make: autumnal soup

creamy double potato soup // a beautiful mess

thai coconut curry butternut squash // host the toast

tuscan white bean soup, 2 ways // the clever carrot

thursday thrills

I'm still in the process of making a fall playlist, so this one from HelloGiggles will do for now.

Itching to try some fall-inspired recipes like this pie and these cupcakes.

Getting pumped for the collection of craft supplies & home goods at A Beautiful Mess.  What can they not do?  I'm convinced they are going to take over the crafty world.  (Can I be an accomplice?)

Ever since living in London, I've gotten more into wearing makeup (probably because I was living in such a posh city and rooming with beauty queen Eva).  I still haven't convinced myself to buy anything new, but Rebecca from The Clothes Horse has a similar makeup routine to mine, so I might need to take some cues from her.

Gilmore Girls is on Netflix.  Enough said.


Happy Fall, y'all. It's time to go buy some tiny pumpkins (FINALLY!).

pumpkin patching

On our way back from the coast, Ted and I stopped in McMinnevile to grab a few pumpkins to put on the porch.  A couple weeks later, I went on a school-sponsored field trip to Sauvie Island and got one more pumpkin and a tiny pumpkin chiffon pie.  Obviously.  Now I have four pumpkins of various sizes and several tiny pumpkins.  I need more. 

eat here: beach dog cafe

Over Fall break, Ted and I escaped to the coast for our anniversary--Lincoln City, Oregon specifically.  This was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  This school semester has been so overwhelming (and continues to be so--right now I'm writing an essay that is due on Monday and it's totally stressing me out, amongst 23213 other things due during the week, so obviously I turned to blogging about happy things).  This Fall break was much needed and the perfect way to celebrate two years of brunch with one of my favorite people ever.

The Beach Dog Cafe was a Kaylie dream come true.  Delicious brunch place with pictures of dogs everywhere?  YES PLEASE.  If only this place was closer to Portland...  I will definitely make an excuse to go back!  We had the Beach Dog Potatoes (house potatoes mixed w/ Polish Sausage, grilled onions, and topped w/ cheddar cheese, served with toast and eggs---we asked for poached) and Kristina's Specialty Stuffed French Toast (stuffed with a light homemade citrus cream cheese and sliced bananas, and then grilled golden. Dusted with powdered sugar and topped with a mixed berry compote and whip cream).  I loved both so much, but my favorite was probably the potatoes, because I tend to favor savory over sweet for brunch.  I love that Ted and I split meals so I can try both sweet and savory dishes!  We make a good team, indeed. I guess I'll keep him around a little longer, just for that.

//photos mostly by Ted

10 things that make me happy

Tryon.  I loved walking (or attempting to jog) through this state park nearby this summer.  Hopefully I can find some dry days to enjoy it this semester.  I also went to a jazzy concert there alone one beautiful night.  I stared at the adorable westie named Gretel in front of me the entire time and soaked up the good company of middle aged Portlanders.

Claire's visit.  It was magical.  We had so much fun just hanging out, watching Hercules, HIMYM, making lasagna, and hitting our favorites--Tea Chai Te and Little Big Burger.  I miss her already!

Treatin yo'self.  Salt & Straw ice cream during the Bachelorette finale (I know, forever ago--I'm behind on blogging) and Jade Bistro dinner after browsing Sellwood one lovely summer day.

Sex & the City.  'Nuff said.

Portland Art Museum.  I looked at everything, but the most hoppin' place in the building was the Cyclepedia exhibit.  Portlanders like their bikes.  A lot.

My assistant costume design internship.  We pulled some stuff, but mostly went shopping multiple times.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.  I'm so excited for the show.

Reading for FUN.  Recently I've read Quiet, The Age of Miracles, and Looking for Alaska.

Savory pastry.  Obviously.  Claire, Kenzie, and I explored Alberta in the rain after a little Vintage by the Pound and Petite Provence love.  It was quite lovely.

Seattle road trip with Ted. I will post pictures soon!

Fall approaching.  Ted and I went to Safeway today and when we left, we saw this fluffy black dog near the tiny pumpkins, firewood, and pouring rain.  It was almost too much for me to handle.  I was so overwhelmed with happiness.

It's been pouring all day, the fall boots and cardigans have been broken out, and now I must finish some reading for my one class tomorrow morning.  Life is good.  Especially when there are tiny pumpkins.

autumn banner & garland

I unfortunately haven't had much time for crafts as of late (sadface), but I have managed to make a quick banner and garland to add a little fall flair to the dorm room.  Don't worry, Fall break starts Wednesday (night, but STILL) and will give me many hours to bake (PUMPKIN EVERYTHING), craft (HALLOWEEN DECOR), and catch up on online TV (DOWNTON ABBEY).  I can't wait!

just my type: paperless post

As a lover of stationary, I am kind of obsessed with the site Paperless Post, especially the Fall and Halloween offerings....

fall mix

I know it's not officially Autumn yet, but it is in my heart.  All I want is pumpkin-flavored everything and holiday crafting.  Here are some tunes to jam to while you're daydreaming about warm pie, knit blankets, and multicolored leaves.

P.S.  That is a pumpkin spice latte made by my dad the morning before I left to come back to school.  Yep, he's that cool.  Also, for pumpkin recipes galore (plus crafty loveliness), go here.

a lovely day in the neighborhood

Saturday was the perfect day for an outdoor date.  Ted and I went to the Portland Rose Gardens and enjoyed the sun and scenery.  It was absolutely lovely being able to lay down in the outdoor amphitheater people watching and cloud watching.  Just wonderful.  After walking around the gardens we went to the new Little Big Burger on 23rd and had some long overdue burgers and fries.  A day doesn't get much better than this.  It's good to be back!

fall in love

Dresses: 1, 2, 3

Accessories: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I LOVE FALL.  I can not emphasize this enough.  Once it's August, it's all I can think about.

Ever since I can remember, Fall has been the epitome of prime Kaylie time--after all, it's the beginning of the holiday season.  I feel like everything good starts happening in Fall:

A new school year (yes, I'm a nerd), Ted and my anniversary/his birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, my birthday, Easter...

I realize this all spans over six months.  But you guys.  Those six months are the best.  Holidays are my greatest joy.  Decorating, making homemade gifts, baking, hosting parties.....

I LOVE IT ALL.

This summer I have already been making birthday gifts for the remaining birthdays of this year, planning out Christmas gifts, working on my Halloween costume, and using my Pinterest as an arsenal for seasonal treats and fashion inspiration.

I have a problem.  I recognize this.  Call me crazy, insane, Mrs. Claus.....  It's probably all true.

Holidays aside, one of my favorite things about the Fall is the change in weather.  In Arizona, Fall means cooler weather, even if it still means pumpkin ice cream is more suitable than a hot pumpkin spice latte.  See my ways for embracing a desert Fall here and here.

Since moving to Portland, I have come to see Fall in its full potential.  It's magical, and I can't wait to spend another Fall there.  Until then... I will be knitting, making mix CDs, and dreaming up layered outfits.  (Right now I am wearing my new boots... It's one in the morning.)

Are you crazy about Fall?