Black Mountain Anniversary Trip

Justin and I celebrated our third anniversary in August. We decided instead of exchanging gifts we would go on a mountain trip together. We finally went this weekend and had the BEST time. We both agreed it would be fun to make it a family trip and bring Anna Claire and Henson. I'm so glad we did because I think it was exactly what we needed. We found the cutest cabin in Black Mountain, just 20 minutes from Asheville. We woke up bright and early Saturday morning and hit the road to make the five hour drive. When we arrived our cabin wasn't quite ready so we drove straight to downtown Black Mountain to walk around and grab a drink. They have the quaintest little downtown with fun little shops and several breweries. They are very dog friendly so it was fun to walk Henson around with us. We enjoyed some really good local beers and met some of the nicest people who even invited us to their private oyster roast! We sadly declined so we could get home to put little bit to bed. 

Once we arrived at the cabin we immediately changed into pajamas, lit a fire and started a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. Anna Claire must have been so happy to be able to move around because she started rolling everywhere, back and fourth and back again. It was absolutely adorable and something new for her. Watching her grow has been the biggest blessing. We spent the rest of the night relaxing by the fire. It was Heavenly! 

We had a slow morning Sunday and I made cheesy bacon biscuits, coffee and mimosas. Anna Claire played, Justin and Henson explored the woods outside the cabin and I got a little reading in. Later that day we took a tour of the Biltmore house in Asheville. Justin and I both agreed that it was nice to see the house but really not worth the money unless you were to upgrade for the guided tour or the phones with sound to tell you about the rooms. It also is not stroller friendly and was pretty crowded so not the best activity for a baby. Anna Claire hung in there and enjoyed seeing all of the things. By the time we left she was exhausted and snoozing. We spent the rest of the day grabbing a late lunch at Wicked Weed and walking around downtown Asheville. Justin had never been downtown so it was so fun to show him around some. We headed home around 5 to cozy back up at the cabin and start a movie. We both said that was our favorite part of the trip- just being home together, by the fire, relaxing and hanging out. 

Sunday enjoyed another slow and rainy morning at the cabin before packing up and heading home. We stopped for BBQ on the way out to end the trip. The drive home in the rain was longggg but it was worth it. We had the BEST time. It was exactly what my heart needed. My heart is so full and thankful for my little family! Justin and I both agreed we should make it an annual trip.

Pumpkin Patch and all things Fall

One Fall tradition that is a billion times more fun with children is visiting the pumpkin patch so I knew this year with Anna Claire that was a must! We went to the Barefoot Landing Pumpkin Patch last weekend with some friends and had the best time. There was a hayride, bouncy house, petting zoo, pumpkins and wine stand for the adults. Anna Claire was was most interested in trying to eat the pumpkins which of course made for the cutest pictures! We picked out an extra large one that would be perfect to carve and put little bit in for the most priceless photos. I would not say she loved being put in a pumpkin but she tolerated it for a little bit so we could all ohh and ahh and snap a hundred photos. Y'all... this mom life is my favorite. Every season is so much more fun with a  baby!! My heart is so full! Prepare for picture overload because how could I not share this preciousness...

The next weekend we set up a trunk for trunk or treat at church on Friday night. Saturday we attended Oktoberfest in Calabash with the same friends and then I headed home to whip up some apple sangria and visit with Justin's aunt and cousin. Sunday was spent preparing for a busy week ahead. 

Football, Chili-Cheese Corn Muffins and Corn Chowder

This weekend was just what the doctor ordered.. restful and productive mixed with friends, family, football and Netflix. Friday night Justin and I celebrated a friends birthday with dinner at Flying Fish. Oh my word, they have the BEST shrimp and grits on the planet. Seriously- amazing! On Saturday we ran some errands to get our house a little more ready for Fall. We picked up flowers for the front porch and even found a new rug for our living room! I have to brag on my husband for the rug. He picked it out completely by himself and convinced me that it was a good purchase. I can be so indecisive, especially with such a big purchase. He did so good!! There were tons of football games on this weekend so I decided to get busy in the kitchen and some of Justin's family came over to enjoy food and football with us! Aren't nights like that seriously the best? We had wings, corn chowder and chili cheese corn muffins. The corn muffins and chowder were a hit. I'll definitely be making them again this fall. 

Chili-Cheese Corn Muffins

via Paula Deen

Ingredients 

1 3/4 cups self rising yellow cornmeal

1 cup all purpose flour 

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup seeded and chopped poblano pepper

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 1/2 sticks butter, melted 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tins with vegetable spray. 

2. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, cheese and poblano pepper. Make a well in the center of the mixture. 

