Playing in the street

Shirt: J.Crew, Belt: thrifted, Dotted Swiss skirt: American Eagle, Sunglasses: Macy's, T-strap peep toe wedges: gift

I had the hardest time getting the wrinkles out of this skirt this morning. I usually toss my clothing into the dryer with a towel to de-wrinkle for a few minutes, but this was a battle I just could not win. I'm not one for ironing, but maybe I should when situations like this arise.

Across the pond

One of my dearest friends is moving to England this week. I've been feeling a tinge bittersweet -- I'm extremely happy and excited for her, but will miss her immensely. While she was on one of her recent trips to get things in order and situated she picked up this assortment of goodies for my birthday gift:

♥ Chocolate dipped biscuits, loose leaf Yorkshire tea, and a tea strainer mug ♥

A look inside the mug

Part of me is too delighted to even open up the tea and biscuits. They look so perfect in their neatly wrapped packaging that I find myself admiring, not consuming, them. Strange, I know! I'm sure I'll break into both before long :)

And it was all yellow

On Tuesday I celebrated my 24th birthday. The day, which was wonderfully low-key and relaxing, ended up taking on a yellow/lemon theme.

Birthday cuppa

Flowers from my dad
Birthday card sent from a friend in Washington State

Dress and cardigan: H&M, Bangles: Urban Outfitters

This is one of my favorite dresses. I'll share a better photograph of the print (rows upon rows of yellow and green dots) the next time I wear it.

Lemon cupcakes ♥

Whispers in the wind

Blue skies, warm sunshine, soft breezes, and green grass. I've been delighting in all this delicious season has to offer. I wish I could have captured today's weather in a bottle.

For the past few days I've been listening to For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver over and over, paying little attention to any of my other favorites in the world of music. This album has instantly become my new spring soundtrack. I'm aware that it was recorded in the dead of winter, but there's just something about its arrangement that transcends time and the seasons creating perfect enjoyment with each play. I've been feeling as engulfed and fascinated with its gorgeous vocals and beautiful melodies as I have been with the brilliancy of Spring.

Recommended track, "Lump Sum."
(Album cover photo from Amazon.com)

Tucked away

A few days ago I found a postcard tucked into the pages of a book I borrowed from the library. I turned the card over in quick anticipation hoping to see a message scrawled there, but found it blank instead. Still, I like the idea of discovering someone's forgotten bookmark - a little lost trinket of everyday life that happens to end up in the lap of a stranger. When I finish the book (The Road To Yesterday by L.M. Montgomery), I'll tuck the postcard back into place and pass the surprise on to someone else.

Lost in lilacs

T-Shirt: Target, Belt: Anthropologie, Skirt: Mom's old, Shoes: H&M
Necklace is a vintage book locket

My apologies for having been in a blogging slump this past week. It has been one of those weeks where the days have all run together leaving a trail of fog through my memory. I don't really have any recollection of much other than a few random things I mused about on my Twitter. Speaking of which, if you have a Twitter account and would like to read my silly tweets, you'll find a link on the left-hand side of the screen. My account is private, but do request to follow me if you'd like :)

It's safe to say that lilacs are my favorite thing about Spring. The air outside is currently saturated with their sweet fragrance. This particular bush is right outside my bedroom window sending in delightful wafts to greet me with each breath. The yard that accompanied the house I grew up in was full of lilac bushes - I think there were at least seven. I remember crawling through them as a child to play under their aromatic canopy.

Tiptoe through the tulips

This morning my mother and I went to Albany's Tulip Festival - an annual event celebrating the city's Dutch heritage. We decided to make an early go of it in order to find a decent parking space and avoid the throngs of people. It turned out to be a pleasant outing rich in color and floral variety. Enjoy the photos :)

Of buttonholes and violets

Evening stroll

"The woods are never solitary--they are full of whispering, beckoning, friendly life." - L. M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

While taking a walk this evening, I came across this birch tree with a portion of its paper-thin bark peeled back. Resembling an open book, the exposed page invited me in to use my imagination and explore.

Is this the gateway to a storybook adventure?
A magic door assembled of tangled branches, blossoms, and brambles?

Knock, knock.