Room 334 & A Trick or Treat Sweet

Happy Halloween Darlings!

Come and knock on the door at Room 334 today.  That's where I am hiding out.  I'm getting all nostalgic and talking about how this coat was the start of everything....

Take a hop, skip, and a jump THIS WAY to meet me there.

And though I may not be dressing up this year since this week finds me in wedding celebration, I am giving away a lovely little trick-or-treat sweet over at Madalynne on behalf of my shop AllyHoot Vintage in celebration of Halloween.

Hop THIS WAY and snag yourself a pretty little tapestry bag...

Hope your day is full of ghouls, sweet treats, and spooky surprises! 

Love Bunches, 

The Departure II

Hello there Darlings, 

Things have been quiet around these parts lately as I am now safely nestled on Hilton Head Island, SC with friends and family ready to celebrate my sister's wedding.  We had a slight hiccup in plans as we picked up and left PA early all due to this gal named Sandy who decided to viciously grace us with her hurricane winds and rain and all that fun stuff.   It was a little scary to say the least, but thankfully we got out and made it here in one piece.  The sun is shining, the skies are blue, and I am happy as a clam.

So now I just wanted to pop in and say a big warm hello.  I hope to catch up with you all very soon!

Love Bunches, 

Friday Favorites // October Edition

Hello again, 

It's the end of the month, so I am back with my Friday Favorites along with a couple of my lovely sponsors and all the things that have put that little sparkle in our eyes for the month of October.

(Here)

Uh these fawn and mushroom print tights...I don't think I need to explain.  Can I just tell you how bad I would love a pair of these in my drawer of tights?

(Here)

Keeping with the animal theme, because we all love cute little critters, don't we?  I just adore this little fox pullover.  What I would give to stumble across a similar one of these at the thrift store.  Until then, this little number will be keeping me quite dreamy-eyed.

   

(Here)

Ok, so I know we've seen a ton of Alice in Wonderland inspired costumes and even clothing in the past couple years, but this little gal's Alice number just tugged at my heartstrings and I couldn't help but just totally be thrown into swoon-mode by it.  If I ever have a little girl of my own, this homemade costume will be on the top of my list for her.  Cute, cute, cute.

(Here)

Every year for Halloween my grandparents would buy loads of Halloween candy, then my dear grandfather would sit at the dining room table and make little baggies of it for all the trick-or-treaters that would come by.  I always thought it was pretty cool that he gave out quite the assortment of Hershey minis, sweet tarts, mini snickers and so on, unlike the other houses which only gave out one kind.  Year after year, I would sit with him and help him make the baggies, so naturally stumbling across this creative way of making them got me all kinds of excited and brought back many sweet memories.  

*****

Lauren // Old Red Boots:

Lately I have been loving anything with pumpkin, especially this recipe http://www.marthastewart.com/344826/pumpkin-whoopie-pies-with-cream-cheese-f

I made these whoopie pies last weekend and they were out of this world. I even roasted the pumpkin from scratch. (patting myself on the back). Pumpkins are what fall is all about

Best,

Lauren

www.oldredboots.com

*****

Autumn // The Busy Bee

(Here)

I am loving these vintage plates with anatomical skulls fired onto them. They would be awesome to use for your seasonal place settings on your dining table or for a Halloween themed dinner party! I think its such a neat idea! Why didn't I think of that?!

Autumn

The Busy Bee

*****

Thanks for reading along with us today.  What are some things that are currently tickling your fancy?  Happy Friday Darlings!

Love Bunches, 

Let's hang out in November

Hello, hello, 

It's that time of the month again and it's so hard to believe how quickly fall is flying by.  I'm super excited about the holiday season and everything that is to come in the next couple months.  If you would like to be a part of The Shades of Monet Chronicles, jump OVER HERE  or click on the "Advertise" tab for more information.  I'd love to have you hop on board!

A big thanks to all the gorgeous gals who sponsored in October.  You ladies are as sweet as pumpkin pie!

Catch up soon darlings!

Love Bunches, 

Tunnels

 Outfit Details: Floral Crown & Collar: DIY // Sweater: Thrifted // Top: Modcloth // Brooch: Antique Mall // Skirt: Gap // Tights: We Love Color // Shoes: Gift from mother

Oh hello there darlings, 

Today is another busy one in my book - seems that every day has been like this lately.  I honestly cannot wait to be lying on the beach during this time next week.  These last couple months have been a bit of a whirlwind, so I welcome this upcoming vacation/wedding week with open arms.  

