While this isn't a true "Paris-Chic" outfit (those ladies dress minimally and effortlessly!) I was inspired by "An American in Paris" (HELLO Gene Kelly + Leslie Caro!!!) and the ideal we Americans dream wearing in France to create this fall outfit.


Hats-especially berets-have been such a hot trend this fall; providing every American girl the opportunity to live out her Paris style fantasy. If you want to play it safe you can purchase a black beret that will go with everything. OR, if you're like me you may want to go all out with colorful options! I've had cobalt blue and bright red ones in my closet for ages and always love styling them as a pop of color to liven up an outfit during the colder seasons.
BONUS: Match or contrast your lipstick to your beret for a touch of cheeky color layering. 
Get the Look: 

Berets:
Capes/Ponchos:

Over the Knee Boots:

Crossbody Bags:

• 2 tbsp Enjoy Life vegan butter 
• 2 ripe hachiya persimmon* 
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey 
• 1 tsp gingerbread or cinnamon seasoning  
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts 
• 1 egg 
• 1 cup rice or gluten-free all-purpose flour (I like Bob’s Red Mill)

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1/2 tsp coconut or almond milk
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2+ cup whole walnuts (for decorating) 

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I like Bob’s Red Mill) 
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 3/4 tsp salt 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger 
• 1 cup pumpkin purée 
• 1/4 cup avocado oil 
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup mashed hachiya persimmon pulp (~3) or 1 cup peeled & cut fuyu persimmons (~3-4) 
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans & 3 tbsp brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare loaf tin: line parchment paper in tin that hangs over the edges.
2. Caramelize the pecans: in a non-stick pan, heat the pecans and brown sugar together until the brown sugar melts and coats the nuts (this not only makes them sweet but prevents them from sinking to the bottom of your bread).
3. In small bowl, mix together dry ingredients (gf flour and spices). 
4. In large bowl, beat together wet ingredients (pumpkin, oil, sugar, eggs, and persimmon pulp). Little by little mix dry ingredients into wet, until just mixed. Fold in caramelized pecans. 
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for ~45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Tip: Enjoy with hot apple cider! 

Ahhh November. While I'm already humming Christmas carols and living for December I DO appreciate this month of Thanksgiving. Life quickly fills up with little things that make it easy to forget all that we have in our lives. That's why I am dedicating the thirty days of November to remind myself to be grateful for all I'm blessed with and to think of others more.
To help myself I'm creating a list of acts of gratitude and kindness I can incorporate into my daily routine. Because-no matter how much I love decorating for the holidays and wrapping presents-it's important to remind myself the true reason for the season.

Will you join me in 30 Days of Gratitude? 

1. Make a list of 10 things you're grateful for this year!  
2. Call your Grandma(s) and just listen to them talk about their day. Appreciate their history and gift of their presence in your life. 
3. Hold the door open for someone and share a smile.
4. List things you're thankful for in your career.
5. Write a sticky note of encouragement or appreciation and leave it on a co-worker's desk.
6. Bring a friend a cup of coffee. 
7. Only practice self-love today. No fat-shaming yourself or negative thoughts about yourself. 
8. Donate things you no longer use to those in need. Appreciate the service those goods offered you at one point and pass them on.
9. If you live with your significant other (or roommate) clean up your shared spaces without comment or expecting anything in return.  
10. Write a loved one a letter telling them how you love and appreciate them.
11. Instead of looking around and seeing all you still want in your home, make note of what you currently love in it.
12. Surprise your roommate (or significant other) with home baked goods or dinner!
13. Do a selfless act for a stranger. (Suggestion: let someone skip you in the grocery line.
14. Send your best friend a card. Just 'cause. 
15. Do you have an elderly neighbor or family member? Go visit with them and ask if they have anything around the house they need help with (even as simple as changing the fire alarm batteries). Chances are they really could use help with something but just didn't feel they could ask. 
16. Don't complain at all today. Every time you feel the urge to, think of one thing you are grateful for. 
17. Give canned goods to your local food drive.
18. Text your sibling(s) (or cousins/BFF if you're an only child) and just tell them you love them and one thing you appreciate about them.
19. Give someone a [genuine] compliment today.
20. Send / give your mom flowers. 
21. Write down your top 5 favorite things about yourself and be thankful for how those make you unique. 
22. Do a random act of kindness for someone today.
23. Happy Thanksgiving! Create Thanksgiving Grateful Game cards to share with your family at dinner. 
24. Instead of focusing on consuming today, rest and focus on family time or on what you already have and appreciate.
25. List 3 things you like about your body (which can be hard after that Thanksgiving meal).
26. Offer to babysit for free for a friend. 
27. Make something today. How lovely it is to create rather than constantly consume.  
28. Take a friend/mentor out for lunch and share how you appreciate them. 
29. Let a car go in front of you today while driving. 
30. List 5 things you're grateful for from November.