so long, summer

It's the last day of August and, even though we technically have 22 days left until autumn officially starts, the arrival of September is always symbolic of summer's end. The kiddies are heading back to school, the annoying tourists are finally fleeing the Cape, stores are already hockin' their Halloween merchandise... le sigh. So, in these last few weeks, I'm going to cram as much fun summer stuff in before I have to put the flip-flops away, and break out the winter boots and sweaters.

First up, a few last beach visits are definitely in order. We are blessed to have the beautiful Atlantic ocean a mere 2 miles from our new digs and I really wish I could spend more lazy days there, cautiously swimming to avoid any interaction with my least favorite sea creatures (horse shoe crabs, aahhh!), blissfully flipping through decorating magazines while I'm laying in the sand and dorkishly hunting for geologic phenomena and sea glass along the shore as the waves lap against my ankles. {I feel more relaxed just typing that!} Here's some of my favorite beach porn from this summer:

{that's my girl Maria in the top right. I am in *love* with her retro cherry bathing suit!}

Next, I want to utilize as much of the abundant warm-weather fruits as I can in one last summer dessert. I've made quite a few yummy, fruity creations this season - like blueberry pie, raspberry-mango-nectarine crumble and strawberry rhubarb crisp - but the recipe that truly takes the cake (pun intended), is the always fabulous and crowd-pleasing red, white & blueberry trifle.

I made this bad boy at least 4 times this summer and my family is still demanding another! Let me tell you: it is SO. FREAKIN'. GOOD! The combination of the rich cream, lemon-infused cake and juicy berries is absolutely divine-- it reminds me so much of cheesecake (but is much less of a calorie-splurge than the real deal). Its also a fairly versatile recipe; I substituted sliced strawberries for raspberries but, I imagine this would be great with just about any berry or sliced fruit. Also, you can sub store-bought lemon creme cake for the lemon-syrup-brushed pound cake if you're short on time.

As a third generation Master Bargain Hunter, I can also add that the end of August is a great time to load up on summer wardrobe staples because of all the sales going on! I know over at Victoria's Secret, they're having major sales on their chic swim suits, breezy summer dresses and comfortable everyday tops. Not to mention that today only, they are offering a free shipping upgrade on all of their summer threads with a $40 purchase! I think it may be time to finally buy this adorable paisley dress that I've been ogling all summer:

So hit up the mall or your favorite online retailer for some big savings on summertime duds!

Lastly, I want to take advantage of plentiful summer blooms and make myself one last bouquet while I still can. I am a total nerd for flowers and I'm lucky enough to have my mother's beautiful gardens at my disposal...

{see more of my mom's garden and other fun stuff over on my flickr photostream!}

I'm hoping to snag some gorgeous multi-colored hydrangea blossoms and some wild Queen Anne's lace, too-- my absolute favorites, as evidenced by my DIY wedding bouquet.

Savor the rest of your summers, darlings!

xxx,

Mrs. M

my fair lady

Helloooooooo Blogworld!

After months of contemplations and constant inspiration, I have decided to follow in the footsteps of so many bloggers (like Ez and Holly) that I admire and start my own blog to catalogue all of the interesting, fabulous, hilarious and unusual things I adore, and the adventures they bring me on.

So let's kick this blog off right, shall we?

Summer is winding down, so that means its Marshfield Fair time in my neck of the woods! Lots of cute farm animals, giant veggies, rickety rides, fried confections doused in cinnamon sugar-- what more could you ask for? My darling husband J and I went to the opening night last Friday and had a blast! Though, the ferris wheel was a lot scarier than I remembered... anyway, I thought I would stick with a summertime fair/carnival theme for my very first post. So grab some kettle corn and read on!

1. Balloons at the Fair, 2. Untitled, 3. Fried Dough, 4. fair fling
Here's some of my favorite fair flickr finds (say that 5 times fast!). For more fair porn, have a look over at the Meet me at the fair pool.


But we shouldn't have to wait for summer to enjoy all the things we love about the fair! No no darlings, we should enjoy the glittering lights and tasty treats year-round!


A fun, whimsical print is sure to bring back those summertime memories and perhaps, give you a major hankering for cotton candy. I'm loving this cheerful Beach Party print by photographer Cassia Beck (check out her amazing flickr stream), and how sweet is this Merry Go Round beauty, by graphic artist Melissa Nucera...



{don't you just love the colors and hint of lights in the sky? Simply beautiful. And at only $5, its quite the bargain! }


Or how about these adorable carnival note cards by Inkspot Workshop? These would make the cutest personal stationary and even cuter party invitations.

How fun would a fair or carnival themed party be? It would make for a unique baby shower or super fun child's birthday party. It could be as simple as hanging a few beautiful fabric buntings (this one made of vintage floral fabrics is *gorgeous*), and serving up some corn dogs 'n candy. OR you could go all out with face-painting, games, pony rides and perfectly coordinated banners, signs and cupcake toppers, made simply with this fantastic printable party package from Dimpleprints.


Better yet, how 'bout a fair/carnival themed wedding? Think about it: poster invitations, DIY buntings abound (if you haven't figured out already, I am mildly obsessed with buntings!), sweet gingham print duds, a carnival stand dessert buffet... *swoon* So many possibilities!



Well, I hope that you found my cherry-poppin' post to be inspiring, or at least make you crave those delightfully unhealthy fair foods! If you can't get to a fair this summer, treat yourself to some gourmet caramel apples {you're worth it}. Enjoy what is left of August and I'll be back with more goodies for ya next week!



xxx,
Mrs. M