first day of autumn

I love autumn. It has always been my favorite season. Although, I really can't complain too much about any of the "seasons" here in San Diego. I enjoy them all! Fall is probably the only season I miss from living in the Midwest. Cool, crisp days and nights. Lots of changing leaves. The scent of woodsmoke and bonfires in the air. It's pretty fantastic.

Now that the first day of fall is upon us, here are some fall-ish things I'm planning on indulging in very soon:

- Cinnamon-frosted Pumpkin Cookies from Von's (okay, maybe I have already indulged in these...)

- Squash. Spaghetti, acorn, butternut...all good!

- Apple Cider

- Baking. Starting with these Caramel Apple Cupcakes from the Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine.

- Holiday-scented candles

- Christmas shopping! I promised myself I was going to try really hard to shop throughout the year this year, instead of saving it all for December. To date, I have one Christmas gift. I know it's only September...but think about how fast the last nine months have gone...then think about how there are only 13 weeks until the Big Day. Yeah.

What are some of YOUR favorite things about the season?

It's time for a post...

about a few of my favorite things.

Cheese
The other day at Trader Joe's while perusing the cheese selection,  I espied a wedge of cheese with a green rind. Intriguing! It was a hunk of Dubliner's made with Irish Stout. Of course I want to try the green-rinded cheese made with Irish Stout! It's pretty delicious, by the way.

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
It smells awesome. I used John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum for a long time, and I liked it all right. But it's pretty thick. Not only does the Organix Coconut Milk smell delicious, it's lightweight. And it's cheaper. It makes me want to buy the coconut milk shampoo and conditioner too. I am resisting the urge only because every tip I've ever read about taking care of your curly hair insists that you use a shampoo and conditioner made for your hair. I have not found a favorite one of those yet...

The Goo Goo Dolls
Every once in a while I'll find a Goo Goo Dolls song that I just fall in love with. They are one of those bands with a solid record of making great music for years on end. I like the old stuff just as much as the new stuff. In fact, it is about time for a new record. There was a rumor of a new release in the late spring of 2010...which is NOW!

Orbit Sweet Mint Gum
It's not as powerful as spearmint, but just as refreshing. And it's just the right shade of green.

Words and Pictures
Check out my other blogs to see why!
RAW
Stephanie Grace Photography

Highlights

Highlights of my trip to New Orleans (aka N'awlins):

1. The awesome brick wall and huge windows in our hotel room.

2. More fried food than I would ever care to eat in a week (highlight or lowlight?)

3. Being asked to take photos with some of my authors.

4. Reconnecting with "conference people" friends.

5. Braving Bourbon Street on a Saturday night.

6. The awesome live music at our bar of choice on Bourbon.

7. The young (sober) man who, just before exiting said bar with his buddies, told me I was extraordinarily beautiful. (Extraordinarily!)

New Orleans, I wish I could have seen more of you. Thank you for not flashing me. Man Who Called Me Beautiful, you made my night, maybe even my year. Thanks for your sincerity.

things I learned last week

1) Replacing the fuel pump is more costly than replacing the alternator.

2) Sometimes, I have a really hard time asking for too much help.

3) Finding parking in Del Mar on a beautiful Saturday is close to impossible.

4) Dog beaches are really awesome.

5) Kidney (as in steak-and-kidney-pie kidney) is NOT delicious.

6) Microsoft Office 2007 is a problem-child.

7) My drying rack expands to hold more clothing at one time.

8) Ulta sells toothbrushes.

9) Lemon juice tastes good on just about everything.