12.19.2012

Going Rogue



Life has a disturbing way of reminding us what is important. After last week's beyond tragic event, the holidays and being with family cannot come soon enough.

Before the shock of Friday, I had been thinking more about trying to be more in the moment. Between Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, blogging, and online shopping it is hard to not be distracted every minute of every day by technology. And I plan on having a lot of great moments over the next couple of weeks. 

My family starts descending on our house within days. The guest rooms are full, the tree is stuffed with gifts, the menus full of family favorites are planned, and the guest list is ever expanding for Christmas Eve (14 now!). And let's not forget it is a certain some one's first time celebrating the joy of the season. 

I could not think of a better time to shut down the computer/laptop/iPad/iPhone and focus on the world around me instead of the world beyond me. 

I am sure I will cheat here and there, but I plan on disconnecting from the cyber universe. I am a little scared to be honest, but also excited to see how this little experiment turns out. 

My prediction is that I spend more quality time with my little guy, husband and family. I hope to connect more in conversation because I am not distracted by my phone and all those apps I love. I bet I take more pictures with my nice big camera instead of my phone, making for better memory capturing that I will be so glad I have. There has got to be a lot of extra time in there since social media has to be my biggest time suck during the day. 

What do you think? You think I can last? Will you join me? 

I hope that you have the best two weeks without me, because not reading my blog could mean more time with the ones you love. And for once, I would prefer you not visit. 

Thank you so much for your amazing support this year. This little blog of mine has gotten so much bigger than I imagined and it would not have been possible without you, my reader. 

See you in the New Year. 

xo
Erin 

12.18.2012

Renovation Results

Renovations are truly labors of love. One day you are smitten with the vision you are seeing come together before your eyes, the next it is four months later and you are still trying to cross those final items off the list. 

Our new house had been completely renovated recently, except for the basement level. While finished, it needed a complete gut. We took everything down to the studs (about 1200 sq ft) and came up with a simple design that would be functional, airy, and satisfy our needs for years to come. 

Since it was a basement, the entire concept was to keep it fresh and light. Matt and I worked alone with our contractor, which was a learning experience, especially for me. My desire to use a designer was trumped by our enthusiasm to conquer this project ourselves. The outcome is fantastic, but I absolutely learned a lot. While there are a few details I overlooked because of my "amateur" status, they most likely would never be noticed by anyone else. 

The basement consists of a large family room, half kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It was not a walkout basement when we started, so we had a door cut (through the foundation) into the stairwell to the outside. This alone took two more weeks than we had planned, but it is amazing to have that access to the backyard. 

We are still waiting for furniture for the family room, so I will wait to share pictures of that space. I have also not decorated the spaces yet. Nothing on the walls, accessories, etc. All in due time! I am so excited to show you what we have done. 


Bathroom...


To make all the spaces cohesive, we used Benjamin Moore Pebble Beach on all of the walls with white trim. To contrast with the light walls and ceiling, we picked slate tiles on the floors. 


The granite is absolute black to keep it really clean looking. We used very affordable fixtures throughout since this space will not be used very often. Everything is from the Moen Banbury line. The nautical light fixtures are from Shades of Light. We chose white subway tile to keep it classic with one band of cobalt glass tiles to break it up a bit. My contractor used some extra trim to build the mirror.

 Bedroom...


The nice thing about this bedroom is that it has a full size window, something you do not normally see in basements. The carpet (wish I would have vacuumed it before taking the picture!) is Martha Stewart in Thunderhead. 


Everything was from our old house except for the dresser, which I got at Ikea. I am obsessed with the glossy white front and patina colored wood. 


Kitchen...


We used the same materials in the kitchen as the bath to be cohesive. The granite bar top matches the bathroom, then we used butcher block for the rest of the space. I am really into the mix of materials. We used a carpenter to build everything, including the counter tops. It took a lot less time then ordering them through a cabinetry company. 


He built these deep drawers and tons of space to hold just about everything in our house. I am on the hunt for some art to hang on that empty wall. 


While tiles was not our first choice to finish out the ceiling, we decided on not dry walling since we are unsure of other work we might want to do soon. Tiles make it a lot easier to get to any duct work, wiring, etc. The washer and dryer is a bit bigger than we anticipated, but the fact we have a second set of full size machines makes me giddy. The microwave is also a convection, which doubles up the cooking appliances. 

And there it is! Months of work and still working on the rest of it. It has been so fun to start using the space a bit and this "in-law" suite will be well used over the holidays. Once the couch that Kate Marker Interiors ordered for me comes in, I will share the family room. Think tons of built ins, toy chest bench, and a comfy deep navy couch to curl up on. 

xo
Erin 


12.14.2012

Happy Weekend

Not that I am wishing for snow, but with so much family coming in town (some of which never get to see it) it would be nice to have a white Christmas. 

And then I am reminded of the brutality that snow can bring in Chicago. 


If you ever worked or work in the city and commute on foot at any time during it, you know how these guys feel. 

Still would love some snow, though. 

