Tea Time

Today was an ultra-dreary day in Ohio. The weather was rainy and grey, sadly beautiful. I stayed in bed way-late (you don't wanna know how late), curled up with my Hanker love, and the newest Death Cab For Cutie album. I'm beginning to formulate ideas for a little homemade business and today was a perfect brainstorming day.

(Photo for purchase from Marissa Bowers)

The gloominess however, wouldn't have been complete without that perfect cup of tea in my favorite mug. A slight cold has me drinking Throat Coat. I love its licorice undertones and all around earthy flavor.

Naturally, the Throat Coat distracted me and I found myself searching Etsy and the like for the perfect cup of leaves. Tea For All Reasons has so many yummy sounding blends, along with a nice selection of sample packs. I love the look of this Autumn Harvest blend...hmm wonder why?Her prices are super reasonable to boot! Tea Noir has yummy blends too, I'd love to try the Backwoods and Caramel Apple. Sleepy Bath tea from Healing House is one of many teas they offer to cure a plethora of ailments.

Of course, the perfect tea wouldn't be complete without the perfect tea cup. This vintage cup and saucer set is in near perfect condition from Jens Closet; I can see my mother dressing her whole table to match these. I myself am more of a mug gal; my favorite mug is a Autumn leaf motif from Ohio local, Liberty Pottery. But this little number from JD Wolfe Pottery has my heart skipping a beat; it's that perfect balance of girly and rustic.

I came across this recycled tea infuser necklace too from Found and Made, isn't it adorable?

All the tea searching made me happy and warm, on such a gloomy day. What are your favorite teas? What does your favorite mug look like? Leave me some comments, I love to hear from you! Now I'm off to make one more cup before bed; tomorrow is cleaning day and hopefully a bit sunnier. Sweet sugary dreams!

Warm and Fuzzy

Fall fashion leaves me with that 'oh-so-good' warm and fuzzy feeling. Slipping into a Knit Sweater is better than PJ's. Peep toes, Tweeds, and Chunky Scarves beckon me to leave the house!

Being fashion forward can be inexpensive too; I love perusing the local Village Discount Thrift Store to find hand knit sweaters, scarves and vintage heels that don't need breaking in.

So what are the must haves for this season?

1. I think every gal should have a great bag. I'm a fan of the bag-so-big-i-can-fit-in-my-kitchen-sink. I love Morelle's signature Truffle Bag; it comes in an bevvy of colors, but the Orange Truffle is definitely my Fall Fave. (photo courtesy of Morelle)

2. Cute boots are next. Tall boots, Skinny Boots, Ankle boots, just get some dang boots! I prefer a Riding style boot. These Corn Maze boots from Anthropologie knock my socks off. Martin and Osa also has super cute Buckle Boots. If coughing up $200 plus for a pair of shoes makes your cringe, try Target. I picked up these adorable Kinsey Boots last week, on sale!

3. Next, don yourself in a cute knit frock. Whether a sweater dress or hand knit cardigan, you'll stay warm and cozy all Autumn long. I love this patterned Merona dress. Or this Chunky Little number from Anthropologie. If you can't find the perfect frock, try a wrap. I love DColby's Cape Cod Wrap. (photo courtesy of DColby).

4. Make sure you keep warm outside. Grab a cute plaid coat like this one or this one. Twist a scarf around your neck or, hop on over to my friend Chelsea's at The Vintage Chair and read her post on Cloches. (In fact bookmark her while you're there, she'll keep you and your home looking bright and fun).

5. And of course, don't forget to accessorize. I love the whimsy of this Button Necklace. Speaking of, whimsy is the middle name of Ashley over at A.N. Original Jewelry; you can find something for every occasion in her Etsy shop.

So now I feel like I have to run out and scour the stores for these fabulous finds, don't you? With the cool weather around the bend, I hope we all find what we need (OK, and want too) at cool prices! Happy Hunting!

Autumn's Bounty.

Autumn is that time of year when I step outside and really appreciate all that God has given us. I breathe deep and smell the Earth. I look around and see bright oranges, reds and yellows popping from the trees.

But why 'leave' (ha, I made a funny) it all for the trees? Bringing the outdoors in is a great way to celebrate the Harvest and decorate for Fall!

I'm anticipating the changing of the trees so I can make this amazing Leaf Garland from Martha Stewart. It's sweet, simple, and keeps the Leaf Collecting truck from chuggin' down my block more than once! Done properly, Martha swears it'll last all season. You can't beat that.

