Enjoy the Fall Season

 "Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." (Robert Louis Stevenson)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

     The crisp air is finally flowing through the house! We've been doing this awkward, drawn-out dance with the high $80s$ for what felt like forever, but it seems Mother Nature has finally decided to let the autumn cool stick around. Time to grab that comfy sweater!

 

     Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday I was writing about summer, and now we're diving headfirst into autumn! Time truly flies when you're having fun (or maybe just watching the calendar pages flip a little too fast).

 

    For me, as soon as September hit, it was straight into the spooky movie marathon! But there's so much more to celebrate this amazing time of year than just chilling on the couch with a fright flick. From pumpkin patches and apple cider to costumes and crisp air, the autumn and Halloween season is packed with potential for fun.

 

    Winter is still my first love, but autumn is pulling off a charming little coup in my heart! Seriously, the crisp air and colors are just too good. Since I'm embracing this new seasonal crush, I made a list of autumn adventures to dive into. What are your absolute favorite fall things to do? Comment with your suggestions!

 

Autumn movies - I know horror isn't everyone's jam, so if spooky scares aren't your thing, don't worry! I've brewed up a whole list of autumn-themed movies guaranteed to make you feel perfectly warm and cozy. 

When Harry Met Sally
You’ve Got Mail
Stepmom
Mystic Pizza
Autumn in New York
Practical Magic
Good Will Hunting
Harry Potter series
Little Women

TV Shows: Gilmore Girls, Grimm, Good Witch, Stranger Things, Charmed, Wednesday

 

Books -  The other week, I blissfully lost an hour wandering the aisles of my local bookstore, hunting for the perfect reads to usher in the spooky season. I ended up scoring two classic titans of terror: Dracula and Frankenstein! To round out my haul, I grabbed a couple of fall-themed magazines brimming with cozy recipes and decorating inspiration. It was the perfect little literary escape. Why don't you carve out some time to visit your own local bookstore and find your next spooky or autumnal adventure?

 

Go shopping -  Let's set the record straight: you don't have to buy a thing, but a little indulgence goes a long way. Treat yourself to a pumpkin spice something—be it a cookie, a comforting coffee, a cup of tea, or maybe a fancy waffle! And to really capture that autumn vibe, take a stroll through a few shops and check out the gorgeous fall decorations they have out for your place.

 

 Get out into nature - The leaves are putting on a spectacular color show! It’s nature’s final, brilliant performance before winter, and it's a gift for all to enjoy.

Why not lace up your shoes and go for a walk? There’s nothing quite like that satisfying, crisp crunch of leaves under your feet—it’s the official soundtrack of autumn!

After enjoying the scenery, it's time to get your hands dirty. Tuck your yard in for a long winter’s nap by trimming back the perennials and getting everything cleaned up. That way, it'll be ready to spring to life next year!

 

So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again! 

The Autumn Vibes

 

2025 Holiday Spooktacular

 

 "Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen." (Author Unknown)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

     Welcome to my 2025 Holiday Spooktacular! Ready or not, the holiday season has officially arrived! Seriously, how did that happen? One minute I'm ringing in the New Year, and the next I'm wondering if this year was secretly moving in fast-forward... or maybe even slow motion on the tough days.

 

It's official: the holiday season has arrived, and I am absolutely living for it! This time of year—encompassing all the wonderful fall and winter seasons—is my jam, and I'm ready to dive into everything that makes it special.

So, what can you expect? Get ready for a joyful whirlwind of:

• 🎄 Decorating

• 🍽️ Delicious Recipes

• 💡 Creative Ideas

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cherished Traditions

   

I'm keeping the focus firmly on the festive fun for the next few months, which means you'll be getting holiday-themed blogs most days. I'll still keep you in the loop about what's going on in our world, but those updates will likely be reserved for one day a week.

 

 It's been a week since we last chatted, and things around here have done a complete 180! The moment the calendar flipped to the first day of autumn, the weather totally got the memo.

