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Sunday, September 30, 2012

A Modest Fashion Show....Cozy Houndstooth

Today's theme for the Modest Fashion Show is dressy....which is very convenient seeing that it's a Sunday! Here's what I wore today...
Here in New Hampshire it's rainy and a bit chilly....so I wore something with a definite autumn feel to it. 

I also decided to don one of my favorite hats....a black wool cloche.
Pictures taken by my lovely cousin, Lily! Thanks girl!

Here's the head-to-toe rundown:

Black Wool Cloche Hat...Eastern States Exposition.
Houndstooth dress...Gift from Mum and Dad (might have come from JC Penny)
Black Nylons...no idea.
Black Flats...Payless
Choker Necklace...craft fair.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Thanks for reading! :)

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Guineas....Are.....Amazing.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with Guinea Hens, but something amazing happened to day that I just had the urge to write about. For those of you who don't know much about this amazing creature, here's a couple facts: Guineas are a lot like turkeys; sort of in between 'domestic' and 'wild'. They hate being cooped up, and basically take care of themselves. Most people keep them around for bug control, or to just watch. They make the most amazing sounds....like they're yelling 'Joe Clark' over and over again. 

This summer, our pair of guinea's tried over and over again to hatch out a clutch of eggs. But, nature took it's course and several clutches of eggs were destroyed by wild animals. Finally, though, Bambi (the daddy) and his mate successfully hatched out their babies! 

Although hard to get a good count, we figured there were about 13-14 babies. We had originally planned to take the babies away as soon as they hatched, since guineas are well known for not being the most attentive parents. Usually the momma will just run through the wet grass, letting her babies follow her, which usually gets them wet and chilled. It's nature's rule of 'survival of the fittest'-still sad, but it's how it goes. 

However, both Bambi and Momma did a great job taking care of them; warming them with their body heat in between runs through the grass. So, we let them do whatever they pleased.

Several days ago, Mum and I were out in the horse paddock. Hearing commotion, we looked up towards the apple trees and saw a hawk flying away, with both Bambi and Momma trying to fly after it. They were making an awful racket, but through their noise we could hear the sounds of one of the babies being carried off by the hawk.

Needless to say, Mum and I were very sad about it. Yes, it's nature...yes, that sort of thing happens...yes, I should be used to it, living on a farm, but....well, it's still sad.

Over the next couple days we started trying to get the remaining guinea family to spend more time in the safety of the barn....we did this mainly by feeding them there. We knew that the hawk figured out there were fairly easy meals to be had around here, he would be back. 

Today, as I was sitting in the living room working on stuff, I saw a violent fluttering of wings and heard lots of squaking coming from the back porch. I looked out the window, and saw a bird (don't know what kind....I thought it was to small to be a hawk, bot I may be wrong) flying away. The guinea parents were in the yard, and the babies were nowhere to be seen.

One thing was weird, though. Bambi stood right in the middle of the yard, 'Joe Clarking', but Momma was off at the edge, near the bushes. Everything (except the guinea parents) was very quiet. I figured the babies must be hiding in the bushes. 

After several minutes passed, the parents quieted down, and Momma walked....very quickly....to our back porch. As I listened, I could hear the peeping of the baby guineas. Momma dissappeared under the porch for a minute, then quickly came back out, and although quiet, she still looked around with watchful eyes. Soon, Bambi came over and joined her.

These little events really amazed be today. Momma knew to not go near her babies when the hawk was around, because that would lead him to them. The babies knew to be extremely quiet. Bambi stood guard right in the middle. 

Having animals means some days you're greeted with situations that are sad, or even sometimes gruesome. But I believe there are many more times when something times when their little ways just make you smile. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

A Modest Fashion Show...Autumn Yacht Club.

Who else is having an absolute blast with the Modest Fashion Show? It's time for the third outfit, and today's theme is Nautical!
My original plan was to take a walk down to a local lake and pose with out row boat, but what with the rainy weather I had to stay indoors....thanks once again to AJ for taking the photos!
I was at an absolute loss about what to wear for socks. I know, weird, but I love treating socks as if they're actually a part of your outfit. It's kin of vital if you live in skirts like I do; they're much more visible than if you were just wearing pants. 
I really have to wonder about the weather at the homes of the other folks participating in the fashion show....most are still wearing short sleeves! Here in New England things are already getting chilly. :)
It being a 'nothing to do today day', I took the extra time this morning to stick my hair up in a unique way. I've been watching a lot of TV shows, like Foyle's War, that's set in the '40's. All the women who do not have their hair in a short, curly bob are wearing their's up like this!


Here's the head-to-toe rundown!
Blue Sweater: Thrifted.
White Lace Cami: Walmart.
White Middy Pencil Skirt: Mardens, a discount department store.
Stripey socks: Gift.
Choker Necklace: Craft fair.

