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What a busy weekend around here!  I had a long weekend here and as always that seems to mean more work not less.  With a little help from my brother and fiance Lainey, I finally have the kitchen almost done!

The third time seems to be a charm when it came to the color of the kitchen.  Last time I painted it the palest blue {almost a white}  but it was too cool for the warm color of the kitchen counter {whoops- remind me next time to paint AFTER the counter tops are in!}

The cabinets {which have been without doors for over a month} are finally painted in an easy to clean semi-gloss and ready for the doors to be hung again {hurray! am tired of everyone being able to see into my not to organized cabinets}

I also finished a little crafting project over the weekend.  I found a big old 1970's frame with dated, torn print for six dollars are Restore.  I am sure people thought I was crazy at the check out lane but they didn't know my little plan.  I took it home, sanded down the old frame, popped out the picture and painted it antique white to match the kitchen cabinets {it took five days and seven layers of paint!}.  Then I painted directly over the print with 2 coats of chalkboard paint.  And voila, a cafe inspired chalkboard menu!  Can't wait to share pictures.

So what's with the picture of the bed, you may be asking yourself!  It is too dreary here today to take any good pictures of the kitchen and I am SO tired that bed is all I can think about! This bed had me from hello- not because it looks so comfy but because it is gorgeous!  Does anyone else feel like Anthropology needs to do a line that is a little more affordable for us everyday, ordinary girls???

Primary colors and stars for a birthday boy...

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My cousin's little boy is turning one and she asked me for a few ideas for his birthday celebration.  She had already decided the theme of the party was stars and primary colors.  So I hit the search engines.  I love a good google search and this is what I have come up with! I love these cute origami stars accented with buttons.  And I am loving these sweet sugar cookies with happy faces.

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More origami stars.  Am also filing these away for inspiration for Christmas next year...

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Who doesn't love a rice krispie treat?!? Cute with or with out frosting I think.

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These star crayons are made from old, broken crayons!  All you need is a star muffin pan...where you find those I am not sure.

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What kid doesn't love candy and finger painting?  You could even let your kids paint the long sheets of paper ahead of time and use them to decorate the table.  And I love the handmade playdough with smilie faces.  Easily could be little party favors.

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I hope this gives my cousin plenty of inspiration!  Birthday parties are so fun to plan.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  Please feel free to email me if you need inspiration for any of your projects.  I love to help.

Comfy clothes...

Image Gap Body

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Image Gap Body

In love with Mad Love...

Mad Love is making my Monday nights!  What started out as romantic fluff has some how turned into a show that really makes me laugh.  It's just the right amount of sweet and funny. I also love that one of the characters is a nanny.  For more about the show go here!

Finally Friday Giveaway {on a Monday}...

And the moment you all have been waiting for!!!  And the winner of the $50 gift card to Pier One is...........

Two Pitties in the City!!!!

Email me you mailing info at eastchic906{@}yahoo{.}com

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Thank you new followers and for all the sweet comments.  This weekend I spent cleaning and cooking after trying to take care of some dirty business on Friday {thus the reason for not posting sooner}  I am currently being accused of a hit and run up by Chicago, almost three hours from where I currently live.  And apparently I was driving a car that I sold 2 years ago and isn't even in this state anymore!

So I spent the day chasing down someone who knew what they were talking about and being promised that someone will get back to me.  Oh well what's one wasted vacation day and having to hire a private attorney?

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The rest of the weekend I spent getting the house whipped into shape and catching up on laundry.  One thing new I did try was making homemade gnocchi.  If you have never tried gnocchi you should!  They are Italian potato dumplings.  And they are good with a variety of sauces of even with just some browned butter.

Until now I have always purchased mine from the pasta section of the super market.  But recently I have been wanting gnocchi so often I wanted to see how hard it was to make from scratch.  It can be kind of costly eating multiple times a week when you buy it at the store.

So I tried it.  I was not successful but don't worry.  I am gonna get some new tools and try a different recipe.  I will succeed!  I was pretty close but they fell apart to easily and were a little too potatoey.  If you want to try gnocchi- pick some up from the dried pasta section and cook it in boiling water 90 seconds after they float to the top of the water.  Serve with a nice tomato sauce and slices of cold ham.  Indulge with a dollop of sour cream if you are feeling fancy.

