A calculated casualty

For several years now I've been channeling my inner nerd with the epitome of nerdyness, a calculator watch. I knew my days of wearing this fine piece of black plastic and gadgetry on my wrist were numbered earlier in the week when I detected a crack in its strap. Sadly, yesterday was its last outing for awhile. My plan is to find a replacement strap, but until then I will miss all of the quirky features I needlessly incorporate into my days (dual time setting, alarm, stop watch - hehe).
Do you have a story about a lost/broken well-loved accessory? Share it!

Tried and True

I think I need a new pair of Converse All Stars in my life. The last pair I had was in high school - versatile and beautiful navy blue that accompanied me on many teenage adventures. As a youngster I had a maroon pair, perhaps my favorite just because of the fun and quirky pizazz that only maroon shoes could possess. For a while now I've been craving a pair in either ''Optical white'' (pictured above) or classic white (slightly darker and more canvas-y looking). I plan on shopping around for the best price, so I'll just take what I can find. Either way, I cannot wait to slip my feet into them!

Tell me, is there a certain pair of shoes you keep coming back to?

(image source)

Summer sets in

The first day of Summer snuck up on me this year. I wasn't prepared to say goodbye to Spring, but I think I'm ready to endure the heat and humidity for at least a little while. As long as there are promises of kayaking trips and air-conditioned escapes, I will be perfectly content.

That's a marigold in the upper left corner of this photo. That can happen when one sets the camera up in a bed of flowers.

Shirt: Anthropologie, Layering tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Mom's old, Sandals: Delia's

Some friends of mine (a sweet trio of sisters) call to these sandals as my "elf shoes." Cute, huh? Well, kinda. It's really in reference to LOTR :)

I've been stockpiling blog awards for a while now - didn't mean for that to happen! I'm going to try to get them all passed out soon.

Ana B. gifted me with these two awards and now I'd like to pass them along to Milk and Imogen!

Saturated

First off, I would like to thank Lexie, Amelia, Jillian-Anne, and Grace for taking part in the Pay it Forward project mentioned in my previous post! :)



I spent some time outside in the damp morning taking photos. The temperature is relatively high, but feels cool on the skin. The air is saturated with moisture and it will surely rain again today as it has been on and off for the past week. The fresh-after-the-rain-smell is always welcoming no matter how many clouds take up the sky or puddles fill the ground.

Pay it Forward

In her latest blog post, muchlove has shared the details of a "Pay it Forward" project she is currently taking part in. After reading through, I decided to sign up and join in the fun. So, here's the deal:

I am entering into the following contract with the first 5 people who comment on this post and then commit to do the same on their blog. Just read below and if you feel up to the task copy the following into your blog and leave me a comment. I am willing to post packages overseas (I am in the United States).

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. (unlikely!) Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you.

Welcome to everyone. I will however, make an effort to do something that you like based on what I see on your blog.

Come on, don't be shy. Even if you don't think you're the creative type, you might end up surprising yourself - and making 5 other people very happy too!

So there you go, be the first 5 to leave a comment and be a part of it! Please leave your email address as well so I can contact you :)

P.S. Carly is participating, too. So sign up over at her blog if you missed the chance to do so here!

Pockets and peonies

Dress, necklace, and shoes: H&M
Sunglasses: Macy's

This is the other dress I snagged on sale at H&M this past weekend. I hadn't been lusting after this one nearly as long as the blue beauty in my last post, but still, the purple and brown tree print became hard to resist. I love the cut and loose fit -- perfect for hot summer days and oh-so-comfortable. The subtly sweet pockets, pintucks, and button panel details are a plus, too. And the slightly puffed sleeves. I'm a sucker for puffed sleeves.

Oh pink peonies
Alive and sweetly fragrant,
richly picturesque.

