FALL in Love!

Autumn Leaves print, by sarahsetsy

Today is officially the first day of autumn, and I couldn't be happier! Fall is my favorite time of year - the weather finally starts cooling down and turning crisp, the trees turn heartbreakingly beautiful colors, and Starbucks starts making their Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread lattes.

Celebrate the autumnal equinox in style - decorate your home with fall colors and spiced candles, get out your favorite throw blankets and cozy sweaters, and relax over a yummy latte or cup of chai tea to some lovely classical piano music. Ahhhhhh, heaven.

Here are some beautiful items to get you in the mood from some of our friends at Etsy - all on sale TODAY!!

Pumpkin Soaps by thesoapseduction

Orange Pumpkin Scarf/Boa by kiamichi7

Autumn spice necklace by sparklecouture

Autumnal Fire Stacking Set by CreationsbyCat

And this seller, who has the most ethereal and lovely costumes I've seen in quite some time - BEAUTIFUL!!

November Fairy Costume by TheBohemianGoddess

Knit Wit

A few years back, my sister in law, Shannen, taught me how to knit. At first, I was miserable at it, and it was pretty frustrating to keep my stitches loose and even, even in stockinette. But with a little practice, I was soon following simple patterns, and even took on (sometimes not successfully) more challenging projects. Yarn became an obsession, and trips to my local knitting shops became for me what bookstore jaunts have always been. I could spend all day petting the various yarns in wool, cashmere, silk, soy, flax, linen, cotton, alpaca, mohair... the list is endless.

I'm still a novice compared to these sellers, but my skills are improving! Someday I might just make something for myself that actually fits (besides socks).

Victoria Coat by designbynihan

Snow Drifts Spiral Scarf by AngelAndFairyDesigns

The Wicked Autumn Hat by Sloanester

RIONA hand knitted cardigan coat by ovejanegra

and this little "bean cozy", that I just ADORE:

LiL Acorn Baby Beanie by ForStitchesSake

There are two really great yarn shops in my area that I enjoy visiting: Bobbin's Nest Studio in Santa Clara, and Yarndogs in Los Gatos. Make sure you have enough time to really enjoy your visit, and if you happen to find any cashmere on clearance, let me know...