Guest Room/Home Office Version 3.0

The guest room/home office has already been through several iterations since I moved in December.  And while version 2.0 was the most dramatic with the white walls and new bookshelves, I’m pretty fond of the final look.  The best part?  The last round of improvements didn’t cost a penny! 

I repurposed my pedestal side table and lamp from the living room, giving me a spot to house my laptop and light to read by. Have I blogged about the curtains?  They're from IKEA and I LOVE them.  

My favorite mirrors bounce light from the ceiling fixture off the wall and really showcase the tall ceilings. The bookshelves are still all the storage and organization my little heart could ever desire.  The sofa is now my favorite spot to "work from home." 

This wall is a hodge-podge of frames right now, but they’re all things that needed a home.  

And, in full disclosure, this is what the final wall typically looks like.  I’m not perfect!  The exercise ball makes me feel healthy and the ironing board is at the ready for quilt projects.  

The Most Delicious Dollar Ever!

On Saturday I heard the most delightful summer sound.  It was the ice cream man!!!  The neighborhood ice cream man has a white truck - totally vintage - and it plays a familiar tune I can't name.  He'll drive half a block, stop for a few minutes, and then drive a little further.  Oh how I love that sound that screams "it's summer" to me in Ukrainian Village.  But, I have a confession to make.  I've never actually purchased from the man before.  So, at the age of 30, I finally got to run up to the ice cream man and say, "May I have a sugar cone?" as I smiled from ear to ear.  Do you know what he said??

"That'll be a dollar, miss."  

Um, a dollar?  Wait, am I in Chicago??  I looked to my right, saw the skyline through the budding trees.  Yep, I was in fact still in the city.  I shrugged my shoulders, confirmed I wanted it swirled and got on my merry way before he decided to raise the prices.  He must have the best job ever.  He gets to make people GIDDY every day and tell them to "have fun!" as he drives off....  apparently not concerned about rising gas prices.  

You may remember I set out to accomplish 30 things before I turned 30.  I failed miserably because buying a home wasn't on the list. But, buying ice cream from the ice cream man was.  I'm now crossing it off the list.  Take THAT list!!

Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Highlights of my holiday: 

Flower from Covenant Presbyterian after a beautiful Sunday morning service

PEEPS!  Chocolate dipped, of course! 

Orphan Easter "Supper" with Tiffany and friends

Angel food cake attempt #2, with my favorite ingredient... this treat wasn't for kids! 

New Men in My Life

There’s been quite an influx of new men in my life lately. I just can’t keep up! This weekend I’ve made some progress though. It’s a good thing because there are two more on the way!

Before anyone gets too excited and starts planning a wedding, let me give you the back story: 

I have a close-knit group of friends from college, most of which live in and around Chicago. We haven’t just stayed in touch since our days in the sorority house, they have become my second family. And where I come from, family makes family baby quilts. Now, when I pledged to do this several years ago, I never envisioned what I’ve since dubbed the Baby Boy Rush of 2011. We’ve already welcomed two baby boys and are expecting two more (TWINS!) before summer. But, in fairness, when I pledged to sisterhood in a house with pink walls and furniture matched only by a Barbie doll’s mansion, I never knew how much those then strangers would rock my world. So, I guess all is fair in love and quilting.

Excuse me, I’ve got to get to work!

Light It Up Blue!!

April is Autism Awareness Month. I don’t frankly know anyone with autism, but I do know how lucky I am to say that. (And if you follow me on Twitter, you probably can tell how fortunate I am... I've been tweeting a lot of #lightitupblue this month.)  It’s a growing problem and a condition that affects millions of families. My sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, is a proud partner of Autism Speaks, and thus I also pledged to LIGHT IT UP BLUE! for Autism all month long.

I hear someone already lit up the Empire State Building in cool blue tones, so I guess I better find time to paint the master bedroom this month, don’t you?

Who’s up for a paint party in the next week?!?!?

In all seriousness, please consider going to check out Autism Speaks and pledging, too.  You don't even have to give money - donate your status update, your Facebook profile pic or a tweet.  I'll thank you in advance for the millions of kids who may not be able to express their appreciation themselves.

World's Worst Blogger

I keep running out of time to blog. My heart is here, but the hours of the day just aren't. Please stay tuned. I promise to return to my regularly-scheduled blogging self soon.

I've got a ton of ideas up my sleeve, but currently have a small pooch napping on said arm which is limiting my mobility.