THAT FALL FEELING

So this photo was taken a couple of weeks ago but for some reason I haven't gotten around to posting. I have so much fun doing these little set ups and this one here shows a few of the things I have been especially enjoying throughout October. So since its already the last day of the month, I thought I should probably get this out before it all becomes irrelevant. Although, we still have all of November  and Thanksgiving coming up to enjoy all these autumnal goods. Fall is still in full swing and I couldn't be happier. 

SLEEPY AUTUMN SUNDAY

Sundays are for sleeping and eating in bed. Well, at least that is what this Sunday was all about. I cleaned my room which was my only accomplishment of the day. I still have a huge pile of clothes on the floor which I'm convinced will never change. If I was 13 year old me again, I can guarantee that that pile was still there. Except now the pile consists of much more stylish clothes (I would hope) and a lot more black. Also things get manic during the week and I can't deal to keep up with orderly things. So I guess Sunday is for cleaning too, and movies in bed. Today I watched Notting Hill. I had never seen it before which isn't such a surprise seeing as I'm not hugely into cheesy rom-coms but this one was so well done and I always enjoy looking at that dapper Hugh Grant, and those dreamy streets of London, I can't get enough! I also did a bit of reading earlier. I'm currently making my way through Lolita, which is not an easy task but I'm liking it so far even though it is very bizarre.  

I'm so glad I got some pictures of my room that I'm finally pleased with. I recently rearranged it so that my bed is next to the window. I've also added in a few touches here and there to make it more cozy and give me all those fall feels. I've added striped bed sheets with matching pillowcases, a floral decorative pillow, a couple of mini pumpkins, and a new plant for some greenery. 

So currently my room smells of pumpkin, spices, vanilla, and coffee and I'm catching up on American Horror Story. I'm barely on season two so I've got lots to catch up on. Sleepy Sundays are just so good for the soul. 

COFFEE BY THE LAKE

Signs of fall are slowly making its way into Austin, not quite like the autumnal scene y'all have up north but we are getting there slowly but surely. For much of October the leaves stubbornly remain green but I see small amounts of yellow and red peaking through. So although it has yet to look like fall when I look outside my window the last couple of days have definitely felt like it. I've awoken to crisp cool mornings and with that comes much happiness and inspiration. 

Today I decided to skip class to make the most of the cool morning to have a spontaneous coffee date by the lakeside with my mom.  Our favorite coffee spot which isn't too far from our side of town is Mozart's Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin Blvd, a place where large wooden patios and picnic tables are shaded by large old oak trees. That, plus pretty views of the lake to go with the on-site flame roasted coffee, the place is beyond perfect. We chatted loads about fall decoration ideas and food recipes we plan to make very soon. Which I of course will document for the blog. I have so many ideas. Fall just makes me better. I've never been a summer lover and probably never will be. Fall is definitely my time. 

AUGUST FAVORITES

I wouldn't say my blog fits into the beauty blog category at all, but occasionally I like to share what I'm loving within the beauty world. So here are a few of them along with some reads I've enjoyed recently.

1//  Since being in college the excuse "I don't have time to read" is one I am guilty of  hashing out far too often. At the start of summer I got a little carried away with my new amazon prime subscription and before I knew it ten books ended up at my doorstep. One of those was Just Kids by Patti Smith. An honestly raw, and gripping account of her life in the New York. Think art, music, friendships, and the counter-culture scene in the 60s and 70's. It's a reminder of how unexpected and unforgiving life can be, but with an intense passion to do what you love and a hopeful spirit, it will work out.  I love the place where this book took me and it's somewhere that I catch myself thinking about even weeks after finishing. One of the most beautifully written books that I plan to re-read.

2//  Burberry Britt Sheer Rollerball Perfume to put it simply this is a light floral scent. I'm not a lover of heavy scents (right, says the person lusting after Tom Ford Black Orchid). What I mean is that I don't like to be drowning in perfume. I really only like for myself to notice and maybe the slightest hint of fragrance is noticeable when I walk past - but just the slightest.

3// This Michael Kors Watch has not left my wrist this month. I've retired my large, chunky, gold watch for something more delicate and classic. Although this exact style may not be available anymore (I got it 5 years ago) here is a similar style and the next watch I'm currently eyeing up, the Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Watch.

4// For the last year I have ditched the shimmery eyeshadow for the bare lid look. More recently though I've started to reach for my eyeshadow brush again and have swipped it into my Stila In The Know Palette. This is my latest makeup purchase although you wouldn't be able to tell by the grimy look of the packaging. Its an all matte palette with the exception of one beige color. I'm digging the matte eyeshadow look, it's obvious enough when on the lid but in the most discrete way.

5// When it comes to blush I stick to what I know and love (actually I guess you could say that is my philosophy on all my make-up) Which explains why this Laura Mericer Second Skin Cheek Color in Spiced Cider has been my favorite for two years now. I have just recently reacquainted myself with it since it is a color I like to wear as the fall season approaches. Maybe its the name that draws me back to it every fall.

6// Speaking of the fall season approaching (only the best time of the year) I bought Essie's Fishnet Stockings in anticipation for the fall weather, sweaters, and hot drinks to come. I don't care for reds but this one has been the most flattering out of all the ones I've tried over the years. It has been on my nails all month and I plan on keeping it on for weeks to come (reapplying when necessary, of course).

7// Another one that has been in my make-up drawers for so long is the Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 200b Lasting Kiss. It is the loveliest beige-pink nude, slightly glossy too. I stopped wearing lipstick months ago but in August I felt like adding a bit back into my life. I'm noticing a pattern here. I've seemed to have stopped wearing, lipstick, eyeshadow and nail polish for months but now I'm enjoying introducing it back into my daily routine. I think its the change in season that has me this way.

8//  Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask does what it promises. It takes my skin from dehydrated disaster to smooth and soft. Recently I've needed that extra TLC on my skin especially after long days out in the summer sun. It's definitely a repurchase worthy product.

9// Jamie Magazine: Where do I even start. Jamie Oliver is my newest food person obsession. Ok that makes me sound very creepy. Let me reword that; Jamie Oliver has been such an inspiration to me in the last few months. I love his food philosophy and his down to earth cooking style. Its approachable and his massive emphasis on quality ingredients, fresh garden produce and attention to sustainable meat sourcing has been so important in my growth as a food and cooking enthusiast. I was so happy to find this magazine at Barnes and Noble and I'm currently looking into getting a yearly subscription. When is the last time I even subscribed to a magazine? Years probably, but Jamie Magazine is well worth it. Also his newest cookbook Jamie's Comfort Food just released in the UK and is set to release on Sept. 23rd here in the US. Best believe I've already preordered.