Fall Essentials

Every fall as I transition my wardrobe from summer to fall, I assess what I am missing, try to remember what I gave away the previous year, and try to incorporate new staples into this season's closet.

One of the essentials I try to have plenty of are fitted black and gray pants - snug enough for flats, boots and heels but structured enough to wear to the office. JCrew ran an unbelievable Extra 40% off sale today and I broke down on their Pixie pant in both black and charcoal. The reviews on these were unbelievable and they can be dressed up and down which I love.

I mean, can you blame me?

What are some of your go-to items as the seasons change?

Difficult Decisions

I think part of the blogging process is to use the outlet as a way to share not only the fun and joyous parts of your life, but the hard ones too. Often times I feel that our society likes to show the results of good things but never the challenging process to attain them.

After taking Finley home a few weeks ago, we decided that she was not going to be in the best home with us. We really wanted to have two puppies to play with each other, be engaged with one another and have companionship, along with enjoying a very active lifestyle with us. We felt that Finley needed to be in a home as the only dog and probably with someone who was home during the day.

In retrospect, we've learned a lot about ourselves, what kind of household we want to run, and how we will want to meet any future dogs before adoption.

In the mean time, we are loving our new family of three and enjoying every second with this little guy:

Meet Carter

Though I have been posting tons of pictures of Finley, I finally got some good pictures of Finley's soon to-be brother, Carter! He is the sweetest little 5 pound nugget - we are so in love!

With Carter and his sister Sunni

Already loves to play fetch

He is absolutely my dog in terms of his sleeping habits

Loves to cuddle

I am not able to say no to this face - it's terrible

And sleep some more

Daddy is already ready for Finley to get here to alleviate some of the play time

Aunt Nat and Carter

After bath time he loves to snuggle and fall asleep!

I literally laid him down to get ready for work and he slept the whole time - did I luck out or what?

Weekend in Westhampton

My oldest childhood friend, Lauren, sweetly invited me up to New York this past weekend. We hadn't seen each other since my wedding last May and had the best time catching up. Knowing her family most of my life, it was so great to see all of them!

At ACE Bar after our delicious meal at Supper

Lauren's sweet cousin Melissa

Unbelievable view from Lauren's back deck in Westhampton

Beautiful private beach

Beginning of a gorgeous Westhampton sunset

I can't even...

I can't help myself

But I am obsessed with a soon to-be new member of the Walker household! She is the third on the right. I can not wait to get her in September! Welcome Finley Walker - we already love you and can't wait to be with you!!!

Stuffed Peppers

I am not sure if it's the humidity or the lull of summer, but I am wishing for Fall to get here quickly, with its requirements of boots, leggings, cool nights and chiminea fires on the patio. Some of the dinners I have prepared of late are perfect for fall! One of my favorites is Stuffed Peppers - a fairly healthy and inexpensive dinner that easily carries into lunch the next couple of days. If your husband is anything like mine, prepare plenty!

Ingredients

6 medium bell peppers
2 1/2 slices of bread, toasted just before use and then cubed
1/2 onion, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey
1 chicken bouillon cube, 1/4 cup hot water
1 can diced tomatoes (liquid drained in bottom of glass dishes you plan to bake them in)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Prep vegetables by chopping onion and celery, cutting peppers in half, remove white core

2. Heat pan with olive oil and add onion and celery till softened

3. Add in ground turkey, and sprinkle to taste salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder

4. Dissolve bouillon cube in 1/4 cup hot water and add to pan

5. Toast bread in toaster, and cube, then add to pan

6. Fill peppers with mixture, place in glass dishes with reserved tomato liquid

7. Sprinkle cheddar on top of peppers if desired and place in 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes