Lately: Autumn 2016

 I hate to start a blog post by talking about the weather, but it affects my posting so much, I can't help it! This October has been the rainiest on record. Boo. 

This time last year, I had 4 posts published in October, and was ramping up on Etsy for the holiday season. I noticed the other day that my product views were way down, mainly because I hadn't listed anything new on Etsy. That's when I realized I hadn't gone out to take photos with a real camera (not just my phone) in weeks, resulting in zero new listings and zero blog posts! I'm hoping November is a little drier (or a little snowier?!) so I can take some actual outfit photos!

My favorite accessory right now: the handkerchief.

My newest card features a hand-carved tiger moth stamp. I think I'll carve a whole series.

Taken on a day that was dry enough to bring my camera out.

This is Otto's nervous look. He hates the car.

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In Photos: Autumn in Seattle 2015

The Pumpkin Cardamom cupcake from Cupcake Royale. I'll eat anything with cream cheese frosting.

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Look of the Day: Fall Basics

A cozy sweater and vintage denim are all I need. Luckily, I have a lot of both, so the items I'm wearing in this look are up for grabs in my Etsy shop.

The jeans are vintage Levi's 501s and the sweater is made from lambswool and angora. It's so soft!

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Lately: Autumn 2015

Autumn in Seattle is usually as perfect as our Springs, but this year has been odd (not unlike the rest of the year). It's been unseasonably warm (in the 60s to 70s) and the leaves are too tired to do much. I can see the color changing a bit but most trees seem to have lost their leaves overnight. Like the rest of Seattle, they've had more than enough sun for one year. Today is cooler and the rainy skies are a welcomed sight. My plan for the day: coffee and a late breakfast, a bit of cleaning, and then, later, I'll meet my sister-in-law at the bins for some thrift shopping. We're going to bingo this weekend and shoulder pads and sequins are required.

If you have instagram, you're probably already tired of pumpkin pictures.

My love affair with malachite continues with my newest handcarved stamp. I was happy when my dad identified it as malachite, but he said it was mostly because he knew me. I think I might try incorporating it into my Christmas cards.

Singles are available on Etsy right now, and come with a shibori-lined envelope in Paper Source's limited edition color, Spruce.

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In Photos: Autumn in Seattle 2013

Same lake, two different days.

Lately

 Life has been interesting lately. My property management job has been stressful, but life otherwise, has been routine in the best way possible. I've been going for walks every day, which, if you've been following the blog for a while, you know is quite an improvement. My feet have been doing fantastically, and I'm so blessed to be able to take advantage of the beautiful, foggy weather we've been having. I even found a tree full of figs, just up the road from my apartment!

 Over the past year, I've been squirreling away any champagne corks I find. My life is not full of champagne obviously as I've only been able to collect 3 corks. Not that I have any huge dinner parties planned, but these make pretty adorable place-card holders.

Resvology sent me their Age Corrective Eye Cream to try out and, as always, I was a little nervous I would see no results and have nothing to write about. My skepticism was pleasantly pushed aside after a couple weeks of use. This stuff actually works! I've noticed a huge improvement in my dark circles and puffiness. It even worked when I was laid up with a bad head cold. I didn't even look sick! Science, man. Check out their Facebook page  for sweet deals.

My crafty side has been insatiable. I've been making calendar sets to sell on Etsy and, yesterday, I got out my waxed snowflake materials. Every year, it's my favorite busy work. By now, I've probably made hundreds. I might try selling them in sets on Etsy or stringing them for garlands. I made one for my mom a few years ago, and despite its delicacy, it's held up! Here are directions on how to make your own waxed snowflakes.

What have you been up to lately?

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Disclosure: Parts of this post were sponsored by Brand Backer.

Recipe: Skinny Pumpkin Bread

If I set my mind to it, I can work through a loaf of pumpkin bread in a couple of days. I'm trying hard to not polish this loaf off before my husband gets any, but just in case, I made it a tad healthier by cutting down on the sugar and replacing the oil with yogurt and apples. The result? A super moist, pumpkin bread packed with the delicious flavors and textures of Fall. Trust me, you won't miss the sugar or the fat!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups whole wheat flours

½ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp white sugar

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or just good old cinnamon)

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup chopped apple

½ cup fat-free plain yogurt

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup brandy (or water)

¼ tsp maple flavoring

¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds

¼ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup dried cranberries

1 tsp flax or chia seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

2. Whisk together your dry ingredients. Toss in the chopped apple and stir to coat.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, yogurt, maple flavoring, and brandy or water. Mix thoroughly. 

4. Add your pumpkin mix to the dry ingredients along with the nuts, seeds, and cranberries. Mix until just combined.

5. Pour into a well-buttered 9x5 loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes or until your tester stick comes out clean. Turn out onto rack to cool before slicing.

Idea: A slice of this pumpkin bread and few slices of sharp cheddar make a delicious lunch!

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In Photos: Autumn in Seattle

 Frida and I went on a photo-walk. She was very patient with me (well, sort of).

Currently my desktop background

Back home, watching for invading squirrels. Those jerks.