I'm escaping to Chicago this weekend!! I'm very excited to be back in town and am wondering what I should see. I did the touristy things last time, so I want more local culture.

Hey all -quick question. I am a huge fan of the color palette and quirky prints of the Urban Outfitters home decorating line, particularly their textiles and wall decor- rugs, bedspreads, curtains and artwork. Does anyone know where I can find similar looks at other stores at reasonable prices? Ikea comes close but does not quite have the striking prints and colors that I'm looking for. I'd love to find higher-quality rugs and 95"-108" curtains that have the same look as Urban.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!

Hey Dean - since you already did the touristy thing I would go to a couple of street fairs this weekend. One of my favorites each year is Northalsted Market Days ( http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/festivals/summer/34479,0,4029849.event?coll=mmx-bestbets-promo ) up in boystown - great people watching! I've never been to West Fest ( http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/festivals/summer/104757,0,5473930.event?coll=mmx-bestbets-promo ) but the band line up looks good.

Rachael, have you tried looking on Etsy for prints and home decor items? There is AMAZING stuff to be found in a similar aesthetic to Urban Outfitters, and usually for far far lower prices.

Kathryn, if you are out there, can you email me at hatrickdesign at aim dot com?

I have an idea and want to see if I can pick your brain.

Thought I had your email but can't seem to find it.

Thanks! And I PROMISE... drinks the next time I am in your fair town.

P2 - Check your email!

I need to install a tension shower curtain rod in my new bathroom. However, I bought the standard 72" rod and it's too short, and I haven't been able to find anything longer online anywhere- I probably need at least 84". Anyone have any suggestions on where to find a longer tension curtain rod?

I want to replace my back door, including the transom. Anyone have recommendations on a reputable door company?

We just moved into a place with a ceramic kitchen sink. I really like the way it looks, but it's a little stained, perhaps from coffee. Can anyone recommend a good cleaning product for ceramic sinks?

Barkeeper's Friend is great for cleaning that sort of thing.

If that doesn't get it out, try this: fill the sink with the hottest water you can and add a good amount of bleach. Let sit 30 minutes. (You can skip this if you're environmentally concerned about the bleach, or substitute a soak of the stained area in hydrogen peroxide.) Drain the sink and scrub it with baking soda and a little water in a paste; then finish it off by rinsing the whole thing and polishing it up with a little vinegar and water (or regular window cleaner if you don't care about the chemicals.) A little maniacal, I know, but it makes the most stained or scummiest sink and makes it look like you just popped it out of the box and installed it new.

My white ceramic sink requires a weekly dose of 'Soft Scrub'. I pour out a bit, use a sponge to apply around the entire sink area, then let it sit while I clean the rest of the kitchen. After about 5-20 minutes, just scrub and rinse away. Honestly, I would love to find an eco-friendly alternative to this process but I've tried baking soda, non-bleach cleaners and hydrogine peroxide, but nothing seems to get it as white.

Friday night there is a GREAT art show happening... details: WHERE-South Union Arts. It's an old church and very cool. On the South side, 1352 S. Union St. WHO-Well, my sister, Heather Hannoura, and 3 others. She is an artist/designer who mainly works in the music industry. She has worked with Alkaline Trio, AFI, Green Day, and many others. Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio is the dj. WHEN- 7-10 Friday night. It is a $10 donation and there will be complimentary drinks and hors dourves

Friday night is the Second Friday artwalk in East Pilsen (Chicago Arts District). Some great galleries open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Good times.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/156900,0,557856.event

Does anyone have any good fabric stores in Chicago that they would share? I'm thinking about buying some linen and some other ones, but I don't know where to go. I want a place that has some cool stuff too, like Joel Dewberry or other equivalent fabrics.
Thanks!

Vogue Fabrics, Main Street, Evanston.

Dane,
The lake. Either early in the morning with your coffee or a couple hours in the sun. But, I do remember that sometimes in August the water can be sort of yukky after storms.

Market Days used to be fun until it became part of the circuit. Also, if you have a tendency to gawk, everyone will appreciate if you hit another street festival.

Check out a flick at the Music Box.

My weekend projects - Finish painting the closet door, scrub the kitchen floor, cut the lawn, and bring all my paint down to the basement. Oh and the never ending watering due to the 100 degree heat index.

Fabric store:
Vogue is fab You might also try www.fishmansfabrics.com
in Chicago on DesPlaines

Can you recommend an interior designer? I need help to make my 700 sq foot condo function. The condo is 3 years old with white walls and limited closet space. One wall is all windows and faces the el. The other walls angle. I am stumped. I need help with paint colors, lighting and storage. Plus, I need an office space. I want a cozy, sleek home. My budget and taste are between IKEA and West Elm.
Thanks for yor help.

I am going to clean out a garage and take pictures & catalog the contents. I will keep what my wife and I want for our new flat and then post here later in the month a variety of vintage and mid-century furniture and items I'll be getting rid of with a garage sale or craigslist...vintage radios, bicycles, chairs, tables, outdoor furniture, misc...etc..
Have a great weekend!

Weekend project,

Strip off master bathroom tile. Build pony wall in master bathroom and install recessed medicine cabinet and wall mounted faucet.

Install kitchen hood.

Finish tile backsplash on bar.

Sell sofa.

go Art! that's a hell of a weekend. My only plan is to get the new drapes hung and then pour myself a congratulatory martini.

Sore....accomplished all but the kitchen hood.