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October Dusk

10.02.13

My favorite time to be at The Orchard is right dusk, when the sun is almost set and the whole area is lit with a magical, dusty glow. Around this time, Scott and I usually go on a walk to take outfit photos, or just to take in the fall light and the cool breeze. Getting out and walking after a long work day is always therapeutic! Once we’ve made our way around the mile loop, we usually ask one another if we want to walk it again – a nod is suffice to turn around and start our trek once more. By this time, the street is dark and flashlights are an absolute must. Sometimes we hear spooky noises and howling dogs, but we figure that our souls are protected by John Butrick himself (wink, wink – did you read my spooky story yesterday?) and we have nothing to fear.

Life has been pretty crazy the past few days. We’ve had a few issues down at The Orchard, and thus lots of calls to repair men to fix the well, electrical boxes, and the giant hole that’s now in front of the property (thanks, phone company!). Everything is coming together though, and we’re getting all of the issues sorted out. Scott has been helping my folks out quite a bit lately, and I’m so proud of all of the work he has accomplished. Who knew these city folk would enjoy farm life so much? Shh – don’t tell anyone I said that! 😉

Outfit details:
Blouse: Ann Taylor
Sand Timer necklace: c/o Unexpected Expectancy 
Skirt: Ross
Boots: Sam Edelman

Work has been simply crazy today, but I’ve been loving every minute of it. I feel so blessed to work in such a creative environment, and having my daily tasks include time spent on Pinterest and blogs (dream job!). I’m leaving a bit early today to make a 4:30 appointment, so I’m powering through my work with the help of some iced coffee and the Pitch Perfect soundtrack (still obsessed). I’m always looking for some new jams to listen to while I work, so any bands/songs/album suggestions would be much appreciate (bonus if they’re fall appropriate!).

What’s your favorite fall album? How’s your week been?
-Chelsea xo

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Lady Of The Corn

10.01.13

Happy October! The best month of the year is finally here! I thought I would take this opportunity to start off with a spooky story! OOO! So just on the other side of the train tracks next to my parent’s orchard is this giant corn field – corn as far as the eye can see – and there is no one that tends to it. When my folks moved in back in May, one of their two neighbors came over to introduce themselves. Tom the tree guy, as he calls himself, shared some info with us about the area, and how the ten acre plots were given out during the Homestead Act circa 1860. Well, one of the previous landowners, John Butrick, grew corn in this very field – until he went missing and was eventually found in the middle of the corn field dead. The cause was unknown, but some say John was poisoned by his new girlfriend and then taking on a midnight walk to the fields where he was left to die. John’s girlfriend, Abigail Faulkner, was given his land and all of his belongs, for he didn’t have any family left. Abigail, or the Lady of the Corn as she was later called, continued to live on land for the remainder of her life, never leaving the house other than to tend to the corn field – a chore that many neighbors questioned how she did with her small, frail stature. Some said she was a witch, and everyone avoided her, worrying that she would place a curse on them and they too would end up dead in the corn fields. To this day, the corn field is left unkept, for fear that bodies lay under the corn stalks, and that Abigail’s witchy soul may be brought to life once again.

BOO! Did I send shivers down your spine? The story was made up and all for fun! They do, however, have a creepy, crazy neighbor and this corn field is often left unkept. When we were out taking these photos we did hear a lot of weird noises and Scott may have ventured out into the corn field for a little peek around (can you spot him in this photo among the corn stalks?). I’ll tell you one thing, you will definitely never catch me in this corn field late at night!

Outfit details:
Sweater: Roxy via Ross
Bracelet: Vintage
Pants: UO
Shoes: Wanted

My October is off to a smashing start and I have big plans to sip on a pumpkin spiced coffee and go on a cool, breezy walk with Scott and the pups tonight! What are you up to on this very spooky first day of October?
-Chelsea xo

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So Long September

09.30.13

September came and went way too quickly. This month I embraced fall with open arms, sipped on pumpkin spiced coffees, took more adventures in my own front yard, and tried on my very first wedding dress. Scott and I also spent a lot time hashing out our wedding details, hanging out with new and old friends, and catching up on Breaking Bad (still can’t believe it’s over!). While I’m sad to see September go, I’m excited for what October holds. Pumpkin patches, Hocus Pocus, our anniversary, Scott’s birthday, and Halloween? I’m all in!

This weekend Scott and I went to our first (and last) baseball game of the season. We usually go earlier in the season, but didn’t seem to make it down to the ball park until the last weekend of the season. We went with a large group of friends, and opted for high-up, five dollar seats so we could all sit together (the view from up there was amazing!). Scott and I split some ball park approved snacks, and did the wave when it came around. We may have not watched much of the game, but we did had so much fun with our friends!

