{ caught on film: summer allen-gibson - aka indierocket }

These gorgeous photos were taken by Summer Allen-Gibson whom you might know from Design-is-Mine, her inspiring design blog. I'm in awe of her talent and love the richness of color and texture found in her photos, which by the way, were all taken using film. She's made me realize that I need to give up my wimpy, conservative ways when shooting film and just go for it. I hope we continue to see more photo loveliness from Summer (wouldn't it be great if she started making her prints available for purchase--hint, hint!).

To see more:

Visit Summer's flickr stream, IndieRocket

Stop by Summer's blog, Design is Mine

{ interior inspiration: farmhouse fabulous }

I originally spotted this gorgeous farmhouse located in upper state NY as I quickly browsed through the September issue of Country Living. I had bookmarked it (the old fashioned way), intending to come back to it, but it wasn't until I saw it again on the lovely Vintage Simple, that I remembered it. Aside from loving *everything* about it, it also serves as a visual "to-do" list of things I'd like to do around the ole home front.

Find new chairs for our kitchen table. Love the industrial vibe of these.

Create a chalk board wall/message center.

Tidy up my office (again!)

Paint** our bedroom & change out the linens to all white.

**P.S. Wouldn't you love waking up every morning to a wall color with the name, "Mountain Air" (as seen in the last image)?

All images via Country Living. Thanks again Maria for reminding me about this home.

{ the good stuff: wee wishes }

Last week, I attended back-to-school night in my daughter's classroom and had the opportunity to peruse some of the projects the children have completed this school year. In one corner of the classroom was a wall covered in kites that the children had colored. I went to take a closer look at their artwork and realized each student was also asked to write their "wishes" along the tail of their kite. Rather than a litany of requests for the latest video game gadgets, the kids' responses were quite thoughtful (and adorable). These were a few of my favorites:

"I wish I was the nicest kid in the world."

"I wish I was rich so I could help poor people more."

"I wish Obama could be the President forever."

"I wish Peter Pan was real so he could take me to Neverland."

(imagine who wrote this one)

image credit: jonas peterson ~ an incredible (incredible!) photographer

{ constant cravings: simple fall blooms }

Fresh Fall blooms in mismatched jars + vases...so simple, yet so stunning.

Run to T.J.'s this weekend and try it yourself.

What do you all have planned for the weekend?

We have a sunny, relaxing couple of days ahead of us...I can't wait.

see you Monday xo ~Suzanne

Sources:

top & bottom photo: mary ruffle

middle (top row): chelsea and kate headley

middle (bottom row) kate headley, max wagner (spotted here), kate headley

{ thursday thoughts }

write it in your heart print by vol25

{ a few of my favorite things: claudine hellmuth stationery }

I love this just released line of paper goods -- a clever collaboration between collage artist,

Claudine Hellmuth and Feterie, an online haven for paper lovers. What a fun way to personalize your greetings, calling cards, and special announcements

using photos of your family.

For full ordering details, visit Feterie

P.S. I think I recognize that adorable family in the upper left corner.

{ art i heart: kiki & polly

I spent countless hours playing on the monkey bars when I was in grade school. Perhaps that's why I adore these art prints by Kiki & Polly so much. (That and the fact that "Where I Go to Think" reminds me of my favorite small person).

{ constant cravings: scarves & hats for fall }

My essentials for this year's fall "uniform"

Sources:

top + bottom (left column): Fray

center (left column): Forever21

right colum: Anthropologie

Have a happy, happy weekend. What are you plans? We're doing kiddie soccer, work in the garden, and football...lots & lots of football. Enjoy!

{ small talk: peek...aren't you curious }

I want one of each in MY size please.

Scrumptious fashions for the wee set from the always adorable Peek...Aren't You Curious*

*So excited to discover they have a brick & mortar store close to me.

{ thursday thoughts }

Trust Your Instincts print by the fabulously talented, Ashley G

(via Design is Mine)

{ the good stuff: quiet sunrises }

Thanks to the new (furry) addition to our family, I am now awakened at the crack of dawn each and every morning--a tough transition given my notorious night owl ways. The plus side of this early morning ritual is my new found appreciation of sunrises. I can tell you first-hand that the early morning light bouncing off the cloud formations is absolutely stunning. And though I wish I could take credit for these lovely captures, I haven't yet pulled it together enough in these early morning hours to actually pull out my camera and snap away. Apparently though, there are people who can actually function at this hour and who share their their captures with the lovely Cloud Appreciation Society (who knew?!).

So tell me...will you be joining me for a sunrise start to the day or hitting the snooze button and snuggling back under the covers? (I wouldn't blame you if you did.)

All images via The Cloud Appreciation Society

{ a welcome change of seasons (finally!) }

If you've stopped by here over the last couple of weeks, you know that I've been holding on to summer with every ounce of strength I have. This weekend, however, I had a glimpse of good things to come...cooler temps, beautiful, cloudy skies, and even a bit of rain. Soon, I found myself hankering for sweaters, apple picking, and homemade soup. It's always about this time that I start nesting again, turning my attention from outdoor activities and travel to creating coziness and comfort at home. My mantra this Fall and Winter....simplify--which I think is exemplified perfectly in these gorgeous images by Atlanta Bartlett. Be sure to check out her online boutique, Pale and Interesting, too.

{ thursday thoughts }

Ever feel like you need to schedule a day to do nothing? I'm so there right now.

Be back (regularly) soon. Missing you all...

*found here

{ back to school }

I'm sure gonna miss having my little rock star around the house.

{ goodbye sweet summer }

Happy Friday! What are you all up to this weekend? I'm catching up on chores today and then hoping to squeeze in as much fun as possible during this final weekend of the season. Ideally, the next 3 days will look something like this...

a long leisurely drive to someplace new

a ferris wheel ride at the State Fair

a bike ride to our favorite ice cream shoppe

and catching up with family + friends

I'll be off celebrating Labor Day on Monday, so I'll meet you all back here on Tuesday!

All images found in the Skippy Designs etsy shop (and new fave found via CreateGirl

{ thursday thoughts }

"Growing up Fast" hand embroidered card (via Design is Mine)

My little one starts 3rd grade next week. 3rd grade!

This is my mantra for the school year...and thereafter. 

{ can you feel the love? }

One of the highlights of our vacation last week was our surprise "meetup" with my daughter's good friend, Autumn. Autumn and her family recently moved away from our hometown to Virginia and unbeknownst to little Autumn, we made arrangements with her mom for a surprise reunion at the National Aquarium. The big unveiling was priceless and the day was filled with endless giggles, hugs, and smiles--a wonderful reminder that true friendships are golden. I love this photo which captures the girls' final goodbye hug at the end of the day--heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.

Do you still keep in touch with any of your childhood friends? 

{these are the days }

Good morning all. It's so good to be back here with you after our incredible week away in Washington D.C. 

I love, love, love these gorgeous photos by new {to me} photographer, Alice Gao. I'm especially drawn to these images now because they seem to savor the final fleeting moments of carefree summer days--something which I, too, am trying to do.  Next week, it's back-to-school for my little one...always bittersweet for me. Sleeping in, family movie nights on a (gasp!) weeknight, and our girly-girl road trips will give way to the morning rush, homework, and soccer games. All good, just not so carefree *sigh*.

I look forward to catching up on your lovely blogs this week--thanks for your patience as I acclimate back to reality and try to make headway on my massive post vacation to-do list. 

You can purchase photography prints from Alice Gao via her lovely etsy shop.

Don't miss her gorgeous flickr stream.