APPLE PICKING AND APPLE EATING

since we last caught up, mitch and I have moved the better part of our belongings down to my sister's where she and her funny, adorable children are keeping me sane while mitch studies tirelessly for his board exams. okay, I guess 'tirelessly' is probably the wrong word, but he holds it together like a champ. at this point, I think it's safe to publish to the world that we are both more than a little ready for this whole studying thing to be a thing of the past so we can move on to the next chapter of our lives. 

a couple weeks ago, we loaded up the car with my sister's pup and headed south for a little apple-picking, study-breaking adventure. we really have been chomping at the bit for all of those autumnal past times that we missed out on last year. and we were not disappointed. with the wind warm at our backs and the slight promise of cooler weather lingering in the air, we were feeling fully autumnal. the apples were ripe and ready for picking and the labrador was more than willing to do the eating. the orchard smelled as if someone had spilled fresh apple juice all over the floor without all the mess. and I know that doesn't sound terribly romantic, but it did smell romantic in a 'my life should be a line of scented candles' kind of way. and believe me, I would have curled up in a bubble bath with a candle scented just so. 

if any of you are in the wasatch area, I highly recommend rowley's red barn for all things autumn and apple. apple pancakes, apple muffins, apple syrup, and of course, apple cider. and so many more apple derivatives. they do it up nice, too. with hayrides out to the pumpkin patch and a little creamery within the barn. over and over again, I just kept thinking it was the place to go to make those everlasting childhood memories that are sure to be reminisced about years later. I can imagine running amuck outside all morning and coming inside to cool down licking an ice cream cone in the afternoon. it made me miss my little niece and nephew and I am seriously considering taking them back this upcoming weekend to run as amuck as they'd like.

we left with a bag of jonathan apples that are native to this area because I was guaranteed they would make the best pies. and if you've been reading long, then you know how well pie and I get along. and with our stomachs and our bag of apples full, the three of us made our way home to get on with the typical saturday tasks.

and now it's time to get on with all of those monday tasks. thankfully, it's been cooling way down here and it's led to wearing wool socks in the morning and sipping hot chocolates in the evenings and I can officially say I feel like I'm home from a beautiful, but eternal, summer.

if you're new to a simple elegance and interested in our 20-month long caribbean adventure, click here.

top :: zara

jeans :: guess (old, see similar)

wellies :: hunter

barn :: rowley's red barn

love, arielle

A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

**original photo via adventures in cooking

happy thanksgiving, everyone! and even if you're across the pond or welcoming summer down in the outback or sweating it out on a caribbean island this twenty-seventh day of november, you can give thanks, too. but only if you want to. because it's finally here! thanksgiving is finally here and as far as I'm concerned, it's the best day of the year. the family football game, the macy's thanksgiving day parade, the double batch of sweet potato casserole I'm whipping up later on this afternoon. it's wonderful, isn't it? it is such a wonderful day to take a step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things we have to be grateful for. our basic needs--food, shelter, safety, health, and in my case, diet coke. and even our not-as-basic needs--our ability to communicate with loved ones over thousands of miles. 

I know that I've harped on about this holiday and how it means so much to me and I want to fill you guys in on why. seriously, sometimes, I don't even think mitch gets it. true, he is canadian and they celebrate their own thanksgiving. but growing up, I don't even think he ever looked at that second monday in october as his favorite holiday. and not because he wasn't thankful. he's a thankful guy. I think he just needed a bit of perspective, which he found when he met me, of course ;)

I explained to him that thanksgiving is more than just a day to give thanks. truthfully, we probably all give thanks throughout the whole year. on the whole, I feel like we're a pretty grateful people. when the person in front of us at the grocery store sees that we only have three items and lets us go ahead in line. when our husbands (or wives) wake us up because we slept through the alarm and they don't want us to be late for work. when there always seems to be enough money in the bank account. when a friend lends us a shoulder to cry on. I know we all give thanks for those things throughout the year. but I told mitch that thanksgiving is a time to feel more than thankful. it's a time to feel blessed, you know? it's a time to look at life and feel absolutely satisfied and pleased in every way. it's a time to gather and share and settle differences just like the native americans and the pilgrims did. but don't even get me started on that because then I'd go on and on about how I wish I could have been there and it would probably just be redundant and bore you to tears.

