Film photos from Plymouth, Massachusetts

Here are a few more snapshots from earlier this month when I escaped for the weekend to visit Erin. Oh, how I'm longing for another breezy summer day down along the bay...

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400

Late summer layers

Ahh, another day in which I was able to get (comfortably) by in light layers. For as long as I can remember, I've always been one to layer my clothes. I'm thankful I live in a climate zone that boasts three consecutive layer-friendly seasons. I will be a little sad to see summer leave only for its bright colors and long hours of daylight, but apart from that I'll deal with its departure until it returns again. On to Autumn, I say! With that said, yesterday my mother and I were discussing our excitement over autumn soups while visiting with a cousin of ours. Homemade soups really are the perfect meal. Not only are they delicious, but they warm you from tip to toe on those crisp & chilly days when you're already bundled up for extra warmth. Dutch ovens often make for the best vessels to simmer your favorite soup in. Just imagine: you're all snug and cozy in a pair of tights and an over-sized cardigan while a vegetable medley or creamy chowder is bubbling away on the stove top. Mmm! Cookware.com (an affiliate of CSN Stores) has a fine array of cooking tools for any cook on any budget. Check 'em out!

Tell me, what are you most looking forward to cooking or baking when the season changes?

P.S. I'll be reviewing a product from CSN Stores in the near future, so check back for that! I've been browsing through their many different stores, but I think I already know what I'll select. There's a hint in one of my recent posts!

Won't be long now...

Upstate New York has been getting a preview of Autumn the last few days. While others around me have been remarking at how chilly it has been, I've been jumping for joy* and my thoughts have taken a course similar to this: "It's not chilly, it's glorious!" *Figuratively speaking. I'll save the real jumping for the actual onset of the season.

Delicious Autumn by TranquilEmily featuring tibi dress

So, to celebrate the upcoming cooler weather, I played around on Polyvore a bit creating an Autumn dream-look. Sigh. Autumn is by far the best season to dress for. I can't wait! Early last summer I snagged a brown cloche for mere pennies (it was on super sale), but never took pictures wearing it. Expect to see it this year; I won't let it be camera-shy again.

How about those Bass Footwear oxfords?! I'm definitely going to scoop up a pair, but am still unsure about what color I want. For some reason, whenever I heard the name Bass or saw it in print I only thought of men's shoes. I completely forgot that they carry women's shoes as well. The color contemplation has been going on for about a month now and I still can't decide. To help aide in my decision, I think I'll visit a Bass outlet and try a pair on/see the colors in person and go from there.

My heart just about flipped when I saw that little squirrel brooch. Isn't it utterly adorable? I'll answer for you: yes, yes it is! It would be a most-welcome addition to my brooch collection, but sadly it's UK-based and the conversion of pounds to dollars always makes me tear up a little.

Tell me, what is on your Autumn wish list? Or your Spring wish list if you're in the Southern Hemisphere?

Tea Party for One

I've been feeling rather tired and wiped out lately which I attribute to a combination of my work schedule and allergies. I don't exactly know what it is I'm allergic to, but something out there has quite the propensity to render my senses defeated and altogether unhappy. Thankfully, I was able to enjoy a day all to myself this past Tuesday sans work, sniffles and sneezes. Without much else to really do, I decided it would be nice to spend some time outside with a cup of chamomile tea. Shall we call it a tea party for one? (Sorry I look exhausted in these photos. Fact of life.)

Comfy men's t-shirt: H&M, Skirt: Cotton On (gift from Ana)
Locket: from childhood, Sandals: Delia's

At one point while taking these photos there was a small spider crawling on my arm. While I have been known to get mildly frantic when this sort of thing happens, it was surprisingly easy to shoo it off without spilling any tea. Ah, triumph! Emily: 1 Spider: 0

This beautiful skirt was so generously sent to me by my sweet blog-friend Ana B. of On Dressing Up. I couldn't have been more surprised or thrilled to receive such a darling article of clothing. It's as though Ana read my mind as I have been looking, without success, for a skirt like this for quite some time. Thank you again, lovely!

A dreamy and magical light

"Then followed that beautiful season, [...] the Summer [...]! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, Part the First II

Shirt and shoes: Target, Belt: thrifted, Skirt: a very old favorite
Necklace: H&M, Flower pin: gift from Raquel

Film photos from Portland, Maine

As mentioned here, I took about a roll's worth of photos on my recent day trip to Portland, Maine. I've selected a few of my favorites to share here with you.

I really liked the reflection of the cobblestone street in the side of this car.

Obligatory seagull photos cannot be avoided when one visits the coast. This little gull was catching a little too much sun and it probably doesn't help that it's perched in front of a white building, but I like the photo nonetheless.

An appropriate mural for a city named Portland.

The sun cast the most perfect shadows that day.

A good note to embark on, wouldn't you agree?

I find lamp posts to be at their prettiest at dusk.

