I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to finally sit down and write this post. The one where I tell you that I’m hanging up my figurative (and literal!) hat with What I Wore. The time has come for me to put this blog to bed, and it gives me a lot of joy to finally do it.

This blog has served me in so many ways, but in short - I’m over it. I’ve documented my daily (and lately, weekly or monthly) outfits for over ten years. That’s a lot time! It’s longer than any school I’ve attended, any job I’ve held or any relationship I’ve been in. It’s given me some amazing opportunities (going to Spain or wearing Oscar de la Renta head to toe are top of mind) and it’s also challenged my self esteem and happiness. It’s been both amazing and sort of terrible at times. I’m glad I did it for so long, but I’m also glad to finally call it quits. I just can’t, and don’t want to, keep up with the endless buying buying buying to create new outfits. I don’t really care about fashion anymore like I used to. I want to create different and more lasting things - namely - in the home I share with my family. I’ve realized what I really love is making things - sewing, knitting, upholstery, baking, woodworking, painting and more. I like being a creative person. I also enjoy the rawness of sharing who I am, and how I’m learning and growing and stumbling as a parent and as a person. 

So with that, this is my last post on What I Wore. Thank you for joining me all these years. It gives me a lot of joy reading the messages and sharing my happiness with you. There have been so many long distance friendships forged because of this site, and it means so much to me.

The end of one journey means the beginning of a new one. As you know, we’ve moved into a 75 year old farm house in the country and have been working on fixing it up. We’re planting over 50 varieties of seeds this spring and hope to begin a small farm stand and flower business. We’re taking on a flock of chickens to round it all out. And because I want a place to share about all of that, I’ve started a new blog - Stars + Field.  I originally used the name and handles for my go at millinery and have kept a hold of them over the years. I’ve migrated all of my WIW content to my new site and have started blogging there. I’ll be switching over all of my social media (and merging it where I can) so if you’re interested in keeping up with me, please do follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I hope you’ll join me! 

Goodbye!

Anyone can bake a pie, and if you’re just starting out, a pumpkin pie is a perfect place to start! The ingredients are simple and little tweaks can make it better than the store bought version!

Here’s how I make mine: firstly, I make things easy on myself by using pre-rolled refrigerated pie crust. None of my friends can tell the difference between it and my from scratch version (but if you want to do it, here’s a great recipe). I also don’t bother with fresh pumpkin - the canned stuff has a good texture and is so much less hassle. Some people used evaporated milk instead of condensed, but I like the latter better. Here’s my full shopping list:

• 1 Pre-Rolled Pie Crust
  
• 1 Can of Pumpkin Puree (not filling)
  
• 1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
  
• 2 Eggs
  
• 1 T of Pumpkin Pie Spice
  
• Dash of Freshly Ground Nutmeg
  
• Heavy Whipping Cream
  
• ¼ C Powdered Sugar
  

Set your over to 425 F and take your chilled dough out of the fridge. I like to grease my pie plate but if you forget your pie will still come out nicely (there’s fat in the crust). Now crimp your edges and put the pie crust back in the fridge.

Now mix together your pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg and spices until smooth. It’s my personal pie making philosophy that you can taste fresh nutmeg and I put it in almost all of my pies. Just a dash will do and it’ll make all the difference!

Next pour your mixture into your chilled crust and pop into the oven for 15 minutes. Lower your temp to 350 and cook for another 45. I usually put on a pie shield on my crust now (you can also just use aluminum foil!). When cooked, the center should still be slightly jiggly (technical term). Now turn the oven off and let the pie cool slowly. This will help any cracks from forming on the top. 

Once your pie has completely cooled, you can top with freshly made whipped cream. That’s just heavy whipping cream and a little powdered sugar beat on high until stiff. If it starts clumping together you’ve gone too far and made butter, so keep an eye on it! In these pictures I was low on time so I just used store bought whipped cream, which is fine too! 

I also like to top with candied pecans which are just melted butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans. 

See! You can make a pie! And it’ll be delicious! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hi! Hello! After a week of living in sawdust, I’m still living in sawdust! But now we have beautiful new floors (mixed width ash, finished with oil and wax) and a new dining room table! It’s really looking great but there’s still drywall to be hung and finished, base boards to be milled and installed, walls to be painted, new lighting, etc. We’re getting there! 

Wanna know where I’m going with all of this? I thought I’d help myself get visually organized and share a little of my vision with you guys. A quick catch up - our farmhouse was built in 1942 and a large renovation and addition was added in 1965 - which is why I call it my MidMod Farmhouse. Luckily MCM is my go to for furniture, so we’ll keep most of what we have and add to it where we need!

Last week I asked for your opinions on some brands and furniture companies and here’s where I stand - I bought a 1960s Broyhill Brasilia dining set off craigslist which was delivered yesterday. It’s a dark solid walnut and really lovely. The chairs will be recovered down the road.  I also took advantage of the pre-black Friday sale at Article and bought a chair from them. I’ll have pictures one of these days, but as I said, I want the literal dust to settle (slash be swept away!) before I do that. I also bought some rugs and a light fixture, but I want to check the quality before I five a review (ditto on the Article chair, but you guys gave me resounding cheers for their pieces)

So… here are some images that have elements I like or a vibe I want to capture in my own home. To me, there’s a common thread in the MCM furnishing, the natural elements (wood, plants), the bright walls and the mix of textures. I’m going to start out pretty neutral and add in color when I’m drawn to it. You can see the huge board here if you want to see more!

And if you want to see any of the rooms I’ve already started on, check them out here!