3. In another bowl combine the milk, butter and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spoon until moistened. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin filling 3/4 full. Bake for 20 minutes, until the muffins are lightly browned. 

This was the first time I used my new Kitchen aid Mixer so of course I had to document it!! 

Corn Chowder

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter 

1 cup chopped yellow onion

1/2 cup chopped celery 

2 white potatoes, peeled and diced 

4 cups chicken broth

4 ears of corn

1/2 cup half and half

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1 can condensed cream of celery soup

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1. In a medium stockpot , melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and potatoes and saute for 2 minutes. Add the broth and boil the vegetables over medium high heat for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft. 

2. While waiting, cut the corn from the cobs with a sharp knife. 

3. Add the corn to the soup and cook for 5 minutes. Add the half and half , salt, pepper and cream of celery soup. Stir well to combine. Simmer until hot, serve immediately.Garnish with the bell pepper.  

There really is nothing like Fall, football and good food! 

Fall is in the air

We had such a good time this past weekend!! Justin and I had a wedding to attend for one of his friends that happend to take place in my hometown. It was the perfect reason to get out of town and visit my parents. I told Justin that there is something so refreshing about coming back home. It just feels like life is a little bit simpler those few days. We had a blast at the wedding but didn't get any pictures other than some fun photo booth print outs. Sunday was the perfect day- when we woke up it was only in the upper 50's. It felt like Fall had arrived overnight. It warmed up by the time church let out- just in time for Sunday dinner with my family outside. My mom has surely set the standards high for being able to set a dinner table. Everything was just so perfect! Don't you wish you could hang on to those little moments?!

Even Henson joined in on the fun (: 

I've been itching for Fall to get here for a few weeks now. I know I should enjoy the last few days of summer but seeing all of the new fall apparel out in stores, PSL's already being advertised and school being back in session it makes me ready for some crisp Fall air. The nice weather we had this weekend visiting my parents really set the tone. It's still highs in the 80's around here so I can't quite participate in all things Fall yet, but as soon as I can here are some things on the agenda. 

Lots of fun fall beverages. Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, apple sangria and fall inspired beers. I am READY for you!! 

I have some new pretties to sport this Fall as well as some old favorites that I can't wait to pull out. It's so hard to walk into a store and see nothing but sweaters, corduroys and boots but know that it's not cold enough to wear them yet. 

I am wanting to make a weekend getaway to the mountains BAD. I would love to make a trip to Chateau Morrisette winery in Virginia just in time to see the leaves turning. With two October weddings and several football games already on the calendar I don't know if this will happen but fingers crossed!! It's at the top of my priority list! Bonus points- they welcome dogs here, especially Labs so Henson can join in on the fun! 

Fall decor. I'm ready to plant some new flowers, dress up the table and pick out a pumpkin or two. There is no shortage of ideas on Pinterest. Now I just need a free weekend where I can get busy! What are some things you are looking forward to this fall?!

Fall on the front porch

This past weekend was the first time it truly felt like fall in the Carolina's. October rolled around, the temperature dropped and mums are right around every corner. There is something so refreshing about the season. I love everything fall has to bring! This weekend Justin and I decided to stay home to relax and work around the house some. It was the absolute perfect weekend in my opinion! We cleaned the house AND our cars, spent lots of time with Henson, made a big pot of spaghetti and got the front porch ready for fall. 

I knew before we even found this house that I wanted rocking chairs on the front porch. It was just a matter of waiting for the right time to get them. We knew we couldn't have pumpkins and flowers on the front porch without any rocking chairs to sit and view them in! We found the perfect chairs at Home Depot. I am in l-o-v-e. Now to just find a little table to put in the middle. 

Of course Henson had to check out the pumpkins.

Every time I walk outside and see the mums, pumpkins and rocking chairs my heart smiles!! Happy girl! Fall please take your time.. (:

Falling in love with Fall

I don't think I can describe how excited I am that fall is approaching! I have been counting down the days until I could pull out my sweaters and smell the crisp fall air. I always think there are tons of exciting things going on in the fall and the weather is perfect. Not too cold, not too hot! It's hard to narrow down what I love the most about this amazing season but I'm going to try.

1. Sweater dresses and boots!

This one tops the list BY FAR.. I wish I could

wear a dress and boots every single day.. Its cute,

comfortable and so easy to dress up or down. perfect!

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte

no whip cream skim milk please! 

no words can describe how amazing and

"fall like" this drink is. Props to Starbucks!

3. Football!

No explanation necessary!

4. Scarves

They make any outfit stylish instantly

This is currently hanging on my refrigerator:

I hope yall have a great day(: