Fall decor, part 2

As promised, here are more pictures of outdoor fall decor. I'm still working on the inside at this point! I posted a sneak peak of the kitchen table. It very well may change, however. It was thrown together after the beau was every so thoughtful and brought me flowers last week. Fall colored flowers, at that! He's good.

We've recently revamped the back patio. The beau put in several long days digging up the existing rock/weeks and replacing them with pavers. The beau also painted the back patio a nice chocolate brown. I was hesitant at first but love the final result! We still need a rug but haven't been able to find a reasonable one that coordinates with the colors we're already using.

Remember this?  Here's the completed project. Not sure what I will do with it post football season!

Taste of fall

I love to bake, especially during the fall and winter. There's nothing like the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with pumpkin or apple... And, of course, the end result with a little bit of vanilla ice cream. I think my mouth is watering! I've tried multiple "fall" recipes over the last couple of years. Some have been tossed after one try and others have become fall classics. I like to try a new recipe every couple of weeks- Southern Living online is my go to! Now... For the recipes!

I have made this pumpkin bread recipe for the last several years, multiple times a year! It's a classic. If you like pumpkin you should definitely try it. Don't let the long list of ingredients fool you- it's really simple. You put everything in a bowl and mix! It makes 2 loaves, too, which is nice. I usually make one to give and one to keep.

(Image retrieved from southernliving.com) 

This apple bread recipe immediately made it's way to my "favorites" list. I changed it up a little bit- instead of letting the bread completely cool I poured the topping on while the bread was still warm and in the pan. I also used pecans only in the batter and omitted those on top.

(Image retrieved from southernliving.com)

Enjoy!

football season isn't complete without good tailgating!

College football season is officially underway (yes, I realize I am a few weeks behind on this proclamation). Football season=fall and fall=my ABSOLUTE favorite season! The beau has hosted tailgates for Vanderbilt football for several years now- you know, the typical- a tent, table of food, and plenty of coolers filled with ice cold beer. And then I came into his life. The beau and I started dating during football season last year and I certainly contributed each week I attended- a queso dip here and there, cookies every now and then, nothing major. This year, however, is a different story. Between the beau and I we have created quite the tailgate scene! It's a little Martha Stewart meets all-that-is-manly. (Not sure if the beau knew what he was getting himself into)

First, the beau has recently designed and had built a HUGE smoker on a trailer (can we say redneck??). I was quite skeptical initially... Until I tasted the end result. Incredible! Smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Seriously some of the better ribs and brisket I've had- and it was his first shot at it! Though we got some funny looks driving with a smoking trailer hooked up to the Yukon...

Second, we've recently added a new set of cornhole boards to our tailgate collection. We bought them from a vendor in Nashville and I undertook painting them. It took several days but we were both pleased with the end results! Without further ado, I present pictures from our first (of many!) co-hosted tailgates.

I didn't get many pictures of the actual tailgate due to the rainstorm that almost blew our tent away! I'll take more pictures next time.

Projects and procrastination

I am a terrible blogger... When I have time to blog, I don't have anything to say. When I have something interesting to share, I don't have time to blog. Ah, the vicious cycle. Here goes nothing:

I am SO. VERY. READY. to be back in Nashville. 3 more weeks in Atlanta (really, my 12 weeks are almost over?), a week in GA/the beach with my amazing grandparents, and then back to my new home. I moved almost 10 weeks ago and just unpacked my last box of stuff this past weekend. Living in multiple places is for the birds! I promise to post pictures of our new, awesome abode once I am settled. A lead in to the projects... I've really been wanting a framed chalkboard. I saw an awesome one in a Southern Living magazine. It was in a big gold frame and displayed a college football schedule. Loved it! This weekend Sean and I decided to undertake said project and I vowed to keep it cheap. I got some design tips from a college friend/fellow blogger. After visiting 2 TJ Maxxs, Southeastern Salvage (An awesome place, I must say!) and Home Depot (Twice, for that matter, because I am am idiot.), here's the final product:



This isn't the greatest picture. I was bummed that I had to wait to write on it, too! Also, the grand total of the project.... Drum roll, please.... $10.00! I recycled a picture in a frame that we weren't using nor foresaw using. The only cost was chalkboard paint. Excellent. I was proud of myself, if you can't tell. I will post a better picture once it's on the wall.

As I mentioned, I only have 3 more weeks left at CHOA. I also have a huge project to finish between now and then. Oh, procrastination. Some things never change!

key lime pie... another "have to" of summer

Key lime pie is one of my all time favorite summer recipes! The following recipe comes from a restaurant in Amelia Island, FL, that I used to frequent with my family when we visited each summer. It's oh-so-simple and quick to make but tastes like you slaved for hours in the kitchen. Just the kind of recipe I like! I usually make it with fat-free or lower fat ingredients and the flavor is just as good!

Ingredients:
I can fat-free sweetened, condensed milk (Eagle Brand is my choice)
I container fat-free Cool Whip
I small or 1/2 large can of concentrated, frozen lime juice (I use Minute Maid)
Reduced fat gram cracker pie crust (I usually use Nabisco brand)

Mix first 3 ingredients together with electric mixer or whisk until well-blended and free of lumps. Pour into pie crust and cover. Place in freezer. Pie takes 6-8 hours to set. Enjoy!

(Told you it was easy!)

My mom and grandmother have made this pie every summer for as long as I can remember... It's not summer without making it at least one (or 20) times!

these are a few of my favorite (summer) things!

Summer is passing quickly... I cannot believe June is already halfway over! I've decided to share a few of my favorite (summer) things.

I love curling up with a good book by the pool. This is my favorite I've read in a while.



My official favorite dress of this summer.



I. love. this! My grandmother just got the beau and I an ice cream maker. I tried it out yesterday with an experimental batch of Vanilla-Bailey's with dark chocolate chips. Heavenly! I am currently on the hunt for healthier recipes, however!



Aprons are my favorite! I don't have this particular one but a very similar one from TJMaxx.



I can't make it a day without this! Hello, hydration.

Big girl job minus the paycheck

This summer, well, for the next 9 weeks, I am completing my first level 2 fieldwork at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I am working with the Day Rehabilitation program and LOVE it. I could not ask for a better organization from which to gain experience or a more passionate group of people to work with. My current position is definitely one of my DREAMS! Plus a paycheck (The beau agrees with this, for sure), of course. I cannot wait to finish my level 2 fieldwork rotations and start working.

In May of 2011, when I finally graduate for the last time, I want to find a job doing exactly what I am doing now... But in Nashville! This girl was not cut out to live in Atlanta, that's for sure. 50 minutes to go 12 miles? No, thank you. 400, "The Hospitality Highway"? I think not. More like the "Hostile Highway".

Though I am not a fan of Atlanta, or working without pay, I have sincerely enjoyed the last 3 weeks. On top of loving what I am doing I have had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family that I haven't seen very much lately. I am staying with an amazing (and generous!) family with a 2 year-old and 4-year-old. I love seeing the girls each afternoon and swimming or watching movies. I have gotten to see my little brother more and have enjoyed our dinner and wine nights. I've also gotten to catch up with college friends. My week nights are usually packed but I wouldn't have it any other way.

All in all, my big girl life without a paycheck isn't half bad.