Pumpkins: Put the knife away.

We bought our pumpkins at a local orchard earlier this month, but we've been waiting to carve them until this weekend. But as much as I enjoy getting all gooey with pumpkin guts, I really like these less invasive approaches as well.

Are you carving a pumpkin this year? What's your plan? (Click the photos for the links.)

and just because this photo cracked me up:

cute as a boot.

Now that I live somewhere where it actually gets cold, I'm having to do a lot of wardrobe adjustment — and believe me, I don't mind. I've been stocking up on scarves, cozy leggings, and even a fur-lined coat, but there's one thing I really need: Boots. Lots of boots. I lived in flats all year round in Charleston, but I've already realized that those just aren't going to swing it in Boston. If any of you New England ladies have boots-shopping advice, give me a shout. This is new territory for me.

Boots! by ericajackson on polyvore.com

Fall Libations: Applejack

A year or two ago, Todd and I hosted a little party to celebrate our favorite season: fall. We decorated with pumpkins, built a fire in the backyard, and I made a seasonal punch that was gone within the first hour. I haven't been able to track down the recipe since then, but I remember it blended bourbon, apple cider (regular and sparkling), and Laird's Applejack.

That was my first exposure to Applejack, but I soon learned that the spirit holds a special place in American history. Back in the 1820s, evangelist John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, distributed apple seeds to his followers and taught them how to make Applejack. You can read more about the history here.

As for what you can make with it, you could swap it with whiskey in most recipes to give them an autumnal flair. I'll be mixing up these drinks, too:

The Jack Rose

The Applecar

The Un-Pink Lady

Lots more recipes here!

J. Crew does Fall right.

Colder weather is definitely making its way to Boston, and I couldn't be happier. Fall has always been my favorite season, and I missed out on it the last six years living in Charleston. The mornings and nights have been chilly here, and I've already been able to whip out my new suede booties and tweed blazers (even though it's still in the 70s most days). When it comes to fall fashion, J. Crew always gets it right. Here are some of my favorite J. Crew offerings this season.

J. Crew Fall by ericajackson on polyvore.com

alleys and entryways.

Yesterday I had an interview with an artist downtown, and I was actually happy when he was late — it gave me a chance to take a little stroll around the French Quarter. Fall in Charleston is fickle — some days are 80 degrees, some days are freezing. But yesterday was just right with light breezes and crunchy, colorful leaves on the sidewalk.

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.

j. crew fall.

I have to admit I felt a little "meh" toward J. Crew this summer, but when I stopped in this weekend I wanted to steal everything off the shelves. Steal, because I still can't afford to buy anything there, except for this little bauble. Crisp, colorful blazers, silk shirts, soft matchsticks, and lots of gray — it's like they read my mind this season. It makes me want to stop shopping at cheap places and start investing in my wardrobe. Too bad my wallet doesn't agree with that sentiment.