L. and I discovered early on in our relationship that our favorite dates were the simplest ones. He’s on a special four-day liberty (I’m getting so spoiled right now!! lol), so early Friday we packed a picnic lunch and headed for Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland. We both really enjoy being outdoors and doing something history-related, so with fond memories of our trip to Gettysburg last summer, we set off for a new adventure. The day was absolutely gorgeous–albeit a bit hot–but we certainly had a good time wandering around, enjoying nature and the solemness of the site.

 

When I got home that evening, I spied a mysterious package at my spot in the dining room, and found a lovely surprise from Emma! We had recently been chatting on her blog about making tiny outfits from old doll clothes patterns, and she surprised me with a vintage Barbie pattern (that has a wedding dress too!), a gorgeous scarf, and some lovely little accessories. I’m so excited to make a few wee dresses to hang on my walls! I “met” Emma a few months ago when she approached me about creating some customized graphics for her and doing her blog layout. She’s absolutely adorable, and is a vintage fashion-lover to boot. She’s planning on opening up an Etsy shop later this month, which I’m absolutely dying for–the treasures she’s previewed on her blog are making my mouth water! Thank you, Emma, for the lovely gifts!

The past two weeks I have been honored by two blogger awards. The first is from the creative and fun Oonaballoona and the second from Sally of Already Pretty (who’s blogging I love!). Thank you both! I’m so tickled by these… I decided to create my own, little award for inspired blogs that I love (though I admit it was so hard to choose!). If you’d like to participate (please do!), just snag the button below, pick five of your favorite blogs, and let them know you awarded them! Let’s spread some blog-love!

I’d like to award each and everyone who reads my blog! These blogs have been inspiring me a lot lately…

• Liebemarlene Vintage
• Bits and Bobbins
• Blaze Danielle
• All This Happiness
• Wikstenmade

(Thank you for the continued inspiration!!!)

Enjoy this week’s Vintage Monday feature–I picked out a couple of 1940’s images (again!) that fit with the warm weather we’ve been having…

 

Have a lovely day, my friends!!

I am currently smushed in a small corner of a local Panera Bakery, using their free WiFi and trying desperately to catch up on several days worth of emails! My internet went down after a nasty storm on Saturday, and I’ve been forced to disconnect. lol. So if you’re waiting to hear back from me about something, my apologies; I’m hoping everything will be back to normal within the next 24 hours… *fingers crossed*

But, despite the rather inconvenient power outage and subsequent loss of internet service Saturday evening, my weekend turned out to be utterly delightful and relaxing. Perhaps it is because I was forced to disconnect and stay offline (I’m writing this from a local restaurant that has free WiFi; we’re still without internet and not being able to contact clients and L. was making me twitch!), that I was made to sit back and relax a little. Which could be a good thing since the coming months are starting to loom ahead of me as an endless maze of wedding plans, packing, work, school, pre-marital counseling, and oh yeah–having a life. lol.

Saturday I struck out on some antiquing, found a few great things (including a drop-dead-gorgeous vintage, red dress that I got for $8! But the one caveat is that it smells like mothballs; so I’ve got to get rid of that first… any bright ideas?), and stopped by Brunswick, MD to visit a charming coffee spot called Beans in the Belfry (seriously; if you are ever in that neck of the woods, check it out–you’d all love it so much!!!), which I first heard about on Heidi’s blog. Then I braved the heat and did some more antiquing, found a fantastic 1940’s nightgown and robe pattern for $2. Hurrah!

The following afternoon I accompanied my sister and mom to visit my friend Jenny Rose and her mother for a birthday tea they were hosting. It was utterly lovely–everything was decorated to perfection and the food was so yummy!!! It really reminded me of a chic little tea room, Jenny Rose had decorated it so beautifully. We had tons of fun, although my mother forgot to warn me that hats were encouraged at this particular party–so I was the only hatless person in the room. *sigh* Oh well! hehe. But I did get to wear some of my antique whites (corset cover and petticoat) as a complete outfit, which was lots of fun (and very romantic in an “Out of Africa” way…).

I have some other fun things to report, but alas, I cannot take up too much more time here. So until Wednesday I shan’t be posting (and if my internet isn’t back up by then, I think I might have a coniption! lol!). Have a lovely afternoon, my friends!

[ observed last week while shopping. I love the red paneled door... ]

For the week of I Saw Red.

Hello, my friends!!! How did your weekends go? I am just delighted with the help and suggestions you have been emailing me about budget and diy weddings. L. and I have gotten some great ideas! Best yet, it looks like we might have a lovely church and reception spot, but nothing definite yet. I’m keeping my fingers crossed! hehe.

Sara over at Sadie Olive invited me to the week of red photographs! Since red is one of my favorite colors (blue is second… I think–it changes so often!), I thought it would be a fun to post a week of photos with red in them. Do visit the I Saw Red to see more red-photo goodness!

My photo for today is a little set of tin dishes that my sister bought last Friday when we dropped in an antique store. They were so adorable, that I think if she hadn’t purchased them, I would have! I also took a few other pictures while we were out and about… it was such a pretty day I couldn’t resist stopping every few minutes to capture the day.

This week I’ve decided to continue with the 1940’s theme for this week’s Vintage Monday feature! I have lately been obsessing again with the look of the era, especially since I picked up the cutest black and white, high waist shorts that just scream mid-century. hehe! I hope you enjoy this fun image…

Hope you’re all having a splendid Monday!

I’m quickly poking my head in to say a big thank you to your dear comments about my dress, as well as the exam well-wishes!!! I have one more review before Spring Break “officially” starts, but otherwise, I think the most worrisome part is over. Though my hand still is sore from handwriting Tuesday’s Design History midterm that consisted of twelve pages of essay questions. Oh my!

I had grand plans to show you another sewing project I’m working on, or perhaps a wee peek at the backlog of thrifted treasures from the past month. But alas, my schedule is quite full this beautiful, sunny morning! So those will have to wait until later. Here is what my day is looking like:

to do
+ work out
+ answer “business” emails
+ work on graphic design commissions
+ answer comments? *fingers crossed*
+ clean studio space (really needs to be done! lol!)
+ scan new images for VM features
+ catch up on blog reading
+ work on blog commission

I hope you all are having a lovely day! I am enjoying this beautiful, spring-like weather we’ve been treated to in the Mid Atlantic! *dances* I managed to sneak out for a couple hours yesterday afternoon and snap some photos of the sun-filled towns nearby. Hooray!!!

Cheers!

[ Emily’s news about Martha Stewart?! I can’t wait for that episode to air!!!