Rumblings of Fall

My window is open, I wore black tights to work, all is well with the world. Summer makes me kind of depressed. There's something about being sweaty and smelly all the time that's just very off-putting. I love random beach days and the sun is nice but when the breeze picks up and the leaves start changing, all of the outside world becomes my sanctuary. The week before my birthday has historically been a high point for me. Fall starts rolling in, Starbucks starts carrying the Salted Carmel Mocha again, and my birthday present to myself somehow shows up on my doorstep a couple days early. (Every year!) I had a half day today so I loafed around the house, browsed through a few fall clothing catalogs, and made some quinoa-black bean concoction. Candles were lit, Bon Iver was listened to, and a little boozy something-or-other may have been sipped. The Eagles are playing tonight... man, it's a good day. I'm starting to feel those creative juices flowing again and I couldn't be happier. As my man Ice Cube would say, "today was a good day."

xo,

e.m.

New & Different

Sometimes change is necessary. The seasons are shifting, I'm turning 23 in a week or so, and my creative juices are flowing. Instead of my usual "I'm going to take a trip somewhere," I decided to redecorate. Redecorating is something that always feels really great. It's a wonderful way to start over; even seeing a new paint color cover the old is somewhat cathartic. Who couldn't use a little catharsis every once in a while? (Oh, and thanks for photobombing me, Juno.)

Before: I actually don't mind the "before" at all. It's cozy. I wanted a change though, which is why I  kissed that soft seafoam green "goodbye" and traded that green chevron stripe rug for a similar but more geometric one.

I like it. It's classy but still very "me" -- a hodgepodge of sorts but everything is still somehow cohesive. Staining my bed was the best decision I've ever made. It came out unexpectedly well and I now believe in the power of the stain. Seriously, if you want to make a big impact on a budget, stain a piece of furniture. WOWZA. 

xo, e.m.

Put a Spell on You

I've gone missing for a little while. But I'm back. (Don't even ask about last week. Don't do it.) After getting my first real sleep in 9 days, I awoke to a pleasantly chilly day. When you wake up and there's a nice breeze in the air, what do you do other than drape yourself in all black and parade around town in some booties? I put on my best impression of Fairuza Balk and enjoyed the overcast splendor.

xo,

e.m.

dress/ Gypsy Warrior (similar), boots/ Piperlime (similar), hat/ Urban Outfitters, necklace/ from when I was a kid but I found (almost!) the exact same one at ASOS, ring/ H&M (similar), lipstick/ Cyber by MAC 

*photos by Danielle Conyers 

Peach Green Tea Lemonade Cocktail (with Basil!)

My guilty pleasure this summer has been the Peach Green Tea Lemonade from Starbucks. It is simply delectable. I drink at least one a week. (One TRENTA a week.) I often think so myself, "the only thing that could make this even better would be alcohol. Or basil." Obviously, this was something that I had to act on. As soon as I had a free moment, I headed to the Wine & Spirits store to search for the perfect peach-flavored liquor to add. The obvious choice would be Schnapps but I wanted this to have a more rustic taste so I opted for some Peach Moonshine. (Yes I know it's not real moonshine. I know all of you Southern folks are rolling your eyes at me right now.)


What You'll Need
  - Peach Liquor: I loved the moonshine but if you want something a little closer to the original Starbucks beverage, Schnapps would be your best bet.
  - Unsweetened Green Tea
  - Lemonade (as fancy or as basic as you'd like it.)
  - Basil
  - Ice
  - Cocktail shaker

Muddle a basil leaf in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice (fill it about halfway) and one part each of the lemonade, Peach liquor, and green tea. Strain into a glass filled halfway with ice. Top with extra basil for garnish.

Basil and peach are a match made in heaven and so perfect for these next few weeks of "kinda-summer-but-not-really-but-also-not-quite-autumn." As always, enjoy responsibly!

xo,
e.m.



When in Doubt, Black & White

Life is too short to worry about what to wear. When in doubt, throw on a black and white dress and you'll be good.

xo,

e.m.

dress/ Nordstrom (similar), boots/ Piperlime (similar), hat/ Urban Outfitters, watch/ Michael Kors

*photos by Danielle Conyers