Anyone else feel like September just flew by? I cannot believe that it’s already October and officially the Fall season. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll definitely say it again – I absolutely love the Fall. Just the thought of a new season has me giddy with excitement. Here are some of the things that I’m looking forward to this week:
1. Fall Scented Candles
To get in the Fall mood, I decided to break out the candles. There’s a couple of favorites that I try to go back to every season, but there’s one that’s been a consistent favorite.
I absolutely adore the Sonoma Autumn Hayride from Kohl’s. It just has this spicy, earthy smell that instantly takes me back to a memory of leaves falling in North Carolina. It’s not overly sweet nor intoxicating, but has just the right balance. And the best part? It’s currently on sale!
Of course, I can never just stop at one Fall scented candle. I usually turn to my other favorites: Bath & Body Works’ White Barn and Yankee Candle.
2. Pimento Cheese Dip + Dilly Beans
I’ve been missing home lately, and whenever this happens, I end up cooking some of my favorite dishes. My Gammy and I love a good Pimento Cheese Dip with a side of Dilly Beans. While I don’t have a specific recipe I follow – I usually just eyeball the amounts and add the following: Duke’s mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, cayenne and Worcestershire. The great thing about the dip is that you can eat it hot or cold and add in any additional mix-ins.
A Dilly Bean is a fancy name for pickled green beans that usually has dill, garlic and hot peppers as seasoning. I love dilly beans because they pack such a great crunch and flavor that makes it the perfect snack! You can usually find these at your local farmer’s market.
3. May Design’s Digital Wallpapers
I love to change up my phone’s digital wallpaper every few weeks. It’s a simple way for me to make a change and bring something new. I’m absolutely loving the Breast Cancer Awareness ones that May Design’s just released.
As a lover of anything pink, it’s the perfect transition from my bright summer look to a more calming one. And I can never turn down a free-download opportunity.
To kick-off the start of Fall, I recently made these melt-in-your-mouth bites. I found the recipe on Southern Living, so of course, I knew it was going to be a good one. The recipe is super simple and delicious – just the way I like them to be. I hate overly complex desserts because I usually don’t have the patience. I may have sampled half the tray to make sure they were okay before bringing to work.
5. Chuy’s Tex Mex Happy Hour
As a graduate student on a budget, I love to take advantage of any opportunity to save money. That’s why I’m all about Chuy’s Happy Hour (weekdays 4-7pm). It’s typically confined to the bar area where customers can enjoy the free nacho bar + half priced margaritas. It’s the best combination! And the nacho bar is legit – comes with unlimited portions of chips, queso, seasoned ground beef, salsa and more. While tequila and I aren’t the best of friends, we make it happen when the margs come out to $4. If you’re in the Gainesville area and looking for a dining companion – I volunteer!
What are some of the things you’re looking forward to this week?
Orange Blossom Belle 