Feeling like Fall

The warm days are dwindling here in Chicago. This weekend was unseasonably chilly, (quite the contrast from seven days ago...bye bye bikini!) and with a packed schedule ahead we decided to spend a day driving around Southwest Michigan for a toned down version of our annual winery tour. 

I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet, but it was nice to break away from the city, check out a few new places, and revisit some old favorites while trying to mentally gear up for autumn. We were surprised by how much the area and market has grown since we first started these trips years ago. Breweries and wineries were packed with people, which is wonderful for business, but we did miss a little of the hidden gem charm. That said, we love this tradition and are lucky to have great escapes in close proximity for those times when you need a change of scenery and a little fresh air. Welcome sweaters and pumpkins and hot apple cider!

Thanksgiving at Home

Last month, I got in the spirit of seasonal decorating and went all out for Halloween. This month, I switched it up just a bit for a Fall / Thanksgiving feel. (Which basically means I made some pom pom garland to string around in various spots.) Apparently my new favorite thing is to adorn the gallery wall. I think Charles (my deer) appreciates the effort.

Tomorrow's the big day, so I'll be putting on my apron this afternoon to get started in the kitchen. Happy Black Wednesday friends!

On another note, we made it back from our road trip. Thanks to everyone who followed along via Instagram! If you missed the fun you can find all the pics and stories at #LongestShortestRoadTripEver :)

So far this fall...

The leaves are prettier than ever before. 

I'm completely addicted to salted caramel mocha's. 

I spent some much needed time in Tennessee. 

I'm committed to creeping out my condo for Halloween, sometimes at the expense of my cats.

How's fall for y'all?

Cozy Weather Dressing

Jacket - seen here & here, similar

Scarf  - Urban Outfitters, similar

Sunnies - Sears,  seen here 

Cardigan -  Martin  & Osa

 Yellow Tank - J.Crew

Jeans - Forever 21

Boots - Steve Madden

Bag - market find, seen here

Believe it or not, these are pretty much the only cool weather appropriate clothes in my closet right now. In the spring and fall, we swap our summer/winter clothes from storage - a "perk" of city living - and while I don't mind it (kind of like getting a new wardrobe twice a year!) there are usually a couple of weeks at the start of new season where the outfits can get a bit wonky in terms of being seasonally appropriate. But, for our winery tour I needed a fall festive look fast, obviously. Luckily, I had few workable items including these boots I swiped up recently (you will probably want to punch me in the throat when I tell you they're consignment, WHO would get rid of these??), the scarf was an end of season find, the bag was carried all summer (why stop now), and the bun - let's just say this is day 113 of the top knot. So, how'd I do?

Happy Weekend

photo via Style Me Pretty

Happy Friday m'loves! And a happy belated Labor Day / 13th to you :)

It's beginning to look like... Fall! around these parts and I'm currently loving the crisp mornings and sunny days. In order to take advantage of it here are a few things on the agenda for this weekend:

• Dinner here.

• The Nordstrom Cosmetic's Trend Show - can't wait. (If you're in Chicago it's not too late to join in the fun!) Check out my coverage of the 2010 and 2011 events and return soon, I'll be reporting back next week with the best in beauty for fall 2012.

• Camping! (I'm a fan.)

• A nude pump overhaul inspired by this. Except instead of black, I'm considering metallic silver! 

What's on your schedule? Have a happy one! 

Horsing Around

Jacket - Zara (also here)  /  Top - H&M  /  Shorts, Necklace & Tights - Forever 21  /  Belt - Vintage (also here) Boots - Charles Albert (similar) (also here)   /   Watch - DKNY  /  Sunnies - Sears  

If you're going to wear a blouse with horses on it, you can't take it too serious. So I got playful and paired my new stallion shirt with faux leather shorts and textured tights. Luckily, the weather on my last trip to Tennessee allowed it to happen, quite the contrast from this past weekend here in Chicago. Missing the pretty leaves and sunshine right about now!!

How's the weather in your part of the world?

2nd Annual Michigan Winery Tour

Last year was such a blast we did it again. (Rent a 15 passenger van and tour some Southwest Michigan wineries that is.) We're a pretty energetic crew but a few tastings in, who needs a Red Bull when there's a wooden one with a saddle and cute hat? Cooler than Ice Wine, that's what I'd say about this tradition. 

Photogenic Fall

Fall is so photogenic don't you think?
These are pictures I took a couple weeks ago on our engagement anniversary in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, Blowing Rock has the sweetest little downtown area, spending a day there feels like stepping back in time - so relaxing and wonderful! The last picture was taken in the exact spot he proposed (except it was a bench at the time.)

Pumpkin Love

Autumn has arrived in the Windy City and that means pumpkin products galore!! My favorite thing about fall is pumpkin flavored everything...

A few of my favorites:

The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

It gets a bad rap due to calorie count so
I keep the seasonal devouring to a handful.

Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale

My beer of choice cranks out an autumn version come September.
Crisp, coppery colored goodness.

 Pumpkin Cheesecake

My annual Thanksgiving contribution begins as early as...NOW!

Pumpkin Soup

Did you know there is a website entirely devoted to Pumpkin Soup recipes?

 Pumpkin Ravioli 

Who else but Martha for a fabulous recipe?

Loaded with Vitamin A, no need to feel guilty!
What's your favorite fall food?