Owl Miss You, Kaladi's Coffee.

Yesterday was "officially" my last day of work at Kaladi Brothers Coffee. 

It went beautifully and tastefully. I got to work with some of my favorite baristas, my regular customers were evermore kind and encouraging to me, and I had my last sip of breve behind the bar. 

I don't know where I'll be next summer, I really don't! The hope is that I'll be working in the fashion industry, and so to leave Kaladis, there's the finality of it being the last time. I'll miss the regulars, the experimentation with creating new drinks, of pleasing someone with a cup of joe, and for being part of the Kaladi team. 

Owl miss it there, that's for sure!

Fellow cat & British men lover, Traci. I'll miss you, girl! 

What I wore: white GAP cardigan (used), yellow owl patterned GIRLS FROM SAVOY blouse (used), vintage brown skirt (used), and gold J CREW flats (used). 

Ducking Awesome.

I have realized that things are pretty ducking awesome right now. I have also realized my love affair with printed animal shirts, especially ones remnicinet of Alaskan animals. 

And since its the prime hunting season, I thought to wear my duck shirt. 

It's ducking cool. 

Shut the duck up, Elan. 

Duck off! 

I can't get enough of duck puns. 

I'd like to know what the duck you're up to! 

What I wore: GAP white cardigan (used), duck YUMI top (sale), red LTS skinny jeans, and brown MIZ MOOZ boots (sale). 

Bye Summer. Owl be Seeing You.

I was stepping outside of my car late last night, when I just stopped and took a look around. The light was gone, there was a faint brownish/lavender hue to the sky, it was misting rain, and it smelled insanely of fall. Damp, dewey, wet, decaying, but altogether intoxicating. 

This is probably why I love fall so much. Because as much as it's sad to see things die and settle down for the long cold winter (for winter is coming, as Jon Snow often recites), there is a definite beauty to the season. The colors, the smell, and that anticipation for the cold. I simply adore it. 

Plus, as far as clothing choices go, I finally get to don my fall colors and owl accessories for this sweater weather!

What I wore: vintage brown rhinestone earrings (used), mustard lace pleated ANTONIO MELANI dress (used), brown belt with gold owls (used), cream MILLY jacket w/ gold buttons (used), cute KATE SPADE owl purse (TJMaxx), and brown MIZ MOOZ ankle booties (sale). 

Summit Lake Trail, Alaska.

Today, we got a full taste of fall. Not one week ago, we were driving on the way to Anchorage and there was no sign of fall. Trees were still green, and things still seemed summer. Today? Fall had arrived. 

And this is the thing about Alaska- one day it's summer, and the next, it's fall. And fall unfortunately doesn't last very long.. maybe two weeks at most, and so we've got to enjoy it while it's here in all its glory!

Well how else to enjoy fall's beauty than a hike in the woods? Today, we chanced it up at the Summit Lake Trail, joined by our dear friends Joni and Shelby and some other fellow hikers. And although the day proved to be the stereotypical wet fall day, it was ever so beautiful.

Here we go!

I could not get over the color, especially from the fireweed. 

Greens, browns, reds, whites, greens.. Alaska has it all! And the air smelled of wet leaves... 

Naturally, I chose to be the caboose this time round to take my fill of pictures!

The higher up we went, the spoopier it got. The mist intensified and it was so mysterious!

The vibrancy of something dying.. and it's still so beautiful!

Once we arrived at the top, I was leaning down to take some photos of the red against green, and looking closer, I found.. croberries!

Just take a look at that!

So we stayed and picked. 

Finally, things were getting chilly, and we decided to head back. George here below, looked ever so the part. 

Because of a job well done, we decided to celebrate with lunch at this roadside restaurant nestled in Cooper Landing. 

Entre vous..

Only in Alaska..

It had a very Alaskan feel to the place. 

Lunch was super tasty. We started with this cream cheese/fig/veggie/garlic baguette appetizer..

Anton then prepared for his bleu burger consumption..

Mom and her colorful tacos..

And I for the warm spicy chicken pot pie. 

Even the bathroom was Alaskan!

Later in the evening, I was on the way down the stairs for pie when I saw Fudge looking outside on the stairwell. So I sat and asked her what she was looking at, and there on the lawn wobbled a porcupine. 

Dad and I followed suit and captured as much as we could (unfortunately on a phone and not a camera), laughing and reveling in the awesomeness that is Alaska and its wildlife and nature. 

Good eye Fudge! Bravo. 

Finally dessert! And is there really anything better than fresh croberries from the ground to our plates?