Tiny Tales

Reclaiming Romance.

September 23, 2013March 4, 2015by Abigail Hunt1 Comment

A few months ago, my friend Hailey told me that the first floor of her apartment building was under construction. “I think it’s a dress shop,” she said excitedly. Fast forward a few weeks, and I had offered to watch her devilishly handsome little pup, Moe, while she was out of town for work. I pulled up to sidewalk, and there it was: glitteR & gRit. A dress shop, indeed. In each window hung some of the most unique and beautiful wedding dresses I had ever seen. It was dark outside, and the delicate lighting inside made these dresses seem like they were glowing.

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Fast forward a few more weeks, and Hailey and I decided that we wanted to play dress up at glitteR & gRit during Shop Late Night in Lawrenceville. No, neither of us are engaged (or even close to being engaged), but hey, we were curious. It turns out this little dress shop had also piqued the interest of my photographer friend, Rachel Tokarski, who was shooting the event that night. After an hour, Hailey and I had each tried on a few dresses, developed girl crushes on the owner, Erin Szymanski, and fell absolutely in love with glitteR & gRit.

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Fast forward another few weeks, and I had volunteered to participate in a stylized bridal shoot. I arrived to the shop on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, and dove headfirst into the madness of my first ever bridal photoshoot.

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I hopped into the director’s chair to have my hair done by the wonderfully talented Candice Orlandi. Next, the lovely Julie Marckisotto made me look like a brand new person in the makeup chair. I slid into a stunning Elizabeth Dye gown, grabbed a whimsical bouquet provided by Mt. Lebanon Floral, and headed out the door. Rachel chose an old red church a few blocks up the street for our first location.

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After I changed into my second gown, a delicate dress designed by UPoppy, added a bohemian fascinator to my new updo, darkened my makeup, and swapped out my elegant and earthy bouquet for a more playful one, we headed out to the railroad tracks to capture the true glitter and grit of this bohemian style. Wedding9

Many thanks to all of the talented women that made this wonderful Reclaiming Romance shoot a reality! I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Thoughts

Falling for Fall.

September 22, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

It’s the first day of fall, and there is literally nothing I don’t love about this season.

I love the smell. The earthy, musty scent of falling leaves, the dewy mornings, the spice of cinnamon, clove, amber and nutmeg, the comfort of a mug of apple cider, and the familiarity of an old favorite sweater.

I love the sound. The crackle of a fire, the crunch of fallen leaves, the soft whistle of a wind chime, the roar of a football game, and the scratch of a knife as a pumpkin is carved.

I love the feel. The cool, crisp air in my lungs, the warmth of the perfect cup of cider in my hands, the extra skip in my (booted) step, the excitement of adventure, and the anticipation of change.

I love the clothes. Boots, scarves, and oversized sweaters.

I love the food. Pumpkin-flavored everything, warm apple pie, hearty and comforting soup, red wine, and a warm cup of coffee.

I love the fun. Carving pumpkins, picking apples, tasting wines, taking long walks, and celebrating my birthday.

And last, but certainly not least, I love Autumn. Seriously, I love fall so much that I chose my best friend based on her seasonally appropriate name. (Just kidding. She’s actually pretty alright, and I don’t get to see her nearly as much as I’d like to.)

What are your favorite things about fall?

Food

Fierce Foodie.

September 20, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

It’s Friday night, and I’m sitting in my living room watching Chopped, with my brand new Julia Child cookbook at my side. There is no hesitation when I say, “I’m a foodie.”

Here are a few of the foods that I just cant get enough of!

1. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter. Trader Joe’s describes it as “a deliciously unusual spread reminiscent of gingerbread.” Food bloggers describe it as “spreadable cookies” and “Christmas in a jar.” None of these descriptions are more accurate than the other in describing this incredibly delectable treat.

2. 34˚ Rosemary Crispbread. I have to admit, I first taste these crackers only one week ago. I was spending time in Maryland with my family last weekend, and my aunt had packed these for my young cousin to snack on. Later that evening, she served them to me with goat cheese. I have always been a fan of plain ol’ cheese and crackers, but the delicate flavor of rosemary shines through for a little extra oomph.

3. Kale. A supertrendy superfood, kale is one of the healthiest vegetables around. I enjoy mine most sautéed in a salad with dried cranberries and almonds.

