A Few of my Favorite Things

Although fall is not my favorite season, I can't help getting excited for a few of my favorite things that it brings along.  Fall fashions, the World Series, my birthday, and my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving, are all encompassed by colorful autumn leaves.  Plus, I'd be lying if I said I'm not excited to fire up my oven and crock pot and cook up some hearty comfort food.

So, on Sunday, with football serving as the background in my kitchen, I turned up the oven and made a family-favorite Shepherd's pie for dinner.  Looking around my summery kitchen, I realized that it was time to pack away my summer items - margarita themed decorative dishtowels, sandal-shaped wine glass holders, and my summery Vineyard candle.

Ahhh, candles.  Some women like decorations, or knick-knacks, but me, I collect candles.  Well, not collect, per se, but I accumulate them like a collection, or hoarding, whatever you want to call it.  Every time I find a new scent I just have to have, Vibrant Husband rolls his eyes and laughs, though I'm sure he considers it an unhealthy obsession.  Plus, it doesn't help that we have a Yankee Candle store in a five mile radius of our house.

While Vibrant Husband watched football, I scurried to my candle stash to find the perfect scent to replace my summery kitchen candle (oh yes, they're in every room of the house - but that's another story for another day).  After a little searching, I finally found my favorite fall scent...that is, until Halloween passes (which reminds me, I have the cutest little jack-o-lantern candle I need to take out!)

Yankee Candle's Autumn Leaves perfectly captures the subtle, though recognizable, aroma of a lovely fall day without being overbearing.

Research shows that scent is the sense most closely connected to memory, which in my case seems to be true.  A small whiff of my newly reinstated candle, combined with dinner in the oven, brought back many memories of past years.  Even though it's hard for me to say goodbye to summertime, it's hard not to be excited for the changes and memories to come this fall season.

What smells remind you of fall?  What are your favorite scents for the emerging fall season?

Photo Credit:

Autumn Leaves Large Jar Candle, $24.99 - Yankee Candle

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Wishful Wednesday

Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend!  For me, Labor Day signifies the end of summer, which doesn't make me happy.  Nonetheless, I have to start looking towards the rapidly approaching change of season, and this weekend brought a preview of fall.

As hurricane Earl moved up the coast, it created cooler temps, chilly breezes, and the smell to the air that tells you the leaves will soon change.  Although I'm not excited to lose the heat and sunshine, my mind began to wander towards fall fashions...

BUDGET BREAKER:

Isn't this Burberry Trench a beauty?  Iconic and always in style, Burberry is known for their classic and quality trench coats.  BUT at $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue, this look isn't necessarily in the budget.

BUDGET BEATER:

For those of you like me who don't have $1000+ to blow on a coat you can only wear a few months of the year, this one's for you.  This London Fog Double-Breasted Trench coat is a tenth of the cost of the Burberry trench - ringing in at a mere $99.98 at Macy's.  Though it might not be the same quality as a Burberry trench, it's still a good looking jacket.

Don't you just love the look of a well-fitting trench coat?  As a child, I always thought my mother looked so beautiful when she wore her gray trench.  I'd love to recreate that look this fall (do you hear that Vibrant Husband??)  What are your favorite looks for fall?  What budget beaters are you looking for?

Photo Credits:

Burberry Mid-Length Trenchcoat, $995.00 - Sak's Fifth Avenue

London Fog Double Breasted Trench, $99.98 - Macy's

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Crazy for Mad Men

If you haven't seen Mad Men on AMC, you are missing out.  Now in its 4th season, Mad Men has won 13 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes, and for good reason!  An invigorating period piece, the show is set in the 60's world of advertising where excess dominates and rules don't matter.

I admit I'm a late convert, but after catching the first few episodes of this season Mad Men had me completely hooked.  So, like any crazed TV show addict, I went and bought the first 3 seasons on DVD and they do not disappoint so far!

Lately my relentless watching of Mad Men has me dreaming of a life as a set or costume designer... 

Don't you just love Don's paneled office and portable ashtray? The color scheme and modern furniture really set the mood.

Or how about the Draper's impeccable kitchen? I love all of the small accents that really make it feel lived in (like those beautiful rounded corner shelves above Betty's head.)

Plus, I can't forget about Don and Betty's fabulous tufted headboard. I'd love this for my house!

Not to mention the AMAZING costumes on the show. Joan's wardrobe is my personal favorite. Simply stunning.

However, Betty's subdued elegance lights up the screen and is a close second.

Of course, you can't forget about the dashing men either!

Are you convinced to go watch it yet?  What are some of your favorite shows?

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