incredible edible meat

My Greek yogurt and Total is all packed up and ready for me to eat this morning. However, after learning about Mo's Bacon Pancake mix, my breakfast is looking a little boring.

The name says it all; the mix combines the perfect amount of crispy bacon and cakey fluff to create a very indulgent breakfast treat.

Although I'm not a bacon fan, I know a few men in my life that would be very interested...

And between the bacon mix and Lady Gaga's infamous VMA outfit, I can't help but wonder if meat is making a comeback...
Photo via dailycandy

falling for fall...

I typically spend late September and October perpetually confused.  I love everything the season brings: crisp air, pumpkin everything, candy corn, boots, Halloween, football + tailgating, hot chocolate, haunted houses...

There is so much to enjoy.

And yet, I fear the early sunsets, long dark days, and cold bitter weather that is just around the corner. 

Therefore, I struggle to fully embrace the goodness that autumn brings. 

This year, I'm determined to love the season to its fullest.  

I've established a few goals....

  1. Eat as many meals outside as possible 
  2. Take lots of postprandial walks
  3. Go to at least one haunted house
  4.  Carve pumpkins
  5. Master the art of layering
  6. Order my latte spiced or pumpkin whenever possible
  7. Attend as many football games and tailgates as I can
  8. Embrace fall festivals
And, to get myself in the mood, some autumnal inspiration...

a honky tonk weekend

Well, my friends, another weekend has come and gone. And after enjoying a long Labor Day weekend, this one was far too short.

Jim and I capped off my birthday celebration with a weekend in Nashville. 

We packed the days full and tried to see the best of Nashville.  It included lunch at McDougal's (Jim's favorite), an attempt at tailgating at Vanderbilt, and lots of time spent Downtown (so Honky Tonk!).  We heard tons of live music in Nashville's finest bars and saw more cowboy boots than I ever thought one city could hold.
Although we were sad that Opryland was still closed from the floods, Jim found an amazing hotel for us instead.  It was incredibly luxurious and when we checked out of the room at 10.47 am, I was sad to give up the remaining (oh-so indulgent) hour.
And while we would have loved exploring the city that is Opryland, every minute was already maxed out. 

On Sunday when we were leaving, we both agreed that the weekend flew by, but we couldn't believe it had only been 24 hours. Needless to say, the busy weekend was anything but restful - and I couldn't be happier about it.

on getting graceful

For my birthday, Duke got me Yoga, Booty, Ballet. It's made by the same company as P90X, but geared more toward women.

It was especially thoughtful of Duke, as he knows how much I love yoga and how badly I want to be a ballerina.

My mom and I did the video last night (note: this is the first day I was able, since it was the first day I was no longer sore from tubing), and while I'm not positive I'm any more graceful just yet, I am feeling especially svelte and streamlined today. I'm very excited to add this into my regular regimen.

And I'm pretty sure that in a few more weeks I'll be pirouetting more naturally than I am walking...


Photos via absolutely ladylike