     

We were treated to a solid 24 hours of rain. Not a downpour, but a beautiful, slow, steady soaking that went all day and all night. It was so effective I actually turned off the sprinklers for the week—a nice little break for the water bill! Speaking of sprinklers, that's my cue: I need to call the service to get them blown out for the season. That rainy evening called for a simple but perfect dinner for us: soup and sandwiches.

 

   Did any of you do anything fun or festive to mark the new season? I had a mission to make pumpkin spice pancakes, but alas, I couldn't find a box mix anywhere! So, I rolled up my sleeves and made my own from an online recipe. It was seriously good. I hate it when the spice is too heavy-handed, but this one was really light and just made the house smell incredible.

 

    I'm definitely making them again this week. I'll be sure to snap some photos and write up the recipe for you all. It's super easy and very tasty!

 

     Same old story with my mom—the world keeps spinning, but Kaiser is apparently stuck in slow motion. We're still in the 'who knows when' phase for her treatment. But honestly, that’s just background noise because her pain has actually chilled out and is manageable! That’s a huge win. We're hoping those shots are next up on the docket. She's a total champ, so she'll get through this waiting game.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

Holiday Blogs Coming

 

Hello ladies! I just wanted to let you all know that I'll be back on Sunday. The holiday and autumn blogs will start then. Love ya! 

Happy Fall Y'all!

 

Good-bye Summer!

 

 

"Give yourself permission to immediately walk away from anything that gives you bad vibes. There is no need to explain or make sense of it. Just trust what you feel." (Author Unknown)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 Can you believe it? Today is literally the last day of summer. As I sit here, sipping my iced coffee (still clinging to those summer vibes, clearly!), there's a whisper of crispness in the air, a subtle shift that tells us… it's time. Time to trade those breezy sundresses for cozy sweaters, flip-flops for ankle boots, and those long, sun-drenched evenings for golden hour glows and pumpkin spice everything.

But here’s the thing: It's not all bad. In fact, it's pretty great. Fall is like a big, cozy hug from the universe. It’s the perfect time to trade in our sandals for a comfy pair of boots and our light dresses for oversized sweaters. Think of all the amazing things fall brings: apple picking, pumpkin spice everything, and the excuse to stay in and binge-watch our favorite shows without feeling like we're missing out on anything.

 

This new season is also an invitation to slow down and reconnect. It’s a chance to get back into our routines, yes, but also to build new, cozy rituals. Maybe it's a weekly coffee date to catch up, a weekend hike to see the leaves change, or a night in with a good bottle of wine and a great movie. This is the perfect time to gather our favorite people and make new memories.

 

So, let's not mourn the end of summer. Instead, let's celebrate the beginning of fall. Let's embrace the crisp air, the beautiful colors, and the chance to get a little cozier. I can't wait to see what this season holds for all of us.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

Just the Facts #30

 "Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." (Bullet Bob Feller)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

 And just like that, it's our last Friday Funday before the holiday blogs take over. Can you believe it? Even with the weather still feeling like summer, we’re about to be plunged into a world of pumpkins, pies, and festive cheer.

 

So, let's talk about all things fall!

 

1. One autumn in high school, my dad was raking leaves in the backyard and asked for my help. I was sporting a fresh set of press-on nails and a less-than-enthusiastic attitude about yard work. As I was stuffing handfuls of leaves into a trash bag, I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks.

My eyes scanned the chaotic pile of leaves, a mix of vibrant reds, oranges, and browns. Panic set in. One of my precious nails had popped off and disappeared into the leafy abyss! I got down on my hands and knees, sifting through the leaves like a detective searching for a crucial piece of evidence. It took a while, but I finally spotted it—a tiny, shiny piece of plastic triumphantly recovered from nature's clutches.

 

2. The chill in the air always brings back a flood of memories. As kids, certain foods and drinks were a sure sign that the colder months had arrived. My mom would whip up creamy bowls of Cream of Wheat, savory pots of chicken soup, and mugs of fragrant spiced tea. Even now, when the leaves start to change, those familiar cravings kick in. It's a tradition that has warmed our family for years, one delicious bite and sip at a time.

