One Last Hurrah for Summer

Bright and early Sunday morning I'll be hitting the road for a week long vacation. Some friends and I will be chasing Summer down the coast, renting a house along the beach, and enjoying some much needed time away from the everyday. Since these particular friends don't know about my blog, I've decided to stay tight-lipped about our destination until we get back. Without their consent, I don't feel right mentioning it here. I will have plenty of photos and stories to share upon my return, though. I should have access to the internet where we are staying, so you'll probably still see me leaving comments here and there. Also, remember the review I said I'd be doing? Well, my item of choice (which I'm super excited about!) arrived yesterday. So, expect to see that within the next week or so!

As for my trip, I'm still getting a few last minute details in place: packing my bag, checking things off my list, deciding what books to bring, making play lists for the drive, etc.

See you in a week! In the meantime, I've asked some lovely bloggers to contribute guest posts while I'm away, so be sure to drop in during the week and say hello!

Secret squirrel

Yesterday I found a secluded, picturesque spot for taking photos. Made up of gentle slopes and pretty trees, I think I'll find myself visiting frequently. A secret escape is needed every now and again.

This is one of my favorite vintage dresses. I spotted it earlier this year at the Salvation Army for just a few dollars. The top half is a tad roomy, but I can deal. It's otherwise perfect and I ♥ it. If something is green and extraordinarily pretty chances are I won't be able to resist taking it home with me. Well, that is if the contents of my wallet comply.

While enjoying the swirling breeze and the warmth of the intermittent sunlight on my limbs, I kept hearing a faint pit-pat behind me. I had to investigate. It was then that I noticed my ankles and the soles of my moccasins were splattered with little blackish-purple berries. Elderberries, perhaps? If the charm on my necklace was an animate creature maybe his tiny face and paws would be stained from hoarding them.

Dress: Vintage, Belt: thrifted, Necklace: H&M, Minnetonka moccasins

At sundown

My little green Keds Champions are making a special appearance on the ol' blog. I love Keds. While I wore them as a kid (white ones often with the laces taken out, in case you were wondering), I don't really place much significance in that. I love them not because they're classic or for their casual and simple structure or their ability to look good with just about anything; I love them because my mother wears them. Cute, right? Yeah, I guess. Perhaps I'm just overly sentimental.

Yesterday was one of those perfect late summer days full of moderate warmth and plenty of sunshine. Sundown is my favorite time on days like these. The air starts hinting at the cooler weather that will follow in just a few weeks time and the receding light starts to play with the leaves that have already begun turning color.

Blouse: Heritage 1981, Jeans: very old J.Crew, Shoes: Keds
Sunglasses: TJ Maxx, Rings: H&M

Oh! I couldn't resist doing some close-up shots of my new rings. I saw them a few weeks back on Dressed Up Alligators (a delightful blog, go check it out!), but didn't know where to find them. I figured they came from a boutique or specialty shop because they're just too darn amazing. Imagine how excited I was when I found them staring me in the face while I was poking around H&M the other day!

Love Letter

Dear Future Husband (wherever you may be),

Do you play the banjo? I secretly hope so. If not, that's okay. Perhaps it's something we could learn together. Still, if that's not something you're keen on, just know that a fair portion of the music I listen to resonates with the sound of the fine little instrument.

Yours affectionately,
Emily



Ooh, listen to that banjo! All silliness aside, the above video is one of my favorites from Great Lake Swimmers (who happen to be my favorite band) recent album/video project titled The Legion Sessions. Compiled of live versions of nearly all the songs off their 2009 release Lost Channels, The Legion Sessions has been my go-to disc of choice this summer. Perhaps I love it so because it's the closest I've come to hearing Great Lake Swimmers perform live. The band is based out of Ontario and tour North America frequently, so you'd think I would have made the 7 hour drive to Toronto or the 4 hour drive to Montreal already, right? Wrong. Guess who hasn't renewed her passport or upgraded her drivers license for easy access across the border? The same silly girl who hasn't even made the easy trips to NYC, Boston, or Philadelphia to see them either. Haha, one of these days...

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?