Pro to the crastinate

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Think about it. Kinda crazy right? Happy Halloween!

Replay

I ran across this great article from Washingtonian about the top Halloween buys that you actually can use all year long. I listed a few of my faves below. Such a great idea!

From this awesome rib necklace (you guys know I have a thing for skulls and skeletons).

To adorable chevron trays.

 

To these chic little pumpkin candles.

Luck be a Lady

Great day today! In class today we started working with Illustrator and I LOVED it. Now please keep in mind that I have never had any artistic ability whatsoever. In grade school I practiced bubble letters with no real success. I could only master those little tracing books that let you build your own monster. In high school I spent four years perfecting heart and star doodles in my notebooks. That's about the extend of my drawing prowess.

Today however, the magic of Illustrator came over me, and I had a blast drawing goofy shapes and using all of the layer effects. So with that I present my first little drawing in Illusrator. I call it, Lady.

How Do You Like Them Apples

While I'm killing time in the dr's office (oh ankle) I'm going to update you on a little cooking adventure I went on Sunday night.

I saw this recipe for adorable apple pie cookies over at Smitten Kitchen. They looked incredible and I had to try them. Four or five hours later, and a completely floured kitchen and self later, I ended up with awesome mini apple pies.

Judging by their disappearing act in the office yesterday I'd say they were a success. Now I've got to get into the habit of taking more pictures! Here they are fresh out of the oven. Don't mind the half eaten one.

Leather Punch

I love leather jackets. When I was younger, I use to go into my mother's closet and pull out all of her coats to play dress up. She had a collection of beautiful coats. I remember plaid ones, suede jackets and a gorgeous trench that I still rock today. She also had this really special leather bomber that I wish was just a little bit bigger. On my 13th birthday she got me my first leather jacket. Man, did I feel cool.

I've been thinking about investing in a new leather jacket for a while. Haven't found the perfect one yet, but this one Blake's wearing is pretty close to what I'm searching for.

On the Town

It's really starting to feel like fall here and I'm almost enjoying it. It was a crisp morning with a bit of chill, perfect weather for a cute trench coat. Followed by a New Orleans breakfast with my best friend and her mom.



Then we headed on over to Old Town Alexandria for a little bit of shopping. I found these two adorable pieces. Only got to take the clutch home with me though.

I don't know who this clutch is by, but it's absolutely adorable for fall. Found it at Lou Lou Boutique in Old Town.

Gorgeous Pour la Victorire Snake Embossed pumps at The Shoe Hive, but sadly the price is not right.

Don't you just love crisp morning shopping? Now I need to clean out my closet to make room for fall.

On the Horizon

Today I came across one of the most beautiful garments I've seen this season and my heart just about stopped. It was stunning. This beautiful cotton and silk winter coat by Kelly Wearstler is drop dead gorgeous.I don't think I can live without it. Here's to hoping a sale comes along soon.

Have a great weekend!

Posh Pumpkin

Back from another week of class. Working on a little project. Maybe I'll work up the courage to show you next week. But for today, I'm going to show you a little Halloween action, Alicia-style. Enjoy!


Don't you love to look up in the sky and find yourself staring up at a great big harvest moon? I sure do.

 

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 I haven't carved a pumpkin this year, but maybe I will this weekend. And if I do, this little baby is what I want to make.

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I'm ALWAYS down for a skull necklace. Don't judge.

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Isn't this the cutest Max costume you ever did see?

image from A Cup of Jo

And finally, how about apple ice cream with brandy caramel instead of caramel apples this year? Yeah, I thought you might like it.

i did it

Well guess who just entered the 21st century. This little lady did. Picked up my very first iPhone this weekend. I'm going to miss my little flip phone, but I won't lie, Siri's kinda cool.

By the way, are you digging the wallpaper. It was a stroke of genius that made me buy this 4 years ago. Worth every penny. Thanks Oprah and Nate.

Hang me out to dry

Feeling some Nicole Richie inspiration this weekend. Off to a wedding and totally wearing a sheer maxi skirt. But secretly wishing I could rock leopard booties. Oh ankle.

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Bananas

Another crazy day here in the life of moi. Lot's of thinking needs to happen with this little noggin.

On a different note, I had my second graphic design class tonight. Totally LOVED it. Ok, still not number 1 in the class or anything, but I've made some baby steps away from complete and utter confusion  (on a bum foot that's not too shabby). The doctor said I've got about 3 more weeks to go until this ankle is back and running, so I'm bringing back the shoes and quotes. Hope you enjoy!


So cute. When the ankle can handle it, I went my feet in these.

