By Megan Welsh

Between the shower, wedding, and party invites, tickets, recipes torn from magazines, and coupons, we get an ugly mess of a pile going on in our kitchen and on the refrigerator. In an attempt to declutter, I purchased a $7.00 pack of four cork tiles with adhesive squares included to attach to the back of the pantry door and brightly patterned homemade button push-pins to hold everything in place. In five minutes and for under ten bucks, I created a designated hiding place for all my cooking inspiration, coupons and the event reminders we are looking forward to in the next couple months.

Quartet Cork Tiles Purchased from CVS Pharmacy for $7

Apply the supplied stickies on the back of the corkboard

Making sure it is straightly aligned, attach to the surface

Handmade Push Pin Buttons from Etsy.com

chicago luxury apartments

These quotes have something in common: “Chicago area expected to endure worst winter weather in nation” “People in Chicago are going to want to move after this winter” or “Temperatures will be 2 to 3 degrees below normal” Remember this? Besides giving Chicagoans heart failure, they were totally inaccurate! Unless you took the article seriously, and you’re still in hiding… you’re well aware that Chicago has been, well, AWESOME!

We know, we know… we haven’t seen the last of winter yet (we don’t want to jinx it), but just in case, we found some tricks to getting through the last couple months…

And just for fun: 52 days till spring!

1 ) Ice-proof your Windows

For all those Chicagoans parked on the street, follow this simple recipe for an ice-free windshield morning: Simply fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar, to one part water and spritz on all your windows at night. Enjoy an ice-free morning (how easy!)

2 ) Driving Tip: If you get Stuck via Zeller Insurance

• Take your foot off the accelerator.

• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.

• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

3 ) Attend Chicago’s #SnowBrawl

The ultimate snow-fight! Check-out the video below, and make sure to visit Red Eye for more info!

4 ) Visit Chicago restaurants with fireplaces!

Keefer’s: 20 West Kinzie Street: A steakhouse with wood burning fireplaces! Can you say cozy?
Celtic Crossings: 751 N Clark Street: A cottage feel with a piano, fireplace and Celtic art!

5 ) Get touristy:

Head to museums (they aren’t only for suburbanites) Warm, fun, educational… do we need to say more?

Riely is a born and raised Chicagoan who grew up in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. After graduating from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he decided to return from the mountains and come back home to his favorite city. Riely loves sports, the outdoors, food and nightlife, all things which Chicago satisfies.

With a degree in Management and extensive customer service experience, Riely is committed to helping all clients find the perfect place to live.

Favorite Restaurant: Twin Anchors

Favorite Chicago Attraction: The Lake and the skyline

Follow Riely on twitter

Introducing guest blogger, Megan Walsh:  Megan is the writer of The Thread Affect, her personal blog documenting all the fun quirks that inspire her life and adventures! She is a twenty-six year old living it up in downtown Chicago with her husband and two amazingly adorable pups and loving all things related to personal style, decorating, travel, and entertaining.

Megan will be blogging about home decor, style tips, DIY projects and more! Check back every Wednesday for new ideas! Follow Megan on Twitter
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Design: (DIY) “Do it Yourself” Headboard

By Megan Welsh

I have always wanted a headboard. For what reason I have no idea? Maybe because HGTV talks about them like they are the crown gold to any bedroom or maybe because I am tired of trying to read in bed while leaning on a rock solid wall. Whatever the reason, I decided we would have a headboard in our new apartment someway somehow. Ever since we decided to move, I have been pining over these headboards from West Elm and Crate & Barrel.

Unfortunately, these three headboards run anywhere from $499 to $1200 for a queen bed. Um…not happening in this lifetime. EVER. So on to plan B. We decided it was the perfect project to DIO (Do It Ourselves). This time we enlisted the help of my trusty dad and his array of power tools back in Iowa. Here’s what we did!

1. Measured the height from the floor to the top of the mattress (26″) and the width of the bed frame and mattress (62″).

2. Went shopping for supplies. This was my favorite part, I’m really good at spending money as Justin will confirm. I am notorious for starting multiple sentences with “Guess how much I saved?” or “It was only $20!”

What we bought for less than $120:
- Piece of 3/4″ Wood From Home Depot, cut down to 64″ W
***We added an extra inch to each side so it wasn’t smaller than the frame
- 3 Pieces of 1×4′s for the legs and support
- 3M Spray Glue Adhesive
- Stain Wood Finish
- PL 400 SubFloor and Deck Glue
- 2″ Thick Foam
- Batting and Fabric
***Add at least 12″ to L and W so you can pull it tautly over the edge)

What we had at home:
- Jigsaw
- Staple Gun
- Sander
- Scissors
- Sharpie

3. (OPTIONAL STEP!) Decided the shape of the headboard: square, curvy, scrolled, or any shape you desire. Due to my complete obsession with the West Elm scrolled headboard, we decided to test our luck and go for a semi-simpler version. Using a random piece of bendable wood from Dad’s garage collection, we traced a curved line from the left edge to the top center and cut it with the jigsaw. To achieve the same curve on the right side, we simply turned over the cut out piece of wood, traced, and cut. After both sides were cut we used an electric sander to soften up those newly created rough edges.

