Eat Up: Pumpkin Brownies

You know you've found a yummy dessert when you can't stop yourself from licking the remaining batter from the mixing bowls. Yes, I'm guilty as charged. These pumpkin brownies (recipe here) have been my go-to treat for the past couple nights, along with an ice cold glass of milk. While you can't go wrong with a traditional brownie, this recipe has the added perk of pumpkin puree with a little kick from spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Fall has officially found it's brownie, and I've found another guilty pleasure to add to the mix.

Dressing the Part

I can't remember the last time I dressed up for Halloween as an adult, but I do have some fond childhood memories getting dressed as a big fuzzy dice and the classic, scary witch. Over the years, there have been a number of creative Halloween costumes, and I've compiled some of my favorite celebrity moments. If nothing else, I hope it gives you some last minute ideas and sparks your creativity.

Clockwise:
1. Gemma Ward as an Indian princess
2. Lydia Hearst as a butterfly vampire combination & Michelle Trachtenburg as Snow White
3. Roberto Cavalli as Karl Lagerfeld
4. Anne Hathaway as an Egyptian Goddess

(photos 1&3 via Modelinia, 2 from Marie Claire, 4 from USmag)

Fall's Firsts

These rainy and chilly days have finally given me a chance to pull out my preliminary fall finds. Having sat in the closet for over a month, this royal blue military coat got it's first use yesterday (right after I removed the tags). The brass buttons, fun floral lining, and flap pockets are a few details that will have me throwing this on day after day. Styled with a ruffled blouse and boots, I love the contrast of femininity and boyish charm that went along with the click-clack of my soles on the pavement. The perfect sound to announce that the holidays will be here before we know it.

Free People coat, H&M blouse, AG jeans, Ralph Lauren boots,
Michael Kors watch and sunglasses.

If These Walls Could Talk

There's nothing worse than having a blank wall void of any inspiration. While I always love a collage of framed photos (mine is still a work in process), decals are a simpler way to add dimension and attention to a space. When I first stumbled upon Paristic, I was impressed by their endless options from corner stickers for a cozy feel to tall pillars for height. I love how, even with stark white walls, these spaces are instantly transformed. Oh, and how great is the staircase leading your eye into a non-existent nook?!

1. Eiffel Tower Arch
2. Bamboo Tree Leaves
3. Wrought Iron Stairs
4. Lantern
5. Metro Sign

In Small Packages

Lately I've been resorting to the "less is more" approach when it comes to the items I'm lugging around in my bag. My overstretched wallet is taking a break, and my coin purse now holds my debit card, cash, and ID. Goodbye useless rewards cards, gift cards with $1.20 balance, and random business cards. Maybe I'll see you again once my mini-bag chapter is coming to a close. In the meantime, I'll gladly discard the unnecessary to throw one of these chained beauties over my shoulder.

1.Mini studded bag (Gap) @ $39.50
2. Studded leather mini bag (Banana Republic) @ $79.50
3. "Love It and I'm Not Lion" bag (ModCloth) @ $44.99
4. SR SQUARED mini cross-body by Sondra Roberts @ $60
5. Isabella Fiore cross-body @ $295

Tuesday Tidbit

Need a comfy sweater? Well, look no further than your local Gap. My latest closet obsession has definitely gotten it's fare share of wear the past couple days. Yes, that's right. I gave myself permission to wear it two days in a row, which has me pondering whether it would be beneficial to get another color to hang aside my cream pick. Let the suggestions commence!

available here from the Gap @ $49.50

Trick or Treat

Perhaps it's the constant nagging of the Halloween candy bowl filled (now completely picked through of the good options) with snack-sized treats, but my sweet tooth is a dominating force this month. Also to blame? The corner restaurant that has to make an apple toffee cake every weekend that's quickly become my favorite new thing. Shame, shame on you Fab's. These Halloween inspired treats from Epicurious all have something in common, they're spooky and look delicious. Which one looks best to you?

finger cookies

ghosts cake

spiderweb cookies

gingerbread skeletons

Sticky (Note) Situation

I love making lists, but I'll be the first to admit that it's not always the most productive process. Towards the end of the sticky note, unnecessary additions start to appear like "get gas","call Mom," and "charge phone." These simple tasks give me a quick sense of satisfaction as I check them off, and ultimately distract me from the bigger things I should be getting to.

