coming soon to our television screens.

the fall shows i'm looking forward to...

Mondays

How I Met Your Mother
8:00 on CBS

• It's the final season which means Barney and Robin's wedding, and more importantly, THE MOTHER.

Sleepy Hollow
9:00 on FOX

• I'm getting more and more intrigued by the teasers for this show from the creative team of LOST.

Tuesdays

NCIS
8:00 on CBS

• Actually, this is a show I'm not looking forward to this year - my favorite character is leaving the show - but I'll be watching to see how the writers try to pull that off.

DVR-ing: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
8:00 on ABC

• This show is made for geeks like me.  I'm looking forward to Joss Whedon's snappy one-liners gracing my television screen, and to finding out how Agent Coulson lived.

New Girl and The Mindy Project
9:00 and 9:30 on FOX

• Now that Nick and Jess are together, things should get way more interesting on New Girl - but I have to say, I'm more interested in whether Schmidt chooses Cece or Elizabeth.

• It's pretty obvious that Mindy does not go on a mission trip to Haiti with her pastor boyfriend Casey (who I don't like at all, so yay!).  James Franco's coming on board as "the new Dr. L" who Mindy becomes jealous of, which should be fun.  Is it too early in the show to hope for a Mindy/Danny relationship?

Wednesdays

The Middle and Modern Family
8:00 and 9:00 on ABC

• Wednesday is a good night for family comedies and these two are the best around.  I'm usually making dinner and grading papers while these are on, and it works.

Thursdays

Parks and Recreation
8:00 on NBC

• Pawnee is my happy place.

Glee
9:00 on FOX

• I'll admit, I'm interested to see how Ryan Murphy and the show's creative team handle the loss of Cory Monteith.  I will definitely watch the memorial episode, but beyond that, I didn't enjoy the show very much last season and I'm not sure I'll be a regular viewer.

Parenthood
10:00 on NBC

• If y'all haven't been watching the drama-filled addictiveness that is Parenthood, you've been missing out.  NBC has finally moved the show into what has historically been their most successful time slot, and I'll be watching because the Braverman family members are like real people to me.

Fridays

The Carrie Diaries
8:00 on the CW

• I think I've talked about this show being my guilty pleasure before.  Since the Carrie Bradshaw of the show doesn't really line up with SJP's character on the original series, I like to think of it as an alternate universe.  And I have three words for you: teenage Samantha Jones.

my summer in entertainment

my life in entertainment - summer 2013

movies i saw

karena-ho

We Bought a Zoo - This movie (from 2011) was adorable and just the pick-me-up I needed when we watched it.  Matt Damon's character (based on a real person) Benjamin Mee is a journalist who writes about adventures around the world, until his wife passes away after a long illness and he can't seem to get back on track as a single dad.  He decides that his family needs to start again, and while house-hunting, discovers the perfect property - which is also a zoo.  He takes the plunge, to the delight of his young daughter Rosie and the chagrin of his teenage son Dylan.  Benjamin throws himself into working alongside the zoo's staff to get the animal park back into business and to help his kids find happiness again.

The Way Way Way Back - I finally got a chance to see this movie at Roanoke's Grandin Theater.  Duncan, played by newcomer Liam James, is an awkward 14-year-old who's been forced to join his protective mom (Toni Collette) and her overbearing new boyfriend (Steve Carell) at the beach for summer vacation.  Townie Owen (Sam Rockwell) befriends Owen and gives him a job at a small water park where he starts to gain a confidence he lacks back at the beach house.  Allison Janney, Rob Corddry, Amanda Peet and AnnaSophia Robb play the beach's summer residents; Jim Rash and Nat Faxon wrote and directed the movie and play Duncan's supportive, quirky co-workers along with Maya Rudolph.  I really felt for Duncan and it was cathartic to watch his transformation over one crucial summer.

books i read

Drama by Raina Telgemeier (MG/YA Graphic Novel) - This cute, colorful graphic novel is about a seventh-grade girl, Callie, who loves working on her school's drama club stage crew and is starting to be interested in boys.  Like most middle school girls, she's not quite sure how to tell if they like her back, which causes problems when she befriends guys who are twins.

A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi (YA Historical Fiction) - Last year I taught a student who hated to read - unless the book was about the Salem Witch Trials.  I've read some of Ann Rinaldi's historical fiction before, and I think what sets her apart as an author is that it's clear she does intense research.  She can really bring the past to life.

Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow (MG Historical Fiction) - This book was recommended to me by a student two years ago, and when I purchased a copy last year with money donated by a school board member, my students actually fought over who got to read it first.  I had to set up a waiting list!  Set in post-World War II Russia, Saving Zasha is about a young boy, Mikhail, who discovers a dying man and a German Shepherd dog in the woods near his farm one day.  It was basically illegal to own German dogs in Russia after the war, but Mikhail's family decides to keep the dog, Zasha, in secret.  Several people in their village, including the newspaper editor's daughter, a local kennel owner, and dog thieves, start to suspect that Mikhail is hiding a dog, and it's up to him to keep Zasha safe.  This was an easy read; World War II and dogs are high-interest topics for middle-grade students, and a dog book with a happy ending is definitely a diamond in the rough.

Maximum Ride by James Patterson (YA Science Fiction) - Another student recommendation.  I just don't love James Patterson's work, but I can see why teens love this series - it's definitely action-packed, and while it's a long book, the chapters are very short.  The main character, Max, and her "siblings" are lab experiments - kids with wings like birds - and the organization that created them wants them back to conduct further tests.  Max is determined not to let that happen and will protect her family at all costs.

What have you been loving lately?

ideas for a jane austen inspired garden wedding

One of my inspirations while planning my wedding was the Regency era and Jane Austen - the mantel at the War Memorial seemed like something out of the Bennet's parlor to me.  I tried to incorporate the era's sensibilities in simple ways - classic garden-inspired florals, flowing bridesmaids dresses, and a favorite page from Emma as one of my table numbers.  Lately I've been noticing romantic touches and loving the idea of a garden wedding inspired by Jane, the Regency period, and classic elegance.

Ribbon sashes: invitation from Stone Crandall Photography via Snippet and Ink, 

dress from Rebecca Schoneveld on Etsy

Black and white:  groom's attire from Wedding Chicks, guest book from Crafty Pie Press

Elegant bridesmaids from Mi Belle Photography via Style Me Pretty

Ring photo from Mary Kay McKenna Photography via United with Love

Garden bouquets from EPLove via Green Wedding Shoes and Caroline Tran via Santa Barbara Chic

“She was one of those, who, having 

once begun, would be always in love.” 

― Jane Austen, Emma

Chalkboard program from Angela Cox via Southern Weddings

Outdoor ceremony from Grise Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Programs from Harrison Studio via Ruffled

Wooden menu from Laura Hooper Calligraphy on Etsy

Garden wedding cake from Michael and Anna Costa Photographers via Style Me Pretty

“Let us never underestimate the power 

of a well-written letter.” 

― Jane Austen, Persuasion

Tented garden reception from Paper Antler via Style Me Pretty

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. 

My feelings will not be repressed. You 

must allow me to tell you how ardently 

I admire and love you.” 

― Jane Austen, Pride And Prejudice

Fall 2013: Graphic Black and White

I'm excited about Target's fall designer collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim.  The pieces hit stores this Sunday, and the collection focuses on versatile, modern items with clean lines and fun prints.  My favorite pieces also fall in step with one of this fall's biggest trends: graphic black and white.  White after Labor Day?  Now totally acceptable- especially paired with bold black pieces like moto jackets, structured handbags, and statement jewelry.

View this set on Polyvore

Disclaimer:  ModCloth items contain affiliate links.

1. Mossimo moto jacket from Target  2. LOFT necklace tee  3. 3.1 Phillip Lim booties from Target
4. Tribal print dress from ModCloth  5. House of Harlow 1960 earrings from Piperlime
6. Pam Breeze-ly tunic  from ModCloth  7. 3.1 Phillip Lim purse from Target
8. BCBGMAXAZRIA lace blouse from Piperlime  9. Bow-print dress from ModCloth
10. 3.1 Phillip Lim graphic dress from Target 11. 3.1 Phillip Lim embellished dress from Target

Here are some of our favorite celebrities rocking black and white.  Please note:  If you'd like to add any of these celebrity images to your Pinterest boards, please click on the link below the picture and pin from the source so the photographers get credit for their work!

Modern:  Julianne Moore || Olivia Wilde

clicks of note: i will love who i am.

