Wooly warmth

Jacket: vintage, Sweater: TJ Maxx, Skirt: Tucker for Target, Pin: Gap, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Macy's

Sometimes I like to call this vintage green jacket my ''Elizabeth Bennett jacket.'' When I last shared it on the ol' blog two years ago (wow!), I stated that it's the closest I've come to finding something that really resembles those sweet Spencer jackets Regency-era ladies wore over their empire-waist dresses. Mine is a little longer in length and appears more Edwardian inspired, so perhaps I should call it my ''Anne Shirley jacket''? Whether it's a Lizzy or an Anne, it's high ranking on my ''favorite vintage finds'' list. It's also wool which makes it the most perfect of top layers when the temperature hovers around freezing - brr! My sister braved the cold with me to snap these pictures yesterday, so I must extend another ''thank you!'' her way.

Okay, I am officially finished peppering this post with quotation marks. Moving on.

It's no secret that I'm a big cardigan fan. Heck, I even created a blog-label for the things. This sweater had me fooled into thinking it was a cardigan at first. See those pretty little buttons? They are just decoration and serve no other function than that. Sneaky! This might be the prettiest sweater I own with its bow collar and vintage inspired embroidery and bead work. I felt pretty wearing it. Raquel touched on the whole feeling pretty/dressing pretty bit today, too. Go check out her post if you have an extra minute. Her outfit is all kinds of wonderful.

Pumpkin Scones

My mother and I tend to go all out when it comes to baking with pumpkin. We love the stuff. Apart from the traditional pumpkin pie, bread and muffin, we dive further into the realm of baked-good bliss with pumpkin pancakes, waffles, cookies, and our recent favorite: scones. Maple glazed pumpkin scones, to be exact! Oh my, they are delicious! Enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, they make for a perfect little breakfast or dessert. Would you like to try them? Here's the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup butter (cut into very small pieces)

• 1/4 cup nuts (optional)

• 1/3 cup half & half

• 3/4 cup pumpkin

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).
   
   
2. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients. Add butter to flour mixture and mix with hands. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, half & half, and vanilla; mix well and then add to the flour mixture. Stir, but do not over-mix.
   
   
3. On counter or table, lay out a sheet of wax paper sprinkled with flour. Take the scone dough and form a 8'' round 1.5'' thick disc, making sure there is flour on both sides so it does not stick. Cut into 8 pie-like slices.
   
   
4. Carefully places scones on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 13 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for an additional 13 minutes.
   

Maple glaze:

Mix 1 cup of confectioners (powdered) sugar with pure maple syrup until it reaches a consistency that will allow you to drizzle over the scones (best done with a spoon). Note: scones must be cooled prior to being topped with maple glaze.

Recipe adapted from several sources.

Old clothes and fond memories...

Or, reflections on a rainy day.

Cardigan: thrifted, Shirt (old): American Eagle Outfitters, Necklace: self made, Jeans: Levi's, Moccasins: Minnetonka

I've had this pretty floral blouse for about nine years. I remember finding it on a clearance rack at American Eagle when I was a junior in high school and asked my dad to get it for me for Christmas. I wore it frequently back then and one of my favorite memories associated with it is when one of my friends told me the pattern looked like one you'd find on an old sofa. C, if you're reading, do you remember that? We had a good laugh over it and, of course, I took it as a compliment. Since then I've lovingly referred to this shirt as my ''old sofa blouse.'' For the last few years this shirt has spent most of its time folded up in my dresser. It comes out maybe once or twice in the autumn and winter months only to be forgotten about for the better part of the year. I realize that this is quite a shame and I'm resolved to give it the attention it deserves once again. Oddly enough, I only thought to wear it today after seeing one at the Goodwill yesterday. Haha.

Tell me, do you have any favorite old things with fond memories attached to them?

Oh, hi Autumn. You're my favorite.

