Halloween 2020

 

Dwight the dog was in full lion costume, the pumpkins were carved just in time, and the candy was set outside in bowls for any potential trick-or-treaters that dared to come out. To our surprise, the candy didn't last the night! Neither did our pumpkins, which seemed to make their way into the yard by those blood-thirsty suburban deer that boldy walk around in hoards and annihilate everything in your garden. Punks.

Betzwood Biking | Valley Forge

Found my way out to Betzwood one Friday afterwork! A really easy single track running into fast turns and high berms near the end of the line. Nice little way to invite in the weekend and stretch the legs. 

Weekends are for...

Nothing like consistently hitting the trails and enjoying the change in season along with it. Clocking miles in the mountains and building up skills. Looking forward to branching out to new spots this season and keeping the momentum up in the winter!

Fall 2018 #Roundup

Haven't made one of these in awhile, but also haven't been buying much for a year. I put all my pennies into the new Triumph Bonneville, which has left little in the way for goodies.  I CANNOT COMPLAIN, the new ride is amazing. But, the weather is changing and the wishlist is growing, so enjoy.  I've been getting into some new music and a lot of mountain biking <3

Giro Helmet 
Beer: Friday Flannel 

Chris Akrigg: Freetrials

Phoebe Bridgers Vinyl

Stirling Sweater APC

Chelsea Boots Doc Martens

Fathom by Giant

Reanimator Coffee

Blank Spots by Trevor Paglen

Beer Review (60): Block House Brewing | Pumpkin Ale

Brewery: Block House Brewing Beer: Pumpkin Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.47/5 Abv: 7%

Hope Yinz like Pumpkin Beers, because this one is sure to shake up the normal repertoire. This is the most cinnamon-induced beer I've ever encountered and I actually love the overly sweet, and thick, sticky taste. This beer hails from the Steel City itself, and actually, the first time I'm hearing of the brewery.  Hmm, maybe I live under a rock, but this is a nice little treat to discover. 

Beer Review (59): Harpoon | Flannel Friday Amber Ale

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery Beer: Amber Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.82/5 Abv: 5.7%


I'm usually not a huge fan of Amber Ale's - there's something about a caramel and malt in a beer that doesn't appeal to me much. This beer on the other hand was a gentle step into fall, with familiar seasonal flavors, like the aforementioned, but actually tasty this time! Maple syrup, crispy leaves, and a sticky mug of this will get you in the spirit. 

The Best Season Of The Year

The seasonal foliage is breathtaking, especially in NEPA (Northeast PA).  I made my way north of Philadelphia for the weekend and was stunned by how beautiful the mountainsides were!  Philly trees have yet to turn for the season so you could imagine my surprise and delight. 

 

I bought a pumpkin for my small backyard in the city and let Muffin the Dog hop into the lake by my dad's house one final time before it gets too cold.  She just loves the water and chasing the ducks, so I let her go at it.  My dad made an apple pie and I had a nice little weekend away from the city.

 

Pumpkin beer is in full-flow at my house, so I'll have to share some new beers with you soon!

The Sierra Shirt in Blackwatch Plaid

 

Oh man, guys, I know it’s still summer, but this is the shirt I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. Finally fit for a lady!  Ya’ll know I love the blackwatch and I’m not shy to say Taylor Stitch has been a long-running favorite.  Reduced from $125 to $98 bucks, I’m definitely thinking it’s time to treat yo’ self.

Thankful

Spending a few days away from the city for Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Muffin the dog got to play outside and explore and I was off the hook for walking duties!  Seeing family and friends over a couple of great meals is a great way to unwind after of months studying hard.

I'm thankful for these little getaways and family and friends and pets and and and dance parties in deserted bars <3  

Patagonia Fjord Insulated Flannel

It's getting to be that time of year when you need to break out the flannels and layering gear.  Patagonia has you covered this Fall with the Fjord Insulated Flannel.  Outer is made from 100% Organic Cotton and the inner liner is made of 60-g Thermogreen and polyester.  I found a pretty good article here about synthetic insulation versus down, etc.  It's worth a read, especially if you're adding to your wardrobe this season.

The Fjord Insulated Flannel currently comes in three different colorways.  I like the Cornstalk Deep Mahogany (above) the best.  It's a classic design with modern fabrics coming into play.  I know that Patagonia seeks to offer some high-quality goods, so this is sure to be a winner for whatever cold temps are coming your way.  And if the insulated version is too warm, opt for the classic Fjord, here.

Unfortunately for us gals, no insulated Fjord yet, but the original is here and I'm totally digging the exclusive gaucho stripe.

Early Fall #RoundUp

Philadelphia is almost back to its normal self after the Papal Visit.  And just in time!  Here comes Fall and pumpkins and spices and and and...!  Here are a couple of things that get me pumped about Fall. 



Face Cleaner - Malin + Goetz
Brown Ale - Bell's Beer
High Tops - MH 988 by New Balance
Waterproof Jacket - Barbour
Mademoiselle Jumper - APC
Foam Symmetry Vol.3 No. 4 - Finisterre UK
Suunto Core All Black Military Watch
Chemex Coffee Maker - Crate & Barrel
Navy Winter Sock - Norse Projects
Drafting Pencils - Rotring

More Posts Like This - HERE

Universal Works Knitwear

Universal Works is a British clothing brand that mixes heritage wear with modern silhouettes.  Their AW14 collection is one of my favorites of the season.  Timeless and wearable feel to it. They have a nice range of accessories that would pair nicely with your quilted coats for the season or tweed.

