Color Crush: Navy and Maroon

It's funny how you unexpectedly find yourself being drawn to colors without even realizing it. I have been loving navy lately, but it wasn't until I was out shopping with my friend Megan that she pointed out that the majority of what I was drawn to was either navy, maroon or a combination of both.

Fall/winter usually means "all black everything," so these colors are a nice change and a way to add a bit more color into my wardrobe. That and I think it may be a bit subliminal as I am almost certain they were my uniform colors at some point in the 12+ years I spent in a uniform for school. Whatever it is, I love it.

Merona top, Essie "sole mate"

images via Pinterest, Target, Style.Com

The Shawl Coat

I think it's safe to say that the glorious Indian summer that was experienced last week has now passed, and the days of warm weather are now well behind us. Temps in the fifties might as well be winter to me (I am always cold), but since it's not exactly coat weather yet, I will be breaking out my favorite faux fur vests while I work on picking up a jacket to tide me over until it really gets cold.

But that's not to say that I'm not currently thinking about winter outerwear. Actually, I started thinking about coats about three weeks ago, around the time I started Scandal. Coincidence? I think not. I mean, from the very first season, Olivia's coat wardrobe has been on point, and just continues to get better and better. That Burberry Prorsum trench from the season premiere?  The Donna Karan coat she almost got blown away in? Everything.

One of my favorites: this Salvatore Ferragamo number from season two

If I had the space and the budget for an immense coat wardrobe, trust me, I would. A lot can be said about a great coat and the way I look at it, a coat is your outfit in the cold months so it's worth getting something fabulous. If I had to choose just one new coat to get for the winter, it would definitely be a shawl coat. It's a style that I have always loved for it's instant chicness and it's resemblance to a blanket/bathrobe. Again, I love to be as cozy as possible, and a shawl coat just fits the bill.

Banana Republic, Zara, Tahari, Lauren Ralph Lauren

Edited to add: Target also has one at a more than reasonable price and in a few colors!

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. 

Brownie and Ice Cream Pops

The last few days have really been about two things and two things only: Scandal and these brownie pops I'm sharing with you at some point in this post. I say at some point because first, we talk about Scandal.

I finally got around to signing up for Netflix this past weekend, and I immediately set to watching Scandal, which then took over my week. I am not much of a TV person, and I spend most of my TV time flipping back and forth between the Food Network/Cooking Channel, Veria Living, and of course my beloved Bravo. But Scandal gripped me from the start and left me with so many questions, thoughts and emotions: Where can I get a shawl coat like Olivia? Why has no one mentioned that Fitz looks like a hot/less slimy version of Anthony Weiner with Don Draper's voice? When will the tears stop after watching "Seven Fifty-two"? LOL at Mellie's voice sounding like Batman when she's angry. How much of this show represents reality? Why didn't I start this show sooner?!?!

Needless to say, I am obsessed. (Thankfully, Alyssa is too, so I am not alone.)

I like to accompany my nighttime TV viewing with a snack, and for my Scandal sessions the last few nights it's been half one of these brownie and ice cream pops. (Told you I'd get to it eventually.) I had a few leftover from a batch I made last week, so they have been my go-to snack. They were inspired by these brownie with peanut butter swirl vanilla ice cream lollipops me and my friend Megan had at lunch earlier this summer, and I finally got around to recreating them. They really couldn't be easier, and best of all, they are customizable. I really loved the original ones we had, but I couldn't resist making a Nutella brownie with vanilla ice cream combo. Any type of brownie works, any type of ice cream works. The combinations are truly endless.

However, as much as I love them, I will be skipping them tonight for the season three premiere with a much more appropriate snack: some popcorn and red wine.

Brownie and Ice Cream Pops
servings vary