I guess what I am trying to say before I go tuck into a slice (or two) of apple cake for breakfast (#1 reason for being a grown-up!), is that I'm grateful for this space and for you guys and for sharing and for pilgrims. even if you're not celebrating today, know that life is grand and let that feeling fill you up because it doesn't always seem so, but it is. life is grand. happy thanksgiving, everyone.

love, arielle

p.s. if you are already, or fancy, following along, head on back to monday's post to enter in this cookery book giveaway.

OVER-THE-KNEE AND THROUGH THE WOODS

last tuesday, mitch and I were able to get our first real whiff of the new season. and yes, I realize its already mid-november. there were falling and changing leaves and even though the temperature stays a tepid 82-degrees all year long, that day called for boots. and jeans. and scarves. nestled in the smallish mountains (or largeish hills, depending on how you look at it), sits this little nature reserve that is probably my most favorite place that exists within our island paradise. and after many a week of not seeing that charming, darling husband of mine, we felt it was time for a little walk. we stopped to play in the streams and, pretty much, just acted like children for a solid hour and a half and it was absolutely lovely, let me tell you. about as lovely as those amazing over-the-knee boots.

now, let's time out while I tell you a little bit about the makers of these boots. back in july, I ordered this really cute pair of shoes from a company called shoemint. they were orange (and you know how I love orange!) and strappy with a block heel. pretty much perfect. and the best part about them is that when you sign up with shoemint, they give you a $40 credit! so I ordered them. but, like a dunce, I totally forgot to type in the discount code (for some reason I thought it factored in automatically) and so it charged me the full amount. I figured I didn't have much to lose. the worse that could happen was that they would tell me 'no,' so I called their customer service line. the girl I spoke with was so friendly and personable that I really wish she and I were everyday pals. she fixed my blunder and refunded the $40 and even sent me a self-typed email to keep for my records--kind of a rare treatment in this day and age. and what's more, I really kind of adore that orange pair of strappy block heels. 

and so, here I am sharing that loving experience with shoemint and now, this gorgeous pair of over-the-knee boots. I have always wanted a pair to wear with skinny jeans, and I couldn't wait to break them out! they really are everything I dreamed they would be. and maybe a little more? because they are so soft and pliable. I thought they might sort of start to ache behind the knee and that is not the case at all with these boots. and it doesn't hurt that they make my legs look about half a foot longer--a really big plus.

^^ I'm not quite sure why we thought this was so funny, but we really got a kick out of it. maybe because there was no fruit to be found anywhere near by ^^

shirt :: h&m

sweater :: rw&co (old, similar here)

jeans :: guess (old, similar here)

scarf :: zara (sold out, other color)

boots :: shoemint c/o

and how has your week begun? as I write this, I'm borderline on the verge of tears because today is the day we put those extraordinary parents-in-law of mine on a plane. I tried everything in my power to get them to stay, but alas...adult life is calling. we had such a wonderful visit and I may or may not go into a state of mourning by which I sit and binge on pita chips whilst watching the rest of gilmore girls' season six. you can call me pathetic if you want to, but I really will miss them. have a great day, you guys!

one more little thing :: today is the last day to enter this little spectacles giveaway, so be sure to enter by 11:59 pm atlantic!

love, arielle

**a big thanks to shoemint for sponsoring this post!

PINNING || THE MONTH FOR EVERYTHING PUMPKIN

the first of october was pretty much the green flag on pumpkin everything, am I right? however, with temperatures still well into the 80s in some regions of the states (I'm looking at you arizona) and a constant 80 degrees down here, it took some of us a little longer than others to embrace the pumpkin fanaticism. but now that it's november, pumpkin is pretty much in full swing no matter the outside temperature. this past week, I have pretty much gone bananas pinning every pumpkin recipe that has stumbled across my pinterest feed. I love reading all of the different sweet and savoury ways other bloggers and foodies take that smelly, stringy, squishy mess of orange goop and turn it into something heavenly and autumnal. I can't even seem to decide which one I am going to attempt first. maybe that pumpkin pasta?

one :: brown butter pumpkin pasta by camille styles. because what goes better with carbs than more carbs?