I am going to try this recipe next!

Can't contain myself...

To continue with the theme of the week I thought I would share a few more of my chic storage ideas.  In our master bedroom I have two vintage mirrored trays.  One for my pretty things {jewelry, cell phone, ect.} and one for Ryan's things {necklaces, wallet, change}

On the trays I have a variety of pretty little bowls {all of which came from Goodwill!}  I have bowls and containers stashed all over my house like this.  I find that when something has a place to go, it is way more likely to be put away there {as opposed to an item not having a home and floating around the house and impossible to find when you need it}

I keep my eyes out for pretty little bowls all the time when I am out thrifting.  If I don't need it right away I store it down in my basement where it waits to be called into duty!

These photos aren't the best because while I was in the midst of taking them part of the kitty pack broke into a major rumble.  Kitty and Skippy were wrestling all over the room so it was hard not to get them in the shot!

But how can you get mad at faces like that???

Glass containers for storage...

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I am completely obsessed with glass containers right now.  I cannot get enough.  If I have a container that fits the job you can guarantee that is the direction I am going to go.  I got this insanely clever idea from an issue of The Nest {which I adore and will miss so much once my subscription runs out...it is a magazine only available after you first get married and you can't subscribe- so once you done, your done}

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What have I been filling them up with lately?  Light bulbs, detergent, rice, twine, anything really.  It turns an ordinary object into something a little more interesting.  The Container Store has everything you would ever need if you too feel like you need some containers in your life.  I get mine from Goodwill, Restore, and sometimes Pier One.  But you can find them anywhere from Walmart to Target.

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There are all kinds of containers out there!  Find some that fit your taste and style, use them for everyday items, and you will be so happy you won't be able to contain yourself! {sorry I couldn't help that last pun!}

There is still time to join the giveaway!!!

Finally Friday Giveaway Redo...

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Ok...so nobody wanted a tin full of goodies.  So I am gonna try this again.  Maybe sweeten up the deal a little.  This week I am giving away a $50 gift card to Pier One.  Now if that doesn't entice you then I don't know what will.  So here is how you can enter...


Become a follower of 906 E. Chic...yes I know you may have to start a google account but that's easy peasy for fifty free smackers!


Comment on ANY post {new or old} and let me know




Link back from your own blog or social network {facebook, twitter, ect...}




Or do all three and be entered 3 times {more chances to win is better don't you think?}



So it's that easy!!!  And come next Friday you may be deciding just what you are going to do with that $50 gift card {do you need a new rug or perhaps some pretty dishes?}  Wishing you all a bright and sunny weekend!

Entry into the giveaway ends Thursday 3/10 at 12:00 am...

Kitchens I love...

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Felt Fortune Cookies...

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This week while grocery shopping I picked up a box of fortune cookies.  I don't normally buy fortune cookies but it seems like such a fun snack to have around the house.  We have a lot of house guests and I like to keep bowls full of goodies around.

So this week you could find your fortune in a pretty vintage bowl in my living room.  They are a nice little pick-me-up after a long, stressful day.  I mean who doesn't want to hear that you will step on the soil of many countries {especially if you are a travel freak like me} or that you creativity is going to take an unexpected turn for the better {lucky me!}

Martha Stewart has a fun project with a spin.  Felt fortune cookies!  How sweet of an idea is that?  Wouldn't these be cute at a shower {baby or bridal} or as a wedding favor?  You can color coordinate them to your scheme and everyone will love opening up and seeing what life has to bring them!

Bubble tents...

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I am not an outdoorsie kind of girl.  Don't get me wrong I would like to be an outdoorsie kind of girl but am extremely allergic to Poison Ivy.  Not much fun to go camping or hiking with the possibility that your entire body is going to be covered in red itchyness.

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But these adorable see through tents have me wanting to try it one more time!  How romantic would it be to fall asleep looking at a spectacular view all around you?  These tents call for a cool destination.  I am thinking Hawaii or the Grand Canyon.  Not just any old place around Illinois.  Not cool enough for the risk of bumps.

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Do you enjoy camping?  And if so what are some of the things that you do to lighten' the "roughing it" load?