The golden hour

 top: Ruche | skirt & belt: thrifted | shoes: Francesca's Collections

There have been times, especially lately, when I look at dark-haired ladies with something akin to envy, and I briefly consider going from redhead to ravenhead. But then a photoshoot like this happens - with the sun making everything glow - and I decide that I am actually quite happy with my hair. There's something magical about the golden hour, and I'm very glad Chris and I were able to capture it. It's so fleeting.

I'm a little bit overwhelmed by all the attention this little old blog has been getting in the past week! Between mentions on Tieka's blog and being featured on ModCloth's blog and Tumblr, I've picked up more than a few new readers here. Welcome! I'm still trying to catch up with my inbox, so bear with me. I've had a busy week - perhaps best illustrated by the fact that my Bloglovin' reading list stands at a daunting 296 unread posts. I'm eager for the evening when I can make a big mug of homemade hot chocolate and make a dent in that list.

Speaking of homemade, I'm hoping that I'll have lots of cozy cold-weather recipes to share soon! Daylight savings time has made it harder than ever to do photos for outfit posts (it's already dark by the time I get home from work), so I think this blog may become a little bit more food focused in this cold season.

Though all is warm and golden in these photos, we're actually experiencing our first snowfall of the season here - so that's my cue to curl up with Chris and a hot drink and watch some Doctor Who. Have a great week, everyone!

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Urban mermaid

dress: vintage | belt: thrifted | shoes: Charlotte Russe

Ready for my nerdy little secret? I definitely themed this outfit around The Little Mermaid. Yes, the Disney movie. I re-dyed my hair recently (sorry, it's true - I'm not a natural redhead!) and it was so vibrant that it reminded me of a more true-to-life version of Ariel's hair...which would pretty much be a dream come true for my two-year-old self. I was utterly obsessed with The Little Mermaid when I was that age. Everything I owned had to have Ariel on it, and I would run around the house singing the songs, all the while wishing I had a mermaid tail. I don't know if I was just a brave kid or what, but my niece and nephew (ages 4 and 3) just watched it for the first time, and were apparently terrified of Ursula. My mom says I didn't even bat an eyelash at her.

Anyway, this dress has always reminded me of the sea; it shimmers, and has little pleated accents that remind me of fins. So finally I decided to embrace it and go as full-on Ariel as I could without donning a seashell bra. I don't think that would have gone over too well at work...

This past week has been a little bit insane, but even though I've been longing for some down time, I'm glad to be so busy. I submitted my latest column this morning, and now I get to start brainstorming for the January issue. I've been put in charge of a special DIY section...how fun is that? So, for the next few weeks, I'll be scouring the web for simple DIYs to complete, photograph, and write about. This will all be on top of my normal 40-hour-a-week job, but I'm hopeful that I'll have some awesome stuff to share by the end of it all! Does anyone know of any awesome websites with DIYs I should look into?

I've been coming up a bit short on sleep these past few days, so I think I'm going to call it a night. Thanks for all of the kind comments on my new layout - I read and appreciated every one!

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The other big apple

sweater: thrifted | dress & belt: vintage | shoes: Charlotte Russe

You'd never know it from the gloomy, blustery weather we're having right now, but the weekend before last was - for an autumn lover like me - paradise. We were treated to a couple days of Indian summer (and broke some records, if I'm not mistaken. But more importantly than that, I finally made it to an orchard! My sweet little niece and nephew were visiting for a few days, so we decided to take advantage of the glorious Sunday and head over to Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery. According to their Facebook page, it was opened in 1911 by Barzilla Robinette. Quite the moniker, eh?

Anyway, it was insanely crowded (apparently we weren't the only ones who wanted to take advantage of the perfect weather - who knew?) but we had such a wonderful time. I had been wanting to have a day that was full of unabashedly autumn-themed activities - and my wish was definitely granted. We went on a hay ride, drank cider, and checked out the pumpkins, and Chris and I did our first-ever wine tasting! I'd been wanting to do one for ages, but I assumed they would be extremely expensive. Not so at Robinette's, though - and you can get a free wine tasting whenever you want if you come back and use the wine glasses they give you! Chris ended up buying a cherry wine (we made short work of that) and I bought blueberry. We couldn't help but feel very classy.

I had to stop for pictures by the big red apple. How could I not? Red was certainly the color of the day...even my nephew was wearing it. And no, Chris and I did not match on purpose.

While we were waiting for the hay ride to start, I noticed that the window across from us was making distorted reflections like a fun-house mirror...so of course I took a picture of Chris and me and our giant foreheads!

