Archive for ‘Local Spots’

January 31st, 2013

local love: Orchard Street Press

local love | Milwaukee | Inspired to Share

 

I’ve learned that an integral part of creativity and inspiration is curiosity, exploration…movement. The best way to continually remain inspired? By constantly seeking new experiences. What better way then to explore your surroundings?

I truly believe in a “love where you live” philosophy, wherever that may be. And I’ve really come to realize how fortunate I am to live in this awesome city. I’ve heard people say Milwaukee is a “hidden gem” of the Midwest, and I couldn’t agree more. We may be a smaller big city that’s known for our beer, but there is so much more to discover. More than anything, I think Milwaukee’s creative community is full of opportunity and I’m continually amazed by the unique and independent spirit here. We even just had a neighborhood named one of America’s Top “Artplaces“!

In an effort to keep exploring and connecting, I thought I’d share a little “local love” every now and then through the process. Whether it’s getting to know an artist or maker, visiting a local business, or trying something new…the point is to stay inspired and connected. Maybe you’ll begin to understand why I’ve grown to love this place.

I recently had the honor of touring a local screen-printing company, Orchard Street Press. Whitney and Julie are an inspiring couple helping shape Milwaukee’s creative community. Whitney began screen-printing in his basement (in their first home on Orchard Street) and that hobby has since become a full-time business for both him and his wife Julie. They were generous enough to give me a tour of their studio and teach me more about screen-printing along the way. It is truly an art and their business is such a labor of love. I love that their work is environmentally-friendly, using only water-based inks. Besides printing locally for other businesses designers, and artists, Orchard Street Press also has an Etsy shop of their own unique screen-printed designs (like these sweet flour sack towels).

Below are some photos from my time there and words from Whitney and Julie! Be sure to read on to learn how screen printing works and get their take on Milwaukee!

read more »

CategoryLocal Spots | Comment7 Comments »

January 14th, 2013

birthday surprise

birthday surprise in Madison | Inspired to Share

 

Hi friends. How are you? I know I haven’t been blogging much and the truth is I’ve been having too much fun! First Christmas, then New Year’s, and then last week was my birthday…it’s felt like a non-stop celebration! And I’m not complaining.

I normally get so excited about my birthday but this year I didn’t really have any plans. But then. Nick surprised me with the sweetest, most thoughtful plans. I still can’t believe it. He got home from work and told me I had one hour to pack – we were going to Madison! Even more, we were going to dinner at Sardine (one of our favorite restaurants and where we had our wedding reception), followed by a night at Mansion Hill Inn (also where we spent our wedding night). I was over the moon!

It was a truly magical day and I feel incredibly blessed. Nick, you are the best husband I could ever imagine and thank you for everything. What a perfect way to start this next year of my life.

Here are some photos from the day, if you’d like to see…

birthday bow | Colleen of Inspired to Share

fancy lunch | Inspired to Share

romantic dinner at Sardine | Inspired to Share

Mansion Hill Inn | Inspired to Share

good morning | Inspired to Share

Madison, Wisconsin Capitol | Inspired to Share

 

If you’re local and are looking for a getaway, I would HIGHLY recommend staying at Mansion Hill. It is positively charming and one of my favorite places.

I hope you have a fantastic start to the week!

xoxo

 

(Photos by me, mostly from my Instagram)

CategoryLocal Spots, Personal | Comment14 Comments »

December 4th, 2012

camp wandawega

I recently stumbled upon Camp Wandawega from following Paul Octavious, a phenomanal Chicago-based photographer, on Instagram (seriously, follow him!). He recently took these amazing photos while at a retreat at Camp Wandawega. Since it’s in Wisconsin, I knew I had to learn more. It turns out the camp has an amazing story. And it is less than an hour from our house…maybe I’ve been living under a rock?

