Happy Fall Y'all IV: Marshall's Mommy Makeover

I love to shop.

My mother, on the other hand, isn't a huge shopping fan--she'd much rather be biking on a trail in the middle of nowhere.  So to satisfy my shopping craving (a girl can only buy so much stuff for herself, after all), my lovely mother was a good sport and allowed me to become her "stylist" for the day.

When shopping, I'm motivated by the "thrill of the hunt," and nothing is more exciting than finding great clothes at bargain prices (remind me to tell you about my new leather pants!), so I accepted the Marshall's #fabfound challenge and put together some stylish fall/winter looks for Mom:

Lookin' good Mama!

Happy Fall Y'all III: Pumpkin. It's what's for dinner.

Intrigued by a stuffed pumpkin recipe first spotted on Pinterest, I decided to give it a go.  I mean, what's more "fall" than pumpkins?  While I consume a plethora of pumpkin flavored foods and beverages, it occurred to me that I've never actually eaten a for-real pumpkin.  Pinterest challenge: accepted.

But before I could delve into the culinary portion, I had to make it pretty first, right?  Extra points for presentation!  I used a Speedball linoleum cutter with interchangeable tips (most likely a souvenir from that one token engraving project in high school art class) to etch a design into the surface of the pumpkin (make sure not to pierce all the way through).  

The botanical vine motif was almost too cute to eat!

Happy Fall Y'all II: Fall porch

Since I'm a relative newcomer on my street, I figured I would do my neighborly duty and decorate my front porch for the fall season. 

Ok, that's a total lie.  

I didn't do it for the good of the 'hood.  Nope, my motivations were purely selfish--it puts a smile on my face to drive home and see a welcoming and cheerful entry.  Not to mention, my home interior is feeling fall-ish, so the outside needed keep up!

Happy Fall Y'all I: Fall interiors

Harvest candle lit: check.

Pumpkin spice latte chugged: check. 

Snuggle-y clothes rescued from the attic: check. 

So yep...that pretty much makes it official: HAPPY FALL, Y'ALL!

Sometimes I like to enjoy the great outdoors while reclining in a velvet chair...it's just whatever

I'll admit, I'm a little late to the fall party; I cling to desperately to the last vestiges of summer (I was sunning myself on the beach merely a couple weeks ago) but I've finally thrown in the towel.  And despite being initially resistant, fall actually is one of my favorite seasons...even if my space heater is currently blowing full blast when its all of 61 degrees outside!

To celebrate the season and one of my fave holidays (Halloween!) there will be a little dose of all things fall on the blog each day this week ranging from cooking to decor to fashion and lots in between, so stay tuned :)

Happy Birthday Bennett!

Happy first "birthday" (adoption day) to my pup, Mr. Bennett Basile Fitzwilliam!

The delicious world of Julia Child: Boeuf Borguignon

While in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to finally check out the Food exhibit at the National Museum of American History.

Who has two thumbs and loves her some food?  This girl!

En Vouge/En Pointe Ballet Fashion Show

Last Saturday, I attended the Ballet Memphis Fashion Show and season kickoff:  En Vogue/En Pointe.  Billed as the "marriage of all things dance to the world of fashion, design and beauty" it sounded right up my alley!

Fashion, Smashion

Happy Friday!  To mark end of New York Fashion Week, a hilarious video: 

Jimmy Kimmel's crew staked out Lincoln Center to ask self-proclaimed fashionistas about completely fabricated designers.  This video is seriously cringe-worthy as people embarrass themselves by articulating their opinions completely fictional designers and collections.  Purina Chow?  George Costanza?  Eddie Munster?  Really?!?!  Ha!

Fashion is fun, so let's not take ourselves so seriously, people!

Kris Keys, Fashion Illustrator

I've always loved fashion illustration art, so when I had the opportunity to meet and view the work of  illustrator Kris Keys, I jumped at the opportunity! 

Upholstered Shelf Part II: Peekabo, I see shoes!

Remember this newly upholstered shelf? 

Well, turns out there's more than meets the eye...it hides a secret compartment!

Upholstered Shelf: Part I

I have this great little built-in bookshelf in my bedroom that's perfect for displaying picture frames and other small "happies."  I put items on the shelf that were similar in neutral tones to keep the shelf looking uncluttered.  I've chosen to stick with the feel of "tranquil neutrals" for my entire bedroom.  As much as I love hot pink, it's not a great color for sleeping!

 Here's round 1.  But it still seemed a little "blah" to me.  

