Mini Fall Vacation: Part II

We decided to spend our first day in the mountains driving the Parkway and doing some hiking. So we woke fairly early Saturday morning, packed the cooler with water and snacks, and then we (and the girls) headed to the Parkway. Fortunately, the Blue Ridge Parkway remained open despite the government shutdown. Unfortunately, the road to the hike that we planned was blocked; however, as you'll see below, we followed suit with the others, parked our truck in some grass, and walked up the road that led to the "closed" hiking trail. Take that government shutdown!

After our hike and drive through the Parkway we ventured to one of our favorite little orchards in western NC, Barber Orchards. We loaded up on fresh apples, apple butter, peach preserves, homemade salsa, the most amazing apple cider, and some fresh apple turnovers. Oh, and homemade apple cider doughnuts. We went all out since we probably won't be back until next fall. 

You'll see below we were blessed with a beautiful day to drive the Parkway and be outside. Despite the fact that I spent two years surrounded by these gorgeous mountains, and no matter how many times we come back to visit, the site of rolling mountains and changing leaves will never cease to amaze me. I grew up closer to the NC coast, but something about these mountains is overwhelmingly comforting and feels like home. 

One of many overlook stops throughout the Parkway. 

Getting started on the hike and looking back at the parking lot (some people were brave enough to drive past the block - we're not at their level of rebellion). 

Maeby feeling accomplished after our hike and taking in the rewarding, panoramic views at the top of the mountain.

Maeby was so exhausted from the hike she couldn't even stand up to drink her water. 

Mini Fall Vacation: Part 1 - The Cabin

Mini Fall Vacation: Part I

A couple weekends ago, Chris and I took a mini, fall vacation to western North Carolina. We chose this area because it's an area we both love; I spent two years there while in graduate school, so we knew the area and also had some places we wanted to visit for the first time. 

So we stayed in a tiny town called Bryson City, NC. We rented our precious cabin through NC Cabin Rentals - which was located in Bryson City. It really is a great location as Bryson City is an adorable little mountain town with local restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and a brewery, Nantahala Brewing. From our cabin, it was a short dive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, to my favorite apple orchard - Barber Orchard, and to Asheville. 

A few pictures of our quaint, cozy cabin. 

We take these hammocks everywhere. 

Our amazing view throughout the day and as the sun set. I couldn't stop taking pictures of what we got to see every day, all the time. 

Mini Fall Vacation: Part II - The Blue Ridge Parkway

TOP TEN: Summer to Fall Transition Pieces

Fall has arrived! Excuse me while I do a happy dance and sip my Pumpkin Spice Latte! 

Unfortunately, there's not a switch to flip and suddenly we have highs that only reach the 50's. Some of you may already be enjoying cooler weather, but here in the deep south, we're not. So I would say this list of summer to fall transition pieces is relative to the climate of the south. It's a mix of balancing a desire for cool weather and the reality of warm weather. 

The thing I love about all these pieces is that they can be layered. I can wear shorts and a gray tee during the day, then, as the sun sets, layer on a sweater, scarf, and close-toe flats. These are pieces I'm rotating and/or wanting. 

01. {Leather Pencil Skirt}

02. {Cognac Crossbody}

03. {Simple flats}

04. {Deep red nail color}

05. {Gray tee}

06. {Colorblock sweater}

07. {Soft scarf in camel}

08. {Cargo Tunic dress}

09. {Easy Blazer/Jacket}

10. {Dark wash, skinny jeans}

Dotty

sweater: Old Navy (similar and similar)

blouse: J Crew

pants: c/o Karen Kane

shoes: TJ Maxx

clutch: vintage

sunnies: Oakley

I purchased this sweater a couple months ago at Old Navy and I was finally able to wear it. We had a short-lived, cool weather spurt, but it's back warm again. I'm hoping the weather really starts to cool down in the next month. Fingers crossed. We're entering our third winter down here in Alabama and I'm still not used to a warm fall. 

Despite the not-so-cold weather, I'm in full swing with getting our Christmas decor up. I've posted a few photos on Instagram of us putting up the new tree, garland on the mantel, and Starbucks Red Christmas cups. I'm trying to get things up this week and next so when we return home from Georgia, after Thanksgiving, everything will be set up and we can just enjoy all the festive decor between then and Christmas. 

Just Me Talking

{via}

Isn't that gorgeous? A view of one of my favorite cities/area (especially during this time of year), Asheville, NC. 

The leaves here in Alabama are finally turning. I took time to enjoy the gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows to day as I drove around shopping. Speaking of shopping - we have a Christmas tree! I plan on putting it up tomorrow and decorating it this week so when we return home from Georgia after Thanksgiving we will come back to a Christmas Wonderland of a home! Eeep!

So, the good news is that my computer has run long enough for me to type up a post and post it. The bad news is that this is pretty rare and I'm not sure how many opportunities like this I may be so lucky to have. My computer is dying a slow (and inconvenient) death. I'm not really a fan of having to purchase a new computer - especially around the holidays. Great timing. I'm also really not a fan of having to spend money I didn't plan to spend... Chris and I are currently going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course (we graduate tomorrow!) and I'm pretty sure it's against the rules to put anything ever ever ever again on a credit card; however, it's going to have to happen if we have to buy a computer before we can save up cash. Thankfully, I'm pretty sure Dave isn't a follower of my blog. 

Hope you all are enjoying your fall and looking forward to the upcoming holiday season! It's in full swing as Starbucks is already using their red cups!

