Hello! And welcome to another beautiful day! So glad you could join us today!
Morning routine: You can read my full morning routine here.
My workout and yoga this morning was once again, from 8fit. We are doing a virtual 5k and 10k this weekend, so we will see how that goes…
My workouts on 8fit are getting harder, which I understand is the point, but oh my goodness. I thought my legs were going to fall right off this morning. Luckily, they did not.
I have also been using this pressed powder from Pur Cosmetics. I really like their foundation and their products, overall, so if you’re looking for a pressed powder, try it out.
Breakfast: These Lavender Lemon scones that we added to the bakery menu last month are so good. They are just the perfect density and have the right amount of lavender.
Coffee: Dan has an obsession with Donut Shop coffee, so we’ve mostly been drinking that. However, we did pick up some seasonal coffees at Aldi.
I also had to grab my first (and probably only) pumpkin spice frappuccino of the season. Hint: add cinnamon dolce syrup and topping. So good.
See those pants under the steering wheel? The most comfortable pants ever. If you, like me, find yourself sometimes forced to wear children’s clothes to avoid dragging your pants on the ground, check them out.
Tea: Since my last post, we’ve been drinking Cameron Valley black tea, Golden Gate Green Tea, Peach Paradise Black Tea, Emerald Sun green tea, and Sweet Pomegranate green tea.
Housekeeping: Of course, September means we had to put out a little bit of fall decor. Okay, we put out a lot of fall decor, but here’s just a little sampling.
Shopping: Oh my, the cute fall finds! First, my wonderful sister found this great fall blanket for me at her local TJ Maxx.
I also got some great fall candles. The first two, I picked up from The Olive Branch in Council Bluffs.
The Keepers of the Light candle is from a company called A Cheerful Giver, which I don’t know much about. So far, the candle smells great, though! The other candle is from 1803 Candles, which I LOVE. I have used their wax melts in the office before and was so impressed.
After I bought these, I found out Bath & Body Works was having a candle sale, so I picked up this one, as well.
In keeping with tradition, I pick out a new fall lip color every September. Usually, I go with Stila, but this year, I chose one from Tarte’s Tarteist line. I grabbed their Quick Dry Lip Paint in Front Row and I am loving it so far! Highly highly recommend.
Also, for my September nail color, I chose Snake My Day from Colorstreet.
My mani leaves much to be desired with my tiny little chubby fingers, but the color is adorable and a perfect shade for early fall.
Finally, Bizi talked us into taking her to the Dollar Tree the other day and they had some of the cutest fall cups and trays. Obviously, I don’t expect much from the in the way of quality, but they are fun for the season.
Lunch: I made a comfort bowl from cabbage, rice, lentils, broccoli, summer squash, zucchini, lime juice, and seasonings. The rest of the family has been eating lots of Labor Day leftovers!
Snacks: We have been munching on trail mix. I also made some apple butter and applesauce, both of which I canned so we have plenty to last us awhile.
We added White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies to our Buttercream Delight menu. And I also made a Black Forest cake.
Drinks: Check out this tiramisu cocktail from Bailey’s! It was so good!
Projects: Every fall, I update my planner. Kinda like getting ready for a new school year. I guess I was a student for so long that it’s just ingrained in me now.
We also made our own pickles from scratch! And canned them! I’m not sure why I didn’t include this with the other snacks above, except to say that it was much more of a project than a snack!
Supper: We’ve had a few good things lately, so I thought I’d share the recipes with you.
Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy – I made mashed potatoes and corn to go with this.
White Wine Spaghetti – I always make mine with salad and garlic bread (lately this has been from the freezer section of the store, but hopefully I’ll have time to make some homemade soon)
Cheesy Potato Soup – I don’t have this one posted on here yet, so here’s what you do: put a 30 oz. bag of frozen southern hashbrowns (the square ones), 32 oz. chicken broth (or two 14.5 oz. cans, whichever you have on hand), 1/4 tsp. pepper, and a can of cream of chicken soup in the crockpot. Mix well. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Add in 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese and 8 oz. of cream cheese (cut in cubes). Stir it up and let it cook for another half hour. Stir again and serve warm. I also serve this with bread and salad.
Family Time: We really enjoyed Labor Day.
We also took a day and enjoyed Standing Bear Lake and Mount Vernon Gardens.
Evening Routine: You can read my full evening routine here. I’ve been using this FAB Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask in the evenings and I really like it. I’m not exactly sure if you’re supposed to leave it on overnight, but since it just says “rub in excess,” I’m guessing I’m okay. My skin hasn’t fallen off yet, so 
.
As far as evening reading goes, it’s been a minute since I posted, so I’ve read quite a bit. I’ve finished Forever, Interrupted, Evidence of the Affair, and After I Do, all by Taylor Jenkins Reed. I also finished Beloved by Toni Morrison and Everybody, Always by Bob Goff. Currently, I’m reading American Royals by Katharine McGee. It’s a fun YA read. Definitely needed after Beloved. Don’t get me wrong. Beloved is a beautiful masterpiece. It’s just really heavy.
The Last Word:
First, this workout. I’m sorry, but I love it. Can’t help it. You should do it.
Also, I have discovered a documentary streaming service! It’s only $3 a month and it has TONS of cool documentaries. Check out CuriosityStream and let me know your thoughts!
Finally, enjoy this beautiful sunset Dan and I watched off Lookout Point.
And that’s all I have for today! Thanks so much for sharing another day with us!
