Category: Winter

Monday Treat: Pumpkin Spice Mocha

I was really on a kick making those pumpkin lattes in September when the PSL craze always hits. 
Then October came around and I got tired of them. 
But last week my grandma ordered the Pumpkin Spice Mocha and was raving about it, I thought to myself:
Adding chocolate to Pumpkin Spice?
Brilliant. Inspired. Invigorating.
So this lazy Sunday afternoon, my mom and grandma came over and we made these Pumpkin Spice Mochas and chatted about poetry. I’m not sure I can think of a better way to spend a Sunday. 
And now I’m back on the PSM kick. That’s a Pumpkin Spice Mocha kick, in case you didn’t catch that.
Goodness, it’s delicious. 
Grandma said it was every bit as good as the real coffee shop version, and my very picky coffee-savvy mom agreed that it was exceptionally delicious. Me? Well I was too busy drinking mine in a moment of bliss that I didn’t say anything. 

You must make sure you serve these hot.
Enjoy on a snowy November morning or afternoon…like today!

Baked Grapefruit

{Pick the perfect grapefruit from your lovely bowl in the fridge. Goodness I love a bowl of citrus in the fridge!}
This is pure winter sunshine. Straight from Florida. Or California. 

{Wash it.}
Via the grocery store. Y’know. Organic if you gots a few extra dollars to drop. 
{Cut in half and drink in that gorgeous color. Gah!}

Citrus is in season in the winter, and what a boon that is! A shot of delicious summer and some great Vitamin C to combat winter illness and blues.

{Place on a baking sheet and drizzle liberally with honey}

And honey is great for you in winter, too. Has so many natural healing properties!

{Sprinkle with a heavy hand of cinnamon, too.}
Cinnamon is such a great spice for your system, too. Helps combat diabetes, warms you up, eases a cold, and helps with digestion!
{350 degree oven for 15 minutes while you get ready for the day. Just make sure you set the timer!}
This is great by itself with a cup of tea, or a slice of toast, too. 
But I’ll share another morning recipe soon that it goes especially well with 🙂
Enjoy your dose of morning sunshine!

Have a great one, beautifuls!

.

Published
Categorized as Winter

Stripes and Silk

{I’m so totally smitten with these tights!}
This outfit feels so Kate Spade to me! Stripes and pops of bright color…and sunshine! A girl’s gotta love it. 
You know about my love for wearing this skirt in winter…(here and here)
I wore this outfit for a very special assignment that you’ll find out about tomorrow! I can’t wait to share with you!
Style Secrets
Sunnies: Dollar store
Ring: H&M
Blouse: Thrifted
Sweater: J.Crew, thrifted
Belt: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: Gift from my momma
Boots: Consignment 
Coat: Thrifted

Workout Wednesday

It’s probably going to be Thursday when you read this since I’m not posting it until almost-bedtime on Wednesday, so don’t be thrown off all day by the title (I know I would be). And if you are, just drink another cup of coffee. It’ll do ya right and besides, it’s almost the weekend–so chin up!

I’m a ballet dancer at heart. But despite loving to wrap the ribbons on my pointe shoes, I always longed to dance on ice. It seemed so freeing to be able to essentially do ballet while gliding. Ahhh, the freedom and beauty (and difficulty)!
   This winter, I signed up for some adult skating lessons to learn the basics and improve my skills. My mom was a figure skater, complete with her own backyard practice rink, but I’ve always just enjoyed it and never taken a lesson before.
I am absolutely LOVING this addition to my routine, and learning the basics makes it a new workout (um, hello there, lower back muscles, haven’t seen you in awhile since my dancing days!). 
I love to skate in leggings, legwarmers, and a skirt for ease of movement. This really leaves my body free to concentrate on grace and form from my ballet days. Plus, I’m just totally enamored by the look and it gave me an excuse to pull out my old legwarmers! After class, I’ll plug in my iPod and skate by myself for awhile.
Here’s a look at what I wore (similar items):

icskating

Athleta
athleta.gap.com

Gap
$18 – gap.com

Forever 21 light weight pants
$5.80 – forever21.com

Forever 21 cable knit glove
$7.80 – forever21.com

Forever 21 fringe scarve
$7.74 – forever21.com

Aeo Earbud Earmuffs
$12 – ae.com

27″ Stirrup Legwarmers – Style #194 at Discount Dance Supply
$7.95 – discountdance.com





My version:
Scarf: Gift
Turtleneck: Express
Leggings: Tag sale
Corduroy skirt: Tag sale
Leg warmers: from ballet days
Arm warmers: Local store
Socks: TJMaxx, wool
Ice skates: Gift



Workout Wednesday

Switching it up from a Work-to-Weekend Wednesday to a Workout Wednesday! I wanted to start showing you the outfits I wear for working out to encourage us both to get out there and work out! I also have a completely disproportionate amount of workout clothes to how often I work out (they are so fun, though!). I decided I NEED to start using them! So here’s {nearly identical pieces to} the outfit I wore for a walk/run over the weekend.
run/walk winter

$40 – altrec.com


$50 – nike.com


$18 – altrec.com


$90 – altrec.com


$36 – altrec.com


$17 – altrec.com


$15 – modcloth.com



My Version
Duofold Crew: Free at tag sale
Nike Pro Running Pants (fleece-lined!): Thrifted, $3
Smartwool Socks: $12
Running shoes: Nike, gift from parents
Vest: Columbia, ?
Strawberry Earbuds (yes, I actually own these!): Gift from bro
Fingerless gloves: Gift from Swap
Hat: Local boutique
ipod: Gift



Introducing: My New Coat!

My new down coat was an extra special treat….something I’ve been eyeing for over a year. When the special opportunity arose to treat myself, I knew this was what I wanted! I feel so carefree—so J.Crew catalogue or Kate Spade model-esque in this outfit and combination. I just love it!  It’s a happy sort of day–and I went for a walk to get a pumpkin spice latte. 
{windy}

Have a great Thanksgiving if I don’t catch you before then, my loves!
Style Secrets
Sunnies: Vintage
Scarf: Souvenir from Ecuador
Coat: J.Crew
Pants: Tag sale
Socks: American Eagle
Shoes: ? So old!