Lately...

Mid-September left me feeling a bit void and incredibly uninspired. I started to worry I was becoming depressed as so many things that I loved doing just felt like a chore to me. Interestingly enough, I faced the same feelings last year around this time, so maybe it's a seasonal thing? Who knows. I just know that I felt myself changing and becoming completely uninterested in things (and people...) that I normally would be and it really just freaked me out. I've learned that any time I start to feel that way, it's time for me to chill and reevaluate. Unwinding is not something I do well, but I needed to take a step back. No Excel for a week? Marathons on Netflix? Much needed.

The change of pace was just the beginning of a much needed refresher. It gave me time to think about finally letting go of things that I've outgrown (like my shop) and the inspiration and push necessary to go after what I really want in life. No dream is too big or too impossible. I really just want to focus on being about my passions and to go after them full throttle. No holding back.

(I'm also thinking of starting another blog. A food blog. Maybe.) 

Needless to say, I'm feeling better now. (Still a little ways to go, but definitely going in the right direction.) Taking that break coupled with some spontaneous plans (like seeing Kaskade at Barclays Center last weekend) have me feeling back in the groove. Currently, I'm in Maine "taking care" of my sister who just had her tonsils removed. I'm here as the resident expert on the subject after having mine removed three years ago, but my mom's here too so you can guess who is doing all most of the work. Actually, I think I'm going to make myself scarce and check out the mall in a few. Because if there is one thing I will never tire of, it's the welcoming hug and comfort of the mall.

finally got to see Kaskade at Barclays Center. One of the many sick light displays. so. good.  

beautiful foliage in ME. (NY was still very green when I left)

ice cream (and sorbet for the patient) from a local shop in Maine, Catbird Creamery, to go with...

the first apple pie of the season. my sister made it and froze it for us to make while we are here. how thoughtful. and yes, I am totally guilty of eating the edges off of the pie, especially when it's first out of the oven. there is always one pie that makes a completely edgeless appearance each fall thanks to moi. can't stop, won't stop. 

Hello Fall

Happy Fall everyone! Now that fall is finally here (and I've started restocking my closet with some necessary basics), I am ready to shop, and get into all of the fun of my favorite season. Hell, I may even go to Starbucks and order myself a pumpkin spice latte! (JK, I don't consume pumpkin anything until at least the end of October...)

Impatient me has already taken a few items out of storage (like this blazer), and put a few things away (namely shorts and sandals), but I can't wait to make the "official" closet change over. Here are a few reasons why this my favorite season to shop/dress for:

1. It means being able to wear the staple piece in my uniform, blazers, (comfortably) again.

2. Leather and faux-fur.

3. Chunky sweaters and boots.

4. All black, all the time. 

5. My favorite dark, vampy polishes like Essie Wicked.

When it comes down to it, fall really is my comfort zone of dressing. Dark colors and clothing that resembles my favorite blankets? Yes, please. 

J.Crew Factory top | 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target skirt

wicked | stylenomics | after school boy blazer

Old Navy embellished sweatshirt | Ann Taylor equestrian ankle pants

*photo sources : 1/2/3/4/5/6

Hibernation Season.

The Nor'easter that hit yesterday was supposed to bring rain and high winds. Instead, it brought snow. Half a foot of it. Totally unexpected, but I will always welcome a snowfall (granted I don't have to trek in it,) especially when it is the first one of the season. Since I am always cold (currently using a heating pad as a foot warmer...) I love nothing more than chunky knits and fleece blankets to keep warm during the colder months. 

(clockwise) High/low knit sweater: Target (Mossimo), Fleece lined leggings (the warmth!): Armani Exchange, Cozy critter socks (an essential novelty for this time of year.): Old Navy, Monogram blanket (a cozy, personal touch.): Pottery Barn, Slippers: Minnetonka

The items on this list I am most excited about? Everything. I play no favorites.

Pumpkin, Four Ways.

In October, I'm all about apples. Whether it be pie, in a main dish, or just as they are, I gorge myself on them. When November rolls around, pumpkin gets the same treatment. I usually start picking up cans of pumpkin puree at Trader Joe's in the end of October, in anticipation of whatever pumpkin recipes I may come across and want to try. Pumpkin soup is always a given, so here are a few other ways I have been enjoying pumpkin this fall. 

