You and Me, We've Got Our Own Sense of Time

     This is it; my last three days in the house I grew up in. I never thought I'd be sad to say that, but I'm getting crazy nostalgic over packing all of my things into boxes. There is a lot of change happening around me; between my own move and various situations with my family and friends. It all feels so overwhelming and nerve-wracking. But, this year has taught me that I can move on just fine; or at least after a couple of good cries and binge-eating sessions. I've done some big things: I quit a job that made me miserable at best, I started getting ahead of my never-ending college debt, and am working hard to pursue a creative living. And, now I'm (finally) about to fully share my life with someone who has been such a well of support/kindness/love/humor/inspiration for the last four years. GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING, PEOPLE.

     This has not been an easy road. In fact, it's been a pretty freaking stupid one, full of detours and accidents and closed exits. But, somehow, I've made it to a point where I see an out. I used to get so frustrated thinking about how far along I should be in school or work, constantly comparing myself to others and their accomplishments. I should have a degree, a demanding job, a routine; some way to measure my success. Well, I don't have any of those things. However, I am still breathing and at least trying to figure out where I want to be someday. I'm dead-set on not settling. No matter what. And, for right now I'm completely satisfied with the small feat and huge adventure of moving in with Andy. Give time time. It's worth it.

-Heather

Outfit: Where Have You Been?

     Let me start by apologizing for my lengthy absence. The crickets you've been hearing on Rags and Roses have been due to working and packing non-stop. Andy and I are t-minus eight days to move in together. My room is in shambles, and I'm digging through boxes just to get ready for work in the mornings. I've been Goodwill's biggest donor, making a couple trips a week in attempts to cut the clutter from my life. Who knew one person could accumulate so much stuff? I've been dreaming of being in the kitchen, working on a new recipe. Or, sewing up something for Halloween to share on the blog. But, unfortunately, time has just been very lacking. I have to simply keep hold of the fact that everything will settle down soon; maybe just not soon enough.

     That's it for me, readers. May your weekend be full of something more enjoyable than packing. And, if it does include the dreadful tasks of moving, may it also include a bottle (or two) of wine.

-Heather

Outfit Details:

Hat- Target

Top- TJ Maxx

Denim- Urban Outfitters

Boots- Minnetonka (thrifted)

Taking Stock:Falling In

It's been a crazy few weeks, and I know my blogging is sure to suffer from it, so I apologize in advance. Andy and I are beaming over finally finding a wonderful apartment to live in together. We'll be packing and making plans in between two very hectic work schedules, and making our move on November 1st. I'm so excited for these changes. I am a person who requires constant movement and newness. It feels great to be getting back in that element; one of evolving and unknown. Wish us luck!

Cooking : Apple everything. 'Tis the season

Drinking : Pumpkin Spice Lattes (insert jokes about white girls and Fall here)

Reading: We Need to Talk About Kevin. It is so disturbing, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. 

Wanting: to practice playing the guitar. I need to be Kate Nash. Ugh.

Looking: forward to the next month. So many good things are happening, folks. 

Playing: with new styles for my short tresses. I'm shocked that I'm not missing the 7 extra inches of hair I used to have...yet.

Wasting: nothing. Frugal is the new black.

Sewing: nothing, and its a real shame. That's one hobby I need to pick back up.

Wishing: it were December, so Andy and I were in Chicago, watching Manchester Orchestra do their thing.

Enjoying: actual days off. Time to think, and binge-watch Sex and the City. Woops.

Waiting: to go home decor-crazy. I've been stocking up furnishings for a year, and I'm ready to set them up in our new space!

Liking: October. I'll take these chilly and sometimes rainy days over any other weather.

Wondering: if I should really be eating Nutella from the jar right now. (The answer is yes. It's ALWAYS yes.)

Loving: American Horror Story and The Walking Dead. So far, anyways. So long as they keep my favorites breathing.

Hoping: to have as much time as possible to spend with my girl, Ashley, when she comes home for the holidays. I'm getting teary just thinking about how long it has been since I've seen her. GRRRL GANG REUNION 2K14

Marvelling: over Jessica Lange's cover of David Bowie's "Life on Mars". The woman is perfect, okay?

Needing: to travel, do laundry, and write.

Smelling: Coconut oil. I've been using the stuff for everything. So good.

Wearing: Sweaters, and flannels, and boots; oh my!

Following: the Jeni's Ice Cream Instagram account, and drooling over all the delish.

Noticing: just how much crap I really have. Packing is lame.

Knowing: things are working out. It's taken a long time for various aspects of my life to fall into place, but seeing them now makes me realize it's been worth it. Keep working, and improving, and following your passion.

Thinking: up lots tons of recipes to take with me to my new apartment.. I've been itching to be in the kitchen . Give me all the pasta, give me all the roasted veggies.

Bookmarking: any and all apartment-living tips on Pinterest. (Are you tired of hearing about my move yet?)

Opening: my mind and heart and self. In with the new...

