Feeling Like Fall

Disclaimer: I'm not a fashion blogger...as you can tell by the quality of this post. "A" for effort? ;P

I apologize for the quality of the photo! After a tragic accident, I have had to return to my iPhone 4 :(

So I woke up and it was rainy and gray outside. I kind of dug it though. I looked at my phone and saw a high of 76 and clouds all day. What does that mean? Why was I so happy? Sweater weather. :)

Today is a transitional outfit kind of day. It is still above 70 which means I will not say no to a skirt, but below 80, so I will finish my outfit with a chunky read cardigan. Paired with some black and gold bangles I think that this is the perfect outfit for the day. The rain did stop, so I neglected boots--I don't think I am ready to break them out just yet. Flats are perfect for now.

<3 Ashley

What is your perfect transitional outfit going into fall?

Weekend Links

A harvest moon, blood moon and lunar eclipse? And it will be super close to the Earth?!

Here are a few things on the internet lulling me into the weekend:

Small Space Home Office Solutions on The Everygirl
A Supermoon and Lunar Eclipse on AccuWeather (check out your viewing conditions for this rare occurrence!)
17 Music Facts That Will Make '00 Kids Feel Old AF on Buzzfeed
Ryan Adams '1989' Cover Album on Wired

It's a small list, but to be fair...my internet time has been limited this week due to multiple papers and assignments. Thanks, college.

<3 Ashley

What's been good on the Web this week? Also have a great weekend!

Blogs I Love: Color Me Courtney

My Bloglovin' list is full of some incredible blogs run by some really great ladies who I have loved getting to know over the past few years. It's amazing that blogging has the capacity to bring together a network of great people who love to help and support each other. 

One of my favorite blogs is Color Me Courtney, run by one of the coolest personalities, Courtney. Unfortunately, she is not one that I have gotten to know, but when I stumbled across her Instagram and then her blog, I was hooked on the updates. Color Me Courtney has got to be my favorite fashion blog right now--her style is fantastic and her perspective and writing is 100% relatable. I am sure that you have noticed on a few occasions how minimalist fashion in black, white, tan (read: all of the neutrals) has become I kind of trend. It is so refreshing to see someone highlighting styles with bright colors, bold prints (the lemon dress is my current favorite) and bubbly personality. 

I don't tend to click on every fashion post in my blogroll--since a lot of them actually lack words--but I check this one daily because I sincerely love every outfit! And what's not to love about the NYC backdrop?

<3 Ashley

Do you read Color Me Courtney or follow in Insta? You should! :)

Take A Walk

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The high today is 72 degrees. Can I get a 'hallelujah'? I am hoping that this means that summer heat is slipping away to make room for crisp fall air--the first day of autumn is this Wednesday after all! We are about 10 degrees from my willingness to buy a PSL as well. I cannot bring myself to do it when there is too much warmth on the breeze.

This gradual drop in temperature gets me even more excited because that means my evening runs/walks will be even more comfortable. I went last night, which was the first really cool evening, and it was amazing. I took the long way just so I could stay out in it longer! Taking frequent fall walks is something that I highly suggest to everyone because, not only is the scenery of this transitional season so beautiful, but this is also the last bit of comfort outdoors before the winter hits us again.

Most of my walks are taken in the evenings out of habit from the summer--the later you go the cooler it is. With my schedule I usually get out around 5 or 6 pm depending on when my last class is or when I get out of work. I love getting out and removing myself from all of my work and honestly from other people--introvert alert!

<3 Ashley

'Tis the season for cool strolls! Do you like to get out in the crisp air?

Fall Favorite: Francesca's

While Pittsburgh is still clutching for dear life to 80 degree weather (let go, I say!) I have seen a number of people on Instagram embracing the beginnings of fall weather and giving previews of their fall apparel. This may be especially high due to NYFW, but in any case, I was then prompted to spend a few hours lazily scrolling through some of my favorite stores' websites and peek at what they have to offer this season.

Francesca's is a favorite of mine for window shopping; I haven't actually bought anything yet. Maybe one day I will splurge on a purchase, but for now I admire from afar. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye during the search--though I encourage you to look at the full collection!

Tunic Sweater

Poncho Sweater - 

I'm very much team poncho (flashbacks to middle school!)

Knit Dress

Vest

<3 Ashley

Do you shop at Francesca's? Do you have a favorite piece for the fall?

Out & About: Steel Cactus

This past week was spent almost entirely celebrating my roommate's 21 birthday. However, Friday night is when we really got down to it. We as a house, dressed to the nines and set out to Pittsburgh's South Side to get our hands on some delicious Mexican food and the Pittsburgh fave, Yinzeritas. We ended up at Steel Cactus, which drew us in with a cool ambience and wide open windows--which were great since it was actually beautiful on Friday!

To be perfectly honest, prior to that night I had no idea what a Yinzerita entailed. Hey, I've only been 21 for two months and here for three weeks...and I avoid spending money at all costs. But it was a "treat yo'self" kinda night and so I decided to do just that. The drinks come in a few flavors, but the popular one at the table was strawberry (with one odd ball getting the peach). Each flavor comes with a bottle of beer that the waiter will tip and dunk straight into the glass. Wouldn't you know...it was actually good!

While everyone loved the signature Pittsburgh libation, there was food to be had as well! I ordered the achiote shrimp tacos and it was probably one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Truly. They were delicious. The plate came with three tacos, a good helping of rice and a side of black beans (those were not sampled...not a bean gal).

The restaurant has two locations: South Side and Shadyside. I had been to the Shadyside one earlier in the semester for drinks with a friend. We did get their chips and queso and let me tell you...that queso is absolutely yummy! The chips were a bit greasy but the cheese more than made up for it. Both locations have outdoor rooftop seating, which is fantastic for these last summer nights! As we walked out the door we began discussing our next trip back!

<3 Ashley

Ever been to Steel Cactus in Pittsburgh? Does this sound like your kind of place? 

Recipe Box: Whole Wheat Pancakes

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So I am constantly on Pinterest anymore on the prowl for single serving recipes because I am a single hungry girl who does not like leftovers or feeling like I swallowed a school bus after I am done eating. A few months ago, I found a neat-o recipe for single serving, whole wheat pancakes that are 100% delicious.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1/3 c. milk

Mix all of these ingredients together into a nice batter and allow to cook on both sides on a skillet over medium heat. I also like to add blueberries or chocolate chips to mine. Peanut butter added to the batter might also be delish, if anyone wants to do an experiment for us!

<3 Ashley

Do you have any single serve recipes?

September

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Is anyone else absolutely baffled that September has started already?! Everyone is back to school and back to work and we are (hopefully!) looking at some of the last super hot days. I love September because of all of the excitement that surrounds the month: being back on campus, everybody getting ready for the leaves to change, pumpkin everything becoming available and, of course, the fashion. New York Fashion Week kicks off in about a week and my Instagram is already filled with #tbt photos of last year's street style.

September on Sunday Brunch will also be plenty fashion forward. This is the month when the transition to autumn occurs and we slowly start incorporating some light sweaters and booties into our daywear. You will also be getting a full review of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte. As someone who has sipped one or two or twelve PSLs in her life, I will definitely be in line to try the beverage which now includes actual pumpkin in its recipe. Can't wait!

<3 Ashley

What do you love about September?