Circus-Inspired Halloween Costumes

This is probably kinda late, but I decided to share some last-minute Halloween costume ideas with you!  Since I'm a big fan of Water for Elephants (book and the movie) I decided to throw together five easy(ish) Circus costumes that you probably still have time to pull together.  The red blazer could be swapped out for a vest. 

Rue's Anniversary Issue

In case you haven't checked it out yet, I wanted to share with you a few favored highlights from Rue's anniversary issue...

My Bookshelf | Favorite Novels of All Time

 Guess what fall and its cool weather makes me want to do more of?  (Besides write a 50,000-word novel during the 30 days of November...)

Read, silly!  I love a good historical fiction pageturner, whether it's in book form or on my beloved Kindle. 

Penny's Apartment | Big Bang Theory

Aniela, a lovely reader from Germany, sent me an email requesting advice on recreating the style of Penny's apartment on Big Bang Theory. 

Gridiron Belles | Top 5 Tailgating Etiquette Tips

Can I get a holler from all you lovely undergrads who claim football as one of your favorite parts of fall?  You're not alone.  Christie Leigh Mueller---a Southern belle, Rhodes College graduate, and Auburn football fan---has published Gridiron Belles for all the lovely lady football fans out there.  And while her book focuses on "Saturdays in Dixie," its pages of photos, traditions, etiquette tips, fashion advice, and game definitions make this a stadium survival guide for any lovely undergrad looking to enjoy the season.

Contest: Guess my Costume!

Alright!  Challenge over!  Several of you ladies have been throwing correct guesses my way.  But the very first to do so was Lauren Alyse, who said...

"Is it Medusa? One of the best characters in Greek mythology. :)"

Fall Favorites

Besides the obvious gorgeous foliage and Halloween, here are a few of my favorite picks for autumn:

1. Black riding boots. They're simple, classic, comfortable, and versatile---what's not to love? Last year I scored thee perfect pair on sale. A week later the same pair was even lower in price and they still had my size left.  So yes, I did buy a second pair to keep on hand for when I wear out the first. ;)

Write a Novel with Me!!

Dear Writers, I want you to join me! ;)

Besides blog and magazine writing, I write historical fiction novels in my spare time.  I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember.  On October 31, 2008 I discovered NaNoWriMo.  I signed up and have been doing it ever since.

And this year, I'm hope some of you will join me!  (Because I'm just sure I can sense some writers out there!)

NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, which happens to be November. 

Winner: Pillowcase Studies Giveaway

And the winner of the Pillowcase Studies giveaway is...

Get Inspired by Luxury

I've heard some people say they don't by certain decor magazines because the interiors featured on the magazine's glossy pages are too upscale, too out-of-reach, and too expensive.  They stick to titles that feature design that accommodates the middle class, smaller quarters, and a tighter budget.  But being the shelter magazine hoarder collector I am, I can't discriminate.  Just because a space is five times (or ten times) the size of mine, or the decorator is on a millionaire's budget... doesn't mean I can't find inspiration to take from the decor and apply to my own room(s).

Some days aren't so lovely

Some days are just not lovely.  Some days I feel like a total mess.  I'm sure you have these days, too.

To begin my story, I went to work.  I just got a new job waitressing and today was my first day waiting tables all by myself!  (No trainer--woot!)  Anyway... I see that one of my tables got sat.  At a glance, it looks like two women.  So I grab drink napkins and make my way over, reminding myself in my head not to say, "How are you guys today?"  I was focusing so hard that as I put down their drink napkins, I spat out "How are you ladies today?" just as one of them looked up and was clearly not a lady but a nice old man.

Contest: Guess My Costume!

Hey lovelies!

I'm having a little contest here at Lovely Undergrad!  Beginning today and once a day from here on out, I'll be releasing a clue to what my Halloween costume is going to be this year.  To enter, you'll just submit a comment. 

Halloween Costume Inspiration

Link by counterlines featuring brown tights

This Zelda costume is brilliant and pretty easy to pull off. You'll need a long sleeve light brown shirt, brown belt, green tunic/dress or oversized t-shirt, brown boots, and a green stocking hat (or elf hat, if you can find one!). Sword and shield optional. ;)

Last Year's Costume Inspiration Round-Up

halloween costumes 2 by bpaula featuring white jewelry

What's more glamorous than dressing up as Marilyn Monroe?
White dress, white heels, blonde wig, red lipstick & nails.  

5 Senses of Fall

 

1.See

Bring the colors of fall into your decor and wardrobe.  You don't have to go all out, but a splash of crimson, orange, or (my favorite!) this year's oh-so-popular mustard yellow will do the trick.  To incorporate these colors easily and on the cheap, focus on accessories.  Perhaps some red throw pillows tossed on the couch.  Or mustard accessories (a vase, several books, a blanket) strewn around the room. Fashion-wise, how 'bout a bright orange scarf?  Stumped?  Glance out your window at the foliage for inspiration!

11 Fall DIY Decor Projects

Better Homes & Gardens

1. Press beautifully colored fall leaves in a book to flatten.  Position leaf between two pieces of same-sized glass.  Wrap the edges of the glass with colored, linen book cloth tape to secure the pieces together.