That was fun! I believe the next category is dressy.......hmmm...I'm gonna have to brainstorm for that! No ideas as of yet. 

Well, I've got to get back to school....and I'm hoping to clean out my room today. Cherrio! Talk soon. 

Thanks for reading! :)

Thursday, September 27, 2012

A Modest Fashion Show....Goodbye Summer Calico

Time for the second outfit of the Modest Fashion Show hosted by Through the Lilac Bushes and Simple Delights! Today's theme is flowers......
I sewed the dress this spring as part of a 4H project, and even though I've been wearing it a lot lately to fair events, I wanted to get it out one more time! The dress is definitely a summer outfit, so soon it'll have to be put away. 
I'm noticing a trend here.....my cats are getting very good at posing in the pictures with me!
Time for a close up of the dress fabric! It's an adorable, ivy-like calico print!
Special thanks to AJ for taking the pictures! And happy birthday!!!!!!!! Live long and prosper, my super amazing 14 year old brother! :D
And just what is it I'm so busy reading in the photos? It's my lit reading....Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. 

Alright, so here's the head to toe rundown:
Sweater: thrift store.
Dress: Made by me from McCall's M6506.
Socks: Probably Walmart.
Shoes: Payless. 
Choker Necklace: I think a craft fair...

That concludes the second outfit post of the Modest Fashion Show! I am having so much fun with this! :D Quick note....they're switching to times around, so this Friday will be the NAUTICAL, not the VINTAGE theme. Just a reminder! I am so looking forward to nautical......

Thanks for reading! :)

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A working day...

I was so inspired by yesterday's dots and stripes theme from the Modest Ladies Fashion Show over at Through the Lilac Bushes, that I put together another dots outfit!
I had a full day of work planned, which called for my one and only pair of jeans! As most of you have probably noticed,, I never wear pants! I don't know, though....these are loose fitting and slightly reminiscent of the '40's, so I have warmed up to them more lately. :)
Can I take a minute to discuss the lovely garden I'm modeling in? I would love to take credit for it, but it was really all Mum this year! She started planning and getting seeds ready super early in the year, and has done tons of reading about. We've harvested so much awesome stuff already! And there's still time for more before frost!
By the way, I've been in love with this sweater lately! I don't know how many times I brought it to the fair for those chilly early mornings. Just last year I was almost scared to wear it out in 'public' because it was a 'granny sweater'. Then, after following tons of blogs with modest and vintage fashion, I finally came to my senses and realized that it's an extremely practical sweater with the cutest cable knit and matches so many other wardrobe pieces. Plus, it's really fitted and doesn't stretch at all! So, what was I worried about? 

Oh, I should say something about the title I chose....what work did I accomplish yesterday? Well, I cleaned out the sheep pen, which was definitely needing a good mucking out before winter. Also, I did a little extra schoolwork and unpacked clothes leftover from our regional fair. :) I did sneak some knitting in during the evening, though, which I was very excited about. :)

I've been really in the mood to blog lately, plus I have tons of material at the moment, so you should be seeing more of me for the next week or two! 

Thanks to Mum for taking the pictures! 

And as always, thanks for reading! :)


Monday, September 24, 2012

Modest Fashion Show: 1930's Polka

Hello everybody! Our county fair has finally come to a close, which means things are back to normal! Sigh, no more being at the fair every day for the last 12 days......

Anyway, I am super excited to be participating in the Modest Fashion show hosted by Through the Lilac Bushes and Simple Delights! Every other day, participants put together an outfit based on a specified theme. It's not too late to join, so be sure to check it out!


The theme for today is Polka Dots and Stripes. I decided to go with a polka dots outfit. 


I wore this outfit to church actually, as I was feeling very 1930's. 
The dress is super comfortable, especially for a day of corralling little cousins in a church pew! :D
Special thanks to my dear brother, AJ, for taking the pictures!
Couldn't resist adding this adorable picture of Bangles! He is the sweetest cat....

Here's the rundown on the outfit:
Hat: Faneuil Hall, Boston.
Dress: Made by me from Butterick B5417
Shoes: Mardens, a discount department store.
Necklace: My signature choker necklace! I believe I bought it at a craft fair...

This was fun! Can't wait to be back and do another one. :) Other than these Modest Fashion Show posts, I also have some neat things planned.....more outfits, knitting, summer photos, and of course the October Reading List! Ta ta, everyone! Talk soon.

Thanks for reading! :)






Thursday, September 13, 2012

Inspiration...Ravenclaw Madness

A marvelous description of a Ravenclaw student. 

Hermionie from three different houses...

Beautiful raven pendant.

Very true.

Rowena Ravenclaw, founder of the house.

