Hello and happy Monday! Diving straight into my current faves because I am writing this post as a break from working on several essays, and I hate the feeling of assignments hanging over my head, but also I really wanted to write a blog post. So here we are 🙂

I am in my favorite coffeeshop yet again, with Georgetown Bestie in tow, and it’s pretty magical. One of these days I’ll switch up my order, but for now, I’ve been here three times in the past week and I’ve gotten the same thing every time. But why fix what ain’t broken?!

Anyway! Here is what I’ve been loving lately!

BEST Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last Sunday it was insanely rainy in D.C., so I spent the entire day indoors in my pajamas, and it was magical. It was the kind of day when baking is basically a nonnegotiable, so I took inventory of what I had in the pantry and then searched for easy cookie recipes that don’t require a mixer. Lo and behold, I found these, and you guys, they are definitely one of my favorite cookies I ever baked AND for sure the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

I made them classic, with butter and white flour and the works, but I reduced the sugar by a 1/4 cup. I think you could for sure make them a bit healthier by subbing in whole wheat pastry flour and some applesauce for the butter, but I was working with what I had, and sometimes you just need the classic. Also, the chocolate chips from Trader Joe’s are THE BEST for cookies (and for eating by the handful, if you’re into that).

They did NOT last long in my household, and I definitely had them for breakfast several days in a row.  😉

Power Yoga Routine

I am a huge fan of power yoga when I am in the mood for slower, more intentional movement but also want to challenge myself and sweat. I recently discovered this channel, and I think I will definitely be coming back to it. This routine was AWESOME to kick off a morning, and my abs were actually super sore the next day!

Honestly, yoga is my favorite form of movement in the morning. It feels like a massage and workout and therapy session all in one 😉

The Best Paleo Chocolate Cake (for birthdays!)

My mom’s birthday was a couple weeks back, and I decided to try out this cake that had been hanging out in my Bookmarks for a while. It was phenomenal, and we were all obsessed. I also put fresh strawberries both between the layers and on top, which was a great decision. The cake seemed to only get better with each day in the fridge, and it was especially great for breakfast with coffee. Are you sensing a theme here of me not really caring what’s “acceptable” breakfast food hehe? If it’s what you want in the morning, it’s acceptable!

Arboretum

This weekend, I finally did something that had been on my DC list for ages and ages but that I’d never gotten around to. I went to the DC Arboretum! It was also the absolute best time to go because all of the trees are in their PEAK right now. I’ve never seen DC look so beautiful in the fall. The Arboretum is quite far, but Roomie drove, and it was a lovely day with beautiful weather and great company. We took a ton of pictures and just enjoyed the fresh air and all the trees! I’m a total tree-lover; are you? There’s something majestic and deeply grounding about them, and I always feel calmer surrounded by trees.

A Hilarious Taylor Swift Video

And this one is just for fun. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan, you will love this. All I will say is, “I’m not asleep; my mind is alive.” Make sure you’re watching in a place where it’s acceptable to erupt in guffaws.

Have an awesome week guys! Enjoy the fall foliage, and go hug some trees! 😀

Cookies for breakfast- yay or nay?

Is the fall foliage in full blast where you are?

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