Alright, so it's a tad late for this seeing as the holiday falls two weeks away, but I still wanted to share some awesome products that are on my list this year. Growing older, I'm definitely after more practical items that make my life easier, and focus on quality rather than quantity. Most of my wants this year have a similar minimal aesthetic, and I'm realizing the importance of simplicity. Regardless, this Christmas I'll be home in Vermont and reunited with my family, which is the greatest gift I could ask for. 

Happy Holidays! What are you asking Mr. Claus for this year?

Bowls || Pillows || Candle || Tote || Magazine || Fragrance || Boots || Mug || Wall Art

You know as well as I that we all come to many points where there are two paths open for our exploration. Choice is hard to make when it feels like the decision is stone set, and that each one must be right, but as I grow, I am learning that is not the case. 

The past few years of my life has been a continual journey with many forks in the road. I made the decision to take a year off after high school, continue my education at Maine College of Art, and then only this year I left behind all that was safe in search of adventure at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California. 

Last year at art school, I accomplished more than I ever thought possible. Each and every day was inspired and full of passion to create, create, create. I felt like a flower bursting through the cracks in the pavement, finally understanding how art is not just on paper, but design is the way the entirety of the world lives. Somewhere along the way, that particular path became filled with overgrowth, making it harder to see straight ahead. There were lonely winter months with no transportation that turned me against the contained city I was in, and that tainted the work I was doing. There was a certain artist mold that I felt I had to fit, and could not. And there was the large looming cloud of debt and lack of job opportunities that hovered over me. 

When applying to FIDM, I was torn between so many different majors, but narrowed it down to two; Graphic Design and Merchandising and Marketing in the Beauty Industry. The first is what I had been studying, but I chose to do something completely different and utilize other skills that I hadn't had the chance to before. 

That was almost a year ago, and even in those months before my move to California in October to now, I have developed in unimaginable lengths. I soon learned that although I consider myself quite intelligent and communicative, business is not for me. Without art, color, and design I have felt like my soul was not right. Creating and making isn't just my job, or what I do for fun, it's who I am. Every sign was telling me that I was taking on the wrong career, and the minute I started thinking about changing my major back to graphic design, I knew I eventually would. 

I currently will be starting back up with my design classes after the holiday break next month, and I couldn't be more excited. I simply traveled down a different path, but the cool thing is, I just turned around and went back. Sometimes we just need that little bump in the road pointing us in the right direction. My message to you, is to listen to what your heart says. There will be so many forces out there telling you otherwise, but when you tune into yourself, you know what's best as a next step. Embrace who you are and what you love to do, because no matter if you try and avoid doing it, you'll always end up in the right place. 

So...is it just me, or do we all cook waaaaaay more food on Thanksgiving than we originally planned? I didn't even have my holiday with family this year, and my roommate and I still got sent home with tupperware full of leftovers (although I think they knew we were starving, broke college students).

Instead of just eating A thanksgiving meal everyday I, like most probably, like to switch it up and make cold turkey sandwiches. Here's a little infographic on the simplest (but most delicious) sandwich you can only make this time of year. 

It's all personal preference, this is my favorite way to make a leftover sandwich, but you can totally use replace stuffing with mashed potatoes...or just use both. It's good if you panini that sucker and dip it in warm gravy too mmmm. But just in case you get bored of the sandwich, heres a few recipes that put a twist on Thanksgiving leftovers. 

Nachos with cranberry sauce? Yes please. 

Williams Sonoma has a bunch of crazy sandwich masterpieces.

Mashed Potato Pancakes for breakfast or dinner

Something lighter  after the food coma

If your still in the mood to bake  

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday.

What's your favorite way to use thanksgiving leftovers? Let me know in the comments!

Hey guys!
I hope none of us spend too much time online today, but I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. This will be my first thanksgiving without my family, not going to lie I feel pretty sad, but I'm going to make the best of it! Anyways, I have a good excuse to eat my feelings instead...right? :)

I think the Thanksgiving holiday is so muddled nowadays with the whole black friday deal, and people seem to forget what it's truly about. Thanksgiving is to cherish a day with loved ones and be grateful for all of the blessings given to us.

