5 Things I Love Thursday

Recently I was introduced to the incredible world of Amy Butler (I realize most of the people who read my blog have known about her a lot longer than I have). For those of you who don't know who she is, you are missing out! She has become my very favorite textile designer ever. I really love everything she comes up with and love all the ways the artists on Etsy have come up with to showcase her versatile designs (my sister and I have even been using her paper line to create customized gift boxes that we will be listing on our shop soon!) Here are some of my favorite Amy Butler featured products:

My sister recently purchased a headband made from Amy Butler fabric on Etsy and I love it so much I have contemplated stealing it and telling her I have no idea what happened to it...since I love my sister, I won't do that. I will instead find one I love!

Fuschia and Green Gothic Rose Headband by Precocious

I really think I would carry around a purse the size of a trash bag if it was socially acceptable. The bigger the better I say. This one is big and beautiful.

French Style Purse by thepickledpepper

I love the way this artist uses the textiles to create a whole new image. So cute!

Steggy the Dino T-Shirt by threelittlepeas

I recently featured another apron on my 5 Things I Love Thursdays. I think I love this one even more! I love how vintage it feels while still remaining modern by using the Amy Butler print.

The CHLOE Vintage Inspired AMY BUTLER Blue Wall Flower Full Apron by Boojiboo

I'm currently potty training my two year old so I hope in the near millennium to not need to bring diapers with me anymore. Until that comes to pass, I love this stylish way to carry diapers and wipes around. And, it could totally transform into a cute little purse when the diapers aren't needed anymore (whenever that might be).

Sling Bag/Diaper Buddy by thepickledpepper

5 Things I Love

As a mother of a two year old princess girl, it's my job to shop for her, right? At least that's what I tell myself. I can't go into stores like Target and Kohls without coming out with a cute little outfit for her. That's why it is very dangerous for me to shop on Etsy for her. I just can't help myself. Do you think they have LGCAA (little girl clothing-aholics anonymous)? 

Here are a few things I would choose for her on Etsy:

I'm loving the summery feel of this dress. I also love that it can go from being a cute little summer dress to a top as she grows up. The monogram is even customizable!

Green Dots Retro Circles Pillow Case Dress by mysweetpeashop

I can totally see this painting hanging in C's room. How sweet!

Floating About Town, the Painted Version by primpedpaperie

I've been a fan of these hats for a while. I would totally get her and me matching hats...do you think that would be weird?

Flower Beanie with Brim by NuxieMade

In my opinion, every little girl has to have a shelf in her room filled with cute little figurines and curios (just don't let her sister swing a stuffed animal into it and break everything on it...but I digress). These would go perfectly! While I think they are too fragile to play with, being made from polymer clay, they are just too cute to pass up!

Owl Couple by IttyBittiesForYou

I'm currently trying to grow my daughter's hair out. We've resisted the urge to chop her some bangs so it's been a long road of ponytails, pigtails, and "hair pretties" as she calls them. She's just about ready to go without anything in her hair but who wouldn't want these! This whole shop is filled with the cutest hair accessories for little girls and even some for big ones. Check it out!


Covered Button Clippie Set - Brown and Blue by girleegirls

5 Things I Love

I realize I've been a little lackadaisical in posting this week. It's been a crazy one! Tune in tomorrow to find out what Jen and I have been up to in Wildwood Girls!

I thought I would make Thursdays the day I share with you 5 of my favorite finds on Etsy. It was hard to narrow it down this week. I've definitely been spending a lot of time searching for new and beautiful items!

Ok, I don't cook. I kind of hate cooking (except for cooking shows like Top Chef, which I love for some reason). My family is constantly annoyed by the diet of frozen pizza and spaghetti I serve them. If I had this apron, though, I might be inspired to get into the kitchen (don't let my mother-in-law see this post).


Spring Apron in Paisley by modernjune

I love the open, airy feel of this ring. Perfect for summer.

Bubble Lace Ring 2 by ColleenBaran

This bag would be perfect for carrying books, as a purse, or even a diaper bag! I'm loving the chunky chain attatched to it as well.

Uptown Girl Flower Tote Bag by BaroqueAndRoll


Who doesn't love a hoodie? This one looks so comfy but totally stylish at the same time.

Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Raglan Hoodie by poshpanache


Does anyone else remember making patterns out of pins and yarn in art class when they were little? This piece of art takes tht idea to a whole new level! It's hard to believe this beautiful image was created only using foam board, pins, and thread.

Black and White Thread Art Piece by labeadworks

Sweet Home Chicago

Wow, the time has come for my first official post. I hardly know where to start! In researching our new company and this blog I have come across so much inspiration that I am just bursting with ideas. I've decided to focus this first post on one of my great loves: Chicago! More specifically, some of the amazing sculptures in and around Chicago. There are so many to choose from I may have to make this a series.

The first sculpture is one of Chicago's newest yet it has quickly become a symbol for this beautiful city. "Cloud Gate" or "the bean" as natives have come to call it was created by artist Anish Kapoor for Chicago's Millennium Park. Made from seamless plates of polished stainless steel, it truly invokes its inspiration: liquid mercury. This work of art takes on a life of its own as it reflects everything including the sky, buildings, and anyone who happens to be standing near it. It can look completely different depending on the time of day or the weather. Definitely a site to behold.

"The Cloud Gate" originally uploaded by Intrepide98

Since this is one of the most interesting and photogenic sculptures in Chicago I couldn't resist adding another of my favorites.

"Cloud Gate 2" originally uploaded by Hoot Owl

This next sculpture is another famous Chicago landmark. I remember climbing it and sliding down it when I was a little girl (and maybe once when I wasn't so little but lets keep that between you and me).  The Picasso Sculpture, untitled so usually just called the Picasso or that big sculpture in Daly Plaza, was commissioned in 1963 and completed in 1967. 

Image by J. Crocker

I've never actually seen the next sculptures in person but every picture I've seen of these three beauties has me impressed. They look like they've been sculpted on an enormous wire system so ivy can grow up the base. This makes them look like they're flying. Three Fairies (I don't know their real name) are in Daphne Garden and were done by Dessa Kirk.

"wings over the city" originally uploaded by stacyjclinton

My last sculpture pick is also the one I know the least about. I'm a sucker for mooses so when I saw this lovely creation I couldn't resist including it. This cool guy is found outside the Tribune Building on Michigan Ave. I know there are a lot of these sculptures around because my parents have a horse and a set of deer near where they live but I haven't been able to find out the sculptor. Points to the first person who can tell me! 

"Moose Sculpture" originally uploaded by martin97uk