I cannot get over how sweet this family portrait is from Rifle Paper Co. I am actually obsessed with their entire shop. 


This kitchen that I spotted on Pinterest is so fab. The island is to die. The modern stark feel crossed with that rug is fantastic. Not  my first choice for lighting, but I like that they chose a traditional chandelier shape. 


Isn't this idea to use photos as gift tags clever? No one ever actually prints out photos anymore. I am stealing and going to try it out. I will post photos of it once I finish wrapping. 


Worship this idea to do a black painted gallery wall with white frames. Such a clean look and makes great contrast. I would do different sized frames and mix in some color with art or photos. 


Happy weekend friends. 
xo
Erin 



12.13.2012

Baking for Good

Are you a big baker? It is hard not to feel bad over the holidays because baking is just not something that I am into. The eating of the baked goods I am super into, so I always find myself buying things or cramming in a sugar cookie assembly session a few days before Christmas. 

There are so many amazing local bakeries here in Chicago, but this one in NYC has me thinking I might be ordering from the East Coast this year. Baking for Good is an amazing small business run by a lovely girl named Emily. She uses local products, makes delicious goods, then gives 15% of the proceeds from your sale to a cause of your choice. Perfect idea for the holidays, right? 

They have some fantastic products, too. 


Who wouldn't want a box of a dozen photo cookies? I am Instagram obsessed, so I am super excited to order those. There are varieties of brownies, sandwich cookies, traditional sugar for every occasion, and even gluten or vegan options. 

When you check out it gives you options of what charity to donate to. A sugar rush and that warm fuzzy feeling of giving back. Perfection. 

xo
Erin 

12.12.2012

Gift Guide: Bags, Shoes, & Bling

My last gift guide is for the girl who has everything, wants everything, and is hard to dazzle. You can never go wrong with getting a girl a bag, killer shoes, or something that sparkles. Are you listening boys? 


1. Sapphire studs with no sticker shock, classic and pretty. 
2. Gorgeous leopard tote in calf hair by Michael Kors (on sale)
3. These Brian Atwood fringed numbers are insane and totally hot 
4. These Stella McCartney wedges are A-mazing. Perfect for a get away 
5. A versatile sparkly bib necklace in a fresh hue I have been lusting over
6. I love this classic leather tote from Topshop and its croc finish
7. If you are really looking to dazzle her, this diamond trinity stack is gorgeous
8. This DVF fuchsia snakeskin clutch would be perfection with a LBD 
9. This Michael Kors watch is perfect for stacking, half bracelet half watch
10. I love this color combo on these J. Crew flats 

xo
Erin 

12.11.2012

Hot Roller Holiday Hair

I am a true loyalist to the hot roller. Is that weird? I have loved them since middle school and never looked back. 

My fondest memories of them are waking up extra early freshman year of high school so I could set my hair in those hot little numbers for perfect curls. Which is funny because I was into the granola look then, all thrift store cords and North Face t-shirts. Regardless, I can look back and know my hair looked fab. 

I broke them out the other night for a dinner party I threw. And the results did not disappoint. It makes for great holiday hair. 


There are not a whole lot of tricks, but here is how I roll... (so not funny, yet I am giggling)...

1. Make sure they are super hot before using. Roll the big ones on top down the middle of your head, like a mohawk. 

2. Then work your way down by levels, using the smallest ones on the bottom. Which is kind of backwards, but the bottom gets the least amount of time, so I figure the smaller give more curl. 

3. Leave them in until they cool completely. Do your make up, have a snack, pick out your outfit, paint your nails....

4. Unroll in the same order you put them in leaving the curl as much in tact as possible. You won't be able to see if you do it right. 

5. Once they are out, flip your head a couple of times, then run your fingers gently through the curls. Spray with hairspray. I like Elnett

6. Your curls WILL be too curly at the beginning, but they will fade to lovely low curls in a bit. If not, run your fingers through them a bit more until they are the way you want. Spray with hairspray again. 

Happy curling, ladies. 
xo
Erin 

12.10.2012

Gift Guide: Beauty

A few of my favorite things and some I want to add to my arsenal. Beauty items make the best stocking stuffers (I hate that word, what is the alternative?) and gifts for your glam girlfriends. 


1. Posie tint gives you a perfect rosie hue to your cheeks, and I love it on lips $28
2. This bottle of Marchesa perfume is gorgeous $85
3. DDF polishing system is like an in home facial, the  $88
4. By far the most dramatic and best mascara $25
6. Love this Spanish tile print on Tory Burch's train case $70
7. Hot pink stripes are always fun from Kate Spade $70
8. These glossy Nars pencils are the perfect combo of lipstick & shine $24
9. Totally indulgent, but totally worth it Creme de Corps $48
10. This serum is like a glass of water for your skin, great for winter $70
11. Love me a good scrub in a hot shower $46
12. Dying to try this top coat that turns your nail polish matte from Essie $10
13. Sugar Rose lip treatment from Fresh is one of my faves $22
14. How sweet are these little macaroon pill boxes $10

xo
Erin 

12.07.2012

Decking the Halls

Putting up Christmas decorations always starts fun for me, but always ends up being a bit more work than I remember. This year, there are more mantels to decorate and I wanted to use things we already had. Outside, I actually hung the garland and lights myself only to find them on the ground an hour later. Matt rehung them for me (almost) happily. I was bummed since I wanted to accomplish that on my own, but at least I tried? 