I've been crafting up a storm lately making floral crowns for my sister's wedding - yes, it's crunch time, so I must get those beauties done.  Speaking of projects, remember this collar I retooled off of an old blouse last month?...Well here it is making it's first official appearance in an outfit.  I'm pretty much so a sucker for any kind of collar, so I hope to be crafting up more of these down the road.  A gal can never have enough neck candy, right?  You can find the full DIY right here.

As for these photos, they were from a day the Mr. and I were out and about and driving on a steep and narrow back mountain road.  We just happened to notice this little tunnel that lead from one side of the road to the next so of course being curious as two cats, we had to stop and poke around.  Sometimes you just can't help yourself, yes?  

Now that I have rambled on about this and that and everything in between, I must be off, off, and away and wish you all one happy Tuesday!  

Love Bunches, 

Galactic Autumn

It's Monday, Monday darlings.  I know, I know, don't groan - though the start to another work or school week has begun, just think, we are one step closer to the holidays...Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, New Year's - yes,  a very merry season is just about here.  

Anyhow, I have been busy as a bee getting ready for my sister's wedding.  Next week I will be off to Hilton Head Island, SC to celebrate a week of wedding bliss.  Until then I have much to do to get ready to leave.  As for today, you can find me back over at Flock Together with a fresh new swap incorporating an out-of-this-world galaxy print skirt.  Hop on OVER HERE to see who it belongs to and read a little more about this remix.

Talk soon!
xo Marisa

The Craft Room: Ruby Red Slippers

Since it's Friday and very rainy out today, I wanted to kick off the weekend with a very simple DIY involving these old patent leather flats of mine that have been beaten and bruised and sadly neglected in the back of my closet for a very long time now.  I believe the last I ever wore these darlings was right here in 2009....back when I was pregnant.  They have since gotten creased and have gone missing a buckle.  Not so cute anymore, right?

Anyhow, I'm a firm believer in recycling old pieces like this and giving them a new life.  My inspiration was Dorothy and her ruby red slippers of course.  So let's begin...this one is easy my friends and doesn't take much crafting skill, if you ask me.  

What you need:

Old shoes - I used my Chinese Laundry patent ballet flats.

Scrap material - This apple print material that came from this dress was perfect!

A small craft brush (or a paint brush if you prefer)

Glitter - I used the Martha Stewart brand in Garnet

Mod Podge

A bowl

Scissors & a glue gun (for the bows)

Step 1: Mix your glitter & mod podge together.  Make sure you add enough glitter for plenty of sparkle.  Since Mod Podge is a little stinky, I like to work near an open window.  I also start by holding my shoes & painting them over the big bowl.  Glitter tends to get everywhere, so this keeps it more contained.

Step 2: Dab the paint on and brush it in long strokes in the same direction to make sure your coverage is nice and even.  Let this dry.  You can now go back and touch up any spots that need more glitter.

 Step 3: Make your bows.  If you're not familiar with how to make a small bow like this CLICK HERE for directions from one of my previous DIYs.

Step 4: Glue the bows on with a glue gun and you are finished!!!  

Now click your heels together three times and say, "There's no place like home".  Fitting because I'm leaving to go back to my hometown this weekend for a couple days :)

Have a gorgeous weekend darlings!  

Love Bunches,

October Sponsor Spotlight

Hello there darlings,

It's hard to believe we have almost hit the weekend (I am shouting hooray inside).  Before we do though, I wanted to take a moment and introduce my October sponsors.  Get to know these gorgeous gals & their blogs because they are pretty darn awesome, I must say.  Thanks so much ladies for sponsoring The Shades of Monet Chronicles in October!

Twitter // Blog // Facebook 

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 Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

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 Blog //  Twitter // Tumblr

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 Blog // Facebook // Twitter

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Blog// Instagram // Twitter

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Interesting in grabbing an ad space for November?  Jump over HERE to find out more.

Catch you later!

Love Bunches,

Flock Together

Happy Hump Day Darlings, 

I have flown the coop and am nesting over at Flock Together, our brand new blogger collective today.  Fly on over this way to find out a little more about this bird if you do so please.....

