~ 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

~ skirting the issue ~

It's funny how every summer the idea of wearing sweaters, tights, and plaid is sickening.  Yet the minute the temperature drops below 70 (which, let's face it, is cold for Floridians) I find myself unpacking the fall/winter clothes and wearing them even if I sweat through the layers.  In Florida you learn to accept the sweat, the warm falls, freezing winters, and generally bipolar weather.  I can't count how many times I'll be decked out in my winter clothes and someone on campus will walk past in shorts and a t-shirt!  Today was a perfect example of that - low 50s in the morning, high 70s in the afternoon.  As I walked out of the grocery store, a men's soccer team walked past in shorts, and tank tops (with a few shirtless ones mixed in).  Here's what I was wearing....

{vintage bobbie brooks skirt, F21 sweater, target tights and bag, isaac mizrahi shoes}

This skirt was my mom's from the late 60s/early 70s, and I'm completely in love with it!  And the shoes?  I got them when I was eleven and they still fit.  Definitely a good investment!

Oh and if you love vintage advertising, google "bobbie brooks ads" and have fun...

This outfit will be reserved for fall-related grocery shopping (pumpkin, brown sugar and cranberries), and library visits.  Now here's a word from our favorite clothing snob!

xoxo,

Eliza

~ internal screaming ~

Let's talk about pet peeves.  We all have a few.  Even Jay Leno, who lists his top pet peeve as "talk show hosts who have nothing to say."  We occasionally have to deal with someone who exhibits a few from the list, or perhaps you even live with that someone.  But rarely have I ever met someone who exhibits ALL of my top pet peeves and sits very near me during an hour and 15 minute class...until now.

•  nose whistling.  CHECK.
• stomach growing.  CHECK.
• clearing of the throat.  CHECK
• coughing.  CHECK.
• loud sniffing.  CHECK.
• asking annoying questions that have super obvious answers.  CHECK.
• kicking the back of my chair.  Seriously dude?!  CHECK.
• not making eye contact during a conversation.  CHECK.
• loud breathing.  CHECK.
• loud swallowing.  CHECK.
• tapping fingers/pencil on the desk.  CHECK.

You, sir, drive me insane.  Let's all take a moment to appreciate those who resist from exhibiting our top pet peeves and hope that we don't annoy the crap out of those around us.

xoxo,

Eliza

~ electric avenue ~

the eternal question: what do you wear when it's 45 degrees when you leave for class and 80 when you get out.

Exhibit A.
Skinny jeans, polka dot top, cardigan, and high heels (since walking around campus all day is the perfect time to wear them)

Exhibit B.
Highlighter yellow pants and a super thick sweater.  Never mind the fact that you'll be sweating bullets by the end of the day...you'll FEEL fantastic!

{please excuse my morning face - it was cold and I'd only had one cup of tea}

So far this week I've turned in an essay, given a presentation on creative thinking, finished all my design homework, and now I'm studying for a test, reading a script before rehearsal tomorrow and wiping a memory card for a photoshoot this weekend.  This Mindy Project gif explains my recent wardrobe choices...

So au revoir Tuesday, hello Wednesday.  Bring it on!

{via The Kitsch Bitsch on facebook}

xoxo,

Eliza

~ 18 ~

On November 1st, I turned 18!  I slept late, opened presents in the morning, had biscuits and tea for breakfast (a birthday tradition), baked my birthday cake with my mom, watched 42nd Street (my favorite movie), did a little drawing, took a nap, and then finished the day with dinner and cake with the family.  It was a great day and I enjoyed every second of it!



Seventeen was a transition year - full of trying new things, personal highs and lows, major life changes, the forming and breaking of relationships, and trying to figure out who I am.  It was a deep year!  And now I'm excited to move on and see what 18 has in store for me!

The first few days of this new age have been fantastic!  I went shopping and found the PERFECT boots for fall (my birthday present to myself), ran into one of my best friends who is back in town from college, had a photoshoot, and feasted on left over Halloween candy and birthday cake.

{currently wearing: gap sweater, gap jeans, old navy boots}

I am so loving this gorgeous fall weather Florida has been having!  One of my favorite things to do lately has been to sit outside and read while drinking tea.

{currently reading: The Catcher in the Rye}

If you've seen my art and graffiti board on pinterest during the last few weeks, you'll see that I'm completely obsessed with Kate Long Stevenson.  I recently discovered her work and can't get enough of it!



I hope you are all having a beautiful fall so far!

xoxo,
Eliza