Sunlight in November

The sunlight in autumn just gets me. It is so incredibly gorgeous---but we must take delight in its temporality, for it is dark before dinner time, and for many months. We cannot get mad--sometimes, we, too, say goodbyes before we should. Sometimes we tuck into bed a little too early. Sometimes we wish the days away. No, we cannot be angry with the sun for hiding away from us for a bit. 

For some reason, the warmth of the sun on my hair makes me think of bittersweet things, like sunlight in late autumn. 

But no matter. I'm rather fond of this outfit. Can you ever imagine why? The color, of course! I just love it! The sheerness of the silk blouse and the sunlight--gah! Lovely. 

Style Secrets

Sunnies: Local store

Necklace: Vintage

Blouse: Thrifted

Bangles: Walmart and ??

Belt: Thrifted

Jeans: American Eagle

Heels: Aldo

Thanksgiving Outfit

This outfit is so much fun! I just love all of the elements, and can't wait to wear it again. Also--what do you all think of my new red lipstick? Love it or hate it?

Style Secrets

Hairclip: Goody

Necklace: Von Maur

Shirt: Thrifted

Skirt: Vintage

Hose: J.Crew

Heels: Target

Sunday Afternoon

Ahh, the Sunday afternoon after a nice long weekend. I'm enjoying a great day, and hope you are too. Are you catching up like I am?

{enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa while reading the sweetest note from my dear grandma}

{my new bathroom rug makes my bathroom much more cheerful! love it for $5}

{I'm so behind on my reading of magazines. This is my to-read pile, and after I took the pic I found an InStyle, another WholeLiving, and another Natural Health to add to the pile. There's already a Natural Health  or two stuck in there. I love all of these magazines, but sometimes I get behind. Don't you?}

I hope you enjoy the last bits of your weekend! 

Thankful

{warning: you may find the following to be overly sappy. but it's Thanksgiving, so I'm feeling sappy, OK?}

I'm thankful for my boyfriend. I'm thankful that he makes me a better person. I'm thankful that oftentimes, I find myself being empathetic in a situation where I wouldn't have been in the past, and I think: Gosh, he's rubbing off on me. Isn't it glorious how we can 'rub off' onto one another, good qualities, as well as bad? Just as "bad company corrupts good character," so, too, does good company STRENGTHEN good character.

So, dear boy, give me your best qualities of empathy, dedication, and a great sense of the weight of the world. In return, my love, I will give you my silly happiness, my risk-taking throw-caution-to-the-wind mindset, and my self-motivation to make life beautiful. And I think, combined, how can we go wrong? We'll be happy about life, empathetic to others, dedicated to what we love and sensitive to the weight of the world, yet self-motivated to make it a more beautiful place. I'd say that's a pretty good showing, right?

When I look at my plate of food this Thanksgiving, may I be thankful to my wonderful God for the immense blessings in my life. May I be thankful to my boyfriend who has shown me, even deeper than I knew, that when we see that plate full of food, we should also see responsibility. Responsibility to share, to do good, to seek justice, and to do our very best to fill the plates of those who are hungry the world over. Let us reflect on the great God who gives and takes away, who blesses in times of plenty and in times of need, who loves unconditionally, and let us share His good news with the world in risk-taking ways.

Thank you, hun, for all the ways you love me, and the way your strengths fill in my weaknesses. And though I know sometimes it may not seem like it, I'm watching the way you 'work' and I'm taking notes.

Love & Happy Thanksgiving,
Natalie

Introducing: My New Coat!

My new down coat was an extra special treat....something I've been eyeing for over a year. When the special opportunity arose to treat myself, I knew this was what I wanted! I feel so carefree---so J.Crew catalogue or Kate Spade model-esque in this outfit and combination. I just love it!  It's a happy sort of day--and I went for a walk to get a pumpkin spice latte. 

{windy}

Have a great Thanksgiving if I don't catch you before then, my loves!

Style Secrets

Sunnies: Vintage

Scarf: Souvenir from Ecuador

Coat: J.Crew

Pants: Tag sale

Socks: American Eagle

Shoes: ? So old!

Great Gift

{New coffee tumbler, because the lid on my hot pink one broke. Sad face for old one, happy face for new one!}

OoooooOOooooo! My brother did an AMAZING job bringing me a souvenir from India. Bro, go to India wheneevvveerrrrr you like {and bring me more souvenirs, hehe}. I am in LOVE with this STUNNING scarf he brought me {it deserves three capitalized words and two parentheticals, it's so amazing}

{oh you have sharp eyes! yes I did switch boots for awhile}

Gah! Thank you, Brother! I am so glad you had an amazing trip to India and I still want to hear more about it and see the pictures! 

This post was going to be a Work to Weekend post, but I just loved both outfits too much, and wanted to give them their own posts. So you'll see a similar outfit later :-) Hope you don't mind! 

