{Pumpkin Patch}

I am sitting in a giant pumpkin, 

and I am so freakin' excited about it! 

I was fortunate enough to head back to the same pumpkin patch I fell in love with last year. This year I went with my new housemate, who loves Halloween just as much as I do, and my old housemate, who went along so she could have an Autumnal experience with us. It was such a beautiful day and there were so many types and sizes of pumpkins to choose from!

This pumpkin patch is just so darn cute, I had to come back this year!

I will be continuing to return here because I think it's about time I start establishing some traditions in my new town. (Is it still okay to call my town new after living here for a year and a half?) There's more posts to come: 

We just carved the pumpkins into an anchor and a lighthouse! 

I can't wait to share!

xoxo

My Birthday Weekend {Part 1}

Tequila!

This weekend was so much fun, and I am so thankful for the friends and family I have in my life. I am feeling extremely blessed. 

This weekend, my family came to visit and we went out to one of my favorite restaurants on Friday night (can you say happy hour?) where we had a few margaritas and a wonderful time. It was such a great gathering and it felt like a vacation! 

On Saturday, my mom and I went shopping (mostly for Christmas stuff), relaxed, and then in the evening, we went to the arcade and we won a stuffed-animal otter! (I have decided to name him Leo!) It was a great night. Then, on Sunday, we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (post to come), and here's a little sneak peek:

It's a sea cucumber!

I had a wonderful birthday weekend and I cannot wait to share more about the aquarium with you soon!

What did you do this weekend?

xoxo

Auguroni!

The Beatles, "Birthday"

Today is my birthday! Wahoo! I made it another year, and through my Roman Warfare midterm this morning (just barely made it out of that one, oh my goodness). But I hadn't updated on here lately so I thought I would provide some explanation as to why I've been missing-in-action. I have been preparing for the midterm from hell, which ended up being semi-decent due to all of my hard work, writing papers, and cleaning the house for birthday visitors! 

I'm doing a weekend-long celebration, pretty much, so I will be sure to take lots of pictures and update as much as possible next week! I have done some more recipes and I will have Christmas crafts on here soon! 

But in the meantime, I will enjoy my anthem for the upcoming year:

I'm feelin' 22!

xoxo

Operation: Fall Cleaning

My home is a mess. There's clothing all over my room (a result of not planning my outfits in advance but still wanting to look nice for class... whoops.), I'm still not entirely unpacked/situated in the new place (I moved in May!), and I am desperately needing to clean, well, everything. 

So I decided to make up a list (above!) of things that I need to get done before this Sunday, so that I will not be entirely embarrassed if I decide to have a few friends over for a study group... So here we go, Operation: Fall Cleaning!

What is on your fall cleaning list?

xoxo

Halloween 2013: Pumpkin Patch!

Last weekend, I went to the pumpkin patch with my mom and a couple of friends. It was simple and just what I was looking for! I like the funky-looking, unconventional pumpkins, so this patch was just right. (Although, I must admit, a conventional orange pumpkin is perfect for carving, but I don't have the time for that this year). 

I mean, seriously, isn't this pumpkin great?! I don't know how this one did not end up on my porch, but I'm glad I got a photo!

They were certainly ready for Halloween! And my goodness, look at the size of those pumpkins! 

These gourds (or were they squash?) looked super creepy and interesting!

Overall, it was a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch and I am so glad we made it before the weather changed - it is freezing now! Autumn is upon us!

xoxo

Pre-K Wednesday: Sunflowers & Pumpkins

This week we have been focusing on nature in Autumn- sunflowers, pumpkins, and apples have all been featured. Pictured above, we have sunflowers with petals made of each child's handprints, paper plates colored brown by the kids (though we found out that dot paint looks better!), then we glued real sunflower seeds in the middle. They look so cute!

Also, look at this awesome pumpkin that I found at the pumpkin patch over the weekend - we are going to cut it up and count the seeds! I can't wait!

xoxo

Halloween 2013: Decorations!

Love that pumpkin! And I'm making more jars like the one pictured!
Bought at Marshall's.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Perhaps it's the spookiness, perhaps it is the dressing up, maybe the candy... I'm not sure, but there's just something about Halloween that makes it my favorite holiday! Decorating for Halloween is always an event in my house: we make a playlist, dig around for the boxes in the shed, and then go a little crazy with the decorations. 

