FAVORITE SPACES: MID-ATLANTIC MERCANTILE

I finally made it to Mid-Atlantic Mercantile in Lawrenceville this week and boy, was I impressed. Emily, the owner and creative visionary behind the shop, is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. She has curated the most inspiring retail space with a thoughtful and carefully crafted aesthetic that matches the high-quality  characteristics found in the items she carries. I could have spent hours perusing the racks, noticing beautiful small details (let's talk about those tote bags!!) and chatting away with Emily. I walked away with a gorgeous dress that I can't wait to feature here on the blog and would have purchased more if I hadn't been so smitten with the scenery.

If you're in, or near, the Pittsburgh area this weekend, you should clear your calendar and make your way to Butler Street. The Lawrenceville summer sidewalk sale is going on from now through Sunday and there are so many treasures to be found!

Check out more of the shop and my finds after the jump!

AMUSEMENT PARK LOVE

When I was 15 years old, I went to Kennywood Amusement Park and met a shy cute boy. We became very dear friends, lost touch in college, reconnected, fell in love, lived in a new city, moved back to our home city of Pittsburgh and got married. Our story is thirteen years in the making, and it all began staring awkwardly at our feet and sneaking glances at the carousel in the middle of an amusement park.

We went back to Kennywood this year and it was still full of the same wonder and excitement we experienced as kids. Who doesn't love roller coasters, amusement park junk food and good old nostalgia? I, for one, can never pass up a soft serve ice cream cone with sprinkles.

Check out the best parts of our day after the jump!

A Guide to Pittsburgh (in Flipbook form)

This weekend, Pittsburgh will welcome two rad new residents. My dear friend Jessica and her hubby Doug are moving from East to West across Pennsylvania to start their new life in the Burgh.

Gingerbread Anise Biscotti with White Chocolate

If you're a regular reader, you know one of my favorite places to frequent when I'm visiting family in Pittsburgh is the Strip District. Penn Avenue is always jam packed with locals shopping for aromatic coffees and teas, freshly-caught seafood, just-baked biscotti or handmade crafts. It's chaotic and energizing all at once and I always leave with something interesting.

Lavender Lemon Bundt Cake

a pitt stop

I spent the weekend in lovely Pittsburgh for Mother's Day. Defying the grim weather forecast, it was filled with sun and warmth. Family, yummy food, and a little therapeutic weeding in the garden with my mother was just what the doctor ordered.

DIY Tote Bag: Chicago Neighborhood Map

Canvas tote bags are the new black. The environmentally conscious urban dweller would rather be caught dead than stroll out of Whole Foods without their reusable shopping bag.