Happy Halloween

Now that he's back, I had post something new to move my pitiable lament for ADG down the queue. My 12-year old son is now old enough to handle the carving duties, so I surrendered the pumpkin to him this year. I guess I could have done my own. Maybe next year. Every year I swear I'm going to do some really fabulous pumpkin decorating like this. . .

. . . but once again I got sidetracked. (More of Martha Stewart's fabulous creations HERE.) What's your Halloween costume going to be this year?

Wherefore Art Thou ADG?

Is Maxminimus gone now too? Tell me it isn't so!

Channeling Toad

I cannot see your blog,

It makes me very sad.

You don't look like a frog,

But this is all I had.

Rebecca

Toad, Where art thou?

Hoping all is well. I was away for awhile and suddenly you were private.

And then you were gone.

Is it Wrong that I Love This?

I love books. I particularly love the idea of seeing the books I've written on the front table in my local book shop. Is it wrong that I want a Sony e-reader?

In England, we are denied the digital charms of the Kindle but the e-reader is an ever-present temptation. This one has yet to be released but the one after which I pine is chained up in my local Waterstones. It has a leather cover. I will never surrender my bookcases but I would love one of these. Am I alone?

Rebecca

Oysters

Did you know oysters contain more zinc that any other food...

Hurry up fall.

A More Refined T-Shirt

My husband left college with a degree in history and a minor in t-shirts. He has developed a bizarre connection to this collection o' cotton and holds onto them with a vice grip that should be reserved for a trapeze maneuver over open flames.

I could care less if he owns them...I care that he wears "Jamaican Me Crazy 1996" in public. To pick up bagels on Sunday morning, walk the dog or a run to Lowe's - they are worn. And with pride. In my opinion, they shouldn't be seen outside the confines of our backyard. Ever.

Compromise found! Stumbled upon these t-shirts from Southern Marsh recently.

Southern Marsh Foxhunt Tee

Southern Marsh's Born on the Bayou Shirt

Classic imagery, 100% lightweight cotton and a pocket! Perfect.

Psst...they are offering three tees for $54 if you use coupon code SummerShirts.

Topsiders

Toad, my friend, I'm finally getting around to telling you I bought another pair of Topsiders. Yes, I read your recent musings on how much you dislike them. Please don't hold it against me-- these just jumped into my hands and I'm not a bit sorry. Canvas and cushy-- I wear them with no socks, of course, and I did end up just tying a square knot in the leather laces so I could snip them. They slide right on and off. I never thought I'd want to own a pair again after everybody just HAD to have them in the '70s. I wore them when I sailed (before they were cool), then everybody got them. Molly thinks they're pretty spiffy too.

Time for a Trip

Last May, DOTR purchased two different scents from Truefitt & Hill when we were in London. Along with that, they threw in dozens of single use scents that I've been, ahem, enjoying for the past year.

The first bottle (1805) is now gone, and he's cracked the seal on the second (Clubman). He tells me that when he bought them the second was my favorite, but I'm missing that first one. A lot.

Is there a better reason to go to London?*

*yes, I'm aware you can order online, but that will be our little secret in the Normal Household.

Hometown Musings

I imagine that most of the folks Toad has asked to post here have found something charming about the little corner of the world where each of us has chosen to live.

How about we start a series sharing our special place and why we chose it (or it chose each of us?)

I know this will require some work, but I'll start with something going on in my backyard today.

More later.

Mr. Toad's

My friend, Denise, of EatPlayLove sent along some pics of her recent trip to Old Town, Omaha. Ostensibly the trip was to see Coldplay, but a little R&R never hurt a girl.

Check out her blog. Denise is a young mother in Denver, with a good heart and an old soul.

Tom's for men and women

Want something sturdier than espadrilles? Try Tom's . Usually under $50

Chelsea Flower Show and Stephen Fry

I love Chelsea Flower Show. One day I hope to go there. The gardens are so beautiful and inspiring and... sometimes... just plain odd. Stephen Fry launched a rose there this year. I only mention this as it gives me the chance to say 'Stephen Fry is following me on Twitter!' We share messages. Toad, I'm back on first name terms with Jeeves. :)

Monty Python's Spamalot

My husband and I were lucky to get tickets to see Spamalot when it was in Denver this last weekend. I highly recommend you catch a show if it makes a stop in your town. It's a must see for anyone with a sense of humor.

Jack Purcell

After Mom on The Run's summer favorites, I had to post my favorite summer sneakers. I know most traditional folks out there love Tretorns and Sperry canvas sneakers. I however, am quite partial to Converse Jack Purcells. in blue or white only. The black version is a bit too hipster looking for my taste. Get your own pair here.

The White Shoe Rule

The Rules for White Shoes

Summertime Favorites

http://www.rosedon.com/about/review.html

Bombay Sapphire and Tonic




Tretorns

Blue and Green Patch Madras



C'mon summer. Hurry.

Ready for Swimsuit Season?

Fisherman Sandals

Not only cool, but comfortable

Looks great with Officers Chino Shorts too

Premium Officer's Chino Short

I get frustrated with J. Crew's men's offerings at times, but generally I'm a fan. Every so often they bring out something I really love, like this vintage-style cotton slub twill short. The fabric has some weight to it, but they're washed to soften them up. Trim cut, button fly, 10.5 inch length. My idea of the perfect summer basic. Currently on sale, I like them best in bisque (shown) and faded black.