Saturday and Sunday were mostly “cleaning days” at our place, with some blogging and window shopping sprinkled in. I may have purchased a few Halloween treats, cleaned up my “About Me” section on the blog, and planned out a few outfits for our October outings (Wow! Feeling so ahead!). Also, other than Sunday being the seventh anniversary of the day Scott and I first met, it was also the day I committed to taking outfit photos three years ago. I have a post planned for very soon to recap some of my favorite outfits over years, and it’s still so crazy to me to think I’ve been positing my daily wears for over three years now! Where has the time gone?

Outfit details:
Hat: Target
Necklace: My mom’s
Dress: c/o Marshalls
Ginnifer booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

I’ve had a pretty busy Monday so far, but I’ve got plans to sip on some hot coffee and read through a few blogs for the rest of my lunch break. I love discovering new blogs, and I would love any recommendations from you all! Please leave a comment with a link or two for me to check out. Thanks, friends!

What was your favorite thing about this September? What are you most looking forward to in October?
-Chelsea xo

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Seven Years Ago

09.29.13

Starting from top left and going back and forth – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2013.

Seven years ago today Scott and I met in a coffee shop in Ahwatukee (Phoenix), Ariz. He was in a band, and I was coming to the show so I could write a review for my music zine. He also worked at the coffee shop that the show was at, so he spent most of the evening slinging drinks in the back. We were briefly introduced by his bandmate, and he later made me a coffee drink (some sort of frap, I’m sure). My friend and I stayed for his set, and then left in-between the next set. I walked outside to see him standing on the patio with a pair of monster hands on (think toy Hulk hands!), trying to text on a very 2006 appropriate phone. I said goodbye as I walked by, and if my memory proves me right, he didn’t even look up to respond (he hates when I tell that part of the story haha).

A few weeks later we would meet again, this time for an interview with him and his bandmate (he’s still waiting for it to be published!). Time went by again, and after sending messages via Myspace back and forth for a few days, we went on our very first date to a comedy show at his high school (yep, he was a senior and I was a freshman in college – I’m the older lady!). From here, we hung out for a week straight and on October 24th, 2006, we made it official with a kiss on the hand and a, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Seven years later we’re planning our wedding and couldn’t be more in love!

Happy seven years, my fiancé! Here’s to 100 more!
Love,
Chelsea

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September in Instagrams

09.28.13
Follow me on Instagram @Chelseabirdd

September is always one of my favorite months of the year, and this year’s did not disappoint. Looking back, we had a full month of adventures, fun times with friends, lots of time spent celebrating the new season, and making progress on our wedding! Here’s a tiny recap of what our September looked like:

    • Celebrating the first day of fall with an iced pumpkin spice coffee!
    • Wearing some new fall digs and taking in the fall vibes.
    • With my sweetheart in the woods outside of Flagstaff, Ariz.
    • Trying on wedding dresses for the first time with my Matron of Honor and Bridesmaid!
    • Meeting my oldest internet friend (eight years!) for the first time – so happy that Kristine and I finally got to meet!
    • Watching Local Natives at Marquee Theater!
    • My fall picks from my Madewell event!
    • Taking in a baseball game with a few sweet friends – we love The Saco’s!
    • I’m featured in Glamour’s current special edition – 1,001 Best-Ever Fall Dos and Don’ts! Check me out on page 79!

October is already shaping up to be a great month and I can’t wait to celebrate all the goodness that the month holds – cooler weather, trips to the pumpkin patch, walks around The Orchard, our seven year anniversary (and last anniversary as a non-married couple!), Scott’s 25th birthday, and Halloween! Here’s to an extra special and spooky month!

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Checks & Leather

09.26.13

Fall tends to bring out the adventurous side in me. Wandering around abandoned farms, walking along old train tracks, checking out haunted houses, and even dipping into more adventurous looks – like pairing checks with leather? Why not! Lately I’ve been challenging myself to step out of my style comfort zone, so pairing this button up with a mini-skirt and black booties felt like the perfect amount of my usual style mixed with a slight edge. I’ve also been on a skirt kick lately, and I’m on the hunt for a few short wool skirts, and the perfect mustard yellow mini to take me through fall into winter. Let me know if you’ve seen any around lately!

I feel like a big thank you is in order today. For awhile I was feeling uninspired and weary on how much to share about our wedding process and life as a of lately. I grew so accustomed to just sharing what was on my mind at the moment, rather than typing out my heart onto these pages like I used to. Blame it on the stress of finishing grad school, starting a new job, planning a wedding, or whatever it may have been, but I’m happy to sit here now knowing that I’ve been putting my heart out there more, and I feel so thankful for all of the kind comments I’ve received. I may not sprawl my heart here every day, but it’s nice to know that those who do read my words are kind and can relate. Thanks for making my days, ladies and gents, truly.