Since this is my first year in my new place, I do not have the amount of decorations that I'm used to, but I am doing all that I am able to give my house a little bit of spooky flair!

For example, what seems like your ordinary (although purple) Magic 8 Ball is actually...

A monster Magic 8 Ball! Muahahaha!

It's the little things in life. 

More Halloween to come! 

What is your favorite part of Halloween?

xoxo

Friday Five: Autumn Movies I Love

Friday Five: Autumn Movies

ONE | PRACTICAL MAGIC

A good movie for Halloween. Or Autumn in general. It has a wonderful cast and an interesting storyline, about sibling witches (and there's even some feminism dashed in for good measure) who are very bonded to each other. It's not just a story about witches, but also about family and love. 

TWO | DEAD POETS SOCIETY

This movie is excellent. It takes place in a prep school in the middle of Autumn of 1959... And I just have to say: it has poetry and Autumn? No wonder I love it.

THREE | PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Not exactly an "Autumn" movie, but I just love love love this movie, especially when it's rainy outside and I want to curl up in a large knit blanket and drink hot cocoa. 

FOUR | 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU

It takes place in a school... so that makes it Autumnal, yeah? Another one of my absolute favorites. And the darling Heath Ledger (RIP) is in it, so...

FIVE | HOCUS POCUS

The quintessential Halloween movie, in my opinion. It has pretty much all you need!

What are your favorite Fall movies?

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | PANCAKES

It's a Sunday morning tradition in my home: we love our pancakes. And waffles. And coffee! Can't forget about the coffee. One of the wonderful thing about pancakes is that they're cost-effective (AKA cheap). Just add water and you're set! I love to make extra and take them as a breakfast-for-lunch kind of deal. It's so delicious! 

TWO | BIG BOWS

Seriously. They're super adorable. Especially when monogrammed... You can wear them so many ways! I cannot wait to get my hands on a monogrammed bow for my hair. Obsessed. 

THREE | FULL COURSE LOAD BAG

This beauty is from Modcloth

I am so excited that Autumn is here, and I love to look for new items to complete my wardrobe (although it is never really completed, is it?) and I adore the "Full Course Load" Bag from Modcloth. It seems functional yet stylish; perfect for college students or teachers. I have a bag similar to this one and I'm in love!

FOUR | HARRY POTTER MARATHONS

Autumn is all about back-to-school, at least when you or someone you care for is beginning classes. And what better way to kick off the school year than with a Harry Potter marathon? While I would love to have the time to pick up the books and read them all again, it just isn't possible for me with all of my other readings...
So I will snuggle up in my hand-made Ravenclaw scarf (pictured below), grab a butter beer, plop down on the couch and have a Harry Potter movie marathon instead. 

FIVE | KNITTING

My Ravenclaw scarf! This picture is a mix-up of #4 and #5! I love this scarf, and I definitely worked hard to make it!

I have been knitting for a very long time - I first learned in elementary school, then re-taught myself as a freshman in college. I've knit quite a few scarves and hats, and right now I have about 4 projects going on and since classes have started, next to no time to do them. Hopefully I can get a few moments in every day; I could really use the calmness that knitting gives me.

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Quote of the week: 9/23/2013

"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." 

-Lauren DeStephano, Wither

Ahhh, Fall. It is here at last, seeing as yesterday was the official first day! Oddly enough, it rained all of Saturday, the last day of Summer, and was bright, sunny, and warm for the first day of Autumn. But I am so ready for leggings and big cozy sweaters, scarves and hot cocoa. 

So this quote is for the second day of Autumn, and though I have yet to read the book, Wither, finding this quote will motivate me to finish my current readings and try to get my hands on Lauren DeStephano's book. 

Happy Autumn, everybody!

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | COZY CARDIGANS

There is something about Autumn's morning chill and cool breezes that always makes me want to be all wrapped up in a soft, cozy cardigan. This one from Modcloth (pictured above) is so adorable and it is certainly on my wishlist. I just love the houndstooth!

