I've stated before that the month of August is like one long Sunday. The closer we get to Labor Day the more this holds true. I feel like each day is an hour and the light and air are already changing. The arrival of Hurricane Irene on the East Coast this weekend has ushered in cooler winds and I can't help but think of bright blue September skies and the golden light of fall. The end of a season always feels like something ominous is lurking just around the next corner. The skeptical New Englander in me comes forward and doesn't like what might be new and different just around the bend. The unexpected new elements of a season (*shakes fist at climate change*) do not put me at ease. I get comfortable in the present season and my fight to keep winter and its colder temperatures at arms … [Read more...]
Fall 2010 Trends
Fall. It is going for a run with a cool breeze blowing set against a clear, blue sky. The scent of a campfire and burning leaves in the air and pumpkins adorning doorsteps. It is my favorite season and not just because of the bright bursts of color on the trees but also because it is a new fashion season. Light and airy fabrics give way to thick tweeds and shearling, this year at least. I flip through magazines and rip out pages pasting them to my bathroom door to give me inspiration through the season. Make-up undergoes changes as well. I look for ways to incorporate the current fall's latest ideas on the cheap and what to splurge on. It gives me a sense of renewal each time as I use what's hot with my classics. Here's … [Read more...]
Top Five Reasons to Get Excited About Fall
Cross-posted and archived from DC Metro Moms. Original post August 22, 2008. My husband asked for hot tea the other day. My first reaction was to look at him like he was the 5th horseman of the Apocalypse but instead, I just sort of sniffed the air and agreed. It felt like hot tea time. Yet, here we are in August. Two days later a friend of mine stated that it was time to wear jeans. She was declaring summer officially over despite it being about 90 degrees outside. My inbox is loaded with back-to-school ads, requests for advice posts about the new school year and the latest fall fashions. There was even that one ominous Halloween craft story request. Already? It's not that I hate summer. In fact, it is my favorite season of the four. It's just that about this time every year be … [Read more...]
Tired Tank Needs to Retire
It's Fall. Time for pumpkins, brightly colored gourds, bales of hay and hot mugs of cider. Make that cold cider because it is just too hot! Temperatures are supposed to reach 90 today and while I would love to be breaking out a nice sweater and boots I'll be wearing capri's and a tank again. This severely extended Indian Summer has me agitated for a variety of reasons.First, it throws me off balance. I miss the smell of the fallen leaves, the damp air and the fall rain. I can see the Occoquan river from my deck and it is incredibly low. It breaks my heart. This is not normal and it is distressing. Our water supply is in jeopardy. We need rain. We need cooler weather. Second and way more trivial, is that my anniversary is in the fall. My husband gave me a nice shopping spree as my gift. A … [Read more...]
Falling into Motivation.
How cheesy is that title? I swear the Fall does funny things to me. It makes me insatiable. While the end of summer can cause me to feel a bit melancholy, leaving me with a feeling that the month of August is a never-ending series of Sundays, I look forward to Fall with its crisp air, golden sunlight and bright feelings of promise.I plot and plan.I leave post-it stickies on pages throughout fashion magazines and dream of cozy knits, over-the-knee boots and oversized bags studded with metallic hardware.My nails go from ballet slipper pink to blue satin overnight.I become my most motivated as well. Two years ago I spent the month of October working out every single day. I didn't know I had it in me. Today, marking the fourth day I worked out this week, I walked to the library with the girls. … [Read more...]
Crazy Already?
Halloween is a scant few days away. The pumpkins are on the front step waiting to be carved. The candy hidden from desirous eyes and grabbing hands. T.D.'s costume has been tried on and test driven. She is ready to become Lord Vader. In our house the dog is the princess. Princess Leia to be exact. We are a month from Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and two months from Christmas. Yet somehow emails and phone calls have already begun popping up into my inbox and onto my voicemail regarding holiday menus and logistics. IT'S TOO EARLY! Isn't it? Am I being too nonchalant? I love the holidays don't get me wrong but the frenzy for Turkey day is bearing down and I'm already feeling the stress. Puff pastry? I'm in charge of puff pastry?! I HATE making puff pastry. I suck at it and it stresses me … [Read more...]
Finally!
It is Fall! Finally! I feel like strains of Etta James's 'At Last' should be playing in the background. The wind is up, the air cool and crisp, and the red crayon marks on the windows now feel adequately festive and in season. The dog is giving me the stink eye for letting her outside without informing her first of the temperature change.It's Fall! My favorite time of year. To be a cliche of a blogger I will now wax poetic or something akin to that about the wonders and beauty of Fall. Always with a capital 'F' in my book.The light changes this time of year. There is a golden quality about it that happens around three o'clock. What E and I used to refer to as "K-mart lighting" as it feels like you got in on special. It's not as powerful as summer sunlight. My run feels more relaxing … [Read more...]