pin approved // recipes.

for this edition of the pin approved series, i am focusing on recipes! pinterest is my number one go-to spot for dinner time inspiration. i've tried quite a few new dishes lately. here are some of my favorites:

panera broccoli cheese soup

pinned here.

this soup tastes exactly like panera's version. it takes about an hour from start to finish, but it's so worth it. reheats very well (actually better the second day). i skipped the step about putting it in the blender. just make sure you chop the broccoli finely and it will be perfect!

banana bread

pinned here.

if you are looking for a simple, basic banana bread recipe, look no further. mine turned out moist, flavorful and delicious! and, to save you a step, i just threw all the dry ingredients into the wet and mixed them together in one bowl. less dishes! 

crockpot minestrone soup

pinned here.

this soup was pretty good. it had three "steps" so it wasn't the easiest crock pot recipe, but still a warm and hearty meal. i skipped the step of blending the beans with the broth, so i don't know if that really changes the consistency of the soup a lot. the parmesan cheese on the top adds a great flavor! if you are a vegetarian, this is the soup for you!

brownies from scratch

pinned here.

i'm not one to make brownies from scratch; i'm usually a "box" girl. but i had all the ingredients to make these this week, so i gave it a shot. they were delicious! moist, crunchy "crust" and gooey center. i halved this recipe to make an 8 x 8 pan. 

have you tried any recipes from pinterest lately? any winners? 

thrifting haul {video}.

i'm back with another thrifting haul video for all you lovely readers! Goodwill here in Connecticut is a bit more expensive than Michigan, but i have found some amazing deals {lots of name brand items in great condition}. here are some of my most recent finds:

{what an awkward still frame to stop on, youtube...}

you can check out my other thrifting haul video here. 

happy weekend!! 

bits & pieces.

happy friday everyone! i had a wonderful week full of creativity & contentment. hope yours was full of peace & joy as well! 

one. happy mail day! is there anything better than getting snail mail? i don't think so.

two. inspired by sweet hannah to make space this week. purging my closet felt oh so good!

three. my hair decided to do the "flip" and i went with it. i'm having so much fun with my new cut. 

four. latest art journal page. embracing my feisty side. ;)
five. spent the most relaxing afternoon at my favorite starbucks. they even had the fireplace on! <3

{linking up with carina & lauren.}

have a wonderful weekend!  

links to love.

i read somewhere that a "blogging rule" is that you are supposed to only post original content if you want to gain followers. 

well, i'm breaking that rule. 

there is just too much inspiration out there that i love to share! as a blogger myself, i can say i would be delighted and flattered if someone wanted to highlight one of my posts to share with their readers. as i've quoted before "bloggers are our community, not our competition." :)

here are some links i've been loving lately:

this DIY foot scrub sounds heavenly.

this interview about being an artist was really helpful.

how fun are these? i think they would brighten your day every time you wear them!

love this autumn decor project.

dark chocolate + sea salt. yes please.

my favorite wardrobe staple for the fall. {any variation of these}.

i'm loving alison's youtube roundup videos.

i'm a sucker for black and grey. exhibit a.

i can't tell you how glad i am that i found her blog. LOVE this post about her journey into joy. *sigh*

oh how i would be delighted to win this giveaway on my sweet friend brooke's blog.
  

fall fashion // ankle boots.

today i stepped outside and took a deep breath in and realized that the humidity was almost all gone. the crisp air was so refreshing after our muggy summer. i'm ready to welcome the cooler temps & changing fashion trends that fall brings as well. you too? this is the first part of a fall fashion series i will be featuring. i had to start off with my all time favorite fall fashion trend...boots!

i am normally a "taller the better" boot gal, but this season, i am loving the ankle boot trend!

// urban boho with sleek fringe   // perfect everyday leather with buckles   // funky feathered wedge

// classic military suede   // sassy studded heel 

which style is your favorite?