a little halloween...

My sister, Kim, loves Halloween.  She is the Halloween spirit if there ever was one.  She cut a life size witch and cat out of plywood and painted it black.  It goes in the front yard with a light behind it and it is the coolest thing you've ever seen--even during the daytime which, in my opinion, is kinda *tricky* (hehe) with Halloween decor.

I mention this fun fact about my Halloween loving sister because a few years ago, I couldn't imagine taking that much time cutting something out with a hand saw for Halloween.

Thanksgiving? Yes. Christmas? Yes.  Halloween? Um.  No, thanks, I've got a bowl of candy.

But, then I had Dylan and got to dress him up like this:

 And, just like that, I was all about this night of spookiness / free-ticket to dress my child up in costumes.

So, since I am crazy in love with the fall season, I am already thinking of what Dylan could be for Halloween.  And, I'll just admit that I already had a little post on these adorable Halloween invitations planned and I wasn't even going to let myself post it until at least October (tomorrow!).  But, then I saw this picture and I lost all control and decided to jump in on the Halloween fun:

{image via Cup of Jo}

A mini ventriloquist dummy.  Are you kidding me?  And, look at this adorable owl costume from the same creative mama.  Don't you just love those chubby lil' legs?

{image via inchmark}

So, with all of these adorable and hilarious costumes circling around in my head, I can't wait to figure out what Dylan's third Halloween identity will be.  I saw this gnome costume and laughed out loud, but I'm not sure Dylan would keep the beard on.  And, really, it's all about the beard.

 {image via halloween express}

Have a happy last day of September!

xo,
steph

fall in love...

{image via the marion house book}

The weather here has been ah-mazing the past few days and, despite the temperatures rising to the high 80's today, I am convincing myself that fall is finally here.  I am hoping to buy some mums and fairytale pumpkins this week.  I can't wait!  I get giddy when fall finally graces us with her presence.  Last year, I bought the first gourds of the season and received the fall issue of Martha Stewart magazine in the same day.  I almost died of excitement.

This rustic pear tart seems like the perfect fall treat.  Wouldn't it be great to eat on the porch after a cozy meal of ham and bean soup and cornbread?  Yum. 

xo,

steph

roundtop + 65 degrees = total bliss

 {my boys working in the yard.  thanks to PDM for being on dylan duty while I was treasure hunting.  he's the best.}

After spending the weekend hunting for treasures at Roundtop with my best friend, feasting on fresh veggies from her dad's garden and then waking up to a crisp, fall morning, I am beside myself with excitement.  How perfect can a weekend be?  Well, mine was amazing and I am one happy duck.  I don't even care that is Monday,  which is saying a lot.  Usually, my motto is "ease into the week" and I have to fight off the Monday blues regularly, but not today!

I can do pretty much anything when it gets cool enough to wear a great scarf.  Like this one:

{hello beautiful scarf. via anthropologie.}

So, I didn't really take pictures at Roundtop.  I was too busy walking 23,481,323 miles and forgetting to put on sunscreen, but not forgetting to eat funnel cake.   So, five pounds and four shades of red later, I am back, but with a loaded car.

In case you are wondering what, exactly, Roundtop is, I will tell you.  It is the biggest, most wonderful antique / junking event that happens twice a year (in the spring and fall) in Roundtop, Texas.  It is MECCA for us treasure hunters. If you don't believe me, try this little test:

1. Think of your most favorite antique or home decor store.   
(The one you don't tell anyone else about because it is too good to be true and you don't want everyone figuring out where it is and then finding something before you do.  If you don't have one of these, you need to find one.  And, no, I'm not telling you mine.  Ok, maybe, but you can't tell anyone else.)
 
2. Multiply that store's goodness by 5,110,233,537 and you've got an idea of how much goodness is at Roundtop.

3. Multiply your feelings of happiness by 10,532,432,238 and that's how happy you feel when you go to Roundtop.

So, now you know it's Mecca.  You may even shed a tear when you see it for the first time (like I did).  If you haven't been.  You need to go.  Even if you don't want to look for antiques or "stuff" as some people call it, don't worry!   There is funnel cake!  And really good iced tea!   You won't be disappointed!  And if you aren't sure, you should send me a message; I'm pretty sure my excitement over the entire thing is enough to make you a fan of it too.  And, don't worry, there are plenty of treasures for all of us.  Because, Roundtop is huge.  It's the biggest treasure hunt you've ever been on.  It's the best city on earth (twice a year).

Don't be fooled kids: this is the most magical place on earth.  Mickey comes in second.

happy fall,
steph

p.s. Marburger Farm Antique Show opens on Tuesday, so I'll be back up there this weekend to check out even more goodness.  I'll try to remember to take some pictures!  Want to know more about Marburger Farm? Go see!