Let's Go Camping

When the air acquires that crisp, tart scent, my mind immediately jumps to thoughts of campfire smoke, cozy sleeping bags, sweatshirts, and toasted marshmallows. The weather here in Maryland hasn't turned just yet, but in the evenings, there's a certain smell, a certain feeling, a certain something on the air...and you just know, fall is coming. 

Mark has always been an avid outdoorsman. He knows way more than the average person should about edible herbs, prime camping spots, rock climbing, and wilderness survival. His process for starting and stoking the campfire has to be some kind of ancient art form. I meanwhile am utterly ignorant when it comes to camping and survival. In a crisis, I would definitely be the first to go. But that blue-eyed Virginian has definitely imparted his love of camping to me. And now, as I tick the days on the calendar down to that date marked "Autumnal Equinox," I can't help but get excited for thoughts of fall camping trips. 

For now, however, I'll just have to satisfy my urges with this camping mood board. If you're into rustic farmhouse decor, you should definitely check out Painted Fox Treasures. They offer a whole treasure trove of vintage-inspired goods from baskets to blankets to lighting. I often catch myself aimlessly scrolling through their website, ogling and drooling over rustic pendants and canvas tote bags. It makes me want to redesign my entire house in a rustic industrial style. I based the above Mood Board on items currently available at their online shop. Some are even on sale! Definitely click on over and give them a look-see. 

And finally, in parting... 

This list of fun camping spots in or near Maryland:

Greenbelt Park

Gambrill State Park

Camp Misty Mount

Tree House Campground 

Assateague Island

New River Gorge

C&O Canal

Sources (clockwise from top):

my own image // cabin // sign // metal baskets // fireplace // weather vane  

Full Disclosure: I am part of Painted Fox's affiliate program and as such may receive a small commission for this post. However, I only affiliate with brands and companies I truly like. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Hello September!

When I wake up on September first, my brain automatically charges into full Fall Mode. As if I could just willfully fast-forward the last sweltering weeks of summer and plunge straight into autumn's crispy goodness. Like a sienna-hued slideshow, autumn images race through my mind: tailgates, mums spilling out of terra-cotta pots, steamy apple pies, crunchy leaves, rotund pumpkins, cable-knit sweater sleeves, and foaming mugs of hot cocoa. But I've seen enough white-girl memes to arrest this onslaught before I go into a Pinterest- induced, pumpkin-spice seizure.

Confession: I don't even own a cable- knit sweater. 

Yesterday, I found myself whining that I "was ready for some fall weather already!" Mark grinned and shook his head. "I know, I know," I said. "Soon I'll be whining about the cold weather." Autumn is without a doubt my favorite season. But after autumn comes winter with the snow plows, frozen fingers, and salt-stained boots--and I'm not too crazy about that. So, I suppose I can hold it together a little longer and try to enjoy what's left of summer before it slips away for another year. 

I'll just indulge my addiction a teensy bit by burning a fall candle, sweating over a hot latte, and creating a fall mood board. 

What are your favorite things about autumn? 

Image sources (clockwise from top): 

mine // mine // Martha Stewart Mile High Pie // mine  // Lexington Clothing Co // Iopop 

Triple Crown Mood Boards

Where were you last weekend when a long-legged Thoroughbred known as the Pharaoh made history?

Mark and I were enjoying a dinner out, when suddenly the pieces clinked into place in my brain. "Babe!" I exclaimed, "It's Belmont Day!" Immediately, I abandoned my meal and craned my neck, looking for the nearest TV monitor showing the event. A lady at another table overheard my remark...and before we knew it, the entire restaurant had ceased in its customary activities. Instead, patrons and servers alike were affixed to the screens, awaiting the gate bell and cry of "And they're off!"

Perched on my knees and clutching the back of the booth, I bounced on the cushion like a little girl. My heartbeat spiked when American Pharaoh took the lead, not unlike his predecessor Secretariat in 1973. So many jockeys had attempted that course of action and paid the price, spending their horses' energy and power too soon. Yet Espinoza urged the Pharaoh to the front, where he led a clustered pack of raw horsepower, leather, and muscle at a breakneck speed. 

Could he keep it up?

Around the last turn they came, flying hooves and flinging dirt clods. "He's got it babe!" Mark cried. A man at another table exclaimed "Almost there, almost there." But I saw something just on the inside of the rail: another horse peeling past the others, it's panting muzzle headed straight for an opening on the rail. Not again, I thought as my hopes waned. 

Yet Espinoza saw it too, and before the other horse could even reach the opening, American Pharaoh's rump had closed it. My lips parted in the beginnings of a smile, and for the first time I thought: Oh my Lord, he's going to win it. 

"He's got it! He's got it! He's got it!" As one, the restaurant-goers began to shout, pound their tabletops, and cheer. The horse named for ancient kings began to leave the others behind. The wire flashed by and, in that infinitesimal instant, history was made. Everyone burst into applause, grins on each face, as if it were our own victory. 

After 37 years, a racehorse finally accomplished a feat that many were beginning to deem impossible. Yet American Pharaoh proved that a horse with heart and power could still achieve that illusive goal: the coveted Triple Crown. 

In honor of that monumental win, I decided to put together a few Triple Crown inspired mood boards. I've always loved equestrian style and decided that adding a little leather and plaid to Patina & Purl today wouldn't hurt. 

Did you miss the race? Here's a clip of the amazing run. I still get chills watching it! 

video source: Youtube

image sources: Pinterest