Summer is officially arriving in Chicago June 21st! I'm sure its no coincidence it also happens to be Albany Park's biggest event of the year - Flavors of Albany Park. If you aren't familiar with the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, according to Wikipedia, it's "the most diverse neighborhood in the city, and one of the most diverse in the entire country". In fact, the tagline of the neighborhood is Global Roots, Local Heart. Flavors of Albany Park celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood. In Albany Park you can travel the earth via your taste buds, without ever leaving Chicago. It's delicious! And a great way to discover new restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood.

In 2019, a week after opening our retail space, the chamber asked us to host Miko's Italian Ice, who's a bit off-the-beaten-path for this event. We had no idea what to expect, as our business was brand-spanking-new to the neighborhood. You can imagine our surprise when 200 guests came through our doors that night to sample Miko's delicious Italian ice. We had a lot of fun meeting new customers, neighbors and introducing our shop to residents from all over Chicago.

We've been hosting Miko's every year since, minus 2020, of course. If you want to get out and explore Albany Park, I suggest grabbing your tickets now. We're on the Kedzie route and it usually sells out in advance. I mean, where else can you sample 16 restaurants in one evening?! That's right, the Kedzie route has 16 restaurants participating this year. Come sample the diversity of the neighborhood and explore Albany Park!

Not only that, but following the event there's a fun after party at Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards, which happens to be just around the corner from a. favorite design. It's the perfect event to kick-off summer in Chicago! We hope to see you there.

Teal recycled leather portfolio, tous les jours navy pen, chunky to do notepad, letterpress printed monogram notecards, vegan teal business card holder - all available in-store

Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 8th thru Friday, May 12th 2023. I think we all have a story of one (or several) special teacher(s) who made a giant impact on our lives. They've literally help shape and mold our future with encouraging words and supportive feedback. I'm fortunate enough to have had a few of those teachers.

washi tape set, cute envelope paper clips, brass numbered page markers, desktop grid notepad (works as a mousepad too) - all available in-store

Let's face it, teachers have huge responsibility. They spend more time with children than some parents. They're in charge of educating future citizen and impacting the future of our world. That's a pretty big deal. In spite of this ENORMOUS responsibility, they are often overlooked, underpaid and underappreciated. 

bright yellow refillable ballpoint pen, bright orange fountain pen, bright flat note cards - all available in-store

While I think teachers should be honored daily, they get an official week. Teacher Appreciation Week is a chance to let the teachers in your life know, you truly appreciate them. We've got lots of great gifts to show your gratitude. Stationery, office supplies, self care journals and lots more. Stop in and see for yourself!

daily pause self-care journal, come as you are wellness journal - both available in-store

Thanks to all the teachers out there that continue to show up no matter what. We appreciate you and the million, tiny and big things you do daily to nurture and teach students.

did you know March 30th is National Pencil Day? now you do! we love pencils here at a. favorite design and think they should be celebrated every day. i have a lot of amazing pencils, some usable, some art, all very loved and appreciated. when i scroll through photos i see lots of pencil pics. some of my own pencils, some of found pencils in the wild. i wanted to share some of those photos here for you to enjoy too.

top row - lost pencil on my morning walk, No. 2 pencil fragrance by Catherine Haley Epstein, bigger dreams broken pencil but still in use

middle row - handmade notebook paper with pencil by Morse Creative, vintage a. favorite design pencils, No. 3 sculpture by S.Tudyk

bottom row - fresh skillful daydreamer pencils, No. 2 felted pencil by LeBrie Rich of PenFelt Studio, gifted pencil ends on a pencil pouch

do you have a favorite pencil? if so, please let me know. i love stationery supply stories of admiration.

Spring has arrived... in-store that is. Not sure mother nature has gotten the message in Chicago yet BUT, in-store, it's all pastels and blooms, all the time. We've been getting in lots of goodies! I'll start with my preferred Easter basket. I mean, look at all that playful goodness in the above photo. It just makes me feel like a kid again!

Surprize Carrots would be sooooo cute in your Easter basket! Or for your place settings at Easter dinner. You open the paper carrot to reveal vintage toys, keepsakes and riddles. How fun is that? Cute and functional.

Make a wish capsules come in a variety of pastel colors and icon images. All letterpress printed. Write a wish on the paper in the capsule and carry it with you until your wish comes true.

Sunprint kits are so much fun! Perfect for nature walks, play dates or when you're feeling creative. I love the idea of traveling with this mini set, imagine making a sunprint of seashells at the beach or of a favorite leaf or fern while out hiking. You can create a little keepsake with each print! We have these small kits, large kits and large paper refills. Each kit comes with an acrylic sheet and cyanotype paper.

Spring stickers! These cuties are colorful and freakin' adorable. Perfect for decorating Easter cards, Mayday baskets, notebook, water bottle, whatever.

Skip the Easter eggs, Surprize Balls are where it's at. Again, these would be cute in your Easter basket or for your place settings at Easter dinner. You unwind the paper ball and between the layers, you reveal vintage toys, keepsakes, a paper crown and riddles. So much fun.

 

Magic Butterflies come in several pastel colors. You wind up, place in a card, book, journal or sketchbook and when it's opened, watch it fly. It's sure to brighten someone's day. Plus, you can use over and over.

Be sure to stop in and see all our spring goodies!
Shop is open Thursday 11-6, Friday and Saturday 11-5.