happy halloween.

My favorite holiday is here, my pretties. What do you have planned? Since I don't have any kids to drag trick-or-treating, I think I'll make some chicken soup, carve a pumpkin, and cozy up on the couch with Hokus Pokus and a bowl of candy. It's good to be home.

spooky treasury.

I just made a little Etsy treasury devoted to Halloween. Check it out.

pier.

The other night after an oyster-heavy happy hour, we strolled (and skated) our way over to an old fishing pier to watch the sun set. We sat at the end and watched as several big fish corralled a school of smaller fish into a tight, dinner-ready mass. Bon appetit.

lifeguard shacks.

ringling.

Yesterday we went to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The Ringling Bros. have close ties to the city — they moved their winter quarters there in 1927, drawing famous circus families and artists from around the world until it became known as Circus City. John Ringling was one of the wealthiest men in the country back in the day, and it shows with his incredible collection of art that includes plenty of old masters and contemporary stuff, too. My favorite exhibit was probably the collection of old circus posters, but the museum's grounds, including the Ringling's Ca' d'Zan mansion, was the best part of the whole experience.

gulf sunset.

One of the best things about being on Florida's gulf coast are the sunsets over the water — a rare treat for East Coasters.

The beaches on Siesta Key are pretty phenomenal — powdery white sand, crystal clear water, and the weather has been perfect. There's also been some great people watching. Already we've seen three weddings and countless men in Speedos (for some reason, a lot of Europeans seem to vacation here).

road trip.

The past few days we've been prepping for our big trip to Florida. It's an eight hour drive, but I'm actually kind of looking forward to spending some quality time with Todd. My road trip essentials: a camera (for capturing random roadside eccentricities), embroidery thread for friendship bracelet making, gummy worms, and a pillow and blanket for nappage. Not shown: Where's Waldo app for iPhone (my new obsession) and books on tape (by Anne Rice, David Sedaris, and Tolkien). What are your road trip essentials?

d*sponge.

 

As promised, here's a link to my interview with Grace Bonney about her book Design*Sponge at Home.  And info on her Charleston event:

P.S. If you're in Charleston, you better be going to the Design Walk tonight.

think pink.

I've been really drawn to the color pink lately. I haven't been this into it since I took ballet and read Angelina Ballerina when I was five. I'm not sure why this has happened, but I'm embracing it.

***

***

***

***

***

***

halloweening.

Halloween is my favorite holiday, but I've had trouble getting into the spirit this year. Maybe it's the warm weather or the fact that we've been so busy, but I haven't even bothered to unpack my decorations. We did buy two pumpkins, one of which was stolen by a neighborhood kid, and I doubt we'll even carve the other because it will just get smashed. The last week of October will be spent on the white sand beaches of Siesta Key — I'm not complaining, but that's hardly your typical Halloween setting. But I will dress up, gosh darn it. Here are some of my favorite ideas.

Hocus Pocus witches. This would be amazing for three girlfriends. 

The Hamburgler. Bonus: Gives you an excuse to eat hamburgers all night.

 

Roy Lichtenstein character. Elaborate? Yes. Awesome? Double yes.

My current plan: a Dia de los Muertos skeleton. Not sure if I can pull it off with blonde hair, though.

What are you going to be for Halloween?

scarfed.

We're still pushing temperatures in the 80s in Charleston, but I think (I hope!) that fall might finally be on its way. And in honor of that, here's a little video I found on my favorite cold-weather accessory: the scarf.





P.S. Be sure to check out Wendy's other videos. She's great at demystifying fashion.

meeting ms. bonney.

When I heard that Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney was coming to Charleston to promote her new book, I immediately requested an interview and a review copy. Design*Sponge at Home is being touted as the Bible for design aficionados, and it's chock full of home tours, DIY projects, and before-and-afters. I rarely buy books, preferring to check them out at the library instead, but this one definitely deserves a place on your shelf.

I interviewed Grace today and she was as smart and sweet as I imagined. We chatted about her favorite and least favorite design trends (don't put a bird on it!), the possibility of a TV show and more newspapers, and her intense love of the South. I'll be sure to link to my story when it comes out next week. Until then, pick up a copy of the book and plan to attend the signing at Dwelling on Oct. 26.

the evolution of a backyard.

My backyard needs some help. You see, it's ugly. It's small. And a big tree growing right in the middle of it splays its roots all over the yard, making it difficult to plant anything. And its shade means that grass won't grow. (Thanks a lot, tree).

Yet we have this vision of a backyard haven full of lush plants and twinkling lights where we can sit for hours eating dinner or entertaining friends. We're slowly working toward that vision, though its been harder than we expected. First we made a little garden in the corner. Most of the plants died. Then Todd strung up some lights overhead. That made a big difference. And now we've made the big step of buying some patio stones from Lowe's (you can see a few of them in the last picture) and all we have to do is install them correctly, which might be difficult because we have no idea what we're doing. But we'll get there.

etsy love: son of a sailor.

I am so in love with this Austin-based Etsy shop, Son of a Sailor. They've got jewelry, stationery, and prints, all affordably priced. Thanks to Oh Joy! for turning me on to them.