My First Giveaway!

I'm so excited to announce my first giveaway. It's just so thrilling to be able to bring something fun (and free!) to my lovely readers. This post is brought to you by eShakti, so please stop by their website (even if you don't want to enter the giveaway) and support one of my wonderful sponsors!

I love the vintage-inspired feel in all of the designs on eShakti. The best part? Their clothes are custom-made to your measurements.  Being petite, it's always been a struggle for me to find clothes that fit me proportionately, without having a waistband around my hips, or having to hem everything so that it doesn't drag on the ground.  It's not everyday that you can buy something beautiful and custom-made that fits perfectly at a normal, affordable price - it's such a great luxury, and a great convenience for those (like me) who aren't exactly an off-the-rack size.

I'm heartbroken that they don't ship to the UK yet, because their clothes are so lovely and their style is right up my alley. Check out the stunning neckline on this dress. How sweet is that? Or this party dress that would be absolutely perfect for the holidays - I just can't decide what I like more.

And I've fallen completely head-over-heels for this embroidered maxi dress - I can see myself jetting off to somewhere exotic in it (commence daydream in 3...2...1...).

So have a browse through their new arrivals, comment below, and let me know what you love from eShakti! Two lucky readers will get a $25 gift certificate from eShakti - to be drawn at random on Monday (October 20th). Good luck, and happy shopping!

Sorry, this giveaway is only for readers in the USA and Canada. 

I want to live by the sea.

Perfect road trip weather took us to the southern coast, just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city of Brighton. Shoreham-by-Sea, to be exact. How dreamy is that, to have the name of a town literally tell you that it's on a pebbly shore. A sleepy fisherman's village, a lonely beach walk, ancient streets with fairytale perfect houses...

The clear sea breeze as we approached the coast was different, this time. Unlike my childhood vacations at the Jersey Shore, there was no putrid salty air that  hit you as you rolled down the car windows. It was the cleanest, freshest, most beautifully slightly salty gusts that just seemed to say "welcome home." I heard the distant familiar jingle of an ice cream truck, saw the neat little rows of white bungalows; derelict fishing boats sat in the mud while their colorful paint peeled in the late summer sun, its rays echoing off of the white limestone cliffs. Every local restaurant boasted 4 or 5 menu items: the catch of the day, in glorious simplicity. In the distance, the shrill cry of seagulls chasing a fisherman's boat back into the harbor, and the smell of fresh seafood cooking seemed to emanate from every house and pub. 

The deserted beach was littered with the most curious variegated color pebbles and empty salmon pink shells. I was overwhelmed with the constant desire to stop and paint... everything. A few hours flew by, and we were on our way again... but I know I will someday call it home.

First Signs of Spring

  

 

On Saturday, the sun peeked out and warmed the layer of ice that has been covering everything in sight for this past month, and the balmy 50+ degree temperatures prompted a walk in the park. In between avoiding sinking into the pools of mud and melted snow, there were signs of the impending spring season beginning to show their colors. Despite my love of big coats and snowy weather, I think that I am finally ready for the seasons to change. I can't wait for everything to begin to grow again!

Semi Sunny Skies

This is the Bronx River. As in, this beautiful fallscape is in the Bronx. The Bronx.

The perfect example of beauty in unexpected places. A little pick-me-up for this grey Thursday. 

Tomorrow, tomorrow,

I love ya, tomorrow, 

You're only a day away. 

The Next Chapter

I know I've been absent for almost 3 weeks, but I think I have pretty good excuses.

First, one week before my wedding day, I lost my day job. Cutbacks and downsizing are a bummer, and I learned this firsthand. I've been in a flurry trying to keep myself busy (and paid) with freelance gigs while searching for my next job.

Then....

My wedding day arrived(!), and I needed some time off for preparations, in-laws, and of course celebration. Now, I don't have a lot of my own photos, as I was too busy being nervous/getting married/drinking after the ceremony, but luckily I had the talents of Taylor Scott for my wedding photographer. 

I wore my grandmother's rings, and mink cape for  the wedding.

It was a small ceremony, City Clerk's office here in NYC. Which isn't small at all - it's sort of like a butcher shop for weddings: take a number (literally) and wait to be called. It was a hectic waiting period but my immediate family and friends made it for the most amazing day ever. Which is all I really wanted or needed. I had the most amazing reception/after party/celebration thanks to Whiskey Tavern and their big backyard, and even bigger hearts. Thanks, Rob, for making our big day so wonderful. 

