Weekend Wardrobe: Denim, Rust, Pink, and Ivory Autumn Travel Wardrobe

Madewell Baez Pullover Sweater in Marled Fog Stripe

This will probably be the last post you see from me for a while (although I may give some short moving updates occasionally if I have time), so I thought I would create one more travel wardrobe based on another pretty sweater.  I just love the name of the color for this sweater - Marled Fog!  All four of the wardrobe colors are found in the sweater's stripes.  There are enough apparel items in this collection to accommodate a week-long getaway if you don't mind repeating similar looks (i.e., sweaters with or without a base layer, button front shirts worn as base layers and second layers, etc.).

As usual, we start with the outfit to wear while traveling to your favorite fall destination:

Clockwise from too left: Madewell Baez Pullover Sweater in Marled Fog Stripe; Maui Jim Ah Dang! Flat Top Sunglasses in Tortoise/Bronze; Nordstrom Signature One-Button Blazer in Brown Toffee; Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag in Natural; Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote and Wristlet in Cognac; Band of Gypsies Women's Creed Bootie in Natural Suede; Skagen Anita Mesh Strap Watch in Gold/Mother of Pearl/Gold; MOTHER The Dazzler Ankle Straight Leg Jeans in On the Edge; TopShop Mock Neck Mesh Top in Cream; Center: Kendra Scott Betty Gold Stud Earrings in Dichroic Glass.

You may have noticed that I included two handbags - my secret when traveling by plane is to put my smaller crossbody bag into my much larger tote bag so that it works as one small carry-on item instead of two!

And now for the additional items to pack in your carry-on bag:

Clockwise from top left: Melanie Auld Amulet Pendant Necklace in Moonstone/Gold; Rails Kate Print Shirt in Peony Stripe; Caslon Chambray Shirt in Medium Indigo (no longer available); Splendid Ribbed Mock Neck Crop Top in Pink Beige; TopShop Parallel Straight Leg Jeans in Cream; Josef Seibel Women's Sina 11 Sneaker in Denim Leather; Tumi Merge 22-Inch Continental Expandable Rolling Carry-On in Navy; Vionic Women's Waverly Loafer in Light Pink Leather; Caslon Long Sleeve Denim Shirtdress in Dark Medium Wash; Nordstrom Ellie Leather Crossbody Clutch in Pink Dust; Center top: Madewell Arden Crop V-Neck Pullover Sweater in Wisteria Dove; Center bottom: Kendra Scott Leon Link Bracelet in Gold.

If you sleep in pajamas and there is enough room in your suitcase, you could also pack this fun sleepwear:

Kate Spade New York Pastel Zebra Crop Pajamas

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Since I am traveling with two dogs who have never been on a long car trip before, my travel wardrobe will unfortunately not be as attractive as this one.  One dog is a senior and the other has never enjoyed riding in cars, so I will be wearing utilitarian clothes such as old jeans and well-worn t-shirts just in case some major cleanups are required while en route to our destination (my back seat will be similarly attired in easy-clean coverups as well!).  While this is not exactly the exciting and glamorous road trip I dream of making some day, it will certainly be an adventure!  If you don't hear from me before the end of the month, then I will hopefully be back on my blog some time in October.  See you then!
             

Foodie Fridays: Fast and Easy Pesto Lasagne

Because I am so busy getting ready to move at the end of the month, I have been relying on a lot of convenience foods when preparing meals.  I am also trying to use up as much food as possible in the freezer before I leave.  I had a couple of packages of frozen lasagne noodles that I have been meaning to try, so the recipe I found for Fast-and-Easy Pesto Lasagne was especially appealing.

Of course I did not make homemade pesto (I am a lazy cook, after all, in addition to having so little time for cooking right now!) - I used the refrigerated version from the supermarket instead.  I substituted chicken stock for the water, but only because I have some left over from another recipe that must get used up.  I also used pre-shredded cheese instead of cubing a chunk of mozzarella because it was easier.  Feel free to ignore all of my lazy changes and stick to the original recipe if you prefer!

This dish is very rich but extremely tasty, so try not to eat more than one serving per meal!  Serve the lasagne with a green vegetable or a salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.  The only change I might make next time is to soften the lasagne sheets in some boiling water before using them, as they were rather chewy, but even without this change the recipe is one I will certainly be using again.

