Summertime

Now that it's starting to feel like SUMMER has finally arrived in Chicago, everyone wants to be outside. Myself included. I've heard it said that in many other parts of the country, people enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer but in Chicago, people revel in it. So true.

I've been thinking lately about how to turn an outdoor space into an outdoor room, to take full advantage of the warm weather. Domino magazine is one of my favorite resources for ideas; they have a great gallery of photos online to inspire.

Summer also means it's time to plant the wire baskets that line my porch. Last year I got some beautiful flowers at Grand Street Gardens over in West Town. They have their own organic potting soil and tons of plants, flowers and grasses to choose from, not to mention some cool garden containers and knicknacks. Much bigger and more exciting selection than plain old Lowe's or Home Depot.