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• Janelle Monae's new album comes out today!  I love her so much for her refusal to conform to the status quo of the music industry.  I'm loving the first two videos, "Q.U.E.E.N." and "Dance Apocalyptic."  Here's an animated portrait by by favorite Tumblr illustrator, Celeste.  I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos today.

SWOON.

Sandra Marusic Photography via Bridal Musings

• Bridal Musings features two dancers' engagement shoot in London - urban and awesome.
• These DIY gold dot vases from Lilikoi Joy are elegant and fun - they'd make cute votives, too.
• Style Me Pretty features a romantic San Ysidro shoot with a ribbon veil and stunning bouquet.
• A very Southern, orange and blue bow tie inspiration shoot from Wedding Chicks.

SMILE.

• The School of Rock cast had a 10 year reunion!  (BuzzFeed)
• Nate Berkus' new line of housewares hits Target this weekend. (CasaSugar)
• Design Love Fest shares a tutorial for customizing my family's favorite yard game.
• A perfectly pulled-together look with fall's key pieces from KMK Styling.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year, I shared our wedding's thrifted touches, rounded up the coolest terrariums on the web and more geometric accessories, and joined an Instagram challenge for bookworms. 
•  Two years ago, I shared more of our wedding's handcrafted details.

sunday simplicity: life in color

Wedding Chicks

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, 

a tender look which becomes a habit.

- Peter Ustinov

United with Love

Southern Traditions: UVa Game Day Style

Virginia fans were so excited to see Oregon on this year's schedule.  Today we face the Ducks in Scott Stadium, and win or lose, you can bet that Wahoo girls will be showing folks from the Pacific Northwest how to dress for football games.

View this set on Polyvore

1. Kenneth Jay Lane pearl stud earrings from Tuckernuck
2. Kate Spade bow bracelet from ShopBop  3. Essie nail polish in "Geranium" from Target
4. Judith March sundress from Sideline Sweetie (similar style in strapless)
5. Vera Bradley wristlet  6. Jack Russell tote bag (similar)  7. Jack Rogers Navajo sandals from Jildor

team spirit: house united rag wreath [football season!]

I've seen several great ideas for "House Divided" wreaths on Pinterest: they're perfect for couples that attended rival colleges - like us!  Mr. Q is a Virginia Tech alumni and I graduated from the University of Virginia.  I'd been thinking about putting my own spin on a House Divided wreath, but when I really thought about it, I decided to go in a different direction.

I made a House United rag wreath.   Honestly, Mr. Q and I are not the rabid football fans that many Virginia natives are.  We love a good game, but neither of us gets throwing-things angry when our team loses.  When we were talking the night we met and learned that we attended rival schools, both of us kind of shrugged and kept asking questions.  Mr. Q has attended several UVa games with me, I've been to a few Tech games, and we root for both the big Virginia teams every weekend - except for that one weekend in November when the Commonwealth Cup is on the line. 

To make my House United wreath, I used the same method used to make my Fourth of July Rag Wreath - I just love the random, rustic look it creates!  My raw materials were a coat hanger, scissors, four spools of ribbon, and four fabric quarters (from the quilting section at JoAnn Fabrics).  I used navy, maroon, burnt orange, and bright orange fabric, and burgundy grosgrain, orange dot, orange stripe, and blue gingham ribbon.

Once I had my coat hanger circle made, I cut my ribbons, cut and ripped the fabric into strips, and went to work tying knots around the circle.  I tried to mix up the colors as much as possible.  This is what the side that was face-up while I was working looks like when it's finished:

I flipped the wreath over to hang it on the door - the side that was facing the table while I was working.  For whatever reason, that side always looks a little more rustic and fun!  Making the wreath took about an hour.  I'd love to try this again with a little burlap ribbon in there with the school colors!

 

See that crazy goodness?  I love ripped edges.

Here's what the wreath looks like on our front door.  Do you like my antique 

key print welcome mat?  It's a Target find.

And here's a shot of our townhouse in her between-seasons glory!

Linking Up:

The 36th Avenue

Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

The Inspiration Exchange at Clean and Scentsible

Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths

Inspire Me Please at Liz Marie Blog

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife

Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits at Stone Gable

Wildly Original at I Gotta Create

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Shine on Fridays at Young and Crafty

Best of the Weekend at A Little Claireification

Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now