Monday, December 24, 2018

Festive Holiday Baking


Hey, y'all!

This was supposed to go up a whole lot earlier, but that holiday craziness got to me!  Excited to share a little photo story about our holiday cookies today on this Merry Christmas Eve.  These were made with a basic sugar cookie recipe and a great gingerbread recipe I found online from sallysbakingaddiction.com. These are some seriously delicious gingerbreads and I had to stop myself from eating them all before I even iced them...  And this is really saying something because typically my favorite part of cookies is the icing!

Thursday, December 20, 2018

A Secret Garden



I wanted to feature one last favorite of my 'Christmas Plaids' on here before the season is through — this fun fur collared cape is a personal fave.   I wanted to style it a little victorian with this lace and ruffle blouse so that I would match the vibe of this super gorgeous library in our town.   The little gardens make it feel a

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Decking the Halls for the Holidays


Oh how I wanted to you be able to share this with you sooner!  I know it's been about seven months since we moved to our new little 'partment, and I have yet to share a real room transformation with you lovelies.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

A Holiday Tradition Checklist






It's the Holidays!!!  And with the holidays comes all sorts of fun and good cheer.  

To help you make sure you get in the maximum amount of festive fun this holiday season, I've compiled this handy little checklist.  Be sure to get out and participate in all these fun holiday traditions while the season is still rocking around the holiday tree!

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Pining for Winter


It's this time of year that evergreens and pines get to shine their brightest, both literally with the addition of holiday lights, and figuratively as they are the one type of tree that doesn't feel barren in the winter time.   There is something very mysterious and alluring about walking through pines in the winter.   

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Holiday Outfit Laydowns



Here we are, the holiday season!  The time of festive trees and sparkling lights, and good cheer all around.  I wanted to pull together some great casual looks for the season incorporating some of my favorite staple

Friday, December 7, 2018

Duck Pond Wandering


This week's outfit is brought to you by the freezing cold of Illinois.  While there may not be any snow on the ground, and this day was not particularly windy, a day in Chicago is still very cold for all photo shoot related scenarios.   Yet, despite the chilling temperatures, I still feel that this photoset and the mood of the day felt

Friday, November 30, 2018

Fromage Friday


Today on the blog we are celebrating one of my favorite food categories... CHEESE!!!  Over the last few years we've become increasingly interested in cheese (I mean my original love for cheese developed at a young

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Winter Throwback Thursday: Winter Through the Years


Personal Style is a thing that is ever evolving.  Possibly never have I noticed these subtle shifts more than as I was sifting through to find images for this post.  My idea was to pull some cute outfits from winter

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Early Flakes



And the snow sprinkles begin!

Not far off are the days of layering your scarves and sweaters and jackets to brave the cold streets here in Chicago.  I know consistently colder days are coming, as prefaced by this snowy day we took advantage of

Friday, November 16, 2018

In My Cart for Fall

Modcloth Skirt | SheIn Belt | Modcloth Fox Gloves | Modcloth Booties |  SheIn Windowpane Top |
SheIn Cord Skirt | Modcloth Polka Dot Coat | SheIn Raw Hem Hoodie | Joules Rain Boots



Fall is upon us, and so is a plethora of fall fashion goodies.  I thought I'd share some items I'm loving this fall season!  Among my favorites are a few skirts I'm drawn to for the fall months, some great shoes I've been tempted to buy recently, a couple fun jackets, and more.  Fall is always great for a new pair of booties and a touch of corduroy!  

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Fleeting Foliage



If there's anything that has been a consistent pattern in my life, it is that of planning and re-planning.  When approaching any set of tasks, be it a work project, wedding planning, preparing Etsy listings or making a shooting schedule for this blog, taking a trip somewhere, or juggling school assignments back at

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Mount Rainier — Subalpine Zone and Myrtle Falls



At 5,400 ft, the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park gets into the subalpine zone — a beautiful array of resplendent meadows and young pines with Columbia Crest looming in the background.  This area was

Friday, November 9, 2018

Mount Rainier — Forest Zone and Comet Falls


Elevation gain of 2,004 ft. and a 4 mile out and back hike.  The climb up was brutal, but the experience was so worth it.   I can't even describe to you the enormity of it all.  Being there, engulfed by the forest and this

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Oh, Hello November!



And just like that, it's November.  

I've already started to see signs of Christmas decor popping up in stores — Starbucks I'm looking at you —

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Hiking Staircase — Olympic National Park



The staircase area is a lowland forest and stream ecosystem on the southeast corner of Olympic National Park, just off of Lake Cushman.  Not only was the hiking experience incredible, but the drive in was

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Velvet and Vines


  

As much as I'm loving the colorful reds, oranges and yellows in the trees, some of my favorite fall wardrobe options take the form of browns and neutrals.  I love finding the beauty in a simple monochrome palette

Thursday, October 18, 2018

How the Leaves Fell in October...