Cornflower blue

The past week has been full of cottonwood pollen sweeping through the air, resembling big & fluffy snowflakes as it glides weightlessly on the light wind. My ears have been content listening almost exclusively to Brit rock and indie folk ala Coldplay and Fleet Foxes.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

On Friday I treated myself to two new dresses at H&M, both of which were on sale (yes!). The one I am sharing today first caught my eye back in the winter when I couldn't afford it. Well, I'm sure I could have scrimped and saved, but I didn't really think it was worth the the price they were asking. I was thoroughly tempted by its adorable shape, soft fabric, and gorgeous shade of blue, but decided to forget about it. Out of sight out of mind, right? Luckily for me there was still one available in my size when H&M turned into crazy-sale-land. I've been imagining in my head all the different cardigans and shoes I can wear with this simply perfect dress. Flats, sandals, and wedges - oh my!

Dress: H&M, Scarf: gift, Shoes: Target, Vintage book locket

Feelin' nautical

I was feeling nautical this past weekend. Thankfully, my wardrobe acquiesced to my wishes with this sailboat printed scarf and striped anchor sweater. I remained landlocked, however, despite my yearning for the sea. I hope to visit the coast this summer, preferably in southern Massachusetts or southern Maine, or both! :)

Outfit 1: T-shirt & shorts- Target, Scarf- thrifted, Shoes- American Eagle

Outfit 2: Sweater- thrifted, Layering tank- Target, Sunnies- Macy's,
Pants- H&M, Shoes- Keds

"Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds." - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

I've fallen a bit behind on completing tags and passing along awards. Don't worry ladies, I haven't forgotten! A few weeks ago I was tagged by the lovely Imogen at Tia_Cherie. I completed this particular tag a few months ago (found here), but it has made its way back to me with an array of new questions. Thank you, Imogen!

What is your current obsession?
Hazelnut flavored coffee and taking walks in the evening

What are you wearing today?
A navy blue t-shirt, white cardigan, skinny khakis, and a pretty little pair of sneakers.

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics "Mexico Tigress" in black/ivory.
I'm also a fan of the "Mexico 66" and "Ultimate 81" styles.







What's for dinner?
I'm not sure yet, but last night I had pesto pasta with peas! Yum!

Which countries would you like to travel to?
The neighbor to the north (aka Canada), The UK, Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia and basically all of Europe, Peru, Argentina, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and everywhere in between :)

What is your dream job?
*Sigh,* I don't really know. Realistically, I may end up teaching Geography.

What is your favorite magazine?
British Heritage, Archaeology, Lucky. Quite the mix, eh?

If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
A gorgeous purple & white dress I saw the other day, a new pair of Keds sneakers, and a few new cardigans from H&M.

What is your favorite fruit?
Bananas & lemons

What's the last thing you bought?
A couple of birthday cards

What are you listening to right now?
No music, just the sound of chirping baby birds outside

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla, mmm. I like a lot of ice creams, actually. Too many to list :)

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
Imogen is really sweet and her blog updates are always fun to read!

What's your must have piece for summer?
Summer's right around the corner! I'm going to have to say sundresses and rompers, fun sunglasses, and a straw hat.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
I'd visit one of my good friends who lives outside of Seattle!

What language do you want to learn?
French, Italian, Polish

What's your favorite quote?
I don't really have one right now. A few all time favorites are listed under the L.M. Montgomery label, though.

Who do you want to meet right now?
Hmm... It'd be cool to meet Sam Beam (aka Iron and Wine) and thank him for the beautiful music he creates.

What's your favorite color?
Green!

What's your favorite piece of clothing in your closet?
Oh gosh, I honestly have no idea.

Favorite designer?
Michael Kors

What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
Socks with sandals, hands down. Socks with Birkenstocks are the absolute worst (sorry if anyone reading does that)!

Do you admire anyone's style?
Of course! Countless celebs and definitely all of you in the blogosphere :)

Describe your personal style?
Casual and sweet with funny & pretty details

What are you going to do after this?
I haven't decided, but later this evening I'll be going to my grandmother's to watch a baseball game on tv.

What are your favorite movies?
Oh, tons! Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice (1995), Ladies in Lavender, Sweet Land, Mary Poppins, Roman Holiday, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Anne of Green Gables, Once, Dancer Texas Population 81, Children of Heaven, and the list goes on and on!

What inspires you?
Oh, anything and everything. I love being inspired when I least expect it.

Do you have any pets?
No, not at the moment.

I'm passing this tag along to anyone who wishes to fill it out! :)