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This syrup just gets better and better. I used the same recipe from my post last year but replaced regular sugar with low glycemic coconut sugar. I have been using this syrup to make a pumpkin spice hot chocolate that is too good for words to fully describe.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup (paleo, refined sugar free)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves or 3 to 4 cloves
3 tbsp pumpkin puree

NOTE: I usually add more puree because I love the pumpkin flavor. This, and the spices, are completely adjustable according to taste.

Over medium heat, combine the water and the coconut sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add in all of the spices (except the cinnamon sticks) and the pumpkin puree, and whisk until the pumpkin puree is combined. Add in the cinnamon sticks and continue to stir the mixture over medium heat (you do not want it to boil,) for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Once the mixture has cooled, strain the syrup into a container and store in the refrigerator. 

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

My new favorite smoothie for breakfast/post workout. I just blend together 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I love Fage), 3/4 almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and ice! 

Paleo Pumpkin Granola

I adapted this one a bit from a recipe I found via Google search. Great over yogurt or by the handful. It even makes a yummy "cereal" when added with almond milk.

Grain Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I am so happy I came across this recipe from the Detoxinista. It's incredibly hard to believe that there is no flour of any kind in this recipe and that the main ingredient is almond butter! They come out so fluffy and moist! (I hate the word moist, but I needed to describe these muffins.) They are great plain and even better with a few added chocolate chips. 

FUN FACT: I've never had pumpkin pie. I just realized that writing this post. 

What are your favorite ways to eat pumpkin?

Sweet September...

some weekend reading.

Is it just me, or is this year just flying by? I cannot believe it is already September!

But I have no complaints, because September is my absolute favorite month of the year. The number one reason that I love September? It's my birth month! But birthday aside, September is just such a great month, especially being in NY. From Fashion Week to the feast of San Gennaro, there is so much going on! Not to mention the (welcome) change in the weather and the start of the best season of all, Fall!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Happy first day of September!!

Pre-Fall Runway Inspiration

Even though "embrace the season in its entirety" was on my to do list for summer, I can't help but be excited for fall. It never fails that around the middle of August I become slightly over summer, and dream of crisper days, chunky knits, and all the fun that comes with the best time of year. 

Since fall shopping is a bit impractical right now (it was 85 today...), I did the next best thing: I browsed the Pre-Fall looks on Harper's Bazaar. While I may not be shopping right this moment, its nice to get an idea of what I want to shop for when the season actually rolls around and new ways to transition some of my favorite summer pieces. 

Looks by: Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Chloé, Versace, Giorgio Armani, DVF, Rag&Bone.

*Images via Harper's Bazaar. See more Pre-Fall looks here.

Its the Great Pumpkin Spice Syrup DIY, Charlie Brown

Even though it's release was early this year due to the popular demand, I waited until the first day of fall to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. Like apple picking, nothing says the start of fall quite like it.

While I truly enjoy my favorite seasonal beverage, in the long run its expensive, and, sigh, a bit high in calories, even made nonfat (70 calories in just whip cream? Yikes!). When I saw a recipe for a DIY pumpkin spice syrup on Foodgawker,  I jumped right on it as I already had a can of pumpkin in the pantry (saw it at Trader Joe's and figured it would come in handy, especially this time of year).

If your a PSL or just a pumpkin fan, you are definitely going to want to have this syrup on hand. It is extremely easy to make and nothing short of perfect. Even if your not a coffee drinker, you can still enjoy it with milk for a coffee-free latte, with milk and ice cream for a pumpkin pie milkshake etc. Topped off with a little whip cream and pumpkin pie spice*, its the perfect at home fall treat.

*So I had no idea "pumpkin pie spice" was a real thing, as in a product that people actually buy. I decided to make some just for the sake of having it for my PSL's, since we had all the spices on hand. I'm glad I did because a small jar sells for $6!!!! If your fortunate to have a Trader Joe's nearby its only$1.99, but seriously, make it yourself. Guaranteed, you already have the necessary spices on hand.