Off the Beaten Path

Unexpected treasures in unexpected places... one of the things I love about living in this city. A foggy, damp Sunday afternoon proved to be the perfect time to explore some woodland trails, without even leaving Brooklyn. The foliage seemed even more brilliant against the gray sky backdrop, and smelled like memories of wandering and playing in the woods back home as a child. For a moment, we forgot that we were surrounded by tall buildings and busy streets. 

I love November. 

Fete Paradiso

Antiques and Paris: these are a few of my favorite things. 

Put them together, and you have Fete Paradiso - a vintage Parisian carnival full of beautifully preserved 19th century games and children's rides on Governor's Island this summer. This past Sunday offered perfect weather to go see it, so I grabbed a friend and took hold of the opportunity while it knocked.

A short ferry ride, and we felt hundreds of miles from NYC, even though we could still see it's skyline dominating the horizon just beyond the island's treeline. 

And I thought I liked spicy foods.... I'll pass on the fire.

From what I could gather, the object of the above game is "throw the ball in the drunk guy's mouth." 

Me! In an antique carnival ticket booth. Obviously being lazy on the job.

Flags fluttered in the breeze...

Cassie and I explored Fort Jay - a historically preserved fort from the Revolutionary War that occupies the island. The grassy "moat" was quiet and lovely and a great place to stop and have a mini picnic.

This guy.

Think Pink

I always like to try to accomplish some sort of DIY project on Sundays. No matter how small, it just seems like the perfect day to spruce up my home (or anything in it).
Lately, I've been reorganizing my kitchen into repurposed jars and containers. I've employed the use of mismatched mason jars and pretty empty candle glasses.
Today, after using the last of a can of coffee, I thought I could brighten up the can with a cheerful coat of paint. Voila! Airtight storage container with a lid. (Or, sans lid, a cute vase for some fresh flowers).
In keeping with my pink theme, I pulled out a vintage pale yellow sweater I haven't worn since it acquired a stain (I have such a bad track record with light colored clothing!) and gave it a quick bath in some pink iDye. Two pink projects in one morning! Not too shabby :)

Native Wrap

Since Taylor's ethnicity contains some obscure fraction of Native American, I attempted this fun, colorful, modern adaptation of a traditional hairstyle.

It basically started by braiding one long braid down her back, then wrapping in turquoise yarn and looping it through the braid occasionally to hold it in place. It was super cute and went perfectly with her outfit today!!

If you're by yourself and want to do it to your own hair, try pigtail braids so it's easier to reach. You don't have to limit yourself to one color, either. Stripes would be awesome - might have to give those a shot next time around.