THE ENDLESS PONCHO SEARCH

Ponchos first made their way onto the fashion scene in the 70's.  They had a resurgence about 30 years later, but the ponchos of the late 90's / early 2000's are better off forgotten.  Cringe worthy -  they were usually cropped, often asymmetrical, and over-all just plain awful.  I had a bright turquoise one with fringe... oh yes, I did.

I've been hunting for a poncho over the last few years.  I have come across some fabulous designer-y versions that were out of my budget, and I've searched Etsy for hours, but I have yet to find the one for me.  Sigh...

 image sources: one // two // three // four // five // six

ponchos: one // two // three // four 

(If I haven't purchased this vintage beauty [#4] before you read this, you better beat me to it!)

I LOVE MY...

... Minnetonka Moccasins. 

I purchased my first pair of Minnetonkas about eight years ago. A pair of fringe boots with interchangeable accents that you could snap on {the "3-in-1 calf high boot"}. My second purchase was a pair of classic suede moccasins, followed by my 

favorite - a pair of Thunderbird boat sole moccasins.

My love for my first pair of Minnetonka boots has faded {fickle love}, and they now have a pretty permanent place in my closet - rarely making their way out. So... this fall my first order of business is to replace them with the Tramper boot {below}. Other future plans include: black fringe boots, and a second pair of Thunderbirds {in cognac}.

All those years ago when I bought those first boots, the Minnetonka website was pretty old-school and basic. As time has passed, I've found it somewhat odd that their website was never updated. When Minnetonka fringe boots became increasingly popular with celebrities and fashion bloggers... still the old website. When Minnetonka started showing up at Urban Outfitters, Free People, American Eagle, etc... still the old website. Needless to say I was very excited when I checked their website yesterday to plot my next purchase and... New Website!!!  I'm not sure when all of this happened, but... Yay, Minnetonka! The new site is amazing. You can now follow them on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, too!  I did all of the above immediately. 

Oh Minnetonka, I am your biggest fan.

CACTUSES OR CACTI

Actually both are correct! Cactus {plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus}.

Lately I have been slightly obsessed with these green prickly plants.

My new found love began a few years ago as an appreciation for succulents {when I saw them in wedding bouquets}.

To say I don't have a green thumb is putting it mildly,

but I feel like I could keep a cactus alive.

If I could count on Bailey leaving them alone, I would have an area full of them in terra-cotta pots.

Just like the little spot Tessa has in her charming home.

 {one, two, three, four, five}

THE BIGGER THE BETTER

I love jewelry. 

I would venture to say my love of jewelry is comparable to a lot of women's love of shoes. 

That's not to say I don't love shoes, too. 

I just love jewelry more.

Antique... Bold... Bohomian... Hippie... Turquoise... Statement pieces that make an outfit. 

Diamonds are not this girl's best friend.

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight

ps. How badly do I covet those two rings in the top photo? Very badly.