Pssst....those are capris in the boots. Didja catch that? Sometimes I think I'm so clever.

Style Secrets:

Coffee Tumbler: Whole Foods

Tank: Charlotte Russe

Jacket: BCBGirls, Thrifted

Scarf: Gift from India

Bracelets: ?

Capris: Gap, thrifted

Boots: Walmart & Consignment

Winner

We have a winner, folks! Random.org chose Leigh as the winner of the Thankful cards {and fun extra little trinket}. Congratulations, Leigh!!!!!!!! And thanks to everyone who entered, and for all of your sweet comments.

Goodnight

After a weekend with my boyfriend, I feel like I could conquer the world. It's such a wonderful feeling, my dears. What makes you feel like you could conquer the world? 

I'm posting this to remind myself (and you, if you need it), that come Monday morning, I want to hold onto that feeling.

Goodnight!

{P.S.> I drew the winner of the Thankful cards tonight, and I'll post the winner tomorrow. And also, I've got some really fun outfits to share this week.}

Love!
Natalie

Thankful: Giveaway

{Handmade Thankful cards on handmade 'leaf' potholders I sewed a few Thanksgivings ago}

It's my first-ever giveaway! Granted, it's very small, but I'm excited nonetheless, and you should be too :-)
Up for grabs is a stack of these lovely pale-yellow/orange handmade (by me!!) "Thankful" cards. I envision placing them on each plate at the Thanksgiving table. The backs are empty, so you can either write something about each recipient that you are thankful for, or have everyone write something they are thankful on the back and put them all in a big pot. Then take turns guessing who wrote it! Tie them on presents, slip them under doors, leave them under windshield wipers...No matter how you use them, they're classy and cute at the same time.

{drying on the letterpress machine...see, I have plenty to share}

And did I mention handmade? I made these on an authentic antique letterpress, and I just have to share them. Don't worry, they'll come packaged with an extra goodie or two, hopefully in time for your Thanksgiving festivities.

{tied with a scrap of wool}

Since this is my first giveaway, and it's small, it's casual. To enter, leave me a comment. If you want an extra entry, follow my blog by clicking "Join This Site" on the right-hand side. Only two entries each, please! And share the news! Giveaway ends Friday night at midnight so I can send them to you in time for Thanksgiving! 

And I just wanted to say: I am thankful for YOU, dear reader. Thanks for reading, for your kind comments, your friendship, and for being awesome. 

Overflowing Happiness

This past week and weekend has been absolutely overwhelmingly beautiful with overflowing happiness. I give it ALL back in praise to God, the source of it all. My boyfriend and I went on a quick trip to Iowa for a special project {to be announced later} and to visit my family. I am still just giddy with the goodness of it all. The fun-ness! See, don't I look happy:

Yeah, maybe just a little bit happy.

{eyes are open, promise}


Style Secrets
Necklace: Gift from Israel
Tee: Old Navy; hand-me-over
Cardi: J.Crew, thrifted
Scarf: hand-me-over
Belt: Coach, thrifted
Jeans: Joe's Jeans, tag sale
Boots: Consignment trade-in

More of the good things: 

Being {Home}; Pretty red coat and gingham curtains; Boyfriend with coffee from a favorite diner

And we stumbled upon a great little Christian bookstore, too, called Branches. I picked up what is destined to be a new favorite: 

This beauty. {image from dayspring}

The verse is 

"You have filled my heart with greater joy." 

Psalm 4:7

I think it was a suitable souvenir, wouldn't you say? I'm sure you'll see it in future blog posts.

Remember, God is the only one that can bring us back to life. This song has been on repeat tonight---such a good reminder that our God does and will fill our hearts with greater joy. Amen. 

Breathe Your Life, by Chris and Conrad

Monday Mid Day

This image makes me smile: 

{found on Tumblr with no source. Know?}

Resource:

Real Simple online is my favorite. They picked some awesome affordable winter clothes. Check it here.

Look, it's me! 

And one last purrrrrrrrrtttttyyyy picture: 

From the new Design*Sponge at Home book, found here

Have a great Monday! I'm busy packing for a trip {gah!} and such. 

Mixed Blues

I've been so into wearing blue lately, which is strange because I've never been much of a blue person. I'm much more a green person. As in, fan of the color green. Though I can be a jealous person (tsk tsk), and I am often sick (sadly, it seems). But anyhow, upon noticing this recent fascination with blue, my friend sent over a box of blue clothes to try! How wonderful! I'm loving this subtly striped blue shirt with a ruffle!

Style Secrets

Cami: ?

Blouse: Old Navy, borrowed

Belt: Thrifted

Scarf: Gift, from India

Necklace: Gift, from Israel

Jeans: F21

Boots: Garage Sale

Vintage Inspired Coat: F21