A little adieu...

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I love Autumn. It's my favourite time of year (though Winter is a close second). I can't believe that this season is already over! It seemed like Summer took forever to move along and Autumn has breezed by in a complete blur! It has been a beautiful season here in North Florida. That's not something I ever get to say, but we really have had a colourful Fall full of chilly nights, clear skies and even woodsmoke on the air once in a while!

The Winter Solstice is coming up. The longest night of the year and the first day of Winter. I hope you get a chance to get out in the beautiful last lingering days of Fall. It's hard to believe what with all the holiday preparations, that it technically is still Autumn. Sigh. I encourage you to take some time and feel peace in nature during this transitional time. It's crisp, the colours are fading into the silvers, tawny browns and greys of this new season. It's all so beautiful isn't it? Watching it all transform?

I plan on taking a little time this weekend to get a little fire going in the backyard fire pit. I may even brew up wassail and perhaps play a game of dominoes with the hubs in the very few hours I do not have to be at work. What will you do to note this passing of time? I hope you steal a peaceful moment for yourself.

Here is a previous musing on the seasons, and another. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Post A-puzzle-ypse

A funny thing happened while me and my friend worked on our puzzle last night. After spells of chatting and spells of quiet, we both kind of basked in the therapeutic benefits of solving something. She and I have our own issues going on in our lives, our own struggles and have powered through with varying states of grace (her more so than me). However, we both looked up at various points to note that this puzzle-solving (or puzzling as she put it which reminds me of this) was a manifestation of the organization of our own thoughts in a physical form.

It was relaxing and challenging. We laughed and cussed and told stories. We shared trials (she was bit by one of the children she worked with and I think she may end up being patient zero for the zombie apocalypse) and work/friend/life gossip, yadda yadda. As you can see, we didn't finish the puzzle and we didn't expect to. But I think we both walked away feeling a little more peace, a little more clarity and a little more love and appreciation for our friendship.

Yay for puzzles!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday, y'all! I hope it was filled with merriment and excellent food. Mine was lovely and low-key. I'm working all weekend and the hubs is visiting his family out of town (lonely girl!). I hope you have a nice peaceful weekend planned and here's a list of some funs, pretties & happies for you to enjoy as you stretch out those stretchy pants.

*What a stunning candle (above). It's honey tobacco scented!

*I'm not one for adding more tchotchkes to the house since I began the "great purge" a few weeks ago. However...these cheese knives are the prettiest I've seen and would make a beautiful addition to any table, any season.

*So moving! 101 year old Tennessean, Ruby Holt, sees the ocean for the first time!

*I like these gingham towels. They're so fancy yet rustic.

*What a cool gift for the men in your life, a copper love note for their wallet!

*That's the stuff right there!

*I'm going to be making a batch of this delicious soup this weekend.

*Oooh, me wanty!

*For those Harry Potter fans out there (ME!!!). It's getting to be my favorite time to re-watch the movies!

*Love this color palette for a living room or dining room. So pretty and a nice balance between masculine and feminine.

*Now I have to try this sometime! Apple Stack Cake!

*This made me giggle so much. P.S. Totally not safe for work or if anyone in your family is looking over your shoulder while you watch this (naughty language). Heh.

*I'm making this cocoa for my office's Black Friday potluck.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

Peanuts.

Take some time to really appreciate the abundance in your life. Forget Black Friday, forget Christmas shopping, forget work and family drama. You and your world is filled with abundance, you just have to know where to look. Much love, y'all!

Here is a great song from the Peanuts Thanksgiving special. I love it so much and have to watch it a few times a year to get my fix.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Gettin' Ready!

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope your weekend was lovely and relaxing. In the retail biz, this week is nucking futs and as always, I'm trying my best to remain as calm and positive as I possibly can.

Have y'all started shopping yet? I'm almost finished and occupying the fleeting free moments I have looking for beautiful eco-friendly wrapping options. What do you guys use? Every year I try something different. Almost always it involves recycled brown paper because I'm a predictable ole earth muffin. One year I used old sepia postcards as name tags. Another year I wrapped presents to look like faery tale toadstools. Today I pooled a few options that have tickled my brain. I'd love to share them with you and I'd love to hear about what ideas have too!

And in the meantime, let me remind you that this is the time set aside for gratitude (which should be daily, honestly) so please remember what Black Friday really means too: hard-working family-having retail workers are working their asses off this week (and the five weeks following) so please be kind while you're out doing your thing. You can get wonderful discounts and still not treat people like trash. I've been doing this for 16 holiday seasons now. It's hard and we really don't give a shit about your discounts. We want you to be happy and to get out as quickly as possible so we can spend time with our family members and loved ones.