Outfit details:
Button up: Levi’s
Necklace: Gift from Katherine
Skirt: c/o Jcpenney
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Booties: Sam Edelman

This afternoon I had a coffee date with a sweet coworker at a favorite local coffee shop, and this evening Scott and I plan on decorating for Fall/Halloween! We already have a few mini pumpkins that we picked up last week, but we want to decorate our porch with larger pumpkins, tiny gourds, and those ghoulish looking pumpkins too. I’m also still on the hunt for apple cider donuts, and I think my friends Sarah and Anita are on to something good – we’ve been tweeting about having a Krispy Kreme and/or Dunkin Donuts ladies date soon. Score! Now, where can I find the best apple cider?

Is there a new style that you’ve been wanting to try lately? Has the new season put an extra spring in your step as well?
-Chelsea xo

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Heart & Soul

09.25.13

With the change of the season official, and the thought that come next season I’ll become a married lady, I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting, contemplating, wondering, worrying, and planning out what the next few months will hold. I’ve always, always been a worrier, so trust me, that’s nothing new, but reflecting on my life so far and picturing what our life as a married couple will be like come four months, six months, a year, two years, and on is definitely a new feeling. While I don’t feel like much will change within my day-to-day to, just the fact that I’ll be a soon be a Mrs. blows my mine – Mrs. Chelsea Goodson. What? My heart and soul are screaming that all is right, and for that I couldn’t be more grateful.

Other than contemplating life, working on wedding plans, doing the daily work grind, and sipping on hot coffee (oh, its felt glorious the past few mornings and evenings – finally!), I’ve been watching a lot of movies and becoming re-obsessed with Pitch Picture. I even bought the PP movie soundtrack so I could sing along, non-acapella, on my way to work. The past few nights Scott and I have watched nothing but Pitch Perfect, but last night we switched it up and pulled out a favorite – Silver Linings Playbook. Scott and I both appreciate the movie’s off sense of humor, and the over arching realness that many blockbusters miss. I’ve heard the book is even better than the movie, so it’s on my must-read list, along with a handful of other books that I’ve yet to finish – I’m known for starting and stopping a book like nobody’s business, but hopefully this fall I can kick my butt into gear and finish up those books I’ve been neglecting that are now in a pile next to my bed.

Scott printed a test run of our save the dates yesterday and I’m in love with them. All we need is envelopes and stamps and we should be good to go! We have two sets of sweet friends who are getting married (or having their reception) within the next two months, and I’m super excited to be able to witness their special days and celebrate their everlasting love together.

This weekend I’m hoping to stop by our first pumpkin patch of the year! We have a few favorites that we also make a point to stop at, but I’m hoping to check out a few new places this season. If you’re local, I would love any and all suggestions you may have. I’m also on the hut for apple cider donuts! Anyone know where I can find these and/or request for them to be made (if you’re reading this, Jessica from The Coffee Shop, hook a lady up!).

Outfit details:
Hat: Target
Sweater: Old Navy
Top: c/o Lulus
Ginnifer booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

I have a feeling today is going to be a pretty busy day, but I have the Pitch Perfect soundtrack playing in my ears and an iced coffee on my desk – I’m set for the day! 

What movies have you been into lately? Do you have any favorite fall treats (bonus if they’re local and I can get my hands on them!).
 -Chelsea xo

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The Orchard

09.24.13

My favorite spot on my parent’s 8 acre property is this cozy spot among overgrown vines, a leaning fence, low shading trees, and our campfire wood pile that Scott stacked himself. The land was previously owned by a landscaping company, so there are literally acres of beautifully landscaped, yet very overgrown at this point, land. Scott and his brothers spent the summer working on cleaning it up and getting it ready for my folks, while also leaving little spots for me that he knew I would appreciate and love – like this wood pile. Most days I’m left in awe at how massive the property really is, and how many quirks I’ve spotted over the past four months. – like four giant columns that surround nothing, or the dusty, outdoor fireplace that has two candles sitting inside of it just waiting to be lit (one of the candles may remind me of the black flame candle from Hocus Pocus – just a little bit!).

Beside the quirks, this place also carries a sense of peace and tranquility that I’m thankful to have. I work in a very busy environment, so it’s nice to be able to come here and take in the trees, the cooler weather (it’s usually 10 degrees cooler on the land then it is on the surrounding paved areas), and the cute bunny rabbits (Hello, Mr. Cottontail!).

