Ch-ch-ch-changes

I've been going through a lot. My emotions are high and I haven't felt like doing much of anything. I was up-rooted from what was comfortable and home to me and moved to a busy, chaotic, stressful place. My husband got a job in Chicago, Illinois. He is an architect. And I've quickly learned that we have to go where he can find a job. So here we are in Chicago. Now don't get me wrong...I love Chicago. But it's like Andie Anderson said in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days... I love you Chicago. But I don't have to like you right now. That pretty much sums up how I feel.

Along with uprooting our lives and moving to a new city, shortly after we moved I found out I was pregnant. O.M.G. This was a shock to me. And to be honest I am still trying to work through this shock. Again, don't get me wrong, I love babies and I will be thrilled to have one of my own. But, I was just starting to feel good about my attempt to get through the emotions of moving and being away from family. Now add the emotions of moving, being pregnant and away from family to that and life is just a hot mess.

I haven't touched my sewing machine.

I haven't made a single craft.

I haven't been blogging.

I haven't done much of anything.

 

Today though, I am feeling a little better. I am going to attempt to tackle the mess of my sewing room. Don't judge me! Bare in mind, NOTHING has been touched since we moved from Ohio. So it is a total disaster. Wish me luck!

Boy do I have my work cut out for me...

Happy Spring!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

St Patrick's Day in Chicago....is insane! They turn the river green and because it was 85 degrees it was so crowded! We made the best of it though. Hope you had a great day, too!

This is how we started our day, PB made green beer and eggs:

Then we headed down to check out the river, it was the 50th Anniversary:

 

PB and I with the Marina City Towers (Where I lived in 2006) and look how Green the river is!

These guys were standing on their heads on their paddle boards! Impressive!

We attempted to walk to the parade, that didn't happen because it was too crowded...but we found this puppet show that was so entertaining :)

Here is how our family celebrated:

Coen simply as always, sporting his leprechaun hat! (and his boo-boo :( ) Jill and Coen at the St Patrick's Day paradeNice day for a walk with NanaCelebrating with the dogs
PB's grandparents enjoying the holiday :-D

Hope you had a great day!

Exploring the City: Fabric Shops

The lucky thing about not having a job...is I get to explore the city! And I have surely taken advantage of that.

 

Now of course on my first exploration, I sought Fabric! I wanted needed to find the fabric shops. Surprisingly, I wasn't super impressed. A few of the shops I found, were great! But there seriously aren't very many AT ALL. I was so surprised. I thought that since Chicago is so much bigger than Columbus that the fabric market must be bigger. But WOW was I wrong. I have heard that there are more options in the suburbs, which is great to know, but I live in the city!

 

One of the fabric shops I found was: The Needle Shop

It is in the Bucktown neighborhood, and is tucked back on a little side street off the main drag. It has a lovely red door to greet you!

Walking in you are welcomed by a wall of fabric:

They have quite a few fabric options, and reminded me of Sew to Speak. They have one big room that was split into two. The front room is all fabric and the back room is mostly patterns. They have two classrooms in the basement (but I didn't get to check those out). And a bathroom (which I did need to use :) ).

I only got the one shot of the front room (See the picture above), I was too focused on touching the fabric. Sorry!

The back room:

Love this bag:

The bathroom was super fun! (I know, I know, who takes pictures in the bathroom?!)

Isn't that fun?! Oh and check out this awesome needlepoint that was in the bathroom, too!

It was a cute little shop, and I am positive I will be going back again. I do feel that they don't carry as much fabric as I am used to. For example, Sew to Speak typically purchases several coordinating options within a collection, and I didn't notice this at The Needle Shop, but they had a lot of options. Anyway, of course I bought some fabric. And of course I enjoyed myself. Just trying to share my honest opinion.

More to come!

Happy sewing!

{Chicago} We made it! Beginning to Explore...

Update!! Since many of you are curious, which I love and appreciate! :)

Things are going good here. We moved up to Chicago on Saturday, March 3rd with many AWESOME helpful and willing hands. (We are so thankful for all of the help!) My Mom and Brother came up too, which was a big help. The place is big and nice, and in a great neighborhood...with plenty of FREE street parking. (Which is hard to come by in the city, but we are glad to have.)


The house was left pretty dirty, and with several left/abandoned items in it... Makes it a bit of a challenge, but who doesn't plan on cleaning when they move into a new place? We are slowly sifting through boxes, it has been a slower process than planned becuase I have been sick since Monday. Not really sure what it is, but just feeling weak and exhausted all the time. I am starting to feel better...send good vibes and healing prayers my way, please!

We took all who helped us to a pizza place at Damen and Ashland, it was really good! The place was called Pizzaco, we chose it because it got great reviews on Yelp.


(photo courtesy of www.planet99.com)
There are a lot of restaurants up here that are BYOB, Pizzaco is one, so Ashley (my roommate from Freshman year at Hope, who lives close by in the Chicago suburbs) and I ran over to the liquor store and grabbed a case of beer. Pizza and Beer after moving, why not!?

Sunday morning, before my Mom and Brother headed out of town, we had breakfast at a super awesome retro brunch spot in Roscoe Village called Kitsch'n.

(photo courtesy of www.flickriver.com)
It was sooo up my alley. It was decorated as if you stepped back into the 50s/60s, it was so fun! The tables, the chairs, the lamps, etc. the silverware and napkins were stored on the tables in a toaster. There was an 8ball, to help you decide, on almost every table.(If you don't know, I love all things vintage and would live in an all vintage inspired house if I could). The food was good and they have fun patio area, that you can rent out for private parties etc.

I have been able to explore the area a bit. PB did well. It is in a NICE area! I have walked around and have taken the bus/train a few places. There are some great antique and vintage shops near by, which of course are right up my alley. I found this cute little bakery/cafe that is called Blue Sky.


Love their mission. They are a not-for-profit, working with Chicago's homeless and at-risk youth. Giving them an opportunity to work, learn and be around positive role models. Such an awesome idea. And it's right around the corner from our apt.
I got my hair cut at a super cute hair salon called, Flip.


(photo courtesy of www.foursquare.com)
Wendy was the stylist and part owner. Not too often do I find a hair stylist that I actually feel like talking to, she was great.
I have explored a few other places, so more to come soon!
Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Getting Ready for Baby Sieg

One of PB's former co-workers is having a BABY BOY! We are so excited for her and her husband. I attended a shower yesterday celebrating Mom and Baby, and of course made a few little things.














Congrats Melissa!