It's not fall until I make chili...

First of all, I love making chili.  It's usually simple, but my excitement comes from the oodles of recipes to try.  My friend Tina makes the best white chicken chili I've ever had.  My grandma used to make pretty amazing chili featuring kidney beans and home-grown beef.  Mostly, it's just a really fun fall tradition.

This year, I took a basic recipe and altered it.  I used three pounds of beef from Adam's uncle's farm (because I'm still sticking to this).  I replaced both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with three jars of canned tomatoes (which grew in our garden).  We didn't have any kidney beans and I added some fresh chopped garlic.  That's about it for the alterations.

For me, chili isn't chili without noodles.  However, since my stepdad's recent scare with diabetes, I didn't put up a fight when he asked that I make the noodles on the side.  I still get my chili with noodles and he isn't forced to pick out a massive amount of carbohydrates.  Win, win.

Fun facts about the words "fall" and "autumn":  In the British Isles, the term “autumn” has been used since the 1300s, and the phrase “the fall of the leaf” or just “the fall” was used from the 1500s until about 1800. After that time, “autumn” became the common seasonal term in Britain. According to The New Fowler’s Modern English Usage, “whereas ‘the fall of the leaf’ (less frequently ‘the fall of the year’) and then ‘fall’ by itself gradually became standard in America from the late 17th century onwards" (5).  However, one exception for American usage of “autumn,” instead of “fall,” is with the autumnal equinox. (From grammargirl)

Hilarious and True

First "My Glam Bag"

When a package this pretty comes in the mail, how do you not smile?

1 Circus Nail Polish in TIGHTROPE
I haven't given this a go yet, but I am excited to.

2 Carol's Daughter split end sealer (Made in USA!)
I've only used it once, but I'm excited to see if the "93.3%fewer split ends" proves to be true.  My guess is that it won't, but it does have a nice coconut scent.

3 jane Sparkle Gloss in Sparkle Pink
I typically don't wear bright shades, especially on my lips, but the stickiness of it is the #1 reason I probably won't wear this shade that's identical to my Grandma Alice's lipstick.

4 SOHO Smudge Brush
How can you screw up a smudge brush?  I'm sure this is just dandy.

5 Mirabella Eyeshadow in Semiformal
I couldn't be happier with the shade.  Because my eyes are somewhere between green and hazel, I try to stick with neutral-colored eyeshadows like this one.

6 This month's bag is nothing exciting color-wise, but it is a nicely sized black and gold pouch.

I am a sucker for grab bags.  Because My Glam Bag happens to be the cheapest option I've found, (at only $10 per month) I will probably continue to get it.  And I'll definitely be blogging about it, now that I have nothing in my life but school.

Two years ago today, I married my best friend

I'm feeling pretty sentimental today, so here are some photos of our best day:

I used this picture (just my dad's face) as a charm on my bouquet.

Adam dancing with our niece Taylor

2012 Outfit, Week 37 - Little White Mug

It's better late than never, right?  I'm trying to keep up with the outfit posts for my personal reference later on, like say, next year.  I choked on my green tea when I realized I hadn't done it yet this week.  Maybe I'm a little dramatic, or maybe classes make me that way.  

I call this one "Ladylike."

Sweater: American Eagle

Crop Leggings: Kohl's 

Flats: Walmart 

If I ever do another post with a mug, I'm upgrading to one of these two: Deer Mug  Squirrel Mug

2012 Outfit, Week 36 - Coral and Navy

                       Here I am again in this ill-fitting skirt.  The colors compliment each other, though.

Tank: Target clearance

Skirt: The Limited

Wedges: Shoe Dazzle

Rustic Retreat Bathroom

I found my dream bathroom (just fast forward to see it quickly).  This is going to happen someday, because it was on the DIY channel which means we are able to and will do it ourselves.  The tub is huge and amazing, I love the mirror/tv. The beams are dreamy and the floor is so gorgeous.  Even the vanity style has me seriously thinking about starting now.  Without a home to put it into yet.  This is serious.