I went with fresh garland and just lights around the entry. The house is set away from the street, so really no one will see it except guests and us. It was my first round buying real garland. I clearly did not pick the lushest of them, which I will do next year. 


The larger LED lights are a cooler color than the traditional. I like how much it lights up the entry. I bought the wreath (all of them) and got crafty by making the bows


We use a fake tree inside. It is just easier and I love how it is already lighted. My mom gave me these fun yellow, silver, and black striped ornaments last year. I love the unexpected colors in the tree along with the more traditional ones. 


The fresh wreaths inside make up for the fake tree. They smell amazing. To keep them fresh, I spritz with some water every other day or so. The little bells garland and the crystal candlesticks are what I usually use as the centerpiece for Christmas dinner. 


These glass vases are always on the island, so I just filled them with some pine cones and garland. I am using that low vase to hold Christmas cards this year. 


Glittery little trees for the side table in the family room. 


The mantel in the family room has some great (fake) garland from Nell Hill's that my mom sent me on it. 


Also from Nell Hill's is this amazing lighted wire. It is battery operated, flexible and gives off great light. Genius for indoor decorating. 


I used this idea last year. It is an easy way to add cheer to a vignette. 


The mantel in the living room I kept simple since the tree is in here. I watched a video to help me tie the wreath bows. I used a plaid tartan and white polka dot ribbon. Then I used some bulb lights from Ikea and Moroccan tea glasses as votives. It will be pretty with the lights turned off at night with the tree. 


Since I was already all over the decorating, I finally put round bulbs in my new light fixture (vintage). I go in the living room and turn it on all the time now. Just to stare. Yep, obsessed. 


Here's to happy holiday decorating and a fun weekend. 

xo
Erin 

12.06.2012

Gift Guide: Cozy Up

Just a few more gift guides left. Are you liking them? I hope they are giving you some ideas for the people on your list and maybe yourself as well. 
Today's picks are for the girl who loves to get comfy at home and bundle up if she happens to have to venture out. Think soft, cozy and relaxing. 



1. This soft hat with faux fur pom pom is adorable $20
2. An iPhone and iPad dock in one with speakers, genius  $99
3. Obsessed with this French terry romper $106
4. Polka dots and cashmere make the perfect soft winter scarf $128
5. A sleep mask with a message I wish was possible $5
6. Dying to read this memoir from fabulous Vogue Editor, Grace Coddington $35
7. Cheeky quotation mittens are warm and fun $36
8. The all new revamped Wii looks fun $299
9. Wrap up in this printed blanket cardigan $79
10. A soft white over sized cable knit throw to cuddle in $34
11. Penguin slippers to waddle around the house $16

xo
Erin 

12.05.2012

Instagram Love

Are you on Instragram? I am borderline obsessed with it and would love to follow you too. Find me at @ImperfectPolish. xo




12.04.2012

Declutter Your Inbox

How annoying is your inbox each morning? If it is like mine, it is full of emails from all the sites you subscribe to, places you have visited, and sites you have bought something on. It is maddening. And finally there is something that will take care of that madness for you. 

Unroll.me is a genius (free!) service that takes all of those emails and places them in one spot for you. So instead of deleting twenty emails each morning and many more throughout the day, you simply get one email from Unroll.me once a day (you choose the time). So you can still get that coupon or news about a new product without having to weed through emails from that site every day. 


This is what your timeline looks like. It is broken up by days and has little images to remind you of where that email came from. Plus the best part, is that if you want to unsubscribe to any of the emails, it will do it for you with a simple click on your home screen. 

This is the perfect time of year to turn this on. One more email from a Groupon I am never going to use was going to put me over the edge. 

xo
Erin 



12.03.2012

Gift Guide: Wanderlust Lady

Whether she is traveling for work or play, here are some ideas for the girl in your life to make her trip chic, yet comfortable. 


1. A large leather tote in camel or bright citron from the Gap makes for the perfect carry on $125 
2. A sweet little sewing kit for mending a snag or a missing button $10
3. A soft and warm coat that is easy to throw on for flights by Joie $327
4. Every key ring needs a suede tassel, right? $25
5. Nothing can replace the weekly organizer, this red one from J. Crew is a great size $25
6. Hand knit cable throw to cuddle up with $90
7.  Made for little girls, this glittery case from J. Crew would be perfect for toiletries $98
8. A cheeky bow tie USB for all her files on the go $50
9. Custom jewelry case (many fabric options) for her baubles $45
10. L'Occitane hand cremes are the right size and my favorite $28 for the set

xo
Erin 

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