Giggling: over Bill Hader's SNL episode. Stefon forever and always, amen.

Listening: to Spook Houses and Radiator Hospital. My two new favorites.

Feeling: nostalgic. The good kind, that makes you happy to be where you are.

Outfit: Tailor-Made (eShakti Review)

     I had never heard of eShakti before they approached me about giving one of their garments a try for a review, and I can honestly say that they are one I'll keep loving beyond this post. eShakti is an online boutique that provides vintage-inspired, custom-made garments to sizes 0-36W; making these beautiful pieces available to women of all shapes and sizes. On their site, you can chose a pre-selected size (sm, md, lg, etc) using an estimated bust, waist, hip, and height measurement. You can also take it a step further by taking more detailed measurements of yourself for the "custom" option. eShakti also allows you to chose the length, sleeve design, neckline, and other details like pockets so that it truly becomes your garment.

     eShakti uses DHL to deliver your custom clothing items in about 7-9 business days after it's complete; which I thought was very reasonable for an item being made specifically from my measurements. If you're going to order from eShakti, I do suggest taking the extra steps by giving more detailed measurements for a custom-fit. In fact, the dress I ordered first with the small, medium, large option, was a white cotton-blended baby doll dress, that was ill-fitting and disproportionate. However, the eShakti representatives quickly offered to return the garment and assist me in choosing another. I was very pleased with how timely and politely they handled the return. And, I was so happy with the result of this dotted illusion-necked beauty. It fits my body perfectly, and is made from high-quality fabric with great movement. The first day I wore it, I received tons of compliments and inquiries about where I got it. This dress meets my all-black dress-code at the bridal shop, too, so I'll get even more use out of it!

     If you're looking for something a little special for going to a wedding, work event, or just to wear for every day use, you should definitely visit eShakti's site. The fact that they are working towards making custom clothing more readily available to the masses is such a great approach. Their vintage-flare and customizable options are sure to compliment you no matter what size you may be!

     Please let me know in the comments if any of you have ever tried out/how your experience was with eShakti!

-Heather

Outfit Details:

Black dress- c/o eShakti

Ankle boots/Clutch-TJ Maxx

Style Icon: Wednesday Addams

Wednesday Addams by heatherlalala featuring holiday home decor
     I can't believe how long it's been since I've put together a "Style Icon" post. They used to be my go-to post, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed creating. There's something very comforting to me about being able to look to my favorite films, TV shows, or ladies in pop-culture for style inspiration; incorporating their signature looks with pieces that I wear on a regular basis. With Halloween fastly approaching, I felt no one to be more fit for this round of "Style Icon" than Wednesday Addams.

     Wednesday Addams has always been one of my favorites, and probably one of my earliest feminist-influences; as silly as that may sound. I admired her sarcasm, wit, and utter annoyance with pretty much all human beings; you know, except the tall, awkward ones with glasses and scruffy hair who happen to be flannel-wearing boys.  I still identify with Wednesday's dark humor and personality, and, of course, her style.  If you're not down with the all black get-up on a regular basis, well A)-we can't be friends, and B)-try it out as an easy last-minute Halloween costume. When someone asks what you are, just reply with the ever-clever, "I'm a homicidal maniac, they look just like everyone else."

     Who are some of your style icons this season?

-Heather

Recipe: Apple Crisp

I've already gabbed about my love affair with the apple orchard this season, so I figured I better start putting the fruit to good use. During both of my recent trips to Apple Hill, I stocked up on Ginger Golds; which have a tart taste and firm texture perfect for baking. So, that's exactly what I did to them! Here's the scoop on an easy and equally delicious apple crisp:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Peel, core, and cut 6-8 Granny Smith or Ginger Gold apples, plus one big, sweet "red" apple of your choice. I used a Cortland. This just makes for a better flavor, providing a bit of contrast from the tart green apples. Also, don't worry about peeling the apples completely. It takes far too long, and every minute wasted is another minute further away from eating this crisp. Just call it "rustic" cooking, and get it in the oven!

Transfer the apples directly to a 9x13 baking dish, and mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the juice from one small lemon or half of a large lemon. Once the apples are evenly coated, set the dish aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup of oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking will both work just fine), 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Cut one stick of cold (I mean COLD) butter into small cubes and add it to your topping mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Once you have a coarse, gravel-like consistency, cover the apples with the mixture completely. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until it perfumes your entire house, and is golden brown and beautiful. 

For best results, serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of black coffee on a rainy, chilled, Fall day. Okay, it doesn't have to be overcast and cold, but I SWEAR it makes this warm and comforting dish even better. This crumble topping would be great to use over any other fruit, like berries or peaches. It's slightly crunchy, and has a caramel-ish taste, from the butter and brown sugar, that is to die for. Let's just say this pan didn't even last a full three days in our house.

What seasonal treats are you loving this Fall?

-Heather

(Recipe adapted with these as inspiration: here and here. Enjoy!)