BEAUTY: SWEATER WEATHER

Today I am doing the "Sweater Weather" fall tag! Fall is one of my favorite seasons, so I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite fall products and memories. :) I'm tagging anyone who would like to participate so if you do create a video on your blog or YouTube channel, please comment with a link so I can watch! I hope you're having a fantastic weekend. Since Jon and I are hosting Thanksgiving this year we're spending the afternoon unpacking our final boxes from the move and I think I've even convinced him to hang Christmas lights before Thanksgiving, too! ;)

QUESTIONS: 


1. Favourite candle scent?


2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?


3. What's the best fall memory you have?


4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?

5. Best fragrance for fall?


6. Favourite Thanksgiving food?


7. What is Autumn weather like where you live?


8. Most worn sweater?


9. Must-have nail polish this fall?


10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?


11. Skinny jeans or leggings?


12. Combat boots or Uggs?


13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?


14. Favourite fall TV show?


15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

* Marshmallow Fireside Candle - Bath & Body Works 

* Kate Moss Lipstick in #11 - Rimmel  

* Velvetines in Red Velvet - Limecrime 

* Cotton Candy Body Spray - Body Fantasies  

* Giant Sweater - American Eagle 

* Parfumerie Nail Polish - Revlon 

* Moccasins - Minnetonka 

* Babel on Vinyl - Mumford & Sons 

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IT'S TIME FOR FALL!

Jenny and I have had several couch conversations talking about fall, the traditions, the things we look forward to...the fact that it's like a grand introduction to the holiday season, which we LOVE. The way we feel about going to Disney is the same way we feel about fall and the holidays! October, November, and December are pretty much my favorite time of the year. :) It's strange to think that this will be the last holiday season with just Jon and me. Next year we'll have little Soren with us and I can't wait to share life with him. :)

I'm not always the type to be gung-ho about taking part in traditions. Especially if they don't have a particular relevance or meaning to me. BUT I DO love me some seasonal traditions and special things each year we can do as a family. I love it!

This week marked the official start of fall and it's had me thinking about boots, giant sweaters, apple cider, delicious food, fires in the fireplace. Our backyard has lots of trees in it and I've been watching the leaves fall throughout the week. It's so beautiful and I can't wait to see the colors become vibrant and change.

To get into the fall spirit and do a little bit of "fall forcing", I've put together some of my recent favorite fall goodies.

1// Doily Pumpkins 2// Aberdeen Lace-Up Boot 3// Pumpkin Butter 4// Apple Cider Float 5// The Taplin Bag 6// Pumpkin Cookies 7// Illusion Waves Scarf 8// Keep Warm 9// Giant Scarf 10// Five Bread Recipes for Fall 11// Camp Mug Candle 12// Cable Sweater 13// Pumpkin Spice Donuts 14// Geometric Cardigan 15// Gold Feather 16// Autumn Essentials 

MY FALL TO-DO LIST
1// Visit Ellijay in North Georgia.
2// Go apple picking.
3// Visit a pumpkin patch.
4// Go to a corn maze or haunted house.
5// Make lots of apple cider.
6// Have a fall get-together with friends.
7// Get lots of decaf fall lattes.
8// Pass out candy on Halloween.
9// Get mums for the front porch.
10// Bake fall-ish goodies.
11// Enjoy the beautiful weather and practice archery with Jon.
12// Buy a cozy sweater.

What season are you celebrating where you live? What are your favorite traditions and things to do?? :)

FANCY SHMANCY: HALLOWEEN DINNER PARTY

I saw these stunning Halloween themed dinner party photos on Style Me Pretty last week and I had to share. It can be hard to find inspiration for a Halloween get-together that isn't "too novelty". I love this translation of building the decor around candles, monochromatic coloring and touches of Fall pieces. Can I be invited?

See the original gallery here and DIYs on how to make the pumpkin wine chiller, bottled candles, and sparkling champagne cider.

This year for Halloween, Jon and I are driving up to Rome, GA, to visit our good friends Zach and Leah. We're having dinner together and helping them pass out candy in their neighborhood since we don't get any trick or treaters at our place. On Friday night, we are throwing a casual costume party for our friends! Can't wait! :)

FALL IN AUSTRALIA

Hi there, lovely Maiedae readers. I'm Shell and I blog over at Kitty & Buck. I'm a graphic designer, musician, ballerina, and cat wrangler. I currently live in Sydney, Australia, but I dream of traveling anywhere and everywhere. I've visited many parts of Australia, Japan, the U.K, France, Ireland, and over 22 states in the USA, but I'm always hungry for more! Today I'm celebrating fall with you, because even though I'm enjoying spring right now, I am feeling super envious of your snuggly clothes and beautiful foliage. I've designed some lettering around an Albert Camus quote to set the mood, and then there's some photos from my fall, back in May. I hope you enjoy them.

