He pours me honey in my tea, finds the deepest part of me

So it's been almost a week since I have updated my blog. Shame on me. Things have been such a crazy whirlwind that time has slipped through my fingers almost unnoticed. School began for us this past Monday (I work at a technical high school in the arts and human services academy) and I have barely had a moment to myself. So here I am now, blogging and savoring this very moment.

To catch up - It was another jammed packed weekend for Al and I. Quick recap - Friday night consisted of going to dinner with some friends at a wonderful little noodle house called Issei Noodle. The summer rolls and shrimp pho were de-lish. We concluded the night with coffee, tea, and dessert at Green Room. If you are from the central Pennsylvania area, I would highly recommend checking out both of these places in Carlisle. Everything at the Green Room is fresh, local, and organic. It is decked out with whimsical wall sculptures and paintings from local artists. I had homemade chocolate habanero and fresh garden mint chip ice cream. Oh my, it was unlike anything else I have ever tasted. The chocolate was deep and rich and the habanero gave it a hot and complex after note. I was thankful that I ordered it with a scoop of fresh garden mint chip, which was the perfect thing to cool off the heat.

On to Saturday - it was Al's 30th birthday! He is the best husband (and father) ever and I am so proud of him and so thankful to be his wife. I know I say this a lot, but it is true. To celebrate this momentous occasion, ee spent the day in Philly and went to Cuba Libre for lunch. Oh my gosh I swear it was one of the best meals I ever had at a restaurant. Camarones con canas - cuban bar-b-que shrimp with a fried pepper stuffed with mascarpone cheese and sweet potatoes and a pineapple guacamole salad made my taste buds party like it was 1999. I know, sounds corny, but food like this gets me excited. Before leaving, we downed coffees with mexican chocolate and cinnamon - so divine and then headed off to celebrate more with his family. It was such a lovely day.

To end this long post, I will note that we did not really take any pictures while we were out because we just wanted to enjoy one another, celebrating Al's special day, and honor our time alone together (and give Al the day off). I did however manage to snap a few pics the following day of what I wore. A lacy romper - more on the dressy side seemed to be the perfect thing on this day.

I hope everyone else had a beautiful weekend. Now that I'm getting used to the swing of my new schedule, I look forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs and getting plenty of rest and relaxation as this new weekend is quickly approaching.

Outfit Details:

Romper and headband: Modcloth

Cameo Necklace: Etsy

Tights: Topshop

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Ivy and Gold

Quick pic today - summer will be coming to an end in another month and when I look back, one thing I just couldn't get enough of all summer long was anything nautically inspired. I'm a sucker for the color combo navy and white, stripes, and pretty gold buttons. This outfit is just kind of a remix of different pieces I have. I haven't purchased anything for a while because I am saving up for some cozy fall clothes to keep me warm as the weather turns.

Outfit Details:

Blazer: Modcloth

Top, Skirt, Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Hat: Target

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

One minute, a friend, a road without end

I am back from this busy weekend. Monday found me completely wiped out as Saturday and Sunday were jammed packed to capacity, that I barely had time to breathe. No complaints though, most of my time was spent with family and friends and I loved every moment.

Today was a little chillier. It's amazing how cool 75 degrees feels after it has been 95 all summer long. It felt quite nice. I layered up my tights with ankle socks as normally this would be too much for this weather, but today it felt quite right. Again, my grandmother's hat seemed to be the perfect cherry to top off my outfit as sparse little raindrops fell. This little pleasure made me happy.

Outfit Details:

Dress: YesStyle.com

Hat: Vintage - Grandmother's

Tights: Modcloth

Shoes: Seychelles

By these cobbled streets

It was such a lovely evening. The weather was perfect today - no sign of mugginess or intense heat and the sun was out to say hello. My hubby, son, and I went for a walk in our town in a nearby park. I love this place. It's so quaint and charming and the greenery is just plain gorgeous. I love nights like this.

Quick post tonight though - unfortunately, I lost my camera charger in the move and it's getting frustrating taking pics on my hubby's Palm Pre. Grrr. I guess it could be worse though. One good thing is that the weekend is almost here. It has been quite stressful at work and I am ready to relax and celebrate perhaps. So hooray for Fridays, you make me oh so happy.

Outfit Details:

Top (Dress): Topshop

Shorts: Topshop

Headband: Modcloth

Shoes: Urban Outfittes

Fall Upon Us

Today there was a slight chill in the air. It felt like Autumn was quietly waiting around the corner to make her grand debut. For the first time in a long time, I really can't wait.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Anthropologie (on sale!)

