Pumpkin French Toast

This may come as a surprise to you, but I don't have it all figured out. I know, I know... it gets me every time. Some days are better than others... occasionally my bra matches my underwear, sometimes I remember to take my vitamins, and I always manage to pay my bills before they're actually due. But then I find myself in my bed at 11:30pm eating Hello Pandas for "dinner" and denying myself the most basic of human needs (wine) in lieu of the 5 extra pounds that have taken residence on my arse. This is 24, I guess.

I take comfort in breakfast. I don't have it all figured out, but when it comes to breakfast, I'm getting there. I can always count on my coffee to be hot and delicious and I find solace in the fact that I can make Pumpkin French Toast for under 300 calories. That's what matters, right?

[I made 3 pieces. I was feeling indulgent and excessive and overly excited by the fact that this bread only has 80 calories per slice.]

[Ingredients. Totally simple. I make French Toast the way my mom does... Lots of cinnamon and nutmeg and some vanilla. No measurements, just eyeball it. I subbed egg whites to make it a little skinnier. (That's how you rationalize eating 3 pieces.) If you really wanna go pumpkin crazy, use pumpkin pie spice... it's pretty much the same thing.]

[Dip, griddle, candles, coffee.]

[My eyes were bigger than my stomach. But I went for a beach run & ate this last piece when I got home.] 

What are you eating for breakfast this fall?

my office

I've always been a firm believer in having a designated work space (as seen here.) Now, granted, my definition of "work space" is very loose, and I've found a comfy couch or crowded kitchen counter makes a perfectly acceptable "desk," but I will say having an office certainly has its perks. Personal and professional touches that speak directly to what you do are key to making your work area your own. 

1. I'm not working for the social media company anymore, but I've taken on a new role at the restaurant that requires me to spend a lot of time focusing on these things, so the @ figure and the "Tweets and Status Updates" book (hilar, btw) are a nod to that. 

2. Fashion. The CAbi Spring 13 collection was inspired my Paris, so little French things here and there keep me feeling inspired and creative. 

3. Africa. Part of my heart will always be in Tanzania. Photos and other reminders of Africa keep me feeling motivated, blessed, and thankful. 

4. So how do you reconcile Paris and Tanzania? Keep a similar color palette. I stuck with black and white pictures on my pale pink walls. It balances out the girly hue and keeps the room feeling grounded.  

5. Light. I love natural light, and the big window over my desk was one of the things that attracted me to the townhouse in the first place. I also use lamps and candles (rather than overhead lighting) to keep the space warm and inviting. 

6. Books. 
-To honor and remember my educational background, I have my Communication Theory textbook sitting on my desk. It was my absolute favorite class with my absolute favorite professor and I couldn't bring myself to sell it when the semester ended (and I'm so happy I didn't.)
-Planner. Obvs. 
-I have a copy of the childrens book my grandmother wrote, because it reminds me to follow my heart and chase my dreams. 
-My sister made an "inspiration book" for me, full of quotes and notes of encouragement. I find myself turning to it when I'm feeling overwhelmed or bluesy. 
-Blank notebook(s) for brilliant ideas. And doodling during boring phone calls.

7. Personal touches. Two giant trifle dishes of nail polish because a. it's pretty b. I like nail polish. When I look at it I just feel happy. Family photos and sweet cards and notes serve this same purpose. 

Where do you work? How do you make your space your own?

warm.

Moving into the townhouse has been an adventure. It was't until my first night sleeping here that it really hit me that this is the first time I've ever lived alone. There's something kind of liberating and exciting about that. I had fun roommates throughout college (with the exception of my fateful freshman year... my first roommate was not simply riding the crazy train, she was driving it. Off the side off a cliff.) Living alone is unmistakably different. Of course I'll miss the companionship at times, but there's comfort in the quiet too. 

Another thing about your first place on your own... filling it. I didn't realize how little I owned. Well, as far as house things go. Clothes? Another story. But furniture and kitchen wares and things of the sort... Not so much. My cousins and I have lovingly taken to calling our parents' and grandma's attics/garages "Free Stuff Emporium." Though the boys are more attracted to the finance factor (i.e. free) I love the idea of sitting on my grandma's old couch with my feet propped up on mom and dad's old coffee table. I like thinking about the board games we played on this very table, and there's something really special about cooking breakfast in the same pan my dad used to make me pancakes for me every morning of high school. There are nicer pans out there, and this one is a little worn, but little things like this make my place feel cozy and homey. 

Another thing that contributed to the "warming" of this house? The outpouring of love from family and friends. In addition to all the wine in Napa Valley, I've received countless other sweet gifts too... from the perfect monogrammed mug to a bright bouquet for my dining room table (that once belonged to my grandparents) to a fun bottle opener that will be perfection on my back porch all summer long... It may be February 26, rainy and gloomy outside, but things are undeniably warm in here. 

[coffee & candles contribute to the warmth, and I must admit I'm not above decorating with chocolates]