Fall-licious...Again.

*I definitely just copied this post from my second post ever and added a few updates/improved the pictures. But in my defense I don't know that anyone was actually reading back then, so there you go. 

It just pretty much sums up Fall for me, I couldn't say it any better now than I did then, so I figured why reinvent the wheel, you know?*

So it's still about 99 degrees outside right now, but of course I'm thinking about my favorite season ever, FALL! Or Autumn, whichever you prefer.

I love absolutely everything about Fall. Not that we have much of a true Fall in Florida, but we can pretend, can't we? Besides, we do occasionally get some Fall color here! See, proof!

This is an actual tree here in Jax. 

Granted, it's from a few years ago and it was taken in December. Still, totally counts. 

A few of my favorite things about Fall:

1. "Cooler" weather- Yes, it does cool off in Florida somewhat. And after the sweltering heat of August, there is no better feeling than that first little bit of coolness in the air when you step outside! Of course, some years it takes longer than others to get here, but when it does arrive it is glorious!

2. Pumpkin everything- Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, pumpkin butter...I once met someone who doesn't like Pumpkin. I don't get it.

3. FOOTBALL!!!- Specifically Florida Gators football, but really just football in general. I used to not really care about football, I would watch the Superbowl but that was about it. But then Adam and I started watching it together and I started understanding more about the game and I was hooked!

There's just something about it, the excitement, the team spirit, the athleticism, and the tradition. Our favorite is college ball, but we watch NFL too. Pretty much if football is on, I want to be watching it! We try to catch as many of the SEC games as we can, but we also enjoy watching teams from other conferences like Oklahoma State and Clemson.

4. The clothes- Even though I live in FL and we don't get very cold, I still LOVE all things cozy, like boots, sweaters, jackets, long sleeves...Sigh...

5. The Fair- We go with a group of friends every year to the cutest little country fair you ever did see. We look at all of the animals, watch the 4H competition, and admire all of the adorable displays set up by local elementary schools. Then we consume mass quantities of funnel cake, corn dogs, cotton candy, and BBQ and follow all that up with a ride that spins us in circles until we feel naseous. It. is. awesome.

6. The movies- I have a list of "fall" movies we have to watch every year- The Adventures of Ichabod Crane; Haunted Mansion (the cheesy but awesome Disney ride turned movie); It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; Sleepy Hollow (I just have to close my eyes for the gross parts), and Mad Monster Party.

7. The food and drinks-Everything is just more cozy, including the food! Fall equals comfort food galore! Pies, cakes, all kinds of chili, chicken and dumplings, caramel corn, apple butter, apple cider, hot cocoa, ginger snaps, sweet potatoes, anything involving cinnamon...

I could go on and on, but those are the highlights! What's your favorite thing about Fall?

Things I'm Diggin' These Days- August

So I'm a few days behind on this (story of my life lately) because I probably should have posted this on the first of September, but whatevs. You still love me, right??

FYI none of these are affiliate links, I just think you need them!

Here's all the stuff I loved in August: 

Palazzo Pants

I've been wearing these constantly. Ok, maybe not constantly, that's a slight exaggeration. But a lot. And now I have convinced myself that I need the black ones so I got those too. They are just so darn comfy while still being flattering and cute. Win.

Merona Favorite Tee 

**I hope this link is the right shirt, they have a lot of really similar shirts called "Favorite Tee" or some variation, so this link may be to the less stretchy, more fitted version of the shirt. The ones I got are 2 for $16 in store right now and this one is $6.75 online so IDK??**

This maybe doesn't really count for August because I found them when I went shopping Wednesday but I'm putting it on this list anyway. These are just great for a basic tee. They are that stretchy, soft material, not too loose and not too clingy. They lay really nice and are super flattering while still being comfy and giving you room to move. I got the green one and the teal-ish blue. 

I really love the long sleeve tees they have right now, but I already have more long sleeve tees than a FL girl really needs, and the short sleeve are more versatile for all seasons. 

Scrubs

One of our all time favorite shows. Adam and I have been re-watching Scrubs on Netflix and enjoying all of the memories (I first started watching this in college, you guys. COLLEGE. That was about 14 years ago. Yikes). We just watched the last episode of Season 8 which is J.D.'s last episode (well, sort of). ALL THE FEELS. 

Pinterest

I have been Pinteresting like mad lately. I go through phases where I will hardly get on Pinterest at all, and other times where I will be on it every chance I get, pinning all kinds of things. I think part of it has to do with the changing of seasons and feeling more "homey" and crafty, if that makes sense. This past weekend I worked on the stump chalkboard and this weekend I have plans to *try* the letter painting. I still haven't completely decided where these will hang but one will be for our gallery wall.

Cotton Candy Grapes

Nom nom nom. These are so yummy, they feel like a cheat but they're not! They're a little pricey but worth it. Get you some.

