A Semi Grown-Up Halloween!

It's hard to believe Halloween has already come and gone! This year, I definitely felt a bit more grown up (still fighting it though!) After a great Aggie victory, we headed to Northgate for a chill night with friends and some awesome people watching. We actually saw girls out in roller skates. I'm very curious to know how that went as the night progressed.

For Halloween night, I sported a witch's hat and black lipstick and Tyler had a pirate hat (probably made for a 5 year old.) We sat out with neighbors and wished tons of kids a Happy Halloween with lots of candy and licks from Snoop. It was really precious to experience their genuine excitement for the holiday. We had so many kids we actually had to close up shop at 8:50 pm with no candy left to give! It was a fun holiday and reminded me what a special time that was as a child :)

Autumn Getaway!

We just recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary (a month early) in Portland, Maine! It was such an incredible trip; a great mix of relaxation, nature's beauty, yummy food and quality time with Tyler.

The trip started a bit on the rocky side with my luggage not arriving with us. I was told I'd get it on the next flight in, and assumed that would be first thing in the morning. Nope! My luggage arrived mid afternoon the next day and with it, my dignity and sense of being girl (yay make up!) We started out the day on a hunt for a local cup of coffee. We ran through the rain, but rest assured, we landed ourselves a delicious coffee treat! We then toured the fabulous Victoria Mansion. Afterwards, we visited Allagash brewery and tasted some yummy beers. Tyler was very pleased to learn Maine had a ton of breweries. We spent the rest of the afternoon browsing Old Port, an area full of local restaurants and precious shops. We checked into our amazing B&B and settled in with a delicious dinner (I even got the recipe!)

Saturday morning, we woke up to a homemade breakfast and took off on a leaf peeping drive across the state. We actually at one point crossed into New Hampshire and enjoyed seeing all the charming towns and worked in some spontaneous hiking here and there. Saturday night, we ate and hung out in Old Port!

Sunday we spent on the coast and wow, is it gorgeous! We visited several state parks and beautiful beaches. We saw the Portland Light and explored the quaint little coastal town of Boothbay Harbor. We ended the day with a big, messy, yummy lobster dinner! It was a fabulous trip. I've always wanted to experience a real autumn, and what better reason than to celebrate 1 happy year!

Yum!

Mmm, such a great fall treat! Tyler made me this delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. Try it out!

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

3 cups hot whole milk

4 teaspoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

6 ounces double-strength brewed coffee

3 tablespoons sweetened whipped cream

3 pinches pumpkin pie spice

Combine the hot milk, sugar, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice in a blender; blend until frothy. Pour the mixture into 3 coffee mugs to about 2/3 full. Pour 2 ounces coffee into each mug. Garnish each mug with whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice.

Curl up and enjoy :)

Well, it's officially fall in Houston, though it doesn't always feel like it. Our precious little wreath from Etsy came in and I picked out a mum for fall to warm up the front of our home. So ready to experience real autumn in the Northeast later this week!

Little Kitchen Window

This is one of my favorite little nooks in our house. Recently, at the Round Top Antique Festival, I set out to find a stained glass window. I ended up finding this non-stained stained glass window from the 1930s and thought it would be perfect in this little window.

I also love this little detail. My mom knows me too well and knew I had been looking for the perfect way to save corks to display in the kitchen. Lo and behold, she found this precious little bottle. As you can see, I have quite a ways to go until it's filled!

Ready for lobster!

It's hard to believe it's almost time for our anniversary trip to Portland, Maine! We're so excited to see leaf change, light houses and eat lobster to our heart's content. :)

Gratitude

Though it might come easily for most, I made a goal for myself this year. To genuinely feel and express gratitude. I've been told by some that I can be pretty cut and dry, one who so easily blows through life's experiences onto the next fun. I decided (finally) that this would lead to a pretty unfulfilling existence once I was no longer surrounded by the constant comforts and fun of friendships and experiences. I struggle with having a sense of entitlement in life sometimes. Who knows, maybe I'm not just speaking for myself. But, as this year has brought with it so many changes, I have learned to stop and be grateful. Grateful for a gorgeous day, a thoughtful gift, a good conversation with my husband, rich relationships, and life's little celebrations. I know this is the only way to live that life of abundance we're called to! I'm glad God stepped in and showed me this weakness. Life seems just a touch brighter now :)