Month in Review: September, 2018

Month in Review, September, 2018

September flew by this year and I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that it is officially autumn. Where did the summer go? In these moments, I’m thankful of all the photos and videos Ian and I take throughout the month. After putting together our September video, I was reminded of all the adventures we had.

The month began with a trip downtown to wander around the Third Ward. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city since it’s lined with cute boutique shops, cozy cafés, and stunning riverfront views.

Month in Review, September, 2018

Then we found ourselves beachside with our toes in the sand over Labor Day weekend. While the water was chilly, Ian and I were brave and dipped our feet in the lake. The rest of the afternoon was spent grilling out lunch and listening to the waves crash upon the shore.

Month in Review, September, 2018

Month in Review, September, 2018

Visiting Villa Terrace, a Mediterranean estate turned art museum, was at the top of my bucket list this month. Sadly, I was turned away on my first attempt to visit the villa due to a wedding. Mind you, this was on a Thursday and the website didn’t list any ongoing events. So this news came as quite a shock! Since we were already downtown we decided to grab sushi and walk around the East side. That’s when we stumbled across Black Cat Alley! This street art alleyway had been on my bucket list for quite some time, so it was a pleasant surprise to turn a corner and discover it nestled between two buildings.

Month in Review, September, 2018

Month in Review, September, 2018

The following weekend my Villa Terrace dreams came true. After calling the main office and confirming there weren’t any weddings that afternoon, Ian and I made our way to the estate. Quaint courtyards and perfectly manicured gardens will always have a soft spot in my heart, so I was in awe as we wandered around the property. This museum has to be on your list if you ever visit Milwaukee!

Month in Review, September, 2018

Month in Review, September, 2018

Our next big event in September was Doors Open, a weekend dedicated to hosting open houses for buildings that are usually closed to the public. This event is right up my alley, so I scoured over the list of 170 participating building to settle on a two-day itinerary! Out of the eleven properties we visited, our favorites were the St. Josaphat Basilica, Oriental Theater, and Tripoli Shrine.

Month in Review, September, 2018

Month in Review, September, 2018

Want to take a peek into one second from every day in September? Check out the video below!

DIY Floral Envelope Liners

DIY Floral Envelope Liners | Wedding Envelope Liner Inspiration | Green and White Floral Pattern | Baby Shower Invitation Inspiration | Bridal Shower Invitation Inspiration | Envelope Inspiration

Regardless of the convince of email, I will always be an advocate of snail mail. There is something magical about opening up your mail box, pulling out an envelope with a handwritten address, and anticipating what news is nestled inside. Nowadays, weddings seem to be the only event that gets society excited about choosing stamps, modern calligraphy, and envelope liners. I’m here to advocate the use of these design elements in every day correspondence. So refrain from sending your grandmother another happy birthday email and pull out a pen and piece of paper to create something memorable.

DIY Floral Envelope Liners | Wedding Envelope Liner Inspiration | Green and White Floral Pattern | Baby Shower Invitation Inspiration | Bridal Shower Invitation Inspiration | Envelope Inspiration

With this easy floral envelope liner tutorial you will be able to add the element of surprise to your snail mail. After your recipient opens their envelope they will be greeted with a pop of color – just the thing to brighten their day! Envelope liners are a great way to add an air of elegance to your letter and make your recipient feel cherished. While you might think this is a time consuming DIY, you will be pleased to know these envelope liners can be made in under five minutes!

DIY Floral Envelope Liners | Wedding Envelope Liner Inspiration | Green and White Floral Pattern | Baby Shower Invitation Inspiration | Bridal Shower Invitation Inspiration | Envelope Inspiration

DIY Floral Envelope Liners

Materials:

  • Envelope
  • Floral scrapbook paper
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Glue stick

Directions:

  • Place your envelope, flap side open, onto a piece of scrapbook paper and trace around the envelope
  • Use a ruler to measure 1/4 an inch inside of your tracing so the liner will be trimmed to fit inside the envelope
  • Cut out the liner and use as a template if you want to make multiple liners
  • Use a glue stick to evenly glue the backside of the liner and place on the inside of your envelope
  • Smooth out the liner to get rid of any air pockets
  • Let the liner fully dry before using

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze | Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Recipe | Fall Breakfast Inspiration | Fall Brunch Ideas | Pumpkin Spice Recipe Inspiration

I’m preparing myself for a heated debate, but I think it is a crime that they start selling pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks in August. Maybe it’s just because I’m in denial that summer is coming to an end, but I don’t see the appeal of rushing from one season the next. Unless that season is winter. It’s no secret that I hate winter…

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze | Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Recipe | Fall Breakfast Inspiration | Fall Brunch Ideas | Pumpkin Spice Recipe Inspiration

Back to more important things – pumpkin spice. Now that we have reached the middle of September, I’m on board with adding a few fall touches around the home and pulling out my fall spice blends. Bring on nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon! There is something about a slight chill in the air to make me want to curl up in a blanket, drink hot apple cider, and indulge in a sweet treat. This time around, I treated us to a batch of baked pumpkin spice donuts with maple glaze.

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze | Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Recipe | Fall Breakfast Inspiration | Fall Brunch Ideas | Pumpkin Spice Recipe Inspiration

These pumpkin spice donuts are a great treat to bring to a school function, office party, or weekend brunch. They are quick and easy to make, but give the impression that you are a baking goddess. Homemade donuts?! How do you find the time!

It will be our little secret that they are just as easy as making a batch of cupcakes!

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze

Ingredients:

For the donuts

  • 1 C. flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2/3 C. pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 C. honey
  • 1/4 C. almond milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze

  • 2 C. powdered sugar
  • 4 Tbs maple syrup

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375˚ and butter the donut tin
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, spices and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, honey, almond milk, egg and vanilla extract together.
  • Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Spoon the donut mixture into a ziplock bag and snip one corner off. Use this bag to pipe the mixture into the donut tin.
  • Place donuts in the oven to bake for 15-18 minutes.
  • While the donuts are baking mix together the powdered sugar and maple syrup to form the glaze.
  • Once the donuts are out of the oven and have had a chance to cool down, spread an even layer of maple glaze on each donut.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and serve!