Enlisting Help from My Superstar friends

Day 2 in Chicago: Now that I found my place, I have a lot of time on my hands. I did two awesome things while here...First, I had a lovely lunch with my great aunt and distant cousins. I also asked my professional designer friend Claire who is quoted in this month's Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine to help me design a living room based on this inspiration board she designed. Isn't she talented?!?! It's perfect for my mood right now. Let me know what you think!! Also, to all my bschool friends who are wondering how to design your new apartment, hire her to help you out before she becomes the next Nate Berkus!!

Do it Yourself Designing!

Good news!! I just found my Chicago apartment. The building is AMAZING. There's a fire pit next to the pool and hot tub, which is to the right of the poolside cabanas. Yep, that's right, not just lounge chairs...CABANAS. Inside, there's home theater that fits 22, as well as regular pilates and yoga classes that take place whenever there's not a game going on in the indoor basketball court. Wow, we are not in NYC anymore!

I knew this moment was approaching, and needed some inspiration for the new place. I am really excited about painting the walls (which I've never done before) and giving the place some personality, but needed inspiration. So, my friends and I went to Made by Me in Cambridge for a little pottery painting. My friends made everything from a precious business card holder for the new business she's starting, to a ruffly blue bowl with yellow stars (a la le petit prince) to boxes adorned with paisley and fleur de lys designs. I made a mirror frame (see above-I glued the mirror in after it was glazed). Apparently I am into gray's, lavenders, and purples, so I think this color palate will begin to inspire my living room! Not only is painting really relaxing (even if you have limited artistic ability, like myself) but you get to make each piece completely your own. It's a loud, noisy world out there, and sometimes you need to take a moment to find your inner color voice-so go forth and find a pottery painting place near you!

The next few days will be all about my color choices for my new place. Stay posted, I'll need your help deciding!!

Fun Necklace Storage Idea

Tired of your necklaces always getting tangled and knotted? Want to grab that perfect necklace for your outfit, but it's buried somewhere underneath 8 pairs of earrings, 3 bracelets, and 5 other necklaces you have no interest in wearing?
Get some coat hangers and call it a day! Coat hangers are excellent for necklace storage (and, let's be honest, who really hangs coats somewhere other than in a closet anyways????). Tuck them behind a door, or somewhere else generally hidden. Your necklaces will never be tangled again, you'll clearly be able to see what you have, and it's kind of a fun way to decorate a boring, hidden wall.