Today is one of those splendorous days where it feels like two seasons in one: springlike temperatures warming up an autumnal landscape. I love it and opted for a lightly layered golden yellow and brown ensemble - quite perfect for squirreling away the mild weather. I will remember this day fondly when I'm shivering come winter. To round out the joy of this fine Saturday I've had Buddy Holly songs stuck in my head for hours upon hours (Everyday! Oh Boy! Rave On!). Swell!

Cardigan, hat, & necklace: H&M, Dotted Swiss blouse: Old Navy kids
Dress: TJ Maxx, Tights: gift, Moccasins: Minnetonka

Our funny little dog has been enjoying the outdoors today, too! She's taken to chewing on a deflated soccer ball instead of my shoes. Good thing!

Film photos from Berlin, Maryland

One of my favorite outings during my recent beach vacation was to Berlin, Maryland. Quaint and charming, historic downtown Berlin was the perfect place to while away the quiet hours of late morning.

If these snapshots of Main Street look oddly familiar, it's because the Disney adaptation of Tuck Everlasing was filmed there.

My friends and I had a wonderful time strolling through town, stopping in different shops and eating lunch at a local coffee house.

There were so many pleasant sights to be seen and the atmosphere was so relaxing. I took great joy in stopping mid-stride to snap photos of it all! Berlin is a destination I would revisit without hesitation.

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

You and me and that red sweater

Cardigan: thrifted; Shirt, necklace, & rings: H&M

Skirt: vintage, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Aldo

At first it seemed that the headless-Emily outfit shot would be the only one to make it into this post. The reason being that my left eyelid kept getting all droopy while I was taking these photos. Weird, I know. Perhaps it was some sort of crazy side effect from the colder weather? Hmm. Eventually, a photo was snapped with both of my eyelids cooperating. Thanks guys. Let me tell you, it was a goofy time!

Want to know what else is goofy? The song this sweater reminds me of. Back when I was in middle and high school I liked listening to ska-punk. Some of my favorite bands at the time were Save Ferris, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats. Oh, The Aquabats. They have a large repertoire of very silly songs including the sartorially-titled "Red Sweater." If you're up for a laugh, have a listen!

Haha, sometimes I really like my music less than serious. So much fun. Anywho, this red cardigan is a foray into the world of red clothing. I've had an aversion to the color for awhile, but I'm slowly making nice with it again. I snagged this cardi back in August, but I forgot about it until last week. It spent a few months hanging out in a shopping bag on the backseat of my car. Since it's come inside I haven't wanted to take it off. It's so cozy!

Tell me, is there anything super cozy that you've been living in lately?

On the forest's edge

Here it is November already. Can you believe it?! The world outside has started to turn bleak as is custom for the 11th month. The colors of autumn cling stubbornly to the trees and rattle in the wind. Intermittent snow flakes have been flying for a little over a week now. And here I am dressed to match my surroundings. While this isn't exactly the safest thing to be doing this time of year (what with hunting season creeping up and all), what can I say? I like brown. And other earthy colors. Dark green, anyone?

Sweatshirt: J. Crew, Leaf pin: Gap, Dress: vintage, Belt: thrifted

Sweater tights: TJ Maxx, Boots: L.L. Bean

Back in the early spring (March or April, I think), I snatched up three of the most perfect vintage dresses in one shopping trip at my favorite thrift store. The first was a sweet brown gingham, the second a lovely green & pink floral, and the third, pictured here, a deep green topped with orange and cranberry floral medallions. Oh so perfect for autumn! Can I just gush a little bit over how truly wonderful this dress is? Okay, thanks. The fabric weight is nice and sturdy making it perfectly suited for the colder months. Next up, the length: not too short, not too long, but just right! The full skirt (always fun for twirling) features one pocket. Score! One dress pocket is better than none. Lastly, but definitely not least, comfortable sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. Pretty autumn dress, you're my favorite!

Alright, I think all of that is out of my system now ;)