shannon y.

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Following Blogs: 5

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Get Your Craft On!

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 6, 2012, 2:00 pm
I have always wanted to be a crafty person.  I suppose if I actually took the time to learn some crafting skills, I could make some pretty rad stuff.  Right now, I’m on par with my three year old and I figure we will learn to be crafty together.  The rest of you DIY mavens should pack up your s...
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My Favorite Quote

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 26, 2012, 2:25 pm
“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” -Mark Twain (photo credit - Oleg Sidorenko)
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Paper Bag Puppets

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 25, 2012, 11:12 am
Yesterday I got out our giant craft box, handed Ava a bunch of supplies, and watched her create these ‘Ava & Pixie’ paper bag puppets. I helped by cutting out a few things she requested and she did the rest herself.  I think they are pretty cute and wanted to see what kind of paper bag puppets...
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Love is in the Air

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 24, 2012, 1:50 pm
I am in love with air plants.  They are virtually un-killable, which is perfect for someone who always forgets to water the plants.  They have a lot going for them – durability, a unique look, and so versatile.  The perfect plant.  How do you display yours?? Pink Sea Urchin & Air Plant combo ...
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Star Wars Decor

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 20, 2012, 10:43 am
My husband has a thing for Star Wars and he and Ava have Star Wars battles with the lightsabers he bought her.  A little bit of novelty can be fun. Like this print from Restyle Prints that I bought & framed and allowed into our living room. I actually kind of like this Imperial Forces Wallpaper f...
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Portland, We Miss You

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 30, 2011, 1:29 pm
I can’t believe it has already been two months since our vacation!  And at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago.  Man, I really miss Oregon.  Our plane hadn’t even landed yet and I was already in love.  We spent two nights in Portland and then a quick drive to the Northern Coast for a...
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Living Room Makeover

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 1, 2011, 10:32 am
I get to re-do our living room!!!  You have no idea how happy it will make me to not have to look at our current sofa anymore!  I’ve been working on my style page … what do you think? The only thing it’s missing is a new sofa … still trying to pick one out, but it’s getting there.  I n...
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Cuteness Alert – Cat Pillow by birdenvy

shannon y. posted an article on - Jul 28, 2011, 10:16 pm
Omigosh.  This pillow from birdenvy is beyond adorable … Perfect for a child’s room or someone that just loves kitties.  Made from chenille and tweed.  They also make owls.
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I Got a New Bracelet

shannon y. posted an article on - Jul 15, 2011, 11:01 am
Just got this gorgeous bracelet from tivi and I LOVE IT.  Very simple and really beautiful. And they have lots more to love too: Wooden Clutch w/ faux snakeskin Stainless Steel Ring w/ Ebony Wood Wooden Bangle
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I Want New Furniture!

shannon y. posted an article on - Jul 14, 2011, 9:58 am
Let’s just overlook the fact that I haven’t been posting much lately – it’s hard to bring your laptop to the pool or the beach!  Even when I do get the chance to open my computer, I have been working on booking our vacation and looking for FURNITURE!  We have been talking about getting a n...
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Weekend at the Cabin

shannon y. posted an article on - May 27, 2011, 10:15 am
Last weekend I planned a surprise getaway for Mike’s birthday.  I wanted something close, something serene … somewhere we could just relax.  I found a secluded cabin just an hour and 15 minutes away from Chicago, nestled on 80 private acres of woodland and spring fed ponds.  I did all the pac...
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I've Been a Very Bad Blogger

shannon y. posted an article on - May 20, 2011, 9:08 am
Yes, I admit it.  Lately I have been a very bad blogger.  I haven’t posted anything in 44 days.  Yikes.  Shame on me.  Now I am going to have to make up for lost time by going on a posting rampage.  I’m not even going to make any excuses for my neglect except to say I was sucked into a bla...
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Making Play Dough!