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The leaves continue to fall and turn.  One good rain should be able to clear the limbs for the season.  I can't complain too much, I love wearing layers and enjoying hot beverages.  Now to stock up on some sweaters...

Busy Fall Season and Happy (early) Halloween!

The leaves are getting crispy, the air is getting chilly and the beverages (well, most) are getting spicier.  The season is well under way and with it comes the busiest time of year for me.  I hope everyone is enjoying the changes and checking back here for posts, which will be more regular soon!  In the meantime, follow me on Instagram!

Fall Favorites 2

This Fall has been really busy, I can't believe we are nearly through October.  A couple new things: I've joined a local Crossfit, I've packed up my Summer clothing, sweaters are out in all their glory and I'm enjoying the ups and downs of owning a puppy.  Mostly ups, might I add.  So, before it's too late, here are a couple of my favorite Fall items I own and some that I really want to have before Winter is upon us!

The Honeycrisp Apple

Ah, behold, the coveted Honeycrisp apple.  Sure it will set you back at the grocery story, but it's worth it, right?  Crisp, firm, sweet, and with just the right amount of tart.  Beautifully shaped and perfectly red.  A work of art I say.  

 "U.S. Plant Patent 7197 and Report 225-1992 (AD-MR-5877-B) from the Horticultural Research Center indicate that the Honeycrisp is a hybrid of the apple cultivars Macoun and Honeygold. However, genetic fingerprinting conducted by a group of researchers in 2004, which included those who were later attributed on the patent, determined that neither of these cultivars is a parent of the Honeycrisp, but that the Keepsake (another apple developed by the same University of Minnesota crossbreeding program) is one of the parents." -Wikipedia

The genetic makeup of the Honeycrisp is probably hidden in a vault somewhere.  And while only one of the mother species is known to regular Joes, you probably will never be able to reproduce the tree yourself.  The seeds in the Honeycrisp are rendered useless and will not produce for you a fruit bearing tree true to the original apple you are eating.  It will be a hybrid of whatever pollinates the tree.  Gosh, science!

Maple Syrup Season

Fall is not just about pumpkin flavored treats and spiced lattes.  It's also about one of my favorite amber brews of them all: Maple syrup!  This year I've dabbled in a couple of different kinds.  From grocery store varieties, syrup from New York State, and a little bit of the special stuff from Vermont, I'm welcoming the season like a pro.  So when 10engines and N'east Style suggested Bobo's Mountain Sugar, I had to give it a go.  I opted for a pint of Vermont Fancy to get me started.

Here's what they have to say: The sugarmaker’s syrup. Made from ice-cold sap, this lightly-colored, gentle flavored syrup comes first in the season when nights are still bitterly cold and days barely echo of spring. Fancy has undertones of floral, vanilla, and pure sweetness. What you see is what you get: perfection.

Beer Review (17): Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale

Brewery: Elysian Brewing Company | Beer: Pumpkin Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 84 Abv: 5.9%

Heck yes, it's October!  It's time to drink pumpkin everything!

This was my first dabble into the PNW Elysian Brewing Company.   There's some pretty steep competition out there for the best pumpkin brew, but I have to hand it to Elysian and thank them for this season's best pumpkin beer, hands down.  Peanut Butter Coast wrote a nice post about some other great seasonal varieties by Elysian that I have yet to try.

The ale is very fragrant and spicy, pouring smooth into the pub glass.  The deep amber liquid was sweet and very pumpkin-and-spice-balanced.  Nice mouth feel and crisp finish.  Don't leave the store without a six-pack.  Closest competition out there is Southern Tier's Pumking-another great one.

More pumpkin beers:
Saranac Pumpkin Ale
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale
Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

4 Shawl Collar Cardigans For The Fall

Sometimes the perfect sweater is all you need to don during Fall. High-quality, wool, beautiful stitches and classic design will take you a long way. 

1. Nom De Guerre Shawl Collar Cardigan  

2. Beams Plus Camo Shawl Collar Cardigan 

3. Lovat Shawl–Collar Cardigan 

4. Filson Cowichan Sweater

Day In Paris

Sunglasses- Barton Perrei  |  Camera- Pentax K 1000  |  Petanque Set  |  Tote- Filson Oil Canvas |  Jersey Tee in Heather- Reigning Champ  |  Scarf with Polka Dots- Engineered Garments  |  Book-  Paris: The Architecture Guide  | Pen- Kaweco |

Fall weather in Paris, sitting by the river or in the park and forgetting about your job and responsibilities at home.  Sounds nice, right?

Fall Visit to Linvilla Orchards

 

Man on man today was absolutely one of the most beautiful Fall days so far this year!  Spent some time at Linvilla Farm with some great friends. We ate apple cider doughnuts, sipped apple cider slushies and picked apples for hours. Red Delicious, Staymen, Courtland, Gala, Mutsu and many other varieties. Nibbled and ambled our way through the rows. Snapped some silly pictures and just laughed, because that's how a Saturday should be spent. Hope your weekend rules!