NumberNineteen

Caught My Fancy -- May

I don't know how the last week slipped by, but I totally forgot to post!  By the time that I realized it, it was the middle of the week & I decided to wait until this week.  After months of having nothing on my social calendar suddenly I have something going on every weekend.  I'm chalking it up to spring and the end of school drawing near. Warmth & freedom -- an irresistible combination.  Here are a few things that have caught my fancy this month:

Lucketts Spring Market - Last weekend I went to the Lucketts Spring Market for the second year in a row.   This year, no rain!  They moved it to a new location, more suited for all kinds of weather but the rain held off this year.  It's a bit farther for me, but I enjoyed it.  My girlfriend & I had a great time catching up while perusing the booths.  I found a few small things, all of which will be found soon in my etsy shop.  

 

Love Actually Sequel - If you haven't seen the Love Actually mini sequel that was made to benefit Red Nose Day, you must check it out.  They manage to tie up loose ends and answer the  "I wonder what happened with..." questions.   It's funny and heartwarming and satisfying.

(photo from House and Garden UK)

The Winnie the Pooh House Is For Sale - The house around which A A Milne created the Winnie the Pooh books is up for sale.  It is surrounded by the places that inspired The Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh Corner and more.  And, the interior is just as wonderful as you would imagine Christopher Robin's house to be. I want it.  Or, I want to vacation in it.  Currently on the market for 1.85 Million Pounds (!).

(photo from The Great British Afternoon Tea Company Instagram Feed)

The Great British Afternoon Tea Company - Since going to tea with Hope over Spring Break, I've been fascinated with tea parties.  On Instagram I stumbled across the most wonderful purveyor of tea parties this side of the Atlantic, Andrea Bradley Golombeck.  Her company, The Great British Afternoon Tea Company, puts on the most beautiful, elegant and delicious looking teas that you've ever seen. Her IG feed is pure eye candy.  And, she seems like a total sweetie.  Check her out!

Alrighty, I'm off to take advantage of the sunshine and get into my garden.  I hope that you all are enjoying a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Caught My Fancy -- March

It looks like spring weather is finally here for good!  It was warm enough this weekend to take walks and do yard work. Our grape hyacinths are coming up and tulip leaves are showing their faces. Before we know it, the roses and peonies will be in bloom.  Color is coming back to the world!  Here is what has caught my fancy this month....

Amazing Miniatures - I was puttering around Pinterest and saw this adorable cottage bedroom.  I followed the link to the original website and found out that it's a miniature!  Can you believe it? I checked out the artist's Flickr account and found photos of hundreds of her miniature room creations.  The dolls in some of the pictures kind of freak me out, but the rooms are amazing!  I could spend hours checking out all of the details -- so true to life!  The artist's name is Nerea Pozo.

The Durrells in Corfu - I'm totally late to the game on this one, as it originally aired on PBS last year, but I've been loving The Durrells in Corfu.  It's the story of a quirky English family that, depressed with gray 1930s England, picks up and moves to Corfu.  The widowed mother has no means of income, her children are self absorbed and there are plenty of interesting locals.  I wasn't sure about it at first, but after the second episode, I fell in love with the characters and all of their foibles.  I found out that it's based upon the real family of author Lawrence Durrell and naturalist Gerry Durrell.

 Grocery Stores Through the Decades -Haha, the photo above caught my eye in this photo story because when I was really little, I remember women in stores with their hair in curlers.  I guess that the reasoning was that it didn't matter as long as their husband/boyfriend didn't see them???  In any case, the article is full of fun pictures of grocery stores from the past.

 Hilarious Facebook Post From the Baltimore Police - OK, I realize that seeing a picture of a gun on my monthly run-down is definitely unusual.  But, this Facebook post from the Baltimore Police Department is pure internet gold.  Their headlines said "Officers Arrest Man With Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop".  One wouldn't expect that the weapon in question was from the Civil War....!  The commenters ran with it and I was laughing so hard, I had tears running down my face.  One example: "When you're a gangsta AND a Civil War re-enactor, but can only afford one gun." !

That's it for this month.  I hope that spring has arrived wherever you are! 

Caught My Fancy -- February

Hey there! After a bit of a lull in writing I have a bunch of posts ready to go, but I really want to share a few things this weekend that are high on my list right now.  My fancy at the moment is all about spring and looking for the positive....

Penn State Dance Marathon - My hometown, my heart.  Penn State's dance marathon, known as THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, is happening this weekend.  Students raise money all year, culminating in a 46 hour dance marathon, all of it benefiting children's cancer care and research.  Since it's inception, students have raised over $136 million for the kids.  Check it out and consider giving to this inspiring and wonderful cause.