two :: gingersnap pumpkin tarts by flourishing foodie. in case you were thinking of one-upping the traditional pumpkin pie.

three :: pumpkin bagels by remain simple. however, I couldn't find a recipe there so as to recreate these little beauties. but this recipe by lemon sugar looks delicious.

four :: baked pumpkin donuts with caramel glaze by honestly yum. 

five :: savoury pumpkin pie by what's cooking good looking. roasted fall veggies enveloped in a deliciously healthy crust.

six :: paul virant's pumpkin butter by food 52. to slather a hearty helping on everything.

seven :: pumpkin salted caramel thumbprint cookies by joy the baker. as if traditional thumbprint cookies weren't enough of a holiday treat, now they go ahead and add pumpkin and caramel! how are we ever supposed to diet?

eight :: soft frosted pumpkin spice cookies by the baker chick. the fluffiest autumnal cookies I have ever seen. ever.

nine :: pumpkin scones by the faux martha. topped with pumpkin seeds--such a brilliant idea.

surely, that's enough to get you in the holiday spirit! american thanksgiving is only fifteen days away,  after all, so we better get a move on. fifteen days is such a short period of time, in reality. the year has certainly gotten away from me. recently, I have been repeating that line from ferris bueller's day off over and over again in my head--"life moves pretty fast. if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." this also happens to be my all-time favorite thanksgiving movie. not quite sure why. maybe because there's a parade? I hope all of you have a great day. and just think, you're over the hump!

love, arielle

**to see all sorts of other pins, please hop on over to my pinterest boards.

DESSERT APPLE CIDER

I set out to make a homemade, healthier, run-of-the-mill hot apple cider, but this concoction is anything but run-of-the-mill and anything but healthy. I set out to flavor it naturally with apples and honey, but partway through decided that, in the name of thanksgiving, this hot apple cider needed something a little more festive. an occasion like this calls for sugar! in fact, I don't mean to brag or anything, but this libation turned out something akin to starbucks' hot caramel apple cider. totally by accident. and being about 1000 miles from the nearest red cup, I am definitely in need of one (or five) of these. however, I will say this is really more of a decadent dessert option than it is a variation of apple juice. I think the thing that shocked me the most about this recipe is how much water boiled off. I am guessing that this is what allows the substance to taste caramelly without actually containing caramel. drizzle it with creamer or whipped cream and you've pretty much solved the 1000-miles-away-from-the-nearest-starbucks problem.

ingredients

4 mix-and-match apples 

(I used 2 fuji and 2 braeburn)

6 cups of water

1/2 medium orange

(about 5 slices)

1/3 white sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 cinnamon sticks

1/4 tsp ground allspice

creamer as desired

method

one :: to create the sachet, take a coffee filter and fill it with cinnamon sticks and allspice. for a stronger flavor, use a square of cheesecloth.

two :: wash apples and cut into quarters. place in large saucepan and cover with water. add orange slices, sugar, and vanilla extract. tie the sachet to the handle of the saucepan keeping it upright.

three :: stir and set onto boil. let it be for about 30 minutes.

four :: then, reduce heat and let simmer for 30 more minutes. when finished, remove from heat.

five :: remove sachet and discard. with a potato masher, mash up apples and oranges until it looks something like applesauce.

six :: strain liquid thoroughly into a bowl squishing all of the liquid out of the fruit with a wooden spoon. discard extra fruit pieces.

seven :: top with creamer or whipped cream and enjoy! 

warm, this beverage tastes seriously so similar to starbucks' caramel hot apple cider. chilled, this tastes remarkably like a cool slice of apple pie. perfect for this holiday season! if you try this at home, I'd love to see how yours pans out or if you think like I do--that this tastes like a red cup concoction. use the hashtag #bakewithelegance because I would love to see!

yesterday evening, mitch officially passed his third set of blocks, which is extremely impressive since the third block seems to be the toughest of every semester. we are spending the day getting reacquainted since it is as though we haven't seen each other in forever and this afternoon, we are welcoming his parents to our beautiful, little island. it's always so wonderful when family comes to town. it feels more like a vacation than it does the humdrum of every day life. I hope all of you are keeping warm with many a hot beverage and that you're all having a wonderful tuesday!

