Christmas Tree Hunting

This morning I spent figuring out ways to increase the traffic and visibility of my shop.  For starters I decided to utilize my Flickr account a bit better by uploading my vintage stock and my artwork there.  It's not finished yet (I have a bunch of photos still to upload) but take a peek if you'd like! :)

After a lovely lunch date with my Mom, we went off to find our Christmas tree!  Even though we don't usually chop it down ourselves, having a real tree has always been an essential in my family.  I truly can't even imagine having an artificial one.  To each their own, but there is just something happy about having the outside in during the Christmas season-- and oh, the smell. :)

Christmas is already feeling a bit different this year, but in good ways.  The house I grew up in sold (in 9 days!) at the end of October so we'll be celebrating in a different, smaller place than usual.  It's been truly amazing to me though, how much God has provided in this time of transition.  We've been challenged in new ways, but I'm thankful to say that it's only tightened the knit of my family.  I think I'm looking forward to this Christmas more than I have in some years.  

Now it just needs to snow! (I hope you heard that Big Guy). -^_^-

Vintage 50's Dress - Croatia Vintage

Ivory Cardigan - Thrifted

Locket - Grandmother's

Turquoise Ring - Mom's

Sweater Tights - T.J. Maxx

Leather Boots - Fiorentini & Baker

Mint Coat - J.Crew

Remembering

Though grilling out, swimming in the pool and catching some rays is all well and good, I usually spend at least part of my Memorial day doing exactly what it was named for-- remembering.  

My 5th great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, my grandfathers served in WWII and The Korean War and my brother is a Marine who served in Iraq.  It's been a tradition in my family (started who-knows when) to visit a cemetery every Memorial Day and note, with respect, each military grave there.  We cut fresh flowers from our flower beds at home and bring them along to place on each service members' stone, taking a moment to be thankful for their service and sacrifice.  We don't know these people, but we know that they made a choice that deserves our gratitude.

There is something about walking through a cemetery and reading the headstones that makes you value human life and the individual stories those people had.  It's truly a feeling that I'm sad to say, most people miss on this Holiday-- taking that moment to stand still and remember, even if you didn't know them, the people who placed our freedoms before their own lives.

I hope you all had a happy Memorial Day!  If you didn't get the chance to remember or thank someone yesterday, it's never too late. :)  Those brave men and women deserve so much more than our thanks, I figure it's the least we can do.

Erin Go Bragh

If you are completely confused by that title, you are most likely not of Irish decent (Erin Go Bragh is the anglicized version of the Gaelic expression that means "Ireland forever!").  That is OKAY though because today everyone is a little Irish-- Happy St. Patrick's Day! -^_^-  My family is quite Irish on both sides so I take this holiday to heart and usually dress from head to toe in kelly green.  This year though, I decided to go a little more subtle with my green.

This Saint Patrick's day I had some grand plans in mind but unfortunately didn't plan enough in advance.  My original plans included lunch at Publican Quality Meats (my brother works there!) followed by hitting some thrift shops and such.  When I got to the train station however, the sheer madness that is St. Pat's day crowds headed downtown made me change my mind.  I swear there were hundreds of green clad people on the platform!

So instead, my Mom and I ended up grabbing lunch at a local Italian place (yikes, not very Irish of me I know!) and checking out some thrift and vintage shops nearby.  All-in-all a great St. Pats, just not what I had imagined!  Next year I think I'll host a party and make some of this and this among other things. Yum!  How did you celebrate St. Patrick's day?

Outfit Details

Dress -- Gold Coast Dress by Mata Traders

Vintage lace slip -- Thrifted

Vintage locket necklace -- Grandmother's

Vintage green enamel leaf earrings -- Thrifted

Lace inset Oxfords -- Type Z Gynger from Zappos

Have a lovely rest of the weekend, Sláinte!