 

Principal's Snow Day - This probably qualifies as teacher humor, but I cannot help myself from sharing.  Gerry Brooks is an elementary principal who posts the funniest YouTube videos about working in education.  My favorite is his "Bear Protection Products" video, but the snow day one seems particularly timely for February, even though we haven't had one single snow day this year.

Paper Source Garden Party Collection - Moving on to spring (if we aren't gonna get any snow days, we might as well just move on to spring)....When I opened my email from Paper Source earlier this week and saw their Garden Party collection, I thought "I want to live in this pretty papery world!"  Tea scented erasers! Paper Flowers! Garden Party Journals! I'll take one of each!

Loft's Spring Collection - I'm going to tell the truth, Loft's clothes haven't been thrilling me the past few seasons.  This spring, however, they are back!  I'm loving their florals and feminine details, especially the gorgeous blouses.  I don't need any clothes right now, but I may just have to pick up a few tops anyway ;)

I'll be back later this week with a few fun decorating tweaks that I've made recently!

 

 

Caught My Fancy - January

We are headed towards the end of January and I think that it's high time for a Caught My Fancy post!  We need something bright in this gray month, don't we?

 

Noble Mount Jammies - I received a pair of these for Christmas and they are the best.jammies.ever.  And, take it from me, I know flannel jammies (ask my family). I wear flannel pjs all winter and sometimes in the summer if the AC is on high!  And these are my favorites. First of all, they came beautifully packaged in a box that I couldn't bear to throw away.  And the pajamas themselves are so soft and thick.  I got a set in a London Bridge print (pictured above) which is sadly no longer available, but there are so many other cute ones.

 

Cat Plays Whack-A-Finger - If you need a giggle, watch this video.  A cat (who looks much like my sweet Dexter boy) is utterly entranced and challenged by a box and a re-appearing finger. I need to get a cat again soon. And a box with holes.

Pink Martini - I recently was digging through some old CDs (yes, I still listen to them!) and pulled out Pink Martini's Sympathique.  I am falling in love again with their jazz/lounge/European/South American sound.  Can't figure out how those sounds can all come together? Check them out, they are dreamy:

 

Anthropologie Purple Cut Glass Cake Plate - I hit the gift giving jackpot with this stunning cake plate.  I am 99% sure that the recipient doesn't read my blog (if so: Hey Erin - Surprise!), so I feel safe sharing it here.  My friend LOVES purple and loves to bake.  When I found this cake plate on Anthro's website, I knew that I found the perfect birthday gift for her.  I hope that she loves it as much as I think that she will.

Finally, I cannot let the opportunity pass without shouting out to the most inspirational people in my world, our world right now -- the marchers in Saturday's worldwide demonstrations for civil rights, equality and respect.  You have given me hope and inspiration.

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Caught My Fancy -- November

I can barely believe that it's time for another Caught My Fancy post.  I feel like I haven't stopped for a minute since Halloween!

The Crown -  This series is so, so good. It's the story of the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign and really humanizes her.  The sets and costumes are also amazing. If you are looking for something to fill the hole of Downton Abbey, this is it.  

(photo from www.playpartyplan.com)

Gilmore Girls Bingo - I know, I know, more with the Gilmore Girls!  But, this is perfect and I have to share.  Britini at PlayPartyPlan has created the perfect game to go with the Gilmore Girls reboot -- GG bingo!  And, she is offering it for free! There are two card options: characters or items and several versions of each option.  Which to choose???  I know what I'll be doing on November 25th.

Lands End Plaid Tote - I am devoted to my LL Bean Boat and Tote bag, but mine is getting a little worse for the wear after 6 years of constant use. I was planning on ordering another, but then I spied this adorable tote in the Lands End catalog.  Red plaid!  I'm so tempted....

 

2016 5th Avenue Christmas Windows - We are going up to New York tomorrow and I can't wait!  The official reason is to celebrate my parent's 70th birthdays but one of the most anticipated parts of our stay is seeing this year's department store Christmas windows.  I'm posting this video that was posted last week, but I'm not going to let myself look at it.  I want it to be magical when I see it in person.

I hope that you are enjoying November.  It has completely FLOWN for me & I'm guessing that it is the same for you.  I can't believe that we will be putting up our Christmas tree next weekend!

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Caught My Fancy -- October

It's the most perfect fall weekend here in Virginia and from what I can see from other East Coast bloggers, it's pretty perfect everywhere on this side of the country.  I'm taking it easy after some very hard weeks at work.  A trip to the public library, baking, dinner in Old Town Alexandria and lots of reading.  Here is what has been catching my eye this month....

