Dreamy Courtyard and a Graduation Party with Southern Charm

It's been a while since I've made a post for Room 363 because I'm just getting back from an amazing extended family vacation in beautiful Hawaii.  It was a welcome escape from the unpredictable Chicago weather this Spring.  I was welcomed back to Naperville by Mark's stunning courtyard that looks like the set for a magazine cover shoot.  Dreamy, right?

With Summer comes a flurry of high school graduation parties and one lucky University of Kentucky bound lady had Mark loading up his truck to look like the Beverly Hillbillies in order to assist in creating the southern themed party of her dreams.   

Mark is also helping me with decorating my work-in-progress master bedroom.  I live in an old home in the Historic District of Naperville, so we're short on closet space.  One of my requests was that I had a nightstand that would serve as more than an alarm clock and book of the week holder, but would potentially provide more clothing storage space.  During a trip to the mall, I made a panic purchase at Restoration Hardware placing an order for a nightstand.  After getting the stink eye and a stern lecture from Mark on frivolous purchases, I decided to cancel the order and trust the nightstand decision to him and his promise to find me something just as great at a third of the cost.

Not long after, I received this text from him, reminding me to trust him and the cost was under $100.  

Oh boy, we are NOT in Restoration anymore, Toto.  I must admit, I was a little scared.  I was pleasantly surprised, however, when he showed up on my doorstep with this beauty a few days later.  

It gives me the extra storage space I need while being a unique piece that gives my room character.  I'll share more pictures from my room when it's completely put together.  

The sun is actually shining now, so I'm off to enjoy this beautiful day.  I hope you're doing the same!

-Maria