Happy
Halloween!
Can you believe it's already the end of our 31 days of blogging project?
I can't.
Also can't believe I kept up with it so well {minus a couple of snags}.
Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.
~TefMarie
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Pre-Halloween Weekend {Day 30}
I made the Pumpkin Dump Cake that I posted a week ago.
Minus one burnt edge, it was delicious.
Anything that calls for 2 sticks of melted butter & pecans on top
is yummy goodness in my book.
 |
| Baby Kirbs and great-grandmother |
This cutie-patootie came to visit.
He sported his Halloween attire as we spent a Saturday shopping in Sevierville.
Happy 1st Halloween Baby Kirby!!
I just thought the fall colors were in bloom when we drove
through Cades Cove a couple of weeks ago.
Now that it's finally gotten really cold, the leaves have changed even more.
I couldn't have drawn the sky over Wear's Valley on Saturday.
This was what we saw on our scenic drive into Gatlinburg.
GORGEOUS, right?
I also got one of these.
A favorite from my childhood trips to Gatlinburg with the fam.
The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is soooo good.
In fact, even black bears think so.
Need Proof? Watch HERE.
And I even carved my very own Jack-O-Lantern.
Simple design, I know.
I didn't say I was good at it.
Not sure why I made the nose so big, but it happened.
It makes me feel festive.
I haven't carved a pumpkin since 2 years ago with Hannah.
Cousins Hannah and Elisabeth came over on Thursday to eat dinner and watch the Halloween episode of 'The Office.' Despite frequenting my apartment, they got turned around in my neighborhood and stumbled upon this Griswold-esque Halloween-decorated house. Upon Hannah's story, Mauney and I found it this evening. Pictures really don't do it justice, it is amazing. Can't wait to see how they decorate for Christmas.
What'd you do this weekend?
~TefMarie
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Halloween Parties {Day 28 & 29}
This weekend has been so busy. I meant to do a Fall Friday post yesterday but upon waking around 8 am, I was so busy I didn't have a chance to sit down until the Garners came around 8 pm. It's amazing what you let slide in your apartment when you walk around with a gimp leg for 2 weeks. Finally on Friday, I was able to get around without hobbling and it felt glorious to feel like a completely self-sufficient human being again.
The Garners and I have spent our time visiting family, showing off Baby Kirbs, and traveling through the mountains to heavily populated tourist attractions like Gatlinburg and Sevierville. {If you thought the fall pictures from Cades Cove I posted last week were pretty, just wait until I show you the fall colors we saw today!}
Now we're watching the Vols play South Carolina on ESPN2, and relaxing. Unfortunately we don't have a Halloween party to attend, but if I was going to host one, I'd totally use the adorable pumpkin drink holder seen above. Perfect for your bottled drinks like water, root beer, orange soda, etc.
Maybe you are spending your Saturday evening with friends, with jack-o-lanterns lit and the Monster Mash playing in the background. If so, I hope you are having a glorious time. Hard to believe that the day of spooks is only 2 days away. Got your costume yet?
Happy Halloween weekend!
~TefMarie
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Fall Fashion {Day 27}
I love fall outfits. Neutrals, browns, grays, earth tones, they all create a sense of bliss in the fashion realm in the fall months. I love pinning fall outfits onto my fashion board on Pinterest.
Yesterday I had an impromptu dinner date with my always-stylish friend Mary Beth. I loved her outfit so much, I took her pic and wanted to share.
Love the jacket. Love the skirt. Love the boots. And she had an adorable side braid.
Yesterday I had an impromptu dinner date with my always-stylish friend Mary Beth. I loved her outfit so much, I took her pic and wanted to share.
Love the jacket. Love the skirt. Love the boots. And she had an adorable side braid.
What's your fave fall fashion?
~TefMarie
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Halloween Costumes {Day 25}
How adorable is this costume?
It's officially less than a week until Halloween. What are you dressing up as?
I always like the idea of dressing up, but I usually have little follow-through on it in my adult years.
