ALL THINGS FALL

I had originally planned to do a "scenes from the weekend" post. However, I failed miserably in the picture taking department (sorry not sorry that I was living in the moment instead if snapping pics!) So this morning, I've got a fall themed survey that I found on one of my favorite blogs! Survey's are one of my favorite type of posts to read so I hope you enjoy reading this!

1. Favorite Fall Sweet Treat?  Pumpkin bread

2. Red, Yellow or Green Apples? Red (fuji and honeycrisp)
3. Favorite Fall Sport to Play? I don't play a sport but if I did, it would be soccer
4. Best Drink for Fall?  Homemade coffee with a seasonal creamer

5. Favorite Fall Activity?  Bonfires
6. Must have Fall Purchase?  Candles and seasonal soaps

7. Pumpkins: Pick your own or store bought?  No preference

8. Real or Fake Pumpkin?  Both
9. Favorite Halloween Costume?  Rosie Riveter

10. College Football or NFL?  NFL (go Seahawks!)
11. Fall or Halloween Decor?   Fall
12. Raking Leaves or no Leaves to Rake?  Not enough to rake
13. Favorite Soup?  My mother in law's chicken and wild rice soup
14. Favorite Fall Candle scent? My current favorite from TJ Maxx

15. Love or Hate Pumpkin Spice?  Love
16. Short Booties or Tall boots?  It depends on the outfit but can't wait to wear my most recent purchase :)

17. Favorite Halloween Candy?  Do peanut M&M's count?
18. PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte): YES or NO?  Nope
19. Hayride or Corn Maze?   Corn maze
20. Favorite Fall TV Show?  So far it's DWTS and we are only one episode in but The Good Doctor looks promising!

MUG EXCHANGE

I remember the days when we would get together for a gift exchange, which usually coincided with Christmas time. Nowadays you can plan a scarf exchange, favorite things party, or you can do what we did this past weekend and get together for a mug exchange! My sister and I had discussed it in the past after coming across the idea on some social media post. Since I was going to be in town this weekend we decided what a perfect way to roll into the fall season with a new mug for your favorite hot beverage! So this past Sunday evening, four other ladies and I gathered at a local coffee shop ready to exchange our mugs. We even added a $5 gift card to a favorite coffee shop as a little extra! We discussed how we wanted to do the exchange and decided on reciting a fun poem which would have us hand off the mug to the person who best fit the description of each paragraph in the poem! This was a lot of fun but once everyone had a mug in hand, we decided to kick it up a notch and re-exchange white elephant style! I think everyone was happy with what they got and I can see this becoming an annual tradition! 

WEEKEND RECAP

After spending the last few days with my family, I made the 4 hour trek back to my home sweet home today. The reason for this trip was to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday, but I made sure to squeeze in some other fun as well, to include a fall craft and mug exchange (separate post coming soon)! 

All of my siblings with my dad.

These ladies are just too much fun!

I stayed up way past my bed time and was struggling to get up on Sunday morning. After a tasty breakfast, we managed to make it to church and then my sister in law and I went to the local Michaels for a crafting class. We made a flower arrangement which we inserted inside of a pumpkin. Perfect addition to my fall decor! 

Once we completed our craft, we headed to the mall to look for a dress. I have an event coming up next weekend and had yet to decide what I was going to wear. After looking at a few options I got real lucky and scored a killer deal on this dress right here. I instantly fell in love with a color, which I was surprised by considering I gravitate towards black dresses most of the time. Stay tuned for event photos!

Although I had a wonderful weekend, I am happy to be home with my husband and pup :)

FALL BUCKET LIST

Well it's officially fall! Now I won't lie, summer has always been my favorite season, but there is something about the crisp air, colorful leaves, sweaters and boots that make me smile.  I compiled a list of things I want to do this season and while I kept it basic, it gives me something to look forward to!

Host a bonfire with s'mores

Bake for others

Go on a weekend getaway

Try a new soup recipe

Make a fall wreath

Purchase fall scented candles

Mug exchange (happening this weekend)

Attend a fall festival, pumpkin patch or corn maze

What's on your list?

Thursday Thoughts

1. I just came home from a 6 day trip to see family and I am feeling the urge to detox! I had so much yummy food and little exercise. However, I had a great time with family and friends and totally worth the additional calories :)

2. We have a  formal military event in a couple of weeks. I have 3 dresses which I have hung up on the pantry door in an effort to steer clear of the treats! I am really looking forward to getting dolled up and seeing my man in his uniform!!!

3. I purchased these items over the weekend this concealer and this eyeliner in the color Whiskey. I have read great reviews on the concealer and I will make sure to review my thoughts on both.

4. My husband and I have some financial goals we would like to work towards in the next few years. I am in charge of setting up our budget and boy has it been eye opening!

5. I would like to dye my hair at some point in the next couple of months. Here are a few of the looks I am thinking I would like. The first one is a bit more subtle and hubby was a fan, but I love the second one. Decisions decisions!

My Desire To Simplify

This desire came from an overwhelming feeling of having too stuff. Too much clutter. Too many things that are never used, just taking up space. Here is a list of the places and things I am planning on decluttering and reorganizing:

• Wardrobe
• Kitchen
• Shoes
• Bathroom cabinets
• Sock/underwear drawer
• Linen closet
• Garage
• Computer

I read an article recently about some of the reasons to start simplifying and I couldn't agree more!

• Getting rid of stuff you don’t need or care about will help you have a more beautiful, peaceful home.
• Purging loosens your grip on material possessions.
• When you purge, material possessions lose their grip on you.
• A simple home is prepared for the future–an easier move, a better remodel.
• If you’re accustomed to simplicity, you can travel light.
• With less things clamouring for attention, you enjoy the things you do keep more.
• Less clutter means less to clean and organize.

I mentioned in a previous post that we might be relocating early next year. I want to make sure that we are not moving things from one place to the other without the need. Now I just need to convince the hubby to join me! Wish me luck!

August Goals

As I was looking in my planner the other day, I noticed I have accomplished a few of the goals I had set for myself this year. I have never been one to set monthly goals but I am going to give it a try and see if setting smaller goals will help me to actually focus on accomplishing them. I will reassess in September and see if its something I want to continue to do, based on my results. Here's the list I came up with:

1. Read 2 books (almost halfway through one)
2. Invest in some more natural skincare products
3. Schedule a mole removal
4. Exercise 3 times a week, in addition to my daily walks with Blanco
5. Declutter the garage

One of my goals for the year was to pursue a certificate and improve my computer skills. I completed it in June and now I am praying about potentially looking for employment. The thing is, there is a potential we may be relocating next year so its something I am taking into consideration. So there you have it. Check back in September to see how I did!