Recent Polaroids

   

BEAUTY

01. Berry-pink lips using Maybelline Color Sensational in Party Pink and my favorite gloss over it. 

02. Dark locks for fall via Garnier Nutrisse Hail Color in Roasted Pecan. 

   

HEALTH

03. New kicks. I'm in love. So comfy and light. Nike Free Run+ 2.

04. Favorite power breakfast: toasted, whole wheat waffle topped with peanut butter, honey, and walnuts. 

   

LIFE

05. Perfect temperatures: 70s in the day, 40s in the night. 

06. Windows in the house up; having a cool, fall breeze all throughout the house. 

   

SWEETS

07. Perfect sweet'n'salty snack: one part candy corn, one part salty peanuts. 

08. My first, made from scratch apple pie. Used Ina's recipe, but altered it a bit. 

Fab Five Friday: Fall Edition

So it's not technically fall, but with Labor Day behind us and these fall-like weather conditions here in Alabama, I'm pretending it is. So I'm here to share with you five, fall-related things I've loved this week! Go!

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte 

It's here! Tuesday Starbucks started selling these tasty treats and I was there to enjoy my first of many this season! If you haven't tried one of these get to your local Starbucks and try it out. Unless you're crazy, you'll love it! They also have this Salted Caramel Mocha thing going on that I think I will have to try out. Have you tried this one yet? I'd like to hear about it before I forego my PSL and try something new. 

Bath and Body Works Leaves Candle

I love B&BB winter candles (Fresh Balsam, omg!) . I stocked up last year and when they make their seasonal debut this year I plan to do the same thing. This year I showed up a little early for the fall scents. I've heard a couple people rant and rave about the Leaves Candle and I just could not resist smelling it myself. Let me tell you, it was love at first sniff. It has a pumpkin, spiced cider aroma - perfectly fall! This is my fall candle! 

Fall Weather via

These are my beloved NC mountains - one of the best places in the world as far as I am concerned. In two weeks I will be heading to these glorious mountains and I am about to jump out of my pants to get there! I mentioned above the weather here lately has been delightful. Cool in the morning and mildly warm in the afternoon - perfect. I'm enjoying every second of it as we will be back in the 90s next week. Boo. 

NFL

The NFL is back and we watched the opening game last night. Do I have a team... eh, not really. I do tend to always pull for the Falcons, Chargers, and Eagles - but I just prefer to watch good games and amazing players. I am in a fantasy football league this year and I'm looking forward to that opening my eyes even more to the game. I love it!

Essie Fall Collection

It took a lot of will-power to resist buying all these gorgeous, fall colors. So I just purchased Carry On and then ran out of the store so I wasn't tempted to buy the others. Essie is my all time favorite nail polish; I love how it applies, wears, and the colors. The colors! That's my favorite part. Their colors are always perfect. All of them. 

No link-up this week. Sorry, it just didn't seem to be a big hit. Feel free to continue your own Fab Five posts and comment below with your link!

Cool Weather Staples

Just when Fall starts rolling around and the weather is verging on cool, I like to sport the shorts and long sleeve look. This look definitely falls into my favorites category. Something about pairing shorts with long sleeves is nautical and fresh, and straight out of a Spring LL Bean ad - I love it.

We were in Gap over the weekend and they were having a sale on striped and solid colored SuperSoft Long Sleeve T-shirts. I picked up four - two solids and two stripes (I never ever follow that shopping rule that states, don't buy several colors of the same piece. my rule is, if it works, it works, so stock up.). They are perfect. And don't let the "t-shirt" label through you off - they are exceptionally thick and warm. So you can be sure that I will be wearing my shorts/long sleeve look until I need some warmth around my chicken legs.

These shirts are also a great buy not only because they were on sale, but because of their versatility. They can be paired with skinny jeans, a blazer, and boots; they can be dressed up with a colorful scarf, ,chunky necklace, or long pendant necklace; and they can be tucked into a skirt for an even dressier look.

It's always a good idea to invest in basics.

Glittery Pumpkins

Not too long ago I posted on a Martha Stewart craft that turned boring orange plastic pumpkins into glittery and beautiful decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Early last week I tackled the project and I'm ready to share!

I bought a large white pumpkin and two smaller orange pumpkins. As far as the glitter, when I walked into Michaels there was a basket stand full of $1 goodies. One of the $1 goodies was a pack of four different fine, colored glitter. The colors were gold, purple, dark pink, and pink. I decided to buy seven of these and I essentially got a decent amount of four different colors for seven bucks. Quite the deal. The pay off was great, but it was a pain to open each packet to pull out a color every time I ran out. And the tops to each little container just sat on the top, it wasn't secure. And I spilled a lot. And made a mess.

 But the task is over and I think they look fantastic! I'm not completely satisfied with what I've done with the centerpiece. I think this particular set up would look great on a hallway table or the top of a entertainment center that's under a hanging flat screen, but not the dining table. It's not dramatic enough. So I'm either going to completely move it somewhere else and find something better for the table OR I'm going to try out some candle sticks to give it some height. Whatever happens, I still absolutely love the results!

                                

 

Hello Mr. Fall

{via}

The first day of fall! What a happy day and one welcomed with open arms by all.

I spent the past two fall seasons deep in the mountains of North Carolina, and I cannot be convinced otherwise that fall in that area offers some of the most beautiful fall scenes to take in.

The air, the breeze on your skin, the orchards, the apples, the rollings red, yellow, and orange hills, the park-way, the hiking trails, the view when you walk out of walmart (yeah.), the farms, the cool mornings, the smells, opening your windows throughout the house, being outside while sipping on coffee or cider, sweaters to keep you warm - it's all just so perfectly fall.

I loved it there. Every season was perfect, but especially Fall. If it were up to me, I would have us living right outside of Asheville in a quaint bungalow with the perfect view. That's a dream.