Ellie Perfume

09.05.2012

A mini-getaway

Several weeks ago we decided to visit New Buffalo and Sawyer, Michigan, with the kids at the last minute.  It's not easy to pick up and go anywhere with two young children without planning in advance, but we made it happen. It was a beautiful day, and we spent some time in the sun at the beach, explored the town, and visited several local shops.  My favorite spot was Sojourn, a beautiful store created and lovingly curated by Stacia Garriott Kass. It's filled with vintage finds, artwork, unique hand-made pottery and jewelry, textiles and furniture.  I especially loved the furniture, the slim and elegant handmade wooden bracelets, the gorgeous textiles, and Elizabeth Nuti's delicate artwork. Elizabeth's hand pulled etching called "Fluent Forest" stopped me in my tracks. The artist happened to be in the store, and I loved talking to her about her beautiful work and other treasures in the shop.

Sojourn is an easy drive from Chicago, and well worth the trip.  Here are some of my favorite things in the store....

 

 

CATEGORIES:   Places, Beautiful things

08.27.2012

Napa

We have been busy this summer, working on the new website, keeping up with business, and trying to enjoy every moment of sun in Chicago while it lasts. Miraculously, my husband and I were able to get away alone (meaning without our two little ones) for a weekend in Napa for our anniversary.  I am a nervous wreck for at least a week before traveling without my children. When I land safely and hear that all is well at home, I can relax and enjoy myself.

We visited several wineries (our favorite was Quintessa, image of the beautiful property above) with our close friends, and had some amazing meals together. Our favorite spot for dinner was Redd, followed by Bistro Jeanty. We had delicous drinks at Lucy Bar and Restaurant at the Bardessono Hotel, and memorable lunches at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen and Oakville Grocery.  We picked up some freshly-made sandwiches and drinks at Oakville Grocery and ate outside at a picnic table in the shade. I could have stayed and browsed their amazing selection of gourmet prepared food, cheeses, oils, and baked goods for hours. I managed to leave with only one item - a beautiful bottle of Grove 45 olive oil. The oil is housed in brushed aluminum bottles with an embossed pewter label that the creators apply by hand. The oil is delicious, and I love the incredibly unique bottles.

I felt relaxed and recharged when I returned home, and I couldn't wait to throw my arms around my kids (and my parents for taking such good care of the kids!). After the kids were in bed and snoozing, we opened a bottle of Plump Jack, another of our favoites, and cracked open my new bottle of olive oil for our meal. 

 

 

CATEGORIES:   Places

08.19.2012

Randolph Street Market

My daughter and I spent a few hours at the The Randolph Street Market Festival a few weekends ago. The market is an indoor-outdoor urban antique market that's home to the Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Modern Vintage Chicago and the Holiday Market. It features approximately 200 stands full of high quality items including furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, and collectibles. I am a die-hard flea market fan, and this one never lets me down. On our trip, I scored a beautiful set of six etched polka dot juice glasses (I can't resist polka dots...more on that later), a distressed nautical tray for my son's room, and some hand crafted flowers made from vintage paper and buttons that now grace my daughter's dresser. I love things with a past life, whether its furniture, decorative items or hand made objects. Browsing the stalls at the fair is a lot of fun on a beautiful day, especially when you have a like-minded partner in crime by your side. We always feel like we're on the brink of unearthing a treasure. 

 

 

CATEGORIES:   Places