4. Grape Leaves. Grape leaves are used in the cuisine of number of cultures, from Greek to Arab to Romanian to Bulgarian. They’re best when stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, and spritzed with a bit of lemon juice.

5. Butternut Squash Soup. When fall comes around, my adoration for soups grows stronger. Last year, for the first time, I made my own version of this savory soup, and I fell in love. Top with sour cream and salted seeds, and voila, a comfort food for fall.

Dining In, Food

Chickpea Salad.

September 11, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail Hunt2 Comments

Let me say, this “no carb” thing is tough. Embarrassingly, I found myself drooling at the thought of a grilled cheese sandwich yesterday. But, I have really been trying to stick with it.

Yesterday was a very atypical September day, and it was sweltering. I wanted something light and fresh to eat for dinner, so this is what I came up with.

Ingredients: Chickpeas / Shredded Chicken / Cucumbers / Peppers / Grape Tomatoes / Red Onions / Corn / Olives / Cilantro Lime Dressing / Parsley

Directions: If using canned chickpeas or corn, rinse and drain. / Shred chicken. / Dice cucumbers, peppers, grape tomatoes and red onions. / Mix chickpeas, chicken and vegetables together. / Add dressing. / Top with parsley. / Enjoy!

This recipe is incredibly simple, light and refreshing! Feel free to mix and match ingredients. Use any fresh vegetables from your garden, or switch out the dressing for an entirely different taste.

Dining In, Food

Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

September 5, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

Last weekend, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, which is something I haven’t done quite as often as I used to. It was a welcome return. My roommate John had mentioned that he had some zucchini that he wanted to use, and my mind immediately darted to last summer’s 4th of July party, when we both had loved the chocolate zucchini bread that we found on the picnic table.

So, we decided to bake chocolate zucchini bread. With this recipe and John’s baking skills, a delectable treat was born. (Disclaimer: I actually spent most of the time on the couch watching Julie & Julia, day-dreaming about French cuisine.)

Ingredients: Flour / Cinnamon / Salt / Baking Soda / Unsweetened Cocoa Powder / Canola Oil / Sugar / Brown Sugar / Eggs / Vanilla / Sour Cream / Grated Zucchini / Chocolate Chips / Orange Zest

Directions: Preheat oven to 350˚. / Mix 2T brown sugar, 2T sugar, and .5t cinnamon, and set aside for topping. / Whisk dry ingredients together. / Beat sugar, oil and eggs together in a separate bowl. / Add vanilla and sour cream. / Fold in zucchini. / Add dry ingredients. / Pour into bread pan. / Top with mixture. / Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Try to enjoy it as much as we did!

Dining In, Food

Happy Labor Day!

September 2, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

Take advantage of the last days of summer, and enjoy this perfect picnic snack!

5 Layer Greek Dip

Ingredients: Hummus / Red Bell Pepper / Cucumber / Kalamata Olives / Feta Cheese / Fresh Dill

Directions: Spread hummus in the bottom of a serving dish / Top with chopped cucumbers, peppers, and olives / Top with feta cheese and fresh dill / Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

Fashion

Fall From A-Z.

September 1, 2013March 4, 2015by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

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Easy as A, B, C: here are some of my favorite things for fall!

