Five For Friday {September 11, 2009}

...The first traces of autumn’s telltale chill drift across the early morning air. The sun will pounce again with intensity before too long, but for the moment the calming scent and feel of the season that lies ahead invigorates my mind, body and soul, calling forth the need for elements that continue to capture the inherent beauty of early September...


♥ ♥ ♥


{To celebrate the enchanting splendor of roses before the first frost hits}


{Granted in this day and age all manner of roses are available year round, but much as I try to eat what is in season, so too do I (often) aim for flowers that speak for their key growing seasons. This arrangement of hydrangea, wax flower, willow and ballerina-esque peach roses seems to capture the crisp whiteness of summer the orange hues of early autumn to a tee, making it an ideal addition for your “between seasons” table setting. “Wedding Centerpiece in glass bubble bow”, $99.00 (US) from 1-800-Flowers.com.}


{To satisfy both your sweet tooth and love of vintage inspired packaging}


{Cast in molds from 18 vintage buttons, these rich milk chocolates from UK brand Hotel Chocolate are almost too lovely to eat. Yet don’t feel bad if you do give into the urge for a nibble, the antique inspired, robin’s egg blue box they come in is also sweetly gorgeous. 100g package of milk chocolate buttons, £6.00 (UK pounds) from Hotel Chocolate.}


{To inject an instant dose of visual tranquility into your weekend}


{I adore photography of all types, but have a particular fondness for both shooting and viewing images that hone on the resplendent elegance that lurks in everyday items or paired down moments in time, such as the soothing, stunning photos that make up the Pure, Simple and natural Flickr group (which the four images above hail from).}


{To ensure your walls are anything but drab through this coming winter}


{A little bit colonial, a smidge Victorian, and boosting a delightful dose of vintage charm, this quirky – but still entirely elegant – wallpaper features hand-drawn sketches and is designed with larger walls in mind. I would love to paste it in a stately study, cozy dining room or inviting front hall, but could also see it working well in a good sized bedroom or kitchen, too. Ten metre long roll of “Silbodal yellow green background” wallpaper, 1,300.00 (Swedish Kronor, approximately $186.00 US dollars per roll), from Swedish online decor shop Wingbud Wallpaper.}


{To make you smile every time you look at their adorable, slightly cheeky faces}


{This pair of tiny vintage kitten figures would look so sweet perched on any shelf, window sill or dresser top. Available for an absolute song at just $2.00 (US) for both cats, from etsy seller In His Word.}


Today’s date is a sombre one that holds many meanings and links to powerful memories for all who recalls its occurrence eight years ago. I would just like to take a moment to think of those affected, in whatever capacity, by the events of September 11th and the aftermath that followed. May peace be with you all.

To my wonderfully dear readers, I wish you each a deeply serene and beautiful weekend ahead.

Happy Birthday, My Love!

The act of celebrating the positive moments in life is not to be underestimated. Whether the festivities are lavish or subdued, a fortunate spent or a priceless memory created, I believe that it is always important to embrace the wonder of a special day.

August 6th is one such occasion that I embrace with glee, upon which twenty-nine years ago my husband entered this world. While he is not always overly keen on a fuse being made in his honour, I do try my best each year to make today extra important for him. To do anything less for the light of my life seems unimaginable.

Recently a very kind (and creative) blog friend of mine, trishiekoh of Under Lock and Key tagged me with a lovely blog award in which the recipient is to list some of their absolute favourite things in this world. In honour of my husband’s birthday, I thought I would put a spin on this award and instead list various things that I know bring him joy (done up with a mix of vintage and modern images).


♥ ♥ ♥

{The wondrous marvels of mathematics}


{1. Easy as pi, 2. #120 My homework in vintage theme, 3. crunch some numbers, 4. I liked mathematics :-))).}


{Animals big and small}


{1. Not available, 2. Not available, 3. colin, 4. Black Cat N Gold Fish.}


{Chocolate! Sweet, rich, gorgeous, taste bud pleasing chocolate}


{1. Malted Chocolate Mousse Cakes, 2. milk chocolate and passion fruit macarons, 3. nutella cheesecake squares, 4. Vintage Hershey's Chocolate box, 5. Not available, 6. chocolate and meyer lemon mousse petit gateau, 7. coconut grove candy bar, 8. nutella ice cream, 9. Donut Factory, 10. chocolate cake, 11. Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes I, 12. Warm Chocolate Cake, 13. german chocolate birthday cake.}


{The invigorating, jubilant energy of the colour orange}


{1. Not avaiable, 2. Orange Wall With Light, 3. vespa, 4. CN00033587.}


{Both the literary and aesthetic pleasures of a wonderful book}


{1. Old Books, 2. vintage children's books., 3. Vintage baby book bottom, 4. Vintage Tom Swift Books Detail.}

{To visit an individual image, please click on the corresponding link below each collage.}


Thank you very much, Trish, for bestowing this award on my blog. I openly pass it along to all of my readers, and invite you to write a post detailing some of your all-time favourite things.

To my dear and amazing husband, I adore you with a boundless passion. You are my happiness in times of despair, my rock when I am fragile as the wind. I could not comprehend a universe without you, and am thankful every day that you were born. Happiest birthday, darling, I love you so very much!