And We’re Back

Vintage "ESCAPE" Bag

This week flew by! We were in Wisconsin for a while and got back a few days ago. We had fun! The kids swam in the lake all day! Boat rides! Family time! I was bitten by a tick! (OK, that last one was not one of the fun parts.)

Vintage "ESCAPE" Bag

Randomness, ahoy!

I’m just about done with a recap of my sister’s bridal shower and I thought I’d have it up yesterday, but it will go up on Monday instead. I’m meeting with her tomorrow to learn how her bustle works, which is a funny thing to type.

On guinea pig watch: I think we’ve got one girl and two boy babies but I could be completely wrong. I’ll take them to the exotic animals vet to double check, but they said it’s too early for them to tell right now.

I’m going to repaint August’s room — I’ve officially decided. That green has no joy in it.

Still thinking and thinking about the kitchen. I’ll be taking photos and drawing up measurements soon, and I’m looking to find someone for a consultation. (Any suggestions?) I have an idea of what I want to do, but I would love a shoot for the moon option too. I suspect it is way beyond the scope of what we could do right now to open up the walls, reconfigure things, add access to the yard, new cabinetry, flooring, blah blah blah… but it would be nice to explore the idea with an experienced kitchen designer.

The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is this Sunday! I’m thinking of going bright and early. Anyone else going?

Comments

12 responses to “And We’re Back”

  1. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Oooo! We are up in Elgin in the historic district (new to the area) and I’ve never heard of the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market! Looks like it’s an hour north of us so it’s definitely something I’ll consider. Thanks for the tip!

  2. Linda - makedoanddiy Avatar

    Exciting, I’m planning on giving my own kitchen a cheap spruce up soon to tide us over until we can afford a proper re-fit. Is the “shoot for the moon” option something you think you will do in the future anyway even if you can’t swing it now? Would that limit what you are willing to do now in that case? I’m weighing up what I want to do now versus what makes sense if we’re going to be ripping things out next year anyway :)

  3. Hally Avatar
    Hally

    Nicole,

    Hope you all had fun! I was bitten by a tick 5 years ago, and now I’m allergic to beef and it’s products. If you start getting stomach aches, hives, or otherwise after eating beef, pork, or other types of meets, get tested! Not many people know about this fast growing condition!

    http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/tick-will-make-lose-appetite-red-meat/

  4. Rachel Avatar

    I recommend Joshua Cunningham with Justified Design Collaborative – he’s a licensed architect, designer, and custom furniture builder based out of Wicker Park and he does a really great job with design and remodels on older style homes!

    justifieddesigncollaborative.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/JustifiedDesignCollaborative

  5. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    We used Mark Menna in River Forest for our kitchen and bath remodeled and we were really pleased wiht the design and quality of the materials.

  6. Jodi Avatar
    Jodi

    I never comment on blogs, but when I read that you were bitten by a tick I just had to. I have a sister in law who has Lymes disease from a tick bite. It wasn’t caught early and she has become nearly completely bed ridden. It’s been heart breaking. All of this to say, watch the bite very closely. If it starts to look red, with a ring around it, go to the doctor immediately for a serious round of heavy antibiotics. It’s a simple remedy for a potentially life altering disease. On that very happy note…have a lovely Friday and weekend!!

    1. Making it Lovely Avatar

      So sorry to hear about your sister. We’ve had a few instances in the family too, but they were treated and are well, so I’ll be sure to go to the doctor if I need to. Thank you for your concern.

  7. judy Avatar
    judy

    What a cheery post, I was having a very chaotic day when I read your post it changed my mood completely. Thanks and looking forward to The Saga of the Kitchen up date, coming out of a last Century stove alone will be a totally different experience in cooking. I think I would be like a kid in a toy store with an unlimited Budget!

  8. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    I suggest Frances Figg. She’s in Oak Park and I love her designs.

    http://www.figghalpindesign.com/

  9. Alexandra Avatar

    Thanks for the tip about the flee market this weekend! It’s a bit of a drive from where I am, but with the beautiful weather, I may just end up taking the trip. Sounds like a fun summer Sunday :)

  10. Lucas Avatar
    Lucas

    http://www.stephenyoungdesign.com/

    I would look up Stephen. He is a young designer who works in the Chicagoland area. He seems to have the same appreciation for historic detail with an edge, which seems to be the vibe in your new home.

  11. Antonia Avatar
    Antonia

    If you want to shop local maybe check out the archives of the Parenthesis Kitchen Walk and see if any of the designers catch your eye: http://www.parenthesis-info.org/news/kitchen-walk/gallery