Summer Highlights (and not the magazine).

            

ahh, the old days.

Sea-ling.

1990's Gap Turtleneck (Thrifted, $1)

1960's Starfish Brooch (Heirloom)

Turquoise Circle Skirt (DIY)

1960's Gold Shell Purse (Estate, $16)

Blue Tights

Flat cut-out Flats ($1)

Last night we watched a movie called "Beginnings".  It stars Ewen McGregor (not sure about the other actors off the top of my head); and could be labeled a drama.  There are so many funny moments, but I shy away from calling it a 'dramedy' simply because it's independent from genre.  It's an artsy, quirky, sad movie, and definitely worth watching when you're in an introspective mood.  As I'm typing this, it occurred to me that this is Miranda July's husbands movie!  Ha- that just made it even better. 

I love Fall, but it certainly changes your mindset pretty dramatically.  I'm not sure I've prepared myself completely just yet.  Since the time change, I've been all out of whack; tired, but not able to sleep, a little melancholy... 

Currently, we are watching Jimmy's parents dogs; which I love!  Staying at their house is like taking a mini vacation.  When you're there, you NEVER want to leave the bed :). 

A friend from high school will be in town tomorrow, and we are meeting up for lunch :).  So I'm not sure if I'll be posting- but, my hours changed again, and I'm back to Tues-Sat. 

I've been writing a new song that I'm really excited about.  It's been a long while since I wanted to record a song of my own.  I still have some work to do, but hopefully in a week or two I'll be able to take it to an open mike night.  All I want to do is play guitar lately :); I'm glad the urge is back.

Now if I could only play guitar like Skip, I'd be set.

Have a super day,

ally.

                              

Hey hey.

1950's Cashmere Cardigan (Cincy Vtg. Store, $3)

1960's Plaid Skirt (Ohio Vtg. Store, $16)

Pea Green Tennies

It's sunny & it feels like a Beatles/Ramones/Wavves day to me :).  I love the colors of this skirt soooo much; and was so excited that it actually fit me I could scream.  My friend Lindsay and I took a little road trip some 6 months ago to see one of her favorite bands 'the Punch Brothers'.  Whenever I go out of town, the first thing I do is look up vintage stores and vegan restaurants.  I can't for the life of me remember the name of the vtg. store, but it was huge, and we spent 2 hours wondering around looking for the perfect souvenir.  When I took the skirt up to the counter, the cute little man (who was the owner) just sighed, and said he wished he was a woman so that he could wear it.  :), I told him I would cherish it.  And trust me, this is one piece of clothing I'll be wearing when I'm 80. 

Ahhh!  We finally figured out (well, had the money) how to hook up our computer to the tv to watch Netflix/Youtube/Itunes/etc.  Awesome!  Various how to videos, and $50 later, we are set.  So, so, so glad we finally did it- it's totally worth it if you have netflix.

It's so beautiful outside right now!  We live in the historic area of Newport; with tree lined streets.  And in the Fall, it really is a sight to be seen.  It's so nice to walk/ride your bike around the neighborhood, especially with the weather we've had the past couple days.  :) 

The next 2 pics are taken out of my kitchen window.  I love the blue sky against the yellow/orange/red of the leaves. 

I hope it's as pretty outside where you are! 

Not much to say today, but hope you're having an awesome day :).

ally.

                              

Now & Then.

1970's 'Organic' Knit Sweater ($1)

1970's Red Shorts (Thrifted, $?)

Brown Tights

Faux Lace Ups ($26)

I know, I know.  Brown boots again?  Yep.  Have to.  I want to wear them constantly really :).  This is really my first time dabbling in the whole 'shorts as a skirt' deal.  I can't say I'm convinced, but I can say I'm comfortable.  I just think the whole thing looks a little funky..  What do you think?  And now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure if I've EVER seen a shorts/tights combo that I did like.  I'm not sure what possessed me, but what's done is done :).   

Ohhh, my.  This sweater is super soft!! 

I went to the cinema last night and saw 'Rum Diary'.  It was OK.  I won't go into details about what I liked and disliked (so as not to ruin it for you), but I can say I probably won't be watching it again :).  Although, there was an awesome quote:

-Humans are the only creatures on earth that Believe in a god, yet they are the only creatures on earth who Behave like they don't.-

Well said sir, well said.  

