Moving Announcements

In case you didn't know, Mark and I have moved! We are now residents of "Chicagoland" and so far are loving it! As we write our many thank you notes, we thought a perfect way to update our contact information  would be to include a moving announcement.

I love announcements of ANY kind. The idea of sending a wonderful piece of design for any special occasion excites me, and I might send one even if its not that special too. I started my normal process of scouring the internet for inspiration and then sketching out my design. This design, however, came from none other than my wonderful husband.

We were up one night working on it and he just casually drew out his idea, and it was perfect! My ideas were all too girly and now that I'm married I have to consider Mark too :)

I was out and about purchasing paper for the project and came across this cool fabric tape, and the design was complete.

Shameless self promotion included

Another huge bonus of announcing our move, is the perfect return address stamp that we got. I have been wanting one for so long but it is hard to know how long you will be in one place. I would someday like to design our own, but for now we found an awesome one at Paper Source.

This is basically a toy for me, and I love it. I think it is such an amazing thing to have I am considering having it be a go-to bridal shower gift. It is really convenient and makes any envelope look like an intentional design.

Mark loves it too because I volunteer to address everything so I can play with my new toy! I told him lovingly that "this is reason enough for me to get married, for our new stamp."

Rustic Mirror

Yesterday I finished a quick little project, which was updating a mirror I have had for years. I bought it on Craigslist when I was in college for $15, and it had a damaged corner. I have always held on to it but I haven't used it for a really long time. It just didn't seem to go with my decor anymore.

Then I read this awesome blog post from Meridian Road, and thought I would try it. I know my mirror was brushed metal and not galvanized, I still thought it would give a nice antique look to it, and hopefully darken the metal.

I am so bad at remembering to take before pictures, but I know the mirror was from Target so here it is before.

All I needed for the transformation is Lysol toilet bowl cleaner, and a work space. I think having a yard would have been a big advantage, but I used the kitchen floor. (And made a HUGE mess but was able to clean it up before Mark got home.)

The cleaner began to eat away at the silver finish, and I used steel wool to help the process along. I must admit I left the cleaner on too long, because more of the silver wore away than I would have liked. However I do like the finished project and for now, the mirror works great for our desk.

Our desk space still needs a few touches, but I'm happy to be able to use this mirror again.

Busy in Chicago

Time has absolutely flown by since we have made the move here to Chicago. We are still settling into our new apartment and I have been very busy with little projects here and there. I can't wait to post some of the before and after pictures of the place.

Until then, here are a few pictures of food we have made, places we've been and some of the projects I have been working on. I promise I will be better and post more often too!

The fun began with me flying back to Boise for a dear friends' wedding, it was really great to be just a guest.

Here I am with my friend Kate at the wedding.

Taste of Chicago 2012

After being back in Boise, my Mom and I drove back to Chicago and had a fun filled weekend! We visited the "Taste of Chicago" food festival and went to Wrigley Field.

Meanwhile, Mark and I had basically been camping in our apartment for weeks until our stiff finally arrived. And that is when my amazing mother stepped up. If any of you know Val, she is a fierce and efficient organizer and between the two of us we got unpacked in about 48 hours. Here is a small peak at the new apartment, though we still have a lot to do!

And finally after getting moved in, we have been able to bake and cook with our new wedding presents. It has been so nice to have the new kitchen toys, AND our stove has a gas range so the sky is the limit! Here are some good eats we've made.

Top: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Bottom: Spinach and Vegetable Frittata.

So far it has been a fun and busy month, and I look forward to many more projects and adventures.