Snow day

This is the snowiest winter I've seen in a while, and I love it. I know the ice and the cold can be a bit of a bother, especially when it comes to driving, but getting snowed-in forces you to slow down a little and savor the beauty. I can't stop gazing at the snow-laden trees...

This is actually the 1,000th photo I've taken with my camera, which I've had for a little over a year. I love it! I've been tracking the steady snow accumulation all winter-- December was a record month for Massachusetts. My yard has become quite the winter wonderland! It makes the barn so picturesque.

Even the church next door looks like a fairytale castle.

Silly me, I braved the cold for a style shot yesterday. But actually, it was kind of warm out! It was sunny all day, so that helped trap some heat. It was the perfect day to go skiing, snowshoeing, or just frolicking! Here I am pretending to be in an Urban Outfitters catalogue!

Shirt, cardigan -- Urban Outfitters
Hat, gloves -- H&M
Jeans -- Delia's
Boots -- American Eagle via Payless

All photos © Erin Dale, 2009

Swan song (and one for the other birds, too)...

Something told the wild geese

It was time to go
Though the fields lay golden,
Something whispered, --"Snow."

Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed
But beneath warm feathers,
Something cautioned, --"Frost."

All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,--

Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

Photography by Erin Dale, ©2009
"Something Told the Wild Geese," by Rachel Field

Organic Beauty mag keeps Boho company

Like the eco-fashion coverage in Boho magazine? Hitting newsstands this month, there's even more in store for green gals nationwide.

Organic Beauty is like a green Allure, reporting the latest trends in skin care, make-up, fitness, fashion and beauty breakthroughs-- all from an eco-eye.

The publishing industry may have made some major cutbacks last year, but the sales spike in natural products proves that launching this magazine was a wise move. Organic Beauty publisher Diane Hintz confirmed, "The organic and natural personal-care product market has hit a phenomenal $7 billion in annual sales. The demand for organic beauty products may be the most important issue to affect the beauty industry in its history."

House star Olivia Wilde (one of my favorite TV actresses!) graces the first cover. She's a nature-loving semi-vegetarian, and I can't wait to read what she has to say about eco-chic beauty. What are you waiting for? Get thy glam self to a bookstore and scoop this up, stat!

How to Wear Your Christmas Presents!

Ahhh. Deep breath. The holiday season has finally come to an end, and it's kind of bittersweet. After the Christmas tree is taken down and all the tasty leftovers have been devoured, it's time to sift through your presents. If you're a clotheshorse like me, you may find your post-Christmas wardrobe bursting at the seams. Your already-abundant collection is now competing for space with gifts from friends and family, along with treats you may have picked up for yourself to help cope with all that stressful shopping! (Not guilty...) But now it's time to evaluate which items you're actually going to keep. Perhaps you'll have to use gift receipts to find a different size; perhaps you'll even re-gift a sweater (or three). But if you're lucky, you'll have gems worth holding onto.

I'm pretty happy with my new holiday pieces-- no re-gifting necessary! I've mixed and matched the new stuff with some old favorites:

Hat and necklace : H&M
Sweater: Joseph A. via Macy's
Jeans: Delia's

My grandma loves shopping sales at Kohl's, and she found me the sweetest little topper:

Sweater: Candie's via Kohl's
Scarf: D&Y Softer than Cashmere, via Macy's

I hope you have fun playing with your own wardrobe and are staying warm and cozy!

Starting fresh...

Is it really 2009? Already? Mmm... Wake me when it's over. ;)

Kidding... What fun would that be? Ip & Aud is getting some beauty rest-- stay posted for new content, coming soon!