One year I was my friend Matt Rogers (aka Mattie Poo), another I was balloon boy...remember the kid who was 'supposedly' floating above the earth in his dad's large UFO-like silver balloon contraption? I achieved said costume by tying a balloon to my belt loop. The balloon was a black bat so I also told people I was bat girl. So much for creativity, huh?
Growing up I was your traditional ghost, witch, a Carebear, UT football player, and maybe a clown one year (it all blurs together). Jem was my favorite, though. I remember the pink star earrings and thinking I was so cool at my Kindergarten class party. This was before Hannah Montana, kids. Disney ripped off the premise of my favorite cartoon of the 80s.
So I hope you've figured out what you're going to dress as next Monday evening because I sure haven't.
If only the costume above came in adult size...sigh.
**this is my 300th post...wooo hooo!
What was your favorite Halloween costume?
~TefMarie
Monday, October 24, 2011
Falltime Blues {Day 24}
Studying.
School.
Books.
Papers.
Assignments.
More Studying.
Reading.
Printing.
Listening.
Watching.
Studying Again.
This is my last semester after a long (and I mean loooooong) string of years spent in an attempt to obtain my bachelor's degree. Needless to say senioritis hit about 4 years ago and it's been an uphill battle ever since.
But this semester it's really happening. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm really graduating, and that means I have to get it right the first time for the classes I'm in this semester.
All these factors combined and it creates the perfect storm for apathy and stress (if that's even possible).
The start of a school year is one aspect of fall I hope to never have to meet again.
Hopefully you are doing something far more interesting or relaxing on this Monday than studying.
*I don't know about where you live, but Saturday night I got in my car after a late night of babysitting and experienced my first 'car chill' of the season. You know, the one where you get in your car, shaking and brring and hoping the heat kicks in really quick while your hands shake on the steering wheel. That means the cooler weather is here to stay. But maybe the 35 degree evenings we experienced this weekend will wait a while before making a permanent appearance.
~TefMarie
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Peace, Quiet, and Confidence {Day 23}
I have set the LORD always before me:
because he is at my right hand,
I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:8
~TefMarie
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Race for the Cure: Knoxville Style {Day 22}
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| Adventures of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood
When I think of Fall, I think of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
I actually participated in the race last year for the very first time.
And it was a blast.
I wanted to participate this year, but didn't train for the Couch25k like I should, plus the sprain did not help.
However, I did wake up early this morning, bundle up,
and went downtown to support my team, the Ta-Ta Sisterhood.
My friend, Lisa, coordinated our team, made super cute shirts, and handled the fine details (muchas gracias Lisa!). I know this cause is very dear to her heart as her mother passed away from breast cancer a number of years ago. I was so proud to see her this morning, decked out in her Ta-ta shirt.
I was proud to be a part of the Ta-Ta sisterhood and watch as our team ran/walked/trotted across the finish line.
If you haven't supported our team, you still have time! There's a button at the top of the left column that you can click and donate any amount to help raise support for research, mammograms, and treatments. We're all affected by this somehow, even men, so it's important to support this cause as much as possible. Any amount is appreciated and needed!
Even if you don't participate in your city's Komen race, you should go just to watch and cheer on the breast cancer survivors as they finish the race. It's an emotional moment, and also so uplifting.
October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month-Check Yourself!
And a VERY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish for Mrs. Leta Fay Anderson (who is one of my favorite readers and supporters). She's a young 84 today (right?). I hope your birthday is wonderful and special Mrs. Leta! Love you bunches! |
~TefMarie
Friday, October 21, 2011
Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Dump Cake {Day 21}
Sweet fall, will you never end?
I love making old-fashioned dump cake. Pineapple, cherries, cake mix and butter. Easy and so divine when served warm. So naturally I was thrilled to find this recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake from...where else, of course? Pinterest! A little more involved than regular dump cake, but still totally worth it. I plan on making this treat for the Garners when they come into town next weekend.
