The Daily Eat: Brown Sugar Almond Pound Cake.

I love summer and all of the fruits and veggies it brings along with it. And I always inevitably think that I’m going to sink into a food-related depression the instant it all goes away. But then fall shows up with all of its delicious, savory, indulgent foods and I’m insanely happy once again. Like this Brown Sugar Almond Pound Cake with Sauteed Spiced Apples.

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Win It: paper bullet Winner.

Congratulations to Leesh who won an incredible original painting by the lovely Lisa Romero! Thank you, Lisa, for giving away such a great piece!

And to answer the question, my favorite shoes (for the past few years at least) are a pair of worn-in camouflage Converse All-Stars. I wear them way too often, with more outfits than could ever be deemed acceptable. I heart them!

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Monday Goodness: Watch Your Step.

Somehow having a great weekend makes today and the upcoming week a little easier to bear. Like I squeezed every last drop of potential out of it and am ready to move on. Or something.

• went to the Girlie Show with Caroline, then we hopped around the city exploring a few new shops and eating cupcakes
• got some Christmas shopping done
• did some artsy-craftsy stuff, the Show really got my creativity flowing!
• cleaned up around the house
• started thinking about Christmas cookie recipes and planning things to do on my trip home to PA next month (next month?!)
• framed + hung a few prints

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Happy Weekend.

The past week has been a whirlwind of birthday awesomeness! Between my dad’s surprise visit to the best tres leches cake ever I’ve decided that thirty is pretty great so far. And thank you all once again for your warm birthday wishes – they really mean a lot.

Notes:
Don’t forget, you have until Monday at 9:00 am CST to enter for a chance to win an original painting from Lisa Romero! The odds are looking like they’re in your favor at the moment, too.

And as for all the goodness floating around this past week…
• can’t wait to try this: use a waffle iron to make cookies fast :: The Kitchn
• have you seen Ellie’s amazing Halloween invitations? :: mint
• Karey’s sweet post for my birthday *gush* :: mackin ink
• this dude drew the entire NYC skyline – from memory :: a cup of jo
• great tips on how to take product shots :: poppytalk
• classically chic Halloween themed rehearsal dinner :: Style Me Pretty

And tons of great downloads… for FREE of course!
• print out these holiday mailing labels for packages going to faraway friends :: Make, Do & Send
• everyone is sick right now! choose from two get well cards :: Vale Designs
• sweet packaging labels for bath salts + hot chocolate mix :: Blonde Designs
• the cutest candy bag favors :: Style Me Pretty
• and homemade pie tags, too :: Style Me Pretty
• cup wrappers for your next get together :: Eat Drink Chic
• pretty gift tags for your presents :: Love. Obsess. Inspire.
• not one, not two, but three November calendars for you!

Happy Weekend!

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The Daily Eat: Pumpkin Spice Scones + Pumpkin Roundup #5.

Scones have my heart, but I’ve never made a one. These Pumpkin Spice Scones lean towards the easy side of baking, so I think I’ll be making an attempt at them this holiday season… mmmm.

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DIY Book Wreath.

As difficult as it would be for me to tear up a book, I think I could somehow find a way to manage for the sake of making one of these to die for book wreaths. Yes, yes I could. (Sorry, librarians of the world, but know that it’s all in the name of beautiful things and saving a buck!) {via @papercrave}

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The Daily Eat: Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Blue Cheese + Pumpkin Roundup #4.

Only one thing could possibly improve upon the perfection that is pumpkin… and that thing is BACON. Just like in this recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Blue Cheese!

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