Thank you so much for having me, Savannah! I'm honoured to be here on your beautiful blog today. If anyone would like to say hello, you can always find me over at Kitty & Buck, I'd love to meet you :)

Thank you for sharing your autumn with us! Shell is one of Maiedae's featured sponsors for the month of October! If you would like to sponsor Maiedae during the holidays, visit my advertisement page here. :) Be back later with some more Halloween themed inspiration! 

LISTENING TO THE SEASON

This month, some of my sponsors are sharing their favorite autumn song. I love finding that one song that you could listen to over and over again. It seems to embody the season and your place in life. I love making music a memory trigger for a special time in my life. Take a listen to this short playlist by my sponsors and get to know some new faces. :)

1// Cats & Dogs by The Head & the Heart ---> "This band evokes so many romantic, comfy and relaxed emotions. To me, this is what fall is in a nutshell." - Maddie of Thriftary [Blog & Facebook]

2// The Rocky Road to Dublin' by The Dubliners ---> "I picked this song because I ADORE Celtic music and because this song makes me think of warm pubs and yummy Irish food." - Leah of Unearthing Words [Site & Goodreads]

3// Wonder by Emeli Sande ---> "Emeli entertains us with her big band, yet blues-y style and lyrics that uplift and encourage the everyday girl. Wonder is a feel-good song that breathes musical notes into the sheer wonder and mystery of life - reminding us to take heart and not let life's struggles over shadow the beauty of the journey." Emily & Allie of The Wonder List [Blog & Facebook]

4// Desperado by The Eagles ---> "Lately I've been listening to this song a lot for some reason. A sweet friend sent me an amazing mix in the mail to cheer my up and this song was on it. It's just calming and a nice jam to work to...plus I might enjoy pretending I'm an awesome singer and blurt out the words as loud as possibly ;)." - Dana of Wonder Forest [Blog & Shop]

5// Home by Phil Phillips ---> "I love the idea of family and friends coming back together during the fall for parties, laughter and fellowship together." - Kate of Revelrey [Blog & Twitter]

   

What are you listening to this season?

FALL DAYDREAMS WITH ROOTS & FEATHERS

Hi, Maiedae readers! It's Laura from Roots and Feathers. I'm happy to be here in Savannah's little corner of the web world while she is taking a break. She is always so inspiring to me, as I'm sure she is to you guys as well, so it's an honor! Today, I'm sharing some Fall Daydream items. If I close my eyes and picture a perfect little fall day, this is what it would like...

Photo Source: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your Fall Daydream with us!!! I always admire and love your sense of style. These photos make me crave autumn. I'm so thankful for this time of year. :) 

THE WONDER LIST'S GUIDE TO AUTUMN

Four times a year, we have a fresh beginning. Something new is in the air and it revives our spirits in a miraculous way. You find peace in the season’s traditions, encouragement in new experiences, and a refreshed wardrobe gets pulled from your winter storage bins. Just when you thought the hot summer days would last forever, the winds change and Old Man Winter gets nudged from slumber. It’s the most beautiful season of all, autumn.

The Wonder List suggests a few "musts" to take part in this season. These will bring the pumpkin spice latte cheer to you. From simple to extravagant, come and see that this season is good, very good.

Wonderlisters: Allie & Emily

1// Take a Bike Tour of your City ---> Wake up early on a Saturday and bike to your favorite coffee joint. Sailing down the roads with little traffic and the crisp air of the morning sun hitting your face… simply brilliant.

2// Buy a Pumpkin ---> Pumpkins = great investment for the season. Whether for your front stoop or to assist in a batch of roasted pumpkin seeds, this is a smart spend. Seeing a plump jack-o’-lantern brings back sentiments of autumns gone by.

3// Discover your Favorite Hot Drink ---> As the weather cools, we all crave something warm and tasty to sip on. Make a point to find the drink recipe that you love. Mix and match syrups, foams, and espressos to find the perfect cold-weather concoction and don’t be ashamed to order in bulk this season.

4// Put a Cozy Spin on your Home ---> Don’t just buy the typical cinnamon spice candle. Go a bit further and make your home a welcomed, warm place for the temperature. Purchase a new blanket, soft couch pillows, and fall wreath for your door. Check this off with a one stop-shopping trip at Target, highly suggested for the nine-to-five Wonderlister.

5// Frolic in the Leaves ---> They only fall once, so jump on the opportunity for some little-kid fun. Go with friends and enjoy a local park, making sure not to sprain an ankle from skewed leaf pile depth perception.

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Whatever you do this autumn, be sure to devise a plan of action in your mind. What do you love about this season? Enjoy special things that bring you joy, all while keeping traditions and taking new adventures.

