JULY JOY!! PERFECT PESTO!! SIDEWALK SALE!!

Sooooo much is happening at Design Studio this week I don't know where to start!!

Get ready!! Beautiful new merchandise is arriving every day...these fabulous lamps could be the perfect accessory for that special place in your home. Gina has brought in new jewelry, the boxwood topiaries and balls in new sizes are here and speaking of new arrivals, congratulations to Andrea and Ben King on the arrival of Vittoria Ann King...new baby sister to Louie!!

The shop is filled with great bargains for the Sidewalk Sale...just to mention a few items:
floral stems, pillows, clocks, lanterns, beach signs, red/white/blue summer treats, citronella candles, antique accessories for your garden, urns....and more!!

Today the kitchen was a flurry of activity as Tom and I picked the first crop of basil for our summer favorite ---Pesto!

You have asked me to repeat a blog from 2010 for our family pesto recipe so here it is...so easy, fragrant and delicious on pasta, pizza, fresh tomatoes, grilled bread, baked potatoes, corn on the cob...use your imagination!

       4 cups packed fresh basil leaves (no stems...too thick/tough)

       5-7 garlic cloves (depends on size and your taste choice), peeled

       1/2 cup toasted pine nuts ( in a dry skillet heat to fragrant and golden to bring out the flavor ...

                 takes just  a few minutes)

       1 cup grated real Parmesano Reggiano

        3/4 to 1 cup good quality olive oil

        salt/pepper to taste (I only add a dash of salt to bring up the flavor...the cheese is salty enough for 

                our family's taste)

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the toasted pine nuts and garlic gloves to a chunky consistency. Add the basil leaves and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Parmesano Reggiano

and pulse several times to blend. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube to form a smooth, thick emulsion.
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin layer of olive oil on top to protect it from exposure to air....air will darken pesto.

If you have questions, stop in the shop and I'll be happy to help you!!


We have been pricing the new fall/Halloween merchandise (I know, I know....summer just got here!!) and we leave for Atlanta to shop for spring, 2014 (!!) and to finish filling in for Christmas (!!!)
Michelle will be happy to help you with sidewalk sale finds and cheerfully answer your questions.

Come see us at Design Studio!!

TOTALLY GIFTED!!

At Design Studio we love the opportunity to help you choose gifts for friends and family, especially when you are celebrating a bridal shower, a wedding or a housewarming!

BRIDAL SHOWER!

The bridal shower originated in 16th century Netherlands as an alternative to the dowry. Small gifts were given to strengthen the ties between the bride and her friends, provide moral support and help her prepare for marriage.

Bridal showers became popular in the U.S. in the 1890's when the idea came into fashion between upper middle class women. Because most women had been filling a "hope chest" since childhood, the custom of the shower was adopted to give a gift and to celebrate the camaraderie of friends during the 

exciting engagement period.

THE WEDDING!

Weddings are steeped in tradition. The bridal dress, veil and train, the headpiece, 

something old/new/borrowed/blue,

rings, identically dressed attendants and throwing the garter/bouquet

are just a few of the wedding rituals we celebrate in the modern wedding.

We love the wonderful whimsical cards designed by Mary Ann Johnson! 

These are just a few of our sentimental favorites:

HOUSEWARMING OR ANY OCCASION!!

Made in the USA and available in three styles and six colors, these 

custom monograms are the perfect wedding/shower/housewarming gift!

We suggest you allow three weeks for delivery. Information and samples are at the shop.

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality

is finally better than your dreams!

WE LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS!!

TOP POP!!!

A Dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up,

brushes you off and lets you try again.

A Dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find 

your own way even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt.

A Dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed and has faith even when you fail.

Is your dad the WORLD'S GREATEST DAD ( of course he is!!), or is he the MVP SPORTS FAN

or does he love his MAN CAVE???

Stop in the shop and see these reversible pillows with two pockets to hold his remote, his beverage, his snacks!! Priced at only 31.95 they are a great gift!!

SUMMER!!!

Wow!! Practically overnight, our weather went from needing a winter jacket to needing the air conditioning to cool down!! Oh well, that's Chicago weather...wait ten minutes and it will change. What we love at Design Studio is the opportunity to change with the seasons and to celebrate warm weather with red, white and blue accessories! This happy punch of color reminds us it's summertime and the living is easy.

Planning a barbecue, graduation party or Memorial Day/Fourth of July picnic??

Dress your table and your home in iconic red, white and blue.

Set out a basket of Frisbees, Whiffle Balls and maybe a croquet set and enjoy being outside!

Red geraniums are the perfect accessory on your serving table. How about creating a summer salad using greens, strawberries, blueberries and crumbled feta with a berry dressing?

Use the stellar stars as shown for a table runner or unbutton to make four placemats!

Fill a red wagon with ice and bottled beverages. Make Caprese Salad Kabobs by skewering grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves...drizzle with a light balsamic vinaigrette.

For dessert, top vanilla frosted cupcakes with raspberries and blueberries.

Light up your holiday with our mercury glass star votives and enjoy these beautiful days!!

See you at the shop!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Whether you call her Mother, Mom, Mum, Mama, Mommy or your own special name,

it is time to celebrate her!

                         THANK YOU MOM...

for all the hugs and kisses

for giving me a hand when I need it

for standing by me

for making me laugh on bad days

for all the comfort you bring

for the unconditional love

for always being there

I LOVE YOU

HOPE HER DAY IS FILLED WITH LITTLE LUXURIES!

With Mother's Day less than a month away, the shop is filled with little luxuries that are perfect gifts for that perfect Mother....

.....celebrate spring and her love of flowers....

....choose from a large selection of jewelry....

....for an ever so marvelous Mom!

''MOM, YOU WERE RIGHT"

Isn't that what every mother wants to hear? Make your mom's dreams come true and affirm her expertise and vast knowledge.

For my sweet mom, may your day be as bright as you are!! I love you!!

GARDEN MINIATURES!

Hooray! It is finally the first day of spring, the robins have come back and it looks like there are not many days of snow left. Those of us who are avid gardeners and have been poring over catalogs all winter will relish this wonderful garden variation--miniature gardening! Sometimes called "fairy gardens," creating a tiny garden is rather like playing with a dollhouse.

Stop in the shop and see the many creative ways you can combine the cottages, trellises, mini pots and urns.  Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, the possibilities are endless.

There are classic miniature border planters that can be arranged in any combination and the planters are watertight.  Artificial greens have been used in the store and you can substitute real greenery and floral material in your creations.

Wheelbarrows, watering cans, semi-circular benches, stepping stones and birdhouses...

Mini lanterns, tables and chairs, gates and arbors....

French garden gates embellished with tiny tools.....

Scrolled garden hook with mini wire accessories..

A perfect hobby with your children or grandchildren!

As your creations begin to take shape, we invite you to share pictures with us...more details to follow!

Stay tuned!!

Happy planting!!!