We're In Paradise...Paradise, CA!

 Finnegan, Z, and I all have our birthdays in the month of September! It is always quite the birthday month! I'm lucky enough to actually be born on the same day as Z, so we try to plan a trip for our birthday every year as a gift to ourselves. This year, we decided to check out a small town about 30 minutes east of Chico called Paradise. We had heard about this hike along the Feather River over old log flumes (water troughs used to transport lumber along the mountain) and was intriguing. The trail is metal/wood catwalks constructed over metal flumes scaling considerable heights; as you walk downstream some of these heights can be 100’ above the river. The flume often is partially filled with water diverted from the Feather River that flows downstream to the Kunkle reservoir. The trail meanders through a variety of habitats including drier chaparral and scrub, and outcroppings of serpentine and associated plants, and wetter mixed hardwood-coniferous forest consisting of Douglas fir, Incense cedar and Big-leafed maple trees. At the end of the 2 mile hike in, we would reach a swimming hole and grounds to have a picnic! Excited for some warm weather, we packed up the car and headed to this quirky small town and stayed in a dog friendly motel. Finnegan didn't seem to mind the room's decor too much. His bow tie matched its Americana theme perfectly!

 

 

 

I forgot to take any photos of Finnegan swimming because it was just too hilarious to watch. So instead, I leave you a photo of him looking completely terrified trying on his life jacket.

 

After spending one day out and about in the wilderness, we visited various antique stores and boutiques the next day. I was able to find two Griswold cast iron pots in excellent condition. I like Griswold not only because it is durable, but the metal is also lighter than other cast irons. I am looking forward to some great meals once these pans are re-seasoned. I was also able to find a cute skirt and top from a local vintage shop as well that I'll photograph later. Overall, Paradise was a beautiful small town and we would definitely come back again. We had a great time using the town's name in various puns/sayings and it is definitely always nice to get away from the busy hustle and bustle of San Francisco for the weekend.

Meet the Mods

Carlotta Cardana is a photographer based in London, UK. These images are from her personal project (titled "Mod Couples") on partners who belong to the “mod scene”, a subculture that originated in Britain in the late fifties and became very popular during the sixties. Cardana was drawn to couples over individuals because of the way their identities blend together. Cardana says:

"I am also quite interested in the relationship between a person and his or her surrounding environment, in seeing how they complement each other. Consequently, I took elaborate planning out of the equation when making these pictures: the couples chose what to wear and where to be photographed. The world depicted in the pictures is entirely the world they have created for themselves." 

I was first attracted to their eye-catching style, but the portraits go beyond their appearance and delve further into the lifestyle from the styling of their homes, to musical preferences, and other subculture elements. It's a fascinating and inspiring series for any vintage lover.

(All photos via Carlotta Cardana)

Soooooul Food

For our birthday, Z's sisters gave us a gift certificate to a restaurant that we've been wanting to check out for the longest time, Brenda's Soul Food. We were so excited to try out as much as we could on the menu because waiting to get into Brenda's was a trip in itself. After waiting about an hour (which I heard is not too bad for the time that we arrived and put our name down on the waiting list), we were seated and able to have our cups endlessly refilled with watermelon sweet tea. (Delicious!) We ordered some of the specials for the day--pulled pork eggs benedict with the side hash and then a creole frittata for Z.  For an appetizer (like we really needed to get one--such fatties we are!), we ordered the beignet sampler. My favorites were the crawfish (topped with cayenne pepper) and apple cinnamon beignets. Everything was so delicious and well worth the wait! If you're ever up in San Francisco, I recommend checking out Brenda's Soul food but make sure to get there early! After gorging ourselves with so much food, Z and I decided to try and walk around to get some of that food digesting. 

Z looking like "Captain Pissed off"--Reporting for duty, Sir!

Outfit Details:
Brown Peacoat // H&M
Gingham Babydoll Mini Dress // Duet Vintage
Sheer Tights // Walgreens
Rachel Comey Mars Boots
Sunglasses // Urban Outfitters

The babydoll dress that I am wearing is from Duet Vintage and is one of the most comfortable dresses that I own. The shape of the dress is perfect for hiding my huge stomach full of soul food. Food baby! -___-

House of Maryanne Vintage

I've been following House of Maryanne Vintage on Facebook for awhile now and they never cease to amaze me with their plethora of cute dresses, jackets, shirts, and skirts. I tend to be drawn towards Mod dresses because their A-line shapes are universally flattering on all body types.  This current collection features a preppy yet playful schoolgirl look perfect for fall. I'm ready to bring out my knee-highs and socks to transition into colder weather.  Below are some photos from their look-book and I am in love with the clothes and styling:

All photos from House of Maryanne Vintage

House of Maryanne Vintage is a carefully edited collection of vintage clothing and accessories from Australia and the rest of the world, curated by Maryanne Bridges. Each piece is hand picked for style and quality with a keen awareness of current trends. Make sure to check out their website, Facebook, or Twitter for updates. 

New Bicycle

Photo via LuLu Letty's Flickr

Z recently got me a Vintage (New to me) bicycle that I had been lusting over for so long.  It is a hunter green 1976 Raleigh Sports model. It is similar to the bike (even my woven basket) pictured above except my handle bars and brooks saddle seat are black. I will take a proper picture of my bike soon when I get the chance. The Owners kept the bike in their garage for years gathering dust and it was never used. There was virtually no rust and the original paint job and parts signature to the bike were intact. I could not have asked for a better birthday present so thank you so much, Z! I now have too many bicycles that we are able to store in our tiny San Francisco apartment, so I will be selling my other bike pictured down below. It is a 3 speed Vintage Foremost Woman’s English Bike that is nice and sturdy. Here are some pictures from last summer when Z and I went out for some bike riding to the park near-by. 

Cheers!