Lately 10/4/2018

What a week! It was a good week- kind of the same old same old, which I certainly don't mind! I have been preparing to have a shorter workday tomorrow because I am headed to Canada for the weekend. I am so excited. We are going to celebrating a milestone birthday for my mom. It's not until later this month but this was the only weekend we could make it work! I'll be sure to share on Instastories!

This is going to be a big month of travel for me and things are going to be a little crazy but it's all for good reason. I'm headed to Manhattan next Wednesday for a photo shoot and then straight from NYC to DC on Friday for my best friend's bachelorette party! Three cities in one week is going to be wild, but I used this week to prepare.

This past weekend we visited the pumpkin patch and took Henry. I will share photos soon. He was definitely living his best life, ha! I also had my parents and some family friends over for drinks and snacks and then we walked to Eddie Merlot's which is one of our favorites. Then, Sunday, I wanted to have a classic fall day so I made beef stew in the crockpot, burned a fall candle and watched football all day/night while I worked on my computer. So cozy and nice! The photo you see above is the decor I have around my apartment... and by decor, I mean an autumnal arrangement from Trader Joe's. I'm not big on seasonal/holiday decor but I do love the pop of orange that this gives!

Velvet Tank (love this, too)// Polka Dot Skirt

Heels

Wearing: I got this skirt for a dinner that I have coming up and it is gorgeous. It's a little dressier than I was going for but it's just so high quality and ladylike (under $100!). I typically size up from a 2 to a 4 in this brand because I find it runs small but this skirt runs true to size. I got it in a size 4 but am exchanging for a size 2. Would make for a really nice holiday outfit throughout the season. This is better than a dress, in my opinion because you could wear the top with other things and you could wear the skirt with a different top, too. More outfit options!

Eating: I made this stew on Sunday! It was my last Sunday in Pittsburgh for the next 6ish weeks so I wanted to have a cozy fall day! This recipe was so easy and SO delicious! 

Reading: I think it might surprise many who are unfamiliar with Pittsburgh but we are home to a lot of tech companies. Duolingo started here, Google has a campus here, Uber tests their autonomous driving here, and Facebook is also here and looks like it is expanding!

Sale-ing: I haven't shopped Saks in ages but they are having their Friends and Family sale now through 10/9. Select items are 25% off... and there are SO many good pieces included from my favorite brands like Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Barbour (the classic Beadnell is $100 off), Ralph Lauren and more. Scroll through the widget above to see my favorite picks from the sale! Neimans is also having their Friends and Family (up to 25% off) so there is a lot of crossover on brands and products so check there if your size is sold out on Saks!

Watching: Have you seen the trailer for The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina? It stars Kiernan Shipka and is made by the same people who did Riverdale. I'm excited to see this one- It looks scary! It premieres on Netflix on October 26th- just in time for Halloween!

Loving II: They are filming the Mr. Rogers movie starring Tom Hanks here in Pittsburgh and it has been fun to catch some glimpses of the action! I had wondered, though, about how they would make Tom Hanks resemble Fred Rogers. And sure enough, he looks pretty darn close! 

Wanting: I know it's just the beginning of October but I am a planner and I am always looking ahead. With that said, I have already been keeping my eye out for holiday dresses and gift ideas. I actually shop for the holidays year round so I get the best deals or purchase something that I know will sell out quickly! I also shop early because I like to enjoy the holiday season and not put stress on myself to find and wrap gifts!

Pittsburgh-ing: If you have never been to Totopo in Mt. Lebanon, you must check it out! I went there last week with my parents and it has such good Mexican food. I have been many times and always forget how good it is! I highly recommend it!

Pittsburgh-ing II: Loved this list of places you can donate your winter coats in Pittsburgh. I am big on donating clothing. It's so easy and costs you nothing and is not only good for the environment but can really help people in need. I typically donate to Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul Society. 

Smelling: You probably saw yesterday that I am newly in love with Otherland candles. They smell so chic and expensive but are under $40! 

Traveling: I am headed to Niagara On-The-Lake Canada this weekend. I'm excited to see the area and tour some wineries!

Traveling II: The Airbnb we stayed in in Paris was taken off of the Airbnb site immediately after we stayed there so I was never able to share the apartment! It was SUCH a gem and I couldn't recommend it more. I noticed it popped back on the Airbnb site but it doesn't look like it has availability. But, if you are planning a trip to Paris, I would keep an eye on this gem to see if that changes!

Quoting: 'There is beauty in simplicity.' // See more of my favorites, here.