Let us all make a pact to be kind to each other no matter what. And with that...here's some fun-

I love to give wine. A gift that keeps on giving. And this is such a lovely handmade way to present such a thoughtful (and easy gift).

Super cute polka dots.

Gifting with buttons!!

Celery print fabric wrapping paper!

Metallic Sharpie on brown paper. Love.

And last but not least...for the bibliophile in your life...

I truly hope you have a beautiful day!

Friday Happies!

Little mouse print!

Happy Friday, y'all! How was your week? Mine was filled with work and getting a head start on holiday gift shopping. I can't believe they are creeping in so soon!

*As the holidays loom ever closer, I think I may need this mitten flask to get through...just kidding...maybe!

*This seems like a cool gift or thing to try on a blustery, cold night!

*Let me tell you a story about the best socks ever. Boom. They're just the best for your snuggly tootsies! I absolutely live in mine (cold tile floors, brrrr!).

*I really want to make this for my pitifully orchestrated kitchen! Clever and chic, no?

*I've had this song in my head for a day or two now. I had forgotten how utterly awesome this video was!!

*Well, damn! Aunt Bill's brown candy sounds just amazing. What a nice thing to give to neighbors and to have stashed for emergency "oh my god! I forgot to give so-and-so a present!" moments this holiday session.

*Unconventional but awesome wedding ideas, indeed! I particularly like #9, it made me laugh out loud.

*As if I could afford these...but aren't they so lovely and classic?!

*I wouldn't mind this bad boy in my stocking this Christmas. It looks so delicious!

*What an interesting story!! I can't wait to see this documentary!

*And I would top off that with a couple of these! Dang that sounds so good!

And last but not least!

*Welp, this is pretty much the plan for me this Winter!


I hope you have a truly wonderful weekend!

Comfort

When it's cold like it has been lately, I can think of nothing but warm soup and pajamas. No surprise, I've mentioned it at least a dozen times already. Last night I made some yummy comfort food and I thought I'd share it with you. It's healthy and warms you up like nothing else.

My mama called it Ten Can (or Tin Can) soup, but it's also known as "hillbilly soup". I'm not as fond of that name, I'll stick with Ten Can thank you!

Ingredients:
Ground turkey
1/2 onion
1 zuchinni diced
1 large can of diced tomatoes with the juice (I"m starting to get really sketch about tomatoes in tin cans, so fresh works too!)
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 bag frozen peas
1 can whole kernel corn (frozen works fine too!)
garlic (to your liking- I'm a garlic fiend)
ditalini pasta (looks like diced macaroni)
S&P
tablespoon basil
olive oil
chicken stock (4 cups)

Directions:
Sautee the turkey and set aside. I like to make this using one pot so I have less to clean. If you do that, set the turkey aside on a plate until the veggies have sauteed (1 pot and 1 dish compared to the usual wreck). Sautee the onions and zucchini until onions become translucent. Add tomatoes, corn, peas, stock and seasonings. Add the pasta. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes then stir in the turkey. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes on med-low or until the pasta is done. Boom. Done.

It's so good and makes a ton so you can feed a hungry army or pre-pack your week's worth of lunches.

Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you! Have a truly wonderful day!

A stormy, snuggly day...

1000 Forests.

Hang on to your ruby slippers, y'all! It's a tornado-riddled Monday down here in the deep ole dirty South with temperatures dipping into the twenties (after the low 70's yesterday)! I love a cold and stormy day myself and have all kinds of projects planned for the few precious hours I have after work tonight. I thought, since it's one of those days that reminds me of "storm days" in elementary school where you get to play cards or heads-up 7-up, that I'd share some fun, cosy  & stormy day inspirations with you. I hope you like, and stay safe out here!

I found this uber snuggly throw in a random Eddie Bauer catalog as I was purging and shredding paperwork this weekend. I have been daydreaming about owning one since! I personally love the plaid and especially the eggplant! And guess what?! It's on sale for half off!!!

Nothing like a belly-warming meal on a night like this! This would be perfect. 

The threat of a power outage has passed, however, it is super fun to light a bunch of candles, turn the lights off and play a game when it's funky and cold out. I like this colorful take on "Jenga" (though that's a copyrited name and it's actually called "tumbling tower blocks"- we all know the truth).