4. Cut the foam to size. First, I placed the foam on the ground with the wood on top. Second, I traced the shape of the headboard onto the foam using a black sharpie. Third, I used scissors (a knife didn’t work well for me) to cut the foam to the exact size of the headboard. As you can see, I had lots of puppies on hand offering a paw!

Cut the foam to size

5. Spray glue adhesive to the foam and attach to the plywood.

6. Attach the legs. Using 3 1×4 pieces of wood we attached two legs and a horizontal support piece using wood glue and screws.

7. Attach a layer of batting. Again we laid the batting on the ground and the headboard + foam on top, pulled the batting taut over the headboard and stapled to the backside. We continued to work our way around the shape of the headboard remembering to pull the batting tight and staple.

8. Iron your fabric! We chose a light tan linen that would go with everything.

9. Attach the fabric. Lay the fabric down with the headboard + foam + batting on top. Make sure to line your fabric up straight! Starting with the top center, pull the fabric taut and staple. Do the same thing with the left center, right center and bottom center. Continue to pull the fabric taut and staple to the backside until you get your finished headboard!

Finished Headboard!

Headboard in Bedroom

For about $120 and 4 hours of our time (and my Dad’s) we created a headboard that we love and can be proud to say we made! Plus, the fabric is totally easy to change if we decide we want something different in the future, which I’m sure I will!

By Arin Agase

Is your mind on auto-play? If your mind is circling with negativity, and exhaustion then it’s time to cleanse your soul! No, we’re not talking therapists, or late-night drinking with friends… we’re talking sponges, mops and rubber gloves!

Your living space reflects your life. If your space is organized and clean, then your mind is clean and organized. Take a really good look at your surroundings: Is your bedroom in neat condition? Or is it cluttered, and unsettling? Is your living room serene and inviting, or is it dreary and dark? The details are important, friends, pay very close attention to them because they will illustrate your mental status.

Your mind is your “house” (getting symbolic here, I know!) What’s in it? What doesn’t serve any purpose? Get rid of it. Clean it…

If your mind isn’t busy, it’ll wander. If your mind keeps wandering to a “danger zone” then put a mental flag up and do something about it. Sure, reading a book, watching a film or spending time online is distracting, but manual labor actually requires focus. It’ll allow you to zoom in the task at hand, and “clean” your mind during the process. Not to mention how good it feels to have a clean space afterward!

If you’re a clean freak, that’s okay! (Kudos to you) Start re-decorating, or re-arranging a space. If something seems off in a room, and you’re not quite sure what… move things around, experiment, have fun! Your mind is rearranging during the process! Your mind is on vacation and you don’t even realize it.

So instead of paying the kids a couple bucks, do it yourself. It’s surprisingly up-lifting and mentally healthy.

By Myra Rubin

Giuseppe Tentori’s GT Fish & Oyster continues to impress and pack them in! Open since March 2011, there is a reason Chef Tentori has amassed numerous awards. If you haven’t been, they serve ridiculously delicious seafood at affordable prices. The menu consists of many seasonal items. A few staples that are always a hit are the Lobster Roll, Tuna Poke and one of my favorites the Lobster Mac and Cheese with English peas. The grilled Caesar Salad with Oyster “croutons” is also a must! GT does offers 3 non-fish menu items. I personally have never ordered but I’m sure they are equally as amazing.

For Oyster lovers and Night-owls like myself GT Fish & Oyster is open late and offer Half Price Oysters after 10:00 PM Sunday thru Friday!

Reservations are highly recommended at this popular spot. If you don’t have one you can generally snag an off-peak hour seat at the bar or during lunch hours.

GT Fish & Oyster
531 N Wells
Chicago, IL 60654
http://gtoyster.com

Mon-Fri 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Mon-Thu, Sun 4:30 pm – 11 pm
Fri-Sat 4:30 pm – 12 am

*Pictures property of Myra Rubin-Please ask permission before use.

