I Declare a Snow Day

It's March 25, and I just opened the curtains... to find yet another layer of the fluffy white   wet and cold stuff. I've had a crazy work load, brewing up an exciting project- (coming to you April 9!), and I'm declaring today a snow day!

I've made some tea and a fire, and spent the early morning on Pinterest. I'm dreaming of Spring and have faith that it's JUST about to make it's debut!

I'm psyched that opening day is days away! What are you most excited about for the break in weather?

XO AJ

Women Who Rock // Lauren Ferris

I'm so honored to introduce you to my soul sister, Lauren. This chick is hands down THE strongest, most independant woman I know. That's a BIG statement. I dare anyone to tell her she can't do something.

This amazing mother, talented hairdresser, blogger and bombshell inspires me daily, so I just have to share her with the world. I love you Lauren.

XO AJ

______________________________

Name: Lauren Ferris

Occupation: Hairstylist & Blogger at A Glass of Sun Tea

Passions: Parenting, painting, thrifting, decorating, renovating, up-cycling and writing.

Inspired by: Music, TED talks

Success means: To me, success has absolutely nothing to do with money. It is not measured by income. I guess I would say that success, to me, can be measured by the quality of life you've made for yourself. There are 168 hours in one week. 40(ish) of them are what most of us spend at work, sometimes far less and sometimes double that. Regardless of the time spent or the money earned, a successful person will be able to go home and live their actual life, emphasis on NOT their work life, to the fullest. Happily, eagerly, energetically, optimistically live their life. I suppose you could sum it up to say that success to me is the capability and willingness to happily and freely build your own person outside of your 40hr a week money maker. To rest your head on your pillow at night with a fulfilled heart and a smile on your face.

Something you're proud of: My darling little boy, our home, myself! woopwoop

A piece of advice: Don't take a single moment for granted. This life, challenging, scary, sad, lonely, cruel as it may be, is a blessing. Make your moments count.

Favorite quote: "The more you love your decisions, the less you need others to love them."

Photo by Eat Pomegranate Photography 

Pillow Talk

Looking for an inexpensive way to refresh your home? I recently purchased some pillows and pillow covers from Society 6, and a month later I'm still totally in love. Every time I walk by our couch, I'm happy to see what we've done with it. I was apprehensive at first, the price point was almost too good to be true. I'm pleasantly surprised with our new pillows, and highly recommend them! PS. They make great gifts too!

Check out the hundreds of options here!

XO AJ

Bookshelf to Bar

For years I admired the tall storage piece that displayed jewelry in our boutique. I was annoying about it, and was vocal that I wanted it to be mine someday. When I got my first big girl apartment, my mom agreed to give it to me!

In my last three apartments I used it as a bookshelf. It was cute, served it's purpose, I think at one point I was storing vases on top and taxes in the drawers...

When we moved into our new apartment this year, I really REALLY wanted a bar cart. You know the ones. Gold. Wheels. Fancy.

There just wasn't an appropriate spot for a bar cart, mostly because my bookshelf fit perfectly in the nook where a bar cart would potentially live. SO. We made our bookshelf into a bar. Priorities.

What do you think? Wanna come over for a drink?

XO AJ

Martha to the Rescue

 

I'm the first to admit, I am by no means a Do It Yourself-er. I'm pretty self sufficient, and am willing to try and fail at lots of things, but let me just say this is no tutorial.

That being said, WHAT AN UPGRADE!?

This mirror was one of the first really nice things I ever owned, it's moved with me so many times, and my style has definitely changed since I got it.

The contrast it delivered above the fireplace was so harsh, and the brown/red tones were too rustic for our clean aesthetic. I was so excited when I had my gold aha moment. Gold upgrades everything, and goes with the rest of our apartment!

I thought I'd simply buy a can of gold spray paint. Um no. The city of Chicago doesn't allow the sale of spray paint, so my local Home Depot suggested I buy the brush on Rustoleum equivalent. I brushed it on, and all I got was a 100% sheer high gloss lacquer. Annoyed, I went back to Home Depot, and they said they had NO other gold that would work on metal. They suggested I go to Michael's and buy acrylic paint. Like I said, I'm not a DIYer, and this isn't a tutorial of the "right" way to do things, so...

I bought Martha Stewart Precious Metals gold paint intended for WALLS. As in, never to be painted on metal. I've never been one to follow the rules, and I'm so so happy with the result!

What do you think?

XO AJ