Embracing Autumn: My Weekly Roundup of Fashion, Food, and Family Joys

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, my Pinterest boards light up with all things fall. I confess, I’m utterly captivated by autumn fashion – particularly the allure of big, oversized sweaters and the timeless sophistication of blazers. There’s something inherently chic and comforting about layering up during this season, and I find myself constantly seeking out pieces that combine style with practicality. This past week, my sartorial obsession reached new heights as I snagged two incredibly stylish and surprisingly affordable blazers. Yes, two in one week! It might seem a little excessive, but blazers are truly a wardrobe superhero; they just pair effortlessly with almost anything in my closet.

My favorite way to style a blazer is with a crisp button-up shirt and a vibrant scarf, creating an ensemble that’s perfect for a casual day out or a relaxed office setting. However, the beauty of a well-fitting blazer lies in its versatility. You can easily dress it up with tailored trousers and heels for a professional look, or throw it over a simple t-shirt and jeans for an elevated casual vibe. It’s all about maximizing outfit possibilities, getting more mileage out of each piece, and essentially creating multiple looks for the price of one. This approach to fashion is not only economical but also incredibly satisfying.

Speaking of incredible finds, just look at this blazer! I stumbled upon it at my favorite local discount store, a true treasure trove for fashionistas on a budget. Can you believe it was originally priced at $195? I walked out paying a mere $37.90. That’s what I call a serious deal! The only downside is that the weather hasn’t quite caught up to my fall fashion aspirations yet. I’m eagerly awaiting cooler temperatures so I can finally show off this fabulous new addition.

My adoration for blazers is closely rivaled by my profound fondness for scarves. They are much more than just a means to keep your neck warm; scarves are magnificent, often inexpensive accessories that can instantly transform an outfit. During the cooler months, you’ll rarely find me without one. My wonderful (and occasionally mischievous) mother and equally delightful grandmother recently convinced me to acquire two new scarves over the weekend. We were out shopping at Marshall’s, which happens to be my grandmother’s absolute favorite store, and their powers of persuasion were simply too strong to resist.

The shopping trip unfolded with classic family banter:

Mom-mom: “Oooh, Jennie, that color looks so good on you.” And just like that, a beautiful scarf was added to our cart.

Mom: “Here, try this nice copper scarf. It’ll be perfect for fall.”

Me: “Ah, I don’t know about copper. I’m quite pale. I’m not sure I’ll look good in that shade.”

Despite my reservations, on it went. As I peered into the mirror, oohing and ahhing at the unexpected glow the color brought to my complexion, Mom-mom chimed in:

Mom-mom: “Oh no, you look good in copper, Jennie, it really suits you!” And just like that, the second scarf found its way into the cart.

Mom: “Now, here, try on this emerald green one,” she said, already handing me the third exquisite piece of fabric.

Me: “No more scarves! Seriously, unless the two of you are buying them for me, I absolutely cannot try on any more scarves,” I declared, playfully fighting the intense urge to wrap myself in that gorgeous emerald green cloth. See? Utterly irresistible, and they know it!

It’s no surprise that Marshall’s employees know my grandmother by name. As we leisurely made our way through the aisles, various staff members warmly greeted her, offering updates on newly marked down items and sharing tips on the best finds on the clearance shelves – often things they knew she frequently purchased. When practically every employee knows your name, your life story, and your shopping preferences, it’s a pretty clear sign that you might be spending a little too much quality time at Marshall’s. But honestly, who can blame her when there are so many fantastic deals to be discovered?

My Latest Culinary Fixations

The Creamy Delight of Oikos Toasted Coconut Vanilla Greek Yogurt

Beyond fashion, my latest food obsession has been Oikos Toasted Coconut Vanilla Greek Yogurt. I discovered it purely by chance when it was on sale last week and decided to give it a try. What a revelation! It is incredibly creamy, with a rich, velvety texture that makes each spoonful a luxurious experience. The flavor profile is perfectly balanced – a delicate sweetness from the vanilla complemented by the warm, nutty notes of perfectly toasted coconut. It’s like a mini-vacation in a cup, and I’ve now made sure my fridge is well-stocked with it. The thought of running out is simply unbearable!