shannon y. posted an article on - Apr 6, 2011, 12:29 pm
The other day, Ava and I decided to make our own play dough.  I found a no-cook recipe on instructables, gathered the ingredients, and sat down at the table with a very excited little girl! I covered the table with some scrap paper and handed her the measured ingredients to dump into the bowl.  T...
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Steve from Blue's Clues Handy Dandy Brooklyn Pad

shannon y. posted an article on - Mar 17, 2011, 10:35 am
I’m loving this Williamsburg ‘bachelor pad’ belonging to Steve Burns.  I would have killed for a space like this in Brooklyn. A courtyard nestled in the middle of a woodsy, modern, super cool space really sealed the deal for me.  Love love love. Designed by Eric Liftin.  See the rest of t...
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Decorating w/ Gray

shannon y. posted an article on - Mar 13, 2011, 12:38 pm
Gray has been a popular neutral for awhile, but some people are still really reluctant to see it as anything other than drab.  I love gray – it’s the color of our bedroom walls and a large portion of my wardrobe.  To me, a gray room is elegant and cool and it goes great with bright accents or ...
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Cute Crochet from Frolicking Leaves

shannon y. posted an article on - Mar 2, 2011, 9:18 am
I can’t sew, I can’t knit, and I sure as heck cannot crochet.  I did try to make a pillow for Ava once while I was pregnant … didn’t turn out too bad, but there is still an opening on one side because I never learned how to do the closing stitch.  The closest I’ve come to knitting or cro...
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Ampersand Love

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 23, 2011, 9:54 am
via FFFFound! This handmade lit ampersand by White Electric can be distressed in a variety of colors. Custom made ampersand chair by Lisa Barrett Cast aluminum ampersand from House Industries via Leo Reynolds Large wooden ampersand from Hindsvik Vintage via Jake Howe Ampersand tote from Alpha...
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Silver & White: Etsy Style File

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 21, 2011, 11:15 am
Sterling Baby Elephant Ring by Michelle Chang Vintage Silver Pouffs from Fabulous Mess Sea Urchin Votive Bowl by Element Clay Studio Silk Scarf by Under the Violet Leaf Tip Top Bag by Ployly Mingzy Bb’ Snowball Accent Lamp by Filigree Creations Sterling Compass Pendant by Just Jaynes Silk &...
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Winter Picnic

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 16, 2011, 10:45 am
I have spring fever … or maybe it’s just cabin fever, but either way I am longing for sunshine and warm breezes and days spent playing outside.  I guess that’s why Ava and I decided to do something different for lunch the other day.  We had a picnic. A sheet, little sandwiches, veggies, and...
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Pretty in Pink Desserts

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 8, 2011, 9:54 am
Okay, I know how overly commercialized Valentine’s Day is, but I still love it.  Pink and red and hearts and kisses, sappy romantic comedies, ‘Just Because I Love You’ gifts and cards, an excuse to curl my hair and paint my lips red and glossy … a head in the clouds sort of day.  Oh and di...
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"I'm going to have so much fun, you guys!"

shannon y. posted an article on - Feb 3, 2011, 7:57 pm
That is what Ava said when we told her we were going to go outside and play in the snow on Wednesday morning.  Totally worth venturing out into the aftermath of the blizzard here in Chicago.  Our parking lot was covered in drifts so it was the perfect spot for some snow play without having to dig ...
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Bright Decor [Spring Fever!]

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 26, 2011, 3:18 pm
Okay, I am officially over winter.  Gray and blah and cold and slushy.  Enough.  I need some color in my life again.  Seeing some brightly colored decor makes me happy.
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Unique Shelving Solutions

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 20, 2011, 9:44 pm
Whether you’re looking to organize, store or display, shelves are an easy way to get the job done.  We have a large IKEA Expedit unit in the living room that I am forever rearranging and looking for a way to make it more personal and less Ikea.  While looking for ideas, I found some other really...
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Pimp That Globe

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 11, 2011, 11:48 am
Today’s post is inspired by these beautiful collage globes by Artist, Wendy Gold. Aren’t they just to die for?  The one shown below can be personalized to showcase your very own family tree.  Super cool. Other people are doing some pretty awesome stuff with globes too … things you can even...
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Vintage Pull Down Maps