I enjoyed last week's Fall Friday recipe earlier this week. It was really good, but I think my crock-pot is a little bigger than the recommended size so it cooked a tad faster than expected, leaving it thick and dry (which is fine, I don't like runny oatmeal). I even refrigerated the leftovers and had them again the next day, after sprinkling some water over them and warming them in the microwave.
I hope you have a delicious Friday!
What's your favorite fall treat?
**Hey
blogging friends, Baby Kirbs still needs your help! My nephew is in a costume
contest on a photography page on Facebook, Ramblin' Rose. All he needs
is good people like you to like his picture and he could win a free
one-hour session. Voting ends today at 5, and he's currently in 2nd place. This is where you come in! Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging, I've turned into 'that
person' on facebook who is sharing the link with everyone I know. But if
for nothing else, click this link and at least see how adorable he looks in his giraffe costume. Thanks in advance, because I know you all are good people and will do it. No, I'm not above a guilt trip! :)
In case you missed the first two links, you can like the picture HERE.
~TefMarie
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Cades Cove Fall Colors Tour {Day 20}
I marked number one off my fall-to-do-list already.
I drove with the cousins to Cades Cove on Saturday.
Well, I rode, rather. We had planned this before my fall that Thursday so I was determined to make our trip happen. I had yet to see the leaves turn in the Smokies despite living right next to them for the past 3 years.
Hannah, Elisabeth, and I picked up Subway and headed to the mountains.
It was the most beautiful fall day for a drive through East Tennessee.
We pulled over on a halfway cut-through for a picnic in the midst of the Cove.
It was quiet and peaceful and spectacular.
We even saw a bear on the way out, but he looked more like a big moving black boulder underneath a tree in the cove from our distance. After riding around the cove, we picked up vanilla/chocolate swirl ice cream cones at the Cades Cove store and headed back to Maryville.
If you ever get the chance to drive through Cades Cove, do it. Just take some snacks and be prepared to stay a while. There are old primitive church buildings and homesteads you can tour, pull-offs to enjoy the view or have a picnic in a field, and trails you can hike.
I hope to go back the mountains in a couple of weeks and maybe then fall foliage will be in full swing.
*Here's a pick-me-up for Thursday. I originally posted this on MLK day back in January, but I watched it yesterday and figured it was worth a repost for you newer readers. You can't help but smile the whole time you watch this, plus it's pretty funny. Hamsters, Robocops on Segueways...see for yourself.
White Man - Michael Gungor Band from Goodwin Films on Vimeo.
~TefMarie
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Rainy Days {Day 19}
As much as I love the sunny, blue skies of fall, I appreciate the rainy, cold, dreary days as well.
These days are perfect for lighting a fall candle, eating warm dishes, and snuggling under big, cozy blankets.
All of which I am doing this morning.
I looked at the forecast yesterday and saw that our weather was changing from 82 and sunny on Tuesday, to 55 and rain falling all day long today. I prepared in advance by stopping by Earth Fare last night for a couple of groceries (I bought some steel cut oats to make the delicious dish I posted on Friday) and printing off everything I needed for study purposes so that today I could hole up in my apartment, crack the window to feel the cool air and hear the rain drops, and enjoy this rainy day.
Fortunately, I don't have class on Wednesdays so I have absolutely no where to be until bible study tonight. Which is good, I need to rest my fat ankle from hobbling around campus yesterday and I absolutely, can't stand soggy pant bottoms from walking in the rain.
So I just woke up and I'm going to lay here in bed, eat my pumpkin coffeecake oatmeal that I woke up to in my slow cooker, and enjoy today's rain.
*And if I had to get out in the rain, wouldn't this make the best rainy day ensemble?
How do you spend your rainy, fall days?
~TefMarie
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Harvest Moon {Day 18}
Last night I was driving home late from being out with Mauney, and as I was passing through my quiet neighborhood after 11pm, I caught a glimpse of the moon through the trees.
My reaction?
"Hey, pretty moon!" I said, to no one in particular.
It was only half full but it was big and orange as it was rising. I know it wasn't a Harvest Moon, but I do love the moon phases of fall. They just seem magical.
I loved that orange moon last night.
