Coats and shoes and bags, oh my!

As I sat on the floor surrounded by mounds of clothing, trying to sort out the summer vs. winter wardrobes I realized that I have a serious coat addition.  Not that this is news to anyone who knows me.  Some girls love bags, some shoes... well I love coats.  Don't get me wrong I love my bags and shoes as well but coats are a whole other ball game.  I have winter coats, dressy coats, light weight coats, even an old school Red Sox jacket.  I have always had a thing for jackets, coats, blazers etc but recently it's gotten a bit out of hand. My christmas list so far consists of 10+ coats and some pots and pans for my kitchen- thats about it.   So for you fellow coat lovers here is some eye candy straight from my wish list.

** Sorry for not having details on all these items I totally blew it and didn't write down all the info for each one- Most are from Anthropology and Banana Republic

I had to throw in one awesome skirt and these beautiful suede shoes just to even it out a little bit. So what dominates your closet space?  Shoes? Bags? Coats?

"please look after this bear, thank you"

I can't find my rain coat and ended up soaked to the bone after taking my dog for a walk without a raincoat or umbrella this afternoon. While making an attempt to get dry and warm I couldn't help but look over at my Paddington Bear in his blue rain coat and yellow rain hat and think how much more prepared for this weather he is. I've always been a stuffed animal collector- Come'on what young girl didn't have 400 teddy bears, bunny rabbits and stuff kittens & puppies filling her bedroom?  I think there are still quite a few bags full of my beloved stuffed friends at my parents house tucked away in closets.

Paddington wasn't originally my bear- he was given to my brother when he was a baby and although I'm not sure when or how I ended up with him- I firmly stake a claim to him and would never give him up. There is just something magical about my bear. He is tattered and warn from years of childhood love (meaning being dragged around the house by one arm and squished in my bed with me at night).  When I was a baby my bedroom had Paddington wall paper- which might be a hint at where my love began.   I remember when I decided that I was no longer a "baby" and that I hated the wallpaper and opted for pink and blue flowers instead (gag).   I now look back and wish I still had some of that wall paper for memories sake. I think if I ever find a roll somewhere I'd buy it just to frame a small piece for wall art.

Paddington is still one of my favorite children's story characters and a great childhood memory- what is your favorite stuffed animal or character from when you were a kid? Anyone share my passion for a teddy bear in a raincoat eating marmalade sandwiches?

Who are you?

I've been writing this blog for almost a year now and honestly I have no idea who most of my readers are.  It feels so starange to write blog post after blog post wondering who you all are out there reading it. So I'm asking you for a favor. I'm asking you guys to take just a few moments out of your busy day to fill out this short little survey because I want to know who you are!!!!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

A sage green house with a dark red door.

When we bought our house this past spring exterior paint color was not exactly the first thing on my mind.  We had to cut down trees, bring in loam, plant a lawn, remodel the kitchen as well as paint the whole interior of the house.  With most of that now done we finally picked a paint color for the house and the door this week and got to painting!  Originally I had thought about going with a dark brownish gray color but I really wanted to make the house look like an old cape so I started looking at some of the Historic Paint colors.  The guy at the local paint shop offered his help and picked this awesome sage color for me to try.  The color was perfect!!  Yesterday as the last part of the house was getting painted I picked a dark cranberry, wine color for the door.  It still needs another coat but I had to take a photo to share with everyone!

I'm so happy to feel like our house is finally becoming our home- just in time to host Thanksgiving. What are all of you planning for Thanksgiving with your families?

Rebecca & Owen | Married | Part 2

And now for part 2.

These two were born to be in front of the camera.

Ugh Rebecca you are gorgeous!  As was the light, the golden trees and everything else on your wedding day.

Just as the sun was about to set I took Rebecca and Owen into the field across from the farm for just a few more portraits.

Speechless.

There is a very good chance this image will be a huge canvas on my wall very soon.

Love this shot grabbed by my assistant Lindsey- She rocked it out at this wedding!!!!

Once the sun had set the party started!!! Soul Kitchen rocked the house and kept everyone on the dance floor all night.

Now you might be asking why Owen and a few others were singing into spoons and other utensils.  Apparently its a family tradition and as a wedding gift Rebecca and Owen received their very own utensil microphones.

Thank you Owen & Rebecca for inviting me into your lives and for being such a fun and happy couple!!!   I feel so lucky to call you both friends.  I can't wait to hear all about, and see photos from your honeymoon!!!!

XOXOXOXO Spring