fall!

So in honor of the beginning of fall, I thought I would post some of my favorite things about the season. Woohoo! Bring on the cool weather! :)

college football

the pumpkin spice latte

the trees changing colors (wish the trees in TX looked like this...)

a good fall coat

summers end

I can't believe the summer is coming to an end but I am definitely ready for some cooler weather. The last few weeks in Houston remind me of why I long for a cooler climate with more mild summers and 4 actual seasons. Unlike my other fellow Texans, who always wish it would warm up when it's cold out, I love it and wish it would last longer. However, I do love my sundresses and flip-flops; probably one of my favorite outfit combos of all time. And I will get to flaunt my favorite sundresses while on my little vacation this week to Pensacola! I can't wait! I will be staying at a condo right on the beach and plan on doing nothing for about 4 days, woohoo! I am even going to get a massage tonight before I go. :) See you all when I return! Hope everyone has a great week!

love for the frap!

Happy Monday all! Today I am giving a shout out to my favorite Starbuck's drink today, the infamous Peppermint Java Chip Frappuccino! Made my Monday morning and guaranteed to make your day better. You should try it sometime. Make sure to add the peppermint, that is the key ingredient. Also no matter what anyone tries to tell you, do not forgo the whip and the chocolate syrup or go with the light version of the frap. Totally ruins the experience. Believe me you will not regret it and the calories are worth it! So yummy! :)

babies!

Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower for one of my best friends from high school, Laura Seely Sapaugh. I haven't seen her since the beginning of the year as she lives in Fort Worth so I am excited to see her this weekend!! She is due in August so only a little bit longer! I thought this was an appropriate pic for today. Happy Friday! :)

a little cupcake love!

"Cupcakes make everything better"

ali's back!

Last night was the kick-off of a new season of my favorite reality TV series, The Bachelor/Bachelorette! Each season I get hooked watching what will inevitably be a train wreck but I just can't stop watching! I enjoy seeing how ridiculous the show is each season; the drama is unbelievable. It's my guilty pleasure. Plus I must admit, I read some amazing blogs that provide quite comically commentary; all the things I am thinking while watching the show. Check this one out!

Last night, after eating a delicious meal prepared by my best friend Kerry and her husband Chris, while waiting for the Bachelorette to come on, I made Texas Chocolate Sheetcake. I combined two different recipes; one from The Pioneer Woman and another from Homesick Texan. I did this as the second had cinnamon and I love cinnamon. My taste testers gave it the official approval as I caught them both going back for seconds. ;) Not sure if it was as good as my mom's but maybe a close second. Anyone notice how nothing you make will ever be quite as good as your mom's, why is that? I will test on a couple others tonight as I watch the American Idol finale. GO LEE!!!

And for good measure my simple joy for the day. Enjoy! :)

simple joys

So I know I am very overdue for a post. I promise a more detailed one is coming soon. Today I decided to change my blog address and name to simply joys. I loved the idea of it. So here is my simple joy for the day. Enjoy! :)