Chicago Hot Spot: The Doughnut Vault

Chicago has a new little treasure this year that is absolutely worth trying if you haven't already.  The line may be around the block each morning, but it is definitely worth the wait.  The Doughnut Vault is literally a little hole in the wall and serves some of the best doughnuts I've had each morning until they run out.  The flavors are so different from the norm and oh-so delicious!   You must try it out!

Ampersands

I've recently discovered a new love for Ampersands. Not only is the word itself super fun to say, but I think they are such a cute and subtle way to reference love or togetherness. Now that I'm co-habitating, I find myself wanting to incorporate little ampersands here and there around the apartment. I've looked around and found a little inspiration on how to incorporate them into my home.

I adore the color of this wooden ampersand from Hindsvik's etsy shop.  It would be perfect for my bookshelf!

I love what they did with this chair on Apartment Therapy! This could be a good idea for my dining room table makeover...maybe an ampersand painted on each chair seat?

This Ampersand pillow from Gracioushome's Etsy Shop, would make the perfect throw pillow on our bed!

Heat Wave

Chicago is in a full on heat wave right now.  I'm talking 100 degrees.  I was outside for all of 5 minutes this afternoon and I'm spent.  It actually smells like sweat outside.  Sweaty is not a good look for me, so I will be hibernating until the heat has passed doing a variety of indoor activities and little home-improvement projects for the time being.  Stay cool everyone!

Found via What Silly Girls Like

Strawberry banana popsicle recipe via Fiona's Flavors!

Found via ffffound!

Sweet Dreams

I just love this sweet banner from catbird.  I think banners are such adorable and fun decorations but they are always so limited in terms of when and for how long you can display them. But this one could live year round in my bedroom!  It would fit so perfect above my windows.  And for $10 why would I not buy it, right?!

Dining Room Table Makeover

Lately I've been playing with the idea of painting my dining room table or chairs or both.  I go back and forth on the colors, whether I should go for neutrals like black or white, or add in some bright colors. I think it's definitely best to start with the table since it's much easier to paint, and see what colors I want to add in after that. I've scoured some design sites and found some awesome inspiration...



Via Apartment Therapy

Via Unpatterned

Via Design Sponge

West Elm Who?

West Elm might be my favorite home store.  I imagine heaven looks a lot like the inside of their stores.  I could definitely die happily in one of them.  I just got an email this week announcing their new Fall collection - have you seen it yet?!  It is absolutely gorgeous and nothing like I've ever seen there before!  The colors are so deep and rich and I already want everything!

French Dish

I have a deep love for any and all things French (I mean, who secretly doesn't want to be a French Girl?!).  So when I found this French Envelope Tray from Jayson Home & Garden, it was so difficult for me not to buy it on the spot!  I'm currently looking for a cute little dish to house my keys in my entryway at home and my current orange thrift-store bowl is not doing the trick.  This beauty would be perfect!  But $22 seems a bit steep so I've dedicated myself to an Etsy search in hopes to find something similar.  So far, no luck, but I'm hopeful!

Swimsuit Envy

Why-oh-why can't you shop online at Zara?! I guess it is sort of a good thing in terms of my bank account, but there's so many wonderful things online that I have yet to find in stores.  Like who knew they made such awesome swimsuits?!  And they both are on SALE! It's just not fair.  But just to be sure, I plan to hit up both Zara locations in downtown Chicago ASAP.  Girlfriend needs a new tube-top bikini, gotta shake off these tan-lines!

Arm Candy

When it comes to jewelry, I used to be strictly a necklace girl, but recently I've fallen in love with bracelets.  I seriously can't get enough of them!  It's such an easy way to dress up a simple outfit or add a splash of color to a basic black tee.  It seems like every store is packed with vibrant bangles this season!  Here's some of my faves...

Nicole Miller's Indego Africa Fabric Wrap Bracelets.  $25 for a set of 3. I LOVE the bright patterns and the bows give them just a touch of girlie-ness.  And the best part is, 15% of the proceeds are donated to Indego Africa.

Forever 21 Lacquered Pyramid Bracelet for $12.80.  So flashy and definitely makes a statement.  Perfect for evenings out!

Exotic Animal Bangle from The Limited, currently on sale for $17.94!  The snake-like print is so much fun in the bright yellow color. Perfect to punch-up a black ensemble!

Stylish Wine

I stumbled across this Mirage Expandable Wine Rack recently and fell in love with it.  If only I had a place to put this in my apartment! Even when it's not full, it still looks so stylish.  Maybe keep this on the back-burner for a potential birthday gift for Mom this year!