Falling For the First Day of Fall

Fall leaves via Sheknows.com

My has this year flown! I can't believe today is the first day of fall. It reminds me of an episode of Sex in the City where Carrie wakes up and takes a blanket out of her armoire for the first time she says, "Even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, the summer is gone." There is a definite chill in the air on the Left Coast. We've switched from our cotton blanket to a loftier one with a duvet. I love getting in bed this time of year where there sheets have that bit of chill to them but you are cozy in a cocoon with your blanket...and loved one!

It will be a few more weeks before our leaves start to fall or even change color. I try and notice when they do because I know winter is just around the corner. Not drifts of snow winter but grey days and rain. Not that I am complaining but as a girl who grew up in the Midwest, the change of leaves to the first fall of snow is always something I miss. As for wardrobe, I try not to shock my system by packing away shorts and t-shirts right away. I try and linger with them a little longer before it becomes "pants weather". Today while in Target, I even noticed some really cute ankle boots I might try. And why not? They are BOGO half off! I mean, what better way to start the season with a fresh new pair of boots and a great value "to boot!" I also bought these darling jeggings from Old Navy in dark denim  and black. They are a nice departure from the skinny jean trend but not as "pajama-y" as cotton leggings. I pair them with a tunic-style top or blouse and a statement necklace or bracelet. If I get around to it, I'll post a pick or link it back to the item.

Image via Starbucks.com

Today I also started out my day with a Grande Pumpkin Latte from Starbucks. Again, this seasonal drink came out a few weeks ago but here on the Coast, it felt strange ordering something with pumpkin and spice. I felt that we were rushing the season and all its good offerings. My go-to drink is a Vente Iced Caramel Coffee with Cream. MMmmmm. I think caramel is a year-round thing even iced.

How will you be welcoming fall where you live? A cozy sweater? A favorite hot drink? A drive to see the colors? Let me know!

Sunny and Share?

Sunny and Bo
Image via AP and Google Images

The White House recently added another furry playmate, Sunny,  to their family. Bo seems to be very excited to have the additional company. What a pampered life those two must live now. We recently added another dog to our home as well. We can call her Dog Challenge. A few years ago we lost our 14 year old to old age and declining health. We had been toying around the idea of getting another puppy or maybe even a rescue Portuguese Water Dog or even a rescue. We are not dog-snobs per se and didn't necessarily need a purebred dog again. After-all, there were so many dogs who needed homes. We had an opportunity last summer to get a 1 1/2 year old PWD from Canada which ended up falling through at the last minute. Luckily we did not tell Big or Little Challenge or their hearts would have been crushed. So another year later, and several visits to shelters, our breeder made an introduction to a family in Austin, Texas. They, too, were breeders and already had five dogs including the 6 year old female they were considering on placing as well as a 10 year old male. Again, it was something we considered very carefully, after all, we would be passed the puppy stage of chewing, obedience training, potty training, socializing, etc. But then would she "feel" like ours?

Boy Pup and Girl Pup 

After many, many emails and phone calls to the owners on why we would be the perfect fit and forever family, we proceeded with placing the 6 year old female into our home. She arrived a few weeks ago by American Airlines to the west coast. The cargo team knew they had a dog but were curious as to what kind of dog. As they all gathered around my car and the loading bay, I un-clipped the zip ties and opened the crate to reveal our new girl. There was a gasp of excitement followed by many ooohhs and aaaahhhs. We were just as excited as they were. So, off we went, new pup in the car onto our many journeys ahead.

The Dynamic Duo

Our new pup who we re-named Sugar Bear has been perfect. She quickly assimilated into our family and other dog. They enjoy spending time together and enjoy walks, car rides, the beach and naps. We were worried how they would get along. Would our other male pup want to share his domain? Would he want to share us? We have been careful to give him his special "alone time" so it doesn't seem that much has changed for him. I wonder though if he thinks that the Old Pup came back after a small hiatus? We introduced her to our other pup thru the crate just as we would a newborn. They sniffed and twirled once they got out.

