Fashion, Food, Foliage & Football – Some of the reasons I love fall!!

FoodTravel
Written By Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Fashion:

Fashion week NYC – the city is buzzing with fashionistas, shows, creative pop-up shops, photographers, and designers.

September issue of Vogue – when the “bible” of fashion arrives I make a plan to spend a few hours enjoying the editorial and photography.  I usually sit on my comfy couch with a nice glass of wine, a snuggly blanket, and roaring fire.

Boots, sweaters, and coats – I love wearing a cozy sweater, cool boots layered with a great jacket or coat to round out the outfit.

Window shopping on 5th Avenue – Retailers create beautifully art-directed window displays throughout the year, but the fall through Christmas windows are my favorite!!

Food:

Soup – Preparing hearty soups that warm the heart and soul and leave my home filled with its savory aroma.

Pumpkins:

  • I enjoy eating pumpkin soup and pumpkin pancakes

  • Carving my Halloween pumpkin

  • Using small pumpkins for tablescapes

Hosting small intimate parties – I enjoy opening up my home to friends and family for dinners, brunches, and ladies luncheons. Hosting parties at one’s home is a beautiful way of sharing your creativity, conversation, and culinary skills.

Going to the farmers market – I am a fan of supporting my local farmers! Fall is such a nice time of year to enjoy the harvest!

Foliage:

Enjoying the outdoors – I love hiking with friends followed by a picnic lunch.  The splendid colors of the season make for a beautiful outdoor setting.

Football:

  • Buffalo Bills – my hometown team

  • Sunday Funday with friends

  • Cheering and yelling at the television

  • Tailgating parties

These are some of my favorite things!!

Enjoy the fall!!

Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Art and design have always been a crucial part of my life. From coloring when I was a child to taking every art class I could in high school, it's the only thing I ever really wanted to do. I studied all aspects of art for 7 years and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2006. Since then I have worked as a freelance artist and writer, specializing in layout and album design. I also love photography and film.

I've been a professional designer since 2006 and have experience in all types of graphic design and the arts. My clients include DaVinci Roofscapes, Kayu, Terri Cole, Sheherezade, Kate Smith, Patti Green, Christine Gutierrez, and many more. I like to work with people from various fields which has given me a wide range of projects to apply my aesthetic. I have also written for Patch.com, as well as edited texts and books, so if you need writing services I can help you with that too! 

Besides graphic design, I also run a small stationery business that offers all kinds of invitations and other type of paper goods. You can view my shop and check out my blog on my website. I live and work in New York with my husband Dan, son Elliot (5.22.16), and 2 dogs. Both vegetarian and eco-consious, I do my best to live the most natural, organic life I can, and now create the same environment for my son. Besides design, my hobbies include photography, reading, writing, interior design, and cooking. I love music and used to play bass in a band when I lived in Jersey and of course I sing and dance every chance I get. Working with me is like teaming up with a friend, I am easy going, honest, and kind. My mission is to bring beauty to as many lives as I can through art and design and I look forward to working with you!

http://www.graystardesign.com
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