Pumpkin Everything: A Seasonal Baking Spree

Given that it’s fall, it should come as absolutely no surprise that I’ve been practically living in a pumpkin spice-scented cloud, churning out pumpkin desserts like it’s my full-time job. I’ve been making so many pumpkin baked goods that I’ve had to resort to giving them away to anyone and everyone who crosses my path. I’m literally offering complete strangers muffins, hoping to share the autumn joy. The looks I sometimes get are a mix of confusion and “you’re-creepy.” But seriously, people, it’s not poison! It’s just pure, delicious pumpkin goodness, baked with love. Embrace the season!

Beauty Finds and Pampering Moments

Discovering CND Vinylux: The 7-Day Manicure Solution

In the realm of beauty, I’ve found a new nail polish that I absolutely adore: Creative Nail Designs (CND) recently launched their innovative line of weekly polish called Vinylux. What makes it so remarkable is that it’s not shellac, which means you don’t need a special base coat, a specific top coat, or a UV/LED light to cure it. It’s incredibly easy to apply, gliding on smoothly and drying remarkably fast. All you need is a bottle of your chosen Vinylux color and the Vinylux top coat, and you’ll achieve a salon-quality manicure that promises to last up to seven full days without chipping. This discovery has been a game-changer for my weekly pampering routine, offering durability and shine without the hassle.

Heartwarming Family Kitchen Adventures

This past Saturday was a whirlwind of activity spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, acting as the resident chef and taking everyone’s meal requests. The day started with a classic family debate – a delightful bickering match over soup. My beloved grandparents were craving a hearty ground beef soup, while my parents, who had recently enjoyed ground beef soup, were set on chicken and dumplings. Of course, my grandparents had just had chicken noodle soup, so chicken and dumplings was out of the question for them. There I stood, caught in the middle of their endearing culinary dispute, patiently waiting for the green light to start cooking. The delicious outcome? I ended up making a comforting pot of ground beef soup for my grandparents, and for my parents, I whipped up some delicious homemade pizza accompanied by a fresh Greek salad. Everyone was ultimately happy and well-fed, though it did mean Jennie had to work twice as hard in the kitchen!

And that wasn’t all! In addition to the main meals, I also baked a batch of warm, crusty homemade bread, artfully arranged a delightful cheese platter, and prepared sweet, tender apple dumplings. This doesn’t even count the homemade granola and banana bread I had made the night before my journey to my grandparents’ house. By the end of the day, I was utterly pooped, but my heart was full. Everyone was fat and happy, stomachs content, and spirits bright. Life felt good, surrounded by family, love, and an abundance of delicious food – certainly more than we could possibly consume in one sitting!

My tireless efforts in the kitchen did not go unnoticed, as I was sweetly gifted a very pretty, hand-spun casserole dish. I like to think my grandmother took pity on my hard work and decided to reward my culinary contributions. Definitely a win in my book!

Exciting Future Plans: Blog Design and Foodie Travel

A Blog Makeover on the Horizon

I recently received a wonderfully exciting email from Lindsay of Purr Design, informing me that I’ve officially moved off her design waitlist! My blog’s redesign journey is set to commence in early November, and I cannot express how incredibly thrilled I am. I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews about Lindsay’s talent and professionalism, and I’m eagerly anticipating the fresh new look and enhanced functionality she will bring to my little corner of the internet. This redesign will undoubtedly elevate the user experience and allow me to share my passions in an even more beautiful and engaging way.

Charleston: A Foodie’s Paradise Awaits

The countdown has officially begun for my “Eat-My-Way-Through Charleston, South Carolina” vacation! Seriously, my plan is to devour everything delicious that this charming city has to offer. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a foodie’s dream come true, a culinary adventure I’ve been anticipating for ages. I’m particularly excited to explore Charleston’s renowned Southern comfort food, its incredible seafood scene, and all the unique local delicacies. The city is celebrated for its vibrant culinary landscape, and I intend to experience it all, one plate at a time. You can follow all my mouth-watering food adventures and discoveries in real-time via Instagram. T-minus just seven days until deliciousness ensues!

