WHAT I'M THANKFUL FOR

 

1. My crazy family - my parents, two older brothers (aka bodyguards), and two sister-in-laws.

2. The true friends in my life (not pictured here).

3. The traveling I have already done in my life that that is all located in this journal.. and more traveling that is awaiting me! 

4. Mr. Mac - I don't know what I would do without him. 

5. Cameron Canon - So happy that I treated myself to a "real" camera. Oh, have you noticed that I name all the technology in my life?  

Happy Thanksgiving! 

I hope you all have a wonderful day spending time with family and friends. Enjoy having an excuse to eat way too much! Cannot believe that just last year I was spending my Thanksgiving in Paris. Although I wish I was still there, I remember missing my dad's amazing cooking so badly. Now I finally get to experience the ultimate Thanksgiving again!

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THANKSGIVING EVE

Spent my day preparing for tomorrow! I cannot believe it's already Thanksgiving. Definitely one of the best times of the year. So excited! I painted my nails with a little bit of Turkey Day inspiration, although I could have been more patient and done a better job. Oh well. There's always next year! This candle was lit all day that my mom gifted me with, along with a cute little card. She doesn't pass up an opportunity to give gifts.. ever. We baked all afternoon as you can see! It was my first time ever making an apple pie, and I must say I impressed myself. Hopefully it will taste as good as it looks!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

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SIX THINGS

It's been awhile since I posted some of my favorite things. On that note, here are the things that I have been loving lately.

1. Pretty fall flowers

2. Glitter nails

3. My first pair of Toms - I have worn them SO much. Honestly, I wish I never had to take them off.

4. Autumn time is the best time!

5. Pink lips - Never used to be a lipstick girl, but my friend Carrie inspired me to try it out! Now, I'm obsessed.

6. Dirty chai - This drink combines two of the most delicious things, chai tea and espresso. Yum! 

Happy Tuesday!

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GIRLS NIGHT OUT

(vintage silk button up (similar), Dolce Vita military green jacket, Michael Kors riding leggings (similar), vintage boots, Michael Kors rose gold watch, vintage red bag, other random and thrifted jewelry)

Last night, my mom and I had such a great time in Frederick for their Girls Night Out! First, we started off with a delicious dinner at a Pizza & Pretzel Creations. They use pretzel dough for their pizza, and it's so yummy!! We got little bracelets for our "entrance" into the shops, after donating $10 to the Heartly House. They are an organization that provides care for residents of Frederick who have experienced any type of abuse. I was happy to help support such a great cause! 

I bought my first pair of Toms at Velvet Lounge, and I must say that I am pretty excited. We enjoyed being driven, by limo, to different shops downtown. Each store had cocktails and refreshments while women shopped their hearts out. Veggie Annie, a local caterer, was serving shots of vodka with her homemade tomato soup in one store. How different, right!? See her facebook page here for to find out more about what she does. I told her she needs to start a blog for sure! 

I FINALLY was able to shop a vintage store down there that I have been dying to see. Every other time I have attempted to go in there, it's been closed. It was amazing! My mom was having fun seeing things that she used to wear that I wold totally wear today. She had to show me a paisley shirt that my dad used to rock back in the day. If only he tried rocking that again.. haha. All the stores were so great and filled with inspiration everywhere. It was a fabulous night spent escaping my homework and enjoying time with my mom.

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PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES

 

One of the many reasons I love the fall season is that pumpkin suddenly appears everywhere, especially in food! I spent my day off yesterday baking some pumpkin goodness. My favorite cookies are definitely oatmeal, but I tried a recipe that added some pumpkin to them. However, I do wish that I added some chocolate chips as well. Definitely try that! I don't usually post any recipes on my blog, but who says I can't? So, here you go!

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/3 cups old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Mix flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a bowl.

Cream butter, honey and sugars until light and fluffy. 

Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla – mix well. 

Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. 

Chill dough for 30 minutes or overnight.

Use a small cookie scoop to place rounded balls of dough on a cookie sheet. 

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are light golden brown. 

ENJOY! 

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LF STORES FALL LOOKBOOK

(images via LF Stores)

I don't know if it's the bipolar weather or just the fact that the season is changing, but I have been lacking a sense of fall inspiration lately. Good news, though! This changed when I viewed the Fall 2011 lookbook from LF Stores. Loving everything! I want to own it all. I think sometimes I try to go too far away from my true personal style in order to try something new or different. Of course this can be considered a good thing, but gotta remember to be who I am and wear what makes me feel comfortable in my own skin.

See more inspiration from the lookbook here.

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

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