It's always nice to have something to read as you're curled up next to a crackling fire (I don't have a fireplace, but I do have an obscene amount of these). That said, I'd love to be digging into this. 

I thought this was a nice article too (on creating a sanctuary at home) and apropos for pre-Winter prep.

Have a cosy day!

Friday Happies!

*I listen to this song at least three times a day. It makes me so happy. I've been a big fan of Brett Dennen for nearly a decade now and he just keeps getting better. His feel good, well-written, quirky and often wry music always makes me feel up for an adventure. Dig that this record was made in my hometown of Nashville, TN and dig the 70's vibe in the video too.

*My feet have been so cold lately.  I could use these! I'd feel like a Scandinavian princess!

*This is a need, not a want!!!

*I absolutely love this tunic! I'd wear it with gold heels, leggings, a turtleneck and gold dangly earrings!

*I love this beautiful magnolia leaf wreath. It's so simple and Southern and lovely.

*I have a pretty casual style. Mama always said "never leave the house wearing something you'd be embarrassed to run into Mam-maw & Uncle Snap in". Mam-maw and Uncle Snap were my great-grandparents, and though they are both gone now, I still keep this in mind. That being said, I am a devout fan of nice, cozy loungewear- but it stays at home for lounging! It gives me something decadent to look forward to after a long day of dealing with annoying customers and when I am out, I don't ever have to worry about being schlumpy or too casual. All of this is to say, I kind of adore these slouchy pants by Parc Boutique. But they stay at home...

*Great article on actress Joy Bryant and her beautiful home. She seems like she'd be someone you could end up sharing a private joke with about some crazy misadventure.

*Have you ever played King Kubb? I think I'd like to try!

*I think I'm going to make some of these as gifts this year. Or just for my container garden.

*And now, something just weird and funny for you to enjoy.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

A Thursday thought...

I saw this the other day and really liked it. It makes me want to get out in nature and lay in the grass instead of going to work. Wonder what that's about? So weird!

To every season...

All photos by moi, Lulu Carpenter Ortolano

I took a walk yesterday morning, and it was beautiful. I mean, stunning. The sun was creeping above the tree line and illuminating the smudges of color beginning to show on the cypress, oaks and other trees I haven't learned the name of yet, but want to. It made me realize how much the season has changed since I was doing the pretty regular "being present" meditations at the end of summer.

It is astonishing how quickly time goes by. I wanted to put that morning in a bottle so I could visit it every day, but that is the bittersweet beauty of nature and the season, no? It moves along perfectly and we're supposed to be the ones who keep up, no the other way around.

Take a few minutes today (you can find a way to sneak it in). Just sit out in it. Put your hand on a knobby tree trunk and just be out in it. Feel the cool air on your cheeks. Listen to the soothing percussive rustling of leaves. Notice the colors, and the smells. Breathe it in and let it out. I guarantee you'll feel a bit better and more relaxed.

It's so important to remember your place on this blue marble and to take the time to realize how amazing it all really is.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Friday Happies!!

Cute kid!

I'm so glad it's Friday. I hope y'all have a wonderful, fun and relaxing weekend planned. I have to work and attend a 2 hour meeting I am dreading on my day off no less- ick- but I hope to squeeze some fun in there while I'm at it. Well, around here on Fridays I like to curate a list of happy, funny, awesome, inspiring, pretty and just plain interesting things to get you in a super positive mood for your weekend.

*Well I definitely know a handful of people that could benefit from this little gift.

*This made me laugh. And yes, it's quite true.

*This too!

*I'm oddly fascinated by mudras. I've tried them a few times when meditating or stressed out and it seemed to actually work. Perhaps its the accidental hand massage, or perhaps some amazing connection to the brain, but seriously- I've actually noticed an effect!

*Since I've been on this decluttering/organizing/crafting kick, this appeals to me very much. I want to make a version of this myself in harvest colors for Thanksgiving or multiple shades of pink, red, and purple for my birthday (around Valentine's Day). The possibilities are endless, really!

*Are you abibliophobic? I think I may be. Seriously!

*I post this pretty regularly, but if you can take some time every day to have a moment like this to show gratitude for just how miraculously badass your life really is, then it will only get better!

*Ha! This pretty much covers every moment I spent alone as a child.

*Hell yeah. Thank you Netflix. I've been streaming Gilmore Girls nonstop since they made it available. The hubs says "it's just fine", but we both know he really wanted Rory and Jess to end up together in the long run.