Oh bring me some Figgy Pudding...I mean, Pizza

Fresh figs arriving late summer are such a treat.  But they appear only quickly on the farmers market scene before making a speedy exit, so I attempt to make as many fig recipes as possible in the tiny sliver of the seasonal window.  Although fresh figs are yummy to eat alone, their sweetness meshes perfectly with savory recipes.   

When a friend offered a fig harvest in their backyard, of course I partook...thanks!

Finer Things Club

In case you missed the title reference for this post, I'll wait while you watch season 4, episode 10 of The Office.  Done now?  Ok, I'll continue.

In this hilarious scene, Toby, Oscar and Pam join forces in the sad little break room of Dunder Mifflin to "meet once a month to discuss books and art and celebrate culture in a very civilized way. The debate can sometimes be heated but is always respectful. No plastic, no paper, and no work talk is allowed."

So very civilized

A rose by any other name

The other day, I woke up bleary-eyed and stumbled out into my yard sans-glasses to attend to my pup.  In my semi-blind state, I was startled to look into my yard and notice this:

I have never been so shocked to see one single, 5 foot tall, perfectly coiffed rose.   I had no idea there was even a rose bush planted in the bed.  It had literally sprung up overnight and was now screaming,  "Tah dah! Look at me!" (complete with jazz hands, tap shoes, the whole nine yards)

"Stop and smell the roses."  Such a cliche.  

But this time, I followed that instruction in the most literal sense.  

I stopped.  

And I smelled that rose.  

And it was delightful. 

Nature has a lovely way of surprising us when we least expect it.

Appreciation inspires awe and gratitude.  

"What a wildly wonderful world, God!

    You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,

 made earth overflow with your wonderful creations."

                                                                          Psalm 104:24

                                                                                             The Message (paraphrase)

  

The one where I accidentally crashed Justin Timberlake's party...

Last night, local Memphis boy Justin Timberlake performed at the 2013 VMA's.  While I didn't watch the entire craziness, of course I had to tune in to see the much anticipated NSYNC reunion and JT's epic "best of" medley.  I loved it, although, let's be honest...he doesn't have to try very hard to impress me!  *swoon*

That hair.  Giggles.

RAWMemphis Artist Showcase

Saturday night, I attended the RAW natural born artists showcase event held at Minglewood Hall.   RAW is an independent arts organization in over 81 cities and their mission is to provide artists with a platform to showcase their work as well as to provide tools and resources to emerging artists.  Described as a "circus of creativity," the event features art, fashion, music, film, hair, makeup, photography, and performances all in one venue and one one night.

I was excited for the to scope out local talent as well as mix and mingle with the creative community in Memphis.  Apparently many other Memphians had the same idea--the place was packed!  This was great for the event but not so great for my faraway-parking-in-heels situations--accepting future chauffeur applications!

The scene at Minglewood

Designer Spotlight: Clover Canyon

Don't you just hate it when you show up to an event and find yourself wearing the same dress as someone else?  

OK, so technically I wasn't at that InStyle event and there was a 5 month gap so I guess I'll let it slide this time, Ash (I can call you that, right?  I mean, having the same fashion brain basically makes us besties at this point).

So without further ado, I give you the obligatory "Who wore it better?"  

Ummm, on second thought, let's just make that a rhetorical question, k, thanks.

Jewelry Organization Part 2: Shhh...it's a secret (shadowbox)

Have you ever woken up one morning and wished that you were the love-child of James Bond and Elizabeth Taylor?  Oh, you too?  Then keep reading y'all because this storage solution will give you an uber top-secret hiding spot for your precious, sparkly baubles!

Since I had decided on concealed storage for my necklaces, it occurred to me to put on my handy(wo)man pants on to create a custom storage solution.  I had purchased a framed Italian map several years ago at a yard sale for a couple bucks (so there are perks to being a stage 1 hoarder!).  I have so many treasured memories from my time spent there and I love incorporating Italian art around my home.  So I decided it would be simple enough to repurpose this picture into a shadowbox, of sorts.

BEFORE:

I had temporarily hung necklaces on the back of door which created serious noise pollution when the door was used

AFTER

Is it a picture?

Jewelry Organization Part 1: Diamonds are a girl's best friend

I've finally completed one of the most tedious and yet rewarding organization projects--I tackled the ole jewelry box!  The first step was to sort through it and get rid of some items (well, technically the first step was actually to untangle the massive spiderwebby cluster of necklaces, but that might just be me).  Second step was to make a few repairs--thanks Dad!  Then, it was time to search for storage and display inspiration.