Just when we thought Spring would never arrive in Chicago, it dropped in for a surprise visit yesterday afternoon. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of our favorite places to explore during any season, is bursting with buds and flowers right now. I took these photos on a path winding through the Japanese Garden just as … Continue reading The Bee’s Knees
Cultural Institutions
Michael Smith at the Antiques and Garden Fair + Treasures from the Day
Michael Smith, one of America's premier interior designers (and the one chosen by First Lady and President Obama to redecorate the White House family quarters), gave a fantastic lecture on Friday at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques and Garden Fair. I've been a huge admirer of Smith's work, particularly his ability to layer textures, ages, … Continue reading Michael Smith at the Antiques and Garden Fair + Treasures from the Day
The Sartorialist in Chicago
Last night, famous style photographer and blogger Scott Schuman of the Sartorialist visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago to give a talk and sign copies of his new book, Closer. The MCA was clearly unaware of his enormous popularity. The barely publicized event drew throngs of fashion and photography lovers all dressed to … Continue reading The Sartorialist in Chicago
A Day Off in Chicago
Yesterday our family played hookie and became tourists for a day in our own backyard. We visited famous landmarks, cruised along in a double-decker tour bus, took a ride on a giant ferris wheel, and got in everyone's way while taking a million pictures. Our first stop was Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). We took … Continue reading A Day Off in Chicago
Perseverance
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago provided the perfect respite from last Saturday's bone chilling rain and cold. Our family spent the afternoon exploring most of the hands-on exhibits in this vast museum, including the Baby Chick Hatchery. We could not peel ourselves away from these tiny creatures making their way into the … Continue reading Perseverance
Can’t Miss
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Antiques and Garden Fair begins today, and if you are in the area, I highly recommend checking it out. Vendors from the United States and Europe bring their best antique and contemporary garden and interior design wares, and the floral displays are spectacular. Last year, I found an amazing antique English … Continue reading Can’t Miss
the aesthete and the dilettante 