Aren’t the circus-inspired windows at Louis Vuitton fabulous?
ps. More pink + pumpkin inspiration here.
A Confession + A Cup of Chocolate
I have a confession to make:
I’ve lost it.
That feeling.
You know, that feeling when you find yourself looking around and thinking,
“I can’t believe this is my life.”
It’s the glorious commingling of awe, and disbelief, and immense deep-down in your guts satisfaction that wills you onward. For me, that feeling is both conviction and reassurance.
It’s been my barometer for most of my adult life, indicating that I am, indeed, on the road to somewhere good. I just don’t know where that somewhere is anymore. Or if I even want to go there.
Personally. Professionally. This weekend.
Maybe it’s waking up for work at 4am, my sink full of dishes, or my fast-approaching birthday which have thrown me into this existential crisis. Maybe it’s the weather. I don’t know.
I do know that I have to rediscover that feeling. And quick.
It’s never failed me, and until this rather recent absence, it’s willed me through hard jobs, on to still harder jobs, and finally on to some of my most rewarding experiences (thus far).
I’ve found myself drowning in that feeling while being paid to skinny dip in the Bahamas (okay, maybe they weren’t paying for that exactly), or horseback riding in Cuba, while at a cafe in Paris, or doing karaoke in Japan.
The further from home I get, the easier it is to get a firm grasp on that feeling, to hold on and wring the joy from it one giant soggy drop after the next.
But how do I recapture that feeling right now, standing in my kitchen, wondering what’s next?
Orange Hot Chocolate
serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
2 Dark Chocolate Bars from TJ’s (or about 3 oz)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Heat milk and orange zest in a small pan until edges bubble. Remove from heat, and let rest for about 3 minutes.
2. Strain milk and return to pan over medium heat, adding chocolate, sugar and salt.
3. Reduce heat and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes.
4. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a heaping spoonful of contemplation.
I’m pretty sure joy tastes like chocolate, so I’m starting one small cupful at a time.
How are you reclaiming the little joys in your daily life?
Pink + Pumpkin
Pink + Pumpkin (or tangerine) is one of my favorite color combos. It feels vibrant, vintage, and just really happy. And happy is good for a cold monday afternoon, right?
What are your favorite color combos?
Or tricks for getting through the beginning of the week?
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pudding
I was vegan for a number of years, and (I think) I got pretty good at adapting favorite recipes or creating my own vegan delights.
So while there is no doubt in my mind that vegan cuisine can be delicious, I’m the first to admit that sometimes an adaptation will be wonderful in its own right, but not really comparable, let alone better, than its dairy-laden counterpart.
Since a few of you asked for a vegan version of friday’s recipe, and I had a couple of lovely vegan dinner guests saturday night, I decided to experiment. I was pleasantly surprised when the vegan version of my pumpkin pudding recipe turned out better than the original! It’s rich, smooth, creamy, and deliciously pumpkiny. Also cute in jars:
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pudding
serves 4
Ingredients:
2 cups almond milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon earth balance
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form at edges.
2. In a bowl mix together sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. Once bubbles form at edges, gradually whisk in sugar mixture.
Do not boil. Stir as it thickens, 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add pumpkin, and earth balance, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Pour into small bowls/jars and let cool.
Enjoy!
And please let me know how versions with soy or coconut milk turn out,
as those were my backups if almond milk didn’t work out so beautifully…
ps. How much do you love the hot pink + pumpkin color combo?
Pumpkin Spice Pudding
Lately I’ve become obsessed with making my own pudding. I seriously had no idea how easy it was, until a few weeks ago, when I found myself craving something sweet (and creamy) late at night. Fun fact: I never crave chocolate, only cream!
Anyhow, an assessment of my refrigerator and a little googling turned up this delicious recipe for homemade vanilla pudding. I’ve since used it as a base to create lots of different flavors, and this pumpkin spice is easily one of my favorites! It’s rich, flavorful, and a little like eating the center right out of a pumpkin pie. Satisfying. And yum!
Pumpkin Spice Pudding
serves 4
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form at edges.
2. In a bowl mix together sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. Once bubbles form at edges, gradually whisk in sugar mixture.
Do not boil. Stir as it thickens, 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add pumpkin, and butter, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Pour into small bowls and let cool.
6. Enjoy with fresh whipped cream!
Warning: making (and eating) pudding might be slightly addictive.
That said, what type of pudding do you dream of?
Seeing Spots
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SWEATERS/pullovers/PRDOVR~55720/55720.jsp
I love a classic pattern, be it a stripe, plaid, or polka dot.
While out shopping yesterday I spotted these dots (ha!) and just had to share!
What’s your favorite pattern?
The Sparkle Season
Hooray!
It’s November, and officially the beginning of the sparkle season!*
You know, that time of year when glittery nails, metallic thread,
sequins and spiced wine are encouraged all at once?
Of course I encourage all those things anyhow.
And pinatas. I definitely encourage sparkly pinatas,
I think they’d be lovely with spiced wine.
*I refuse to acknowledge Christmas music until after Thanksgiving.
You hear that department stores? I’ll acknowledge (and appreciate!)
sparkles from now until the end of the year though.
Posted in Accessories, Style
Tagged confetti system pinatas, holidays, miu miu glitter pumps
6 Comments
My Favorite Breakfast
Since college my favorite breakfast (and sometimes lunch/snack) has been avocado toast. It’s simple, delicious, and oozes comfort. Not to mention olive oil and avocado guts.
There are only a few ingredients so use the best you have- I was gifted this special olive oil and am mildly obsessed with truffle salt, both of which make an appearance here.
Avocado Toast
serves 1
Ingredients:
2 slices crusty bread
1/2 avocado
drizzle of olive oil
truffle salt
pepper
Directions:
1. Toast Bread
2. In a small bowl mash roughly chopped avocados, then season liberally
with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of olive oil
3. Spoon avocado mash over warm bread.
4. Nosh.
Doesn’t it look yummy?
What’s your favorite breakfast or simple food?
The Perfect Stud.
Help a girl out!
I’m on the hunt for the perfect earring, but I can’t make up my mind.
I want something simple enough to wear every day, but with just a little bit of edge.
Which are your favorite?
And do you wear the same earrings everyday?
Strawberry Shortcake {2}
This bright top and simple trouser need little else, but a dash of leopard and a big ladylike hat definitely make them more fun. I’ve loved hats since I was a kid (I can’t remember a time without a hat collection) so I’m excited to show off one of my favorites. I scored this beauty at goodwill for $1.99 about a year ago, and am pretty pleased because hats like her are really having a moment right now!
Here’s the details:
The Outfit: Sheer Red Top from H&M, Chambray Trousers from American Apparel, Leopard Belt from Madewell, Booties from Gelati,Paris, Vintage Coach Bag, Rayban Aviators.
Makes me Feel: Like an Explorer.
The Photographer: My darling friend Carla. She’s going to be a doctor.
The Location: Sunset Junction, Silverlake. So many unique walls, so little time!
And a few more:
This wall and I called each other in the am. Tomato red. Jinx!
I’m a big fan of black + blue, so I especially appreciate the black band on my blue beauty!
Now this is what it takes to make me smile in a picture- a strawberry shortcake cupcake from Lark.
For Serious.
Any other hat lovers out there?
If you’re on the fence, I think fall is the perfect time to experiment!
