Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  What are your plans for the weekend?  We're going to a friend's Halloween party and of course, I waited until the last minute to plan a costume {why do I do this every single year?!}  I'm going the simple route and wearing some cat ears, painting on some whiskers, and calling it a day...but for next year I've already bookmarked this gorgeous swan mask which I discovered on Mimosa Lane last week.  I'm thinking that plus a white dress would be just the ticket.  Whatever you're up to, I hope you have an absolutely enchanting weekend!

Image via Camille Styles

Recipe :: Fall Leaf Cookies

One of my favorite family traditions is my annual trip home to Oakwood, OH every autumn to make Fall Leaf Cookies with my mom.  I have fond memories of sitting together in the kitchen after school, sipping hot cocoa and decorating dozens upon dozens of cookies.  Over the past twenty years we have tweaked the recipe several times and thankfully my technique has improved a bit {I can only imagine my first attempts as a six-year-old looked more like a messy art project than vibrant autumnal leaves}.  The best part about these cookies, asides from how delicious they are, is that while they look quite impressive are actually incredibly easy!

Fashion :: Get Cozy

JCrew Pointelle Cable Knit Sweater {25% off with 'STYLETREAT'} // Woolrich Buffalo Check Blanket // JCrew Cashmere Infinity Scarf  {25% off with 'STYLETREAT'} // Woolrich Artist Booties // Madewell Cashmere Beanie // Loeffler Randall Rider Bag // The Snow Child // Diptyque Black Baies Candle // JCrew Boyfriend Flannel Shirt {25% off with 'STYLETREAT'} // Madewell Linen Stockholm Tee //  JCrew Boyfriend Jean {25% off with 'STYLETREAT'} // Burberry Brit Quilted Jacket //  Convertible Cashmere Gloves // GAP Colorblock Socks // DEMYLEE Stripe Sweater 

As much as I love warm weather, for me, fall is the absolute best.  The cool crisp weather, the vibrant foliage, the comfort food, camping, the fact that the holiday season is just around the corner, and of course - the clothes.  On weekends I love nothing more than cuddling up in cozy sweaters, warm cashmere accessories, and chunky boots.  Of course - a good candle and book are a necessity, as is a preppy blanket and {most importantly} a dog! 

My Life :: Going Home to Oakwood

A couple weeks ago I went home to visit my mom in my hometown of Oakwood, OH, and the weather was just so beautiful I couldn't help but snap some photos of the stunning fall foliage.  Over the years some of my friends' families have moved away, opting to move further south or to smaller homes, but I feel so lucky to still be able to go back to Oakwood every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Travel :: Charleston's Rainbow Row

Our first afternoon in Charleston we checked into our hotel then headed out to explore.  After a fifteen minute walk we came upon the famed Rainbow Row, which was even more charming in person!  The colorful homes represent the largest cluster of Georgian Row houses in the United States.  After the Civil War the area was left in neglect, and it wasn't until the 1940's that the homes were purchased by the Charleston Preservation Society, repainted their vibrant hues, and restored to their former glory. 

Gone Camping!

Happy Friday!  Today we're heading to Clifty Falls for a weekend of campfires, sleeping under the stars, s'mores, hiking, soaking in the fall foliage, grilled cheese, and simply soaking in the last beautiful days of autumn.  Our yearly camping trip is something I always look forward to as it is the perfect opportunity for me to clear my head and just be.  So cheers to a weekend of peace and simplicity!

Image via Lost in America

Interiors :: A Traditional Chic Home Tour

Get ready to feast your eyes on this beautiful home designed by Irene of designstiles.  The traditional home is filled with elegant textiles, perfectly patinaed vintage rugs and mirrors, and a healthy dose of feminine glamour - all tied together with a lovely neutral palette {plus a few splashes of color of course} that makes the home feel elegant while being immensely relaxed and livable.  I especially love the wallpapered powder room, custom designed vanity, and the too cute for words nursery.  Read more about the home and design process here and see even more photos here.

