Five for Friday {November 13, 2009}

...Whether you count yourself as superstitious or not, today is one where you can’t seem to help looking over your shoulder every now and then, all the while hoping that nothing odd befalls you. Onwards to the weekend, it’s time to relax and unwind; perhaps you’ve got snow already or maybe you’re being blessed with an Indian summer, either way, it’s the middle of November and that means the weeks are dwindling until the winter holiday season arrives – yet there’s still enough time so as to afford you a serene weekend that isn’t jam packed with a million hectic tasks to complete. Relish these days, they tend to become fewer and further between as the end of the year rolls on...

♥ ♥ ♥

{To channel your inner Francophile via your decor}


{Iconic images of the Eiffel Tower and other well known Parisian landmarks envelop this chic, beautiful throw pillow, which would look amazing upon anything from a vintage sofa to a silk sheet covered bed. Available in various sizes, the 50cm x 50cm version of this wonderful pillow retails for €44.00 (Euro) from Bonjour Mon Coussin.}


{To satisfy both your sweet tooth and any desire you may have to nibble flower petals}


{For most of this past summer I craved marshmallows relentlessly. As to where this pining for these squishy, delightfully sweet treats came from, I really don’t know, but I kept thinking it might have hearkened back to childhood summers spent toasting marshmallows over backyard and Girl Guide camp fires. Whatever brought the desire on, there was no shaking it off and so I gave in, churning out batches of homemade marshmallows to savour slowly over the intensely humid weeks of July and August. If you too are a far of crafting your candies, be sure to give these marvelously pretty, pale blush pink hibiscus flower marshmallows a try. Recipe on, and photo from the gorgeous culinary blog, not without salt.}


{To keep you toasty on those days that call for long sleeves but not quite the full on weight (and warmth) of a jacket}


{The sweetest little collar adorns this vintage dusty rose hued wool cardigan, that sports a line of matching coloured buttons up the front. Pair this coquettish topper with pencil skirts for a Mad Men secretarial style look, with high waisted vintage trousers when headed out for a day of Christmas shopping, or over top your favourite full skirted summer dress to stretch your warm weather wardrobe well into autumn. Vintage 1950s boucle wool sweater, fits up to a 33” inch waist/40” bust, $46.00 (US) from etsy seller Small Earth Vintage.}


{To help ensure the preservation of the daisy population ;D}


{Save the petals and spin this immensely cute vintage brass necklace instead to help you determine if he really is that into your or not. “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” charm and chain, $30.00 (Australian Dollars) from Made It seller Suga *N* Spice (note, this item features free shipping for those located in Australia).}


{To help ensure your lips stay kissablely soft in the face of even the harshest, freezing cold November winds}


{Bedecked with an image of the brand’s creator taken in 1945, this elegant container of lip balm smells (and tastes) enticing of fresh from the oven brambleberry pie, and is sure to win you over as much for its scent as its wonderfully pretty tin. 0.8oz tin of Brambleberry Rose lip balm, $7.00 (US), from Sephora.}


Aside from having a (fortunately entirely inexpensive) glass dish of freshly peeled persimmons go flying out of my hands and shatter into a thousand (literally) tiny shards this morning, things have been perfectly normal – and in no way spooky – here this Friday the 13th. Not one to cry over spilled fruit, I’ve been in cheerful spirits all day and am optimistic that no other strange occurrences will transpire before Saturday rolls around.

How has your day been going, my lovely dears? I really hope that you’re having an excellent Friday that’s free of any peculiar going-ons!

Vintage Deal of the Day: October 28, 2009

{You’re bound to serve up tons of terrific vintage style points in this wonderfully fun, long sleeved, zipper front sweater. Made of wool and in great condition (save for a tiny stain on one cuff), this charming cardigan, which fits up to a 38 inch bust/37 inch waist, instantly made me think of my beloved granny, who has adored and actively played tennis for nearly her entire life. Even to this day, at nearly 80 years old, she still enjoys getting out on the court! If you’d “love” to add this cute sweater to your wardrobe, swing on over to Bombshell Bettie’s Vintage's etsy store, where you can score it for just $20.00 (US).}


Thank you very much, everyone, for your wonderful comments on my Charlie Brown post earlier today, it's lovely to know that many of you adore that timeless classic, too.

Wishing you each a splendid evening!

Five For Friday {August 21, 2009}

...Summer romances are the often the stuff of legends. Young love, old flames, new trysts and lifelong passions can all begin, end, be rekindled or continue burning brightly during this sultry season. Likewise summer brings with it all different kinds of love, too. Take for example an adoration of the sun’s toasty rays, well-deserved vacations, breezy vintage sundresses, nights spent under the twinkling stars, or just the simple pleasure of not having to shovel snow for a few months. This weekend make a point to celebrate the summer loves past and present that make your heart smile with joy...

♥ ♥ ♥


{To spend a leisurely afternoon in a wildflower filled meadow or on the shores of a pristinely lovely beach with}


{Discovered via a recent post on Simply Colette’s wonderful blog, this exceedingly sweet heart shaped bamboo and rattan picnic basket would truly be the perfect thing in which to pack an intimate outdoor feast for two. $74.95 (US) from Lets Go Picnic.}


{To cuddle around you on evenings when the breeze picks up, but not nearly enough to warrant a jacket...yet}


{A pair of exceedinly adorable vintage looking kittens adorn this lovely lightweight, pale blue cardigan, which would work fabulously as a transition piece straight on into autumn. $58.65 (US) from Plasticland.}


{To embrace the beauty of romance any time you please}


{No need to wear your heart on your sleeve, when you can just as easily pin it to your blouse, coat or sweater. Vintage gold toned rhinestone brooch, $8.00 (US) from etsy seller Vintage Fabulous.}


{To sooth and illuminate summery-weary souls at the end of a hard week}


{Perfumed with gardenia, pomegranate and Egyptian balsam, this luxurious candle from Tocca instantly calls to minds thought of a holiday escape to Morocco, dusks spent under a thousand fragrant blossoms. Feu de Touch candle, $36.00 (US) from Candle Delirium.}


{To add to your “daydream” folder of 1940s influenced home decor images}


{In a soothing neutral pallet accented with elegant metal pieces such as an ornate pair of candelabra, this bedroom would provide instant – and very beautiful – respite to anyone fortunate enough to lay their head there. Photo from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.}


Summer would not be the same without elements of romance and time-honored adorations of all sorts. They add a storybook quality to the hottest months of the year, no matter how the tale ends. What, my dearest readers, are some things about - or that live in your memories of - this sizzling season that always invoke feelings of love from you?