ready to Fall

A few things I purchased in preparation for the lovely season that I believe, judging by yesterday's rain and today's wind, is officially upon us:
1. pumpkin colored blouse, Old Navy
2. blue-gray oxfords, Old Navy
3. Army green booties that I have been thinking about all month, Old Navy
4. trading in my Summer pastels for a darker Autumn shade, Target
5. Slouchy hat for rainy days/bad hair days, Target

I also made my first soup of the Fall! I had coffee late the other night in order to stay awake for the 70 pages of Thoreau I had to read, which kept me wide awake well past the time I finished reading. So I was in the kitchen like a crazy woman at midnight, chopping and stirring and simmering until this delicious chicken noodle soup with cheese tortellini was done! All you do is make a normal chicken noodle but add refrigerated tortellini instead of the regular noodles. It's so-so-so good, especially right after walking home in the rain from classes.



What are your essentials for Fall?

sister, sister

A few photos I took of my little sister when she visited last week, wearing my shorts & a top that I won in one of the first blogger giveaways I ever entered! Unfortunately the designer is not blogging anymore, but she designed and sewed the top herself. Aren't the colors great?

I already feel SO busy with the first week of school & I'm not even back to work yet...ugh. Bring on that extra shot of espresso in my latte, s'il vous plait!

my last first day of school

Today was my first day of my last year of school.
But more importantly, you may see something missing in these photos...




I GOT MY CAST OFF!
I went in for an x-ray appointment yesterday and the doctor said it was ready to come off right then--I about died of excitement. The fracture is still a bit there, my arm is stiff and sore, and I have to wear a wrist brace for a few more weeks (which I took off for these photos, don't tell my doctor), but I am so so happy! I can wear all my clothes again! and take normal showers! I feel like myself again, and I'm so relieved. Just in time for classes to start, and this quarter is going to be a doozy--but it's my last year, so I plan on appreciating every second. My first day was started off with a walk to our downtown Starbucks with my roommate...a cinnamon dulce latte and a warm morning bun are the best way to start a new quarter (not to mention adjusting to waking up before 10am).

How are your classes? Or if you're graduated, do you miss having a first day of school?

romper: Forever 21 (my sister's), jacket: Thrifted, shoes: Urban Outfitters, bag: TJ Maxx

coffee + donuts

Melt in Your Mouth donuts, recipe found here!





Yummy iced coffee recipe found here!

Two words that never cease to make waking up a little less daunting: coffee and donuts.
I found both of these recipes via my Pinterest account (find me!) and they were both delicious! If I can do them easily with one working hand, I guarantee you'll have no issue getting these done. I made a double batch of the donuts and brought them around to my new neighbors (after eating a few myself, of course) and they loved them, too! The iced coffee takes a bit of time to filter, so I split it with my friend Josh so we could hang out while we waited--but seriously, so worth it. Creamy & delicious, and so cheap. We're making another batch tomorrow, right before classes start--I'll need the energy.

Feel free to find me on Pinterest or request an invite from me! I'm addicted & looking for enablers.

What I Wore: Anniversary

Raleigh & I celebrated our two year anniversary with a day in Seattle, which was lovely and much-needed. It was so nice to have a day just the two of us, walking around the city hand-in-hand and laughing about the various memories of the past two years. Since we walked around during the day and had a nice dinner in the evening, I needed to wear something that could easily transition from casual to a tiny bit less casual, so I went with this dress I bought at Target a few months ago paired with a necklace my sister found me when she lived in Hawaii. I love the prints together! The ring is one that Raleigh gave me when we first started dating.
Some other shots from the day:

I love when my brother is working, because it means yummy & free coffee whenever I'm downtown (also I love seeing my brother, but c'mon--FREE mochas!)




I was mildly obsessed with these displays from Tiffany's--so fun!




Wasabi Bistro is my absolute favorite sushi place in Seattle. Yummy sushi, chic interior, and the most fashionable servers I've ever seen. Walking through the Belltown area is always a pretty walk, too.

My present from Raleigh! I love this dress from Urban Outfitters. He also got me Tina Fey's book "Bossypants" which I can't wait to read...she's one of my favorite women.
Sorry for the photo overload, but it was a great day & I can't help but share it all. What are some of your best date memories? Do tell!

celebration in black and white.

We are trying to get as many laughs and fun in before classes start again and steal all of our energy. So far, it's working. Here's to the last week of summer and the anticipation of Fall & all it brings! xoxo.

two years time

This is a bit off topic with normal blog things, but today marks two years with my handsome boy and I couldn't be happier. I've never felt more cared for in my life and I can't believe how blessed I am to have found such a wonderful soul. Love you, Raleigh! We are spending the day celebrating in Seattle tomorrow and I cannot wait!

life keeps on changing, tell it to stay still but it won't listen. I just want you near me like you are now, for good.