PUMPKIN EVERYTHING

I picked up a can of pumpkin puree at Trader Joe's the other day, not really sure what I was going to make with it.  This morning, it finally felt a little like fall so I decided to open the can of pumpkin goodness and experiment.  I scooped a little into my pancake mix and a little into my coffee.  It was the BEST pumpkiny morning.

and why has nobody told me about pumpkin pie spice before?  it's completely changing my fall and I love it.

MORNING ROUTINE LATELY

It's so nice having some leisure time to relax and reflect and start creating again and brainstorm for my future.  I've mentioned before the importance of breakfast and have shared my thoughts on living a positive life and I think that it's important to have a thoughtful and reflective morning in order to start each day on a good note.  
I often find myself turning to my phone first thing in the morning because that's what I use for my alarm and it is so easy to click through instagram or check my twitter feed. So, in order to avoid this effortless habit, I started a new routine to inspire a reflective morning.  Each morning when I wake up I go to my quotes board on pinterest and click through new quotes in order to find one that resonates with me.  I write it down, artistically if time allows, and place it somewhere in my room that I can see it as I move in and out throughout the day.  I've found that this is a good way to avoid social media in the morning but give myself some time to wake up and get my brain to slowly register the new day.  I have also been enjoying my breakfast outside and taking in the beautiful view.  Starting my days in a more thoughtful and calm way has given them more focus, and I love it.

and of course Cody is always there to share my breakfast ;)

SMOOTH MORNINGS

I've been searching for an energizing and healthy smoothie to start my mornings with and a slightly modified version of  this one from Annaliisa's Organic Kitchen is even more than I could have asked for.  Just mix the ingredients in a blender and serve over ice.  It is filled with natural vitamins and tastes amazing--the perfect way to begin a new day!

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

I haven't done a breakfast chronicles post in a while so I thought I'd let you all know what my mornings have been like lately.  I'm enjoying summertime and have been taking my Cheerios and coffee out onto the porch or snuggling back up in bed to read my favorite blogs or my current read (or, lets be honest, watch Private Practice) while I indulge.  I'm not a big fan of cereal but lately I've been craving the Cheerios/coffee combo in the mornings.  I don't mind it's simplicity and it's surprisingly satisfying!

BRUNCHIN'

As we all know, my favorite meal of the day is brunch.  Before I left my beloved city of Milwaukee, I had brunch with a friend at one of my favorite spots in the city, Cafe Hollander.  The bloodys were amazing (Grahams had bacon! and mine was infused with avocado. yum.) and the atmosphere was relaxing but upbeat and fresh. We sat outside by the fountain and it was beautiful.  I'm hoping to make it back to Milwaukee for one more brunch before I head out west.  I'm thinking Balzac or Blue's Egg?  Hopefully the southwest loves brunch as much as Milwaukee....

THE WEEKENDER

{a shot of campus in late fall}

This weekend I am returning to my alma mater for the first time since I graduated (it's been a whole two months and I already miss it!).  Kurt still lives next to campus so I'm visiting him for the week!  He has hinted at a week full of surprises, dinners at some of my favorite restaurants, and time to relax together.  I'm so excited!  Have a great weekend.  Here are some fun links from around the web....

This made me a little nostalgic and a lot happy.

Some great (and cheap) breakfast ideas.

Videos like this give me a little more faith in humanity.

This bloody mary looks amazing.  I can't wait to try it.

Some of these ideas make me want to throw a party!

This project is so fun!

Don't these cocktails looks delicious?  I'm planning on trying the gin sparkler tonight!

OJAS

{The beautiful, inspiring beaches of Ghana}

My favorite part about eating healthy is how it lifts my spirits and this Whole Living article only further affirmed my experiences.  I love this idea of an 'ojas' and I can't wait to try some of these tips for better nutrition to impact my mood.  Some other things I like to do to ensure a positive day and boost my ojas....

Do yoga (even just 5 minutes) the moment I get out of bed.  This stretches out my body and calms my mind so I can start my day on the right note both mentally and physically.

Eat a good breakfast.

Exercise!  Find a type of exercise you enjoy and get into a routine--this is another aspect that has a positive impact both mentally and physically.
Surround yourself with positive, happy people that you love.  A positive attitude is contagious!  Those who I am closest to agree with these beliefs and we help one another to keep a positive, happy outlook.

Have something to look forward to--whether it's a delicious new recipe I'm planning on making for dinner or a new bottle of wine to indulge in that evening, having something to look forward to makes me that much happier throughout the day!

What do you do to ensure high spirits and a positive day?

COMET

Kurt knows my favorite meal is brunch so when he was in town last weekend we spent my last Sunday in Milwaukee exploring the brunch scene.  My mom had recommended The Comet Cafe with a post card she bought from the cafe and sent to me back in April when I was living in Dayton.  I have wanted to try it ever since and neither Kurt or I were disappointed!  The menu was vast (and vegan friendly!).  I really enjoyed Kelly's Vegan Scramble and Kurt was adventurous and got the special--a breakfast sandwich made of sausage and eggs with pancakes as the bread!  We got to sit at the bar and the staff was great--it felt like we were hanging out with friends!  With such a fun atmosphere, great bar, and amazing food I'll make sure I make this a stop when I come back to visit my hometown.

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

Love & Lemons has done it again.  I spent the morning making their delicious vegan french toast.  The best part?  I had everything I needed right at home.  Paired with a mountain of fruit and a mug of daybreak, it was a perfect morning.

BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

This is my all time favorite breakfast.  Over the last year I have developed an avocado obsession and I like fitting it into my diet in different ways.  This morning, I layered slices onto a whole wheat english muffin and sprinkled salt and garlic powder on top.  I'm sure you'll be seeing this one again (and again, and again) in different forms (think: honey).  Enjoy and be healthy.  Happy Monday!