autumn

It’s Almost Fall!

/ darphynia / Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over, and it’s already September.  Where did the summer go?  Where I am, it still feels like summer, which means we can still hit the beach.  At some point I will have a “What’s in My Beach Bag” post, and depending on where you are, you can prepare for the upcoming beach (or lake) weather.

I love the fall (or autumn).  While the trees don’t really change much (where I am) until around November/December, the weather cools off, and fun fall decor is in stock.  Recently, I went to Disneyland, and they had several Halloween-themed items.

Once the weather beings to cool down, we can break out the warmer clothes.  I also love the colors.  There are also fun color palettes that are released, and while I think that pretty much anything can be worn regardless of the season, there is something about a plum lip that looks extra special during the season.  Neutrals, oranges, greens, plums, etc. takes the place of the lighter summer colors.  Everything has a real warmth to it that persists through winter.  For me, fall sets the tone for the holiday season– like a kick-start to the rest of the year.

I will be having a giveaway soon, reviews, food finds, and some other fun things coming up.  

Stay beautiful!

Holidays at Roger’s Gardens

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It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us.  Before we know it, it will be a new year!  I always try to have my holiday shopping done by August, unless I am making gifts.  I have about half of my list checked off, so I guess that’s something.  Anyway, the stores are starting to be decked out in holiday cheer.  Today, we took a trip down to Roger’s Gardens, which put me more in the holiday mood.  There was a Halloween section and a Christmas/holiday section, both of which were beautifully decorated.  There were also some interesting props, which I wouldn’t mind having if I had the space.
  

This is the doorway to the Halloween-themed area of the grounds.  How fun is it?!  It reminds me of entering a house of horrors that has a circus-type theme.  When we stepped inside, that is exactly what it was like.  A carnival of spooky decor, trinkets, Halloween-themed paper lanterns, and so much more.

 On the ceiling was a faux person being cut in two with a faux saw blade, and a phantom.ghost projection on the wall.  Perhaps they

wanted to take a hint from the American Horror Story: Freak Show.  I can’t even explain how much I love the carnival theme!  The props and way things were drawn in the room was delightful.  There were several decorations in this room that you could purchase, such as paper cut-outs, Halloween-themed snow globes, any “blood”-filled syringe pens that read, “Don’t Do Drugs”.

Here are some other photos of “shadows” in frames, a swirling deck of cards, a laboratory, and one of my favorite paper cut-outs:

One of my favorite cut-outs

Now, onto the Christmas/holiday section:
 There were so many decorated trees, and part of me wanted to take a miniature version of all of them.  There were larger ornaments, mini ornaments (like those in the photo below), designer ornaments, and retro ornaments.  They also carry a wide array of books, decorations (i.e. snow globes, candle votives, etc.), paper goods (i.e. napkins, paper plates), and so many other products. 
 
 
Here are some of the trees I was able to photograph.  Due to their height and the limited space in the rooms, some are only of sections of the trees.  I don’t remember what they were titled, but each had its own theme. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Roger’s Gardens, it is quite a pricey place.  They are also renovating part of the area, so there is less than usual.  That being said, if you’re in the Newport Beach area, it is worth going to.  Around Christmas, they add lights, outside decor, and periodically they will have a hot chocolate/coffee stand.  There are all kinds of things, from food items to outdoor furniture, and placemats to all sorts of plants (edible and non).  If you take a trip out there, let me know what you think!
Stay beautiful!