Quote of the Week

Happy October to you too!

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Seasonal Scents

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Lights are already springing up in neighborhoods, red cups are grazing coffee shop countertops, and that holiday warmth is in the air.  

One of my favorite things the approaching Christmas season is the familiar holiday scents.  Evergreen, gingerbread, peppermint, orange + cloves, all of the wonderful, cozy, homey scents that by aroma alone signify Christmas.  This time of year, I always indulge in the ever-fragrant Bath & Body Works candles.  This year, I am loving White Barn No. 2 Chestnut and Clove.  Quite a long name, for a holiday scent I realize, but even so, this candle is worth a burn.

Wishing you a sweet smelling season!  What are your favorite holiday scents?

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Squash Vases

A smattering of squash vases - how perfectly fall. Must try this!

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Lumina Pumpkins

I'm officially all about lumina pumpkins. Aren't they cool? The bright white is a lovely contrast with the traditional orange pumpkins of fall. Can you believe it's pumpkin season already?

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First Day of Summer!

Today is the first day of summer...are you out celebrating?

I awoke to gorgeous sunshine streaming through my windows and a perky 75-degree day. Always a great way to kick off my favorite season.

What are your summer plans?

Snowball Fight Survival Kit

Isn't this the coolest? Snowball Fight Survival Kit, complete with hot cocoa with all the fixin's, spiced cider, and some sweet treats to nibble on. Makes me wish it would snow, just so I can enjoy some cozy snowday treats!

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Power Outage

I woke up this morning thinking, "Gosh it's cold today!" And then I went to switch on the light and whoops, no light. Translation = power outage. The winds have been rampant here in Western Washington, evergreen boughs are blowing all over the place, literally!

Luckily I have candles everywhere - which my fiance usually grumbles about but was quite thankful for today. (I made sure to remind him of this, btw). That combined with the iphone flashlight app had me back in business to maneuver around the house as I got ready for work.

Thankfully, our water heater is wonderfully large, and the water was still hot enough to take a shower. However, trying to style bangs without a hair dryer - well, that's another story. Needless to say I used bobby pins in abundance, which was semi-successful, at best. This prompted some interesting comments from my students including "You look SO different, I thought you were a sub!" from several of my style-savvy girls. Dang it!

Well turns out a tree fell on some power lines a few blocks away and thankfully power and heat are back on tonight (phew). And now I'm warm once again, curled up with my cat Jenga wearing cozy socks and basking in the warm glow of my Christmas tree. (insert contented sigh).

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It's That Time of Year...

...The reemergence of red cups at Starbucks! You know what this means, Christmas is just around the corner, and less than 2 months away! I can hardly believe it! Where does the time go? I feel like we just started school, and the next thing, everything is bedazzled in orange and black for Halloween, the next I'm hearing Christmas music in line at Starbucks.

But, not going to lie, while I love to support the little guy (the non-chain coffee shop), I do enjoy me a gingerbread latte. Mmm...

What holiday recurrences do you look forward to?

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Hello October

Even though fall starts before October, for some reason the dawn of October signifies fall to me. This morning as I was driving to get my morning coffee, I saw a man raking golden and amber leaves up off the sidewalk. Everywhere I look, leaves are changing colors. Other indicators that it's definitely fall: I've swapped my tank tops out of my closet for cozy sweaters, turned up the heat in my house, and been delighted at the reappearance of pumpkin spice lattes.

What are your favorite things about fall?

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Feels Like Fall

With the rain and cold settling in, here in Seattle, it feels more like fall than the tail end of summer. While I'm sad to pack away my shorts and tank tops, I am looking forward to some perks of fall; thick scarves, pumpkin-spice lattes, and series premiers!

What is your favorite season?

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I Heart Fall

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Farewell Indian Summer

Happy Friday. It is feeling like fall here in Seattle...actually a little more like winter. Gone are our Indian summer days and returned are the sad gray clouds and pitter-pat of raindrops. I'm excited to bring out my sweaters and scarves but a little wistful at our Indian Summer's rapid exit. Anyone feeling the same way in their neck of the woods?

Whatever your weather, have a cozy fall weekend!

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Flavors of Fall

Wake up to Autumn with these pumpkin pie pancakes. Talk about getting into the season! And I thought I was excited when Starbucks brought back their pumpkin spice syrup...I am definitely going to make these one windswept fall morning yet to come. Picture it: pumpkin pie pancakes, cozy house, blankets, and a movie - my ideal way to enjoy the flavors of Autumn.

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Argyle Love

A turning point for fall is putting away the flip-flops and bringing out the shoes and socks. Not just any old socks - fashion friendly argyle socks! Why not warm up your home accessories as well for a cozy fall look!

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Spring Fever

Seattle is slowly defrosting, the sun is peeking out a little more by the day. After a chilly 30-degree February & March, spring is literally just around the corner, and I couldn't be happier!

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Girl Scout Season

In case you haven't noticed, Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing. I know I can't resist those pricy $4-a-box Samoas and Thin Mints. But for the budget Girl Scout enthusiast, try making your own Samoas bars at home. You might not be supporting a troop of 9-year olds in merit badges, but these sweet homemade treats look pretty good!

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Change of Seasons

With just one more week until daylight savings time, it's finally starting to feel like Spring. For me, the hardest part of winter is waking and driving to work when it's pitch black, and leaving work to go home when it's pitch black. There's something about the light, the sun setting that much later that is simply blissful.

Granted, I am fortunate to have a few moments during the day (a.k.a. recess) when I have an opportunity to get outside and see the sun (if it is indeed shining). But those cold, dark mornings and evenings definitely contribute to my lower energy levels. Cheers to the almost-beginning of a new season, 19 days to go!

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Orange You Beautiful

The air is crisp, autumn leaves of all colors litter the streets, and lately the moon seems brighter and higher in the sky. Doesn't it just feel like a pumpkin patch kind of day?

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