new line at shabby apple

There is a cute and classy new line at Shabby Apple called Highclere Castle.  I love its retro British vibe!  My favorite is the navy blue tulle skirt.  If you see something you like, use the code "High" for 10% off store wide.

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!

eat here: salt & straw in portland, or

Last night we went to Salt & Straw to have some of the best ice cream Portland has to offer.  I have been waiting to try this place since last year, and thankfully a brand new one opened in my favorite Portland neighborhood (NW 23rd).  Since I'm not sure when we'll have another warm weekend like this (low 90s!), it was vital we get ice cream before it goes back to cold and rainy.

Flavors I tried:  Pear with Blue Cheese, Strawberry Honey Balsamic w/ Black Pepper, Feast's Oregon Bounty, and Chocolate with Gooey Brownie.

My favorite by far:  Pear with Blue Cheese.  Creamy, subtle, yet sweet & savory, and just interesting. 

I can't wait to try more flavors, especially if they do seasonal flavors like PUMPKIN.  Please have that be a thing.  

last of the summer crafting

A couple days before I left, I had some friends over to hug and hang out and eventually say goodbye until the holidays.  Erin even came over in the dress I made her!  I'm really critical of everything I sew, but Erin made it look adorable with her accessories and natural beauty.

Since it had been much too long, and I had promised my grandpa to make him chocolate macarons sometime, I decided to bake some chocolate macarons filled with nutella for his birthday.  They actually turned out pretty delicious!  

Well, now I'm back to school, syllabi, and social awkwardness.  I'll post about my room once it's all shaped up and pretty.