Today I’ve been super busy at work (writing this on my lunch break!), and texting my sweet bridesmaid, Courtney, about my “potential” wedding dress. I get giddy just thinking about it! Our wedding is less than four months away and I feel like we still have so many little things to work on. Courtney suggested that I sign up for an account with The Knot, and I’m wondering if anyone else has any wedding tips/tricks they wanted to share! Right now, the flowers is the item on our list that is stumping me the most. I have an idea of what I want, but I’m not quite sure where to start. I’ve heard good and bad things about ordering flowers from Costco, choosing a florist, and doing the flowers yourself. Again, any help would be much appreciate for this bride-to-be!

Outfit details:
Blouse: Everly
Jeans: Levi’s
Flats: Ross

Ok, I’m off to sip on more iced coffee and finish up the work day!

What do you love most about your parents home? What are you up to this evening?
-Chelsea xo

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Fall Equinox

09.23.13

Happy Fall! The best season of the year is finally here and I couldn’t be more excited! I spent the fall equinox sipping on a pumpkin spice iced coffee, shopping around for some new fall threads, watching Hocus Pocus and going on a walk with Scott around my parents property. This morning I woke up to cooler temperatures (64 degrees? What!), and promptly piled on a sweater and a pair of boots. I knew that there could be a possibility that I may be sweating by lunch, so I made sure to layer and brought a pair of sandals with to keep in my car – just in case. A sweet gal left a comment on one of my Instagram photos of how she dressed her kids today for a half chill/half hot day, which included a poncho and shorts – so very Arizonian (and super funny!). Thanks for the good laugh, and the thought that I’m not alone in my dressing dilemma!

With the change of the season also comes a change in my music habits. I have a few select bands that I usually become obsessed with this time of year, like The Weakerthans, Stars, Cursive, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, etc. SSLYBY actually just released a new cd last week that Scott and I have been listening to non-stop on our daily drives around town. About three years ago SSLYBY came to Phoenix and played at an old venue called The Trunk Space (think teeny tiny venue in a bad part of town, but the stage is so close that you can almost guarantee a good show). To this day, I still feel like its one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, and I’m hoping that when they play Scottsdale this time around we can see them again.

Outfit details:
Hat: Target
Jacket: Target
Top: TJ Maxx
Jeans: Levi’s
Ginnifer booties: c/o Blowfish Shoes

My Monday has been pretty easy going so far. Tonight I don’t any plans other than to work on editing some photos, and maybe picking up a hot drink and going on another long walk. The start of fall always feels so special, and reminds me of all of the good that has come out of my favorite season. Scott and I first met in late September of 2006, and I also started posting my daily outfits here in late September 2010 (see my first, slightly embarrassing post right here).

Ok, I’m out for the afternoon! Tell me, why is fall so special to you?
-Chelsea xo

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Full On Fall

09.19.13

I did it – I went full on fall! I’ve been slowly incorporating more of my favorite fall pieces into my daily wears, usually opting for some kind of warm weather friendly basic, and a more fall appropriate accessory. Yesterday, though, I decided to go full on fall and pull out a new dress that I picked up from Tieka’s shop my closet, my favorite black tights, and a new pair of booties (the Ginnifers!) from Blowfish Shoes for our evening walk around downtown with the pups. There was a cool breeze in the air and crinkly leaves on the ground (no, really!) and I took it all as a sign that fall is oh so close – only three more days until the season officially starts!

Since the season is almost here, I’ve been planning out all of the fall adventures Scott and I should go on – a trip to the pumpkin patch, exploring the cornfields by my folks new place, tracking down apple cider donuts (do these even exist in Arizona? please fill me in on where I could find them and/or make them!), going on a hayride, carving pumpkins, decorating (Target has THE best fall decor right now!), and taking our engagement photos with our sweet photographer – Sarah of Arrow and Apple!

It’s been SO nice having the pups around lately – they’ve been traveling with my folks and I’ve missed them dearly. Scott and I took a whole slew of photos with them, which I plan on sharing more of a little later. They’re growing up so quickly and are really growing into their personalities. Scout is sweet, timid, and sensitive, while Piper is adventurous, snuggly, and slightly wild. They’re both equally loveable, and would give you kisses all day long if you would let them. They’re truly the biggest spots of sunshine in our life!

Outfit details:
Hat: Target
Dress: from Tieka’s Shop My Closet
Bracelet: Vintage
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Ginnifer booties : c/o Blowfish Shoes

Today I’m sipping on hot coffee and talking wedding plans with my sweet bridesmaid, Courtney. We’re talking dresses and bridal showers! ECK! Also, I wanted to share that I’ll be contributing to the BF Style Mavens Pinterest board over on Blowfish Shoes’ Pinterest page. We’re just getting it going now, but I forsee it being filled with so many stylish ladies and looks over the fall season! Ps are we friends on Pinterest? I’ve been pinning up a storm lately!
-Chelsea xo

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