"I Love You Courtney"

While I'm sure my parents weren't too happy when I wrote "I love you Courtney" in crayon on the bottom of my desk drawer, it does make for a pretty cute gesture ~25+ years later. Note: Pretty serious desk for a 3 year old.

Five Favorite Chicago Home Shops

Mongo - Bucktown (^)

Jayson Home & Garden - Lincoln Park (^)

Brimfield - Andersonville (^)

Sprout - Wicker Park (^)

Scout - Andersonville (^)

Anyone who follows my blog knows what a huge fan I am of 'lists.' After a recent inquiry I received about my favorite 'home' stores in Chicago, I decided to post my 'top 5 Chicago Home shops.' Enjoy. (*Note: My favorite interior shopping is the Chicago Antique Market: http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com/home.asp)

Staying @: Gild Hall, NYC

http://www.kiwicollection.com/postcard/gild-hall-wall-street-nyc

Like Scout, only a hotel.

Recommend: What Remains: The Life & Work of Sally Mann

I found the 'doc' on Sally Mann ("What Remains: The Life & Work of Sally Mann") to be interesting, provocative, inspiring. Thanks to a cousin's Facebook posting re. "What Remains," I've been exposed to Sally Mann's unflinching interpretation of life's personal moments. Her emotional, creative, physical, intellectual connection to her husband is both breath-taking and heart-breaking.

Love: The Dominion of Light, Magritte

This painting by Magritte inspired William Friedkin and/or Ellen Burstyn when they were making "The Exorcist." Brilliant.