 

Stars Hollow Everything - With the upcoming Gilmore Girls re-boot (so excited!), Stars Hollow wonderfulness is everywhere.  Netflix turned local coffee shops into Luke's Diner on October 5th (why oh why did I find out too late???) and there is a Gilmore Girls Fanfest in Washington Depot, CT Oct 21-23.  Sorry everyone -- tickets are sold out, but I'm sure that there will be oodles of pics online.  My favorite recent Gilmore Girls discovery is the website of this guy who is searching for the "Real" Stars Hollow: Finding Stars Hollow.  Since living in my own personal Stars Hollow is my life's dream, I'm loving his video of his visits to Connecticut towns (see above), searching for the town that most closely matches the TV fantasy.

Box of Donuts Halloween Costume - I saw this in a local store and was crushed to find that it is only available in children's sizes.  I think that this is one of the cutest and most clever costumes that I've seen.  A few of the felt donuts are detachable with velcro so that you can "share" them with a friend.  If you'd like to get this for your kiddo, it's available on ebay from several vendors: link, link, link.

(image from Eastloru via Instagram)

Decorated Planners- I've mentioned previously that my life runs by my planner during the school year.  I've recently been caught by the decorated planner bug -- washi tape, pretty seasonal stickers, writing in different colors.  It only takes me about 1/2 hour every week to dress up my pages, but it gives me so much pleasure to do it.  It truly lifts my mood to see those bright pages every day.  There are so many inspirational planners on Instagram and Pinterest.  A few that I follow are Eastloru, Georginathelibrarian, and Prettypaperpassion.

That is what has caught my fancy this month!  I'm off to take a wee nap before we head out to dinner....

 

Caught My Fancy -- September

It's been such a long time since I've done a Caught My Fancy post -- I'd say it's about time for another, don't you?  Let's get started....

 

Quaintly & Co - "The British Lifestyle Subscription Box".  Ummm, you had me at hello!  British Lifestyle?  In a box that shows up at my door? Yes & yes!  Last month's box was themed "Love From London", this month's is "Tea Time.

16 Library Bars in London - While we are on the British theme...let's talk about two of my favorite things: reading and drinking wine.  If they were to happen at the same time IN LONDON, wouldn't that be the trifecta of perfection???  So, I'll be keeping this list handy for our next trip to the UK.

 

Babies Dressed as Skunks - It's a little early to be talking about costumes, but I have to share this video.  If these babies dressed in skunk costumes don't make you smile, I don't know what will.

Cover Girl Outlast Lipcolor - I started using this lipstick about a month ago and I love it.  I put it on in the morning before work and it lasts ALL DAY.  The topcoat keeps my lips from being dry but it's not too sticky like the topcoats that I've used with other long wearing lipcolors.  It comes in about a million colors and runs about $8.  

Frances Valentine - I recently learned that the amazing Kate Spade is back in the fashion industry with a new brand, Frances Valentine.  She left Kate Spade New York in 2007 after it was sold and spent 8 years focusing on her family.  Her new brand has the same Kate Spade classic but sophisticated style that we know but has just a smidge more of a modern edge.  A few favorites from her fall line are the Lucy Wool Crossbody , the Margaret Suede Tote , and the Mini Ann Leather Bucket Bag. 

There you have it -- five fun things for the beginning of fall.  Has anything caught your eye recently?

Caught My Fancy -- April

It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of April (well, that flew by, didn't it??) but here we are.  Right now, I'd like to hurry up May & the first part of June and then have July and the first part of August last a.very.very.long.time.  Summer vacation can't come soon enough...!  Onward to the fun things that have caught my fancy in this quickly moving month....

source: The Blond at the Film

Old Movies - I have been loving old movies recently, especially anything from the 1940s.  Have I told you that if I could go back in time, it would be to the 40s, without a doubt?  I started watching movies from this list that I somehow missed in my old-movie-loving youth.  My favorite so far is The More The Merrier, which can be found on youtube if you do some searching (and don't mind watching it in 10 minute increments).  Very cute, very funny, lots of chemistry and a fabulous 1940s apartment that I'd move into any day.  Are there any old movies, especially from the 40s, that I need to see?

Catios - Did you all know that this is a thing?  It all started as an observation that we should build a little screened cat box onto one of our windows because Dexter loves to be outside, but it's not safe with all of the birds of prey that live around here.  Something like this:

I was trying to describe what I was talking about to Glenn and looked up 'screened porch for cats' in Google.  Oh my gosh.  It turns out that this is a new thing for cats, called "Catios"!  Not just a box attached to a window, but entire jungle-gym type structures that take up a yard!  My favorite is this one, that is like a tree house for cats:

 

Style On Target - You guys know that I love cute clothes on a budget and I really love finding blogs that give me great ideas on how to find them.  Style on Target is one that I just discovered.  She posts cute outfits almost every day that feature at least one item from Target as well as pieces from other affordable stores.  And -- BONUS -- she posts updates on weekly sales happening at favorites like Loft, Old Navy, J. Crew, The Gap and (of course) Target.