I also love that God created these special wonders just for us. It's in these quiet moments that I remember His power and greatness.
What ways does God awe you in the fall time?
**Hey blogging friends, Baby Kirbs needs your help! My nephew is in a costume contest on a photography page on Facebook, Ramblin' Rose. All he needs is good people like you to like his picture and he could win a free one-hour session. Yes, I'm shamelessly plugging, I've turned into 'that person' on facebook who is sharing the link with everyone I know. But if for nothing else, click this link and at least see how adorable he looks in his giraffe costume. Thanks in advance, because I know you all are good people and will do it. No, I'm not above a guilt trip! :)
In case you missed the first link, you can like the picture HERE.
~TefMarie
Monday, October 17, 2011
Falling in the Fall {Day 17}
**warning: this post may contain self-pity and snarkiness...you've been warned.
Something about falling down stinks.
Something about falling down stinks.
The older I get, the harder it is to get up.
On Thursday, I was making my way to my afternoon class. It's so far from where I park that I normally ride the free T bus around campus, but that day I thought I'd take my time and enjoy the walk to class.
Now I know better.
Crossing a one-way street, walking downhill, I was almost to the other side when my right ankle completely turned underneath me, popped, and down I went, face first into the asphalt.
Hard. {it's a basic law of gravity, you fall further facing downhill...and it ain't pretty}
Just this past year, I've noticed I'm more prone to fall down...it's a sign of almost reaching 30.
I tried to sit up and pain started shooting through my ankle. I just started crying.
And crying.
Aaaaaaaannnnnd crying.
Ever been that person sitting in the street, crying, with people huddled around you? No? Well, it's overrated. And I gladly would have traded spots with anyone else.
Fortunately, my friend AnCharlene was walking by and stopped. A lady from the disability office happened to be walking out and had called the UTPD (not sure what they were supposed to do, but they came anyways, 2 of them, blue lights and all). AnCharlene helped calm me, and I scooted as far as I could towards the sidewalk.
The most amazing thing is how people look at you as they walk by.
Sympathetic? Concerned? Not so much, at least not this generation of UT kids. Many stared and pointed during the class change, some looked at me like I was an idiot (why yes, I'm sitting here crying in the middle of the street voluntarily....wait til you're almost 30, kid!).
Not having sprained, or broken, anything before, I realized I had to get it checked out. After coordinating someone to come pick us up (Thanks AnCharlene), being lifted off the ground by 2 cops, 1 friend, and 2 males (nothing like that to make you wish you'd gone on a diet sooner), I was driven to the UT Hospital ER.
There I spent my Thursday afternoon, in a germ-infested wheelchair, and luckily for me found out after x-rays that my ankle was only sprained. A pair of crutches and a special ankle brace later, I was on my way to recovery. And just a warning for all of you out there, the Doctor said the closer you get to 30, your ankles start to lose support and are easier to roll. I guess I'm going to have to start wearing high tops again :)
Thursday night was spent in pain. Having gone down on my left knee with all my weight after my right ankle had buckled beneath me, getting up was torture. This was one of the few times I wished I was married. It didn't fail that I'd get settled, foot elevated and realize I'd left the ice pack in the freezer. So up I'd get, nearly screaming from pain. I realized what a blessing it was to have one good working leg, let alone two.
Friday and Saturday were somewhat better, but I'm still hobbling around, sometimes with crutches, while Mauney drives me around. Sunday proved that I should be resting more, as my foot was still swollen and I had to break out the crutches for church. I'm dreading the thought of driving, but I'll be trying that out later today when I babysit.
I'm so thankful for concerned friends and those who've carried my purse/"suitcase" so I can focus on staying upright. Extremely grateful to AnCharlene and Mauney who sat by my side and traded shifts at the UT ER.
Here's to hoping my foot is healed enough to maneuver around campus tomorrow without further strain. Why must UT's campus be SOOOO big?
~TefMarie
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Baby Kirby's 1st Autumn {Day 16}
Hard to believe Baby Kirby is already 9 months.