See you there!

xo,

Marisa

Mother Goose

Outfit Details: Dress & Blouse: Vintage in Shop here & here // Headband: Modcloth (sale) // Tights: We Love Colors // Shoes: Clarks, gift from hubby

Hello there darlings, 

Boy oh boy how amazing it feels to be up and at it and back to my normal self again!  Of course, this called for some outdoor play with the fam and a little celebration out to get water ice because the evening was just so warm and beautiful to pass that offer up.

As for today - well I'm off on a field trip this very minute to a local apple orchard with my son and his preschool class.  I am so very excited as this is his very first field trip and I am chaperoning for it!  My first one was to the mall to go to Orange Julius (do they still have these around?) when I was 2.  As I was the youngest (and tinniest) in the class I was at the very back of the line holding the teacher's aide's hand.  Of course I really don't remember this, but my mom (being a tad nervous & curious) apparently went to the mall and kind of spied to check up on me and make sure I was alright - it being my first field trip and all.    I always found that story rather amusing, but I could totally see myself doing the same thing if I were not there for my son's :)  

Do any of you recall your first field trip?  

Talk soon darlings!
Love Bunches, 

What I Ate // Sick Days Edition: Cabbage Potato Soup

Happy Monday darlings!

As you know, last week had me doing a little dance with the fall cold.  Quite a bummer, right?  Anyhow, the one thing I had a hankering for all week long was soup...because after all, it really is the most comforting, soul-warming thing when you are stuck in bed with the sniffles.  

About a month back, the Mr. was sick as well and asked if I could whip up a quick soup for him.  Being that it was the end of the week and we were in dire need of a trip to the grocery store, I scoured the house for any ingredients that I could throw into a big pot and concoct a yummy delicious soup from and this is exactly what came about.  Thank goodness for friends who have garden plots and have showered me with plenty of cabbage amongst other veggies all season long.  I'm not going to lie, this is my favorite kind of soup ever and I have made it every week during the past month.  It's very quick to make, but of course the longer you let it sit and simmer, the more savory and mouth-watering it becomes.  It is hearty and rustic, and altogether perfect for a cold fall or winter day.  

What you need

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 pound red potatoes, skin on, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

3 carrots, peeled and diced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 small white onion, finely chopped

5 cups stock (chicken or vegetable)

2 bay leaves

salt & pepper

16 oz. can of cannellini beans, drained & rinsed

1/2 head of medium-sized cabbage, cored & sliced into ribbons

parmesan cheese & a little more olive oil for topping.

Directions:

Warm olive oil in a thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.  Stir in a pinch of salt & potatoes, then add carrots.  Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender and starting to brown.

Stir in garlic & onions and cook for another minute.

Add your stock, bay leaves, & beans and bring to a simmer.

Stir in cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.  Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to suit your tastes.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and top with a healthy handful of parmesan cheese.  Don't forget to include a crusty french  baguette on the side to soak up all the yummy broth once you are finished.

Bon Appetit!  

* Not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with kale instead :)
* Yields 4 hearty servings

Catch you tomorrow darlings!

Love Bunches, 

Golden Delicious

Oufit Details: Dress: Swap via Jacqueline // Floral Crown: Little Honey Pies // Bow tie: Antique Mall // Tights: Modcloth // Shoes: Poetic License via Amazon

Perfect fall days look quite like this: 

Dressing up to run out to the store for more flour and eggs because they can't seem to stay on my shelf this time of year - darn pumpkin desserts.  Apple pie cupcakes are next on my list.

Picking out mums and pretty plump pumpkins to decorate with - don't they make the doorstep look much more cheerful?  

Jamming with friends - yes, I can jam on my ukelele.    

Building train tracks with my son.  It's amazing how therapeutic this is.

Lots of tea with honey and an old movie - Summer Magic was the choice of the evening.  I just adore Hayley Mills.

Leaves that go from green to gold in a matter of days.

In the past couple of weeks, down time has been few and far between...so it's these small moments that make life seem a little more special.  I don't need a lot of hustle and bustle and running around to make me a happy girl.  I'm quite content being still and just taking in every beat of this season.

Happy Saturday darlings.

What is this season looking like for you so far?

Love Bunches,