Do you ever feel like you just cant catch up on life? I am behind in just about everything!!! If you get an email from me today from comments you posted two weeks ago, know that I am finally accomplishing something. It is mid October and I have hardly scraped the surface of Christmas shopping, planning Zoe’s party, figuring out the holiday family situation, etc. I really need to get on all this. It’s mid-October but you would never guess it with temperatures near 90 every day still. Woof. But it is Friday and I need to stop being negative Nancy. I am not sure what we are doing this weekend, nothing on the books that I am aware of. Obviously we will be watching some football! And getting in lots of Zoe snuggles of course. What do you have planned?
Favorite Moments: The highlight of my week was lunch with Laura yesterday at Jack Brown’s! We discovered that we hadn’t been there in far too long and quickly decided on it for lunch. I ordered my favorite, the Danny Laruso, and I tried Ghost Train’s Kaleidoscope Kettle Sour. Ghost Train is a Birmingham Brewery that I have yet to visit, they opened while I was pregnant. Trim Tab is my favorite local brewery and it’s hard to top.
Favorite Recipe: We have taco bowls just about every other week for the last…seven years. Sometimes more often. I think that this chicken enchilada bowl would be a great switch up!! It is a Keto recipe for all you low carb-aholics out there!
Favorite Lust: So I am reaching out to you, blog land, in hopes of a great recommendation on some new cookware. Some of our pots and pans have seen better days. They are a decent brand, but non-stick and the non-stick is starting to flake off. Never a good sign. I am thinking of maybe trying something else to replace them? I need recommendations from all your kitchen savvy ladies out there. What are your favorites?? I was looking at something like this, or maybe something copper, but I really don’t know what would be best? I don’t mind spending a little more if it is something that is going to last a lot longer or just really works best.
Also, has anyone tried the new Too Faced Peach Perfect Comfort Matte foundation? I am just about out of both bottles that I have been working on and I was thinking about replacing one of them with it. Thoughts?
Favorite Funnies:
Linking up with Amanda. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!
I managed to read a lot of books this month!!! A few of them were rather short, so I suppose that helped. Let just jump right on in! Linking up with Steph and Jana.
A small town girl returns home after her husband cheats on her. You get a little love, an old rivalry, a pie shop and a small town murder with big drama.
So, looking at the title and cover of this book I was expecting a little cheese. And it had it’s cheesy moments, but honestly? I really just loved the story. This is a cozy mystery, which I find myself a huge sucker for. Look at the Stephanie Plum series and the Java Jive series that I read. This one had a real southern feel to it being based in a small Georgia town. I think that parts of the book were overwritten as far as the imagery goes…but overall it was cute. There is also a little magic, which I actually liked.
Bottom Line: If you love cozy mysteries or southern stories, grab it! It is a series and I feel like I might be in it for the long haul.
When Lane discovers her family’s secrets, she runs far away. She returns several years later when her cousin goes missing, forcing her to face those secrets again.
What a messed up family!!! I sort of had an idea from the beginning what the secrets were and who was behind Allegra going missing. That didn’t take away from the story though. These are some damaged, imperfect characters and sometimes, I just want that in a book. you know? You get some depth that way and an interesting story.
Bottom Line: If you like dysfunctional families and difficult situations, then this would be right up your alley. It could be a trigger for others, so make sure you read the full synopsis before diving in. I would recommend the book.
Kate has a secret, her husband is offered a job in Luxembourg and she decides this would be the great fresh start that she needs. Or is it? Another American Couple arrives and her secret is now threatened.
I picked this up after Laura raved about it last month. I did this one via audiobook and I will say, it was a little hard to follow that way with all the time jumping. Could have been a non-issue in book format. You find out bits of Kate’s secret early on, and more and more of it comes together as the book goes on. I was a little shocked at some of the twists and how much lying and deception there is throughout the entire book. It makes you question everything in your own life and what you think you know about people.
Bottom Line: This book kept me interested the entire time and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it if you are looking for something good to read.
I didn’t know who Felicia Day was before I listened to this book. It sounded interesting and I was looking for something carefree to “read.” (I did this on audiobook, the only way I can really read nonfiction and not get bored.) It was sort of like Felicia was there with me just telling me stories throughout her life. She is hilarious and a little nerdy, which kind of reminds me of, well, me. And she lived in Alabama for awhile which is pretty cool.
Bottom Line: I got a little bored a few times and sort of tuned out, but overall it was a pleasant read.
Girls has insufferable boss. Girl wins 69 million dollars in the lottery. Girl decides to not quit and see what it takes for her boss to fire her.
This book was so cute and I am so glad that I requested it!!! I think we have all had that boss that we wish we could just pay back a little karma to, no? I literally laughed out loud at some of the things that Kiersten does to Cole throughout the book. This is a romance book, but it isn’t overly racy. You get a nice, slow build and this author is known for her playfulness and happily ever after.
Bottom Line: If you have ever had an insufferable boss, or you just want a laugh. This is for you! So cute! When I was half way through it, I texted Kristen and told her to go request it immediately.
