{ happy halloweekend }

Yes, that is moi in the bunny costume...circa 1970s something. I absolutely loved celebrating Halloween as a child, didn't you? My mom made all of my costumes and I vividly remember each one. This year, my daughter's going to be an astronaut thanks to our amazing visit this summer to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

What are your halloween plans...I'd love to hear about your and/or your kiddos' costumes. Whatever your plans...enjoy!!!

{ thursday thoughts }

via jolie marie

Psst: Have you seen these little gems yet? I absolutely love the idea. I think everyone on my Christmas list will be receiving one this year.

{ life...unplugged }

It's amazing what can happen when the power goes out for a couple of hours...

bigger

I'm reminded of the importance of creating unplugged time every once in awhile. It's not always as easy as it sounds, but the payoff is priceless!

{ perpetually perfect... }

I tweeted*** about this project earlier, but it's just too good to not also share it here. I've gushed about these talented lovebirds before, but I think their latest creation is my absolute favorite. Using photos they took from their travels and brief residence in Paris earlier in the year, Nichole and Evan Robertson from Little Brown Pen created this amazing perpetual calendar. You can purchase it from their shops here and here and also learn about the creative process via their blog (that they took the time to share the details with us makes me love them even more). Enjoy!

***P.S. Are you on Twitter? If so, I'd love to connect with you. You will often find me sharing some my favorite finds there as well.

{ window shopping: 3 point 5 dollars

A quick little post to share these sweet paper goods from etsy shop, 3 point 5 dollars, based in Japan. And yes...everything in the shop is $3.50. Thinking cute stocking stuffers...

Thank you for all of your sweet and thoughtful comments. I'm working my way back to regular posting here on S.HOPtalk. :) Have a great week!

{ some random favorites... }

I've been very, very busy with offline projects this week, which means this space has (regretfully) been neglected. I did want to stop by and say hi and thought I would share some of the things I'm loving right now...including a few favorites which have been gathering dust in my collection of bookmarks. I think it will make me feel much better to share them all with you. Enjoy...

This piano has inspired a future weekend project

with my grandmother's piano (which I recently inherited). Can't wait!

Melissa's new "Tiny line" makes me oh-so-happy

an adorable, budget friendly solution to help freshen last year's jackets + scarves

this illustration + this post = Paris perfection

and it's quite possible I love everything in this new webshop (via Design is Mine)

And just so you know....I've been gone, but you certainly haven't been forgotten. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I get caught up on projects!

{ caught on film: photographer, bonnie tsang }

I happened upon photographer, Bonnie Tsang's site last night thanks to a tip from ink & button and was instantly captivated. Her wedding photography showcases her amazing talent and knack for capturing all that is beautiful. Every bit of her blog is pure eye candy. Even these "experimental" photos--shot recently in NYC using film with her toy Golden Half camera--are stunning.

I've often thought about why I have such a love affair with photography and taking photos. I think Bonnie articulates it perfectly when she says, "To me, photography is always about documenting the reality - from what I see to the state of mind I have at the moment". So well said. This weekend, treat yourself to a visit to Bonnie's blog. Happy, happy Friday everyone!

{ thursday thoughts }

Yes...laugh {lots!}

live simply by, the love shop

{ special reader discount from shabby apple }

Happy Wednesday friends. I'm so excited to share the oh-so-lovely online dress boutique, Shabby Apple with you today. I tell you, it's tempting to find a reason to dress in one of their charming frocks every. single. day--I just love them. Lucky for us, Shabby Apple is offering S.HOPtalk readers 10% off any purchase through October 28th. Simply enter coupon code: shoptalkbuzz10off during checkout. Enjoy my sweet friends!

P.S. Be sure to read about how they're helping to fight global poverty (and how you can help too!).

{ storm buddies }

As forecasted, we woke up to a huge storm this morning (at least for us Californians, it was huge). It ultimately knocked out our phone, internet and cable T.V. access all morning--meaning no distractions to take our minds off of the howling winds, broken tree branches, and pounding rain. I think our scared pup was just as happy to have little one around as she was to have him.

Thanks for your patience as I catch up on a backlog of to-dos. I'll see you all here tomorrow with a shiny and new post. xo ~Suzanne

{ art i heart: "missed connections" by sophie blackall }

I'm loving these illustrations by artist Sophie Blackall.

Each is inspired by a real life missed connection gleaned from posts on sites such as Craigslist. For the full story behind each work of art, be sure to stop by the delightful Missed Connections blog--scrumptious weekend reading.

P.S. Thank you to all of the readers (both new + old) who stopped by this week...I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit and share your lovely comments. For those of you new to S.HOPtalk, I look forward to getting to know you better! Have a wonderful weekend lovelies!

{ psst... }

I'm hanging out over here today sharing a few of my favorite {fall} things.

If you have a moment, please stop by for a visit.

image credit: flickr fave, liebmarlene

{ try it tuesday: diy party blowers }

I adore the idea of creating custom party blowers ~

a recent feature on Utterly Engaged (via Design Crush).

I can't wait to borrow this idea for little one's birthday in December.

You can find the super duper, easy-to-follow instructions here.

{ feeling blue... }

Dear Light Locations,

Oh how you tempt me once again...the cans of aqua and white paint stored in my garage are calling my name after spotting your lovely new location over the weekend. And those mismatched chairs around the dining room table have me hankering for a weekend of thrift stores and tag sales. Thank you for providing a happy place for my mind to wander on this lovely Monday morning. Tell me friends...are you feeling my kind of {aqua} blue today, too?

{ thursday thoughts }

By Carly Vous via Maedchenmitherz