September 2017 / Organized Mess

Fall Bucket List

9.22.2017

Happy first day of Fall! My favorite season has finally arrived. I've even held out on drinking a PSL until today! Unfortunately, it's going to be nearly in the 90's all weekend long with a high humidity percentage so it doesn't quite feel like fall but nonetheless I'm excited for a new season to begin and for all the fun and festive plans that Derek and I are making for the next month or two. Below are the activities at the top of my fall bucket list.

1. Apple Picking

Derek and I have made it an annual tradition to go apple picking in New Hope, PA at Solebury Orchards (2015 and 2016). I can never resist their hot apple cider and cider donuts! Yum!

2. A Weekend Camping Trip

We're planning a camping trip for next weekend! I'm so excited to be technology-free for more than 24 hours, to sleep outside, to go hiking and to cook over the fire. Last year we camped at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and it was such a perfect few days.

3. Visit Storm King Art Center

If you're a fan of Master of None you may have caught the episode that featured this beautiful space. I've heard about the Storm King Art Center a few times in the past and we're excited to check out when there's plenty of fall foliage. There are thousands of acres with sculptures spread out around the property.

4. A Day Trip to the Poconos

Last year was our first time to take a day trip to the Poconos and I fell in love! There is so much to do and see. There are so many trail options and scenic views to take in.

5. A Trip to a Local Winery

Surprisingly, I've never been to a winery before! There are so many in the Philadelphia area so we're currently trying to pick one out for this weekend. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

6. Pumpkin Carving

Whenever we decide to carve pumpkins Derek tends to do the actual carving while I just bake the seeds and prepare hot chocolate or cider but what's wrong with that?

7. Friendsgiving

My friends and I have talked about throwing a Friendsgiving between us in the past but I think this year we're really going to make it happen. If so, I'll be in charge of dessert. (I definitely won't be in charge of the turkey).

8. Fall Fest in Lancaster

Nearly every year we go to the Fall Fest in Lancaster with my family. It's a huge festival that features a few country music artists, food, a beer garden and other activities. In the past we have seen Little Big Town, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, Lauren Alaina (pictured above) and The Band Perry there!

What's on your Fall Bucket List?

9.19.2017

Last weekend Derek and I took advantage of our Sunday and decided to take the bus to New York City for the day. Being in Philly, we're only a quick 2-hour ride away and it's always fun to try new places in another city instead of sticking around our own if we have the time and opportunity to leave for the afternoon.

We ended up getting into the city a little bit earlier than anticipated so we took the long way to brunch. First Stop? Coffee at Variety Coffee. Always the first stop. We walked down to Washington Square Park and and then stopped for a pre-brunch snack (which yes, I'm aware that's ridiculous). I decided I would combat the craving for a sweet brunch by having cookie dough beforehand! We went into DO, the cookie dough confections bakery where they have so many flavored cookie dough options. I went with 1 scoop of the cake batter cookie dough which incorporated white chocolate chips and sprinkles within the plain chocolate chip cookie dough and it was so incredibly yummy. There were so many fun flavors from smores to peanut butter options. Afterwards, we went to Carroll Place for brunch that featured bottomless mimosas - which I have to admit, that's what originally drew me in to booking a reservation with them.

Afterwards we decided to stop in Soho for a little bit of shopping. I can never resist a trip to Topshop whenever we're in NYC. And what goes perfectly with shopping? Coffee! For my second coffee run we stopped in my favorite coffee shop in New York, Maman. They always have the most delicious salads and pastries. They have an incredible lavender and white chocolate cake that I always go for and when I'm craving something other than coffee I'll get their lavender hot chocolate.

Towards the end of the day we went to the High Line. Philly is in the middle of creating a similar park so it was cool to get an idea of what it would look like by stopping here. The High Line is nearly a mile and a half long and is an elevated park on old tracks. The architecture was beautiful and it was great to see the city from another perspective. We ended up finishing our trip at the Chelsea Market and grabbing dinner as well as a new print for our apartment. Safe to say another wonderful trip to NYC is in the books!

Shop The Look Above:

9.11.2017

Hello September! Does anybody know where August went? I feel like I blinked and it was completely over. This past month consisted of my nearly two week trip to Spain as well as nights out with friends along with beach days during the weekend so it's easy to see why it flew by so quickly. Now, all of a sudden fall is around the corner! There's already a coolness in the air but it still feels like summer. I'm excited for fall to arrive but at the same time I'm going to savor the few weeks between summer and autumn. I always enjoy dressing in transitional pieces the first 3 weeks of September and this dress is currently my favorite to take from summer into fall. The bell sleeves are fun and on trend, plus the longer sleeves help make it a piece that can be worn during any season. What are your favorite pieces to transition into a new season?