the beauty of fall.

the beauty of fall.

10.15.2014

Last Sunday, after some gentle encouragement from C, I put on some spandex and headed outside for a walk/run. It was a beautiful fall day - sunny, warm, cool breeze, beautiful trees changing color. I turned on a podcast (a sermon from our old church in Dallas) and totally zoned out. I walked all around our little neighborhood, past big beautiful houses, and adorable cottages. I admired front doors, all painted a variety of different colors. I felt my body warm up as I started to sweat under all my layers. I tried to run a little and that felt miserable. Almost an hour later, I returned home feeling a sense of complete calmness wash over me. I was reminded how important it is to get outside and soak up some Vitamin D. I resolved to try to go for a 30 minute walk each day. 

Today, it's cloudy. I wore heels to work (not walking shoes). Our parking lot isn't looking that thrilling for a stroll. But Sunday's walk keeps surfacing in my mind. 

Get outside. Soak up some nature. Revel in the beauty that is all around us. Thank yourself. Do something wonderful for your body. Put your day on pause. Stretch. Breathe. Feel. 

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{recipe} chicken, sweet potato, orzo soup

{recipe} chicken, sweet potato, orzo soup

12.03.2013

It's officially soup season and I'm psyched! I didn't always love soups but since I've starting making my own, I like them a lot more. It's amazing that they'll put into that canned crap. Also, the noodles are always so dang soggy. It's just gross. Anyway, we've been doing a lot of soup around these parts because it's easy, feeds many, and reheats beautifully. 

After two batches of Butternut Squash Apple Soup, it was time for something new. I came across this recipe inspiration on one of my Pinterest boards and knew it was perfect. 

First of all, it's super super simple. You really only need a few ingredients which you most likely have on hand. The shredded rotisserie chicken means you don't need to spend hours roasting your own. You could also use any kind of squash instead of sweet potato...that's just what we had on hand. Additionally, whole wheat orzo would be delicious in this or even rice if you had some left over. This really is an "anything goes" kind of soup.

What's your favorite kind of soup for fall?

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on doing all things fall related.

on doing all things fall related.

10.23.2013

 I've already told you about my love of fall. Let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy fall? So in order to embrace all things fall, C and I headed out for the requisite fall apple/pumpkin picking. There were tons of people doing the same thing. I'm not sure what it is but C and I are very sensitive to the amount of kids around us lately. Why are they everywhere we go? Our next activity will be strictly kid free. But seriously, we are so not ready for children. No. Just no. 

Anyway, we picked apples, took pictures, and C attempted a little juggling. Just as we were heading back, I realized I'd lost my sunglasses. Grrrrr nothing irritates me more than losing something, especially something of some value. We scoured the orchard looking for them to no avail. I'm sure one of those annoying rug-rats picked them up and took them home. Cynical much? Ugh.

We then made it over to the pumpkin patch where I found the most perfect white pumpkin. Prepare to be glitter-ized virgin pumpkin!!

After a 30 minute wait in line to check out (more rug-rats), we headed back home where I proceeded to burn my pizza lunch in the toaster over. #roughday

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favorite fall finds.

favorite fall finds.

10.09.2013

Ok can we talk about fall for a second? This is our first fall back on the east coast. I am LOVING it. Granted, it's been pretty mild so far but I'm just loving sweaters, boots, jackets and scarves. Now can we talk about fashion for a sec? This is not a fashion blog and I can promise you that you'll never see outfit posts. That being said, I really need you guys to know about a few amazing fall finds. I'm not one to keep something I love to myself so I must share these amazing fall staples with you. 

waxed jacket /// eblow patch sweater /// sweater dress /// booties

The jacket is a total Barbour rip off and you know what...I'm ok with that. I've had my eye on those jackets for a long time because I think they have a classic, timeless look. I love that this one comes with the removable fleecy vest and a lower price tag. I'm also really digging the corduroy elbow patches. Even better, they have a 15% "student" discount.

The elbow patch sweater is all but sold out but I'm sure JCrew will be making more. I scored the camel colored one during JCrew's 25% off sweater sale and got an additional 15% off for being a student married to a student. Score! Can you tell I currently have a thing elbow patches? 

The sweater dress was a STEAL from the JCrew outlet. I only paid like $30...way less than what it's listed for online. Tip: Always hit up the outlet store first because, in my experience, the store always has better deals than the online factory store. 

Ok now I cannot take full credit for these booties. I got the rec from a work friend. Here's a spoiler for you...they are from...TARGET! I know, nuts. Also, they come in black. Also, I bought both colors because I couldn't decide. $30. Go get them now. 

In fact, I wore the sweater dress and tan booties to work today and loved the look. I think I'm getting on the bootie train (hmm, doesn't quite sound right....)

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