In what appears to be quickly turning into a year-long process to simplify my wardrobe and get rid of anything I don't absolutely love, I'm starting to mix pieces from different seasons; like this sundress with my trusty trench coat that I break out every October or November. There's just something about a good trench that makes me feel totally put together, especially over a dress. The stripes don't hurt, either.

Dress: J.Crew | Coat (similar): Banana Republic | Boots: B.O.C

Necklace: Vintage | Watch: Michael Kors

Photos by Andi Perullo for Freckled Italian.

I very rarely take the time during the week to make a breakfast that isn't a couple of really quick eggs, so when Rob has a day off like he did yesterday for Veteran's Day, I can't resist taking a bit more time and making something a little more special. 

Ingredients:  

• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/2-1 cup coconut milk
• 4 eggs, whisked
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar 
• the heavy part of a can of coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions: 

1. Turn on your waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl, mix almond flour and coconut flour together. Add eggs, coconut milk, coconut oil, vanilla, and agave nectar. Mix until smooth.
3. When the waffle iron is hot, scoop large spoonfuls of the batter onto the iron. Close it and let it cook for a few minutes, or until the waffle is nicely toasted and you can pick it up with tongs or a spatula. Keep in mind that these are grain free and not nearly as hardy as waffles with regular flour, so you may need to be a bit more gentle.
4. While you're cooking your waffles, combine the heavy white part of a can of coconut milk and the pumpkin puree in a mixer. Blend until it gets thick and add the pumpkin pie spice. If it isn't thick enough, you can store it in the freezer for a few minutes, until the waffles are done.
5. Stack waffles on a plate and top with pumpkin cream. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee!

Lavazza sent me a couple pounds of their Perfetto roast and it's so delicious on a chilly fall morning with a sweet breakfast like this one. We're spending Thanksgiving here in Charlotte this year (and so are a few of our neighbors and friends), so I'm really looking forward to gathering around the table for coffee and breakfast every morning. It's a year for new traditions, I think, and I think the holidays (and waffles) are a good place to start.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Lavazza.

Ender's first birthday is coming up at the end of this month (we're celebrating it with a puppy party this weekend), and I'm finding it hard to believe that he's been a part of our lives for nine whole months. We've really got a routine down, and I feel like I know his little quirks so well, which brings me so much joy.

• Weighs 50 pounds.
• Dressed up as Dobby the house-elf for his first Halloween.
• Gets really itchy paws and ears whenever it rains for more than a few days.
• Absolutely loves pulling the cushions off of our couch and trying to dig. It drives me insane.
• Ran his first race last month--we did a 5K together and walked about a mile of it. We were a little worried that he'd be super distracted by all the people and other dogs, but he had so much fun running and was adorably focused.
• Barks at people when they walk by without greeting him or are carrying large objects, like a gym bag or a case of water. Our poor down-the-hall neighbor who always brings a ton of stuff to work is a little scared of him, I think.
• Gets so excited when Rob comes home and runs to our bedroom, sitting on our bed very politely and eagerly as Rob changes into "comfies" and then comes over to cuddle with him.
• Sleeps in his crate every night and gets in bed with us every morning when I let him out. He snuggles up to one of our legs and falls back asleep.

I'm so excited about the party we're throwing this weekend! I can't wait to share photos with you. Think puppy cake and party crowns (and four dogs running around our apartment--wish me luck)!

Photo by Sarah Gatrell.