So far things are going well as I write. The new Pup reminds us of the old 14 year old pup and we recently found out that their pedigree lines have some relatives in common.

I am sure Sunny is adjusting well to her new life in the White House with Bo just as our new pup is adjusting to hers.

A New New York

New York Freedom Tower

It's hard to believe that 12 years have passed since 9/11. I should know because Big Challenge is almost 14. I remember exactly where we were and the events that transpired that day. I remember the phone calls we received. This would probably equate to those affected by the Kennedy assassination, man on the moon, Vietnam; everyone knew exactly where they were that day when it happened.

I had been to NY since 9/11/01 but have never gone over to see the footprint or memorial or even the Freedom Tower being built. So, on this journey to New York, we decided to walk from our Soho hotel and walk down to that area. We could see the tower as we were heading down to the tip of Manhattan, seeing it from various blocks and street corners. It's gleaming exterior some symbol or beacon of hope. As we got closer, it was obvious this was a well marked tourist attraction because the sidewalks were packed and not with New Yorkers. People from allover the world have convened to this area to see the footprint of what once was a symbolic US structure. The pieces of the skyline not only looked different, but felt different. It's similar to how the new skyline looks in Chicago with the newly added Trump Tower. That's not how I remember the Chicago skyline and here I am recalling that's now I remember the NY skyline either. It just felt weird.

The mood also changed dramatically. People were looking at and reading memorials placed all along the area and perimeter sidewalks. FDNY Ten House was nearby whom lost 6 or so firefighters and literally at the base of the disaster. Tourist would pose in front of its massive garage doors. It was a solumn feeling. You couldn't help but pause for a moment and imagine the buildings still standing, almost like a phantom limb. You could almost still see it in your mind. You couldn't help but imagine people running from the scene, the amount of debris, or even those who took their own lives before the Towers collapsed.

Slowly the area has rebounded and rebuilt. We continued around to have access to the 9/11 Memorial. I did not know that you could or should get online passes to enter, but there is also a "no-pass" queue that visitors could wait in. One employee said the no-pass line took about 30 minutes and was open late. We were also surprised to see that there are actually wooden walls covering the perimeter of the Memorial so it's not like you can sneak a little peak. We thought we would try later in the day but did not. I'll save this for another trip and be better prepared with passes.

NY State of Mind?

Yep. Times Square.

I recently felt the need to get out of the quiet din of the west coast suburbs and head back east to New York. The weather had begun to turn so I figured it would be good to get away before it got too cold and too crowded with the holidays. New York this time of year is my favorite...it's a bit less crowded although you would think based on the crowds that no one vacationed anywhere else in the world. New York is crowded but I think we avoided the summer crowds of late. So, generally with the abundance of airports near my home, I thought it would be easy to get a direct flight at a reasonable price. I realized that as I was booking that my efforts were going to be futile and also realized that it was the end of Fashion Week.

Near 49th and Park Avenues.

Our flight was packed. I am getting a little tired of this. I miss the days of having one or two seats vacant nearby but with recent slashing of airline's flight schedules, this is proving to become too hard to experience lately. PLUS, I swear it seems that every flight I take is full of rookie fliers...you know who they are. The ones with too many bags, too many things in their hands, that forgotten bottle of water in their carry-on and of course, the ones that don't use deodorant. Please travelers, let's think this through before you head out the door. You will need to remove your shoes, belts, money, sunglasses, etc at security plus your toiletry bag so get ready when you step up to the line. You also need to use deodorant. Seriously. I mean it. Shower before you go and slap on some Sure or Secret and be on your way. I am trapped with you in an aluminum tube for several hours or even seated next to you and I don't really want your smell to be my souvenir home.

New York was fantastic. We were travelers, not tourists, which to me is important. Don't be THAT person. DO be that traveler. Explore the city. Use the travel and food channels as options to add destinations to your journey. Check blogs or travel websites for unique experiences. These could even be just having tea or coffee at a nearby cafe to people watch. Try a cuisine you normally would not. But also use your manners. Ask locals questions.  There's also no reason to ever buy an "I heart NY" t-shirt. Ever.