Have I told you how in love I am with animals?  I absolutely adore them.  All of them.  I could be having the worst day of my life, and a deer could walk by, and I'm back to smiling with tears of joy in my eyes. 

The other day I was driving down a side street on my way home from work, when I stopped at a stop sign.  A girl was walking a big, sweet dog, which immediately made me smile; when I looked at the car coming from the opposite direction.  The woman inside was looking at the dog and smiling; and I mean a genuine, heartfelt smile.  It's hard for me to explain the joy that that moment brought me. 

Why do we forget how much happiness we get from nature and all of the wonderful things it has to offer?  I was listening to a meditation yesterday where the speaker suggested being aware of one thing in nature that your grateful for everyday.  What a fantastic idea.  Maybe if your out of the nature loop, this means you have to seek a small walk, or maybe take a trip outside to sit under a tree you see out of the window everyday.  Or just sit outside in the grass and check out the insect life going on all around us.  But man, once you get in the habit, think of the smiles you could give yourself?  And endless amounts of memories to hold with you. 

So, remember that uber-healthy banana muffin recipe I told you I would post ages ago?  Well, the time has come!  I've been making mini muffins..  which is never a good idea if you don't have anyone to share them with.  But the AWESOME thing about this recipe, is that it has no fat (unless you add nuts), no sugar, and contains all high quality, healthy ingredients.  So if you do end up scarfing down the whole batch ::ahem::, it won't be too much of a blow.  Now, I'm reciting this from memory, and am 99.9% I've written it correctly :).  This makes 24 mini muffins or 10-12 regular sized muffins.

:::::Ally's Healthy Vegan Banana Muffins:::::

350 degrees.

1 c. Whole Wheat flour

2 Bananas

1 t Vanilla

1 t Cinnamon (or to taste really)

1/2 t Baking Powder

1/2 t Baking Soda

2 T Agave

2 T Applesauce (organic & sugar free)

1/2 t salt

add in any nuts you like (i.e walnuts, sliced almonds, etc.); really adds some bite.

Process wet ing.  Mix dry ing.  Add wet to dry, stir & then pour into your muffins cups.  Bake for 12-15 min (but please just keep checking!!!!  Don't just set a timer and let them go!)

And there you have it!

Have a good weekend friends, and don't forgot to get some fresh air :).

ally.

Fright Night (x2).

Green Felt Beret (DIY, $0.33)

Green Sash (DIY, $2), Girl Scout Patches (Mine from Childhood)

1960's Girl Scout Uniform (Etsy, $18)

White Tights, Knee Socks & Saddle Shoes (Already Owned)

Jimmy:  1950's Boy Scout Uniform (Ebay, $24.99)

You are about to be inundated with pictures :).  There were so many cool ones!  The dead Girl/Boy Scout costumes were from last night (Halloween); and I think they turned out awesome.  Like the ragdoll, my costume was super comfortable, and I'm glad I opted for a real live dress (that I will no doubt wear again).  The pictures taken in front of the white door, were taken after we returned home.  Jimmy's band mate Dane,  (who is a great photographer) took them; and I'm really excited about them because we don't have many pictures together unfortunately. 

The couple that sweats together, stays together. 

That's my business partner Cat!  I know she made her boyfriends dog costume, and I'm pretty sure she made hers too :).  They looked great!

(The Dog in question.)

This is Jimmy's band 'Sweet Ray Laurel', in which he sings and plays guitar (clearly, haha)

I loved watching him perform in shorts, lol.  He is a shorts hater from way back.  This is the first time his legs have seen the world in a LONG time, let me tell you.  :)

The picture above is of a sticker stuck underneath the bar- pretty random, eh? 

The rest of the pics are from Saturday night.  I only have a couple that turned out (Jimmy took them after we got home...  So I'm all kinds of disheveled...).  I loved the idea of the Bowie costume, but I can't lie; I felt kind of uncomfortable with how tight it was, and won't be making that mistake in the future.  I have to be comfortable in what I'm wearing completely to have a good time, and although it wasn't terrible, it was tight enough for me to be aware of my body all night.  Eesh.  But the makeup turned out!  Damn it was hard!  Haha. 

My friend Holly and her boyfriend.  They looked great :).

And there you have it folks.  A VERY full Halloween weekend, well spent.  I had such a great time at every event!  Now to a much needed craft break...  :) <3

ally.