By Arin Agase

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” –Josh Billings

Only a dog-lover could feel the pain of leaving a furry-friend behind… You know the look: head down, ears up, expressive eyes (if looks could kill, right?). So why make Harry wait at home when there’s plenty for you to do downtown! I bet you didn’t know there are over 30 bars in Chicago with licensed dog-friendly side-walk cafes! Treat your pal to a night on the town… (View below)

Also check-out a few of our favorite dog parks below:

Dog Friendly Cafès:

The Boundary: 1932 w Division St (Wicker Park)
Bull & Bear: 431 N Wells St (River North)
312 Chicago: 136 N Lasalle St (Theatre District)
Dunlays on Clark: 2600 N Clark St (Lincoln Park)
The Fifty/50: 2047 W Division St (
Gaslight Bar & Grill: 2426 N Racine Ave (Lincoln Park)
Hub 51: 51 W Hubbard Street (River North)
Joe’s Bar: 940 W Weed Street (Lincoln Park)
Lottie’s Pub: 1925 W Cortland Ave (Bucktown)
P.J. Clarke’s: 1204 N State St
RL/Ralph Lauren: 115 E. Chicago Ave (off Michigan Ave)
Rockit Bar & Grill: 3700 N. Clark St (Wrigleyville)
Small Bar: 2956 N Albany Ave (Logan Square)

Chicago is very accommodating with pets, there are several others not listed above. Try giving the bar/restaurant a call before visiting… We’re positive Harry will thank you.

Favorite Dog Parks:

Lakeshore East:

450 E. Benton Place
(West of Lake Shore Drive, south of Wacker Drive, and North of Randolph Street.)
Chicago, IL 60611

Challenger Park:

1101 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(312)742-7802

Churchill Field Park:

1825 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL

Let us in on your favorite spots! We’d love to hear.

Myra Rubin

Welcome foodie blogger, Myra Rubin: Chicago based Jane of All Trades. Food Lover + Food Eater + Amateur Food Photographer. Stop by every Tuesday for her food reviews and yummy photos!

Follow Myra on Twitter

Food Spotlight: Pump Room Chicago

By Myra Rubin

Ian Schrager’s (resurrected) Pump Room at PUBLIC Chicago is the place to be right now, a see-and-be-seen hot spot. I’m happy they decided to keep the name of this legendary Gold Coast spot!
It is fabulously exquisite looking and offers reasonably priced delicious food + cocktails.

The menu was created by world-renowned Chef Jean-Goerges Vongerichten who supports local purveyors and offers a “farm to table” experience. Everything I’ve ordered has been pretty solid. Great service and value. The Pump Room also offers a daily Happy Hour menu from 5pm – 7pm. Perfect way to sample many small plates and save a few dollars if you’re on a budget.

At night the bar scene is lively. Featuring late night tapas style small plates, wide range of cocktails and music.

*All photos courtesy of Myra Rubin – Permission before use

Pump Room at PUBLIC Chicago
1301 N State Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60610
www.pumproom.con

Finding a new place is exciting, but moving out of the old abode speaks for itself… Moving is challenging, exhausting and tedious! Make the process easier by following these tips below. Do you have any moving secrets? Comment below!

1) Toss it: Number one rule when moving out, toss what you don’t need anymore! This includes you, hoarders. Putting items in boxes is not only a waste of time; it’s a waste of money and strength. Go through every (yes, every) room in your house and start de-cluttering. Have a yard sale, send it to charity, trash it… Start with your closet, if you haven’t worn it in 6 months, kiss it goodbye! This is your chance to have a fresh start; a clean house is a clean mind.

2) Box it up: Start shopping for moving supplies. This includes tape, boxes, bubble-wrap, labeling markers, newspaper. Start by assessing each room and figuring out how many boxes you’ll need. If you want to save money, give a call to your local grocery/department store. They usually have them once a week set aside to people like you! (For free). One of our favorite tricks? Hanging wardrobe boxes, saves you a lot of packing time. Throw everything up on a hanger and wheel it on out.

3) Hire Professionals: Hire professionals to help with the move. They’ll carry all the big items and even take care of packaging. They generally consist of a team, which will make the move end faster! Tip: Look on Craigs List, a lot of people are looking for work and will charge you a lot less!

4) Labeling is your Friend: You heard it right… label away! This will help determine which box goes to where (will help moving team) and yourself! Saves a ton of time! Do it.

5) Shoes: Make sure to wear a comfy pair of shoes! This will take you a long way…

6) Schedule: Packing up a house/apartment is a hefty job. Stay organized with a packing-calendar. Monday, focus on your bedroom. Tuesday, focus on the kitchen, and so on. Having a system in place will help you stay cool, calm and collective. Invite some friends over, have some pizza, make some fun out of it!

7) Breaks: Breaks are your friend; don’t worry about getting things done in one haul. Take care of yourself… you’ll feel better later.

8) Smile: You’re ready to make new memories! Change is refreshing, enjoy it.

If you’re a bubble-bath queen like me, you’ll definitely find appreciation in these spectacular bathrooms from around the world! Absolutely marking these on my “wish board” for a future necessity! Are some of you fortunate enough to have these in your pad? We want to see pics! Post them on our Facebook page! Don’t forget to let us know which bathroom is your favorite in the comment section below.