pumpkin spice coffee recipe // happy autumn!

it's officially the best day of the year, meaning the next 3 months are the best time of the year! chelsea and I LOVE fall, and I am so happy it's cloudy today. summer is over! in honor of this glorious day, I thought I'd share one of my most favorite, easy, cheap recipes for making a tasty seasonal coffee drink at home!

I think everyone looks forward to the time of year when the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte comes out. [basically every typical girl: click to read this hilarious ---> Buzzfeed article summing a lot of us girls up!] anyway, I can't afford to spend $5 every day on a fall coffee beverage, and if I could, then I wouldn't be able to afford to put gas in my car.

I came across an idea for pumpkin spice coffee at Trader Joe's. they sell the coffee already blended with the spices, but of course slightly more expensive than their regular coffee. I thought "why not just add the spices in myself?!" so that's what I've done! [this recipe does NOT have any real "pumpkin" flavoring, it's the spices that go with it. so if you're looking for a pumpkin-y taste, you most likely won't find it here. but honestly, when the whole thing is complete, it tastes very similar to a pumpkin spice latte for half the price and calories!] let me show you what I do...

what you'll need:

1. ground coffee of your choice
2. pumpkin pie spice
3. sweetened creamer in vanilla or hazelnut [these are the flavors I've tried]
4. coffee maker, french press, aero press, or whatever you use to make your coffee!
5. mug
6. spoon
7. fall candle-- optional ;)

let's begin!

first measure out your coffee, my french press is a little one, so it makes 1-2 servings. 

then, add 1TSP. pumpkin pie spice per 1-2 servings. I like mine strong enough to taste the spices!

mix the coffee grounds and spices together, then add hot water, stir and let sit, or just start your coffee maker!

when your coffee is done brewing, add some vanilla or hazelnut non-dairy or dairy creamer into a mug. this is the replacement for the super sweet syrups and the milk in the typical lattes!

then add your coffee, and top with a sprinkle of spice if you want!

serve and enjoy! I found these amazing pumpkin bagels at Trader Joe's, and they are so yum with cream cheese while sipping on this coffee!

I'm incredibly inspired by autumn and I can't wait for a new season of blogging! goodbye summer, hello to the most wonderful time of the year! thanks for following along, I hope you try this super easy recipe!

x's + o's

kaitlin elaine

follow friday // @avintagecloud

name // Nichol Duenes

age // 29

location // Southern California

occupation // Mother & Painter of Flora & Fauna

I think I discovered Nichol's beautiful Instagram feed through one of my many sweet and sincere comments she left on a photo of mine! I clicked her name and spent a good few minutes scrolling through photos of her gorgeous art, adorable children, and overall, taken in by her aesthetic and the way she sees the world! I definitely find inspiration in what she does and who she is. not only is she beautiful on the outside, but I believe she has a heart of gold as well!

1 // what inspires you daily?

I am constantly inspired by the beauty of simple things that surround me daily, from my children to flowers that my mind is always drawn to in a creative way that I taught myself from growing up amongst the wildflower fields and the tall green trees that will forever be apart of me as I live my adult life in California.

2 // tell us about your shop you just opened!

my newly opened shop is called Vintage Cloud Shop. Here you will find artworks of flora and fauna --->>  vintagecloudshop.com

3 // you are such a talented artist, how did you discover your creative side and how have you embraced it throughout your life?

I have been painting since I can remember. From a young girl to the present. I've never put that paintbrush down!

 

4 // you are absolutely gorgeous! what is your family heritage?

mostly Italian and Irish and a little bit of Cherokee American Indian.

5 // what is your favorite part about being a mother?

my absolute favorite about motherhood, is having the freedom to be spontaneous with my children and nurturing each if their personalities in their walk if life.

6 // if you were a tree, what kind would you be and where would you choose to plant yourself?

I would be a pine tree, and I would want to be planted by my home in southern California to be reminded of my childhood in the small town forest of Grants Pass, Oregon.

7 // name 3 Instagram feeds or blogs you have been inspired by lately:

the loveliest of ladies Sarah of @floralmountains, Sara Grace Miller of @blackbiirdfly, and Abby of @thefloralfox.

8 // describe your perfect weekend or day off: (where could we find you, what would you be doing/eating, or who would you be with?!)

In the ocean or up in the mountain tops.

9 // I love your style! what are some of your wardrobe staples?

flowy printed dresses and neutral ankle booties with rings and more rings. And a hat of course!

10 // if you could share one message with the world, what would it be?

to find your identity and passion in life and to exercise it daily.

thank you Nichol for being part of follow friday!

now go follow her and check out her shop!

instagram --- @avintagecloud

her shop! --- vintagecloudshop.com

x's + o's

kaitlin elaine

OOTD // september in oregon

this past weekend I wanted to soak up the last bit of hot summer weather while I could, so I decided a camping trip to the Oregon Coast was in order! first stop was the house from The Goonies in Astoria, OR. after that, we made our way down the coast to Seaside and Cannon Beach, my most favorite place! the weather was gorgeous and so, so hot! now I am officially ready for cold weather, ASAP!

details //

dress -- forever 21

hat -- khols

clogs -- vintage Scandinavia

rings -- @karissasmile on IG

x's + o's

kaitlin elaine

all photos by Lonnie Webb!

recipe // pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with hazelnuts

guys, fall has arrived. with the cool breeze, the changing leafs, fall scented everything.. you cannot help yourself but indulge in fall treats. this is one of my favorite fall recipes! its simple, delicious & makes a TON.

what you need:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup veg. oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon of milk (or almond milk, that is what i use!)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips
1 package of chopped hazelnuts

add all ingredients into your mixer or mixing bowl. Stir til everything is evenly mixed. lastly, i use my espresso bean scoop (ha) to scoop the mix into a cookie shape onto the pan. 

bake at 350 degrees & set your timer for ten minutes! these cookies are more like a muffin cookie. they are super moist! grab a cup of coffee or a cold glass of vanilla almond milk and enjoy!

what are some of your favorite fall recipes? 

x's & o's

chelsea diane