*A few more pounds and a few more dollars and this look could be mine. In my head I can totally wear it now, but in reality... a few pushups and sit-ups couldn't hurt the ole girl.

*Is it just me or is this time-traveling Taylor Swift from the 1960's? I saw this online the other day and its weirded me out a little ever since. It totally looks like her!

*Meditation. Yes! Exhale!

I hope y'all have a wonderful, peaceful and completely awesome weekend!

Friday Halloweenies!!!

Great costumes for little ones!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Y'ALL!!!! Boy, do I love Halloween. I love the raised hairs on the back of my neck, chill on the air, the magical time of year that it is! I love costumes and silliness and fun. I love the ancient traditions and the goofier modern traditions. Hocus Pocus, The Great Pumpkin, peeled grapes (eyeballs) and spaghetti (brains!!)! I love the music (my first vinyl record was The Monster Mash), and the suspension of disbelief that allows everyone to basically take a mental night off and just exist freely.

Well, I'm fortunate enough to have the weekend off and I hope y'all do too; and even if you don't, here are some funs, happies, pretties and maybe a few spookies to usher you into a fun-filled weekend!!

*I love that this young gal photoshopped herself into old photos of her mother's childhood and young adult years! It's so fun, and makes you think about (something I've thought about many times) what it would have been like if you could hang out with your folks when they were young. Would they have liked you? Would you have been the good influence or bad?

*OOOOwoooo! Haunted houses (for sale) tour!!!

*AHMAGAH! Madonna Chihuahua!

*Beautiful "lace" pumpkins!

*Great "before and after" wedding photos! 

*Make this cute and quirky garland for trick-or-treaters in just enough time to have it hung before the doorbell rings!

*Pups + Leaves = Total Happiness!!!!!

*I have no idea what costume I could make with this gorgeous silk skirt, but boy is it cute!!! Maybe I don't need a reason!

*Meanwhile...In Scotland.

*Yummy things to do with seasonal squash, or squarshes as has been known to be said 'round these parts.

*Awesome teachers you wish you'd had!

*I laughed so hard at this and have watched it waaaaay too many times since. However, I must share it with you. If you haven't seen Sia's Chandelier video, then here ya go. It's helpful.

*And then there's this incredible version from Dancing with the Stars with the original little gal from the Chandelier video, Maddie Ziegler. She's something else, that kid. Wow.

*On a serious note, Brittany Maynard, the young woman who had chosen to end her life (lived with inoperable brain cancer) with dignity on November 1st,  has decided life is feeling too good to end now. There is no "end date" now, and I think that is so damn cool and ballsy. Go on, girl! Enjoy every damn second!

I hope y'all have a fantastic Halloween weekend! Y'all be safe now!

Listen Up This Sunday!

It's not exactly our typical affirmation, but it is a great quote for Autumn. As I said yesterday, this is  the Autumn weekend. Get out there an enjoy the heck out of it!!

Have a truly beautiful day!

Saturday Meditation

Well it is the Fall weekend. It's the last weekend before the crazy cluster and barrage of the "holidays" (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas/Chanukah). The foliage is at the perfect stage where the leaves haven't fallen off the branches but the colors are so stirring. The nights and mornings are chilly and the afternoons are lovely and mild. The breezes make a mess of your hair but that's okay, really.

Take some time today to really appreciate this particular weekend. It never feels more "Fall" than this. I have so many memories of "being young" i.e. feeling free and laughing a lot during this idyllic Autumn time.

It's a magical and simple time. Where the only purpose is the changing of the season and all the incredible alterations nature takes before Winter, nothing else. No shopping, no noise, no brutal discomfort. Just comfort, and friends and coziness and great music or great quiet. It is perfection.

Breathe in deeply a few times, let your shoulders relax. Take it in. Next weekend October will be over and it will be November.  It seems to go by so quickly. Really try to be present in this actual moment. It's a gift.

Have a truly beautiful day, y'all.

Book Love

I just finished the best book, Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James! It is a murder mystery set six years after  Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. For a book nerd like me, it's a total double whammy. Not only does James nail an Austenesque voice (and loving detail about the characters we fell for in P&P) but weaves a murder mystery set in the woodlands of the vast Pemberly Estate that unravels all kinds of sordid misdeeds! It was perfect to be reading this time of year, because it has a bit of spookiness and begins in October.

I loved seeing a more personal side to the Darcy and Elizabeth relationship, and it is gratifying. Plus the book takes place from the perspective of both of them; so you get to walk around in their heads little bit, which I found to be fantastic.