Culinary Creations and Inspirations

What I’ve Been Baking and Cooking

Here’s a look at some of the delicious recipes I’ve recently made and absolutely loved:

Apple Dumplings from Brown Eyed Baker: This recipe was a special request from my grandmother, who had an intense craving for apple dumplings, and it certainly delivered! The pie crust was wonderfully flaky and buttery, the apples were perfectly sweet and tender, and the sauce… oh, the sauce was gooey, rich, and tasted like buttery caramel perfection. This recipe is sinfully delicious and an absolute must-try for any apple dessert enthusiast.
Ba Ba Ba Banana Bread from i talk to food: I was on the hunt for a healthy, butter-free banana bread recipe to make for my grandparents. I stumbled upon this gem on Pinterest and knew I had to give it a shot. While this bread is indeed healthy and butter-free, you would honestly never know it from the taste! It’s just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as any banana bread made with all the traditional bells and whistles. Aubrey’s banana bread has officially become my new favorite go-to recipe for its deliciousness and wholesome appeal.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew from Movita Beaucoup: Y’all, this thick, rich, and beefy concoction is beyond amazing – it’s “stewlicious”! Seriously, it is absolutely the best beef stew I have ever tasted. The prep work only takes a few minutes, and then your trusty slow cooker handles the rest, simmering away to create a deeply flavorful and tender meal. A true comfort food masterpiece.
Stovetop Honey Mustard Chicken from Bake Your Day: During a busy work week, I desperately need meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. This stovetop honey mustard chicken is what I affectionately call a “Meal in a Hot Minute.” It cooked up in no time at all, yet it tasted as if it had been simmering for hours, developing rich, complex flavors. This dish has quickly earned a permanent spot on our regular menu rotation.
Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta from The Pioneer Woman: I absolutely love that I could whip up this incredibly satisfying pasta dish in just 20 minutes. It’s wonderfully creamy, packed with vibrant flavor from the roasted red peppers, and incredibly filling. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
The BEST Meatloaf Recipe from A Spicy Perspective: This recipe lives up to its name! I managed to eat one mini meatloaf, and my husband (affectionately nicknamed Squirrel) devoured the rest. That’s a testament to how good it is – a lot of delicious meat indeed! This recipe consistently produces fantastic, flavorful meatloaf.

My Latest Pinterest Pinning Frenzy

I’ve been on a serious pinning spree, finding endless inspiration for future culinary adventures. Here are some of the delectable recipes that have caught my eye:

Double Chocolate Cookies with Pecans and Caramel from Movita Beaucoup: Because who can resist the combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel?
Southwestern Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from The Comfort of Cooking: A healthier, flavorful way to enjoy a hearty meal, perfect for a cozy fall evening.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Caramel Cones from Country Cleaver: An ingenious and adorable way to enjoy pumpkin cheesecake without the oven, promising a delightful texture.
Brown Butter Gooey S’mores Bars from The Cooking Actress: S’mores are already a classic, but brown butter adds an extra layer of nutty depth that sounds irresistible.
Caramel-Stuffed Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies from Baked By Rachel: The ultimate fall cookie, combining the warmth of pumpkin and snickerdoodle spice with a luscious caramel surprise inside.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Nutella Muffins from Texanerin Baking: Two of my favorite things – pumpkin spice latte and Nutella – in muffin form? Yes, please!
Greek Quinoa Salad from Foxes Love Lemons: A fresh, healthy, and vibrant salad that offers a delightful contrast to all the rich fall flavors.
Chipotle Chicken Stuffed Brown Sugar Acorn Squash from Half Baked Harvest: This dish promises a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat, all served beautifully in a roasted acorn squash.

Beyond all these exciting recipes, I’ve also been thoroughly enjoying the simple pleasure of chowing down on crisp, fresh apples every single day. Their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch are the perfect snack. I’m also eagerly looking forward to incorporating them into more baked goods as the baking season truly gets underway.

To unwind after a busy day, Angry Orchard makes a truly wicked good hard cider. Their Crisp Apple variety is my absolute favorite; each sip tastes just like biting into a perfectly tart and refreshing Granny Smith apple. It’s the ideal companion for a relaxed evening.