That is it for links.  I've been spending my time watching old movies, catching up on PBS period dramas and gardening.  I'm itching to go to another flea market, but I don't think that there is another happening until the first week of May.  I'll keep you updated!

 

 

 

Caught My Fancy -- March

How is it the end of March?  This month has flown by!  I'm loving the beginning of spring.  A few of our bulbs have started to come up and the air smells just delicious.  I'm opening the windows at every opportunity to get that sweetness inside.

Here are a few things that have caught my fancy this month:

Starbucks To Donate Unsold Food - I love my Starbucks and love that they are a responsible corporate citizen.  Their newest action is to donate unsold food to local food pantries.  I believe that this may have been happening on a local level for awhile, but I love that they have decided to roll it out company-wide.

Kate Morton Novels - I picked up The Secret Keeper at a bookstore last November and picked it up a few weeks ago.  And, couldn't put it down.  The book literally has surprises up until the very last page.  A week or so after I finished The Secret Keeper, I noticed her new book, The Lake House, at the library.  Again, it was a so-good-can't-put-it-down type of book.  If you haven't read her books, go to the library and find them!

The Forsyte Saga - I'm still mourning the end of Downton Abbey (how will I get through next January without it, sniff, sniff), but I've found a another period drama that has loads of juicy Drama to take it's place.  It's the story of two branches of the upper class Forsyte family in England from the late 1800s until the early part of the 20th century.  Lots of drama, gorgeous sets and costumes -- it's got it all.  It's available for streaming on Amazon Prime and on DVD from Netflix.

Just those three things for today...I hope that you are enjoying the beginnings of spring in your world!

Caught My Fancy -- February

I haven't done a Caught My Fancy post in awhile, so I thought that it would be fun to share some things that I've been loving recently!

 

Surprize Balls - The name of these adorable treats makes me think of something one of my sarcastic middle schoolers would say ("well, hello, surprize balls...") but I have been obsessed with them since finding them online at Tops Malibu.

Each ball is layers & layers of crepe paper, which you unravel to find prizes, fortunes, mini toys and treats hidden within the layers.  Aren't they fun?  I think that the Easter ones would be great favors for Easter dinner or brunch:

(both photos from the Tops Malibu website)

I'm kind of itching to try my hand at making one.

 

Making Bagels at Home - Since being in New York, I've really wanted to see if I could replicate authentic New York bagels.  One of my earliest memories is when we visited my grandparents in New Jersey, my grandfather would take me to the bakery on Sunday morning to pick out bagels for brunch.  So, I'm a bagel lover from way back. A few weeks ago, I tried them out and they were SO GOOD.

I used Peter Reinhart's bagel recipe which I found on Smitten Kitchen.  I followed the recipe except for 2 ingredients that I didn't have -- barley malt syrup and high gluten flour (I used honey & bread flour instead).  Being the kind of gal that I am, I figured, "If the first try turned out well, what would they be like if I had all of the perfect ingredients???".  So, I tracked down the syrup and ordered the flour online and baked them again this morning.  You know what?  Next time, I'm going back to regular old bread flour. 

If you decide to make them, keep in mind that it's a two day process.  Also, Ms. Smitten Kitchen says that she boils her bagels for 2 minutes on each side.  Yeah, when I did that, they turned out soggy.  One minute per side next time.

The Return of Kimmy Schmidt - I don't watch much TV (I'm too busy messing around on Pinterest! Ha!), but when I find something on that I like, I can't stop watching.  Last spring break, it was The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.  I binge watched all week and then binge watched it again the following weekend when I convinced Glenn that he had to see it. Oh.My.God. it is so funny.  I'm so excited for the new season, premiering on Netflix on April 15. Check out the trailer:

 

My Planner - My life has been very, very full recently between exciting things going on at work, Hope's activities, personal goals and family obligations.  My planner has been my bible to keep it all straight. There are a million planners out there, but the one that I have found that works for me is I Heart Organizing's weekly planner.

I love this planner -- 2 pages per week, places for personal and work goals, spots for meal planning, lots of room for daily to-dos and more. I have developed a really good system with this planner that keeps me on target both at work and at home. I know that there are a lot of people out there looking for ways to become more organized, so if there is interest, I'd be happy to do a post about my system.