My nephew is mighty adorable.
And quite the little chunk.
I mean, hunk.
Sometimes, I think Autumn would be one of the most wonderful times to have kids.
Halloween, costumes, treats, hayrides, crafts.
The Garners are finding that out firsthand with Baby Kirbs.
The Garners took baby Kirby to his first pumpkin patch on Saturday.
Judging by the pictures, I think he had a wonderful time.
I just want to kiss those fat cheeks.
And watch him laugh.
Which I'll get to do soon.
The Garners are going to come & visit East Tennessee at the end of the month.
I'm looking forward to seeing him in my end of the state.
But for now these precious pumpkin patch pictures will have to do.
Cute, right?
What fun fall activity did you do this weekend?
~TefMarie
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fall Fridays: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Coffeecake Oatmeal {Day 14}
You can find the recipe for this warm, delicious wake-me-up, here.
I have all the ingredients to make this except for the steel-cut oats. Kinda puts me in a bind. I would run out to the store to get some and enjoy this myself on this cool Friday morning at home, but I can't. I took a fall (in the fall) yesterday on campus and after a trip the ER, I am resting with my sprained ankle and sore body. More details on that to come.
Have a wonderful, cozy Friday!
~TefMarie
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fall Face Scrub/Birthday Shout Out {Day 13}
Fall weather brings dry and dull skin. I have eczema and I've already noticed an increase in dry patches, no matter what my daily lotion regime entails. Before long, it will be my face that suffers the most from this pitfall of cooler weather.
I receive daily emails from Whole Living Daily Challenge (I also subscribe to the magazine and it's a monthly favorite!). Yesterday's challenge was to 'Brighten Your Skin With Your Favorite Fall Veggie.'
What?
My favorite fall veggie?
Pumpkin?
This is what Whole Living had to say:
Pumpkins are great for more than carving! Mix a pumpkin-pie face scrub to not only exfoliate the dead, dull, and dry skin cells that build up over the summer months (from sunscreens, sun exposure, sweat, and pollution!) but also to moisturize, which is essential as the temperatures and humidity start to drop.
Just mix two tablespoons of cooked and mashed pumpkin (canned pumpkin works too) with two tablespoons plain, full-fat yogurt and one tablespoon ground, raw oats. Apply it to your face and let it sit for five minutes before using your fingers to gently scrub your face in small circular motions. The lactic acid in the yogurt, as well as the alpha hydroxy acids in the pumpkin will loosen the dead skin cells while the oats gently exfoliate and the fat in the yogurt hydrates.
So a pumpkin facial.
Who knew?
I look forward to trying this one out for myself.
Plus, today is this kid's birthday.
Happy 28 Mattie Poo!
~TefMarie
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
fall brings change {day 12}
Fall always brings change. Whether it's trees and colors or new adventures, something is always bound to bring some type of modification to an already-perfect time of year.
Keep this family in your prayers. I've gotten used to friends living all over the world, but it still shakes things up a little bit.
Need a pick me up today?
I found this old post on NieNie last night and the picture cracked me up.
~TefMarie
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Soup Warms My Soul {Day 11}
YUM.
Whenever it starts getting cool outside, I start longing for carbs and soup and big sweaters to cover up the excess poundage that results from it all. Especially those days when the blue sky is hidden by a vast cover of grey clouds and the leaves seem even oranger.
Yesterday was one of those days.
So for lunch, I ordered a breadbowl with Broccoli Cheddar soup from Panera with french bread as my side. Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. It was warm and so delicious. Definitely filling. But don't we love filling foods in the fall?
What's your favorite fall soup?
~TefMarie
Monday, October 10, 2011
Fall-To-Do-List {Day 10}
1. Drive around Cades Cove and have a picnic amidst the fall colors of the Smoky Mountains. It's one of the best places to appreciate the beauty of East Tennessee.
2. Tailgate. Surprisingly, I realized the other day in a discussion with my friend Mauney that I've never tailgated. How can I love football so much without participating in one of the age-old traditions that coincides with fall Saturdays?
