Lake Superior & Madeline Island

As we were so close to the Lake Superior shore while camping in the North Woods, we had to make a quick trip to check out this great lake.  It was beautiful... lakes have such an effect on me.  I am completely smitten with being on a lakefront (as mentioned before).

We spent a bit of time visiting Bayfield and then took the ferry to Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands.  The bonus part of camping next to a bear trap is that all of your food and cook out gear is already packed in the car... making it easy to picnic at the beach in Big Bay State Park.  The dogs weren't allowed on the beach so a ways into the bay hiking trail we found a cliff that was navigability... shhhh.

It was a lovely day at the lake, if too short.  We spent much of the rest of our quick trip talking about lake houses, specifically the where and when and dreams of large family get togethers.

Snippets from West Virginia

Over Memorial Day weekend I traveled to the eastern panhandle of West Virginia with my hubby and pups for a much needed little getaway.  Travel is at the tippy top of my favorites & priorities list and little getaways are something that I am trying to incorporate more as they allow us to make the most of our annual travel budget.  A long weekend out of town can go a long way.

We rented an old, early 1800's farmhouse in Berkeley Springs for our stay and filled our visit with as much hiking and touring of the area as we could. West Virginia was just what we needed- easy, low key, beautiful, a complete change of view...

 

Now I am trying my best to hold on to that relaxed feeling that comes from a visit to the countryside. 

Reform School

As I was sitting in LAX waiting on my flight home this past Sunday, I picked up a Dwell magazine to help pass time.  And the second I saw the article on the shop Reform School I wanted to go there... of course I was then bummed to see that it is the LA area and I missed visiting it on my short little trip (I really have to go back there soon as there is so much more I want to do in that city!).

Doesn't it look so cute?

At least those of us outside of the LA area can enjoy their website as there is plenty of cuteness to be found on there for the home or for gifting.

Plans for Saturday? Now you do.

For your Chicago Saturday, there a few events going on that you must consider adding into your plans. 

First start the day with a stop by the Green City Market (indoor version until May) in Lincoln Park to load up on seasonal treats for the week.

The Logan Square Kitchen Pastry Market.  Seriously, this is not to be missed.  Take a beautiful space, add amazing local pastry chefs' confections (Macaron Chicago, Tinycakes, Nice Cream, Flour Cake and Pastry), fun neighborhood type atmosphere and it is certainly somewhere you want to be.  RSVP here.  (And I will be there bright and early so hi if you see me!)  I am giddy just thinking about all of the goodies!

Once you are all hopped up on sugar... time to head to the West Loop.  The Chicago Independent Radio Project is holding its annual record fair.  While vinyl is clearly what the cool kids will be stocking up, there will also be cds, dvds, and all kinds of vintage music goodness. 

Then head up to Evanston for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble for some smooth, live music.  Finally, stop by Volo for a wine and cheese flight before heading home to crash.

 Enjoy your weekend!

Shop the Sales in Lincoln Park

 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.