Old year, new year

It's been a busy break from blogging and I'm gearing myself up to hop back in. In the meantime, here's what we've been up to:

Celebrating the season

My friends, knowing me so well, bought me some fantastic gifts. The first one below is my most treasured as I raved about Tim a few blogs back.

Cooking

Our Italian New Year included homemade ravioli

Seafood Saturday with oysters and an unbelievably delicious Scallop Gratin

4 days on the slopes, some jackpot shopping trips and the arrival of my new entertainment center have rounded out the time.

Tomorrow I'll dedicate a post to our Winter Wonderland and all it's frosty glory...

UPPERCASE goes Old School for Web Wares

Inspired by the world of graphic design, Uppercase opened it's Calgary gallery bookstore in 2005 and offers a range of graphic design books, illustration, typography and pop culture. They carry greeting cards designed by the resident artist/proprietor as well as beautiful file folders, binders and do-dabs for your home/work office space.

They are currently exhibiting an “Old School” theme celebrates the aesthetics of twentieth century education through an art exhibition and companion book, as well as curated objects. It is inspired by vintage flash cards, old desks, biology class, science fairs, crayons, card catalogs, textbooks, class photos, teachers, yearbooks, lunch boxes, gym class, maps, lockers, report cards, film strips, recess, spelling, chalk… and the list goes on! Here are my wanted web wares:

"T is for Thank You" by designed by Jennifer Muller of Lucky Tangerine studio

"We've Got Your Number"
Numeric designs for a variety of occasions..."1. You’re my 1 and only.", "2. 2 become 1", "3. And baby makes 3."

Orlan Kiely Classic Crocus Design notebook.
(Would go perfectly with this)

Mini colored pencils & a whole bunch of pink erasers

Jumbo Clips. As big as your face!

Check out their site and/or their blog

P to the O to the S to the H

In 1997 P.O.S.H. opened its doors in Chicago, determined to offer something unique to the consumer that was tired of the "sameness" that had crept into the marketplace of home & table decor. The small shop was met with a warm reception as the search for pieces that haven't been mass-produced for coast-to-coast consumption was shared by many.

"At some in your life, you want something that is real!" That thought is what drives P.O.S.H to search high & low for the items that stock its shelves- an eclectic assortment of vintage Hotel Silver, Restaurant China & Flea Market finds. Found in such disparate places as old American china warehouses to the antique markets and auctions houses of Europe, the items sold at P.O.S.H are often one-of-a-kind or limited in quantity.

I must admit that I am smitten with their selection of items and return to browse quite often. Here are some of my current favorites:

Bistro Pads
Unused, vintage Bistro Order Pads found at market in the city of Blois, France. Supplied by beverage companies, they were a popular form of advertising in the café culture of France. These would be perfect for jotting down recipes, shopping lists or Rummy scores.

Baker's Twine
I would prefer to use these in their intended manner: tying up baked goods and packages. However, I know Elliot & Emma would find their own pleasure in batting them about the house.

Vintage Czech Shoulder Bag

Vintage Chicago Athletic Association Plate and Boullion Cup & Saucers

Acquired at auction, china produced exclusively for the Chicago Athletic Association (CAA), one of Chicago's oldest and most distinguished private social clubs. Reflecting the gracious heritage of the now-shuttered club, it is a reminder of a simpler time and of a proud era in our city's history. The club's distinctive Cherry Circle logo is probably one of the most famous cases of mistaken identity. First appearing in 1915, the unmistakable cherry red C within a blue circle later went on to also become the logo for a certain beloved local baseball team. Indeed when CAA member William Wrigley purchased the Chicago Cubs in 1925, the team adopted the Association's logo and continues to use a variation to this day.

French Gnome Creamer

Set of 3 Bon Appetit tea towels

French soap/ Wrapped Sugar Cubes

This store is on my ever-growing list of must-visits in the Windy City. If you are ever there or have ever gone, let me know what you think.

P.O.S.H Chicago
613 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-1602
http://www.poshchicago.com