The beach is a very peculiar place in the off season.  The occasional wave boarder floats about the lake, and crunchy leaves litter the sandy ground.  The trees are just starting to turn here, with some golden hues

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Autumn Laydowns

Francesca's Chenille Sweater (haven't been able to find this online, I bought it in store.  But also love this one!!)  |
Forever 21 Rust Scarf (old) |  Forever 21 Black Suede Shoes (old)  |  Thrifted Chaps Corduroy Pants
|  Pumpkin from Imperfect Produce!!!


It's always a thrill going into a new season for fashion.  I love unboxing all of my favorite knits and accessories for the upcoming months, whether it be unearthing the crochets and pastels of spring into

Friday, October 12, 2018

Fall is Upon Us

  

Well, as is pretty routine in Illinois, the day before yesterday it was 85 degrees and sunny, and I was sweating on the way to work wearing a light cardigan, and then yesterday it dropped to a cool 44 degrees.  It's this time of year that's got me laying out a couple of different options of what to venture out in, waiting

Thursday, October 11, 2018

That Fall Mood



Hello all! 

As the leaves start to turn and the temperatures start to drift downward (or hover around 75 in these parts with an eventual steep drop into the 30s coming soon no doubt!),  I'm taking cue from the trees and beginning to switch my wardrobe over to fall things... wonderful warm knits and wooly berets, plaid prints

Friday, October 5, 2018

My INFJ Personality Type - Part II


For those of you following along at home, I previously posted a part 1 of this post, going into the "I" part of the INFJ personality type.  Here's to continuing on with Part 2!

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Chicago Botanic Gardens, Pt. 2



A bit delayed from the last installment of our botanic garden adventures for sure, but it's rather apt seeing today's weather was up in the 80s again.  I'm sure I'll be taking the dive into fall for serious starting next

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Strawberries and Mint



Ah, summer. The bright, beautiful flowers, the sandy beaches, and the sweltering heat.  Though I'm a summer baby (my birthday is on the solstice even!), I don't know that I would claim summer as my favorite season.  The heat and also the presence of bees (there were SO many bees in the hydrangeas behind me in these photos) hinder my unconditional love for this season.  But, I am reminded that with the summer

Monday, September 3, 2018

Embroidery and the Chicago Botanical Garden, pt. 1



They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Yet, I still feel compelled to write something to accompany these photo stories.  Mostly I see this blog as a way to express my thoughts, and to be honest I feel like my thoughts are most easily conveyed through the mood and composition of images.  Sometimes thoughts and feelings can't be summed up into words.  I put a lot of thought into the colors, framing and size/ arrangement of my photographs, and I hope they are able to communicate things that words aren't able to.  Mostly I hope they convey my frame of mind.  

Friday, August 31, 2018

Follow Friday

Hello All and welcome to Follow Friday!

I'm starting this little series sharing some of my favorite instagram creatives that I follow to spread the love!  I'm really excited to share these talented people whose feeds I am so excited to see on the daily.  So without further ado, here are the lovely blogs and makers you should add to your instafeed!


Ghost Puff

- Mona K is the owner of this lovely insta-handle.  She makes the most lovely little illustrations and they always bring a smile to my face.  She is based Kranenburg, Germany.  From her custom illustrations to her fun embroidery hoops, she is always creating such joyful, fun-loving work.  Her shop is currently on vacation, but she will be back by the end of September, so definitely go check her out!!







Lily of the Moor

This beautiful instagram (@lilyofthemoor) is such a calming experience to scroll through.  This girl's instagram makes me want to go live in the mountainous countryside somewhere.  Lily is based in Bodmin Moor of the UK, and features her beautiful surroundings frequently on her instafeed.  Whenever I see one of her posts I feel like I've been lifted out of this city life and dropped somewhere so remote and serene.  Love her posts so much.



Another Seattle Artist

This wonderful maker is from Seattle (though I just saw on her most recent post she'll soon be moving to Portland!), and creates wonderfully whimsical pottery pieces.  Katie has such a creative and vibrant view on her ceramics work that looking at it feels like a breath of fresh air.



Sunwoven

This artist is another one of my favorites to see in my feed.  I've recently been drawn a lot to weavings and fiber art, and this shop has been on the forefront of the inspiration.  I love her balance of color and weight of material, as well the videos she sometimes posts of her weaving some of her work.  They are mesmerizing!!  One day I would like to have some of Erin's beautiful work in my home!




Livvyland Blog

This wonderful instagram feed is one of casual lifestyle photography.  Olivia creates her blog from her home in Austin, TX and she focuses on casual style, her home, and travel.  It's so crazy to me how she makes all of her posts seem so effortless, when I know behind the scenes can be anything but.  She makes casual feel so purposeful and chic. It is an everyday inspiration, and one that is very approachable and relatable.  Love love love. 




Anna Sofia Park

And lastly, I will close with another lifestyle blog.  Anna calls Finland home, and her posts of quiet mornings with coffee or baked goods, are a dream.  She also does a number of outfit posts that are a joy to follow as well.  Her eye for details and small touches is so spot on.  Love!




Well that is all my favorites for this week!  But I am bound to do more posts like this in the future. Enjoy!