Wear your American pride on your sleeve with red, white & blue fashion pieces. They’re in style even when it’s not the 4th of July.
School is back in session, but backpacks aren’t just for students. Sport this trendy bag every day with plenty of room for all of your essentials.
Keep your outfit casual with a dash of camo.
See something you love? With a little love and elbow grease, you can do it yourself.
Emerald is one of the most popular colors of the season. You’ll be seeing it everywhere, so be sure to stock up on accessories or staple pieces in this color.
Grunge is huge for fall, so grab your boyfriend or brother’s flannel and you’ll be looking like a 90s babe in no time!
Metallics are always in style, but I’ve recently found myself in a committed relationship with gold.
Mix and match his & hers menswear for the hottest trend of the season.
Use Instagram for to show off pictures of your Pumpkin Spice Latte and the changing colors of the leaves.
Check out one of my favorite bloggers: www.sincerelyjules.com.
Cozy up with some casual hi-top kicks this fall.
It’s fall, and romance is in the air. Keep the things you love close to your heart in a feminine locket.
The best toothpaste I’ve ever used: Marvis.
Experimenting with nail art is a subtle, yet fun way to accessorize an outfit, a season, or a mood.
After the age of 10, I never thought I would own a pair of overalls, but they are back, and better than ever.
The Yinzer in me can’t enough of those Pittsburgh Pirates!
Quiet time is always good for the soul, and this time of the year makes it easy to waste a day reading outside in the cool breeze.
Matte or glossy, red lips are here to stay.
This is my favorite time of year for the warm comfort of a Starbucks coffee. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?
Turquoise has been and always will be my favorite gemstone.
Recently, I did a bridal photo shoot with some of the most talented women in Pittsburgh, one of the dresses I wore was by designer, UPoppy.
Make sure you check out my favorite vintage shop, Charlie Ford.
It’s always the right time for wine.
If ever there was a season that embodies xstreme sports, it’s fall. Varsity jackets have quickly become popular, and don’t they just remind you of your high school days? (Okay, so maybe those sports weren’t really extreme.)
The label formerly known as YSL delivered some of this fall’s most stunning runway looks.
It’s a zoo out there, so rock your zebra, leopard, and snakeskin prints like you’re the queen of the land.

Fashion

Festival Fashion.

August 29, 2013March 4, 2015by Abigail Hunt2 Comments

Festival fashion has been on the tip of every fashionista’s tongue this summer. I’m obviously a little late to the party, but tonight’s Mumford & Sons concert has put me in the spirit! Check out some of the best looks for the music-lover in you.

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PS: Take a peek at my favorite Mumford & Sons music video.

Thoughts

Precious Moments.

August 27, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

Precious moments, besides being a collection of figurines that my great-grandmother gave me every year for my birthday, are some of the most wonderful things in life. In this blog, I talk a lot about clothes, shoes, accessories, and home goods — things that can be collected, but are superficial. While I will always love a well-put-together outfit, and I believe in the power of retail therapy, it’s important to talk about collecting moments, too. Inevitably, I will eat too much vegetable lo mein, and I will no longer fit into the dress I’m wearing today. Years from now when I have a baby, my fingers will get fat and the above-the-knuckle rings that are on-trend right now won’t even fit down my pinky. When those things happen, I’ll still have my collection of moments. And these are some of my favorites:

The way I measured my height according to buttons on Pap’s shirts. Going to Ocean City, Maryland every year over the 4th of July. Decorating Charlie Brown Christmas trees at Granny’s every year. Spending 10 days gallivanting through Amsterdam. Getting accepted to my top choice college. Piling in to the Rampage at the drive-ins. Spending a week in Paris with my mom, aunt, and grandmother, stuffing our mouths with as much cheese and wine as we could. The look on my brother’s face when he thought he only got coal for Christmas… and then when he realized his car was parked outside. The way my brothers’ eyes grow big when I am able to come home from Pittsburgh and surprise them. The way Memaw used to say “fat and sassy.” Eating extra delicious homemade stuffing on Thanksgiving. When I walked outside to help “carry in groceries,” and my first little lemon car was waiting in the driveway with a bow on it. All the times my car has told me I have “0 miles to empty.” Scoring during a field hockey game; placing in a track event. My first time on a motorcycle. Working at Children’s Hospital. My first trip to St. Augustine. Watching the sun rise from above the tree line of Longs Peak.

All of these moments (and so many more) comprise my most prized collection: moments, not things. These moments will always fit, and they will always bring a huge smile to my face.

What moments have you collected?

Fashion

Sweetest Styles of the VMAs

August 26, 2013April 26, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

I have to admit, I have never watched the VMAs. In fact, these days, I generally write off anything that MTV produces as a waste of time. Besides, I am way too emotionally invested in Breaking Bad, so I didn’t even consider swapping out an evening with Heisenberg to watch an awards show in honor of music videos I probably have never seen. However, since the VMAs aired last night, every form of social media has been blowing up with chatter about a certain ex-Disney star, and a certain fabulous 90s boy band. My interest piqued, so I watched a 20-minute recap of the show… and that was all I needed to affirm my decision not to tune in, but quite a few fabulous outfits caught my eye. Check out some of my favorite looks.

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And let’s be honest. The ‘NSync reunion made my inner-child jump with joy (even though I was always more of a Backstreet Boys fan).