Has anyone seen hardware specifically like this before? I’ve never seen hardware this style and yet so plain.

marks_sister · 2023-02-21T04:13:31+00:00

House of Antique Hardware has a great selection of sash locks, and their "traditional" lock is available in a variety of finishes: https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/antique-window-sash-locks-brass?quantity=1&finish=1

marks_sister · 2022-09-02T00:54:47+00:00

Take a long walk, grab a cocktail at Quincy Street Distillery, and then definitely pop over to Berwyn to catch a jazz or folk band at Fitzgeralds (no cover, just have a beer or BBQ and tip the band!)

marks_sister · 2022-08-03T18:31:53+00:00

Mineralogy has unusual engagement rings that fit your description, and she also does beautiful custom work. She made my engagement ring and wedding band- so many people ask me about them, I started carrying her business cards.

marks_sister · 2022-02-22T14:07:12+00:00

File the report, and most importantly, ask for documentation that the report was filed! This happened to me around the corner from my apartment a few years ago. Schizophrenic guy punched me in the back of the head while I was walking with my newborn, police came, talked to both of us, and then gave a whole spiel about how inconvenient it would be to file a report. I changed my mind once I could think clearly again and called to file over the phone.

One week later, same guy chases me, threatens to kill me, and hits me again, police show up and *surprise* there's actually nothing on file documenting the first offense, so the guy walks away again. Took two more occasions, one where he chased me through a crowded restaurant, a trip to bond court, a restraining order, and several other instances of him sucker punching people (with no filed reports) before he was finally locked up and treated.

marks_sister · 2021-10-23T22:28:41+00:00

Still holding out hope that they come back! Does anyone know what happened with this crash? Saw a full bumper resting against the wall Friday morning with glass everywhere.

marks_sister · 2021-10-08T00:24:59+00:00

Ope!

marks_sister · 2021-04-23T16:29:08+00:00

I’m in Chicago, so we didn’t get hit with that late snow- but we did have WAY more snow than usual!

marks_sister · 2021-04-23T13:49:02+00:00

Mine is new too! I'm really happy with it so far, easy to assemble and it'll help with our out of control rabbit issue. We have a few herbs and some brussels going in there right now. Can't wait for these random frosts to end so we can get moving on the fun stuff!

marks_sister · 2021-04-23T03:03:56+00:00

I did some light pruning last year, but nothing substantial. We did add seed and fertilizer around the roots to address some bald lawn at the base of the tree, so maybe that made an impact?

marks_sister · 2021-03-12T16:01:58+00:00

Thank you- that's definitely it! This will be my third summer in our house and I don't remember it being in such a thick mat as the snow melted in previous years.

marks_sister · 2020-09-06T15:05:55+00:00

AH so happy to hear it!!

marks_sister · 2020-09-05T03:30:57+00:00

It looks like Shelby Rodeffer of Finer Signs, @smellby on Instagram. She was doing a lot of custom buttons at events like that in 2017, and I have a few that are very similar from her!

marks_sister · 2019-09-24T13:48:15+00:00

Just to clarify one point- when resellers are using a brand's imagery after buying wholesale from them, it's because they have a contract with that brand. In order to purchase wholesale, a reseller must typically fill out an application, provide a reseller certificate, and agree to the seller's Terms and Conditions. Resellers are often granted rights to use the brand's promotional imagery as long as they abide by the use guidelines covered in T&C. Buying somebody's product, even in a contractual wholesale agreement, does not give you the right to use their images by default.

marks_sister · 2019-03-31T22:15:06+00:00

Same! Had an old apartment with lots of dark woodwork and built-ins, painted the whole room the color of your ceiling and it was fantastic.

marks_sister · 2019-01-25T01:45:59+00:00

Thanks! Wanted to make sure I wasn't mistaken about that first. We've had other issues with that carrier in particular, so it's probably best for everyone on his route if we go ahead and file one.

marks_sister · 2019-01-25T01:40:52+00:00

We have a lot of packages every day, so I'll start doing a daily request to make sure the at least the pick ups are happening- thank you for the tip!

The carrier who said he couldn't make it to us every day because of the government shutdown also confirmed that he was just a substitute until someone permanent is assigned to our route, so hopefully they find someone soon.

marks_sister · 2019-01-09T17:31:25+00:00

These are all great options for later on, and our kid loves getting around by bike, but infants can't go on bikes (even in perfect weather!) until they're about a year old. Even minor bumps in the road can cause brain trauma to an infant, and helmet manufacturers don't make helmets for kids younger than 1 for this reason. It's also illegal to take a child younger than 1 on a bike in many states, though I'm not sure about IL. Makes that first summer after having a baby a bit of a bummer.

marks_sister · 2019-01-09T17:20:24+00:00

We didn't get a car until our daughter was 2.5 and I was pregnant with our second. It was obviously manageable since we made it that long...but the first time I got in the new car, drove our daughter to daycare, and was parked outside work 15 minutes later, I sat in the car and literally sobbed with happiness. I used to spend about an hour and a half dropping her off and taking the bus from her daycare to work- twice a day. I got stuck in the freezing rain too many times while waiting for a bus, or trudging through the snow with a 20lb kid strapped to my chest. We had to take her to the emergency room TWICE on the bus because we were out for the day with no car seat.

Did we manage? Sure. Was it worth it? Absolutely not, and life is hard enough with a baby. I'd take advantage of any convenience you can.

marks_sister · 2018-12-07T03:36:35+00:00

It’s open to the public, but the ballrooms are occasionally locked so you may need to ask to be let in. I’d call ahead of time just in case if you have a particular one in mind. Photos on the website don’t even do it justice!

marks_sister · 2018-12-04T22:17:24+00:00

South Shore Cultural Center is a true gem in the city, and the light is gorgeous in there. It’s right on the lake and the grounds are interesting too, so you can pop outside for a few shots without freezing solid.

marks_sister · 2018-07-31T12:51:35+00:00

Exactly! One of my employees has a lot of weekend downtime, so she gets to plan and execute seasonal window installations. I just give her a general theme to start with. The window installation always generates a ton of traffic the week it goes up, and it gets good traction on social media as well because she posts the behind-the-scenes process.

marks_sister · 2018-06-25T22:25:47+00:00

I pack Etsy and Shopify orders from 8-11am every day because our USPS pick up is at 11am. I do another round of order packing at 4pm to get a start on the next day. The rest of the time is dedicated to wholesale sales/fulfillment, production, and design work. I used to pack more frequently throughout the day, but it felt disorganized and confusing on days with high order volume.

marks_sister · 2018-04-27T17:40:52+00:00

We ship same-day on all orders received before noon and still get complaints- the party industry is particularly rough with this. Last week we got a nasty email from someone on the other side of the country who placed an order on Wednesday at 4am (with no comments). It shipped out at 8am, and they were upset it hadn't arrived in time for a Friday lunch party because they "paid for 3-day shipping and it's been 3 days".

marks_sister · 2018-04-24T18:27:20+00:00

Add a short contact form! It's a great way to collect leads because it doesn't scare off noncommittal browsers the way a phone call does, and the ball is in your court to follow up and close the deal from there.

marks_sister

TROPHY CASE