Travel :: Magnolia Plantation + The Angel Oak Tree

One of my favorite experiences during our trip to Charleston was heading out to the country and visiting a plantation.  It was my first trip to the South {can you believe that?!} and I knew I just had to see some of the famous mossy oaks during my stay.  There are quite a few amazing plantations in Charleston and we had a really tough time choosing which one to visit, but the gorgeous weather we had ended up swaying us to spend the morning wandering through Magnolia Plantation's famous gardens.  Asides from a near fatal encounter with the biggest spider I have ever seen {it still haunts my dreams!} we had a wonderful morning getting lost in Magnolia's romantic gardens.  

Recipe :: Radicchio, Pear, and Arugula Salad from Taffeta & Tulips

Well hello dear readers!  I have a very special surprise for you today.  A few weeks ago Kate from Taffeta & Tulips reached out to me to see if I would be interested in collaborating on a fall food post, and obviously I jumped at the opportunity.  We decided to create recipes based around one of our favorite autumn ingredients - pears.  I created a savory roasted pear and brie tartine and Kate made an absolutely gorgeous radicchio, pear, and arugula salad.  The photos clearly speak for themselves {YUM!} but I'll let Kate tell you more...

Happy Weekend!

Hooray for Friday!  The rain has finally subsided and given way to an absolutely gorgeous day and {what's supposed to be} an absolutely gorgeous weekend.  I'm at home visiting my mom today and tomorrow will be going to a friend's wedding back in Indianapolis.  We're also planning on hitting up the farmer's market, going to the pumpkin patch, and attending a spooky organ concert in an old church on Sunday night...{muahaha}.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and savor every last drop of autumn!

Art :: Gray Malin Colors Your Dreams

Gray Malin does it again, this time with his fantastical "Dream" series.  The photographer explains, "Touched by a story I read about a Scottish sheep farmer, this series is born from the desire to inspire others to stand out from the crowd and foster a sense of individuality.  Traveling to rural Australia, I worked with a family of third generation farmers who professionally misted each sheep with a vegetable-based, rinse-able dye to give them a bright colored hue.  Through the transformation of these otherwise white creatures into a rainbow of color, I hope to spark an idea; that we are all individuals and should not be afraid to bare our true colors, dare to dream and shine for all to see.  20% of the proceeds from the series will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation to help inspire those who dream their ultimate dreams."  So inspirational! 

Interiors :: A Bright & Airy San Francisco Victorian Home

If you've noticed an exponential increase in the number of my interiors pins, it's because Ryan and I are just starting to think about buying a house.  While there's still a lot we need to figure out {all I know is we. must. have. an old house}, the idea of it has taken over my brain!  Now I'll be the first to admit that I absolutely love taking a peek into fabulous, luxurious homes {example: this stately New York townhouse}...but lately I've been drawn towards ones that seem more do-able for a first home :) I'm particularly drawn to Miriam Schneider's San Francisco Victorian with it's high ceilings, abundance of natural light, and unique combination of modern & traditional, feminine & masculine.  I love that it feels like a home {versus a showroom} and feels like normal people live there.  And how amazing is that outdoor space?  For more, check out the full Rue Magazine article here.

Travel :: The Battery - Charleston, SC

Last week I blogged about the hotel we stayed at in Charleston {see post here}, but today I'm excited to share with you a few of the many, many photos I snapped of the stunning Charleston Battery.  The Battery stretches along the shore of Charleston and is littered with some of the most beautiful Antebellum homes you will ever lay eyes on.  Three story porches.  Ornate scroll-work.  French windows and doors.  Regal facades and {from what I saw through windows} even more regal interiors.  All with million dollar views of the water and surrounded by formal gardens, perfectly trimmed shrubs, and palm trees.  It's safe to say that I am absolutely head over heels with charming Charleston!

Giveaway :: Dreams in HD Photography + The Short and Sweet of It

For those of you who didn't know I recently opened an Etsy shop, Dreams in HD Photography, selling prints from my travels.  And today I'm excited to announce that I've partnered with one of my favorite blogs, The Short and Sweet of It, and will be giving away an 8x10 print of your choice.  Visit their blog to enter!  XOXO

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  It's rainy in Indianapolis but we're heading up to Milwaukee for a friend's wedding and the forecast is for perfect fall weather.  Tonight we're going to try a cool Italian restaurant downtown and tomorrow plan on visiting a brewery between the ceremony and the reception.  All these little weekend getaways {Charleston, Minneapolis, Milwaukee} have been fun, but I'm very much looking forward to spending next weekend at home!

