November 06, 2019

The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze Day trip

November 06, 2019/ Colleen Marie

This month I’ve taken advantage of the warm weather October was throwing at us. My parents came to visit and I was excited to take a trip to the Historic Hudson Valley and share the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze together. If you’re not familiar, it’s a two month long run of thousands of carved pumpkins by local artisans on display outside at Van Cortland Manor. Each pumpkin is carefully arranged into an incredible installation fully lit! It honestly is one of my top to do’s in fall so I had to share! They even have cider, doughnuts, wine, and yummy dough nuts to enjoy during your visit.

I highly recommend getting tickets early because they sell out fast, especially for weekend evenings. If you’re looking for more to do in the area check out the Historic Hudson Valley here. The event is easily accessible from the city by taking Metro North and you arrive under an hour at the Croton Harmon stop. If you’re looking for dining there’s a yummy delicious pizzeria serving up Italian in the plaza next door to the manor. I't’s really good!

I’ve attended The Jacko’lantern Blaze past two years and have seen some new installations of jack o’ lantern’s such as the “Museum of Modern Pumpkins” and some repeated ones like the moving carousel and tall statue of liberty. The event is perfect for a group, families, or even a date taking just about an hour to walk through.

There was one similar set up on Governor’s Island in the city. That one also has some incredible artists carving the surfaces of pumpkins to various theme, without a doubt the Blaze is done so well!

Just thought I’d share since the event is still running and will go through the month of November.

Let me know if you check it out! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

October 20, 2019

Fall 2019 Décor Styling

October 20, 2019/ Colleen Marie

October has been well underway and autumn will always be one of my most favorite seasons for countless reasons. I’ve been actually more ready than ever to transition into all the fall feelings starting with switching out my closet and earlier this month we rearranged our apartment and it’s feeling so cozy. I don’t want to leave!

Each season my husband and I host a Halloween Party that has been a tradition since we’ve moved to New York. Since childhood I’ve always loved planning my costume, going apple picking, and watching my mom decorate our home in the most spook-tacular style! I probably get my obsession with decking it out for the holidays from her! She goes all out.

I’ll be sharing some sneak peaks into our party planning over in my instagram stories and what it entails to prepare with more specific Halloween themed items. For now, I keep it more minimal with a few fall touches that will hang around through Thanksgiving. Many of the home decor items I’ve used year after year and recently picked up a few items to update our newer apartment. This year I’ve swapped out some of my pillows and found some super affordable pillow covers that work for the season. Sharing those in the widget below. They’re also easier to store away between seasons! I picked up the gray leopard Barefoot Dreams blanket from the Nsale earlier in the season and I’m glad I did because I use it everyday! Definitely worth the investment or to gift this holiday season.

I love nothing more than lighting a new fall candle! I’m obsessed with this one from Anthropologie, but usually end up picking up a few from Homegoods. An apple cider type and a pumpkin spiced one.

If you’re interested in seeing some of my Halloween decorating and costumes from last year’s Spooktacular party you can read about it in this post.

Halloween Shelf Details

Shelf Wayfair / Garland (Homegoods) mine is unavailable (like this and this one) / Cuddle Weather Sign JoAnn Fabrics / Eucalyptus garland Michael’s

Fall 2019 Home Décor Styling

Fall 2019 Table Setting

Halloween 2019 Bar Cart

October 17, 2019

Fall Outfit Inspiration for 2019

October 17, 2019/ Colleen Marie

Last weekend I headed upstate for our first fall weekend to escape the city and search for fall foliage, apples, and pumpkins! My husband was especially excited to check out the Storm King Art Center. I wrote more about that day trip here and some other activities we did while enjoying the weekend. If you’re looking for a fall festivity outdoors to escape the city this is definitely it.

I was excited to find a sweater in this rustic orange color for fall to bring a new color to my wardrobe. As a blonde I usually can’t pull of the warm mustard colored sweaters and cardigans, but I always love that color on darker skin tones and hair. So I opted for this one and I love the softer and somewhat oversized fit. I styled it with casual denim for what we were doing outside, but I could easily see it tucked in and paired with a midi or mini skirt that has a print to it.

The fall trees in the Hudson Valley did not disappoint so we had a lot of fun hiking and finding some great photo spots in the fresh air! All of my outfit details and sweaters I’m loving for fall are linked below.

Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start and if you live in New York definitely take the chance to experience some of what fall has to offer as the leaves change. We’ll be heading back upstate for more fall festivities throughout the month.