Here's some funnies cuz Friday:

What have you been diggin'? Have a lovely 3 day weekend, dolls!

Linking up with Katie!

 

Tulsa Recap + Giveaway Winner!

Happy Monday all! I had a very relaxing weekend after the craziness of last week, so I feel pretty good about getting this week started!

First of all I am so excited to announce that the winner of the $25 Starbucks gift card giveaway is the lovely Nadine! Thanks so much to all who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is pretty much just going to be a bunch of pictures, mostly of food. Which should shock you not at all if you know anything about me.When we go to Tulsa we eat at all of our favorite places that we don't have in Jax.

This was my view for most of the drive to Tulsa:

He's not spoiled at all. 

We stopped for lunch in Memphis at our favorite BBQ spot there: 

Ate a few of our favorite things in Tulsa: 

El Chico :: Mazzio's Pizza :: Rocket Brothers 

Celebrated a VIP's birthday: 

And chilled with the fam:

Moved some stuff: 

Adam is like a wizard when it comes to fitting things together and maximizing space. 

Thank you Tetris. 

And drove back home. Hurley is getting his learner's permit soon. Otie is not impressed: 

And ended the weekend with a lazy, rainy Sunday, full of football, coffee, and craftiness.

Why I Love Football

I am SO excited for football season! We don't have cable but we are seriously contemplating getting it in the next few weeks just because football is starting. Yes, we are that hooked.

1. The Camaraderie

There's nothing quite like the feeling of being united in your love for your team with other fans and cheering in unison (or crying in unison, depending on the outcome). Regardless of how the game and season goes, you know you will always stay loyal to your team. This has, of course, been severely tested for Gators and Jags fans in the last few years (Ok, more than just a few years for the Jags), but the true fans love their team no matter what. #InAllKindsOfWeather

2. The Quality Time

I didn't always care much about football, but I started to get more interested in it a few years ago because Adam liked it. Instead of just watching the occasional game and just glancing up at the score, I actually started to understand the game better, and from then on I was hooked. It's become something we watch together. So even though we each have our own separate hobbies, football is one we can enjoy together and it's so much fun!

3. The Food

Obviously, the food is a big part of the fun. Chips and Salsa, Seven Layer Dip, Guacamole, Burgers, Cheese Fries, Chili, Hot Wings. All super healthy, of course.

4. The Tradition

Football is steeped in tradition, and I love hearing all of the stories behind each team, how they started, what records they have maintained, their rituals before each game.

5. The Athleticism

It's truly amazing what these guys are capable of, and it's so exciting to watch them run, throw, catch, block, and tackle with such precision and grace.

6. The Strategy

I love watching the plays and trying to figure out what their strategy is, how they plan to get the ball where it needs to go, and when things don't go like they planned, how they are able to (hopefully!) think on their feet and adjust.

7. The Clothes

Of course I had to include all of the fun clothes you get to buy in support of your team! I have a ton of Gator and Jaguar gear, and yet every time I see a cute shirt or PJ pants or a hat in the store I feel like I NEED it, because can there ever be enough team love??

Do you love football?

Linking up with Erin over at Love, Fun and Football!

Weekend Recap: More Birthday Fun

Hello lovelies! I hope you all had a great weekend! I had yet another wonderful one, though it was not long enough, as usual. I like to make my birthday last all month, so this weekend we did a little more birthday celebrating.

On Friday night we went out to dinner and then I came home and got to work on 2 cakes for the birthday dinner we were having the next night. I didn't NEED to make 2 cakes, but I wanted to make 2 cakes. So I did.

I baked a lemon cake and a chocolate cake. For the lemon cake I made a blueberry filling:

And the chocolate cake had peanut butter filling and chocolate buttercream. So basically a Reeses' Cup in cake form. 

Om nom nom

On Saturday morning I got up and worked on straightening the house, finishing the cakes, and went for a run, which was kind of a bad idea because it was about 100 degrees. Yikes, that was rough.

My pace kind of sucked but I'm blaming it on the heat. 

I also watched Gilmore Girls (We finally got Netflix and I am IN LOVE!) which was awesome. 

Saturday night it was time to party! We met our friends at Brio for a yummy Italian dinner and lots of fun! 

I had some fun with my new nail polish and bracelets I found at Nordstrom Rack! 

And we had to get the shot of me and Adam all dressed up and adorable: 

We had such a great time and it was so great to see everyone! 

Sunday morning we slept really late and then had brunch at a new spot. I had lemon crepes with berries and ricotta and they were SO good! 

Plus an iced latte that was awesomely strong and delicious. 

It was such a wonderful weekend, seeing our friends and spending time together! I am one blessed lady. 

How was your weekend? Did you eat all the food like I did?