 

3. Growing up, a simple tradition filled our family with so much joy: we’d pile into the car, a cooler packed with snacks and drinks, and head for the mountains. The four of us would drive for hours, mesmerized by the stunning, golden spectacle of the changing Aspen leaves. After our drive, we'd find a charming little mountain town to spend the rest of the day in, exploring local shops and enjoying a cozy lunch together.

For years, life got in the way and those trips became a distant memory. But the year before my dad and Bella passed, we spontaneously decided to do it all again. We packed up the car and drove into the mountains, just the four of us, chasing the vibrant colors one last time. It was a day I’ll cherish forever, and I’m so grateful we got to create that beautiful memory together.

 

4. As the weather turns crisp, one of my favorite little luxuries is snuggling into my bed. I'll swap out my light summer comforter for my thick flannel sheets, but I'll still wear my thin summer pajamas. The mix of the cool fabric on my skin and the warm, fuzzy sheets feels like a perfectly cozy secret, making for the best night's sleep.

 

5.  When the weather turns cool, I love to make a big pot of menudo. This hearty Mexican soup, with its rich broth, tender tripe, and plump hominy, is a labor of love that's worth every minute. While many swear by it as a hangover cure, I just love digging into a steaming bowl on a chilly day. It's a time-consuming dish, but the end result is pure comfort in a bowl.

 

6.  I had my very first hayride in 8th grade. It was a blast because I was with all my friends, but it was also the day I discovered I had allergies. I sneezed the entire time! Afterward, we gathered around a campfire, but to my dismay, there were no s'mores. I still haven't had one to this day, and I've never been on a hayride or a horse since.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

In This Life

 

Just the Facts #29

 

 

“If Friday were a rainbow, it would be a double one.” (Keith Wynn)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 This week, we're diving back into my high school journey. Last week, we covered the freshman and sophomore years, which were a blast. But this time around, things get a little darker. My junior and senior years were a struggle, with more downs than ups. So, let’s get into it.

 

1.  Junior year was a major turning point for me. Up until then, I was putting up a facade of being the "perfect" person I thought everyone expected me to be, but it was all a lie. All that pressure to be something I wasn't made me miserable and depressed. I became so unhappy that it started to affect my schoolwork. I went from being a straight-A student to skipping classes and not caring about anything at all.

 

2.  By the time my senior year of high school started, I was really struggling. My parents eventually found out I was skipping school and not doing well in my classes. My drinking and drug use had gotten out of control, and I knew I needed to get help. The week of Halloween, I checked into a teen rehab facility and ended up staying there until about two weeks before Christmas. That was the turning point for me—the moment I decided to change my life for the better.

 

3.  While I was in rehab, my world was shaken up by some tragic news. A few of my friends were in a bad car accident. There were some serious injuries, but there was also one death—a sweet little girl named Megan who was about five. I used to watch her sometimes; she was my little shadow, always following me around. My parents and the doctor came to my rehab to tell me what happened, and I was given a 24-hour pass to go to her funeral. Being there broke my heart. It made me realize just how fragile life is, especially because there was a very real chance I could've been in that car, too. A part of me will always wonder if things would have been different if I had been there with her.

 

4. When I got out of rehab, I didn't have much of a say in where I'd finish high school. My parents lived right across the street from my old one, and they really wanted me to go back there. I felt totally different.

The first week back was a nightmare. Everyone treated me like I was made of glass and could shatter at any moment. I hated it and, after a month, I just stopped going and dropped out entirely.

 

5.  My high school journey was a little unconventional. I actually dropped out for a bit, but I went back to a cool program downtown that was designed for people like me who needed a different path. It was all self-paced, and I ended up finishing in less than a year!

 

6.  I have to end on a high note! I was talking about going to a concert every month, and I can't forget the time Def Leppard came through with their incredible "in the round" tour. They even filmed the show for two music videos, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Armageddon It." The whole concert is on DVD, and I swear I caught a glimpse of myself in the crowd!

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

Always Remember, Never Forget

 

 

 Hello, my lovely friends! 

 

Every year I post this poem in honor of September 11, 2001. This is a day that we should always remember and never forget.

If I Knew
By Unknown

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
and certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Just Be You