what Edna is wearing + the library bag

believe it or not, Old Navy has this wonderful vintage looking long sleeved sweatery-shirt. it's as soft and lovely as a sweater, but it's light and gauzy enough to wear comfortably in warmer weather. i love the rich blue color, mandarin-style collar, pleating detail, and the slightly puffed shoulders. and if that's not enough, the sleeves are also quite pretty with a button at each wrist (but poor Edna does not have the arms to show them off). it is so, so comfortable. AND i believe it is now on clearance. i'm tempted to get another one in brown myself. a word to the wise: the size of these shirts runs slightly bigger than i expected. i bought a size smaller than usual and it's still quite roomy.

the lace trimmed camisole is also from Old Navy this season (sadly, i cannot find the same one online). i love the smoky taupe color against the blue shirt. i was very pleased to find these vintagey clothes for a very good price.

this is the library bag. we don't have cable, satellite, or a converter box. instead, we get all our entertainment from our local library. i usually request specific items i am looking for online and then make a weekly trip to pick them up and browse the actual library. sometimes i end up with a lot so i always take this bag with me. when i get home i hang the bag on the door, set all the items on the coffee table, and then one by one as we finish a DVD or book, i put the item back in the bag to return. it's worked out to be a nice little system, and i can always keep track of everything thing i have checked out.

the cat and the crow

so i clipped this little feathery crow on the willow branches for some autumnal creepiness. apparently, it disturbs Emma the cat. she is restraining herself here, but yesterday i caught her growling at it. she is ever the watchful eye around here.

the Bronte inspiration continues...

not only are these my two favorite novels of all time (ok, ok, so i include the Twilight series in there, too), but these editions are 1940's vintage and that lovely shade of teal. even the pages are teal-tipped.

and the covers....sigh. (the Wuthering Heights cover has the most amazing illustration of Heathcliff beside a wonderfully craggy tree).

if you have not read either, you must!

both this mirror and handkerchief came from the estate of my great-great Aunt Leaflet (the table, too, if you remember). so sweetly simple, yet such beauty (hmm..a lot like Jane Eyre).

well now, it's tea time for me, so i bid you good night, dear readers!

Bronte inspiration

perhaps it's the rain outside, or from watching Jane Eyre yesterday, but today i am feeling all gloomy and romantic at the same time. it's really quite nice. i have these wonderful images swirling around in my mind- grey velvet, brown tweed, freshwater pearls, tarnished silver, rusty skeleton keys, colbalt blue wool, dry twigs- against a backdrop of Elliott Smith's "Pretty Mary Kay [Other Version]".

i do not want to be cooped up behind a desk today. ugh. i believe a little creative therapy is in order for me this week!

what's inspiring you right now?


P.S. i didn't realize some of my pictures looked so dark until i viewed them on my work computer. apparently our computer at home has a deceptive screen. the nerve!

late summer lament

today i'm trying to pretend it's Fall with hot green tea, chai cookies, the BBC/A&E Jane Eyre mini series, and Band of Horses. all i need now are some candles and these lovely boots. and maybe some Elliott Smith, too...

unfortunately, the weather won't let me forget that it is still summer outside. which is why i have the AC on and am cuddled under a blanket...

wishing you a lovely (FALL) day!

cooling off...

i'm wishing for all that lovely cool weather Seattle was having last week. back here in the rest of the world, it is hot and muggy, and i don't feel like doing anything. even eating. well, except for this guacamole (ok, and maybe a pint of Ben & Jerry's....)

i have tried all kinds of guacamole, but i like this one the best. it's my own "recipe", and it's very simple and no frills. i use the term "recipe" loosely since it's not an exact science...kind of like a handful of this and a dash of that. really, it's however i am feeling at the time i make it. the key is to use good fresh, organic ingredients and to eat it with really good chips. i am a sucker for Target's Archer Farms Organic Yellow Corn Chips (pictured) and Trader Joe's Organic Yellow Corn Rounds.

If you want to make just one serving as pictured, use:

1 medium-sized ripe avocado

1 small ripe roma tomato, diced

chopped red onion (i like to use a handful or two, but it's your call)

1-2 lime slices, squeezed

sea salt to taste

scoop out the avocado into a bowl and squeeze the lime wedge(s) on it before you mash it. i find that it helps with the process. forks seem to work the best for mashing. once the avocado is all mashed up, mix in the tomatoes, onions, and salt.

enjoy!

silhouettes

i recently started collecting vintage silhouettes. i find them so lovely, and yet a bit haunting. they have been patiently laying around for a few months, but today i finally decided to hang them up. oh how i wish this picture did justice to their complete awesomeness.

off to have a cup of hot green tea and some petite chai cookies...

happy Saturday to you!