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 10, 2011, 4:52 pm
Now that we have so much wall space, I’ve been on the hunt for unique ways to fill it.  My latest love – vintage pull down maps. image via Perry Stinson image from Covet Garden via Desire to Inspire image via Meaghan Scragg image via mattmill00 image via Heidi
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Kisses & Curls

shannon y. posted an article on - Jan 5, 2011, 11:59 am
I tried out my new ceramic curlers set yesterday.  I didn’t brush them out or put any product in my hair and they lasted all day.  Ava told me my hair was pretty and I got to steal this kiss. Can’t get much better … XO
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Pick Your Nose Cups

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 29, 2010, 12:32 am
Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!  We are still out of town, but I just couldn’t resist posting these fun party cups from Cox & Cox. Now I’m off to look for a kids version with animal noses – how cute would that be?! XO
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Slow Cooked Chops w/ Apples & Fennel

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 21, 2010, 11:06 am
I’ve really been embracing the ease of a crock pot lately.  Just throw everything into the crock in the early afternoon, let it be, and by dinnertime it’s delicious. The other day I made this delicious pork dish – so tender and full of flavor and I barely had to do anything.  I sliced up so...
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This is What Lunch Looks Like

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 16, 2010, 1:24 pm
We try to dine out at least once a week.  If you have children, you know it is not as relaxing as it used to be when you and your significant other got to go out solo.  This is what eating with Ava can look like: This was our lunch stop at Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen  We thought she’d behave in t...
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Blog for Digs – My Childhood Bedroom

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 14, 2010, 9:41 pm
Today’s post is part of Blog for Digs, a charity blogging event for Dwell with Dignity.  To learn more about how you can help make a difference, click HERE. My childhood bedroom was …. a complete mess.  My brother and I had a playroom downstairs for all of our toys, but that didn’t seem to ...
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DIY Project: Nightstand Rehab

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 11, 2010, 11:37 pm
Sometime in September we found this beat up old nightstand in the alley.  I was immediately drawn to it’s shape and could see right past all the dirt and dings.  It started a mini obsession rehabbing old wooden furniture and spray painting anything I could get my hands on.  The ONLY thing I m...
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Christmas Table Inspiration

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 10, 2010, 4:52 pm
Ah, Christmastime.  My favorite holiday.  Even more awesome now that I’m a mom.  Christmas is a time for people to go ‘all out’ … and not just in regards to buying presents.  Christmas dinner is a big deal too and the table has to be just perfect.  Here is a collection of beautiful Chri...
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Save 10% at LAMIXX

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 8, 2010, 1:31 pm
The folks at Lamixx are giving Furious Shirley readers 10% off your purchases for the next month!  Just use code LOVE10 when you checkout! Lamixx is based in California and offers “clothing that is timeless, luxurious, and truly wearable”.  I previously featured their Boyfriend Cardigan and l...
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MMMM … Macaroons

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 6, 2010, 3:38 pm
I have just recently fallen in love with macaroons.  I don’t know where they’ve been all my life, but I’m sure glad they are here now.  They make you feel a little fancy when you eat them – part of their charm I suppose.  Dainty, yet somehow exotic, and very very satisfying.  YUM. Some ...
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MMMM … Macaroons

shannon y. posted an article on - Dec 6, 2010, 9:01 am
I have just recently fallen in love with macaroons.  I don’t know where they’ve been all my life, but I’m sure glad they are here now.  They make you feel a little fancy when you eat them – part of their charm I suppose.  Dainty, yet somehow exotic, and very very satisfying.  YUM. Some ...
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DIY Wreath Roundup

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 28, 2010, 7:40 pm
My family loves wreaths.  They are usually stuffed full of fake flowers or wrapped with red, white, and blue ribbon.  Ick.  I finally found some wreaths that are too pretty to hang on the porch … I’d put any of these beauties on my wall anytime of the year.  All of these picks are fairly eas...
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Deal Find – Bass Two Tone Saddle Boots

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 22, 2010, 7:58 pm
A few weeks ago, I included these Bass Two Tone Saddle Boots from Urban Outfitters in a fall fashion finds post. Yesterday, I was doing a little shopping online and came across the same boots at Silberman’s for $52 LESS – that’s almost HALF price!  They even have a wider range of colors and ...
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Reader Discount – Whooga Uggs!