How do you like to travel? What tips do you have? Share them and I will reply back.

Back To School & I'm No Fool!

Yellow School Bus by Andrey Muretov on Fivehundredpx

As I mumble, "Back to School. Back to School. Don't want to be a fool...," my Challenges finally had enough and told me to shut up! Well, not literally but they were fed up with me playing that clip over and over from the movie Billy Madison on YouTube. My real favorite is the old Staples commercial from way back sung to The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Don't get me wrong. I love my Challenges but after a very, very long summer, I think we have both had enough of each other. Today was back to school day! I carefully drove them down to their school with the Star Wars theme blaring in the car. They were totally embarrassed. I am not sure the car came to a complete stop before they jumped out and ran down the stairs to their class line-up.

Anyway, the morning was smooth but before I knew it, I was driving back to the school to pick up Little Challenge. Big Challenge actually had a full day. Both Challenges said they had "The best day. Ever." Some parents were teary eyed as their youngsters moved on to the next grade. It was a matter of relief for me. I felt we had a great summer and pretty much done everything we could. I think they were ready to go and see some of their friends they otherwise hadn't seen since school ended and a few that they lost touch.

By the time the day ended and dinner was on the table, we were able to share the events of the day and they were still filled with enthusiasm. How long that will last will remain to be seen? After-all, it's only 176 days until school gets out and it starts allover again.

They say time flies. Well, just look at your kids.

Travel-ease!

I love traveling. I mean, who doesn't. New locale, new faces to see, maybe even a new "identity". I am always looking for fabulous ways to travel and pack more efficiently and with ease. Recently I came across this accessory website from Pinch Provisions. They have the most adorable little travel and emergency kits. Sure, I could probably grab a cheapo dollar bin make up case, toss in a few band-aids, tampons, safety pins, nail polish remover pads, etc, but Pinch Provisions make these great little kits. The kits seems to come for him or her, moms, student and even girls. I found it on this fabulous blog.

Image via Pinch Provisions

Seems like a great way to keep organized with all the essentials in cute and clever little kits. What great gifts, too. I haven't actually tried them but I think I will order one and report back. If you have a unique tip/product to share, drop me a line or comment and I'll make sure you get noticed.


Disclaimer: I do not work for or benefit/compensate from either the company mentioned nor the additional blog. I just like cool products and want to share.

The Wreath of Mom

Back to School? NOPE. Not yet. We have another couple of days before Big and Little Challenges head off to 8th and 5th grade. It's almost like spring cleaning here at the house...going through old school supplies, clothes, backpacks, and finding out what we need. I know what I need, a vacation from my vacation. This must have been the longest summer yet. I think the Challenges are ready to go back, too. Big Challenge had orientation where he received his class schedule and books. He was rather excited to see some of his friends he hadn't seen all summer. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Welcome them Back to School

So, if you are like me, you probably aren't too crafty and feign at the site of a Michael's Store. This Pinterest thing has got it going on. I get to live vicariously through all these crafty people because I know better not to get involved with Washi tape, glue guns, scrap-booking, Modge Podge or anything else that yields poor results in my house. I am more of the "Oh, you have a science project due tomorrow and it's 11pm. Well, let's see what crap we have lying around!"

I found this wreath initially on Pinterest and thought I could give it a try. You see, I have this think where I change my door wreath depending on the month or season. I've got them all...yarn wreaths, clover wreaths, rubber flip flop wreaths, baseball wreath, shell wreath, etc. So, for back to school, I decided to make this crayon wreath. I used a flat particle board wreath/circle then hot glued about a box of crayons (the classy 64 count) onto the board. I found the bus and apple decor at Michael's near their wooden crafts section. They were about $1.50 a piece. The bow, well, I am too dumb to figure that out, so I bought a pre-made bow found in another aisle. (Don't forget to use a coupon (printed or Smartphone) to save a little bit more. I think I got away with maybe $7 for this craft wreath. This would probably make a cute teacher gift as well. Give it a try and tell me how you did.

So, if you are a mom like me or want to try something new, try making this project. Hmm, I wonder what Wreath Witherspoon would do?