Fall Favorites

Although it's technically fall according to the calendar, it's still blazin' hot here in Florida.

But that's not gonna keep me from posting some of my new fall favorites.

Granted, they're not going to include this fall's latest trends like faux leather leggings and above-the-knee riding boots, because it's just not cold enough for that kinda gear right now.

But I will share with you some great new items that are putting me in the fall mood...even if it is 90 degrees out today.

First up... a fall staple that will last you through winter...a fantastic red lipstick!

Now, I don't wear red very often. In fact, I always thought it made me look "yellow-ish" and clashed with my skin tone. But if Miss blondie Kristen Bell can rock a red lip, then so can I!

This Sephora Cream Lip Stain in "01 Always Red" is a great way to try the bold red lip trend without breaking the bank. This baby only cost $13 and it has some serious staying power without feeling sticky or dry.

I wore it last weekend to a casino-themed charity event where my entire outfit was black with some turquoise jewelry and this lipstick really completed the outfit. It made my makeup look very polished and classic. I highly recommend picking some up for the upcoming holiday party season.

Next up, a candle that I am totally crushing on right now.

I figure, even if it's hot outside, I can always crank down my A/C and light a pumpkin-scented candle and it will feel much more like a crisp fall day.

I've always been a fan of Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles because they smell fantastic, and last a long time. There are some great fall scents out right now, and there are some pretty heinous ones. I've made the mistake of ordering them online before without actually smelling them first... big mistake. Don't do it.

This one, called "Heirloom Pumpkin" is one of my favorites right now. I like to burn it by itself, or in conjunction with an apple-scented candle (my sis-in-law taught me that trick!).

There are several pumpkin/fall-scented B&BW candles out right now, so I'd recommend going to a store and smelling them for yourself. This one has undertones of nutmeg and vanilla, but I have another one that has more of a pumpkin-cinnamon smell to it and I love it too.

Another fall staple for me is this great Cable & Gauge tunic that I found at TJ Maxx (note: I did not pay $51 for it, as it's listed on this web site, I believe I paid closer to $25.

Sadly, my photography skills have a looooooong way to go, so this picture doesn't do it one bit of justice. Here's a better image of a lovely stranger wearing it that I snagged off the internet:

I'm telling you, I will be living in this tunic this fall! It is the softest thing I have ever worn and it's the perfect weight too. I've worn it with shorts, skinny jeans and cropped workout pants. It's so versatile, I just may go back and get it in grey too!

My next favorite thing has nothing to do with fall, and everything to do with starting my day off in a good mood.

I saw this line of hand-stamped silverware on Instagram and instantly (pun intended) fell in love. Milk and Honey Luxuries has the most adorable line of products. From funny, to sweet, and everything in between, they have come up with some great "one liners" to stamp on their beautiful silverware.

Every morning, I try to take this motto seriously and start my day with a grateful heart.

Because when I pause and think about the fact that I have healthy children, a husband who loves me and friends whom I know I can count on... life is pretty awesome indeed.

The next few "favorites" aren't necessarily fall-related items, but they are super important during this time of year as we enter cold & flu season.

I am a big believer in the healing power of essential oils, when it comes to fighting off germs and beating a cold once you've contracted something, but I also drink a glass of Super Orange flavored "Emergen-C" every single morning.

There are only 25 calories per pack and they are loaded with vitamin C, B12, Zinc, and lots of antioxidants and electrolytes. If you don't currently take a multivitamin, I would highly recommend getting a box of these and making it part of your morning routine.

Along the same lines, I am a firm believer in a daily multivitamin for my kids. They come in contact with some nasty germs at school each day (God please help them to remember to wash their hands after they use the bathroom!!).

I used to give them whatever brand of gummy vitamins were on sale. But then I noticed how loaded with sugar they were and how very little vitamins were actually in them.

That's when I switched to Rainbow Light Nutri Stars chewable children's vitamins.

 

I'm not gonna lie. They do not taste fantastic (kinda like a sweet tart but not as sweet). But my kids have gotten used to them over the years and now eat them without complaint. They know they can't get up from the breakfast table until their vitamin is gone. It's just habit now.

These vitamins have only 1.5 grams of sugar per vitamin and have no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. They also have 92 mg of vegetables and green foods per vitamin. I'm tellin ya... these are powerhouse vitamins!

You can buy them on Amazon for about $15 or at most health food stores.

And one more thing I'm diggin these days are these awesome Kashi bars:

 

I realize they sound pretty bland, but they are delicious - really! They are crunchy and nutty and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect to throw in your purse for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.

That's all I've got for today. Payton is home and ready for some multiplication quizzing, and little man is bound to wake up right in the middle of it, so I better wrap this up. 

I hope you try some of these products. And if you do, please let me know what you think. Stay warm, cozy and healthy this fall! Cheers y'all!