wreath making with kinfolk

A few weeks ago I was able to attend a Kinfolk event here in Chicago. The activity for the night was fresh wreath making. I have never tried my hand at floral design before, but I was seriously into it. Just the smell of all those fresh flowers was enough to make a girl consider a life in a little floral studio. The event was hosted by Amanda Jane Jones of Kinfolk and Kelli Thompson of Fleur Inc, both just the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. I love how my wreath turned out! It has been keeping my apartment springy despite this never ending Chicago Winter. All photos by Jaclyn Simpson.

bang bang pie shop

this is the first time i have ever been to bang bang pie shop. i have been missing out!

honestly, i don't think i have ever had a more delicious biscuit or piece of pie. for how amazing this place i didn't feel like it was crowded at all. perhaps it had to do with the quaint outdoor seating area in the back of the building. or the giant bay windows. i am such a sucker for amazing light.

i couldn't decide between a biscuit or slice of pie. so, ultimately, i got both, because why not! the chocolate pie was absolute heaven. also where has sea salt been all my life and why is it so delicious on anything chocolate? they also had fresh apple cider. yum. the biscuits are made fresh every hour- dense, moist, and served with unbelievable jam. plus the staff is so friendly. 

if you ever stop by Chicago, Bang Bang Pie Shop is definitely a must visit/eat. i'll also mention that the prices are totally reasonable. let me know if you stop by! 

photos by momoko photography

"Before machines took over pie shells were made by hand with lard and love and people were happy."

sprout home // chicago city scapers

Sprout home is a nursery and home goods hybrid that believes home and garden should have a modern edge. They offer an amazing plant selection ranging from succulents to orchids, as well as a unique gift collection. The best part about Sprout is that they are so willing to help anyone keep their plants alive- regardless of where they were purchased. Something that I have been considering lately is their terrarium class. Since I can't keep any real plants alive I am thinking this might be my best bet. You can find this lovely shop in Ukrainian Village (745 N Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622). They also have a second location in Brooklyn if your into that whole New York thing.  I have a lot of friends who love this place so I asked them to describe it in three words:

Kristina: Urban, Eclectic, Garden-y
Mo: Modern, Hip, Very Nice
Marissa: Expert, Eclectic, Exotic

If that doesn't make you want to go, I don't know what will!

All photos by Momoko Photography: A Family, Wedding, and Lifestyle photographer located in Chicago, Il.
Read the Sprout Home blog here and follow them on Pinterest for gardening and DIY tips.

around the town.

Chicago is my first job out of college, my first solo taxi ride, my first firefly sighting, my first sticky hot summer and my first deep dish pizza. 

lula cafe // chicago city scapers

<< my lovely friend taylor >>

<< me: "can i wear a hat to this place or is that too hipster?" mo: "not for lula cafe it isn't" >>

Before I start raving about this place I wanted to take a moment at talk about Mo-- the lovely photographer that accompanies me to all of these fabulous places. First of all, she is insanely talented and you can see more of her work here (I love this chicago wedding she just shot). But secondly Momoko is really unique in the fact that she shoots all of her stuff on... wait for it... FILM. Can you believe that? Just looking at her photos I can tell that is makes such a huge difference. Can you see how vibrant all of the colors are? How the film captures the different textures and colors of the white ceilings and walls? I am seriously in love with these pictures. If you need a wedding photographer or family photographer in the Chicago area Mo is your gal. Also! She is traveling to Utah June 27th-July 1st so if you would like your pics taken contact her here! She is taking Michal and I's 2 year anniversary pictures and I am getting so excited. 

BUT ON TO LULA CAFE.

When did brunch become the happening meal? Maybe because breakfast food is the best food and when I can eat it with a diet coke its even better. Mo, Taylor and I hit up Lula cafe 11am on a Saturday morning. We had to wait about 25 mins for a table, but it gave us plenty of time to take pictures. Lula Cafe is located in Logan Square, an up and coming hip place in Chicago. All of their food is sustainably sourced and there menu is ever changing. Mo swears they have the best breakfast burrito ever created, which is probably true because they have been featured in like a million magazines. The wait staff is super knowledgable and helpful about navigating their unique menu so don't be afraid to ask questions! Lula Cafe is located right off of the Logan Square blue line stop-- so only a few minutes away from the loop. Definitely a must see if you are coming to the city. 

xoxo

harley

p.s. see our other chicago adventures here!