The Temperature Is Dropping

      It's officially Winter, you guys. Well, not "officially", but once it snows, is there really any point in pretending Fall is still hanging around? The cold is keeping me indoors, and unfortunately without any motivation for anything other than books and tea. But, alas, a spark went off today that led me out in the snow of all places. Even though it sucks, it's hard to deny how perfect the first few showers make everything look. I wandered around the reservoir with camera in hand until my hands couldn't take the chill any longer, before returning to a lazy afternoon inside. I don't think I could have picked a better day to seek a bit of nature, as work is rapidly speeding up with the holidays around the corner. Its usually easy for me to ignore the bustle, but this year seems especially trying on my patience. To say that the break I'll get with Thanksgiving is going to very appreciated would be an understatement. Jeesh.

Have a great holiday, readers! Hopefully you are all granted the day off work/responsibilities or at least get to be with people you can stand!

Until next time,

Heather

Style Icon: Lindsay Weir

Can we talk about Freaks and Geeks for a minute? Because I am a fanatic. The prematurely-cancelled show centers around two siblings, Lindsay and Sam Weir. Sam is a nerdy freshman with two of the funniest friends in television history (if you ask me anyways). And, Lindsay is the elder of the two, who has decided to trade in her days of scholastic achievement for ones spent with the burnouts and "freaks" of William McKinley High School. Throughout the series, you watch Lindsay develop a sense of self despite various influences in her life who hold differing ideas; i.e. her conservative parents and new, goalless friends.
     The outfit above channels all the early 80's vibes of the show with a modern twist. Army jackets, flannels, and tribal cross-body bags are all key "Lindsay" pieces. A look so sweet, Nick Andopolis will swoon.
 Now throw on a Grateful Dead album, and finish your math homework.
Until next time,
Heather

Maiden Braid Hair Tutorial

     I am in no way a hair guru. I've had some terrible cuts, and even worse styling choices; like those massive claw-like clips, or leaving just two strands of hair down in front with the rest in a spiky bun. Yikes. But, in recent years, I've finally gotten the hang of this mane of mine, and even found a few easy (and cute) updos that I can manage. My favorite of these is a maiden braid. It is fool-proof, and the perfect go-to hairstyle for days your mop is untameable or you're just short on time.

All you need for this style are a few bobby pins and hairspray. Easy enough, huh?

First, separate your hair into two even sections; like pigtails. Next, you'll want to start braiding one side. Don't worry about any layers that poke out, we'll deal with those later.

Give your finished braid a flip, bringing it over your head like a crown. Secure the braid with the bobby pins.

Complete those steps again for the other section of hair. You can use more bobby pins to tuck in any fly-aways.

Finish your hair with a good spritz of hairspray. Be liberal, and smooth those stubborn hairs sticking out.

And, there you have it! I always get compliments when I wear these maiden braids, and people often think it's a complicated process. But, as you can see, it is totes as simple as could be. If you have shorter or layered hair, try putting most of your hair in a bun, with just enough down in front for the braided crown. I'm stoked my tresses have finally grown out enough for all of my strands to be apart of the braid. But, either way, it looks super cute.

That's all for today, folks. I'd like to thank my girl, Ashley, for helping put this post together. It required a lot of tippy toes, seeing as though I have a good eight inches on her petite stature. I'd also like to thank you, the readers, for tuning in and (hopefully) ignoring those terrible purple walls in the background.

With love,

Heather

Outfit: Coven Vibes

     Anyone else swooning hard over the latest season of American Horror Story? I hate to totally abandon the first season, but the current one may just be my favorite yet. The only thing I love more than the conniving Supreme, Fionna Goode, are the all black outfits worn by the coven girls. I've obvz been putting the inspo to good use; i.e. this outfit. When Ashley and I were picking out get-ups for our Kate Nash show, she pointed out that this dress would definitely be a "Coven outfit". Ultimately, I settled on another black dress (duh) for the show, but put this one to use for a date night with my dear, Andy.

     Well, that does it for me. I am off to finish my latest read and prepare for another work week; any other retailers feeling the holiday stress already? Ugh.

With love,

Heather

Outfit Details:

Hat- H&M

Dress- Forever 21 (Traded at Rag-O-Rama)

Coat: Specialty store in Cleveland

Boots and Bag- TJ Maxx

Cold Weather Music

This photo is from last year, but we have already experienced our first snow around here. The weather has been pretty unpredictable since, with the exception of the cold temperatures. So, I've comprised a playlist that pairs perfectly with a mug of hot tea and a good book. Get cozy, and give these tunes a listening to.

The Smiths-I Won't Share You

Pity Sex- When You're Around

Laura Marling- Ghosts

St. Vincent- Cheerleader

Bad Books- Lost Creek

Arcade Fire- Keep the Car Running

Cold War Kids- Tuxedos

Ra Ra Riot- Each Year

Takka Takka- Everybody Say

M. Ward- Outta My Head

Kate Nash- Oh

Everyone Everywhere- I Feel Exhausted

Lucius- Turn It Around

Blind Pilot- The Story I heard

Snowing- Why Am I Not Going Underwater

Nana Grizol- Cynicism

Now It's Overhead- A Little Consolation

Land of Talk- It's Okay

Cold War Kids- Bottled Affection (Cathedral Version)

Death Cab For Cutie- We Looked Like Giants

Omygod, It's Kate Nash.

     So, I saw Kate Nash...again. And, the third time was without a doubt the best. Get ready for an abundance of pictures, you guys!

The opening band, La Sera. They were super cute and dancy and swell.

The queen at work. If you have never had the pleasure and privilege of attending a Kate Nash show, stop what you are doing (after you finish reading this post, of course), and make it happen.

YAS.

Merry/Happy throwback.

And, then this happened. (I realize I look bad at all the wrong times.) My heart is so heavy with feels. The whole night was uhh-mazing, but meeting Kate Nash obvz took the cake. Am I fangirling hard enough for you yet? Sorry, doods. I'm so glad I got to share the night with my dear friends/ Girl Gang, Laura and Ashley. *Sigh* Can someone just take me back already?

Until next time,

Heather

Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Two Ways

     I'm a sucker for all seasonal foods; pumpkin spice, caramel apples, cider, everything. So, when Ashley and I carved our pumpkins, saving the seeds to roast was a no-brainer. But, we mixed it up a bit with two different varieties to satisfy anyones snacking preferences. Here's how we made both parmesan garlic and cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds!

Parmesan Garlic Pumpkin Seeds:

In a microwave safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add 1 and 1/2 cups of pumpkin seeds that have been cleaned, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a couple dashes of salt. Stir together until the seeds are coated, spread onto a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes. 

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds:

These start the same way as the other version, with melting 2 tablespoons of butter. To your butter, add 1 and 1/2 cups of seeds, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix together, spread onto a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

I suggest playing with a cute bulldog while your seeds are in the oven.

And, there you have it! Pumpkin seeds to satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings. The parmesan garlic variety were sooooo good, I nearly finished them all the night we made these. And, the cinnamon sugar seeds are definitely perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth; the butter and sugar caramelizes in the oven, and they turned out almost candied. I'm dreaming up ways to prepare the rest of our leftover seeds as we speak, but in the mean time these will definitely suffice. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! I'm seeing Kate Nash this Sunday, so you know I'm happy.

With love,

Heather