Camp Wandawega

It has been quite some time since I posted!  With the last weeks of finals the blog didn't quite take precedence, but I am excited to get back into it.  I was flipping through the June 2013 issue of Country Living when I saw a beautiful campy resort located in none other than Elkhorn, Wisconsin!

Camp Wandawega is a cozy but sprawling resort that takes up 25 acres on Lake Wandawega in the township of Sugar Creek.  I literally had no idea this place existed!  As of now I believe it's a Chicago secret, but I plan to make in known to its neighbors here in Wisconsin.  I can't believe how beautifully gorgeous this place is.  What a delightful mix between Moonrise Kingdom and my childhood friend's summer cottage.

Room rates start at $200 per night with a two night minimum.  Click here for the details!

St. Louis and Chicago and Home

Well, Spring break is officially over.   It's nice to know though that I can look at these pictures and remember my adventures whilst I breaked.  Over break I spent time in St. Louis, (yes I went in the arch) Chicago, and at home.  Unfortunately the weather didn't have an air of spring, but it was a nice break despite that.

Laguna

My goodness I have been gone quite a while!  I failed to mention that I would be on vacation to Laguna Beach.  Below I had to include some beautiful photos that I had the great opportunity to take, as well as some that my travel companion, Emily, took.  

Emily and I stayed with her grandma, who lives in a sweet little house overlooking the Laguna Main Beach.  We spent the week reading, going to the beach, and playing board games--the perfect end to a summer.

As we walked around the neighborhood one morning, I couldn't deny photographing some of the flora-especially the succulents!

Gorgeous view from Betty's house!

I was so in love with this umbrella! It was definitely the coolest one on the beach.

Checking out the tide pools and sifting for sea glass became a favorite past time of mine.

And reading.  Oh reading. I rediscovered my love for reading.

I can't wait to share more from this trip!  Have a lovely day!

Barn Wedding

This past weekend I had the lovely opportunity to decorate and attend a wedding.  The wedding was located in rural Wisconsin, where a disabled children's Christian camp is held during weeks in the summer.  We decorated the beautiful red barn on site to hold the reception.  The most amazing part of the whole thing is that every part of this decorated barn was put together using things we already owned.  The decorating team came together and worked all day Friday to make sure this wedding would be beautiful--and beautiful it was!  Thanks so much guys!

We strung icicle lights around hula hoops and hung them from the beams!

S'more love! I personally wrapped about a hundred of these smore favors to give each guest.  How cute!

A decorated table held the large jar we used to house hundreds of little cards with messages of love and encouragment for the happy couple.

My favorite thing to do: design a chalkboard to say a sweet message

Scones instead of cake were used as the dessert.  Empty frames and a chalkboard that I had lying around made a great addition to this ledge.

New York and Such

Sadly, second semester starts tomorrow along with a continueum of work, stress and more work.  As I reminisce over my break I realize I didn't complete several projects, Christmas long gone, and I am conflicted as to whether I am ready to begin the mayhem yet again.  While I blogged over my break I failed to catalouge my recent trip to New York City.

It was a school related trip and we visited the offices of MR Magazine, Kohl's, Macys, Li & Fung, as well as many other great places.

While we attended many great well known establishments one of my favorites is still Café Reggio, located in Greenidge Village.  My friends and I stopped at this cafe recommended by an NYU student and were completely in love! I must note that the ambience was historic, worn, and dark, not necessarily a first pick yet perfectly styled.  I looked like quite the tourist but couldn’t help taking pictures.  I apologize for the darkness.

I also got the chance to see the Nate show.  Nate Berkus is one of my favorite people.  If you are into design watch his show.  I can’t describe the excitement I felt when waiting for the show to start.  I actually was sitting in the audience!  It seemed so surreal.

I, of course, had to visit Mood fabrics, along with M & J Trimming and Tinsel Trading Co.  I found the most beloved fabric at Mood and ribbon to match at M & J Trimming.

While New York is expensive it was well worth it.  I see why people love it and can’t wait to discover more of the city when I attend FIT there.

Paper Wedding Dress

Though I based this blog off of my obsession with furniture, home decor, and flea markets I named it You of Design for a reason, being that I love all things design.  According to my major at University of Wisconsin, I love textile and apparel design as well.  

So, in regards to all things design, I want to show you some of my work outside of DIYs and furniture remodeling.  As apart of TASA (Textile and Apparel Student Association) we were contacted by the 2011 Bridal show to make four wedding dresses made of paper.  At the show, guests would vote on the dress of their choice, making one the winner.

I took part in the competition, being on a team with four other design students.  The designer of our dress was the fantabulous and talented Yer Lee, a fellow student who ended up being the designer and team leader of two different teams because she is that talented.  

Anyways...we got to attend the bridal show (and pretend we were engaged for one night) which was so cool!  But the best part was...

duh duh duh

Our dress WON!  It was extremely exciting and rewarding all at the same time.  But I have to show you pictures because that just makes it all the better.  I didn't take these photos, which you will probably notice by their high quality profesh-ness.

Here is the lovely!

This first dress was seriously amazing!  In fact they all were so awesome

 My hardworking group

The group and the TASA exectutives