The October Grampy Visit

Way back in October, my dad came for a visit! I have tried loading these pictures at least 7 times, and every time I tried, Blogger would give me trouble. So, this time, I only loaded a few. I may add some more later. But inbetween starting the etsy shop, getting ready for the holidays, and the usual day to day, we have been pretty dang busy! I hope that fall has treated you all well and that you are all warm and toasty as we head into winter! 

Exciting News! A new Essman baby!

Now that I have your attention, we aren't having another child, but I have embarked on a time-consuming, ultimately rewarding new adventure! I finally started my own Etsy shop! I have wanted to do it for quite awhile, but recently with a friend's encouragement and insistence, I decided to stop procrastinating and get on with it!  It is a little rough right now. I am working out some of my personal preferences and trying to learn a lot really quickly! And while I hope to add some of my handmade projects soon, right now it is all vintage, really wonderful vintage if I do say so myself!

So please stop by, favorite something, let me know what I should be looking for to tempt your fancies!

Handmade Prairie Etsy Shop

what I wore

It's been a while since I did an outfit post. I love the change in seasons. For so many reasons, Fall is my favorite (at least until Spring) but one thing I love about Fall is getting to wear boots, sweaters and scarves! And let me tell you,  I live for layers! It is so much fun to throw on the boots, socks, tights and a skirt. The combinations are exponential and with our extended warm spell, perfect!

Sweater: Boden 2009
Tee shirt: thrifted, J Crew
Skirt: vintage, thrifted and altered
belt: thrifted
scarf: handmade by my Oma
boots: Banana Republic 2005

and without my awesome sunnies, which my husband doesn't like!

This maybe one of my favorite outfits yet. I plan on wearing it again and again!
sweater: thrifted, buttons changed.
tee shirt: Old Navy ( this is my go-to Tee, I have it long and short sleeved in at least 10 colors)
skirt: ebay, Club Monaco--seriously, it looks almost identical to a Garnet Hill skirt and I literally paid $1.99 with tags still on, in case you were wondering, retail was $180.00)
tights: Hue, gift from Anne
Boots: Frye

details, details,details!

I love these earrings! My mom and dad gave them to me this summer, they are from an artist in Raleigh, Kerry Katherine.

another thing I know I will be wearing lots is this amazing leather jacket. Thrifted for $2!!!!

details first

What a difference a photographer makes!

cardigan: thrifted, dyed
camisole:thrifted, Kirra
skirt: thrifted, Ann Taylor Loft
boots:thrifted
earrings: from Mexico

Sweater: thrifted, Ann Taylor
tank: J Crew
skirt:thrifted, Max Studio, altered
socks: Target
Boots: Banana Republic
necklace: gift from Mom

I love this. It feels so soft and heavy.

working with my amateur photographer, maybe sometime we will work up to including my head.

yeah, I wear these all the time and I have for the past six years.

5 and 0, or how I spent Saturday

Confession time. I have lived in Kansas for a while now. I lived here as a kid. And then I moved back here as a somewhat adult. Both my parents went to Kansas State. My husband holds dual-degrees from Kansas State. I worked at the official bookstore for KSU and recieved my MA in literature from K-State, but, until yesterday, I had yet to partake in perhaps the most social of all the college rituals. The football game. Don't worry. Russ took care of it! As a very belated, unplanned birthday celebration for him, we went to the game yesterday and roundly enjoyed K-State's continued drive for football excellence and another win. This time against Missouri! Woohoo! It was a wonderful date, and thanks to my sweet friend L, we were able to enjoy everything, knowing our kids were having a blast somewhere else! Thank you again Miss Livie!!!!

notice the ponchos. It was October weather, grey, cool, and damp. It kept spitting at us. Thankfully, even though we were instructed to leave the umbrellas out of the stadium, the couple sitting next to us shared their extra plastic ponchos!

Russ really, really, likes sports. He played pretty much everything his high school offered. And in college he was on multiple intermural teams. It was awesome to see him having so much fun.

the awkward, we took our own picture pose. And you can't even see my cute headband.

we had awesome seats. And were directly across from the student section. Our kids cheer often and loudly! K-S-U!!! K-S-U!!

After the game, we ducked in for a bowl of soup, hot coffee, and a couple pastries. Strawberries and cream scone? Yes, please!

I love this guy! I never get bored of being with him. And he is such a patient teacher, good thing, as I doubt I will ever really understand football...

but who cares about the rules when you get to wear awesome tee shirts like this?  Okay, so this is not what I wore to the game.  I wore this today to celebrate our victory. But still, Willy the Wildcat is making a comeback and not just on varsity apparel! Watch out Big 12, we may have had a few off years, but it looks like we are gonna give ya'll a run for your money!

tee- Varney's bookstore
sweater- thrifted (Barneys Coop)
skirt-thrifted, Anthropologie
boots- thrifted
headband-made by me
socks and scarf-gifts from Anne