Five For Friday {August 28, 2009}

...The weekend draws near, August’s last for nearly twelve more months. Time to savour the best of summer while simultaneously sitting on the edge of your set in anticipation for autumn. Crystal blue skies that will soon house harvest moons, fresh picked berries give way to pumpkin pies, tumbling leaves take the place of end-of-summer roses. Celebrate the next few in-between weeks and all they hold, they’re the gentle parting kiss from summer that will help you forget just how wildly fierce it can be at times...


♥ ♥ ♥


{To ensure you wake up on time for everything from classes to craft fairs this fall}


{First spied on my lovely friend Trains and Sewing Machine’s creative blog, this delightful Crosley alarm clock is thoroughly modern (it boasts a plug for your MP3 playter), but looks fantastically vintage. Plastic and stainless steel alarm clock, $58.00 (US) from Urban Outfitters.}


{To ease you into "coat weather" in the prettiest of vintage styles}


{Darling with high waisted trousers, casual skirts or even atop dresses, this versatile hued topper would look marvelous – and help keep you warm – as we transition into autumn. Cocoa brown, faux fur trimmed coat with a 37” bust and 34” waist, $58.00 (US) from etsy seller The Greedy Seasgul.}


{To capture the essence of any season or scent your heart desires and relive it time and time again}


{From the pages of the stellar (and perpetually inspirational) blog Indie Fixx, comes a comprehensive, thoroughly well constructed article on how to make your own perfume. Sniff out all the beautiful details here.}


{To beat the sizzling summer heat while still cleverly ushering in one of autumn’s most iconic flavours}


{If you love your apple pie ala mode (and really, who doesn’t?), than this recipe, which combines flavours from both of these classic desserts into one, is definitely for you!! Photo from, and recipe for cinnamon apple ice cream on, Tarla Dalal.}


{To keep you cool on toasty nights and then to nestle beneath a glamorous vintage robe when the mercury dips}


{Lace, bows, a gorgeous pale turquoise hue, heart trimming at the hem, what’s not to adore about this absolutely lovely vintage slip that could easily double as a warm weather night gown? 1950s slip with a 42” bust and 30-36” waist, $37.00 (US) from etsy seller Shrinkle.}


Enjoy these final few days of August, my dear readers. Spend time immersed in those season specific pastimes you love, take photos illuminated by deeply golden light while it's still present, and embrace the tail-end of this last full month of summer. I know I certainly will!

Wishing you each a gorgeous and serene weekend!

Five for Friday {July 24, 2009}

...This weekend is in need of uplifting serenity, respite from nagging worries, gentle moments spent listening to the breeze, and something fantastically sweet to take the occasionally bitter tinge off of everyday life...




{To keep you both cool and gorgeous at night}


{For everyday where I prefer nightgowns that veer towards gamine, charming pieces that could almost pass for the lightest of summer dresses, like this charming vintage number. 1950s Sweet Maiden white cotton nightgown, $45.00 (US) from Heavenly Vintage Lingerie.}


{To breathe new life into vintage linens}


{I spotted the incredibly cute idea of turning vintage pillowcases into children’s dresses at my sweet friend Karyn’s blog and have been thinking about it ever since. I fully believe that you could turn a pillow case into an adult size skirt too (perhaps with the addition of a second fabric), and am enamoured by idea now.}


{To celebrate the fact that cherry season is too short not to make the very best out of it!}


{One the most refreshing, perfectly suited to July recipes you could ever hope to encounter: cherry ice cream profiteroles with almond granita. Photo from, and recipe to be found on, the brilliant culinary blog, Dessert first.}


{To ensure one of the best elements of summer lives on all year long}


{The scent of line-dried or piping hot from the dryer cotton is one of the most relaxing and beautiful on earth, something that I wish I could have at the ready constantly. Fortunately, as this beautiful perfume attests to, I’m not the only one who feels this way. Clean Warm Cotton eau de perfume, $69.00 (US) from Clean Perfume.}


{To remind you of all the truly amazing everyday beauty in this world}


{Any and every photograph from the astonishingly fantastic, deeply gorgeous Flickr group Joyful Simplicities. 1. Untitled, 2. The butterfly room at Phipps Conservatory, 3. A warm welcome, 4. Lavender Harvest. Please click on a link to see a larger version of a particular image and/or for photographer information.}





Wishing you each a weekend filled whatever brings your heart bliss, days spilling over with tranquility and star-kissed evenings.