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400

Blow away the dust

Last month my local library held its annual book sale. You may remember that I posted about this event last year. The pickings this time around were incredible. It was sweltering under the summer sun browsing through boxes and combing over tables, but oh so worth it. I came away with so many beautiful bindings, illustrations, engravings and a few little inscriptions nearly 80 years old. Here have a look:

The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250 - 1900, Impression of 1930

Within my own book collection I seem to be amassing a sub-collection of Oxford Books of English Verse. I felt compelled to buy this little volume not only for its gorgeous red and gold binding, but because it features both English and American writers. Perhaps it is a bit more compact than those focusing solely on either English or American authors, but I like it all the same.

Sketch Book - Washington Irving, published by the H.M. Caldwell Company

This collection of stories by Washington Irving is by far my favorite book sale find and the most exquisite book I have ever seen. There is no copyright date in this book, but after a bit of research I am confident in stating that it was printed in either 1896, 1897, or 1898. The intricate floral design on both the front and side binding is stamped in silver and the fancy floral paper also adorning the front cover has a gold-ish ink that shimmers when it catches light. If all that wasn't wonderful enough, the original silk ribbon bookmark remained with the book tucked securely at the beginning of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I'm not sure if you can see it in the above photo, but the ribbon has slightly stained the two sheets of paper it's been pressed between.

The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Series I

This collection of poems was published by the Collins' Clear-type Press with no indication of a publication date. It is a rather dainty volume and the paper is fragile, so I'm lead to believe it is another oldie.

A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman, printed 1931

An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

I am uncertain of the publication date of this copy, but I do know that it is no earlier than 1911. The delightful engravings on both the front and back covers are such fun to look at. I see new details every time.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, copyright 1970

I would have preferred the hardcover version, but this paperback was the right price and I can't complain about that!

Elephant Cargo by Winifred G. Hammond, copyright 1959

The dust jacket illustration is what drew me to this title. The story itself is interspersed with drawings equally as charming and it looks like a fun read.

Fine additions to a growing book collection, don't you think?

An afternoon in Plymouth

Why is it that after you return from a weekend getaway your week at home goes by so quickly that you find yourself in the next weekend longing for the fun you had just 7 days before? This always seems to be the case with me and I find myself asking, "has it really been a week? It doesn't feel like it!" Just one of life's quirks that is what it is, right?

Here are some photos from a week ago today when Erin and I made the short drive from her house down to Plymouth, MA. It's become a tradition of ours to meander along the waterfront amidst the throngs of tourists there to see the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock. Plymouth is such a quaint little town with lots to see and do apart from immersing yourself in Americana. Oftentimes we find ourselves poking into antique and consignment shops or getting a coffee at Kiskadee Coffee Company.

Looking out at Jenney Pond. Wildlife spotted: a turtle basking in the sun and a vocal Canada goose.

Enjoying the breeze coming off the bay. So refreshing!

A quick rest inside Kiskadee. Am I gesturing at something in the street or sipping an invisible coffee? I'll never tell ;)

First two photos taken by Erin. Thank you! Third photo borrowed from Erin's Flickr.

Outfit details: T-shirt and shoes - H&M, Wrap skirt and belt - thrifted, Sunglasses - Aldo, Necklace - self-made

Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway hosted by CSN stores! Chosen at random, Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys is now the owner of the adorable chick bookends from Roebuck Studios. Congratulations, Emily! Please send me an email as soon as you can and I'll get you set up with your goods :)

For those interested, the bookends can be purchased through the CSN Stores. Check them out here! I think I might have to order some for myself as well :)

Old Port

I spent this past weekend in the company of one of my dearest friends. For our annual summer get-together, Erin and I had originally planned to trek down to New York City for some free concerts (The Swell Season, St. Vincent, and Basia Bulat), but that didn't play out as expected. We then briefly contemplated making our way to Newport, Rhode Island for the Newport Folk Festival, but didn't want to part with so many pretty pennies for a pair of tickets. Instead, we spent Saturday afternoon exploring Portland, Maine. I love going to Maine any chance I get and it had been four years since I'd visited last. I remembered Portland as being a fun city to walk around and fun we certainly had strolling up and down the cobblestone streets in the Old Port, popping into this shop and that, snapping photos, grabbing coffees, and filling our bellies (perhaps too much) with yummy Mexican food.

Erin found it amusing how I giggle during my photo shoots. Can't take these things too seriously, can we? ;)

Thanks for taking these, Erin! ♥

Cardigan and shorts: H&M, Blouse: thrifted, Sunglasses: Aldo
Handbag: TJ Maxx, Minnetonka moccasins

With the exception of these goofy grins and silly smirks, I didn't use my digital camera much while we were in Portland. I was toting around my SLR and will have some film photos of our little day trip up within the next week or so. Erin took some great pics around the city with her digital camera, so expect to see them posted on her blog soon!