hello monday

This past weekend peaked at almost 90 degrees. Then it proceeded to rain overnight Sunday and Fall seemed to sweep in with the wet weather.

This morning was crisp and cool with the smell of damp leaves in the air- I love that.

I ordered this sweater for the cool weather ahead.

I am repeatedly listening to this song by Bastille.

I finished this book, and picked up this one.

happy monday chickies.

Around Here

My schedule has been packed lately and this weekend was no exception.

Friday night I hosted a Lingerie shower for my friend Louanne- who’s getting married in only 

two weeks!

Saturday I spent most of the day painting furniture. This was not originally on the agenda, but when the skies are clear and there is only a twenty percent chance of rain you drop what you are doing and paint. I’ve been helping my friend Heather redecorate her bedroom for the last couple of months. Painting her furniture was our last big DIY project to tackle, but the rainy summer has been keeping our project on hold. Now that the bed is painted (and I just tracked down new nightstands today!!!) we can see the end in sight. I promise a design post when we are finished.

We also celebrated LB’s birthday on Sunday. LB has been eating strictly paleo for about 4-5 months so Sunday morning I tackled my first batch of Coffee Hazelnuts Paleo Pancakes. They were not bad. I followed the recipe from Brandon and Megan Keatley’s new cookbook, Primal Cravings. I’m not sure if the recipe is on their website, Healthbent, but every other recipe I tried of theirs has been great.

After breakfast I made another paleo treat- a Chocolate Paleo Birthday Cake- which was really good. I adapted this recipe based upon the paleo compliant flours I already had on hand (I did replace the arrowroot flour with tapioca flour). 

Around Here

This week in review:

-SNOW! We even got a bit here in Birmingham (which is rare). Actually 3-4 inches right north of the city. I only saw a dusting in my neighborhood- I was a little sad actually- I love the occasional snowy weather.

-Some great spreads in this month's Birmingham Home&Garden. Hoping to share one of my favorite's on the blog later this week.

-The 40 Day Paleo Challenge continues. Berries for a daily snack. After one week into the challenge I'm feeling pretty good.

-I finished crocheting this cowl earlier this year. I finally took the opportunity to wear it this weekend during a windy walk around the neighborhood with Ben.

-New Toms! These are the black burlap ones. Only complaint- the dye is rubbing off on my feet?!? Has anyone else experienced this?

-One of my favorite movies has been on cable recently- You've Got Mail! I think I have the entire dialogue memorized.

-Levi's Jeans. I bought these back before the holidays, but they have recently moved up into my list of favorite clothing items. Do you ever 'rediscover' an item you've had forever?

-The layers in my hair are finally growing out long enough to create a nice looking braid. Yes!

-Trying my hand at homemade paleo-power bars this weekend. Store bought Lara Bars are delicious but so expensive. I'll keep you posted on any great recipes. Notice my Klean Kanteen in the background. It's never too far from my reach these days with trying to up my water intake.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Around Here

It's been a busy, busy week at work, and this weekend has flown by. It was overcast here all weekend, but with the temperature 60+ degrees it was sure hard to complain.

I recently purchased a Klean Kanteen water bottle.It is part of my attempt to drink more water on a daily basis. So far so good. I've found that its easier to get my daily quota in when I have a bottle on my desk. My only complaint about the bottle is the sport cap- which makes a high-pitched squeak when you drink from it. But after a quick email to Customer Service they are sending me a replacement top! Thanks KK

Ben is doing must better after his doggy back surgery the week before Christmas. He's still being a pill 90% of the time. He's a love bug and can't understand why he has to stay in his kennel.

It's CLEMENTINE high season. Hope you are all taking advantage because they are delic!

I'm starting a 40 Day Paleo Challenge with my friends Bethany and Louanne tomorrow. Lou is cross-fitting over at IronTribe Fitness (I have yet to make the jump to CrossFit) but we are going to do this challenge together. I've been enjoying a few favorite eats this weekend -Starbucks Green Tea Frap and Triscuits- because they will be on the no-no list starting tomorrow.

I've just jumped on the Downton Abbey bandwagon this Season (it began last weekend) and tonight I'm hosting the viewing party for some friends. So excited for some more Matthew and Mary! Are you a Downton fan?

I recently finished this book on audio and LOVED it. Have you read it- I want to read everything else by Malcom Gladwell now. It is typically hard for me to remain interested in non-fiction but I loved this!

I know it's only January but I've just started planning a trip to California with some college friends for this coming June. I have never been to California and I am already pumped! We hope to visit San Francisco, Napa Valley, Big Sur, Yosemite, and maybe Lake Tahoe. Have you been to CA? Any advice/suggestions?

I just added this gold pillow to my living room sofa. It is amazing how one pillow can pull things together.

Hope you had a very lovely weekend wherever you are!