Camp Wandawega is owned by Tereasa Surratt & David Hernandez. David grew up going to the camp and Tereasa is a woman of many hats, including being a creative director and an author (one of her books, Found Free & Flea, is on my wish list!). While the camp has changed hands and purposes a handful of times since the 1920′s (it’s been everything from a brothel, speakeasy, supper club, to summer camp), today it’s been restored to its original state as an incredible lake resort with impeccable taste and a nod to classic Americana. Tereasa and David live and work in Chicago but spend their weekends at Camp Wandawega. With an incredible team and a year’s worth of weekends at work, they even built this amazing treehouse…

Now let’s take a look at the decor throughout the rest of the camp. It seems every detail has been covered and it’s an amazing curation of vintage Americana. I love that all of the decor seems to make it feel like you’re living there. You can rent cabins, tents, and even tepees! Wouldn’t it be a fun and different getaway?

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CategoryInterior Design, Local Spots, Travel Files | Comment5 Comments »

October 2nd, 2012

fall colors

Happy Tuesday, friends! Sorry if you happened to click on any bad links yesterday, I made a little mistake trying to publish my post! But it is fixed now. Since we’re leaving for our trip on Wednesday, I’ve let myself get a tad stressed. I’m trying to cross everything off the list and instead I just feel like I’m running around in circles not crossing anything off the list. Ever had that experience? Ah, stress, the unyielding beast. Lately I’ve been quick to give in to frustration, but I’m working on choosing my attitude and a better state of mind. Time to let go of stress and realize that life goes on. :) We’re going on a trip for our anniversary in a couple days. Is it clear that I need a vacation? ;)

But back to the colors of Fall. So this past weekend I got to do some driving in the country, to go to an apple orchard and flea market. Fall has reached perfection here in Wisconsin and the colors are so beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off of all of the colors while I was driving! I may have even snapped the first photo while driving (sorry, Mom!). It’s funny how every year I seem to forget how beautiful and inspiring Fall is in the Midwest. Here are a few photos from the weekend…

Walking around after the flea market…

The apple orchard was charming…

They have a working electric train that my cousin just loved…

And how cute is that picture of my Grandpa at the old fashioned ice cream parlor? It makes me so happy. :)

I hope you’re enjoying Fall, too. I really think it might be the most wonderful time of the year!

xoxo

 

CategoryLifestyle, Local Spots, Original Works | Comment8 Comments »

September 18th, 2012

a walk through chicago

Chicago inspires me. It’s always been the “big city” to me growing up and a place filled with memories. I still get butterflies when I visit and I always leave feeling full of life.

The architecture is beautiful and the pretty blue skies on that day didn’t hurt either. Here are a few more photos I snapped while walking around Wicker Park and Bucktown after Renegade Craft Fair.

 

The last photo is peering into Grassfed, a restaurant I definitely want to try next time I’m there. I’m loving the decor!

Do you have a city nearby that inspires you?

xoxo

 

P.S. My ballet flats are from J.Crew.

CategoryArchitecture, Lifestyle, Local Spots | Comment7 Comments »

September 17th, 2012

renegade chicago 2012

I wanted to share some photos from Renegade Craft Fair last weekend in Chicago. We continued our tradition from last year where the guys watch football at their favorite spot while the ladies get to have fun at the craft fair! It’s basically a win-win. ;)

We started the day with brunch with good friends. It was our first time at Feast Chicago, which I’d highly recommend (my veggie burger was delicious!). Oh, and here I am with blonde hair!

 

Then off to the craft fair! The Vintage Bazaar was also going on nearby, which was fun, too! Here are some of my favorite highlights, which include pretty displays, sweet trailers, bikes, and the cutest dogs…

 

 

I wish I could remember each of the booths where I took photos but you can check out the full list of artists here. I do know that the “be awesome today” embroidery is by Ruggles Made. And how cute is that dog in the trailer?! :)

Have you ever been to a Renegade Craft Fair? It all started in Chicago but they’re now in Austin, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even London!

Until next year! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing a few more photos of Chicago…

xo

CategoryArtsy, Fashion/Style, Local Spots, Vintage | Comment15 Comments »

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