**I received a copy of 69 Million Things I Hate About You from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**
I knew when I looked at the title of this book, there would be a lot of Christian references in it. To be honest, I am just looking for a way to get motivated to work out and get back on the healthy train again and I never really thought about looking at it from a spirituality point of view. I went back and forth from liking this book and feeling like she was getting a little preachy. I think some of the things that she said that I already know, really hit home hearing her say it. Like, setting goals and sticking to them. She said, if you lost one pound a week, next year at this time you would be 50 pounds lighter. I just sat there and thought…wow…..she’s right.
I appreciated the stories from her childhood, Full House, and her struggles. But don’t read this book thinking it is more of a memoir, because it isn’t. Also, the recipes in this book are ridiculous. I think we all know how to make tacos, no?
Bottom Line: I would be hesitant to recommend this book to just anybody. I think if you are Christian and wanting to lose weight, you would appreciate it more than someone who isn’t as spiritual. For me, I didn’t take much from the book and I honestly skipped over some parts.
Big Bang Theory is one of my absolute favorite shows, so I knew I wanted to listen to this on audiobook. Kunnal himself narrates and he is just as hilarious as you want him to be. He shared stories from his childhood, college years, dating, a little bit about Big Bang and ended with how he met his wife and their wedding.
Bottom Line: If you are a fan of Big Bang Theory and want to learn more about Kunal’s life, this is a fun read. Highly recommend the audiobook version.
Lara Jean keeps the love letters that she has written to all of her crushes in a box her mother gave her. Somehow the letters get sent, and her personal life is forever changed.
This was such a cute YA read. While it was light and fluffy, I felt like the characters are a little more complex than your typical YA book. I won’t give anything away if you haven’t read it, but there was a character that I was rooting for the whole time and was happy at the end of the book. There are two more books in this series, and I hope to read those soon!
Bottom Line: Read it if you are looking for a cute YA or need a break from darker subject matter.
I think Ellen is hilarious and I enjoyed listening to her read this on audiobook. I really liked what she said about being proud of how old you are and that you made it another year. And also about just being yourself. I felt like I wanted a little more from this book? It was kind of short and some of the chapters were very sparse.
Bottom Line: If you are an Ellen fan, go ahead! This is a really short audiobook, just over three hours. I borrowed it from my library…probably wouldn’t pay for it.
Kailey is engaged to the perfect man, but runs into her now homeless first love. Now she must chose who her heart really belongs to.
Bottom Line: I am going to be very honest and say that I did not finish this book. The writing was really choppy for me, and I don’t like being spoon fed while I am reading. I feel like the premise was good, but the writing fell short. I didn’t really feel anything from the characters and life is too short to finish a book you are not enjoying.
**I received a copy of Always from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**
Oh, hey there holiday Monday that doesn’t really count since most of us have to work today. Rude. I am just shaking myself off over here after all the rain that Nate dropped on us all weekend. Gross. Is it just me, or does it seem like we had a crap ton more hurricanes/tropical storms hit us this year? Either way, I am just thankful that it we didn’t have any damage this weekend. Some of our trees were looking a little iffy yesterday!
I stopped by Trader Joes on my lunch break Friday to pick up some essentials that we ran out of, and wanted to try a few of their fall goodies. They are about 45 minutes away from our house, so we don’t get to shop there near as much as we would like to. Not pictured was all the blocks of cheese, chicken chili lime burgers and a few more bottles of wine. What are your must haves from there? I always grab the burgers, gorgonzola gnocchi, corn puffs and cheeses when I go.
Friday night, I got some cleaning done around the house and did a little light reading. We used up the leftover meat from our taco bowls earlier in the week to make some nachos. Delicious!
I was out the door bright and early on Saturday to get my hair cut and colored. I decided to try out the whole balayage look, and have a little trim. My hair was longer in the front with my last cut, and I wanted to reverse that. I love the way my color turned out!!!! I have been all over dark for the last two years, and I am glad to see some blonde return.
Zoe and I hit up the grocery store that afternoon, and the rest of the day was spent hanging around the house and watching all the football games. We didn’t kill Texas A & M the way I wanted to, but a win is a win.
I was supposed to meet up with my mom, godmother and sister on Sunday for an early lunch. The wind and rain started picking up something fierce when it was time to head out, and we were right in the wall and eye of the main storm…so I stayed home and decided I would try to see my godmother later in the afternoon once things calmed down. I ended up meeting up with them at the outlets for awhile, so glad to see her while she was in town!
That evening, we caught up on Scandal and The Good Place and tried out the fall pasta and sauce from Trader Joes. It was delicious!!!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Linking up with Biana.
Watching: Lucifer started back this week!!! We are also keeping up with everything that came back last week. Scandal will be on tonight, and Blindspot starts back later this month. So I am excited for those too. And when we aren’t catching up on all the fall shows, football is on.
Working: Our kitchen has gotten out of control. Zoe’s bottles and food have taken over half our counter space, I don’t have any good cabinet space for her plates and flatware that we are starting to pick up. And our pantry and refrigerator have no rhyme or reason to how they are laid out currently. I am not sure how my OCD self has let this happen….but it is time to purge and organize everything! It gives me anxiety just looking in the room!