Image via

My Life :: Autumn Snapshots

Asides from these past few days, so far it has been the most gorgeous autumn in the Midwest that I can recall.  Sunny days, crisp clean air, and foliage slowly changing from vibrant greens to golden yellows and fire reds.  I've been taking full advantage of the weather - hikes with Yoda, visits to the farmer's market, dinners al fresco with Ryan - knowing all too well before we know it winter will be here.  And of course, I've been trying to capture as much of the season as I can with my trusty Nikon D5200.  So today I simply wanted to share some recent snaps in hopes that it inspires you to head outside and soak in all the beauty autumn has to offer!

Travel :: Market Pavilion Hotel - Charleston, SC

If you follow me on Instagram you already know I spent this past weekend in Charleston with my best friend and her mom.  It was my first time in the beautiful city and I think it's fair to say I fell head over heels.  It's just so charming!  I'll be sharing photos of our adventures plus some recommendations over the next week or so, but first things first - our hotel.  

Art :: Kylli Sparre's Dream World

On this moody, rainy day what better than to take a step into photographer Kylli Sparre's enchanting dream world?  As told by My Modern Met, "Photographer Kylli Sparre draws upon her background in dance to create elegant narratives that feel like scenes right out of a dream. The artist uses image manipulation to merge graceful figures with surreal backgrounds. The intriguing compositions are filled with a powerful energy that radiates with emotion.

Through her rich imagination, Sparre produces enchanting moments where feminine forms are the delicate central focus of the mind-bending scenes. Sparre has such a wide range of distinctly fantastic work that it's impossible to know what to expect next from the talented artist. Each composition will take viewers on a journey into a world of imagination.

"I never realized that I am inspired by dance until people started telling me that. So it is unconscious. Now I see that it influences the way I see the lines of a body and the movement [that] I am drawn to," says Sparre. 'It took me years to finally find what truly inspires me. The feeling I get, when a picture turns out the way I imagine… I get so much energy and I love to be alive!'"

Images via My Modern Met

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  I'm currently in Charleston with my bestie and her mom enjoying the lovely fall weather and exploring the city for my first time.  We had the most fantastic dinner at Husk last night and for the rest of the weekend don't have much planned other than wandering the quaint streets, shopping, taking in the sites, and of course - eating!  Cheers to the weekend :) 

Image via Dreams in HD Photography

Interiors :: Michelle Smith's Manhattan Home

Last week we took a look inside of Michelle Smith's chic Sag Harbor cottage, so today I wanted to share with you her equally lovely Greenwich Village home.  And let me tell you - it does not disappoint.  I love how Smith seems to always find the perfect balance between causal and refined, rustic and feminine - creating a space that is both incredibly sophisticated while remaining utterly livable.  Want to see more?  Check out Smith's interview with One Kings Lane here.

Fashion :: Twelve Boots for Fall

Donald J Pliner Embossed Cap Toe Bootie // Madewell Reid Boot // Loeffler Randall Mercer Boot // BP Andover Bootie // Loeffler Randall Ione Open-Toe Bootie // Halogen Riley Open-Toe-Bootie // Loeffler Randal Franca Cut-Out Bootie // Vince Addie Bootie // Frye Melissa Harness Boot // Splendid Delaney Boot // Sam Edelman Pembrooke Boot // Giani Bernini Oxblood Boots // Pour la Victoire Suede Over the Knee Boot // Tory Burch Over the Knee Boot // Michael Kors Over the Knee Boot // Stuart Weitzman Over the Knee Boot 

Happy October!  If there's one thing I love about this month {asides from the crisp weather, the vibrant fall foliage, the comfort food, the pumpkin patch...ok the list goes on and on} it's being able to wear sweaters & boots every single day.  A couple of weeks ago I rounded up some of my favorite sweaters for fall, so today I wanted to share with you some great new boots.  Whether you like ankle or over the knee, flat or heeled, cut-out or not, there's something for everyone.  Happy shopping!