If you live in a no-leaf zone, try Martha's Gourd Garland; it's just as cute and practical. I wish I had a sweet little wood fence just like this one to hang them on. Gourds are another great way to decorate. They can be carved just like Pumpkins and most are edible. What better way to celebrate Halloween than to carve a creamy colored Butternut Squash into a Ghost then devour the insides?

And one can't forget the almighty Pumpkin. King of the Fall decorations, Pumpkins come in so many shapes, colors and varieties it'll make your head spin! Josh and I enjoy taking a trip Heritage Farms which is nearby and spending the day perusing the fields for that perfectly poised Pumpkin.

Pumpkins, along with Gourds, are sturdy veggies. Go ahead and buy in early October. Create beautiful outdoor or indoor displays and leave the little (or big) guys in a cool,dry place. Come Halloween, you can carve what you like and the rest will last into Thanksgiving. If you plan on creating an outdoor display, rest your orange moons on newspaper to keep out ground moisture.

And let's not forget Corn Stalks and Hay Bales. Decorating with these items couldn't be more Eco-friendly! Both are leftovers from harvested wheat and corn and are inexpensive and readily available. While I've seen some grocers charge an arm and a leg for Corn Stalks, I suggest checking the classifieds or stopping by that local farm you always gawk over on your way out of town.

See, wasn't that easy? Being Eco-friendly and chic is so easy, I barely even mentioned it! Don't worry you can thank me when your porch is covered in Pumpkins and Hay. Look for Pumpkin Farms in your area, that way you can have a whole day of fun and support the locals. Happy Gourding!

(all photos from MarthaStewart.com)

Falling into the Green

Doesn't Fall make you all tingly inside? Do you get 'craft arousal' pulling your Orange and Black totes out of the Attic? Ok...maybe I'm the only one who gets craft arousal, but still Fall is hands down the most exhilarating of seasons!

Crisp weather, chunky knit sweaters with flats and jeans, Candy apples, the ever ghoulish Halloween, homemade Wedding Soup, bonfires, and I can't forget Autumn decorations! Pumpkins and Gourds have been saturating my dreams, I wake up in a tizzy I'm so excited to get started!

In an effort to give my blog some sort of direction, not just a blah-blah-blog about my life, I've decided to add to my repertoire and hand out some Chic ways to 'Go Green' this season and in all aspects of our lives!

Now I know what you're thinking, "Oh great this girl is some granola eating zealot here to make me spend more at the store for things marketed to 'save the planet' which I could give a crap about"...or maybe you do give a crap. Anyway...Let's cover 2 things first.

1. I'm a broke college student; I don't have a Money tree to pick off of and buy $200 Bamboo blankets and sheets. To me "Going Green" first and foremost means, being frugal.

2. No I don't think the world is ending; yes I think that the Earth has a natural cycle that will happen with or without us; yes I think we (as a nation) are perpetuating the situation most call 'Global Warming'.

So let me challenge you, Autumn is the perfect time for a fresh, Eco-friendly outlook on life!

Start by assessing your feelings on the Environmental situation. No, I'm not talking politics; I'm talking about what affects your life directly:

-How has the weather changed over the past 10 years in your area? Are you having warm winters? and cool summers?

-What are no-cost ways you could save money and still have all you love in life? (Turning off the water when you brush, changing light bulbs, etc.)

-How much of an effort and commitment are you willing to give to this 'movement'? Are you willing to not see it as a Fad, but a change for the betterment of your life?

If you're still struggling, let me leave with this thought: What's happening to the Earth may be natural discourse, but if the 'world ends' the Earth with survive as it always has. We, may not.

Remember that being Eco-conscious is not so much for the environment, but for yourself, your children, and future generations.

Toil it over for a moment, I'll be back with fun, easy and, well let's face it, pretty ways to green your Fall Decor!

Autumnal Equinox

Happy Autumn! Ok so I'm 3 days late, but for good reason! I was soaking up the beginnings of my favorite season! This past weekend Josh and I celebrated my birthday with a Fall trip!


Let's Go Yankees!

First Stop: New York City...to see the House that Ruth built in its final days. Having never been to Yankee stadium I was awestruck the better part of the night. New York loves its Yankees and the Yankees love New York (the won 3-2). My dad and brother surprised me by showing up; my dad tearing up as the game ended and the traditional "New York, New York" blared over the speakers.
"This is my goodbye" he said. A bittersweet moment for him, I appreciate his nostalgia. My dad saw the Yankees win and loose in their hay-day in that stadium; first with his father, then World Series' with his brother, and finally with his children. A moment in time I truly hope he never forgets, I know I wont.

