it's the simple things.

It felt therapeutic, almost, gathering the twigs and arranging them in the vases. With each autumnal-hued vase perfected, I fell more and more in love with the season.

It's the simple things, like twigs in vases, that get me through the school week. Little breaks from routine. My chalkboard wall has been put to good use on Sunday evenings, acting as a notepad for lists. Lists of things I'm look looking forward to in the upcoming week.

Last week was sunsets and heart-to-hearts with good friends {one of which took place on top of a helicopter-shaped play structure. oh, yes.}

from carlotta's little siblings -- meme, lilly, & jeremiah. heart. melted.

Last week was sitting at the kitchen table, writing and reading sweet letters {from you, you, & you}. Have I mentioned how much I love snail mail?

Last week was pretty videos and feeling inspired.

Last week was photography in art class -- which meant a photo expedition with this girl, who takes the most amazing film photos. Seriously.

And last week was the first Autumn trail walk of the year. Need I say more?

Looking back at all the beautiful in last week, I realize that i can make this week just as lovely. It's the simple things.

xo,

abbey

an afternoon with nana.

Coming home to the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and hot tea with honey can only mean one thing. Nana's here. 

Much to my delight, my school schedule for the day consisted of only three classes, leaving Nana and I the afternoon to do whatever we pleased.

I'm no gardener. Truth be told, I'd much rather eat and photograph the beautiful abundance of fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, I have a mother and a grandmother who have the patience to nurture a garden. 

This particular afternoon, accompanied by the crisp Autumn air, my Nana gardened while I photographed, mesmerized by the crazy entangled carrots, and the intricate patterns of the tomato vines.

We picked apples from our tree, which were later topped with ice cream, in the form of a hot apple crisp.

Just before my last class, we managed to squeeze in a little thrifting expedition -- which was quite successful, to say the least. Chevron coffee mug, lace curtains, and a vintage headscarf? Check, check, and check. 

What's your idea of a perfect afternoon?

xo,

abbey

pumpkin lattes. oh, yes.

A thin layer of frost graces each rooftop in the early morning. The air is crisp, and the thermometer tells me that it really isn't a dream -- it is, in fact, eight degrees celsius. The old cardboard box filled to the brim with toques, scarves, and mittens makes it's annual appearance, while the ever-changing autumn leaves dance across the street and crunch underneath my moccasins.

So, why I opted for iced coffee rather than a steaming mug of hot chocolate or apple cider -- I have not a clue. I just really love iced coffee. And pumpkin. But you probably already knew that. ;)

iced pumpkin spice lattes {adapted from a cozy kitchen's iced coffee}

{ingredients}
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

{directions}
Brew your coffee and let it sit out for a few minutes until it reaches room temperature {or put it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.}

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin, and sugar and cook on low heat, stirring, just until the sugar and pumpkin are dissolved. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine with the coffee, and pour into a cup filled with ice.

Enjoy! xo,

abbey

a menagerie of musings // september

This tiny little bundle of beautiful? She's the newest addition to this family of mine. Words cannot express how excited I am to be related to yet another sweet little girl. Hello, Codie Rose.

Relishing in delicious beverages, while laughing at my Dad and sister's pathetic attempt at a game of checkers. That's precisely how I bid farewell to my Summer, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

pinning on my inspiration wall // lunch in the city // tea smoothies & friendship bracelets // the help was amazing

I'm a country girl at heart. Most of my Autumns consist of long rides on the combine and family picnics amidst fields of wheat. This year, however, there hasn't been much harvest, because of flooding. So, until next Autumn, I get my country fix from a wheat field literally just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my house. While it's no match for family harvest time, it's beautiful, nonetheless. 

"Panna-cakes that nana makes.", we say. Yes, my Nana's pancakes are so delectable, they acquired their own little rhyme somewhere along the way. ;)

What are you loving about September?

xo,

abbey

pumpkin muffins.

I seem to have it in my head that Autumn has already approached. The calendar would beg to differ, but what can I say? We get a bit of an early start here in the Prairies.

One early morning last week {read: eight am. that's plenty early for this girl}, I woke up and decided that it was quite simple. I could go no longer without the savoury taste of pumpkin muffins -- no matter what the calendar said. Odd thought to have first thing in the morning? Probably. But, thank goodness I did.

These delectable little lovelies are a huge hit in my family, and they're oh-so-perfect for an Autumn picnic in the park, or to have with a cup of tea, whilst wrapped up in a cozy blanket.

{ingredients}
3/4 cup wheat bran
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup crushed pecans
1 cup pure pumpkin
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup 1% buttermilk
1/4 cup oil

{directions}
In a bowl, combine bran, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda, and crushed pecans. In the mixer, combine pumpkin, beaten egg, buttermilk and oil. Mix on low, while gradually adding the flour mixture. Mix just until moist {do not over stir}. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until tops are firm to the touch.

Enjoy! What's your favourite food or beverage for Autumn?

xo,

Abbey

ps. i'm making an faq page for the blog, so if you have any questions -- shoot! serious or silly. it's all good.