It's 5pm Somewhere ...

Photo: Pete Navey

So who's going to a halloween party this weekend? Tell me, are you more apt to dress up as a sexy cat, or a scary monster? It's weird, I really like halloween and the spooky fun that goes along with it, but I've never been one to dress up. If all it were was carving pumpkins, decorating and watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, I'd be totally fine. Which is precisely what we plan to do this weekend and I couldn't be more happy:) I might even have to throw some pumpkin ale into the mix. Yesterday's comments on the beer post have me inspired to try some! I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend! Group hug:) Your weekend links ...

Love this "day off" outfit.

Great tabletop inspiration. Jealous of the vintage Vera Neumann tablecloth.

A chocolate infograph. Chocolate.

Such a fun and clever idea for both kids and adults (via Design Mom).

Cynthia Rowley and her daughters. Love.

Beer Me ...

Anyone who's read this blog long enough knows that I have a soft spot for beer. For those of you who are new ... I like beer:) Especially one in a koozie (yup, I said it "koozie") with a cool graphic. We're talking next level stuff here. What about you? You like beer?

Photo: Design Womb

Happy With Hilda ...

Whether she's shooting weddings, interiors or the outdoors, Hilda Grahnat is always on point. She has such a great eye and such a way of doing something special with things that are seemingly commonplace. Her "vintage by color" groups are super fun too. Check out her site, get happy. It's Wednesday, the weekend's in sight!

Airport Beauty ...

Love this capture of Brigitte Bardot arriving in Rome in 1961. Such a beauty. I think it's great how proper people used to dress for travel back then. Something tells me this gentleman was more than happy to escort Ms. Bardot through the airport. I see hints of Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss in her face. Don't you?

Photo: Patrick Morin (via Nowness)

Color Re-set ...

Thought I'd hit the reset button for the new week with some fun color and a popsicle. Did you have a good weekend? My weekend actually ended up being kind of busy. On Saturday I met up with some of my favorite people in San Diego for a photo shoot that was super fun. I didn't know I could have so much fun being the subject! Sunday was spent with family and great meals. Eric and I even got to steal away to see a movie. We saw The Big Year with Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. I would say it was an endearing movie with funny parts. Not double-over laughter inducing, but entertaining. If you need something light, I recommend it. Oh, and I started to wonder when the local radio stations are going to start playing holiday music all day long. Don't roll your eyes, I can't help it. At least I'm not the only one:)

Before we run off to our Monday duties, I want to welcome all the new Happenstance readers! So happy to have you. I look forward to hanging out:) Wishing everyone a fabulous week.

Photo: Lou Mora

It's 5pm Somewhere ...

Photo: Chance

So, as much as I try to always keep this blog full of fun, inspiration and happiness I have to be honest today and share with you the fact that the last couple of weeks have been a bit rough. From losing a long time friend two weeks ago, to another friend's mom being in ICU, to the awful tragedy in Seal Beach just a couple of days ago. Seal Beach is just minutes from where we live and from where I grew up. Everywhere we go, the grocery store, post office, Starbucks, everyone's talking about it. It's hard. But even harder to fathom that life goes on. But it does. Inch by inch, day by day. So as each new day introduces itself I've just been focusing on the blessings that surround us constantly and say a prayer of strength, and peace of mind for the families and friends of the victims. Life is unpredictable yes, but life is still good.

Thanks for hearing me out. I really do hope everyone has a great weekend. It might seem minuscule, but I am so thankful I have this blog and my favorite blogs to read. Blogs definitely keep you positive and are a reminder of what is good, fun and inspiring. And that's important in life! Group hug:) Here are some fun links for you ...

Loving these images from Chance Co. Especially those vintage, blue OP cords!

"Cinco de Milo." Super cute and clever

A great glitter shoes DIY

A simple and really cute idea for upcoming holiday gift giving

Mmmmmm ...

Perfect Reminder ...

How darned cute is this ring from by boe? It's so delicate and perfect. Especially love the name "Reminder Bow." And I'm really loving how her nails are painted black–the perfect juxtaposition to such a dainty piece.

And Eat It Too - For Breakfast ...

I'm seriously thinking about it. Have you ever eaten cake for breakfast? I mean I've dunked a cookie in my coffee before (pump the brakes!), but I haven't gone all the way. I love this bag though. I would also love it if it said "Eat Breakfast For Dinner." That too is one of my fave things to do. Merry Wednesday party people.

Image: Kate Spade Tumblr

Giveaway! Toto Knits ...

I was so happy when Erin from Toto Knits introduced herself and the wonderful company she founded. Toto Knits is a line of organic cotton knitwear from Africa for children and babies. Each piece is ethically hand made by mothers in Kenya who knit as much or little as they wish, in order to help provide for and be with their families. How great is that? So today not only do you have a chance to win the cutest knit sweater from Toto Knits, but you get to design it too (it's so easy)!

What you need to do ...

• Visit Toto Knits and leave a comment here telling us which of the seven styles you like
• Be a Happenstance follower
• "Like" Toto Knits on Facebook

Giveaway is open worldwide and will end at midnight tonight. Winner will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow. Good luck everyone!

***Update: The winner is Yarner! Congratulations! Yarner, email me with your contact information and we'll get you going on your sweater.

Dam ...

Was flipping through my copy of Dwell this weekend and came across this amazing photo of a dam in southeastern France by photographer Celine Clanet. It's amazing that this giant infrastructure could manage to fit so neatly within nature. And it's almost like the cyclists and pedestrians on the path aren't aware of what's off to their right. It's kind of a metaphor for life too, right? We're all on some sort of path, trying to achieve some sort of goal. But if we don't stop and take a look around us sometimes, we can miss some amazing things.

Let's call this (w/out being too cheesy;) "take a look around Monday." Hope you had a great weekend.