3. Pick a pumpkin out of a pumpkin patch. There are various ones around East Tennessee, but I've never been to one. Along that same note, make a day of it and spend an evening at the corn maze as well.
4. Make my own caramel apples. I did this for the first time last year for a fall party. It was a bit
5. Spend a day and night in Gatlinburg. Ride the aerial tramway, eat at the Pancake Pantry, window shop, and drink some hot cocoa while riding up the ski-lift overlooking the city lights at night. Sounds like weekend bliss. Maybe Cousin Hannah would take me up on a girls' weekend.
What's on your fall list?
~TefMarie
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fall Colors {Day 9}
How beautifully leaves grow old.
How full of light and color are their last days.
~John Burroughs
p.s. the Vols didn't beat the Bulldogs, but I still love 'em.
p.s. the Vols didn't beat the Bulldogs, but I still love 'em.
~TefMarie
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Gameday Saturdays {Day 8}
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Are you like me? Do you live for college football season?
Are you tempted to spend your fall Saturdays indoors, watching games from morning til midnight?
I love football.
My first memories of these gameday Saturdays are from my elementary years.
I would sit in the den with my dad and papaw, listening as they bantered back and forth about runs and downs and school stats.
We always rooted for the Vols, although there was a brief moment in time when I declared myself a Crimson Tide fan hoping it would gain the attention of my crush at school {spoiler alert: it didn't}.
I especially love watching SEC football {yes, I'm a SEC snob, I hope you will still accept me}, but most major games will do.
Today I've spent the afternoon on the couch. I had a ticket to the UT/UGA game this evening, but I just didn't feel like crowds and parking and traffic, so I'm watching the game on ESPN2. Maybe you are too, if so, you have good taste-unless you're rooting for Georgia.
Go Rocky Top!
What's your favorite football team to watch?
~TefMarie
Friday, October 7, 2011
Fall Fridays: Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate {Day 7}
Does this not look delicious?
I think I might try and make this over the weekend
(if I get a minute to slow down and enjoy it).
Otherwise, I'll wait for a cool evening when I can invite a friend over,
sit outside under the stars,
and enjoy a few quiet moments sipping this warm goodness.
You can find the recipe here, and make it for you and yours.
Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend.
What Fall activities do you have planned for this weekend?
~TefMarie
Thursday, October 6, 2011
A Quiet Day {Day 6}
Yesterday I decided to make a date with myself for some much needed time off.
Time off from obligations, commitments, schedules.
I lounged around my apartment all day and it felt glorious.
I decided to celebrate the fall season by spending a day with the windows open, soaking in the quietness of another glorious bright, calm autumn day. The breeze was slight and cool and I spent my time perusing blogs and pinterest, scouring over words that I needed to read while listening to nothing but God's creation. It was just one of those good-for-your-soul type of days.
Autumn always renews my soul.
The peace of it all.
The unwinding from a busy summer.
My spirit starts longing for dark nights and cozy sweaters.
A time when it seems like the world slows down a little bit.
I like slowing down a little bit.
And I topped it all off with a Caramel Apple Spice, extra drizzle from Starbucks before Wednesday night Bible Study.
How do you spend your autumn days?
~TefMarie
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Autumn Obsession {Day 5}
I spend entirely too much time on Pinterest.
It's my new addiction, I'll admit it.
However, it may be the best thing ever invented on the internet.
I just spent over an hour pinning and repinning, searching and scrolling.
My favorite thing to search right now is 'Autumn' and 'Fall.'
My Fall Favorites board is going crazy with all hues of orange, yellow and red; leaves and trees, pumpkins and lights, craft ideas, food, you name it.
I think that autumn has to be one of the most welcomed and celebrated seasons.
And I think with Pinterest, all 'fall' things are possible.
All those decorating ideas you've always wanted to try.
All those pumpkin-flavored desserts you long to bake.
All those fancy hot cocoas you crave.
It's all found on Pinterest.
What's your favorite fall item you've found on Pinterest?
Mine might be this:
~TefMarie
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