The amusing faults of characters like Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Wickham are pitch perfect while the good naturedness of Bingley and Jane, and the wry wit of Mr. Bennet walk you through the comfort of a well-loved and well-orchestrated world. Only once or twice a word choice felt a smidge modern, but everything else about it seemed as if Austen had signed off on this herself.

I really enjoyed it and will most likely add this to the list of books I read every year (with Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibilitiy).

Have you read this book? Did you like it? Do you have any to recommend? I'd love to know!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Saturday Meditation

Hey y'all,  take some time today to practice stepping outside of a stressful situation. It could be as simple as looking out the window and watching the leaves fall or seeing if you notice any leaves that are changing in the trees. Imagine the Autumn breezes whisking your irritation and frustration away. It is but the work of a moment and it can help you keep from snapping at your loved one or making a rude remark. Try it today. Little 30 second bursts of nature meditation. It works for me all the time, especially at work. Nixing negativity before it evens leaves your mouth is a huge success.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day and weekend!

Friday Happies!

Hey y'all it's Friday! I hope your week has been badass and that you have a pleasant weekend ahead of you. The hubs and I are heading to Atlanta to see John Prine and I'm so damn excited! Well, around here on Fridays I share funs, happies, pretties and what-nots to make you laugh, relax a little and get excited for the weekend (whether you are off work or not). Heeeeeere we go!

*Y'all wanna get spooky? 

*"Crumbling" mansions for sale for less than 100K. I'm super intrigued! What beautiful links to the past. I hope people buy them and restore them to their former glory.

*I love this little kid and his love for the film Dirty Dancing. At first you think its just a little kid dancing, then he busts out some impressive moves (especially during the bit where Swayze jumps off the stage- awesome!).  It's totally worth watching the whole thing!

*It may be a few months early; but there is ugly, then there is ug-ly! Whoo lawdy!

*Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies! I know a handful of lovely people that would like to get a warm basket of these as a gift!

*Well that made me laugh louder than I expected (because we all have had that happen at least once, amiright?!).

*I may have been living under rock, but I didn't even know Streisand had a son, let alone one with such a voice (his part begins at 1:56).

*I don't even need 21 reasons. Do you?

*Ooh, these are saucy!

*This sounds like it smells absolutely incredible! Me wanty!

*Oh my goodness! That is the cutest thing I've seen in a minute!!

*Poor buddy! "I'm okay! I'm okay!" Heavens, that's so cute & funny!

*I weirdly like this.

*Something I've wondered! How does one throw a Halloween party without looking like a jerk?

*12 words even smart people get wrong. I love her blog almost as much as I love semantic antics!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Rainy Tuesday

Heavens! It is such a rainy day down here in the South. A huge thunder boomer has come in from the West and with it (hopefully) some cooler weather! Today I thought it might be fun to share some cool Fall items perfectly suitable for inclement weather! Here we go!

*Whatever this guy is selling, I'm buying. Ahem.

*And some rain boots for me (for when I have my little farm one day).

*Some saucy ones for rainy nights out!

*I love this packable trench coat in both colors!

*I'm a little practical when it comes to umbrellas (like an old British lady). I'd really like to have this one.

*Though, it is always nice to have a little fun umbrella in the car for emergencies. One of these would put a smile on my face. 

*What a pretty hat to face a storm in, eh?

*Alas, I must be on my way to work soon, but what I really want today however, is a little bit of this, and this, while looking out the window at this.

I hope you have a wonderful day, y'all! Stay warm and dry!

Saturday Meditation

It's Saturday, y'all! Time for your weekly dose of seasonal/nature-inspired quiet time to help you conclude your previous week and gear up for your next. A sweltering heat wave down here in the South has made all Autumnal whispers fade, but its okay. I know more crisp fantastic weather will be on its way soon.

Today, try to get outside and be active. I like to walk around the lake where I live. Leave the earbuds out of your ears and just be alone with your thoughts. It's amazing what will swirl through your mind if you give it the chance to speak up. I've solved many a problem by hashing it out in my mind over the course of a half hour. Do that for yourself today, even if you're just going over your grocery list. You see, it's like the Shower Principle from 30 Rock. You always think of some great idea in the shower because part of your mind is distracted performing a task, so the rest is freed up to fix that thing you were worried about.

Take a little time for your mind to process the past week and the week ahead. You may just be surprised at the volume of stuff your mind is juggling at any given time. Let it breath. Let your mind sift through it all.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!