love, arielle

PINNING || FALL TRENDS I LOVE

so far, autumn has brought us so many wonderful things. it's brought later mornings and chillier evenings. it's brought corn mazes and walks through the pumpkin patch. it's brought plaid blanket scarves, oversized sweaters, faux-leather everything, and boots. lots of boots. being the pinterest junkie that I am, I pretty much obsess over all of this year's favorite fall trends. as a child who grew up in the nineties, I swore I would never go back there, which is incredibly tough to do when 'there' feels a little like home. a home chalk full of destroyed denim, birkenstocks, and too-long sleeves. probably the best and biggest difference is that I have a greater understanding of which trends to follow and which trends to pass up. or at least, I hope I do. I love all of the classic renditions of these nineties favorites. I seriously want to buy a croissant for whoever thought that up. so cheers to them. cheers to the nineties. and cheers to fall. we still get a whole month before stringing up some twinkle lights and calling it winter.

one :: white cable-knit. similar here and here.

two :: faux-leather leggings. similar here. 

three :: wide-legged corduroys. similar here. 

( and ahem, they're on sale. )

four :: the blanket scarf. scarf.

five :: boyfriend jeans and birks. jeans. birks.

six :: too-long sleeves. similar here. 

seven :: hand-knit scarves. pattern.

eight :: jacquard cardigan. similar here.

nine :: patagonia fleece. similar here.

ten :: the ankle boot wedge. similar here.

eleven :: fair isle sweaters. similar here.

twelve :: the classic pea coat. similar here.

thirteen :: floppy hats. similar here.

fourteen :: the sling-back bootie. similar here.

fifteen :: a brightly colored classic. see similar here.

sixteen :: an over-the-knee boot. similar here. 

seventeen :: oversized sweaters. love this and this.

eighteen :: a pair of faux-leather gloves. similar here.

nineteen :: dr. martens with socks. dr. martens. socks.

twenty :: bordeaux everything. see similar here and here.

I know my daily uniform is terribly unimaginative. it pretty much consists of washed out denim and my favorite birks. you know what they say :: when in paradise...

and it's already wednesday!? it's crazy how that happens. yesterday, I woke up and it felt like friday. when I found out it was only tuesday, I was a little disappointed. now today, I wake up and remember that it's wednesday and I can scarcely believe it! regardless, I really hope your weeks are going well. I will be spending my whole day waiting for a care package from my mom ( because that's where my candy corn is ) and doing absolutely nothing. sounds like some sort of wonderful, doesn't it? take care, everyone.

love, arielle

**see more fall everything via my pinboards

GETTING COZY

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12

**top photo courtesy of manyfires found via pinterest

before we even set sail for the caribbean, I just knew autumn would be the toughest season away. away from the turning leaves, the warm sun on a cool day, the wooly socks, the hot apple cider, and all the other good things that come when the sun decides to sleep in a bit later. well, it's officially october and boy, am I feeling it! I don't think I've ever been so antsy. it's probably not healthy, but sometimes I just like to slip into reverie imagining that I'm curled up in a soft and cool duvet sipping on apple cider and watching the wind bustle the leaves around outside. in my book, that is pure bliss.  though, maybe I should correct myself because I slipped into this reverie whilst having my blood pressure taken and it ended up being higher! so I guess the term I'm looking for is excitement, rather than bliss. above, I've listed several other first-week-of-october wants--

that apron! oh, that apron. I love the texture, the color, and the leather detailing. I think I've mentioned before that I can spot the most expensive item on the shelf. it's a gift of mine. well, case and point. and those wellies. these have been on my wishlist for many, many years. I can just picture me harvesting our little garden come october in those boots. and then wearing them everywhere else, of course. now, I'm a sucker for cookery books of all sorts, and I'm pretty excited for this one to hit the stands october 14. you can preorder here. that hudson's bay scarf is actually pretty near and dear to my heart. those candy stripes ( and in this case, plaid ) are sort of my dad's and my thing and I would love to add it to my collection of bay attire. the parachute sheets, on the other hand, are something totally foreign to me. I actually just heard about this brand last week thanks to emily and I am super tempted to splurge on some luxury linen to make lounging in bed with hot cider a little more soft and regal. and really, what would that idyllic reverie, or all of fall, for that matter, be without plenty of yummy candles and some fun, eclectic mugs? no fall at all, in my opinion. no fall at all.