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 20, 2010, 9:04 pm
What could be more comfy  Made from sheepskin and lined with Thermofleece, the boots conform to the shape of your foot, keep your feet warm, don’t get smelly, and even help increase circulation.  Can your slipper or boot do all of that? To be completely honest, I never really liked ugg boots...
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Rachael Ray Makes Bacon

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 13, 2010, 10:08 am
Well, Rachael Ray has really outdone herself with this one … a recipe for Late Night Bacon. Ingredients – Bacon.  Directions – “Place 2 sheets of paper towel on a microwave safe plate, lay the bacon out on the paper towel not over lapping the slices. Place 2 more sheets of paper towel on t...
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Cutest Little Black Dress

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 12, 2010, 11:04 am
How cute is this little black dress?!  Soooo cute, right?  You can find it at lola … and be sure to browse through the shop – she has some really amazing dresses. And if you don’t want to wait until next spring to wear this little number, just throw on some tights, boots, and a chunky cardi...
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Fun & Funky Crayons!

shannon y. posted an article on - Nov 1, 2010, 8:02 am
What kid doesn’t love crayons?  Sitting down to color with Ava is one of my favorite times of the day … even if she only wants me to draw smiley faces.  The other night I came across these naked statue crayons made by designer, Heli Heitala and was inspired to find more cool and funky crayon s...
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Windy Days

shannon y. posted an article on - Oct 27, 2010, 12:38 pm
It’s been quite windy here in the Windy City and I’ve been trying my best to remain indoors.  Here is some blustery inspiration so you can enjoy the beauty of the wind without it mussing up your hair.  :-) Sarah Pigeon Martin Neuhof Zoe Cohen Beatriz AG StoriesDivinations
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DIY Jewelry Organization

shannon y. posted an article on - Oct 19, 2010, 5:05 pm
In our old apartment, I had most of my jewelry in vintage boxes and my necklaces hung from two large hooks on the bathroom wall.  Since we moved, it’s all still in a box because I haven’t figured out how I want to organize it yet.  I started looking around for some good ideas and thought I wou...
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Natural Flavor?

shannon y. posted an article on - Oct 7, 2010, 6:33 pm
I’ve been too busy unpacking and dealing with incompetent utility companies to have time to find things to blog about, but my Cousin Val sent me this photo I thought was so funny I had to share it. Natural Flavor with OTHER Natural Flavor????  C’mon, Triscuits.  Seriously??  Just too funny.
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Baby's First Dim Sum

shannon y. posted an article on - Oct 3, 2010, 9:18 am
After what has seemed like forever, we are finally all moved into our new place.  I still have plenty of boxes left to unpack, artwork to hang, and knick-knacks to arrange, but for me that is the fun part of moving. . We brought along the training chopsticks Mike bought her.  Her favorite part o...
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Let Them Eat Wedding Cake

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 23, 2010, 11:29 am
Instead of having a traditional wedding cake, we opted for our favorites – Carrot Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting, German Chocolate Cake, and plenty of cookies and candies. We used biodegradable plates and bamboo veneerware forks from Branch for serving up the sweets. The ribbons behind the table ...
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Photos Around Town

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 17, 2010, 9:31 pm
I like to take pictures of things I find strangely beautiful.  Like this building renovation … … and graffiti, the carwash, bus stop stencils, and a hair salon … … jeremiah’s love nest and a bug eaten leaf … Pretty things are everywhere. All photos taken by me.  Please give ...
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Kids Clothes that I Want to Wear

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 9, 2010, 9:29 am
Yesterday I happened upon Nonchalant Mom while flipping through the latest issue of La Petite.
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Wedding Guest Book Fun

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 6, 2010, 10:18 am
We wanted to do something fun for our guest book, rather than just have people sign their names.  I wanted to look back and laugh.  I purchased a leather photo album with two picture slots per page and cut out different colors of card stock to fit in the bottom slots.  The top slot will be for ph...
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Smile Real Big!

shannon y. posted an article on - Sep 5, 2010, 11:51 am
I love it when we ask her to “Smile Real Big” …. and that she does.  XO.  Have a great Labor Day Weekend!
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