This weekend should be quite eventful. Here's a handful of things I'll be up to:
1. Avoid sleeping in to make the most of the days. (Well, maybe Sunday an hour...or two won't hurt.
2. Early morning breakfasts and late night cocktails.
3. Avoid making lists. Trust me, there's enough of them laying around.
4. A stroll to the local news stand, coffee in hand.
5. An airport goodbye with my partner in crime/best friend/boyfriend (these 2 months better go by fast)
6. Ice cream, fresh baked cookies, or frozen yogurt to get my mind off of the above, as I enjoy the season finale of Mad Men.

What are you up to this weekend?

One-Stop Shop

As much as I'd love to be a one-stop shop kind of girl for pure convenience and time, I love mixing and matching items from what multiple stores have to offer. That being said, I always know certain stores will give me multiple options of a "must have now" item. I know Urban Outfitters always has a plethora of tweed this season and J.Crew supplies delicate, lace tops year round. Options are a girl's best option, especially when you're a picky shopper like me.

Forever 21: Cloche hats
here and here
J.Crew: Lace
here and here
Urban Outfitters: Tweed
here and here
DSW: Booties
here and here

Parisian Pumpkins

Pumpkin patches are popping up all over town, and from the looks of all the photographs by Tommy Ton over in Paris, the same is being showcased there as well. A mix of cyan and brown, the burnt orange announces that fall is here to stay. For me, it's reminiscent of last fall when I muddled through the winter leaves of the same color (as seen here). These lovely ladies seem to incorporate it into their outfits perfectly along with their bright red lips and "stay warm" attitude.

All images via style by Tommy Ton at Jak&Jil

Goodwill Ambassador

Looking around my home, there's a story behind most of the items lying around. Whether they were gifted, thrifted or traditionally bought, I love collecting useful, interesting items that mix modern with an eclectic touch. After each visit to my local Goodwill, 9 times out of 10 there's an item I can't pass up. Whether it's a classic addition to game night or a spinning globe to track new destination, my rooms are constantly incorporating pieces collected over time.

*a dated world globe atop bookcase*

*stacked tins for sweet, savory or spicy recipes*


*corn-on-the-cob dishes*


*metal trunks along the bedroom window*


*soap & lotion dispensers*


*Clue: our latest game
in addition to Scrabble and Monopoly*

Take Your Cap and Leave My Sweater

I've come to find out that any inkling of fall weather, like the constant drizzle and slight chill of yesterday, is reason enough to get excited for cold weather clothes. Or should I just say "cooler" weather clothes? Any excuse to justify a scarf as a last minute add-on or a chunky sweater dress, I'll gladly accept. Short-sleeved options for sweaters are just what L.A weather calls for, since it can't seem to decide whether it wants to be summer or fall.

*all from Zara online @ $59.90 here*

Out and About: Catalina Island

I'll start by saying, I've been a bad blogger. It's been several months since my last post, but I am back for good! Let's just think of it as an extended summer vacation, and I won't bore you with excuses.

It may be October, but the weather is far from showing any signs of fall here in LA. This past weekend, we spent a day at Catalina Island. It was my second visit (the first was during my Senior trip in 2004), and from the moment we stepped out of the ferry I wondered why we hadn't made a trip sooner. At first glance, the island is reminiscent of an Italian city, much like Capri, with the white buildings and tropical pops of color. It's hard to believe that this little oasis is 26 miles from home, but there's always another ferry available to take in the future.

traveling by land and by sea:
a local's orange cruiser & our ferry to the island

Original Jack's:
a much needed Kona coffee & high carb breakfast

Our day excursion:
1,400 feet in the sky



Descanso Beach Club:
sitting beachside & a Bloody Mary