~ thanksgivukkah ~

Happy Thanksgivukkah, y'all!!  Considering Chanukah and Thanksgiving won't fall on the same day for another 79,000 years, I say we milk it for all it's worth.

{baked by my lovely mom, decorated by yours truly}

Earlier today I decorated my room for winter - I'm pretty sure twinkle lights are my favorite part of this time of year.

This photo proves that I'm one step closer to crazy cat lady-status and the next

Trying new hairstyles is like therapy for me.  

Oh and regarding this semester...

So I will be enjoying my break from homework and counting down the days until I'm actually done with the semester!

I hope you all have a fantastic Chanukah and Thanksgiving!

xoxo,
Eliza

~ the sunshine state ~

In addition to being a fabulous teacher, writer, artist, and mother, my mom is also the owner of 3floridagirls on etsy!  If you like vintage Florida souvenirs, then you'll swoon over her shop.  Tableclothes, tea towels, handkerchiefs, salt and pepper shakers, postcards, aprons, and more.  With the holiday season fast approaching (eek!), it's time to get started on your shopping!  Check out some of my favorites from the shop.  I feel lucky to be able to see all of these amazing items in person before she ships them out!

 

How fantastic are these vintage salt and pepper shakers??

I'm in love with this postcard

gorgeous colors on this postcard

Esther William's famous Florida-shaped swimming pool on a vintage hankie

"to heck with housework" apron modeled by yours truly!

this tablecloth is perfect for any table!

this wooden postcard is relevant considering the first day of Chanukah falls on Thanksgiving this year

adorable alligator ashtray!

Take a few minutes to look around the shop - you won't be disappointed!  Find the perfect gifts for friends and family, and pick up something for yourself while you're there!

xoxo,

Eliza

~ little things ~

Some little details from my life, as of late.

• If there's something I love more than shoes from Paris, it's peter pan collars.  Thank you Target for stocking such an adorable dress, AND for making it 75% off!

{target dress, target bag, F21 shoes, vintage VERA scarf}

• I've finally perfected my early morning cat eye makeup.  Score!

• I can only hope that one day I'll be as bad ass as these girls here:

{1922 - photo from my pinterest}

• Despite the weather being so cold lately (and by that I mean the 60s), the sky has been gorgeous!  Both in the daytime and nighttime...

• And finally, some wisdom from Helena Bonham Carter.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ paris shoes ~

My love of Paris and my love of shoes both began on the same day.  It was August of 2007, and we were staying in the most amazing apartment, right in the heart of Paris...

Down the street from the apartment was a little shoe shop that was, unfortunately, closing.  They were selling all their shoes for ridiculously low prices (I'm talking like 8 US dollars).  I bought a pair of red and silver mary janes that, to this day, have been my favorite purchase EVER.  They were the last pair, AND my size.  Score!

6 years ago, and roughly 4500 miles away.  Those shoes have come a long way.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ green with envy ~

I've always loved green, yet I hardly have any of it in my closet.  Until now.

{vintage skirt, banana republic shirt} 

Yesterday it was pretty warm, so I wore a new (old) favorite!  I found this skirt in my grandmother's cedar chest when I inherited it.  It fits very nicely, which is surprising since my grandmother was teeny tiny!  Wearing something that she wore and loved is very special.



The skirt is 100% wool and has a matching jacket.  It definitely won't be the last time I wear it!

xoxo,
Eliza

~ weekend adventure ~

Today I went on a little trip to the country.  Where I live, the city landscape morphs into a country landscape during the span of a fifteen minute drive.  The canopy above the road gets thicker, horse pastures appear, white picket fences are all around.  And in the middle of this landscape is the most adorable shop that I can't believe I just now discovered!  Meet the Sweet South Cottage:

 

{inside the studio}
I met Lisa and Lizzy, who were so kind!  They showed us around the shop, talked about past events held there, plans for the future, and took us to the studio.  It was amazing!  An artist's paradise.  

The cottage sells Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which will make you want to paint everything in your house that isn't nailed down.  Seriously.  Within the first ten minutes of being in the shop, I made plans to paint my desk, bedside table, book shelves, etc., etc.  Not to mention ripping up the carpet in my bedroom, and stenciling the floor.

{major floor inspiration, right there}

{after touring the shop we went outside and visited with the chickens}

So if you're looking for a fantastic day trip around the Tallahassee and Monticello area, or need some home decor inspiration, visit the girls at Sweet South Cottage!

Here's their website for more information: http://sweetsouthcottage.com/

Such a fun Saturday!

xoxo,

Eliza

~ one year ago ~

Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have served in the past, are currently serving, and to all of our heroes.  I thank you.

One year ago today, I had the honor of riding in a WWII Jeep during the 2012 Veteran's Day Parade, dressed as Rosie the Riveter.  What made the day even more special was that I carried a photo of my grandfather from the war.  He was standing beside his plane, in his uniform, and looking so handsome - just as he always did.  It was a gloriously beautiful day, and one I won't soon forget.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ going downton ~

If you don't watch Downton Abbey, you're seriously missing out.

here are some reasons why you should tune in:

• gorgeous costumes
• awesome filming locations
• early 20th century slang
• character deaths
• Maggie Smith's general badassary 
• frustrating early 20th century sexism
• men in tuxes
• insane amounts of drama
• sassy, strong, independent, corseted ladies 

This is just a short list of the many reasons why not watching downton abbey should be a crime.  Now let's talk about those costumes.  Since the first season is set in pre-war england, you can expect ridiculous amounts of lace, velvet, and extravagance.




But my favorites are definitely seasons 3 and 4 - we're in the 1920s, jazz is in, and the clothing is (somewhat) more comfortable.








Looking at these photos reminded me of the 1920s themed Gala that I attended last year.

I'll leave you with one final Maggie Smith-related reason to watch Downton:

xoxo,
Eliza