- Emily & Allie

Thank you, sweet friends, for giving us a fantastic guide to autumn! Be sure to visit Emily and Allie on their blog The Wonder List for more inspiration!! 

FALL BUCKET LIST

This holiday season will be the first that Jon and I will spend in our new home. This year we have a place to put a wreath, pumpkins, host dinners, hang stockings...it's so exciting to be in this phase of life in our cozy condo, no kids yet, just enjoying the precious time we have as husband and wife. Jon and I are planning to take next week to "turn off the internet" and get away for awhile. We'll still be going to our jobs, but we'll be taking a break from all of our weekend and weekday activities, shows, and online time. We have big plans to do some special things together, take alone time, discuss the future and ways we can grow in our marriage. Just refresh and gain perspective. We are so excited about this time. I've found myself thinking more about this exact time in my life, things I would like to enjoy in this season, and goals I have for the next two months. I put together a mini bucket list for October and November in hopes of being fully here and enjoying this special time in our lives.

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F A L L  B U C K E T  L I S T 
1. Take a week off from the norm with Jon, possibly make this an annual tradition?
2. Have a mini getaway in Ellijay, GA, with Jon to visit the town, go apple picking, and get pumpkins.
3. Make our front door and lawn area festive.
4. Go to Six Flags during "Fright-Fest".
5. Visit with my sweet niece, Emerson.
6. Pass out candy to tricker treaters!
7. Have a Halloween party at our place.
8. Host a Thanksgiving celebration with our friends.
9. Try two new cheesecake recipes for Thanksgiving at Harby's and Thanksgiving at my parents.
10. Finish the dining room decorating.
11. Go on a fancy dinner date with Jon.
12. Have a least one girls' slumber party night.
13. See my sister in her play; she has a lead roll!

I can't wait. I love the fall so much. Matter of fact, these next three months are just my very favorite. :) What's on your fall bucket list this season?

FANCY SHMANCY: FALL DIY IDEAS

1// Feather Headdress by Kimmel Kids
2// Pumpkin Spice Latte by Lauren Conrad
3// Fall Envelopes by Oh Happy Day
4// Lady Bird Costume by A Beautiful Mess
5// Autumn Wreath by Life Love Photography
6// Pumpkin Butter by We Dare Food
7// Painted Baskets by The Marion House Book
8// Fall Facial by Whole Living

What is on your fall DIY wish-list? Feel free to share links or your Pinterest board in the comment section below! I'm definitely wanting to try out the pumpkin butter recipe and those beautiful painted baskets! Jon and I are hoping to do a little fall DIYing of our own next week to decorate our front lawn for autumn. Wreaths, doormats, pumpkins, plants...can't wait to create a welcoming entrance to our home! There's something special about hand-making in the fall. Maybe it's the hot drinks, cool weather, and friends?

DIY: FALL MOBILE

Last Sunday, a couple of great ladies got together at my place for a "Pinterest Party". Jenny and I started doing Pinterest Parties late last year as an excuse to get crafty, meet new people, and have a girls' night. This month it was just a small group. We each brought our own project to work on, snacked on homemade cookies, and chatted about life.

I wanted something to hang on our front door...or somewhere in our house? So I put together a Fall wreath//mobile. It's inspired by dream-catchers, a splash of anthro, and a touch of whimsy. After making this piece, I realized this would be adorable in a baby's room (don't worry, not quite yet), but you could also put it on your front door, over your fireplace, or in a group of wall hangings in your favorite room.

S U P P L I E S  N E E D E D:
* 5-10 roles of ribbon in different colors and textures.
* Wire hanger.
* Feathers.
* Leather.
* Scissors.

S T E P  B Y  S T E P :
1// Shape your wire hanger to your preference. Try to make it even on both sides. I tried to re-shape the hook part just a little so it wasn't too hanger-ish. ;)

2// Using one ribbon color at a time, cut different lengths and loop//tie onto the bottom of the hanger. Add in different colors at different lengths until you get the fullness you desire.

3// Cut leaf shapes out of leather (can be purchased at a craft store) and make a little slit at the top for the ribbon, set aside.

4// Begin tying feathers in groups of 1 or 3 and tying them at different lengths at the top of the hanger. Tie leather leafs to ribbon in groups of 1 or 3 and hang at different lengths just like you did with the feathers. Once you get the lengths//amount you like, secure to the top of the hanger by using knots.

5// Cut a long piece of thin ribbon and wrap around the top of the hanger to hide the knots and other unpleasantries.

6// Use scissors to trim up the ribbons to your preference.

7// Hang and enjoy!

What I loved most about this project is that you can easily make it your own. You can pick any kind of trinkets you'd like to hang from the middle and use colors that flow well with your space. :)

Can't wait until the next party! I love being able to have time during a busy schedule to craft for myself. So relaxing! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm heading up to Rome, GA, today to visit my alma mater for their annual Mountain Day celebration. I'll plan to share snapshots with you when I return. :)

FANCY SHMANCY: FALL SHOES!

