Halloween Parade Down the Yellow Brick Road

We couldn't make it to the Dog Halloween Parade this year, so we had our own little parade at home. As you can see in the below line-up, Bryndal was THRILLED. Practically the Grand Marshall.

Bryndalsaurus Rex:

Sharknado:

Stinky McB:

Pumpkin Head:

And this year's wild, wild, west Halloween edition...

There's a new sheriff in town:

Please note: the boy got a LOT of treats after this "torture".

For more dogtastic costumes, check out D is for Doggy's Howl-o-Ween Costume Contests from the last two years. It's giving me ideas for 2014 - loving the chia pet!

2011

2012

And in all fairness, I didn't make him don what I really wanted him to wear:

   

Speaking of the Wizard of Oz, did you guys know that at one point there existed a theme park based on the movie? Once a year in its abandoned state, past employees and special guests are allowed to roam the grounds. True story HERE. How do I get put on this list??? I must know.

OK, I'm off to see the Wizard...

Molly's Cupcakes

I want us to play a little game.

Imagine each of the following:

Greenwich Village

Cupcakes

Swings

Creme Brûlée
Do-Gooders

Do you have a clear picture of each in your mind? Good, because I'm about to blow it.

These things exist in one place. A real place.

Molly's Cupcakes

I'd heard about Molly's for over a year, but hadn't found an excuse to stop by. My dad and I were in the neighborhood one night for dinner, so I thought that could be the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately (and fortunately), we had just spent 2+ hours consuming cheese, so the thought of eating one crumb more was hard to...swallow...but I convinced him. After all, it was only a block and a half down the street. Oh boy, did we choose right. 

It was like we had a separate stomach just for these cupcakes.

We chose two of the center-filled cupcakes - a happy meld between your favorite dessert, but in cupcake form.

As you can see, I'm very content with our decision, heading on over to a swing seat.

The Creme Brûlée cupcake was unbelievable. Of course, the sign of a good creme brûlée - that caramelized top that cracks when the spoon hits it (or in this case, your teeth) - was incorporated and perfect. We also split the Boston Cream which was decadent and rich, but not overly sweet.

The Cake Batter and Cookies n Cream were listed as two very popular choices, but there seemed to be a flavor for everyone, some fruit based, some seasonal, and some classic. You can also create your own combination.
The owner (or Chief Egg Cracker, as he refers to himself), Johnny, was manning the counter. Molly's is inspired by his 3rd grade teacher who brought the most scrumptious cupcakes to class for each student's birthday. In her honor, a portion of the sales is donated to schools in the community.

And then did I mention the swings?

If you find yourself meandering the streets of the Village, you must pop in and try a Molly's cupcake. Save me a swing!

Anybody Home?

Considering changing out THIS

for this:

Neighbors Doormat - RWD

I mean, how much sheet music, dog toys, and various sizes of cupcake baking pans would a burglar be interested in anyway?

Mixed Media

A lil' bit of leather goes a long way. I love the slight edge these pieces get from the addition of a well placed piece of leather, especially when mixed with something unexpected.

The geometrics on this skirt fascinate me. It's also cool, but still work appropriate.

Crosstown Colorblock Skirt - Ann Taylor

Rose gold is everywhere-one of those summer trends that I hope keeps on going. This watch functions as a bracelet and you almost can't tell where the metal ends and the leather band begins.

La Mer Odyssey Case Leather Wrap Watch - Shopbop

When I spotted this easy-to-wear and super affordable dress, I knew it had to be mine. Now I just let the compliments add up. :)

Mossimo Short Sleeve Faux Leather Skater Dress - Target

I wish for colder weather, just to wear these cozy boots.

Carly Cable Knit Engineer Boot - Delia's

I followed a gal for 5 blocks the other week admiring her leather adorned cardigan. This was it:

Leather Yoke Cardigan - Anthropologie

The nubby wool in contrast to the sturdy leather is a winner.

Wool Handbags - R.Riveter

Again with the contrasts, the slinky and girly bow are mellowed out with the leather shoulders.

Tinley Road Leather Patch Top - Piperlime

To add some texture to your life, try layering on some leather. I promise it won't turn you into a dominatrix.

Easy Being Green

Oh, I do disagree with that frog - it is soooo easy being green. Especially this season, when the retail world has provided me with all of the forest, pea, emerald, mint, moss, olive, hunter, jade, chartreuse, and lime a girl could ever ask for. 

Just a few examples...

For your cup a joe. Wouldn't this brighten up an early morning?

Keurig K10 Mini Plus Coffee Machine - Emerald Green

Malachite that doesn't kid around.

Pavlov Ring - Kelly Wearstler

A simple, functional dress. Make it green and it is something special.

ASOS Midi Dress with Short Sleeves

Usually, I prefer green polish on my toes only, but this shade could work without screaming "Elphaba".

Zoya Nail Polish - Hunter

Two greens in one:

Cap-toe Pointy Flats - The Gap

All summer I was obsessed with Equinox's Lean and Green Smoothie. Spinach, tofu, asian pear, and turmeric. I never figured out how to replicate it at home, so I will continue to spend green on green.

Almost too pretty to work at:

Parsons Desk in Spruce - West Elm

One of my favorite new blouses:

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Pullover - Target

I will always be loyal to my Caribbean Le Creuset, but I do have a crush on the new Rosemary collection.

Le Creuset Rosemary - Sur la Table

This will bring out the green in hazel eyes.

