Hello Boudreau

My younger sister happens to be a kick butt horseback rider. Hunter/Jumper to be precise. There's something about horses that takes her away to another place and she forgets all of her worries. She says that riding is the only time she can completely clear her head and just be.

Image via lilcoletterpress

Image via here
I'm home from school because she has a competition this weekend. This month's show is particularly exciting because she's advancing to a higher class or division. I can't wait to watch her compete! My sister and I are seven years apart so I always try to be at as many of her events as I can. Being away from her for the past four and a half years at college has been tough. 
Here are some of my photos from her previous shows or practices I've been to:

It's probably because of her horse obsession that I've become obsessed with equine decor. I Die for any of these rooms below:
Images via Country Living, pinterest, & Restoration Hardware

Elle Decor [duh, who else] depicts this style perfectly in designers Badgley and Mischka's Kentucky home spotlight. Badgley grew up a rider himself and has a love of the sport. Their home is immaculate...actually, scratch the home, I would be the happiest girl just living in their BARN. Just make me a little bed in a stall or something.
New York fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka's Kentucky Home:
Know anyone with horse fever? Try these goodies:

[1.]Glove [2.] Smathers and Branson & Smathers and Branson [3.] Show Helmet [4.] Hunter Boots [5.] Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Gold Horse Shoe Necklace [6.] Navy Pants Franca [7.] COLLECTION XIIX square scarve [8.] Marc by Marc Jacobs crew neck sweater [9.] Horse Jute 18 in. Pillow - Thomas Paul

Other Morning Musings:

-Justin Bieber has some rap skillz, yo.
-The day has come...Ray-Ban meets Brooks Brothers
-I admit it, I've started listening to Christmas Music. I love using 8tracks to find a premade mix i'm in the mood for
-The Nordstrom half-yearly sale started on Nov. 2nd, I've got my eye on this Patricia Nash Satchel or this Hinge-Doctor-Studded-Bag [ I love the old Dr.'s bag look]

Let's talk about Tomboys for a minute. I've heard it over & over. So what if I still wear my green or white Converse All Stars. I like my camo pants. I like my J.Crew boy's flannel shirts. I like my men's sized watches. I like my "boyfriend" jean shorts [or as my friends call them, my man pants]. Who says girls can't pull it off? I've always been on the conservative side. Like I've mentioned in posts before, ever since high school, I've been dubbed "grandma clothes." Being my Dad's sidekick growing up and the fact that I lived and breathed with a tennis racket in my hand might have done the trick. Don't get me wrong, when the occasion calls for it I love getting dressed up girly style but day-to-day...I'd rather be comfy. It makes me happy to say Tomboy style is making a come back.
Check out this blog for the latest inspiration: Tomboy Style
I love her blog's opening quote: 
"To define a tomboy requires searching far beyond the simple notion of wearing boys clothing. Tomboys have influenced the expanses of popular culture including fashion, film, music, and literature. And although the tomboy is often identified by clothing, what makes her wholly so is an inherent sense of confidence, rebelliousness and adventure."

My favorite part from his Blue Valentine movie. Listen! But be careful, you might fall in love.

Genuinely,

There is something amazing about Etsy. It's the worldwide marketplace for all things handmade. The best part is, anyone can have a shop. It truly is a virtual version of the 'American Dream.' I plan on doing a lot of my holiday shopping on Etsy. There's something special about knowing that gift was made personally for your order. There are so many amazing shops it's hard to pick favorites because I always come across something wonderful just by clicking "next." Here are some great shops I may be ordering from soon! All reasonably priced, too!

Shop 2. Le Voyage Creatif
Everything in her shop is handmade in her little studio on an island in a Norwegian fjord. Isn't everything so pretty?
Shop 3. LalaDesignStudio

Shop 4. PopO'Color 
This shop believe pillows are the jewelry of the room and has pillows in every "Pop O'Color" you can think of. Super fun and affordable prints to decorate with too. 
Shop 5. Seasonal Bounty
These are some of the prettiest handmade wreaths! She uses all plants that grows naturally near her home. Wreaths come preserved, dried, and ready to hang! Perfect for the holidays.


What are your favorite Etsy shops? I'd love to know!


Other Morning Musings:

-Remember that musing I mentioned yesterday about the most elegant outdoor wedding? Well, here's a video that captured it's perfection for 2 minutes and 7 seconds. Oh & the song? The groom wrote it. No big deal. *Swoon*

Genuinely,

Florida weather is so unpredictable. This morning it was cold, rainy, windy and scary out there. Which is totally fine because it's Halloween. But now it's 77 degrees and sunny. Which is fine too because all the little trick-or-treaters won't get rained out tonight!  I will be spending my Halloween studying for agribusiness. Oh the joys of my last semester of college. There will be lots of this:
On another note, this cool fall weather makes me think of everything rustic. I'm completely all over this design theme called [Rustic Chic]. The two [rustic and chic] seem like they'd be opposites but their decor and design work together magically. I just wanna be snuggled up in a cabin somewhere with blankets and coffee. This rustic chic cabin from Elle Decor would do just fine. Starting with this outdoor living area.

Where do your thoughts go when the weather starts getting cooler?
Time to get my thoughts back to studying.


OTHER MORNING MUSINGS:
just a few today, studying ruins everything.
-The most elegant outdoor wedding. Martha's Vineyard.
-Are these not the prettiest pumpkins you've ever seen? Someone is seriously talented with some puffy paint...


Happy Halloween!
Genuinely,

TREATS:
Why are we less afraid of a bear in the streets than we are of each other? I loved this video that tries to send the message that handicapped people shouldn't have to disguise themselves to get people to come closer.



[1.]Ariella Collection Mixed Stackable Rings [2.]Lee Angel "Safina" Multi- Row White Glass Seed Bead Bib Necklace [3.]Ariella Collection Stacking Rings- Green [4.]Lee Angel "Safina" Colorblock Black and Gold Multi-Chain Bracelet [5.]Lee Angel "Safina" Triple Row Red Enamel and Gold Plated Double Link Bracelet [6.]Lee Angel "Safina" Multi-Row Black and White Glass Seed Bead Bracelet [7.]Lee Angel "Safina" Colorblock Pink and Gold Multi-Chain Bracelet


TRICKS:
I came across the most amazing article in Real Simple magazine about new uses for old things that may be laying around your house. I picked out my favorite 'no way' moments to share with you:

1. Hair Dryer as Sticker Remover 

I'm loving the needlepoint look right now. It adds texture to everything. My friend Allyson learned how to needlepoint her own belts! They are amazing, although time consuming. She puts so much effort into them which makes them wonderful heartfelt gifts. I'd love to learn how one day.
Trina Turk's residential line makes for a fun-loving home decor. She has so many options in needlepoint!

[1.]Trina Turk Down-Filled Needlepoint Pillow, Zig Zag, Pink, 16 by 16-Inches [2.]Trina Turk Needlepoint Eyeglass Case, Pink [3.]Trina Turk for Peking Handicraft Geo Needlepoint Pillow, Brown[4.]Trina Turk Needlepoint Coasters, Set of 4 Designs

Loafers can be purchased from [Stubbs & Wootton] [By Paige] OR [The Monogrammed Martini]


I'm off to Orlando for the weekend! Everyone who may be going to Jacksonville for the Gator game be safe & have a blast [in a glass] at "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party!"


Genuinely,