Cardigan: Fletcher

Belt: Vintage

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Seychelles

Headband: Vintage DIY

I Heart: Butterfly Garden Crown by Little Honey Pies

You can probably tell by now that I am pretty much so obsessed with hair accessories. I love big bows, flowers, pretty hats, and funky headbands. I usually won't walk out of the house without something in my hair - I just don't feel complete. Does this sound crazy? Anyways, I recently came across Little Honey Pies Etsy store and I immediately fell in love with this Butterfly Garden Crown. So pretty and whimsical - this may just be my next accessory purchase for the fall.

Butterfly Garden Crown from Little Honey Pies via Etsy

Rainy days and Mondays

The rain had me stuck inside taking pics today. It's not what I had planned but it kept things interesting. Summer is coming to an end and I am quite excited to start breaking out the heavier tights and layering. Today I got a bit of a jump start on this: I guess I was a little over eager in this 8o degree weather, but oh well, I just couldn't help myself :-)

Outfit Details:

Blazer: Topshop

Blouse: Forever 21 (Borrowed from my sister)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Headband: Modcloth

Cameo Necklace: Etsy

Shoes: Seychelles

Freelance Whales: "Generator 1st Floor" (Tiny SXSW Concert)

Something beautiful to beat the Monday blues. <3, Marisa

P.S. New outfit post coming tonight:-)

In the mood for a little romance

Today has been very damp and dreary and all this rain and wind have quite literally rained on my parade (or taking photos at least). So since an outfit post is not in the cards, I thought I would post a collection of our family's wedding pics in lieu of my hubby and I recently celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary. These pics are very special to me and I feel incredibly lucky to have them. The people in them have left a beautiful legacy. They are near and dear to my heart.

My Great Grandparents

My Grandparents

My Parents

My husband's Grandparents

My husband's parents

Us

For Al,

I can't believe six years have gone by so fast. I treasure every moment with you and am so blessed that you are in my life. You are my best friend, my soul mate, and the best father to our son. I couldn't ask for better because it doesn't exist. Here's to many more adventures ahead. Thanks for being my number one fan.

Love,

Ris

I made wine from a lilac tree, put my heart in it's recipe

Today I raided my grandmother's closet and found a lovely hat and a pretty necklace in her jewelry box. It made me smile. It made me wonder it's history - where it came from, where it has traveled. I'm sure it holds some story. She may not remember, but it doesn't matter. Wearing it is special anyways, because it is hers.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Topshop

Hat: Vintage - Grandmother's

Necklace: Vintage - Grandmother's

Headband (Worn around hat) - Topshop

Shoes: Seychelles

We were wide eyed dreamers and wiser too.

Lately I have been all about rompers. They are just so darn comfy and seriously, who doesn't love comfort? Tomorrow is going to be 93 degrees and I'm really wishing I could wear this romper to work...though I don't think the office would appreciate it.

Outfit Details:

Romper: Modcloth

Cardigan: Fletcher

Headband: Modcloth

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Keane in Philly

Last night, my hubby and I celebrated our 6th anniversary seeing Ingrid Michaelson and Keane in concert at the Mann Center in Philly. We've seen both bands before - our 2nd time seeing Ingrid and I think 7th time seeing Keane and they never cease to blow me away. It's no secret that Keane is my favorite band ever - I just love everything about these guys.

Last year we had the pleasure of meeting them after their show in D.C. and they were so down to earth and really just took time to chat with their fans. Once again, my husband I got to meet them get a moment to snap a few pics.

Oh my gosh, could I smile any bigger?

Richard told me he liked the flower in my hair...lol.

Last year's pics from Keane in Washington. Little side note: soon after this night, I found out I was pregnant with our son. Coincidentally, his name is Keane:)

Tim asked Al and I if we were in a band. I think that made my night.

I thought a thousand million things that I could never think this morning

I have a million things on my mind right now. There is so much to do and I am feeling overwhelmed. I need to unpack, I need to practice piano for a wedding I am playing for this weekend, I need to do laundry, I need to sleep. I'm trying not to think about what else I need to do. Is anyone else feeling this way?

Onto my blog post. I've was eyeing this little romper in Urban Outfitters for quite some time and finally decided to go out on a limb and purchase it. (I was motivated even more so because I had a 20% coupon to use, lol). I am short and I am curvy and I realize that rompers are better suited for the tall and skinny, but I really didn't care because the purple and green floral print caught me. So here it is - my green and purple romper that is comfy, cool, and mad cute:

Ok, so I know there are many different opinions on this, but I love mixing brown with black. I was so happy when I found my mom's old belt. I was even happier to discover that it fit me again after months of carrying extra baby weight.

Meet my cat, Philly. He was spectating our little photo shoot through the back window.

Father and son. I love these guys!

Outfit Details:

Romper: Urban Outfitters

Headband: Topshop

Belt: Vintage, from mother

Cardigan: old

Necklace and Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Seychelles

Ring: Vintage, borrowed from grandmother