I always hate seeing these two cuties go, but we had such a great time. In our short visit, we took them to Robinette's, brought them to a local trick-or-treat event (he wore my brother's old Cookie Monster outfit and she was Cinderella), and took them bowling for their first time ever. They were much more interested in the ball return than the actual game itself, but we all enjoyed ourselves!

Yes, it's a real-live picture of the two of us together. We have so few that's sort of ridiculous, considering we've been together two years next month...but that just means that each one is precious.

There's much more I could say about this perfect day, but I'll leave it here and just hold on to the memories. I'm extra glad we went then because now, with the weather the way it is, winter seems closer than ever. If only fall weren't so fleeting...

My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by Hurricane Sandy; the images I'm seeing on the news are just unreal. I hope all of you East-Coasters are staying safe!

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Such great heights

dress: Forever 21 | cardigan: ModCloth | belt: estate sale | shoes: Francesca's

I have seldom been so happy to be so exhausted. I was lucky enough to have an extended weekend - I got out early on Friday and had today off so I could spend time with my visiting niece and nephew - and I made sure to make the most of it, though it did get off to a discouraging start. After a long time of being pain-free, on Friday it seemed my headaches were making a comeback. Three straight days of an annoying lingering, off-and-on ache...yeah, that's no fun. 

However, I kicked that pain in its metaphorical backside on Saturday by joining some friends for rock climbing. It was my first time (I don't really count the time I went when my age hadn't even reached double digits yet) and I might as well tell the truth: though I was excited, I was nervous for sure. I'm not athletic, and heights and me don't get along. My palms get sweaty even thinking about it...charming, I know. The thoroughness of the safety training made me even more nervous - so much to remember!

But you know what? I did it anyway - and I made it to the top! Only once, but I still think it's something to be proud of. My muscles ache today, and my shin is still smarting from a slip I took about halfway up, but the other pains I had are now gone and I instead feel a sense of accomplishment. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I end up catching the rock climbing bug. I had a blast, and I feel awesome.

I've been trying to have a somewhat productive night, but I keep getting distracted by the storm outside and my niece and nephew (ages 4 and 3). Earlier tonight, my mom and I were watching the storm with them, and their reactions were just precious. My nephew, for example, thought that we would be able to see the lightning better if he used his flashlight! They come up with the sweetest things. Next time they visit, I really need to carry around a notebook so I can write down all these cute stories - I always think I'll remember them, and I almost never do!

Is there anything more peaceful than listening to the sound of rain - especially at night? I'm inclined to think not. It's pouring at the moment, and part of me just wants to pile on the blankets and fall asleep immediately, but still another part of me wants to stay awake just so I can listen to the rain. I just hope that the skies clear up by morning; I hate getting up for work on tranquil rainy mornings just as much as I love falling asleep to stormy nights...

I think I just talked myself into falling asleep sooner rather than later. I hope you all have a great week!

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Out of the darkness

coat: Forever 21 | dress: ModCloth | belt, bag, gloves: thrifted | cardigan: Target | boots: gift from my sister

Last Saturday, in the freezing rain, Chris and I went to the Out of the Darkness walk in a gorgeous park outside Grand Rapids. The park was one of the most beautiful I've seen in this area, but that wasn't the point.  I left my camera in my car on purpose. Out of the Darkness walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in over 250 locations around the country to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Chris and I were walking in memory of his friend Erika, who, sadly, passed away last November from suicide. It's been almost a year and it still doesn't feel real.

Depression is one of those topics that our society would like to sweep under the rug. The goal of Out of the Darkness is to counteract that, by bringing the topic - well, out of the darkness. It's a wonderful event, and I encourage you to get involved if you can! There are still plenty of walks going on yet this year. It sounds so cliche, but I honestly mean this: you never know the difference you might make in someone's life.

Chris and I have been cooking up a storm lately. Well, to be more accurate, Chris has been cooking up a storm while I help him in the small ways I can. I got into kind of a cooking rut during the summer...I mean, who wants to slave over a hot stove when it's 90+ degrees outside? But it's finally soup weather now and I'm happy to assist him. I'm telling you, Chris makes the best soup on the planet. So far he's made black bean, which was out of this world, and butternut squash, which he spoiled me with tonight.  Yes, I'm well aware that I am one lucky lady!

What are your favorite fall recipes? I'm eager to try new things! Also, I think it may be time for a dressipe soon...

I feel like this post wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to my dear friend Alec, who is the one who convinced me to buy this dress. I mean, it's yellow, so she didn't exactly have to twist my arm...but nevertheless, I'm glad she talked me into it. Yes, it's the same color as half my wardrobe, but the details - the gold buttons, the cut-out back - really make it something special. So thanks, Alec!

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