Urban Pumpkin Picking

 We got our first pumpkins of the season today...8 tiny ones that are now awaiting some sort of decorating process (#6 on the to do list).

 And we've still got plans for the full out pumpkin patch/hayride/apple cider experience (#3 on my to do list)

We've been getting crafty around here and getting out to take lots of walks and bike rides in the beautiful fall weather.

If you make your own To Do list please post a link in the comment section! I'd love to check them out!

Arian : )

10 for 10

(click to enlarge)

So here it is--- my October To-Do list. In no particular order I plan to:

1. Make (and eat) a pumpkin pie.
2. Crochet something cozy (something rectangular because that's all I know how to do)
3. Pick a pumpkin. I've got several farms circled in the local newspaper. Just need to see which ones also offer hayrides and apple cider.
4. Watch a chick flick...wine and pants with elastic waistband required.
5. Do a new painting!
6. Make a Fall-themed centerpiece. I've been browsing Martha Stewart magazines for inspiration.
7. MORE DEEP BREATHS. I will (try to) face adversity with deep breaths and a positive attitude.  I've got a growing arsenal of yoga videos, favorite Psalms, and worship music to help me out.
8. A pumpkin spice latte. (check and check)
9. Go to bed early (this one will be the hardest of them all for this long-time night owl)
and 10. CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY ALL MONTH LONG!! It's my party, I'll make it last as long as I want to.

What are YOUR goals this month??

Arian : )

ps-- just realized I've been sitting here the the computer for the last 30 minutes with my bike helmet still on....not cool and not one of my goals for this month

Anthro Love

 Here's a little Anthropologie eye candy for you from the brief trip I made there with my sister.

 I'm always inspired by, not only what they sell, buy how they display it.

 And how they use cheap, common materials to do amazing things...like these tied strips of colored fabric above the headboard...

 ...assorted light bulbs in these vintage-y glass display cases...

...and paperback books creating cool designs in this sweet wardrobe.

 

And how cute are these crocheted paper clips?! Nothing helps a girl get organized better than beautiful office supplies : )

A fussy 2-year-old with a sudden ear ache cut our shopping trip short but any amount of time spent in Anthropologie is time well spent : )

Where are some of your favorite places to find inspiration?

Arian

Secret Painting

 I got to do some fun painting as a secret surprise for one of our friends. She loves giraffes and all things child-like so her landlord (another friend of ours) had me come in and paint her walls while she was away.

 I didn't get to be there for the big reveal. But according to witnesses, there was screaming and a few happy tears.  I'd call that a success!

It was a lot of fun to paint! Since I took a break from the theatrical set design world, it's been awhile since I've had such a big canvas to work with. I can't wait til we have a place of our own someday (or a more laid-back landlord) so I can do some painting on our walls!

Happy Monday!
Arian : )

Ahhh, Friends.

 We spent this wonderfully chilly, fall morning with lots of friends...

 a delicious, outdoor brunch

 a toasty fire

 lots of catching up and story-telling

 It was so peaceful and quiet and warm despite it being a bit crazy, crowded, and cold : )

 And our friends have some of the cutest kids in the world.

 Fueled by fresh air and doughnuts, they ran and played and climbed and laughed and made up games.

Jude's doughnut dance. He was one happy boy : )

Hope your weekend was full of friends and good times!

Arian : )

Family Birthdays

 I finally got to meet the newest addition to our extended family, sweet baby John, at a fun family birthday party yesterday.  The couple-hour drive through the corn fields of Ohio with good coffee, good conversation with my mom, and Mumford and Sons as our road trip theme music was good therapy after kind of a rough week.

 I love new additions to our family

And I love that Papa, who hit 90 this year like it was nothin', is around to hold them.

Lots of relaxing plans with family and friends today! Plus I've got some inspiring Anthropologie pics and a fun secret painting project I did to show you later!

Arian

Welcome, October!

  October got off to a bit of a rough start (a toddler who couldn't sleep because of a bad dream....something about someone taking his muffin....sounds awful ; )  But it was nothing that a Pumpkin Spice Latte (the first of the season) couldn't fix.

 That, and a sushi lunch date with Daniel. Things are looking up now : )

I'm working on a list of fun goals for this month. After all, this is MY month. And it's going to be awesome : )

Arian