fall party.

I've been thinking about entertaining a lot this week in anticipation of our housewarming party. We should have our first truly fall-like weather of the season, and I can't wait to open the windows, light up some pumpkin candles, and cook up a big pot of chili. In addition to that, here are a few other recipes I plan to make:

This Harvest Moon Punch looks delicious and lethal — it has moonshine and Applejack in it. Plus regular and sparkling cider. Yes, you can buy moonshine in S.C.

This Artichoke and Cheese Tart looks yummy — and surprisingly easy to make.

S'More Brownies. 'Nuff said.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip. Obviously I'm not going for healthy here.

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.

breathe brides.

This summer I wrote some of my first freelance articles, and two of them were published in Breathe Magazine's wedding issue this month. After four years of working as a journalist, I've gotten used to seeing my name in print every week in the paper, but it's fun to see it somewhere new — and to get paid for it.

Breathe is targeted toward active, health-conscious women, and I had so much fun writing about buying local for your wedding as well as going the DIY route. I interviewed some inspiring planners and brides like Alice, above, who had local blueberry jam favors, a table full of homemade pies, and an arch made out of a cattle feeder and grapevines. As glad as I am to have my own wedding behind me, there's a part of me that really misses all of the planning, and I hope to continue writing for wedding mags in the future.

siesta key.

***

I will be here in less than one month. Siesta Key, that is. I never knew that Florida beaches could be so beautiful until I went with Todd to a tournament in Sarasota a few years ago. He's been returning every year since to man a booth at the national ultimate frisbee tournament (this is his company).

I stayed home last year because of wedding planning, but I'm not about to miss it this year — I'm going the whole week. I'm honestly not sure what I'm going to do with myself, especially since Todd will be working a big chunk of the time, but I'm excited for what will undoubtedly be one of the most relaxing vacations I've ever had.

Know of anything fun to do around this part of Florida, besides bum around on the beach? I'd love some suggestions.

mag hound.

 ***

I have a serious weakness for magazines. I probably shouldn't admit this, but most of the time I'd rather curl up with the latest issue of Saveur or Travel + Leisure than a book. I've talked before about my regretfully short attention span, but at the same time there's some solid reading to be had in magazines, if you look beyond Cosmo.

I briefly mentioned Maghound a few months ago, and it's since become one of my favorite things. It allows me to subscribe to a ton of magazines for a ridiculously cheap rate, and I can add or drop subscriptions whenever I want, which has helped me pinpoint my truly favorite publications.

Right now I'm subscribed to 10 magazines for $13.45 a month. I've realized that most fashion mags bore me and fitness mags are repetitive, and I find most of the home inspiration I want on blogs like Design Sponge and Apartment Therapy. My favorite magazines tend to put the focus on food and travel. Besides the first two magazines I mentioned, I'm currently subscribed to Bon Appetit, Esquire, New York Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Everyday Food, Better Homes and Gardens, This Old House, and Traveler.

The only problem? I'm struggling to keep up. I've got a pile beside my bed that I need to read, including three issues of Wired (I just unsubscribed). I also have the hardest time throwing them away after I've read them, even though I'll probably never look at them again. Anyone want my old issues?

What are your favorite magazines?

packing for a wine festival.

This weekend Todd and I are heading to the Upstate for Euphoria, a food, wine, and music festival in downtown Greenville. I'll be covering all aspects of the event, from seminars to parties to multi-course wine dinners, and I need a wardrobe versatile enough to keep up with me.

Versatility by ericajackson featuring metal jewelry

After checking into our hotel on Friday, we'll head straight to Taste of the Town, a casual outdoor event with music, food from local chefs, and drinks. With a quick accessories change at the hotel, I'll be ready for the more swanky VIP after-party.

Wine Festival by ericajackson featuring link jewelry

After a media breakfast Saturday morning, we'll bum around the town a bit before heading to the tents for a day of wine tastings, cooking demos, food sampling, and a beer garden. This dress is cute, sure, but it also has room for stomach expansion and the dark color will hide stains. The crossbody bag will keep my hands free for taking pictures and notes, plus holding my wine glass. A simple cocktail dress should do for the wine dinner later that night.

Hangover brunch by ericajackson featuring long sleeve tops

We'll undoubtedly be a little tired on Sunday morning, but that's nothing a little jazz brunch can't cure.

Will I see any of you at Euphoria this weekend?

botanicals.

This picture set me off on a quest for botanical prints:

Except I didn't know they were called botanical prints. I Googled "plant pictures old black background," or something ridiculous like that, and found nothing. Surprising, right?

So I was excited today to see that Design*Sponge shares my obsession. They wrote about a book, Art of Instruction, that includes illustrations not just of botanical prints, but all sorts of fun educational charts. (I want this book, but didn't enter the contest because I never win anything.)

Now I'm hot on the trail of some great vintage charts, and I can't wait to find the right one to live on my wall.

And look, these are free printables!