Planning: Zoe turned 10 months old yesterday. Shut up!!! I know!!! I can’t believe it either. I obviously need to really start planning her birthday party! I think I have the day and time picked, and I know the theme. I have napkins, straws and one cute decor item purchased. I need to get the rest!
I also need to start picking up Christmas presents. Usually I have a few bought by this time, and I only have some clearance clothes and two movies to start Zoe’s collection. I haven’t even started on anyone else.
Lusting:Since I want to finally make a homemade pie this year, I want to get a special pie pan. I am thinking something in a really pretty color like this one. Do you have a favorite brand for baking?
Quoting:
Excited: My Godmother is coming to town this weekend for my mom’s birthday, and she will get to meet Zoe for the first time!!! She flew down here from Pittsburgh last year at this time for the baby shower and I can’t wait for Zoe to get to see her. My sister and I are going to meet up with her and my mom over lunch.
What have you been up to? Do you have any fall treats that you have to bake each year?
It is no secret that fall is my favorite time of year. I think I have only mentioned it about a thousand times. The temperatures cool down, all my favorite jewel tones can be found in stores, the TV shows start back, we have football every weekend, the leaves turn colors, the fall scents are everywhere. Do I even need to keep selling it??? Today I am linking up with Andrea for TBB Asks for some fall themed questions! (Yes, I know I am a day late. I always have this post finished but like to share it on Tuesdays since I talk about my weekends on Monday.)
Favorite Fall Sweet Treat?
I have to say that apple pie is my absolute favorite fall treat. There are so many delicious things that come with the season, but there is nothing better than my mom’s homemade apple pie. It is my goal this fall for her to come over and teach me how to make it so that I can start a tradition for Zoe to have some every year.
When my sister and I were young, we had our very own apple trees in our backyard at our house in Pennsylvania. I remember going out there and picking lots of apples to bring in for my mom to make us pie. She always had leftover crust and would put it in a small pan and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over it and get it crispy and perfect and let us snack on that while we waited for the pies to cool.
Red, Yellow or Green Apples?
Granny Smith green apples are my absolute favorite, but I also enjoy Pink Lady, Gala and Honeycrisp.
Favorite Fall Sport to Play?
Me play sports? LOLOLOL
Best Drink for Fall?
Are we talking coffee? Alcohol? Let me share my favorites that I look forward to.
Salted Carmel Frapuccino, apple cider and pumpkin beers
Favorite Fall Activity?
Watching football. I want to start some traditions with Zoe like going to a pumpkin patch or fall festival.
Must have Fall Purchase?
Cozy cardigans and boots!
Pumpkins: Pick your own or store bought?
I don’t usually go pumpkin crazy, but now that we have Zoe, I would love to make it a tradition to go pick our own each year!
Real or Fake Pumpkin?
Real
Favorite Halloween Costume?
I don’t really dress up for Halloween anymore. In recent years, I did get a little festive when Chris DJ’d at an annual Halloween party, but it isn’t my favorite holiday. I guess it depends on how much Zoe gets into it when she is older.
College Football or NFL?
College Football is a must for us!! I think you all know that we are Alabama fans in our house. Roll Tide!!! I also pull for Georgia. I occasionally watch NFL and my heart belongs to the Steelers and the Falcons. Even if I don’t many of their games, I do keep up with how they are doing.
Fall or Halloween Decor?
I don’t go crazy decorating the house for fall, I save most of the energy for Christmas. I do plan to get a little more festive for each season when Zoe is older. I prefer fall decor over Halloween stuff.
Raking Leaves or no Leaves to Rake?
Nope. We don’t have a lot of trees in our yard so we just leave them. I love looking at them. And honestly, we still have to cut the grass after they start to fall, so the lawn mower takes care of most of them. We do have lots of woods behind our fence, but luckily the leaves stay back there.
Favorite Soup?
Chili
Favorite Fall Candle scent?
Marshmallow Fireside and Flannel. We have Marshmallow Fireside candles in our house year round and I have Flannel in my car right now. I also love Leaves.
Love or Hate Pumpkin Spice?
I enjoy a few PSLs every year, but I don’t get crazy about all the other pumpkin spice treats that come out. I also love to get one pumpkin scone.
Short Booties or Tall boots?
I love both, depending on the outfit. Though, I don’t wear boots above my knee because my calves are too muscular and they never fit right.
Favorite Halloween Candy?
Pumpkin shaped Reese Cups and candy corn
PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte): YES or NO?
Yes (but I love the salted caramel more)
Hayride or Corn Maze?
Hayride.
Favorite Fall TV Show?
I can’t just mention one. I live for fall TV! Our regular shows include Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order SVU, Big Bang Theory, South Park, Chicago Fire/PD/Med/Law, Modern Family, This is Us, Scandal, Jane the Virgin, Lucifer and The Good Place. I think that is all of them that come back?? I think we might try The Good Doctor too. And I kind of wouldn’t mind watching Will and Grace since it is coming back.