Saturday was a day of travel, but not until having a long anticipated lunch with my beloved Chrissy Lee! It was wonderful to finally meet her and when we sat down for lunch I felt as though we'd been friends for ever, picking up right where we left off! Her main squeeze Oscar is a stand up guy and I sincerely hope to see them both again super soon.


Lunch on the water...

Next Stop: Gettysburg, PA. Site of the bloodiest battle in the Civil War and quite possibly the worlds cheapest beer (5 draft beers for 12 beans..oy!)
We stayed in my Uncle's apartment, built in the 1800's, complete with antiques, hand-hewn canopy beds, and a musket bullet in the door frame. Every little street in downtown Gettysburg begs to be strolled, I enjoyed soaking in all the beautiful Brownstones and little shops on our quick 2-block walk to the Town Square.



Gettysburg College is also a hop and a skip away, with robust lawns and ancient buildings. I highly recommend the brand-spankin' new Gettysburg Visitors Center which is highly interactive and contains an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts.

Yet still, nothing beats heading out to the battlefields to pay respect to the men who gave their lives for our Union. For our adventure we had 2 "tour guides", Britt and her boyfriend Mike. We hit Little Round Top, The Devil's Den, The PA monument, where I uncovered the name of a many times-Great Grandfather, and the site of Pickett's Charge. Being on the battlefields is like walking in a dream, it's exhilarating but sad and scary all at the same time. To be able to walk that Hallowed ground is something that I may never fully comprehend in my short lifetime.


Left: Little Round Top looking out to Devil's Den
Right: The Pennsylvania Monument

Britt is another friend who I was also thrilled to meet for the first time. Mike at one point said we were "The same person with different brains" We had a fun night of drinking, followed by a great day of "touristing" and sushi! She and Mike were a riot (I guess it's the Pennsylvania humor); they not only showed the hot spots, but introduced Josh and I to The Gingerbread Man and late nights at The Lincoln Diner. Britt was home from college on a fluke, so I feel blessed to have met not one, but two amazing friends this weekend! I hope there are many more meetups to come!



That about covers my Birthday weekend; It would be an understatement to call it a success.
Josh and I were able to steal quite a few moments and enjoying just being together, the best birthday gift of all.

Now I turn to Autumn, as I beckon at it's front door. There is cleaning to be done, decorations to be hung, garland to be made,bonfires to be had. And keep checking back too, I'm going to be taking this blog in some sort of semi-professional direction. Offering tips on how to stay Eco-friendly, Fashion, Recipes, and how to be an all around Martha Stewart.

I hope the first few days of Autumn were enjoyed by all. I know I soaked them in as much as one weekend will allow, but I won't stop until the first snow hits the ground (which here in Ohio, may be tomorrow).

Adeiu for now and Bonjour to Lady Autumn!

Heroes' Weekend.

It was rainy at best, but we still had an adventurous weekend.
Thursday, we had our first Bonfire out in the back yard; the weather was perfect. And good thing too, it's been raining the rest of the weekend.

Friday, Josh and I along with our friends Candice and Brian went to Briocca in Akron for dinner.
The food was mouth watering and utter perfection. Josh had amazing Veal Parmesan and I had the Fish special: Crab stuffed Rainbow Trout, with Spinach Orzo and grilled Asparagus. I won't lie, I ate every bite.

Saturday we ventured out and got some much needed shoes and jeans. I picked up my first Klosterman novel, which will make the list after Kavalier and Clay. Josh is going to read them with me. I'm really excited that he wants to read with me, it means alot that he'd try something he might not like just for me.

After coming home we unwound and watched a movie. Hanky loves Josh's new shoes...well the box anyway. He spent quite a while in there, playing and flirting. I keep telling him we aren't going to buy him anymore toys, just boxes and tin foil.

Here he is spying on us:


Sunday morning I made a Frittata for brunch; egg, ham, cheese, peppers, bacon, onion.

Then Josh and went in search of Big Love season 2. I'm enamored with the show. Chloe Sevigny is a fantastic thespian.

This week is Birthday week. I hope the weather loosens up for our Friday rendezvous with the Yankees. Until then, my usual week begins.

I hope you took a moment to thank the soldiers and heroes in your life this week for all they mean to you. I wanna thank Josh, for choosing to defend my freedom in times like these. Your courage inspires me. I love you!

Colorado

Pack your bags y'all!!! Josh and I just received word; we're now heading to Ft. Carson, Colorado!!!



I am estatic, elated, excited...I think I might pass out!!

