown Makeover
This makeover started my current love affair with makeup. I wasn't the type of girl to wear anything other than lip gloss, but after this makeover that inhanced my "natural" beauty. Now I am more adventurous, but I will never forget looking in the mirror after the makeover and being shocked...

10. 2 Louis Ghost Chairs by Starck
As a lover of modern furniture and Domino Mag, I was so excited to see these chairs on sale at the DWR Outlet Sale. They bring the right touch of modern and tradition to my apartment

Perfectly Bright Lips

2006-12-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

Ever since red/bright lips hit the runway, I have been searching for the perfect red lipstick. This has been harder than I orginially thought b/c bright red lipstick tends to look weird on me. I can wear brick red, but bright true red, is too harsh. However, my search as finally ended.

When I was at Old Orchard Mall this weekend for some last minute xmas shopping, I stopped in Sephora to get some supplies for smoky purple eyes (seen on Rachel Bilson in InStyle) and I finally discover it... Smashbox Lip Stain in Infinity. It is the perfect bright red/berry, has the light, fresh look I have seen on the runway and it has real staying power. I usually put lipstick/lipgloss on in the morning, but after my morning coffee it is gone (and I'm too lazy to keep reapplying). The Smashbox Lip Stain has lasted through my morning coffee and lunch. I HIGHLY recommend this stain for everyday or for the perfect holiday party look.

My First Sewing Project

2006-12-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I pulled out my sewing machine that I do not know how to use or how to sew for that matter, and via instructions I found here, I made 5 cute change purses (full lined and with a zipper). It's shocking how simple and cute they look.

Flea Market Crafts

2006-12-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

I got these lovely vintage metal buttons at a nearby flea market in August. I thought that they would make a cool necklace, but the velvet ribbon that I got to put them was too thick, then I got some lace ribbon that was too thick and I forgot about them.

Finally last weekend when I was picking some fabric, I remembered to pick up a thinner ribbon. I want to put clasps on it to finish it, but I will be busy till xmas getting xmas gifts and making xmas cookies.

It's Finally Here!

2006-09-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

My brand new MINI Cooper has finally arrive. I am super happy. It is such a fun car and it is super cute! I HIGHLY recommend buying one from Jen at Patrick MINI. She was great!

First Post

2006-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Since this is my first post, I thought that I would give you a little info about myself and the blog...

About Me
I grew up in Northern Virginia (10 mins from D.C), went to college in Chicago, and currently reside in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago.

I LOVE shopping for anything (groceries, food, furniture, etc...), finding cool places around my apartment, attempting to maintain my container garden, and most importantly finding the details that make life more fabulous.

About the Blog
Despite the growing number of design-themed blog (which I regularly read), I want to create a place where I can highlight my finds and pass them on to other people. I love the concept on sharing information through the blog format.

Hopefully in the next week I will have a better template and updates going...