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 

Easy Update

Slowly, but surely, I am starting to settle in and even hang some pieces on the walls. There was a big gaping hole over the stove that was screaming for something to fill it. I have never hung anything above a stove and thought it might be a little funny to have framed art hovering over pots and pans sizzling and bubbling on the range. I bought these vintage French serving piece prints at an antique fair a few years ago. They are pages out of an old catalogue and I love them. I had them mounted on charcoal grosgrain and framed in metallic silver. And I think above the stove is the perfect spot...

Given my current indecisiveness, I used 3M hooks so I can easily rearrange. Although, I think these two prints have found their home. 

After some searching on Pinterest , I realized there are a lot of ways to fill that empty space. Similar to what I did, these botanical frames are fantastic. 

This built in nook and faucet is genius. 

Charming dishware can be displayed.

A simple pot rack makes for a pretty space and functionality. 

More contemporary than my kitchen allows, bit this shelf is perfect for prep and tools. 

Weekend Wishes

It is easy to come up with my wishes this week, Pinterest is always filled with things you wish you had, wish you could do, wish you could go to, wish you could find the time to do....


These are my top this week...

I wish I could hang this original painting in my house. 

Artist Jennifer Moreman on Etsy. Beautiful and fun work. 

 I wish I could hang out in this (or own) pool with this furniture all summer...

And I wish I could be with these girls at fashion week....

Hope a few of your Pinterest wishes come true this weekend. Mine are a little far fetched. 

xo

Erin 

Lemon, Avocado, and Bacon Salad

When I do have the chance to make a meal these days, especially when I am home alone with the little guy, it makes me feel like I just conquered the world. Timing is everything in the kitchen and let's just say when Tommy needs to eat or burp or one of the other things that make him happy, I am not too worried about getting much else done. Plus, let's not forget that once you make it, you must have the time to eat it. 


Ditto goes for blogging, so in the meantime I am going to be posting recipes (when I actually cook something) on Imperfect Polish. But you can always search Forks & Amusement for recipe ideas. 


I saw a version of this recipe pinned a few times on Pinterest, and one day when he went done for what seemed like a long nap I went for it. I used what I had and got a fresh, satisfying and delicious lunch that I even got to enjoy after nap time. Just a few ingredients that could be substituted easily with what you have, this makes a great lunch or dinner. Add some grilled chicken and it would be perfect for a summer dinner out on the patio. 


Lemon, Avocado, and Bacon Salad
Forks & Amusement 2012
two large servings, multiply to make a bigger batch


half pound of pasta, such as elbows, wheels, anything you want

juice of one juicy lemon

pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

teaspoon of Dijon mustard

a couple good gluts of olive oil

salt and pepper
4 slices of good quality bacon, cooked and crumbled
avocado, diced
chopped cilantro, parsley or basil, whichever you have on hand
grated Parmesan cheese, although any cheese you love would be delicious




Cook pasta according to instructions on the box. 


Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon juice, chili flakes, mustard, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add to a large bowl. 


Once pasta is done, rinse with some cold water and drain well. Toss in to the bowl with the dressing and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine and season to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve. 


Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 

Laundry Room Re-do

Our laundry/mud room has been an eye sore for quite some time. It is actually a large space, but was being well underutilized and looking all around sad. 

The only thing missing from this before photo is a giant pile of shoes on the floor. Clearly that closet was a catch all for everything and nothing at all. 

We knew we needed to make some changes and found lots of inspiration from Pinterest. Some images were just for dreaming about and some actually had ideas we could use. 

And so the painters and contractor went to work and while there is still some work to be done, we now have a space that we can actually use. 

The new bench with cubbies, hooks and extra storage is fantastic. I found the bead board drying rack on this site for an incredible price. The mounted rack is genius and a huge space saver. We are still thinking about getting rid of the cabinet and getting stackables, then adding a counter with more storage. But for now, we are going to live with this and see what next steps will work best for us. 

Just a little home project that has made a huge difference. 

xo

Erin 

More Love for Pinterest

 I hate to post another "I love Pinterest" blurb, but I cannot help myself. If you have not joined in on the fun, you really need to. Follow me, I would love to follow you and much of my blog ideas come from this site. 

My new favorite pins are those that take very simple steps to organize or make your life easier. I have no eye for organization, although I like things tidy. If you are like me, you need some help coming up with the ideas and possibly the motivation to actually apply it in your place. 

Here are some recent ideas I think are fab...

xo
Erin

Etsy Find: LaLaDesignStudio

I have to credit this find to Pinterest and my fellow blogger, Teri. It is always fun to find gift ideas on Etsy and with the low price ($15-$100) and adorable choices, this shop does not disappoint. 

LaLaDesignStudio makes personalized rings, bracelets and necklaces that would make any one's heart melt when they received it.  I am especially loving the 'oui' ring as a stacker to your wedding band or a temporary for a soon-to-be mom's growing ring finger. 

Which is your favorite?


xo
Erin

Minty Fresh Decorating

When it comes to paint, colors beyond neutrals can be hard to implement in a room for us decorating novices. While most of my accent wall painting has involved dark charcoals these days, I have been gravitating towards images of fresh and soothing mint. Whether soft or bold, I love the way the color brightens up a room. 

I found a lot of this inspiration on Pinterest. To follow my pins click here, and I would love to follow yours. 


xo
Erin