Easy on the Eyes Eyeliner Khaki Shimmer - Flower Beauty

Wait, this isn't green...

Or is it...?

Role Reversal Bag in Cognac and Green - Modcloth

Did you know that Emerald is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013?

You better go get your green on before 2014!

ETA in SAT

I spend a good amount of time in airports, so I've become attune with small details that make for better travel. Or really, waiting for travel. Having just jetted to San Antonio and back, I can verify that SAT has a lot going for it.

First all, outlets. Outlets everywhere. The key to a happy traveler. SAT has outlets in every seat!

They also had cup holders, which I appreciated.

In which I snuggled in my John Wayne beverage. 

Huh?

Did you know Starbucks has a SECRET MENU (Shhhhh!)? I doubt many baristas actually are aware of these blends, but I can verify that in the San Antonio airport they know how to make a mean John Wayne. The gentleman in front of me ordered it in a whisper. Instead of questioning what it was, I went ahead and placed my order for the same thing!

The drink was delish. The interpretation of my name, not so much.

Does that say Lousy? I thought the others were bad.

But it is a step up from what I last got called in NYC.

So with my coffee in hand and a bag full of charged accessories, I was ready to fly.

Of course, the most important accessory to travel with (besides patience and a smile?):

Your cowboy hat with a spinning, colorful, Texas light.

Yes, it really did rotate and blink fantastical colors.

Remember the Alamo!

Do You Smell Something?

Something good, of course.

Lately I've been very into perfumes. I take delight in the ceremony of selecting a fragrance for the day to match my mood. I enjoy the artistic bottles decorating my bureau and the ridiculous names that marketing teams create. I have fun testing them out and seeing how my body chemicals change the undertones. I also really, really, really like not smelling bad.

I tend toward light, youthful scents with notes of white floral, amber, citrus, and wood. The below are on my wish list.

Very light. Summer. Bergamot and grass. Classy.

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre - Nordstrom

The day after I touted my love for honey, I spied the Honeymania collection at The Body Shop. Some of the soaps smell a little...well, soapy...but I enjoyed this clean honey and wildflower spritzer.

Honeymania Eau de Toilette - The Body Shop

This one is very fruity, almost tropical, without smelling like a piña colada. I wasn't aware that lychees had an aroma, but I sure like it!

Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum - fresh

Oh my, my, my. I'm already a big fan of NEST candles. I mean, with scents like Wild Oats & Bourbon for Winter, Blue Garden for Spring, Wasabi Pear for Summer, and Pumpkin Chai for Fall, how could you not be content all year round? And now they have a line of perfumes. The packaging is gorgeous - I'll definitely have to get a full-sized bottle. My favorite is Midnight Fleur, a very layered sultry, yet sweet scent hinting of vanilla, jasmine, and blue cyclamen. I did enjoy the entire collection and feel there would be at least one that you gravitate toward.

NEST Fragrances - Sephora

And for you gents out there (or anyone who prefers wearing more masculine colognes), I was late coming back from my lunch break because I couldn't stop sniffing this one:

Marc Jacobs Men Fragrance - Sephora

So that's my two scents. Or five.

Do you have a "signature scent"? Something that you've worn forever (oh how I wish I still owned Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth Perfume!)? Or do you like to switch it up with the season? Or do you crave the newest celebrity potion? Inquiring noses want to know!

My Favorite Time of Year and Wish List

It hasn't exactly been sweater weather yet (hello, tornado warning today?), but I am in full force fall mode like it's my job. I love it. LOVE it. The aromas, the color palettes, the outings, the attitudes, and especially...the pumpkins. 

Gotta love the pumpkins.

Some things I would like to take advantage of:

• Crock pot cooking.  Pinterest, I'm coming for you...
• Friendly. There are so many good peeps in NYC right now. Definitely want to find the time to visit with each one and catch up a little bit on life.
• NYC. What is it about you? So many big and little NYC sights, events, and restaurants that I've wanted to try, or try again. Time to check some off the list. I can also combine the above bullet with this one and do something very-NYC-like with a friend. Two birds*!
• Brew with Lu. Continue to homebrew. Blog about the dozens of breweries I've toured.
• Wheels. I had a lot of good rides this summer, but the season isn't over yet. Get the bike out.
• Pen to paper. (Or fingers to keys). More blogging, more journaling, and finally recording all of those crazy NYC stories that I've gathered over the last decade. 
• Woof. Quality time with the little furry guy. He deserves it.
• Travel Tales. Plan a few great journeys. Then show and tell. I have a lot of tricks of the trade that need to be shared and utilized by others.
• Nostalgia. I would love to revisit some favorite childhood reads - Little House, Anne, etc.
• Apples, Hay, and S'mores. Go apple picking, partake in a hay ride, and sit around a bonfire.
• Pumpkin. Carve one. Cook with it. Make a face mask. Light a candle. All pumpkin, all the time.
• Good things. Cinnamon, apple, cheese, and caramel are not far behind the pumpkin train.
• My place. Host a game night, dinner party, beer tasting, or all of the above!
• Burn, baby, burn. I made huge progress this summer with strength training. I want to find a way to make it a habit, even in these busy months.
• Movies. I haven't been to a movie in forever. Date night?
• DoReMi. In better voice than ever. More singing! Encore!

What is on your wish list for fall? Are you as obsessed with pumpkins as I am? Am I missing any major items? I want it f(all).

*No birds were harmed in the writing of this blog post.