TWO | TRADER JOE'S 

Seriously, Trader Joe's is the best. It has great, (mostly) healthy food at prices that are often lower than Target or Safeway. They have such a nice fruit and vegetable selection, and I really love their gnocchi! It's a wonderful store for me in the sense that I'm trying to save money, be healthy, and balance all of the parts of my life... Trader Joe's helps!

THREE | THE O.C.

  The O.C.: The Complete Series (Seasons 1-4)
 Every other year or so, I like to re-watch The O.C. Particularly towards the end of the year, so I can watch all of the Christmukkah episodes (that are wonderful)! It's cheesy and silly, but I still feel compelled to sit there and knit whilst watching a show that is 10 years old. 

FOUR | WEN HAIR PRODUCTS

 
WEN® Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner 16oz 
What with me moving into a new (saltier) climate and dying my hair recently, it has become necessary for me to have a great moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, as well as other hair products. My mom bought me Wen cleansing conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint as a gift, and it has done wonders for my hair! I'm obsessed. My hair is so soft and silky now. 

FIVE | THE GOOD MAD

Seriously, take a listen. This song, called "What Money Paid For" is seriously so wonderful. I am so glad that I found this band.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo

Autumn Bucket List

Fall Bucketlist by darlingdreamer

Ah, Autumn. My favorite season. I was born in Autumn, and there's so much to love about it: Halloween, crisp air, cozy sweaters, hot coffee, Thanksgiving, and much more. 

This Fall, I have decided to have a smaller bucket list, as I am also working on my 101 in 1,001, and I hope to get about 9 of those done during the upcoming season. 

What are your favorite things about Autumn? What is on your Fall Bucket List?

xoxo

Auburn Autumn

In my 101 in 1,001 Things to Do list, I decided that I wanted to cut & color my hair. It's all done, finished this weekend. I love it! Perfect for Autumn, which is coming up this weekend! 

It certainly doesn't feel like Autumn here yet (80 degrees today!) but I cannot wait!

xoxo

Friday Five: Autumn

ONE | CHANGE

Isn't this auburn color gorgeous?
Source

I am going to get my hair done this weekend (for the first time in months - one bad haircut and it all goes downhill!) and I have really been wanting to switch up my look. So, like the seasons, my hair will be changing, too. I'm switching up the color and cutting off quite a few inches.

I can't wait to see what my hair looks like in auburn!

TWO | BAKING

My banana & chocolate chip muffins

Mmmm... Baked goods. Cookies, muffins, monkey bread! I adore baking and I have already started to get back into the baking swing! It will be difficult to bake during the school year, so I may just have to bake a bunch now and freeze for later. Or just find time to bake whilst studying.

THREE | RAINY DAYS

There is something about the sound of rain that calms my soul. I have always loved the rain: dancing and playing in puddles, kissing in the rain, or even curling up with a good book (with the window cracked so the sound can float in). Rain epitomizes Autumn for me, and I cannot wait for rainy days. For now, I'll settle with listening to Rainy Mood.

FOUR | HALLOWEEN

As you can see, I've already started crafting for the spookiest day of the year!

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It falls a week before my birthday and it is an excuse to dress up and eat candy, two of my favorite things to do! Last year I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, and this year... who knows? Normally I know by now but there are so many choices! Wait and see what I will be.

FIVE | LONG DRIVES

There is something about piling into a car with three or four friends and some really good music, and just driving. No particular destination is needed, just an hour or two spend cruising with friends. It is much more expensive to do this now, what with gas prices being so costly, so I'll probably only do this one time this Fall. But I sure am looking forward to it!

What are you looking forward to most this Autumn?

xoxo

Recipe: Banana & Chocolate Chip Muffins

Tasted so good!

Recipe:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (~2 large)

1 large egg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup milk

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 muffin cups with foil liners (do not use paper - I did and it was so difficult to take off the liners!). 

2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

3. In another (medium-sized) bowl, mix mashed bananas, egg, melted butter, and milk.

4. Stir banana mixture into dry ingredients until they are blended, being careful not to overmix. Then stir in chocolate chips.

