back to school

first week down, 35 more to go.

year two feels better. it’s not easier, it’s not really that different, but i just feel like i’ve got control. i suppose it’s less unknown, less threatening. 

i’ve been going to sleep at a grandma’s bed time, close to 9 pm (or sometimes even 7…) each night. it’s definitely helped me feel more refreshed. i’ve also made a commitment to making more coffee at home rather than spending money on it. however, i do have a little coffee shop that i love. it’s locally owned and employs great people, so i feel very little guilt over spending money there. this is all to say that my mornings have become my favorite part of the day. i lounge around in bed for a half hour, get up, make coffee, and still have an hour or more before i have to get to school. 

in other news, it’s the beginning of fall. dreaming of wearing grays and browns and mustards all day. 

sunday morning

it’s been a quiet little morning. I got some coffee downtown and now I’m watching the sweetest little girl. i am so thankful for this peaceful day. this month has been so busy, even with my weekend getaway to the beach. i needed a break to slow down before summer starts.

how do you slow down?

oopsy daisy

i didn’t forget about you, i promise. it’s just been hectic! spring break happened, and my best friend came to visit. then she graduated, and i went out of town! we went on a pubcycle. more on that later..

 

for now, i’ll leave you with a little list of things i like and want. a wishlist of sorts!

 

 

i’ve been listening to this guy on repeat, seriously. have you heard about him? a minnesota teen reminiscent of james blake and the weeknd, and i’m really digging him.

 

i am dreaming of wearing these shoes to work every day. at first i thought i just wanted the brown ones, but no, i want all three colors.

 

my walls are more or less bare in my little apartment, so i’ve been lusting after some gorgeous art to put on the walls. i’m especially digging this minimalist, gigantic piece here:

i can’t find an original post to credit, sorry.

 

i’m excited to try this cold brew recipe, and i’m considering buying one of these toddy things..

 

i caved and bought dior addict lip glow. it’s in the mail, and i cannot wait to test it out. i’ll let you know all about it when it gets here.

 

in other news, i’ve got a handful of days left at school, and i’m going to the beach this weekend! summer’s going to be here before i know it. i promise not to abandon you in the meantime. ❤

 

three things

three things that make me happy, inspired by this joanna goddard post.

1. making coffee at home

2. sleeping with the windows open

3. when my perfume is still there hours later

 

what makes you happy?

cold brew coffee concentrate

i am a caffeine addict. i love coffee. like i mentioned in my first post, i am in my first year of teaching, and a big ol’ cup of joe is (part of) what gets me through my days. everyone has their favorite way to drink coffee: black, steaming hot, americano, latte, iced, frappe.. i like mine iced. i like to imagine i am mary louise parker in weeds, sucking down coffee through a straw with perfectly painted lips. luckily for me, there’s a dunkin donuts about two minutes away from my apartment.

some mornings, i just can’t make it out the door in time to go through the drive thru. it’s nice to have an alternative to grab from the fridge. for that reason, i try to make a batch of cold brew coffee once a week. the recipe and process are simple.

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cold brew coffee:

ingredients:

• 3 cups cold water
• 14 tablespoons ground coffee

process:

i make my cold brew in a french press. it makes things simple, and it turns out fine. there is a more complicated and more exact process involving cheesecloth, but this has worked well for me. combine ingredients in french press. let brew overnight or for at least six hours. press handle down, and pour into a fridge-worthy container. i pour mine into already rationed out mason jars. serve with as much or as little ice, milk, sugar, etc. as desired! the brew is strong, and made to be enjoyed with milk.

my favorite way to drink iced coffee at home is with a healthy dose of milk, a spoonful of sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon. how do you drink yours?