The beginning of fall is one of my favorite times to purchase new shoes for the cooler weather. I've grown a huge fondness for neutral tones and love a pair of shoes I can mix and match with an endless amount of outfits. I bought #7 and #10 to add to my collection, and I can't wait to wear them with some high-waisted jeans and maxi skirts!

1// Chocolate Craving Boot - Modcloth $89.99  2// Rally Boot - Nordstroms $109.00  3// Your Wild Heart Heel - Modcloth $32.99  4// Province - Steve Madden $129.95  5// Zenobia - Steve Madden $159.95  6// Java Ankle Boot - Sosie $125.00  7// Minnetonka Tramper - Zappos $55.95  8// Dressage - Wanted $69.99  9// Ross Boot - Karma Loop $48.00  10// Roxy Sloane - Zappos $79.00

Are you planning to buy any shoes for fall? Feel free to share and link up to your favorite pairs!

FANCY SHMANCY: SUMMER'S LEAVING

The in-between seasons are my favorite. I don't prefer the hot, humid Georgia summers OR the frigid winters, except for the fact that Christmas is in the winter. ;) But I LOVE spring and fall. I love walking outside and feeling perfectly comfortable with a slight breeze. Just enough to layer but not get too chilled. I love that ordering hot drinks at a coffee shop is no longer odd. I love the way nature looks, eating outside and the new boots, socks, and tights that come out in my favorite shops. Time to start planning Halloween parties, costumes, holidays, and making more homemade soups in the crockpot!

Here's my fancy shmancy collage dedicated to the end of summer and the beginning of all things wonderfully fall. :)

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I love all of the layers! Tops, tights, socks, boots, even jewelry! This fall, I will be wearing neutrals galore and plenty of red lipstick.

What is your favorite fall essential??

Pick Your Fall Inspired DIY

For this month's sponsor feature, I asked my sponsors to share a fall DIY. They've got their eye on some beautiful autumn ideas. I'm thinking a trip to the craft store is in order!

Blog /// Twitter /// DIY

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What fall DIY are you planning to do this season? -- I'm hoping to alter a couple autumn worthy dresses hiding in my closet!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. :)

A PERFECT FALL DATE NIGHT

In college, Jonathon and I committed to a weekly date night. Even with the craziness of completing our majors, work, maintaining friendships, and the several thousand "to-do's" that magically popped up out of nowhere, we always had at least one night out of the week that we could have a special date. Quality time is very important to us and, I am happy to say, our date night habit carried over into our marriage. Every Wednesday is "Jon and Savannah Date Night" and believe me, we very much look forward to this day.

Most of the time, it consists of us cuddling up in our pj's, watching our newest fad show (which is currently Fringe, by the way.) Sometimes, if we don't feel like cooking, we will order pizza (that is, of course, if I have a coupon.) Sometimes, we get creative with our date nights and over the five and a half years of dating and five months of marriage, we have cherished and loved our special nights together.

Since we wanted this to be something we wholly committed to every week and did not easily compromise on, we set out to help ourselves by doing the following things:

1. Communicate: We made our family and friends aware of our date night so they would not try to plan anything with us on our Wednesday nights. This was very helpful because there was a general understanding among loved ones about our date night which also helped us keep accountable.

2. Budget: Along with our monthly budgeting, Jonathon and I set aside a small amount to go toward "date night" every month. This gives us the freedom to plan something special if we would like and also does not make us feel like we are cutting into other, set-aside budgets. Usually, we end up splurging a little more every other week by going out somewhere and on the alternate weeks, we will stay around our home.

3. Be Creative: It is really, really easy to get stuck in the same date over and over again. We try to make a list of great date night ideas that we can turn to when we are ready to go out and try something new.

Here are some of the date night hits Jonathon and I have had over the years:

* 4-11 Drive-In Theater

* Dessert at the Sundial in Atlanta

* Putt-Putt

* Scott Pilgrim at a historic theater

* Pumpkin carving at home

* Kite Flying

* Game Ranch

* Bodies Exhibit in Atlantic Station

* Fox Theater - "Annie"

* The Shakespeare Tavern - "Romeo and Juliet" (Valentine's Date)

Our most recent favorite was our trip to the Cagle's Family Farm in Canton, GA last week. We explored around a corn maze, ate dinner, went on a hayride, roasted marshmallows at a bonfire, and picked out our first pumpkins for our little home. Here is a peek at our night!

We had a wonderful time and loved being able to go at our own pace -- not to mention a great selection of pumpkins! Jon and I ended up getting three pumpkins: one for him (largest), one for me (medium) and one for our little green-eyed kitten, Kaito (tiny). And now, the grand task of carving!

Happy date night-ing!