Fast and Easy Pesto Lasagne

1 carton (15 oz.) ricotta cheese (I always use the low-fat version)
1 egg
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 C. water (or chicken stock)
1 pkg. (8.8 oz.) Giovanni Rana Ready to Bake Lasagne Sheets
1 1/2 containers (7 oz. each) refrigerated pesto sauce
1 1/2 C. shredded Italian cheese blend

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, egg, salt and pepper, and water.  The mixture will be runny but the extra moisture will help soften the lasagne sheets so don't be alarmed!

Spread 1/4 C. of the ricotta mixute on the bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch square baking dish.  Top with 2 lasagne sheets, overlapping them.  Spread 1/3 of the pesto (half of one container) over the noodles, then 1/3 of the remaining ricotta mixture.  Top with about 1/3 C. of shredded cheese.  Arrange 2 more lasagne sheets on top, and repeat the pesto/ricotta mixture/shredded cheese layers.  Finish with the last 2 lasagne sheets, followed by the remaining pesto, ricotta mixture, and shredded cheese.  Cover the baking dish with foil, preferably nonstick (otherwise try to keep the foil from touching the top of the lasagne).

Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top slightly.

Remove the lasagne from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.  Serves 6.
           

On the Homefront: Getting Ready for the Big Move

Boxes filled with books ready for the big move
 (I've packed up a lot more of them since I took this photo).

Just thought I would post a quick update on my big move coming up at the end of the month.  My husband and I are doing this move in stages.  The first stage involves me taking pretty much all of my books, movies, and clothes, most of our kitchen items except for the bare essentials I think my husband will need, all of our dogs' and my horse's things, and the minimum amount of furniture that I will require to live comfortably in our New Mexico house.

At the moment I am trying very hard to go through all of my belongings and ruthlessly downsize.  My husband is in charge of removing everything that I discard as quickly as possible before I have a chance to change my mind about anything (I load my discarded items into his car as soon as I can since I am less likely to haul things back in once they are out of the house).  This is the last move we intend to make, and I really want to minimize the amount of stuff that I own.

The items I decided to pack myself are my books and movies, plus some of my clothes.  I got all of my cookbooks packed up when we had to replace our kitchen and dining room tile floors so I am over halfway done, but I really need to pick up the pace and finish so that I can move on to other things.  I am afraid this means that I will be neglecting my blog for the rest of the month, so posts will be few and far between.

Hopefully by the middle of October (or whenever I can get internet service to our new house) I will be back on a more regular schedule.  Since I will be going back and forth between New Mexico and Georgia at least a few more times once I find a reliable pet sitter, my blog will keep its "GAFunkyFarmhouse" title for now.  Despite the stress of packing for a move, I am looking forward to our retirement life in New Mexico, and can't wait to experience autumn in Santa Fe!

From Pinterest

             

Wish List Wednesdays: Crate and Barrel Slate and Wood Pedestal Server

I love the sleek yet rustic look of the Slate and Wood Pedestal Server ($24.95) from Crate and Barrel.  This stand would be perfect for serving appetizers or dessert, and would also make a lovely base for a table centerpiece.  Crate and Barrel has a nice selection of slate or acacia wood serveware that would be well complemented by this piece.  Fall is the season for entertaining, and the wood and slate tableware collections from Crate and Barrel would look great in autumnal-themed table settings!
               

Weekend Wardrobe: Navy and Rust Autumn Weekend Travel Wardrobe

Madewell Arden Stripe V-Neck Pullover Sweater in Burnished Mahogany

Even though we are currently suffering through some of the hottest temperatures we've had all summer, I am so ready to start thinking about autumn!  I was inspired to create a fall weekend travel wardrobe based on the cozy sweater shown above, focusing on the navy and rust hues.  As always, let's start with the items to wear in transit to a lovely autumnal location:

Clockwise from top left: Madewell Arden Stripe V-Neck Pullover Sweater in Burnished Mahogany; Oliver Peoples Marianela Cat Eye Sunglasses in Deep Blue/Dark Blue; Halogen Wool & Cashmere Long Cardigan in Rust Sequoia; Madewell Zip Top Transport Leather Carryall in English Saddle; Madewell Women's Reid Ballet Flat in English Saddle Leather; Vince Camuto Ponte Skinny Ankle Pants in Classic Navy; J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck in Navy; Center top: Mignonne Gavigan Palmer Stud Earrings in Navy; Center bottom: Skagen Signatur Leather Strap Watch in Blue/Mother of Pearl/Rose Gold.

