I got a big white metal beverage tub at the Target Bullseye Bazaar yesterday, but what I really wanted was one of those French market baskets that were stacked up in front for shopping purposes. I asked one of the salespeople if I could buy one, and the answer was no. I asked her to ask the manager, and the manager, too, said no. No? How could that be? I was willing to pay for one! I felt like my four-year-old son: helpless in the face of authority. I didn’t throw a tantrum, though. After a quick Web search I found Medina Baskets, which carries plenty of similar totes. Also, I thought about it, and let’s say I really wanted to buy one of the big red shopping carts they have at the regular Target, the answer would also probably have been no. C’est la vie! Now if only I could teach my son that concept.
—Gina Bazer
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I got a big white metal beverage tub at the Target Bullseye Bazaar yesterday, but what I really wanted was one of those French market baskets that were stacked up in front for shopping purposes. I asked one of the salespeople if I could buy one, and the answer was no. I asked her to ask the manager, and the manager, too, said no. No? How could that be? I was willing to pay for one! I felt like my four-year-old son: helpless in the face of authority. I didn’t throw a tantrum, though. After a quick Web search I found Medina Baskets, which carries plenty of similar totes. Also, I thought about it, and let’s say I really wanted to buy one of the big red shopping carts they have at the regular Target, the answer would also probably have been no. C’est la vie! Now if only I could teach my son that concept.
—Gina Bazer
" />
I got a big white metal beverage tub at the Target Bullseye Bazaar yesterday, but what I really wanted was one of those French market baskets that were stacked up in front for shopping purposes. I asked one of the salespeople if I could buy one, and the answer was no. I asked her to ask the manager, and the manager, too, said no. No? How could that be? I was willing to pay for one! I felt like my four-year-old son: helpless in the face of authority. I didn’t throw a tantrum, though. After a quick Web search I found Medina Baskets, which carries plenty of similar totes. Also, I thought about it, and let’s say I really wanted to buy one of the big red shopping carts they have at the regular Target, the answer would also probably have been no. C’est la vie! Now if only I could teach my son that concept.
I got a big white metal beverage tub at the Target Bullseye Bazaar yesterday, but what I really wanted was one of those French market baskets that were stacked up in front for shopping purposes. I asked one of the salespeople if I could buy one, and the answer was no. I asked her to ask the manager, and the manager, too, said no. No? How could that be? I was willing to pay for one! I felt like my four-year-old son: helpless in the face of authority. I didn’t throw a tantrum, though. After a quick Web search I found Medina Baskets, which carries plenty of similar totes. Also, I thought about it, and let’s say I really wanted to buy one of the big red shopping carts they have at the regular Target, the answer would also probably have been no. C’est la vie! Now if only I could teach my son that concept.
Combine a warm Chicago evening, two popular Food Network hosts, and a few good friends, and what do you get? An East Coast–style chow fest to remember Read more
Post 27 is celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday, April 25 from 5–9 p.m. with a kick-off party for Ottomania!, a special showing of one-of-a-kind ottomans made by 12 local artists and designers. The stools will be on view and available for purchase until May 24. Post 27 owners Angela and Barkley are also announcing expanded hours—their west side store will now be open on Mondays, so you can shop for mid-century-modern trappings, artwork, and eco-aware home goods seven days a week. Shown above: chrysanthemum design by textile artist Noel Ashby; round-top ottoman made of vintage belts by Aaron Pahmier of Greensawn Furniture. Aaron is featured in the May/June issue of Chicago Home + Garden—on sale May 1.
Fifty savvy real estate agents have joined forces to put on a massive open house in Michigan's Harbor Country, with over 100 on-the-market properties available for ogling this Saturday, April 25 from 12-4 p.m. (Michigan time). Every price range is available, from charming $100K cottages in Three Oaks to this $5 million lakeside manse in New Buffalo. Aprés house-hunting... Read more
The Garfield Park Conservatory turned 100 this month, and they’re transitioning into the second phase of the annual Spring Flower Show, which will be blooming until May 10. So it’s aloha azaleas and hiya hydrangeas—gardeners have installed more than 400 plants, some of which are direct descendants of 1893 Columbian Expo varieties. Tulips, lilacs, and hollyhocks make up the supporting cast. I like taking a time-out visit to these stately old gardens in their fin de siècle setting once in a while, especially when there’s a big show like this going on. A buzz-worthy gift-shop souvenir is handcrafted honey, made by bees that live in the Conservatory and gather nectar from flower Read more
For a decade, Illinois has been experimenting with a new approach to public education: privately managed charter schools. Now, with two Chicago champions of the charters—President Barack Obama and education secretary Arne Duncan—at the helm in Washington, these reform-minded schools may play a key role in solving the country’s scholastic woes. Here is how they work, and a look at some of the best charter schools in the area Read more
If you haven’t checked out this year’s Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry, don’t do what I did last year, and keep putting it off until you miss it. From the photos I’ve seen, last year’s set-up was gorgeous, but from a decorating standpoint, not exactly surprising. So often green means tranquil, Zen-feeling interiors, with lots of white, wood, and earthy accoutrements. Don’t get me wrong—I love that look. But what was great about this year’s show was the bold color palette and rock-n-roll sensibility… well, in most of the rooms. Interior designer Michelle Fitzpatrick, (owner of the eco-friendly home shop Verde), who helped pull together the talent for last year’s show, was back on the case this year, putting lots of local vendors on display, from the salvaged motorcycle hubcap chandeliers by Ted Harris in the dining area to the low-VOC paint from Colori throughout the house. Nice to see green get a little sexed up.
Monsters and Prodigies*
Who knew eunuchs could have sex? Turns out women flung themselves at these archetypes of altered manhood throughout the 18th century. This and other factoids about the bygone culture of castrati come courtesy of the Mexico City-based avant-garde troupe Teatro de... Read more
I love this new bulb-shaped light at Willow. Sort of loosely reminds me of the more upscale Lucy Slivinski fixtures I just blogged about the other day. From Willow’s Web site: “Designed by Barend Hemmes, it's made out of laser-cut wood, which leaves a crisp burned edge and creates a satisfying, waffle-like glow.” It can be hung from the ceiling or rested on its side. Size: 16 inches high with a 9-inch diameter, $170.
