Do you Have the Time?

Sweater and Pants: Gap Watch and Glasses: The Loft

My mom always asks for our Christmas lists way in advance so she can "get everything done by Thanksgiving." Which, by the way, has never happened. But this year is actually one of the earliest times I have ever started to craft my list. Only here's the thing: I have already purchased one thing on my list and am already contemplating another. The watch above is the already purchased item. I really bought it on my mom's behalf, fully intending to have her wrap it and put it under the tree but then it was just sitting in its cute box on my coffee table, sadly crying that it was not being shown off and worn, and whining about how he would be shut in that box for almost 3 more months. I mean, how could I ignore all that sadness? I have a heart people! So to sooth the lonely watch, I took him out of his box and placed him in his rightful place, my wrist. I'll just have to turn in a revised copy of my list...

Mustard Sweater

Sweater: Old Navy, Pants: Gap

I picked up this sweater at the end of the season last year and I have been looking forward to wearing it ever since. The cute buttons on the elbow, the navy accents on the collar and sleeve, the mustard yellow color and the lightweight fabric have made it ideal for layering and keeping warm in the always too cold office. Pull those chunky, toasty, comfy-cozy babies out of storage because sweater season is upon us and I could not be happier!

Manicure Monday

Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of those seasonal treats I always try to have each year and 2012 is no exception to these salty seeds.

This past weekend included a string of fall activities, most notably, a day of tailgating at Ohio State followed by the homecoming game that night with the most perfect football weather. It was slightly brisk all day but the sun was out and shining, keeping me warm during the afternoon and then it was just cold enough for a jacket and a couple layers at the game. It was a fun weekend with friends and to keep the fall spirit going, I decided to break into my pumpkin seed stash this evening. Just as tasty as I remember!

Shades of Blue

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Sweater: PacSun

My place is starting to feel a little more like October now. It is a bit chilly in the apartment due to the awkward in-between temperatures outside and I have finally gotten around to putting up my hallloween decorations. All 3 of them. But I do really like my cute sparkly ghost on my front door, especially as he greeted me on my arrival home today. And now that it is October, candy corn is officially in season and I am taking full advantage.

It has been a particularly chaotic week at the office which suites me just fine but man, am I looking forward to heading to a friend's house for some much needed vino and pasta tonight! Cheers to Friday flying by as quick as today!

Stripe Hype

Shirt: Thrifted, Skirt: H&M, Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Say what you will about stripes but I love them. It is a more recent obsession but it has really taken hold of my wardrobe. I like the versatility that they offer, like being able to incorporate a pattern with the tailored look of a pencil skirt. I'm also a fan of mixing a second pattern with a striped top like I did here to add a twist of unexpected to an outfit. And with the cute button detail on the shoulder of this top, what more could you ask for?

Jack O'Lanterns

You didn't think I was just going to breeze over the fact that I carved pumpkins this weekend did you? Certainly not!

My youngest brother and I were awaiting my sister to get home from work Friday night so we walked down the street to the grocery store to pick out our pumpkins. We didn't think it through though because we had 2 people and 3 pumpkins to bring back. But being the resourceful kids that we are, we borrowed a grocery cart to haul our choice pumpkins home. Naturally.

Austin knew one of the cashiers working so of course we asked and got the OK. These are the joys of small town living.

After we took the rattling cart back to its rightful home, we did a little search for some carving inspiration. I came across the cat idea and Austin decided to tackle the bat signal. Holly went with a freehand approach. All we were missing was our other brother Alex who could not come home because of football. Luckily, we saw him the next day so all was well.

We scooped out the goo, being careful to separate the seeds for later, and got to work on our masterpieces. Once we put a tea light in each and saw them glowing on the porch, it took me right back to being a kid again. And i think our little guys turned out pretty good! I love Halloween and this kicked off the season on the right foot. Plus I was able to take some toasted pumpkin seeds back with me to snack on this week so happy fall to me!

Manicure Monday

Caffeine is necessary this morning.

It was a busy weekend with a lot of time spent in the car. I drove back to my home town on Friday, then Saturday we drove to go watch my brother play football and then I left late yesterday to get back to my apartment.

On top of that, we celebrated my sister's birthday Friday night by carving pumpkins and sharing a big slice of carrot cake. We made cookies on Sunday morning and brought them to our friends for nourishment at their dad's visitation. We waited in line to hug them and give them support. And then before I left last night, we had to pump up the tires on my car and top off the coolant in my brother's before we headed off in opposite directions.

So! Refueling this morning since I had to hit the ground running after arriving at the office today. Oh Monday, how I did not miss you.