Perfect Autumn Day

I woke to a frost on the ground and my teeth chattering, but couldn't have been happier in that early morning moment. The air was crisp and dressing in layers was a necessity before stepping outdoors. Not that I minded in the least bit. Layering up is one of my favorite things about cooler weather. I like the weight of soft, cozy fabric on my skin and tugging it closer to ward off the chill.

Dress and tights: Marshall's, Cardigan and hat: H&M, Sunnies: Macy's, Shoes: Target, Necklace: self made with an antique key

Late Summer Sunset

Under the waning days of late Summer, I have begun preparing my senses for Autumn. A quick peek back at my Autumn-labeled posts from last year serve me as a small reminder of how much I love the upcoming season. Not that I necessarily need electronic documentation of my autumn ardor, but I think it nice to recollect how the season's inspiring intensity has made me feel in the past. The days are cooler and the green countryside is starting to take on yellow, gold, and orange hues. Autumn is a beautiful time for the senses to be re-awoken. Let me tell you now that I revel in it! With a only few more days to go on the calendar, here is one last late Summer adventure. Let's call it a traipse through the trees/in the garden at twilight.

Cardigan and shirt: H&M, Necklace: self made
Shorts: self made from old Levi's, Moccasins: Minnetonka

Tally-ho!

Do you remember this post where I shared my vintage mug collection? Well, a few weekends ago I stopped at an estate sale and bought several more. The house and garage were overwhelmingly full of ceramics and china - there was so much to look at and search through! Here is what I happily walked away with:

A lovely tea cup with detail of the Tally-ho coach that traveled regularly between London and Birmingham once upon a time.

A pair of matching mugs with pack horse and mail coach scenes.

Inner-rim detail of the mugs
(Click photos for an enlarged view)

As you might have guessed, I am more than pleased with the acquisition of these vintage kitchen wares. I could have easily purchased more (there were enough floral tea cups to sink a ship, or darn near close), but behaved myself for the sake of a) my wallet and b) storage space. In the end, I'm glad I only chose this trio with their charming depictions of communication and transportation in 18th/19th century England. I'd say they're quite good for evoking one's imagination while enjoying a cuppa* or coffee.

*I feel it necessary to state that I try to work "cuppa" into my vocabulary as often as possible. "Cuppa" just sounds more endearing, if you will, than "cup of tea." It must be my English heritage trying to break the surface. Hehe.

Drumroll please...

A big thank you to everyone who entered my ''ship in a bottle'' giveaway! The winner was chosen using random.org and I am happy to announce that the lucky lady is Gabbi! Congratulations!

Look out for more giveaways in the future. I had fun planning this one and can't wait to get some more ideas formalized! :)

Catching Crickets

Dress and tights: Marshall's, Cardigan: gift, Moccasins: Minnetonka

Okay, so are we all tired of buffalo plaid? I still harbor a quiet love for it. I've been living in this dress for the last few weeks after snagging it on sale for $5. When the price is right I say go for it. Red buffalo plaid, especially, reminds me of my childhood and my grandfather in his wool plaid hunting jacket. The little burst of nostalgia these broad red and black checks evoke is a like watching an old family movie - full of loving open arms and big laughing smiles.

Par Avion

I recently mentioned that last month was quite busy for my mailbox with projects, purchases, and package swaps. Just hover over and click the alliterated links in the previous sentence and you'll know what I'm talking about. One more parcel found its way to me on a beautiful sunny day in late August. It journeyed thousands of miles, crossed continents, and was sent all the way from New Zealand by Ana B from On Dressing Up. Just as with my package swap with Raquel, opening this treasure trove of goodies from Ana felt just like opening a gift from a friend I've known for years. I think that's part of the beauty of this whole blogging thing -- connecting with people and forming friendships through text and imagery even though you may never get the chance to meet in real life. It's pretty special, I think. Would you like a peek at what Ana sent me? Just watch the video below.

Floral print earrings, re-usable cotton tote, illustrated encyclopedia of indoor plants, floral print eye mask, cookie mint scented cupcake soap, adorable owl bookmark, bird and egg print file folder, and the Jul/Aug 2009 issue of Frankie.

Island in the Sun

Romper: Forever 21, Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: hand me down, Shoes: Target
(Sorry that these photos appear a little grainy at this size!
Feel free to enlarge for a better view)

I picked up this romper earlier this summer on a shopping excursion while visiting my dearest friend Erin. In fact, Erin and I both bought rompers that day in the same style, but gravitated toward different prints. I set my sights on this fun, blue & yellow floral, while Erin chose a chic, black & white floral. After leaving Forever 21 (an overwhelmingly large F21 at that compared to the small one here at home), we chatted excitedly over our new purchases and bounced around styling ideas. Our conclusion for the remaining hot & sunny days of summer: light cardigans, belts, and flats.

Erin looking adorable!

With Autumn fast approaching I have no plans to put this romper away just yet! I have every intention of transitioning this sweet and comfortable garment into my Fall wardrobe. Long sleeve cardigans and tights and hats - oh my!

While romping about in the sunshine this morning (which felt wonderful, by the way), the song "Island in the Sun" by Weezer popped into my head. I cannot give sole credit to the Sun for this occurrence because I did see Weezer live this past Monday and have been humming their tunes all week. If you ever get the opportunity to see Weezer live I highly suggest that you do! Their energy on stage is mesmerizing and they play a great arrangement of songs spanning their long career. I think it's safe for me to say they are the best band I've seen live. Ever.

Ship in a bottle

A few weeks ago I spent some time wandering around Jo-Ann Fabrics seeking out some bits and bobs. I ended up coming away with a packet of little glass bottle charms - one of which I strung onto a chain so it could be worn around my neck. What is it I put in the bottle? I am glad you asked. Inside is a small rolled up piece of wrapping paper, but not just any old wrapping paper! Look below and you will see it is of the antique map print variety. More specifically, the snippet of paper inside my necklace is of one of the ships. Cool, right? I thought so, too.



Since these cute little glass bottles are sold in a packet of two, I thought it would be fun to host my first giveaway and send a "ship in a bottle" necklace to one of you! The glass bottle charm measures at 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) and is on an 18 inch (45.72 cm) chain. Interested? Just comment below! Open to international readers. All entries must be received by 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, September 12th. The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, September 13th using an online generator. Good luck :)