The first week of this marriage thing has turned out to be a breeze. For our weekiversary, Steve and I anticipated going out somewhere nice, but after getting all dolled up, we ended up at the end of the night having a few drinks on our own couch and watching a movie. It doesn't take much :) 

Take Me Home

No matter where I end up, who I end up with, and what I end up doing there... I will always trace my roots back to the dirt roads in the heart of Pennsylvania. This past weekend I took Steve to meet my siblings & father, and to see a little bit of where I'm from. As he put it, "it's a different world." 

There is so much beauty, so much peace and quiet, and so much fun to be had down the back roads that lead to the places I love so much - made even better by spending my time there with people that I love so much. As happy as I am to be back home after so much traveling, it is my favorite place to escape the nonstop hectic lifestyle in the city we currently call home.

The trees showed a hint of fall (besides the chill in the air) : the first changing leaves. 

Even though he was on crutches from a foot injury, we went for a little stroll in the woods behind my family's home.

Greener Grass

     

Can't believe that the hot days, the lemonade, the fresh herbs on the windowsill and the accidental sun tans are a thing of the past already this year. Well, almost. I tend to be sad to see summer go, but it's always easy to step back through a photo or two and remember some spectacular moments. 

And while I mourn the loss, I know that September brings with it a few of my favorite things... 

The grass is always greener in another season.

                    

Magic Hour

This evening when I came home from work, I walked in the door to a beautiful sunset glow. The leaves of the trees cast beautiful shadows on the walls from the setting fire in the sky, and my entire apartment was bathed in the warmest light. I love this time of day. This is my "magic hour," and it's really spectacular in this apartment, which has all west-facing windows. 

These were a couple snaps I took of the magical light dancing on my kitchen "window garden" - basil, carrot tops, lavender and mint growing out of teapots and teacups on the windowsill. With the crisp, its-almost-autumn breeze blowing gently through the open windows... I was very happy today. 

It was just a beautiful day. 

Botanical Bliss

Saturday morning dawned crisp, bright, and quiet. Spending the first half of the day on my own, I decided to go on a little adventure. A cup of coffee, a loaded camera bag, and a short 10-minute train ride from my apartment later, and I was standing at the gates of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. For other New Yorkers or Brooklynites who were unaware (as I was myself): the Gardens are open to the public for free on Saturday mornings until noon. So, you should probably go too. You might even see me there, because I plan to return quite frequently. Even after spending 3 hours wandering its winding path until my feet begged me to stop, I don't think I even explored half as much as I would like to. 

The rose gardens were beautiful. Under that white gazebo, far back on the right, someone was either getting married, or taking wedding photos. Either way, I was completely captivated by this place, and it is now the front runner for my wedding or engagement photo location.

Buzzzzzzzzz buzz buzz buzzzzzzzzz mister bee.

This guy serenaded me as I walked through the gigantic sunflowers in the produce garden. It was just me and the birds, and the bees, and the butterflies. I almost felt home again, temporarily removed from the reminders of city life. This little bit of alone time, this little release from my hectic everyday, was magical and much needed. And I can't wait to return.

Rosy Cosy Rosewater

If you follow me on instagram, you'll know that I spoiled myself last week by bringing home 2 dozen roses for absolutely no reason. Sometimes, a smile is reason enough. 

Well, after a few days, a couple of my roses began to wilt. I didn't want my beauties to go to waste, so I decided to make some rosewater using 6-8 of the roses. Rosewater has so many properties and uses. It contains the essential rose oils, as well as being a light and refreshing floral scent. Supposedly, Cleopatra bathed in rosewater to seduce her lover Anthony. It is also a lovely facial astringent, which is mainly what I use it for . You can use any type of roses, but I prefer something pink or red, because it gives the rosewater a really pretty pink hue.

I began by filling a pot (or you can use a bowl with a tight lid) with rose petals. 

Handy dandy electric kettle to the rescue! I poured boiling water over the petals until the water barely reached the top layer of the petals.

The lid on tight, I left the petals to steam and steep until the water had cooled. This took several hours.... so I got some much-needed laundry time in. 

Strain and bottle your magic potion! Voila!

Seize the Grey

I just attempted to make a pun on "seize the day," in case anyone was wondering.
Somehow, Ireland still manages to make grey rainy weather look beautiful.
I kissed the Blarney Stone today, which apparently means I'm going to talk more than usual now, so just a heads up/warning.
This afternoon the weather cleared up and made for a lovely evening as we pulled into Killarney. I have been eating such rich foods! Definitely craving some greens- sticking with salads and whatnot tomorrow.