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When I think about this one hard enough, it kinda blows my mind.

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How cute are these! Kinda remind's me of a sailor.

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When I read this quote below, it resonated with me so strongly I gasped. I love those people who can throw out the clutter and run full force at what their heart tells them. You only get so many chances to do that.

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One Fine Day

It's gorgeous here today in DC. My plan is to enjoy every last drop of it. I'm curling my hair and hitting the road for a little Richmond road trip to see some of my favorite people.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

Isn't this picture so cool? Enjoy more Street Art Illusions here.

Boo

Just a quick check in today. For everyone thinking about what would be a good new fall dinner, go no further.Make these adorable Halloween stuffed peppers. I mean, who doesn't love stuffed peppers? And Jack-O-Lantern stuffed peppers... you're bound to impress everyone.

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Doh

I'm beat kids. Looong day. But I'll share a little recap of my first class.

First, I was so excited I practically skipped over to my class after work with visions of being a straight up natural graphic design student. I went upstairs to pick up my ID and bam.... HORRIBLE picture. I felt like I was one of those kids who gets back school pictures only to discover spinach in my teeth. Total fail. I immediately hid it in the darkest corner of my wallet hoping it will never resurface.

Up next, I find my classroom and grab a seat up front. In hindsight this was a brilliant decision because the back row couldn't see a thing on the projection screen. My only brilliant move of the night. Anyway, we go around the room to share our majors and why we are in this class. Clearly I'm one of 4 people who's out of school and taking this class for fun. I'm not use to being one of the older kids in the room. Everyone else seemed to be a super artsy kid who had photoshop on their high school computers. And high school for them was last year. Hmmm, I'm not in Kansas anymore.

My vision of being a natural was quickly shot down when I couldn't even find the brush options to draw lines on the page. Oh boy. Suddenly it hits me, I'm so not a natural at computers. Ugh. I've known this forever, why do I try and kid myself. Oh well, growth opportunity I remind myself. Everyone else was flying along and I was anxiously awaiting to get home and crack into my new textbook to bring myself up to speed with the basics.

We ended class a bit early (thank goodness) and  I hightailed it out of there. Now I know that doesn't sound like it was the greatest experience of my life, but I think I'm really going to like it. First days of school are always rough, right? I've got some learning to do :)

On another topic, I thought I would add on to a quote I posted a few days ago. Can't believe the world just lost such an innovator.

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School's In

It's my first day of school tomorrow! I'm taking an intro to graphic design class at the art institute this fall. I'm so excited :) I want to pick out my outfit and lay it out for tomorrow. And buy fresh notebooks and pencils and crayons. I know I don't need them, but who doesn't love getting new school supplies. Come on, I know it's not just me!

I think this is such a cute first day of school-esque look.

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This might be a good back up.

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A set of grown up Crayola's.

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And of course some new notebooks.

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Wish me luck tomorrow! Anybody else out there thinking about going back for a class to learn more about something you love?

Sparked

Is a little sparkle during the day too much? I say, no way. I would love to wear these all day long

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Lightning on the Ceiling

It's starting to get dark early now. Not super early, but early enough to make me long for summer nights with fireflies blinking in the backyard. I'm not going to let that get me down. Instead, I'm taking inspiration for lots of fun ways to bring light to the fall.
 
Lighting up a gorgeous alleyway. It's so European looking.

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A chandelier stunner. Now that I think about it, mine is so awfully boring at home.

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Glow in the dark splatter paint + mason jars = magical DIY lighting.

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I don't even know what this is (a lighted sheet?), but I found it on a French blog, and I want to eat every last one of my meals here. 

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Amazing little lanterns. If this is what's going on when people go camping, I need to start.

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Wine bottle overhead lighting. This idea is pure genius. If only I didn't rent. Maybe I can talk my Dad into it...

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This white orchid display is one of the prettiest arrangements I've ever. For all my friends getting married, take note. :)

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Think I can get this lighted tent look in my room? I really want this to be my ceiling.

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Finally, is this not the classiest set up for a Halloween party? I say, just do it this year.

 

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Hope you have a great day!

Comfort Foodie

It's suddenly rainy and cold outside and I am so not prepared. With my ankle on the slow mend, I'm planning on venturing out today for some fall shopping. I promise to stay away from the heels. Or at least try.

Anyway, while I'm out shopping around, you should check out this amazing Broccoli and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. It looks incredible. I can almost smell it from the picture. I might just swing by the store and try to make some for myself today. Perfect fall meal.

Image and Recipe from The Craving Chronicles