This past week was crazy, and crazy-long. Between work, school, appointments, events, auditions and getting my apartment fall-i-fied and clean, it felt like I was running a never-ending marathon, but it came at the right time since I finally kicked the cold I’ve had since fashion week. (And I managed to give it to everyone in my office, as well as my mom–who I only spent 24 hours with two weeks ago–in the meantime.)

This weekend was just what I needed, with my mom and two aunts arriving yesterday morning for a weekend at the Brooklyn Flea, my first trip to the American Girl store (for my little cousin’s birthday present), a delicious birthday dinner for my mom, and some amazing cake from Two Little Red Hens! While the trip to the flea was harrowing (the trains were a disaster this weekend), it was a very successful one, resulting in the purchases of a few things for my Halloween costume, as well as some goodies for my apartment. The only thing missing was my puppy, Izzie (who is going to not be a puppy anymore, come December!) OH! And an amazing birthday present: the iPhone 4S from my mom (on her birthday! how great is she?) She knew I really needed Siri after these last few weeks!

Here are a few of my favorite things from this weekend, that I hope will keep me inspired for the upcoming week…

Yellow/Orange and Red roses from the corner bodega (only $12 for 2 dozen!) in a mason jar add less-obvious fall-inspired flare to all of the other fall decor I have in my apartment.

A new purchase: hand-printed coasters made of reclaimed wood by Wrecords by Monkey from the Brooklyn Flea. Practical, pretty enough to hang on my wall (even though I'm going to use them as coasters), and eco-friendly! ($15 for a set of 4)

Mom's delicious birthday cake (classic dark chocolate) from Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side. There are lots of bakeries I like in the city, but this one is beginning to be my favorite. I want to infiltrate them and learn how to make my buttercream (and flowers) taste and look that good!