Ft. Carson, in my humble opinion, is one of the nicest Posts the Army has to offer.
But aside from that I get Seasons, actual seasons, winter, fall, spring and summer!
And Colorado is notorious for having 300-some days of sun!

I can't even sit here, I have websites to scour and people to call!!! Just sharing our good news!
Woohoo!!! Here we come Colorado!

Indian Summer

The Indian Summer is upon us, the nights are getting cooler, the colors are becoming exquisite.

Fall is my favorite time of year, but I don't hesitate to enjoy those last few Summer days.

Reflecting back on this Summer, I realize it was All-time. Josh wasn't away at camp or training for the first time in 3 years! We enjoyed Kent Fest together, hot weekend evenings bbq'ing, and enjoying each others company.

In July the Yankees came to play the Pirates for the first time in 30-some years. A 3-game series gave us one Rain Out game and another chance to see them deep into the month. Josh was able to come and see the first MLB game that he can remember. The Pirates won, though I prefer to see the Yanks win. But a hometown win is still a win for me!


This is Josh and I in front of the Roberto Clemente Statue, a Pittsburgh and baseball legend.

July was spent working and prepping to move. Being a procrastinator comes easy to me, but this time I did good. Our place was packed to move a week and a half before Moving Day!
Josh's hard-laboring summer job at a moving company made the move easier, along with friends and neighboors helping to lighten the load!




Our new place is a dream! On a quiet little street, far away from Fratland. Still within walking distance to downtown we've spend the past month walking to meet friends for dinner, to the library, and to the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings!
Having a washer and dryer feels as good as a million dollars. Laundry gets done all the time, without expensive trips to The 'Mat.

Even Hank is finding the move positive! I knew Hanky loved to play, but he now often wakes me in the morning chasing his toys all over the house. Yo-yoing from one room to the next. It's a sight that makes my heart melt.

Then came Graduation. Feeling accomplished and all classes passed, Josh walked across the stage on Graduation day and I couldn't have been prouder.

The evening before we celebrated with friends and family as Josh was commissioned as the U.S. Army's newest Lieutenant. He gave me the distinguished honor of pinning on his Gold Bars. While other Lieutenants had gords of family on stage with them, it felt good for just the two of us to be on the stage together. He and I, all we have challenged and faced together the past 5 years, all he has accomplished, me by his side; closing a chapter in our lives, together.



Surprisingly I didn't shed a tear until I was able to hug him after the ceremony. We conviened at The Pufferbelly Limited (Josh and I's favorite place to eat) and had a roaring good dinner with everyone after the ceremony.
For a commissioning gift I gave JR a knife he can take with him on deployment engraved on the blade "True Gold Never Fears The Test Of Fire" a reminder that I know he can do anything he is couragous enough to challenge himself to do.

After that our Summer came to a quick close, Josh started work with ROTC the weekend after the festivities, as I put the final touches on our new place.

All-time it was. These years are behind us now and they have transformed us into the couple we are. I wouldn't have done them any differently, and I couldn't have gotten through them without Josh by my side. And even though I'm excited to begin a new chapter together, it's still all so bittersweet to me. Commuter said it best...

But that was once upon a time

And happily ever after

It's time to start a new chapter

And I can't stand to turn the page.

You taught me how to love

And now I've got nothing to show for it

The time we had was so short

And I can't stand to turn the page.

Blog-Shmog

Yes yes, finally I have broken down and joined the Blog world. It didn't take much convincing, a thoughtful online memoir sells itself, ya know?

Currently I'm enjoying a cup of tea, all herbage and spicy (Throat Coat if you want the brand). Josh is off getting his ID card made, so I have some time to cuddle up with Hank.

It's been chilly here lately, I can feel the crispness of Fall trying to push through. It's taunting me is what it's doing!!! It's not even my birthday yet and I'm ready to break out the Pumpkins and Cornucopias (ok, so I don't exactly own a cornucopia).

This weekened was Art in the Park, a Kent tradition where hippie and faux alike meet in the park for crafts and folk music. Being our last Art in the Park (yes Josh comes along though he isn't exactly the R.Crumb type) we wanted to make it memorable. Josh bought me this beautiful necklace; the White oak leaf and Hemlock pinecone are still trapped inside, one symbolizing strength and the other optimism. I think it's fitting.



And at last, successfully, my Tomato plant has finally come to fruition (no pun intended)!
The plant will probably only yield a few tomatoes given the season, but I actually planted something from a seed, and not only did I not kill it, but it actually produced crop! A true miracle; my black thumb is now green!



So there it is: my first blog. That felt good. Now off to start another beautiful week.