Falling for Autumn

Fall smells like...
cinnamon
bonfires
pumpkin pie
apples
sweetness

Fall tastes like...
pumpkin spice lattes
apple cider
Thanksgiving dinner
cranberries
Halloween candy
pumpkin (fill in the blank)

Fall looks like...
reds
oranges
yellows
browns
big sweaters, scarves, and leggings
Steve Madden leather boots
blankets
sunsets
visible breath
colorful trees covering a mountain top town
jackolanterns

Fall feels like...
crisp cool mornings
cozy warm blankets
unreasonable joy
falling in love

lazy day at home

I thoroughly enjoyed my quaint little house today.
I wasn't feeling so hot so I took a nap for most of the morning and spent some afternoon time hitting the books.  I considered the amount of homework I did as an accomplishment, so I didn't feel quite so bad about being a complete hermit today.  I did get out of the house later in the afternoon, but mornings and evenings spent at home during the week are fine by me.
I promised some pictures, so here are a few to give you an idea...

a TOMS makeover

This is not the first time I've made over my shoes.
Whenever my TOMS develop holes or just get too old to wear, I like to give them a few loving snips and bring them back to life.
It has worked everytime because they go from sitting untouched in the back of my closet, to on my feet at all times.
This pair in particular was just a little too small for comfort, so I took care of that problem.
I needed a new pair of sandals, so why not save money and make some unused shoes into a new pair?
I loved the outcome and will probably wear these until they fall apart.

Before and After!

the perfect post-workout smoothie

So I went on a 7am run this morning.  Whenever this happens, I feel so accomplished and proud of myself.  It doesn't happen often, though it should.  I wasn't feeling too hungry after my run, but knew I needed breakfast.  Not putting fuel into my body would have been a major no-no.
So I opted for a smoothie.  They are easy, light, and fill you up just right when you don't have the munchies.
This smoothie recipe is one of my favorites.  The only thing is that I usually only make this one after a workout.  It is so delicious that it will make you want to exercise every day just so you can replenish your body with this tasty (and might I add, very healthy) snack.

What you will need:

1.  one frozen banana
2.  1 tbs peanut butter
3.  1/4 cup oats
4.  1 tbs flax seed
5.  around 1/2 cup almond milk (use any milk of preference)

Throw all of that in the blender!

And vwa-la! The best post-workout smoothie you could ask for.
Packed full of protein, fiber, carbs, and calcium.
Don't forget to rehydrate with some delicious H2O as well :)

Enjoy!

home sweet Charleston home --> sneek peek

I have been so behind getting pictures of my new house up for you guys. It may be due to the fact we are still in the process of decorating...  I have a treat though:  a sneek peek of my room!  I am pretty satisfied with the decorations in there right now, so I will have more pictures up pronto.

Blogging is such a stress relief for me- a very good outlet.  And believe me, it has been a STRESSFUL two weeks.  I'm talking about eating ice-cream every day as a coping strategy.  I have got to turn to a better outlet which is why I am trying to keep up with you guys on my blog.  Thank you for keeping in touch with this little tidbit of my life!

And here she is:

more later...(I promise)

peanut butter & banana waffles

My favorite combination inside my favorite breakfast.  Nothing could be better.
Find the recipe here.

(Shhh...they're vegan)

cake isn't the only sweet thing in my life

 My best friends are such a gift.  And I'm happy that they love dessert as much as I do...

Hayden, the newest edition to the ladiez

Ashley, she can DIY anything

Becca, who never fails to make you laugh

Emily, she will pain masterpieces for a living

Hannah, the sweetest soul with a feisty side

Jen, has the most genuine listening ears I know

And me, having my cake and eating it too, surrounded by some of the greatest people in the world.

Friendship is so sweet.  It is made even sweeter by Jesus because it can last for an eternity.  Wherever life takes us, these girls will forever be in my heart. 

Love you guys.