5. Fill muffin cups with batter until they are about 3/4 of the way full. Bake at 350 degrees until muffin tops are golden and the chips are melted, about 25-30 minutes. 

6. Cool and enjoy!

Doesn't it look delicious?

This recipe was adapted from Epicurious. 

xoxo

Current obsession: Apples

Apples by darlingdreamer featuring a chain necklace

See through dress / Red sash belt / Rocket Dog shoes, $28 / Red purse, $62 / Juicy Couture pendant / Chain necklace / Chain necklace / KitchenAid stand mixer / Zippered cushion cover

It's back-to-school season, and while not everyone is quite back (my classes don't start until the end of this month!), the school where I work is in full swing. This week and next, our theme will be "A is for Apples" as a way to get started, not only with the alphabet, but working with crafts that are easy for our new students. 

I love apples, and being a teacher makes me love them just a little bit more. So above is a collection of some candy-apple-red or apple-related things that I love! 

I actually own that perfume in a Disneyland-exclusive apple-shape bottle, and I'm in love with it. It smells so nice!

xoxo

Fall Essentials: Accessories

Fall Essentials: Accessories by darlingdreamer

Merona brown handbag / Kimchi Blue buckle purse / Metal jewelry / Chain jewelry / Cotton scarve / Topshop wrap shawl / Fingerless glove / Genuine leather belt / Umbrella / Cooperative Map Scarf - Urban Outfitters / Bumble Bee Bangle | Tuckernuck / Fort Knocks Tortoise Sunglasses | Tuckernuck / Owl Stud Earrings | Tuckernuck

Oh, Fall! It grows closer with every day. As much as I love Summer, I am ready to dress up in scarves, hats, and all sorts of other accessories that pertain to the season!

Pictured above are many items that I think would be great to wear during the upcoming season, and I particularly like the apple necklace from Modcloth, the Merona cognac tote from Target, and the Maps scarf from Urban Outfitters. They have maps of both New York City and Paris; they are so cute!

What accessories are you looking forward to wearing this Fall?

xoxo

Fall Fashion Essentials: Shoes

Fall Essentials: Shoes by darlingdreamer featuring ballet flats

Hunter wellington boots, $125 / Short wedge boots / Chelsea Crew oxford / Almond toe flat / Chelsea Crew low pumps / Steve Madden ballet flat / Flat shoes / TOMS flat / Chinese Laundry stretch thigh high boots

Who doesn't love shoes, right? They really are the finishing touch to any outfit. While I do love to run around barefoot (benefits of living by the beach), I have always had a soft spot for a cute pair of shoes. 

Since I have already given you a list of my fall fashion essentials, and expanded into recommendations for sweaters & cardigans, and tops, I figured I'd get to my favorite part: the accessories. Shoes are by far the easiest way to add a little something special to an outfit. As you can probably tell, I'm into cognac brown shoes, and I love flats! 

What are your favorite shoe choices for Autumn?

xoxo

Fall Fashion Essentials: Tops

Fall Essentials: Tops by darlingdreamer

Top / J.Crew stripe tee / Purple top / Merona striped top / LC Lauren Conrad bow top / See through top / Women

I am so excited for fall! You could probably tell from this post, and of course, this one. Fall is all about apple picking, long drives, coffee dates, and pumpkin carving. And with all of that activity going on as the air gets chilly, I always like to wear comfortable yet cute long sleeve tops (preferably with a cute puffy vest over it)! 

These are some of my favorite picks for this season.

Can you tell I love stripes? 

xoxo

Fall Essentials: Sweaters/Cardigans

Fall Essentials: Sweaters/Cardigans by darlingdreamer featuring v neck tops

Chunky cable sweater / H&M long sleeve sweater, $23 / Forever 21 hooded sweatshirt / Merona v neck top / Sweater / Xhilaration Juniors Elbow Patch Cardigan Assorted Colors

Earlier this month, I made a post containing all of my fall fashion essentials. First on the list was sweaters and cardigans! I live in California, so I don't usually need big jackets, so I love love love a good knit cardigan or pullover. 

I'm on a budget, so I like to find clothing that is fairly reasonable in price, or wait for a more expensive item to go on sale!

What's your favorite sweater?

xoxo,

Caryn Elizabeth