{dF} Duchess Fare: Country Living FAIR -- Atlanta 10/21-10/23

I'm heading over on Saturday and can't wait! I've never been so this should be interesting. I'll share everything in a future post. Anyone else going?

{dF} Duchess Fare: Country Living FAIR -- Atlanta 10/21-10/23: Image Via Country Living magazine hosts their annual Country Living FAIR in Columbus, OH (September), Atlanta, GA (October), and coming ...

London Sole Giveaway

Hello everyone!
I just found out about this great giveaway for a pair of London Soles via the website What Kate Wore. Since I wrote about these shoes a few months ago(http://beautifullybright.blogspot.com/2011/05/friday-find.html) I had to repost this and tell everyone to go online and help me win a pair! Check out whatkatewore.com right now to get the details!
Here are my fav pairs
Glitter!!
The classic cap toe
I love this color! Was actually just looking at high heels in this color.
I need a new pair of brown flats. Love the ballet crocs!

Tell me what your fav pairs are! I love shoes!
Have a bright day!
bright girl

Spooky reads for your little pumpkin. Halloween 2011

Okay so I've always been an avid reader. I spent a lot of time in the Falls Elementary Library and looked forward to our visits to the Solano County Library. I've worked in the children's industry for a while now and it has always brought me joy to see what new books come in for little readers. I was cleaning out some shelves the other day and came across my own children's book collection, many of which have been well read and loved. I thought I'd take a moment to share some fun fall/Halloween reads as the season is upon us. I consider any holiday an opportunity to add to your collection. Heck a Thursday is a good enough holiday to read! Nothing compares to a new good book. A real one mind! Kids need actual books, not gadgets.

We've collected Tasha Tudor books since I was very little. She is such an interesting person and lovely artist as is seen in these books. The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays.

October is time for Pumpkin Moonshines!

Spooky!

Boo!

Tasha Tudor's Seasons of Delight

Pumpkin Moonshine

Me-ow!!

I love this book! Poor Stellaluna!

Look at that face:)

I rescued a little kitten last week who has no mother! We aptly named her Stellaluna. Goes perfect with the other Halloween themed cats Thackery Binx and Pumpkin. She is still looking for a forever home. Please pass the word along or if you are looking to add to your family please let me know!

...Other things I love include Richard Scarry and Halloween. Things to Love.

Look at those costumes:)

Another book I remember reading as a youngster. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.
Great illustrations!

I love the Little Critter collection! Oooh spiders ahhh!

These are actually kinda spooky for little kids but I'll never forget the story of the Girl with the Green Ribbon. In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories.

These are more contemporary to my time but super fun pop ups! There is a whole "bug" collection but I think Halloween Bugs are the perfect time and place for bugs. Halloween Bugs.

Duck & Goose have lots of books, such a cute collection. Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin

Get your little readers ready for Halloween and go read a book!
Do you have a favorite holiday read? Please do share!
Have a bright day!
bright girl

The Gardens of Monticello

The day we spent at Monticello was beautiful and sunny(still very hot) but interesting and inspiring. I love hearing little historic and cultural facts so touring the house and grounds was fun. They have several tours, we went on the house tour, the garden tour, and the slave life tour. Check out their website for any special events and plan your trip! I would recommend setting aside a whole day to see everything and definitely get there early to avoid crowds and the heat. I was really excited to visit this house not only because it is a wonderful historical site and beautiful house but in 2008 I visited another Palladio home, La Rotonda, in Vicenza. Palladio was and extremely influential Italian architect during the 16th century and continues to inspire others today. Jefferson himself was inspired by Palladio and used some of his ideas when he remodeled Monticello to it's current design.

La Rotonda, Vicenza, Italy

Monticello

On the garden tour! It's really interesting. TJ grew hundreds of plants while at Monticello. All of the plants on the property have been very carefully researched through Jefferson's purchase records and many journals to ensure they are the true original variety and breed during his lifetime. Today's seeds have been genetically altered to be more vibrant and hearty. These plants and flowers take you back in time to what they looked like in the 18th century. Here is Jane in a Cypress Vine.

Sniff Sniff

Entering the vegetable garden

A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and TJ orchard.

An old fireplace from a slave quarters. All that remains.

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Down in the cellars. These run directly under the house and are connected to the outside. Hard to explain. You'll have to see for yourself.

A Jeffersonian Lizard

Thomas Jefferson never grew grapes or made wine during his lifetime although he very much wanted to and bought land to create a vineyard. It wasn't until the 1980s  that the land was purchased and a vineyard created. We went for a taste.

Upon Thomas Jefferson's death he was over $100,000 in debt. His entire estate, furnishings, and slaves were sold. Later owners were unprofitable cultivating crops and left his house and property to the government who didn't know what to do with it for decades leaving it to fall into disrepair. It wasn't until almost a half century after his death that the Levy family bought and began to repair the home. In 1923 the Levy family sold the home to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation who own the estate today.

To learn more about any of these topics here are some resources:
http://www.monticello.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Palladio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Capra_%22La_Rotonda%22

I hope you've enjoyed this and be sure to have a bright day!
bright girl