(Necklaces from Umba’s new fall line.)
This week was crazy! First James got hit with a second round of some brief stomach bug, and then Rhys got sick from his flu vaccination. I spent lots of time caring for both boys, and they are on the mend now, thankfully. Hopefully this weekend will be relaxing and uneventful compared to our stressful week. Here are a few things that caught my attention this week.
Umba has refocused their company to support artisans around the world, and their new fall line debuts today! Be sure to check out their gorgeous items that truly give back.
“Skinny, hungry friendships are the best.” A post about friends that is really worth reading.
One girl quit her job in the most creative way ever.
An inspiring combination of colors.
And Wendy Davis made it official yesterday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
(Photo used with permission from Umba.)
Last year, I decorated for fall in early September, but this year, I just wasn’t in the mood. It stayed hot all month long, and despite the boys heading back to school, it still felt a lot like summer. But Tuesday marked the first day of October, and it was cloudy and grey in the morning, so I made a big pot of beef stew and added a few fall touches around the house. We still need to head out to Wildseed Farms to pick up our pumpkins, but the days are getting shorter (if not much cooler yet) and it’s starting to feel like fall around here.
This year, I used things I already had on hand and kept the decorations simple.
(I always display the boys’ artwork on the table in our front hallway.)
(I love this giant sunflower, but it clangs really loudly against the front door. This year, I hung it on another door right inside the house.)
(The dining room table with a brightly colored runner, fun candles, and a few ivory touches.)
(Because nothing says fall like an ivory pumpkin and a giant snail.)
(I left my Steampunk mantel and added a few pumpkins and my tiny Catrinas.)
(I love that little couple and bring them out every year around this time.)
I’m really keeping things simple this year, but I like the small changes, and I’m sure I’ll add more elements as it starts to feel like fall outside. Are you doing any decorating?
Saturday was hot and humid, but then it rained steadily overnight and Sunday was cloudy and much cooler. It’s finally feeling like fall in Central Texas (at least for this week), so it was the perfect chance to show off the second dress I received from Mata Traders’ new fall line. The Cupcake Dress is fun and flirty, with a sleeveless bodice and a ruffled faux-wrap skirt. It’s definitely a vintage look, and since the weather was slightly chilly, I paired it with grey tights, lace-up shoes, and my favorite ivory sweater, the same pieces I used to accessorize the Savannah Smile Dress, too.
(A closeup of the adorable ruffled skirt.)
Like all of Mata Traders’ pieces, the Cupcake Dress is ethically made of pure cotton, and the company utilizes the work of artisans who are fairly paid. This dress is so charming and sweet, and the ruffled skirt is such a fun touch. Since the dress is sleeveless, it can be worn alone in summer, and layered with tops and sweaters for the colder seasons.
(Paired with a lace tee.)
I added a lace tee under the dress for a bit of warmth and modesty, and it would also look striking with a long-sleeve top, too. The Cupcake Dress is easy to wear all day, and I had so much fun accessorizing it to celebrate the cooler weather!
Thank you to Mata Traders for the lovely dresses and the opportunity to share them with you. Be sure to visit their site to check out their entire fall line.