Ta ta for now,


- The Lovely Red Fox

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Early Mornings and Waves

  

Although I am quite partial to sleeping in, for years I worked at a job that got me up very early in the morning.  Because of this, I've also fallen in love with the magic that is the early morning.  Seeing the sun rise, watching the world come to life...  There is something truly special about being up and about bright and early.  I love the feeling, even if I have to push myself out of bed to get to it.  Often on our free days,

Thursday, August 16, 2018

A Boat Time


As of late, we've been making a habit of walking most mornings.  Even though we live eight blocks from the lake, we have hardly ever taken advantage of its' proximity.  I think this is partially because the city charges $8 for you to get in, and partly because we've just not pushed ourselves to do it.  Well recently,

Thursday, August 9, 2018

My INFJ Personality Type - Part I

* This post was written amongst a lot of reading over at 16personalities, and Introvert, Dear.  
These are some lovely resources, and some ideas came from them.  Go check them out for some more personality insights!
Thoughts expressed in these INFJ posts are a combination of my own experiences as well as insights from these sources.

A few months ago I took a stab at the Meyers-Briggs Personality Test to better understand how I tend to interact with others, and understand myself a little better.  I took it again this week just to see if it all still held true, and I was pleased to find that it still rang consistently true.  Through this test I discovered

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Late July Mood



One item that I find is scarce in my wardrobe is the summer maxi dress.  Being somewhat short, sometimes it can be hard to find a great maxi dress that isn't too long.  Thus, I don't have a ton of

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Imperfectly Perfect for Us


Hey there everybody!  As you might already know, my fiancee Andrew and I have been very much into the weekly Blue Apron box we get.  We love the fresh ingredients and fun recipes.  We love cooking too, so we really love having the Blue Apron box to ground our meals for the week.  It takes so much of the legwork out of grocery shopping and meal planning so that we can focus more of our energy on our day to day lives. Not only that, but it makes our grocery bill more predictable. 

As wonderful as Blue Apron is, we still do have other meals to be eating throughout the week.  Recently I discovered another great food box delivery program that we have adopted in addition to Blue Apron from one of our neighbors in our apartment building.  This lovely gem is the Imperfect Produce Box.  And it is full of LOVE.  <3 p="">

Friday, July 6, 2018

Alive With the Glory of Love


As of late I have been feeling a calm sense of joy.  I feel like I am learning how to be truly happy again.  

Monday, June 25, 2018

Less Stress, More Mindfulness



I recently decided to make some life-quality changes in my life.  I finally hit a threshold that I could no longer will myself to maintain.  I felt over-stressed, over-worked, constantly worried, and anxious to the point

Thursday, June 14, 2018

My Summer Shoe Recs


Summer is (almost) here, and this marks the time for fun in the sun, lounging at the beach, and feeling that summer grass between your toes.  We throw on our flip-flops and head to the pool, or
grab your flats

Friday, June 8, 2018

Off- Path

Purse (similar) | Earrings (similar) | Dress | Blouse

Often when I am out hiking or enjoying nature I have a problem sticking to the given path.  The wildness in me wants to go off- path and see more — see something from a different view than what

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Our 10 Year Anniversary & An Engagement Photo Story


© KMP Photography 2018 | Kristen Marie Parker


Last Friday Andrew and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary of being together as a couple.  It's crazy to think that we graduated from high school a full ten years ago, and that we've been out of undergrad for five years already!  It seems like the years are flying by faster and faster.  We've been engaged for almost two years now, and we still have yet another year until we will finally be married already!  :)

I am so excited about our lives, I feel like each day is filled with life and vibrancy, and I feel very at

Friday, June 1, 2018

Art in our Home

Our main living room gallery wall

Yesterday was the last day of our lease at our old apartment.  The last week and a half has been mostly consumed by many car trips back and forth packing up our belongings and running up and down flights of stairs whilst wishing we had less things.  I am looking forward to the coming week

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Travel Destination: Portland, Oregon


Up next on our trip to the Pacific Northwest we were Portland bound!  After our serene breakfast at Alderbrook Resort, we started our journey to Portland.  First stop was Upper Left Coffee Roasters

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Travel Destination: Washington

The view from our breakfast at Red Lion Olympia
Recently Drew and I set out on another whirlwind Pacific Northwest adventure for lots of fun wedding planning appointments and some good ‘ol general adventure. I think I will write a post in the near future about more

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Packing Reflections: May Pacific Northwest Trip & My Travel Look



If you've been following my blog for some time, you may remember my packing reflections post from a few years back when we took off to explore the Redwoods in California.   I am happy to say that I have been working on ways to simplify when packing for trips

Friday, May 11, 2018

Ootd: Spring in Chicago

Francescas Earrings | Forever 21 Purse | DSW Booties
If you've ever lived in the midwest then you'd know that the "middle" seasons are almost non-existent here.   The elusive fall and spring are but a half rest between 30 degree snowy days and 77 degree sweltering sticky days.  One day you're bundling up throwing on snow boots and packing your