I wish you all the coolish temperatures in the world and a few really good walks. I wish you warm drinks and cold noses, someone to share it with, and all of the beautiful little things that come of fall. I hope your wednesdays are wonderful and thank you so much for following along with this little blog! it really does mean so much.

love, arielle

PINS + UPDATES || DIET BREAKING FALL BAKES

guys, I've been trying to be so good. at least where the kitchen and the making of my food is concerned. I've been eating smaller portions, incorporating at least one fruit and one vegetable into every meal, and putting the stops in eating out. and I'm not sure if it's my new addiction to the great british bake off, or if it's the byproduct of this autumnal season and all of the goodies it inspires, but I'm seriously struggling sticking my resolve. so here it is, me lusting after these ever-so-appropriate fall bakery items with the hopes that I don't actually succumb to their cinnamon-sugary ways ::

001 :: carrot cake pancakes w/ vanilla mascarpone. as far as fall breakfast foods ( and desserts, too! ), these tick every box. I've been hankering some carrot cake recently and couldn't help but repin as fast as my little fingers could manage.

002 :: pumpkin pastry cream eclairs. pumpkins are considered vegetables, right? so you're saying I shouldn't feel guilty sneaking them into every nook and cranny of my bakery exploits for the next three months? phew, good. I was a little worried there...but seriously, if you see me turning orange, alert a specialist.

003 :: chocolate fudge yogurt cookies. using greek yogurt in place of butter and oil, these fudgey cookies might actually be the healthiest dessert mentioned in today's little group. plus, with a sprinkle  of sea salt on top, these might also be one of my favorite combinations as of late.

004 :: apple & banana cake with caramel cream cheese frosting. if you're like me, then your freezer is spilling over with overripe bananas. seriously, it's like a banana graveyard up in there. that's why, when I saw this recipe, I had to put it away for safe keeping. I am definitely looking forward to a few cakes made and quite a bit more room in my freezer this fall.

005 :: rhubarb & polenta cake. rhubarb is totally that fruit I didn't discover until I got a bit older. it's not that it is über sophisticated or anything, it's just not a food my parents ever had in the house. it wasn't until I got married and moved up to the great white north that I tasted of it's sweet tartness. nevertheless, I'm obsessed! I love that sassy fruit that sort of looks like the female version of celery. 

006 :: carrot cake baked donuts. if I thought I had my work cut out for me resisting carrot cake pancakes, then I certainly won't be capable of resisting carrot cake donuts. plus, this girl's blog is just really cute all around. definitely check out her charming writing style and gorgeous food snaps.

007 :: raspberry swirl brioche. is it terrible that I pinned this with the intention of using it as a breakfast recipe? the use of sugar, butter, whole milk, and raspberry smear are a sure fire breakfast of champions, wouldn't you say?

008 :: gingerbread waffles. these are really bordering along the lines of christmas, but what the hey. I couldn't resist. mitch and I actually have a wonderful recipe for pumpkin waffles, and if these are anywhere nearly as delicious, then they will be a festive family staple for years and years to come.

009 :: german plum cake w/ ground coriander. if you're in possession of beautiful plums, then you are obligated to make this dessert on behalf of those of us who do not currently have access to such plums. I expect a full report ;)

and there you have it. a list of the most beautiful desserts to bump you up a whole waistsize..or two. as for me, I am going to continue shooshing that sweet tooth of mine, setting my alarm for a 5:30 gym date only to roll out of bed somewhere around 7, and scheduling afternoon naps for myself and respecting that time beyond all others. I hope all of you are having a most wonderful week! thanks so much for reading!

love, arielle

**more pins can be found via my pinterest boards

PINS + UPDATES || CRAFT FANCIES

it's been a rough week around these parts. a week full of insecurities and failed goals and I won't even bother you with the details. this is a happy little place, after all. and when the going gets rough, the rough get crafting. I've been seriously jonesing some arts and crafts and pinterest always has just the ticket. it has this strange addictive quality that keeps me coming back for hours-long binge sessions even when I've got piles of laundry strewn about the place and dinner onto boil. so here are a few fun crafts to lift your spirits and keep you busy this autumn ::

001 :: knitted socks. and scarves and throws and hats and mittens and everything and anything else composed of yarn. learning the ins and outs of knitting is totally on next week's to do list.

