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Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Fall Reading List


Fall is getting so close I can hardly stand it! 

There is nothing that I love more than going outside when it gets cool, drinking a pumpkin spice latte,  and curling up to a good book.



Fall Reading List


Here are my top 5 books that I plan on reading this fall (in no particular order):

1.  Sorority Sisters by Claudia Welch. 

Ok, first off anything that has the word sorority in it draws my attention. As a former sorority girl, I have come to the sad realization that anytime Greeks are shown in the media it is usually in a negative manner (or we're the subject of a horror film or porno) so imagine my excitement when I found a book written by a sorority woman (Alpha Phi)! I can't wait to open up this one and I'm sure I'll need some tissues handy. But don't just take my word for it, read the overview:
In 1975, trying to find a place to belong, four young women found each other in the same sorority pledge class. Through parties and pranks; finals and skipped classes; boyfriends and break-ups, they forge a bond that takes them by surprise. No one expected it to last beyond college graduation. But some bonds are too strong to break.
Now they’re sisters. And with sisters, it’s not about what happens. It’s about no matter what happens.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 

So many people have recommended this book to me, so of course I have to see what all the hype is about! From what I heard it's a thriller and will keep you guessing the entire time. Can't wait to start this page turner close to Halloween.

Marriage can be a real killer.
   One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. 

3. Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close.

Being in my early, almost mid-twenties (yikes!) I have gone to a wedding almost every month and am about to add bridesmaids dress #4 to my closet. So after reading the back of this book, I knew I had to read it! I mean it is basically the story of my life.


Isabella, Mary, and Lauren feel like everyone they know is getting married. On Sunday after Sunday, at bridal shower after bridal shower, they coo over toasters, collect ribbons and wrapping paper, eat minuscule sandwiches and cakes. They wear pastel dresses and drink champagne by the case, but amid the celebration these women have their own lives to contend with: Isabella is working a dead-end job, Mary is dating a nice guy with an awful mother, and Lauren is waitressing at a midtown bar and wondering why she's attracted to the sleazy bartender.

With a wry sense of humor, Jennifer Close brings us through those thrilling, bewildering years of early adulthood as she pulls us inside the circle of these friends, perfectly capturing the wild frustrations and soaring joys of modern life.

4. Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham.

As awful as this is, I judged this book by its' cover. It looks pretty and I'm drawn to lovely looking things, but after reading the back I became extremely intrigued. Takes place in Texas, is coming of age story, and it has a love triangle? Count me in.

Recently orphaned, eleven-year-old Cathy Benson feels she has been dropped into a cultural and intellectual wasteland when she is forced to move from her academically privileged life in California to the small town of Kersey in the Texas Panhandle where the sport of football reigns supreme. She is quickly taken under the unlikely wings of up-and-coming gridiron stars and classmates John Caldwell and Trey Don Hall, orphans like herself, with whom she forms a friendship and eventual love triangle that will determine the course of the rest of their lives. Taking the three friends through their growing up years until their high school graduations when several tragic events uproot and break them apart, the novel expands to follow their careers and futures until they reunite in Kersey at forty years of age. Told with all of Meacham's signature drama, unforgettable characters, and plot twists, readers will be turning the pages, desperate to learn how it all plays out.

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

I can't even express how long I've been waiting just for the release date (which is October 22 in case you were wondering)! It's the last of a three part series which has so far been amazing! If you liked the Hunger Games, you will be hooked to the Divergent series. 

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. 


What are some books you plan on curling up to this fall? 

And as always, this bookworm is open to suggestions!

xo,
eMr

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Hot Spiced Tea

I don't know about y'all, but I have been loving this cooler weather!

My friend and sorority sister, Taylor and I have been taking walks every night after work and it has been so wonderful just chatting away. I think these walks at night have really helped me sleep better too!

I usually would wake up 15 minutes before my alarm would go off, but lately its been a struggle to get out of bed. I guessing it's because of my new nightly routine, walk with Taylor, cup of tea and watch TV with mom, and then the basics of showering, brushing my teeth, and jumping into bed at a decent hour (yeah, I can't really make it past 10 now haha I'm getting old!)

I usually just pop in a normal decaffeinated tea bag into a cup of hot water at night, but with it being the arrival of fall, I think it's time for some Hot Spice tea.


Hot Spiced Tea

Ingredients

2 cups orange breakfast drink mix (We use Tang)
1 cup unsweetened instant tea
1/3 cup sweetened lemonade drink mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions
In a large bowl combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons in a cup of hot water and enjoy!

The mix makes a great gift as well for a hosting gift, sick friend, or just a random present. Just put it in a mason jar and put some fabric on the lid or decorate it however you please. 

I also found a similar recipe for Hot Spice punch here!  I am going to have to try this one at Thanksgiving!

Have a great Tuesday!

xo,
eMr




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Pumpkin Muffins

After doing my last post on fall, I had a major craving for pumpkin muffins.

About almost anything pumpkin flavored I love! I'm thinking about trying out some new pumpkin recipes I've spotted online and through Pinterest, but my go to pumpkin recipe would have to be these muffins.



A cup of coffee and a warm pumpkin muffin is just what you need on a crisp fall morning, and the recipe is super easy.

Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

1- 15 oz. can of pumpkin
3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
4 eggs

Mix these 5 ingredients and then add:

3 and 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger

Bake for 20-25 minutes in a greased muffin pan on 350 degrees.

Makes 24 muffins.

I'm sure a lot of you have a similar recipe and to be honest, you can't really go wrong with pumpkin muffins haha.

I hope these muffins put all of you in a fall mood! Enjoy!

xo,
eMr

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

It's Almost Fall Y'all!

I don't know about y'all, but I am so ready for fall! It is my favorite season!

I am sick and tired of this Southern heat and humidity. Time for big sweaters, scarves, boots, and leggings in my eyes. But I always know fall is right around the corner when two of my favorite fall things are released.


Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face then to walk into Starbucks and to find out that their Pumpkin Spice Latte is back! This is fall in a cup and is by far my favorite drink at Starbucks. It's just one of the best things ever. 


I LOVE the way fall smells. There is something so home-y and cozy about it. You know what I'm talking about so don't read this like I'm crazy haha. I have been on a quest for a great fall smelling candle, and low and behold, it was right under my nose (no pun intended). The Mulled Cider candle from Wal-Mart is one of the best fall smelling candles I've been able to find, and for only $5 you can't really beat the cost, especially compared to Yankee Candle, Wood Wick, and Bath and Body Works.

I also think I'm going to try and tackle making a fall wreath like the ones I've seen on Pinterest, but we might have to see about that depending on time and if it's a wise way to spend my money (mmm probably not lol). 

What are some things you love about fall and know that it's near?

Have a great Tuesday!

xo,
eMr