Five for Friday {October 2, 2009}

...A chilly wind unfelt for many a month rattles the windows and screen doors, inside sweaters are slipped on, long simmered meals are prepared and thoughts turn to the upcoming (Canadian) Thanksgiving holiday on the 12th. Indoor festive shades of burnt umber, haystack gold, and mossy green come out to play in autumnal decorations, outside the sky is as grey as a tarnished mirror. A sense of comforted happiness weaves itself through the upcoming weekend as conversations are shared over steaming beverages sipped against toasted peach hued sunsets...


♥ ♥ ♥


{To add a sense of elegant whimsy to the everyday}


{A juxtaposition of glamour and salt-of-the-earth practicality merge in this sublimely light image, that suddenly makes me long to wear vintage both satin heels and classic wellies. Photo by Philip Newton.}


{To capture the natural beauty of a summer garden forever}


{The brilliance behind this gorgeous, handcrafted necklace is the fact that its floral pendant is actually a real copper hued rose entombed in poly resin. Such an utterly wonderful – deeply creative – idea! Rose, carnellian and turquoise sterling silver necklace, $59.00 (US) from etsy seller Island Girl Designs.}


{To keep your stomach warm and your scenes delighted all weekend long}


{A time-honoured classic gets a decidedly autumnal update in this scrumptious version of bread pudding which adds pumpkin into the mix. Photo via, and recipe on, epicurious.com.}


{To keep your lips gorgeously supple no matter how fierce the whipping autumn wind becomes}


{I’m not sure which one I’m more in love with, the flavours and scents that this etsy artesian imparts in her products or the sublimely moody, elegantly pretty photos she takes of her goods. Either way I’ve fallen hard for her handmade products such as this silvery tin of all natural rosewood flavour lip balm, which is $6.00 (US) from etsy seller For Strange Women.}


{To add a splash of sweetly macabre decor and light to your home}


{Discovered via the splendidly festive pages of the blog A Nostalgic Halloween, these monotone, slightly eerie, entirely endearing candles would be the perfect decoration to keep out all season long. Paraffin wax crow candles, $10.00 (US) each from Pottery Barn.}


May you each have a serene and cozy first weekend of October, my dear friends!

The divine beauty of pale pink {Monday Muses, June 8th}

Perhaps it was the rose bushes that laced the fence in our little backyard growing up, maybe it ties back to the gentle hue of strawberry ice cream eaten on the beach, or it could have to do with the adorable little sundresses my mother placed me as a child, whatever the reason there is something about the onset of June that always makes me think of the softer shades of pink. Those sorts of hues that call to mind a kitten’s nose, antique bedspreads and Gooseberry patterned Pyrex.


{Gathered from the pages of Flickr, each of these marvelously sweet, serene, beautiful images inspires me and instantly enlivens my mood. 1. Pink dress and turquoise shoes, 2. pink tuesday..., 3. pink dress - detail, 4. 05.04.09 {birthday fun}, 5. a ribbon addict, 6. i <3 girly and sparkly things, 7. Pink vintage millinery dress form, 8. my little favorite corner, 9. ooo, 10. ♥ 1950's Pink Rose Print Day Dress w/Tiny Lace Details ♥, 11. 50's Pink Junior Dress, 12. 1950s Pink Embroidered Dress, 13. PINK White Gingham Check 50s 60s Corset Tie Dress - View 1. Click on a link to see a larger version of a particular image and/or for photographer information.}

From weddings to sunsets, pink suddenly seems to flourish this time of year, as if brought back to the world through a kiss from the sun. As such soft shades of pink are my Muses this week, inspiring me to send letters on floral print stationery and reach for the gentlest shade of pink in my lipstick arsenal. The following are an array of images and items, each imparted with the graceful beauty of pale pink that have made my heart flutter lately.


{Lovely as the cosmetics in this vintage ad from sugarpie honeybunch’s Flickr stream are, I think it’s the models ever so gently pink satin gloves that steal the show here for me!}


{Skip a pricey trip to the salon for a manicure and opt instead to give your nails the loveliest hint of pink at home with this subtle shade of Essie polish. “Not just a pretty face”, $8.00US.}


{Strikingly realist looking, this stunning silk rose clip from Flowerclip.com – which sells for $34US – would add an incredible dose of elegance and summery beauty to any outfit.}


{While I tend to favour the modesty (many) one piece bathing suits provide, the incredibly cute, itsy-bitsy polka dot pattern on this pale pink, vintage inspired swimsuit would be exactly what I’d reach for if I was in the market for a bikini. If you’d like to add one to your summer wardrobe, you can do so for $134.99US on Mod Cloth.}


{Whether you want to stay cool during the day or heat things up at night, this fun pink feather fan (that measures 20 inches when open) from the Red Hat Society’s online shop is sure to bring a smile to your way. Pluck one up for $12.00US.}


{Black flowers dance across a sea of pale pink and white gingham on this wonderful 50s style halter dress from Vivien of Holloway. One of which can be yours, if you so fancy, for £59.00 (UK pounds).}


{Dusted with light peachy-pink accents, these charming vintage looking heels from Mod Cloth would work extremely well with everything from skirts to slacks, bathing suits to garden party dresses. A pair can be yours for $49.99US.}


{A deeply pretty example of the perfect shabby chic, pink injected kitchen, discovered via Just a Gal’s wonderful pages.}

The mere sight of pale pink as the mercury rises somehow seems soothing, relaxing, and enticing. I want to cloak myself in the tint of a blushing carnation from head-to-toe, meander through a garden of salt water taffy pink flowers, and conclude each meal with pale coral coloured meringues.

Don’t the items and photos above seem to positively burst with sweet, summertime joy, thanks to their cheerful pink hues? I certainly think so! Do you associate June’s ushering in of summer with pink or another lovely shade?