I've been thinking about what I'm thankful for, so I wrote a little list to share.

I'm thankful for...

Sunshine
A really good cup of coffee
My mama, daddy, and brother
My job and the ability to work
Art and imagination
A perfect playlist
The home I can always go back to
Ben and Jerry's ice cream
My education
New friends and old ones

I can't help but feel like there's so much more in this world to say thanks for, but these are just some of the gifts I'm given everyday.

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday, what are you thankful for?

So it's finally setting in that I'm going to be living in Los Angeles permanently...at least for a few years anyway. With everything that's been going on, I haven't really had time to decorate, and my apartment is in serious need of a little somethin' somethin'. Here are some interiors and home decor items I'm getting ideas from!

Tessa Neustad

I'm really into minimal style, and I love the splashes of gold in this neutral palette.

I'm always leaving my keys all over the place, love this adorable hanger with a message

Song Of Style

Thinking of trying this easy DIY for color blocked vases, so simple and chic!

Daily reminder for the wall 

A cobalt blue accent is always the perfect pop of color to a neutral interior

Kate Spade candles? Yes Please! 

Do you have a favorite color scheme or item in your place? let me know in the comments below!

It's been a crazy week. Who knew moving into a new apartment was so hard? Actually, don't answer that. I finally got a break this weekend with the fam bam on Saturday to enjoy the best California has to offer, and a lazy sunday with my best friend.

Check out that sunset. This was one of those moments where for a second, everything is still. 

Me and Kate started decorating our room today and I'm in love with it

Indulged in breakfast at The Griddle Cafe, they serve pancakes bigger than your face. We came, we ate, we conquered. 

Now I'm sat taking Buzzfeed quizzes (why are they so addicting?!) and watching the Devil Wears Prada.

Did you do anything fun this weekend? 

Heres to a good Monday!

This marks my first post on Maple & Palm, and what better way than to share my final weekend in Vermont. Growing up in New England, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and lots of crunchy red leaves has always been a special tradition. Autumn feels like a nice, warm hug, doesn’t it? There’s so many cozy smells in the air, and not to mention the baked goods (I've definitely already eaten way too much pumpkin). But what I think of most when I think of fall, is family. 

This is mine, we are four. The plan this weekend was to take a break and spend our last few days together before I head to the west coast. No state is more beautiful this time of year than Vermont, I can almost guarantee it. 

Mission fall began with a maze, because somehow we find fun in getting lost between huge rows of corn. 

I swear I was planning on wearing my lace up boots and chunky sweater, but the weather thought other wise. I decided to go with this light tunic and jean shorts, and finished my look off with this cool pendant that makes me think of the moon and sun. The perfect seasonal transition outfit. 

If I had to make a list of the things that make me most happy, driving through beautiful scenery with a perfect playlist and someone I love would be at the top. Twisting along the roads through the notch up to the Von Trapp Family Lodge (yes, the sound of music), I was invincible. Iridescence broke through the changing leaves and blanketed the whole scene. 

My family of four spent these moments together on rolling hills surrounded by red and gold. There was good food, pretty gardens, and big laughs. It was just one of those days that was almost too perfect, the magnificence of it all brought me peace with who I am and where I'm going. Afterwards we made a mess baking delicious apple bread, sat down to a home cooked meal, and hugged each other goodnight. 

Reflecting now, I realized that life happens in all those tiny details. I'm moving to California in a few days, and its strange to think that next year will be made up of entirely new traditions and faces. Although I'll still try and recreate my moms fall signature - apple cider warmed on the stove with orange slices and cinnamon sticks, a must try. Somehow I doubt it will be the same without her magic touch. 

This weekend with my loved ones solidified everything that has been until this point in time, and closed the page on and ending chapter. I will miss them more than I can bear, but my memories from this autumn season at home are fresh in my heart. Life is about moving forward, but not forgetting where you've been. 

What are some of your favorite traditions this time of year? 

Until next time