FALL

FALL HAS ARRIVED.  (please Mr. Weather, don't make me eat my words!)

Lately, it seems that I am sinking back into a funk.  I don't know what I want, or exactly how to get it, and I don't like feeling out of control.  I haven't been in the happiest of places recently, so I've decided to list why I LOVE FALL.

I LOVE:

-wearing boots and sweaters

-not sweating when I walk outside

-the color burnt orange, burgundy and brown

-watching leaves turn

-buying pumpkins and gourds

-running through corn mazes

-Honeycrisp Apples

-sipping tea and spiced cider

-Pumpkin Spice Lattes

-snuggling in the cool air and warm sunshine

-my new sweater 

Banana Bread

I just made banana bread for the first time!  My loft smells amazing, it tastes incredible, but it looks so odd.  What gives?  :)

Here's the recipe I used:

2 cups flour
2 eggs (beaten)
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c. butter
2 1/3 c. overripe, mashed bananas

Cream the butter with the sugar.  Add in the eggs and bananas, mix, and then the dry ingredients.  Be careful not to mix too much or else the bread will get dry and dense.  Also, 2 1/3 c. of mashed bananas are about equal to 6 or 7 bananas. 

Heat oven to 350, and bake for about 60 minutes.  I halved the recipe and baked it for 30 minutes oddly enough.  Came out just right.

A Shakespearian Tragedy

My poor plants.  They really have no chance, now do they?

I have finally gotten a plant stand to place by the window's light, for these poor ferns who I, unfortunately, probably have already sealed their fate in death.  "...to die, to sleep, is that all?..." I'm afraid we have a tragedy on our hands.

Nails

I really enjoy painting my nails.  Some would say that it's not proper for a musician, especially a string player to paint their nails.  For years, I wasn't allowed, and even if I had been, it bothered me to have the extra weight on my fingers.  Yes, I'm that sensitive to my hands.  However, ever since I had braces put back on, (last August 31st, to be exact, but who's counting?) I cannot bite my nails or cuticles anymore.  This does not stop me from picking, let me add, but after about the first month, the urge to stick my dirty hands in my mouth has significantly decreased.  I still do chew on my fingers when I'm nervous, bothered, or intensely concentrating, but in general, I leave my fingers alone.  This is a huge coup for me, since I was the "lets-tear-the-nail-off-past-the-quik" type of person before.  My entire life, actually.  So...thus, I enjoy painting my nails.  :)  My favorite colors are "But I'm Not Really a Waitress" and "Lincoln Park After Dark", both by OPI.

(Ironically, I HATE painting my toenails.  I would say 99% of the time I just get a pedicure.)

And for my grammar conscious friends, the second sentence in the paragraph: Do I put the comma before the ( ) or does it go after?  I know that the period follows, but does the same apply for other punctuation?  Suz?

I'M BAAACK

Ahhhh!  What an amazing summer!  But, I will blog later about that! :)

Today was a day for shoes and lipstick.  :)  I have two FABULOUS new pairs of shoes, and the BEST red lipstick.

Steve Madden 5" platforms

Michelle D. teal shell sandals

Makeup for Forever #21

I saw the fabulous red shade on a salesperson in Sephora about a week ago.  She had the same coloring as I do, and I have been SEARCHING for a great red to complement, not overtake, my face.  It's perfect.  (The new Kat von D lipstick is also amazing.  Practically the same shade.  They happened to be sold out.)  I hadn't been able to quit thinking about it, so I splurged and got it today!  I would recommend this to everyone....especially those of us with fair skin.  :)

Ah, it's been that kind of day.  :)  Love.