Posted by liz on Dec 14th, 2011
Posted by liz on Nov 4th, 2011
Yesterday, I attended the REGREEN workshop – “Implementing Residential Remodeling” – on track to complete REGREEN training offered by USGBC and ASID.
An awesome opportunity to learn more about green / sustainable building and design practices as they apply to residential remodeling. This real-time work session went into the nitty gritty of how we can apply green practices to the process of residential remodeling. Starting with the building envelope and working thru to finishes.
Two excellent speakers and educators – instructing builders, architects, contractors and designers in green building practices:
- Annette Stelmack, USGBC LEED Faculty… among many other designations – a designer and excellent speaker on the topic of green interiors and green building practices (Inspirit-llc.com).
- Peter Yost – Director, Residential Services – BuildingGreen.com, great source of knowledge of green building practices, energy efficiency and construction methods.
Also met – designer and local chicago painting resource: Grace Ragsdale.
Ragsdale Inc. – fine painting and decorating – furniture and cabinetry restoration and finishing
Posted by liz on Oct 14th, 2011




Looking for a place to post your favorite keepsakes (Postcards, Kids Art, Photographs, Reminders). I sourced materials from two local companies to create these custom magnet boards made out of recycled materials and raw steel.
FoundRe: Created the custom frames made out of found vintage materials. Notice the pealing paint – it’s all about character.
Create Cut Invent: founder Steve Coan, was willing to work with my idea and provide the steel that was clear coated to prohibit rust. The steel is magnetic and allows the images to pop off the finished board. Kinda cool, Steve worked on the set of Superman this summer and has a wide range of fabrication capabilities.
Posted by liz on Oct 1st, 2011
Posted by liz on Sep 16th, 2011

Last night I popped by the MG + BW event in the new Lincoln Park store / Chicago.
Featured artist, Tipper Gore, showcased some of her photographs arranged throughout the showroom.
Two levels of furniture arrangements, expressing their “Cozy Modern” feel with upholstered headboards, nailhead details and soft slightly shaggy rugs. Linen shades adoren the showroom with modern porcelain lamps for quirk. Nice furniture – will give your home a cozy and sophisticated look.
Posted by liz on Sep 13th, 2011
Posted by liz on Sep 9th, 2011

Today, I found Asparagus Interiors is listed on the Online Interior Design Degree website, “Top 50 Blogs About Eco-Friendly Interior Design.”
Noted as, “A green design company in the Chicago area fills readers in on what’s hot and new in the world of green design. You can be hip and modern and have a beautiful green home at the same time.”
Thanks for the post, there’s some great blogs out there!
Posted by liz on May 27th, 2011


Today, my daughter and I visited a new store in Glen Ellyn, Gather & Collect.
Vintage finds, eclectic mix, great prices – I loved it!
Shop owners Jessica and Julie were fun and thrilled to have people visit their store and swap stories about design | vintage and the latest finds. It’s worth a stop, note their hours are Thursdays, Friday’s & Saturdays.
My fav’s: Vintage clutches, pillows and frames… it’s all fun at Gather & Collect.
Posted by liz on May 26th, 2011
Intriguing… isn’t it. All the little nook, crannies, building and landscapes Chicago has to offer.

What’s Out There Weekend Chicago – June 11th, Hosted at Room and Board Chicago
The Chicago Cultural Landscape Foundation, is offering “a series of free guided tours, highlighting the City’s remarkable heritage of historic designed landscapes.”
There’s so much to learn and see right out our back yard. Take the kids, take a stroller, go for a walk, learn about a historic site and embrace an era and it’s preservation.
Posted by liz on Jan 31st, 2011
Not really looking for anything in particular, but looking for something fun? Reusable Usables is the place for you.
This creative arts center and retail store is a treasure chest of inspiration and ideas.
Located in LeClaire, IA. Yes, home of American Pickers and Antique Archaeology.

The basic premise is: businesses and people donate items to Reusable Usables. Open to the public, we purchase these items by the pound at a minimum of 10 pounds. They also host creative sessions and make art out of the reusables. With my purchase I picked up 5 yards of Sunbrella fabric, 2 records (Sergio Mendes ’66 – yeah!), some construction supplies and fabric memos for 10 bucks. 9.5 lbs to be exact. Cool resource, great place… check it out!