Complete disappointment is what I felt when I read on Oh Happy Day that Domino is closing!

First Cottage Living magazine and now Domino!  The dreamer in me is hoping that the execs at Domino change their minds and then we would all let out a sigh of relief and continue receiving the little bits of Domino goodness in the mail each month....

Photos taken by Brian Kinyon

Six months ago today D. and I exchanged vows.  As it is absolutely freezing outside, July seems like a long time ago.  But we still find it amusing to call each other husband and wife.  And it is still such fun when we spend time with someone that was at our wedding and they bring up a memory from the day.  Immediately after the wedding people started asking the question of "does it feel any different to be married?"  The short answer is yes, it is fun to be an old married couple- it has been pretty awesome!

Image via Orla Kiely

It is one of those weeks where I am beyond excited that it is the weekend.  Not because I have crazy exciting plans - but rather because I have so many projects that I really want to be able to cross of my to do list! Hopefully I will be able to share my first project with the new sewing machine with you all next week.  I wish I was going to be hanging out like the lady in the photo from the Orla Kiely website - doesn't it look like fun?

 The shops of Lincoln Park are full of sales!  I love to shop Armitage, Halsted, and Webster boutiques/shops (I should say window shop as some of these are lovely but way out of my price range).  I love to shop independent/local shops (not all of the LP shops are such but some are so...). I love to shop sales (the only way to shop in my opinion). So it is a win all around this weekend! 

 A very old photo of Armitage Avenue taken by yours truly

Here are the list of sales... which are of course subject to change by whim of the shop.  Not a Chicagoan?  Not able to face to the cold forecasted for this weekend? I added links for your online shopping pleasure.

1154 Lill Studio- 904 W. Armitage
50%-75% off select ready-made and sample handbags & accessories. Also, party guests enjoy 10% off all purchases through February- see store for details.

All She Wrote- 825 W. Armitage
20% off custom stationary orders

Art Effect- 934 W. Armitage
70% off great selection of winter clothes

Barker & Meowsky- 1003 W. Armitage
10%-75% off select items. Includes select sweaters, coats, boots, holiday items, collars & leads, beds and more!

Bedside Manor- 2056 N. Halsted
60% off Holiday Delights 40% off Clearance Items

Cotelac- 1159 W. Webster
Up to 70% off fall and winter merchandise.

Cynthia Rowley- 808 W. Armitage
Great sale items- see store for details.

Design Shoppe- 2009 N. Fremont
Great sale items- see store for details. 

Dog-a-holics- 904 W. Armitage
20% off entire store and 35% off winter pet attire- coats, shoes, sweaters & more. 

Furla Lincoln Park- 1211 W. Webster
50%-70% off winter bags & accessories. 20% off new Spring 2009 bags this weekend only.

Isabella's Fine Lingerie- 840 W. Armitage
15% off store-wide. Great pre-Valentine's gifts.

Kincade's Bar- 950 W. Armitage
Take a break from shopping and enjoy $6.50 Effen Bloody Mary's or Jumbo Mimosas.

Lush- 859 W. Armitage
Join us for a party on Saturday, January 24th - all day. Purchase any Lush Shaving Cream ($14.95 and over) and get a FREE Lush Sholid Shampoo Bar of your choice, while supplies last.

Mint Julep- 1013 W. Armitage
Additional 50% off sale items.

Paper Source- 919 W. Armitage
50%-75% off clearance items.

Rugby- 1000 W. Armitage
30% off sale items.

Second Child- 954 W. Armitage
20%-50% off children's clothes during our storewide winter clearance sale.

She Boutique- 1024 W. Armitage
50% off all items except Spring Merchandise. See store for details. 

Spex- 2136 N. Halsted
Trunk show featuring Danish eyewear line ProDesign Denmark on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 12-4pm. Come and register to win a free gift from ProDesign.

Stinky Pants- 844 W. Armitage
70% off all fall and winter clearance merchandise.

Underthings- 804 W. Webster
Final reduction all sale merchandise- 75% off!

Weddings 826- 826 W. Armitage
50% off select bridal gowns and accessories.

Sometimes a dinner at home can be incredibly sweet and romantic. Partly due to not having to share an intimate dinner with all of the other couples out celebrating but also due to the effort that goes into preparing a special dinner.  And with the economy as it is, it might be just the year to think about celebrating some occasions a bit more low key.  Handmade gifts and an elegant dinner at home sounds like a lovely Valentine's Day tradition.  But of course, if going the handmade route it is helpful to start gathering ideas sooner rather than later.

Gourmet has very elegant menu suggestions for a romantic dinner for two.  It is hard to go wrong with a menu that starts with Herbed Crepes with Smoked Salmon and Radishes served with Raspberry Smash Cocktails.

I might select the Chocolate Fondue with Candied Orange Peel, Raspberries, and Almont Macaroons for dessert...

Sounds like a sweet valentines day to me...

{Images via Gourmet}