Since this is just a quick getaway, there are actually very few items to pack, leaving some space in the carry-on bag to add any impulse purchases:

Clockwise from top left: Madewell Faux Wrap Pullover Sweater in Heather Navy; Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck in Baker Stripe Bright Ivory Socotra; Madewell The Simple Leather Crossbody Bag in English Saddle; J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck in Ivory; Madewell Women's The Ainsley Chelsea Boot in English Saddle; Halogen Ankle Pants in Rust Sequoia; Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck in Eastleigh Stripe Autumn Navy Souffle; Center: Bric's Bellagio 2.0 21-inch Rolling Carry-On in Cream.

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I wish navy was a color that complemented my complexion, because I would love to be able to wear this wardrobe!  I could substitute black or brown for the navy but then I would have to find a different inspiration sweater, which probably would not be too difficult as all the fall fashions are available right now.  Are you ready for summer to leave and fall to arrive?  I know I am!
               

Weekend Wardrobe: Accessories for a Colorfully Eclectic Basic 4x4 Wardrobe for Summer

At long last, here are the accessories for the colorful basic summer wardrobe I described in a post from weeks ago - better late than never, I say, although this post just barely squeaks in before the end of summer!  Like the wardrobe, these accessories feature summery bright colors plus a flowers and butterflies theme.  While they may not be the preference of those who like a neutral palette, if you are a free spirit who loves to dazzle the eye with your fashion choices then these selections should delight your senses!

Since my delightful inspiration model for this basic wardrobe seems to love handmade accessories, let's start with some unique jewelry options, most of them handcrafted by Etsy artists:

Clockwise from top left: Needle Felted Rosy Maple Moth Brooch by lannarfelt on Etsy;  Large Colorful Pendant Necklace by NYCShabbyChic on Etsy; Felt Sunflower Brooch by FranCrafts28 on Etsy; Orange and Blue Tin Butterfly Statement Necklace by Cellar Door Jewelry on Amazon; Trumpet Flower Aluminum Cuff Bracelet by CarrStudio on Etsy; Butterfly and Caterpillars Necklace by CicadaArtJewelry on Etsy.

A few summery handbags add even more fun to this wardrobe:

Clockwise from top left: San Diego Hat Company Circular Daisy Tote in Natural; Embroidered Butterfly Tote Bag by BigheartStyle on Etsy; Cappelli Straworld Beaded Floral Straw Crossbody Bag in Toast; Cappelli Straworld Circular Woven Straw Shoulder Bag in Turquoise.

Next up is some unique and colorful footwear:

Clockwise from top left: Lavender Suede Turkish Yemeni Flats by HandmadeTurkishShoes on Etsy; Women's Butterfly Garden Martin Boots by Artbymark1 on ArtsAdd; Women's Butterfly Clogs in Blue; KazarMax Women's Butterfly Slip On Sneakers in Yellow/White; Journee Collection Halsey Loafer in Blue Faux Suede; Sloggers Women's Rain & Garden Shoes in Midsummer Blue.

Now that the feet are covered, let's add some headgear in the form of wide-brimmed lightweight hats:

Clockwise from top left: Butterfly Print Floppy Straw Sun Hat in Lime; Modecici Summer Casual Straw Hat in Flower; Butterfly Print Floppy Straw Sun Hat in Orange; B2B sur la tete Jardin Sun Hat in Multi.

Last but not least, a couple of light layers in case the weather cools down slightly or becomes damp, plus some eye protection in the form of brightly hued sunglasses:

Clockwise from top left: Patagonia Women's Houdini Jacket in Peach Sherbet; SA106 Women's Floral Print Half Rim Sunglasses in Blue/Beige/Purple; Coldwater Creek Fine Gauge Cardigan in Lilac; Attention Frames Big Butterfly Sunglasses in Clear Blue.

And there you have it - unique and colorful accessories for an equally unique and colorful summer wardrobe!  Despite the fact that my summer has been extremely hectic, leaving me little time to work on my blog, I really had fun with these posts.  Many thanks to the fascinating woman who was the inspiration for this collection:

From JWC Media

By the way, if you are intrigued by this colorfully eclectic wardrobe and are looking for your own inspiration piece to create a similar look, check out the rainbow-hued checkered silk Isaac Mizrahi blouse shown below, soon to be available from Target.  It looks remarkably similar to the gauze plaid shirt that helped inspire this post's basic wardrobe (seen in the image at the top of the page).  Just realize that if you can't live without this top you had better be prepared to pounce upon it as soon as it becomes available, because these special Target offerings sell out fast!

From Target