Food for thought.

Most. Awesome. Professor. Ever. Period.

For all the nights I've stayed up with a book....

The ultimate, brainy accessory. 

Depends on the company, but I've certainly experienced this!

Because, well, who doesn't want a paper owl made of book pages?

Amen!

Just couldn't resist.....Lockheart was an....entertaining..... professor.

One more reason that Dr. Seuss is amazing. 

If it wasn't for her teaching style, I'd love her polished way of things....

Shhh!!!! It's suppose to be a secret. :)

Everybody's favorite Ravenclaw student.

House scarves earrings!


I love Hermionie's look! So polished, yet not overdone. 



Very appropriate rhyme. 
Resources for Ravenclaw's Bookish Sort:




Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. So much has happened since then. Today, what with the elections in November, everything has been about which candidate is better, who will win the race. But today, it isn't about either party. It's about remembering the people who died, those that lost loved ones, those who sacrificed themselves to save others. There are so many stories about people's extraordinary experiences on that day. Even now, 11 years later, when I hardly have any memories of the day itself, I still cry and am shocked that something that horrible could ever happen. 

I've posted two videos today; one is a 9-11 tribute of slides/videos set to Alan Jackson's 'Where were you when the world stopped turning?' The other is a video of an untold story of 9-11 rescues. Please, please take the time to watch both. 


NEVER FORGET! If you see this, even if it's after 9-11, please say something. Post something on your blog, email a message to a friend, pray about it. Just make sure we never forget.

Please, please, please never forget!

God Bless,

~Gillian

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Versatile Blogger Award (!)

Hello, everybody! Great news-I've been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award!!!!! :) The nomination came from the wonderful Key Interiors by Shinay Thank-you so much! 

I am so excited to be nominated, especially since I'm so new to blogging! Hopefully I really live up to the nomination......I certainly try to be versatile and publish a wide variety of things. 

According to the VBA, after being nominated, you need to nominate 15 other bloggers, and share 7 facts about yourself. Here goes!

My Nominations:

Through The Lilac Bushes
The Mixed Up Skier
Mainely Mary
The Haven of Rest
Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage 
Miss Abigail's Hope Chest
Hammers and High Heels
Farmhouse Garden
Key Interiors by Shinay
The Pink Retro Powder Room
Q's Daydream
Ruby Slipper Journeys
Tfirah
American Duchess
The Fiercest Lilliputian

7 Things About Me:

1. I helped Mum make tomato sauce to can this weekend. I absolutely love canning...it's so practical, yet fun and domestic, too. I'm planning on entering two jars in the fair next week.

2. I've the urge lately to make a pair of wool plaid pants...don't really know why. I NEVER wear pants, but if I had a fun pair of trousers I think I might more often.

3. We have four horses. Lightning and Pippin are two miniature horses, who also happen to be half brothers. Meg is my Mum's horse, a fast bay Morgan mare, and Joey, the Arabian gelding I ride, is the family horse.

4. If I ever got really into painting/sketching, I would do the same kind of stuff as Norman Rockwell. I love how all his pictures tell a story, and her gives each character a personality.

5. I am going to be showing my sheep for the first time a week from today at our local fair! 

6. I only own one pair of jeans.

7. I've taken up knitting again, after 5 or 6 years. I'm so happy to be getting back into it!

Well, there you have it! Thanks once again to Key Interiors by Shinay for the nomination. :)

Thanks for reading! :)



Saturday, September 1, 2012

Sweet Summertime: Crunchy Fudge Sandwhiches

Happy September 1! So, apparently my Sweet Summertime recipe series I had intended for August didn't really happen.....I only got one post out. Oops. :) So, I thought I'd try to do at least one more even though it's already September. If you missed it, be sure to check out Sweet Summertime: Iced Tea

So, this recipe is both Mum and I's absolute favorite chocolate-fix recipe. I warn you, it's addicting! Enjoy! 


Crunchy Fudge Sandwiches
Ingredients:
12 oz. Butterscotch Morsels
1/2 cup Peanut Butter
4 cups Rice Krispies
6 oz. Chocolate Morsels
1/2 cup Powder Sugar
2 Tablespoons Butter

Steps:

1. Melt the butterschotch morsels and the peanut butter together.

2. Add the rice krispies.

3. Place 1/2 the butterscotch/rice krispies mixture in the bottom of a dish. Set the rest aside.

4. Melt the chocolate chips with the butter and sugar. 

5. Pour the melted chocolate into the dish over the butterscotch/rice krispie mixture, then top with the rest of the butterscotch/rice krispie mixture.

6. Refrigerate until it hardens. Ta da!

Hope you've enjoyed this Sweet Summertime post! If you try this recipe, make sure to tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading! :)