Fall Essentials - Under $50

WITH A MONTH of autumn remaining, most of you are already dreaming of Christmas,

snow, ice-skating, and other holiday activities. The items above are perfect for transitioning

from crisp fall days to freezing winter temperatures. 

Cream Bobble Hat - $11 - H&M

A great solution for bad hair days. Chuck it on with any outfit; the neutral color matches everything.

Forest Fairisle Scarf - $36 - Topshop

Snoods are always popular during this time of year. This pattern surprisingly goes with a lot of outfits!

Deep Teal Gloves - $38 - Modcloth

Keep your mitts warm with these ruffled gloves.

Tan Colour Block Satchel - $11 - Newlook

Who said brown and black don't go together? Perfect for outfits that contain mixed neutrals.

Over-the-Knee Boots - $45 - Forever21

Matching the color of your boots and pants creates a lengthening effect. 

Try out this trend for an affordable price!

Leather Leggings - $40 - H&M

Make your outfits a little edgy with these leggings. 

Tan Cape - $40 - Yesstyle

I love capes during the cooler seasons!

This one has a nice silhouette and is different from the average trench.

Laura Mercier Blush in Soft Iris - $25 - Nordstrom

A natural, deep peach color. Perfect when paired with a neutral lip and bronzed eyes.

Lipstick Queen in Sinner Peach Nude - $22 - Barney's

Rich and creamy. Matte nude lipstick.

Teakwood Candle - $33 - AllModern

Large decorative candle. Unscented.

Gifts Under $50 - For the Baker

Obsessive Chef Cutting Board - $24 - Urban Outfitters

Great for everything: from rolling out dough to chopping bittersweet chocolate.

Macaron Apron - $29.95 - Paper-Source

The perfect apron for those extra-special baking experiments.

Made With Love Cookie Stamp - $8 - Anthropologie

An inexpensive, unique stocking stuffer!

Heart Shaped Donut Pan - $8.88 - Amazon

Freshly-baked donuts, anyone?

Mushroom Measuring Spoons - $20 - Anthropologie

Measuring is never boring when you're using these beautiful spoons.

World Vanillas, Set of 3 - $32 - World Market

Luxury extracts from Mexico, Tahiti, and Madagascar.

Midnight Musings

IN A SOCIETY that relies heavily on instant gratification

and constant communication,

sometimes it's easy to forget that we still have a fully functioning postal system.

Receiving simple postcards or hand-written letters from friends never fails to make me smile.

Make a friend's day and send a handwritten note!

Midnight Musings

MIDNIGHT MUSINGS represent the little things. 

During the late hours before I fall asleep, 

I like to think about the seemingly insignificant

blessings that are present in my day-to-day life. 

This photo was taken on the island of Oahu, around 3 am on a Sunday morning. 

If you can guess the vantage point, kudos!

Hint...it may or may not be illegal.

While solo night driving excursions tend to be less fun and more scary, 

group trips are so enjoyable and relaxing.

I clearly remember the nights when my family piled into the car and took off.

Practically never having a destination, the adventure existed in the mystery of it all. 

Snuggling up to my pillow, I recall being the only kid still awake. 

Silence, save for the murmured conversations between my parents.

There's nothing quite like it. 

Nowadays, you'd be hard-pressed to find me without headphones and a fully-charged iPod.

No more classic Disney CD's and Tappet Brothers. Just me and my music. 

It's a different kind of peace...listening to everything. From the melancholy sound of bagpipes

to the cheerful, foot-tapping songs from the fifties, it all sounds good to my fresh ears.

But, sometimes it's nice to rest.

Take a break from technology and just be.

Go for a ride with the windows down.

The whistling wind and crackling gravel are parts of nature's symphony.

Most of the time, that's all our ears need.