002 :: diy copper hangars. it's those little finishing touches that make a house a home. I love these copper hangars and adding them to the "little things" list only costs a package of plain white hangars from ikea and some copper spray paint.

003 :: floral party hats. with a mixture of wax and real flowers, as well as some floral glue, you can upscale your regular party hats and make them something unique and special. I think this craft would be so darling for a little girl to do with her mom before a tea party. floral hats, blueberry scones, and cucumber sandwiches. I'm not sure it gets much better than that.

004 :: photo clipboards. if you're really into displaying art in a casual and chic way, then I feel like this would be the perfect craft for your saturday afternoon. and although it may involve a trip to home depot, I still don't feel intimidated or overwhelmed. 

005 :: painted pumpkins. it's no secret that fall is my absolute favorite time of the year! and with fall comes pumpkins. and with pumpkins comes that ooey gooey mess that has this really strange smell and stains your hands for days and can only be described as..."pumpkin." it's that smell, and that smell alone, that urges me to consider a painted pumpkin. and that little link above has ten really festive ideas.

006 :: wrapping it up. I am a huge fan of that matching christmas tree look ( a side effect of the obsessive compulsive disorder ). and every christmas, I pick a gift wrapping theme. this easy look might just be finding its way under my tree in the upcoming months ( and believe me, that is months and months down the road because I want to soak up as much autumnal gloriousness as possible ). also, that link leads you to a site called babble. I had never heard of it before, but it's this disney sponsored site with crafts for you and your youngins! I am pretty excited to reference back once a baby finds its way into our own little family.

and so, here's to a better and brighter week full of cooking shows and friends and beach days and the enigmatic morning work out session ( I am just not a morning person ). one day, I will actually get there before five o'clock at night :) wishing you all a happy hump day!

love, arielle

PINS + UPDATES || AUTUMN :: THE YEAR'S LAST, LOVELIEST SMILE

I know that summer will be sorely missed here in the blogosphere, but I couldn't be happier that fall is just around the corner. september has become one of my favorite months ( and not just because tomorrow is my birthday! ). I love that feeling of beginnings that september undoubtedly employs despite the fact I no longer check student under occupation. I love that the sun sleeps in just a little bit later, the air feels a little bit crisper, and overall, it's just a little easier to breathe. so grab a caramel apple cider for me and peruse through these almost-autumn pins..

001 :: the wild, flower child vibe of this photograph.

002 :: aching to attempt these spiced ginger molasses cookies! years ago at a church christmas social, someone whipped up something similar but I could never figure out who, so I'm hoping these turn out pretty darn close.

003 :: those french doors and herringbone floors have me weak in the knees and dreaming of our perfect home. that view isn't too shabby, either. even though mitch and I prefer the more rural variety.

004 :: I'm still so enraptured by these colorful succulents.. #firstpurchase when we move back to the states.

005 :: I'm a sucker for lights in trees. it was the only prerequisite for my dream wedding venue, and it's now my only prerequisite for any outdoor living space I'd call my own.

006 :: autumn really is the best time of year! I don't think I can emphasize this enough..

007 :: old pallets turned into a child's city skyline. mitch has some mad skills with drills and saws and other boy toys and I think I'm going to put them to good use. how cute would this be in our ( one day ) child's playroom?!

008 :: after finding this picture on pinterest, I'm now in the market for my own little fawn to cuddle up with on chilly nights.

009 :: autumn's style of knee high socks with boots, wooly overcoats, and patterned scarves is by far and away my favorite kind of style. and despite what mitch will tell you, there's no such thing as too much scarf :)

010 :: pretty much in love with this fantastic mr. fox pillow from society6. can't wait for a munchkin to go with this pillow!

011 :: the perfect pup. mitch and I are still toying around with the feasibility of getting one of our very own.

012 :: I'm a big fan of any braid, but especially this high fishtail. it remains boho while sporting a bit of an athletic vibe. definitely trying it this week.

so excited for autumn. I'm thinking up just about any excuse to visit the states in the upcoming three months...

hope you're having a fantastic wednesday! we're over the hump!

love, arielle

**all photos found via pinterest