In search of FALL

I'm trying my best to find fall, but 100 degrees weather last week made it difficult.

I miss the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp cold air and the excuse to wear sweats and snuggle up to watch football. In my attempt I lit a candle with an apple cinnamon scent and whipped up some pumpkin pie cupcakes.

Source: gallamorewest.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

The hope is they turn out looking like this!

I started with the following ingredients. Mixing first the dry and then the wet before combining them together.



Then folding in the pumpkin. It called for only 15 oz, but I was unable to find the right sized can. That only means one thing, more pumpkin baking.



Here they are in the oven, I enjoyed the swirled colors.

This post has a sad ending.

I left the cupcakes unattended on the kitchen table, and when I went to check on how they were cooling. Mr. Wrigley had either climbed up a chair onto the table or one was knocked off the cooling racks. I found evidence of cupcake crumbs, at least someone got to enjoy them!

I guess though, that only means one thing, this cupcake lady will have to try the recipe again!

Beach Run

This weekend I ran with Jessica from Pier to Pier! It was a gorgeous Saturday morning,

(The Sunrise on my way to Jess's)

and I couldn't think of a better way to start my day then with one of my besties doing an activity I love. It took me back to my times running the trails with Jenny and then going to the Farmer's market. How I miss those days and memories.

Jenny was with me in spirit though. Nobody was able to miss me running on the beach in my bright yellow shirt. This was the inaugural wearing of the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Running Shirt". I'm glad I could wear to such an event.


The event was hosted by a friend of Jess's who on his 60th birthday decided he wanted to have everyone run/bike from Huntington to Newport. The event is now in it's 20th year, complete with t-shirts. Friends and family meet at his house, where he has rented a charter bus that transports everyone to the 'start line' and then picks them up at the finish. It was a 5.75 mile run on the beach (aka the sand). I told him this was an AWESOME idea, and if he didn't mind could I steal it? His response was just don't wait until 60! Will do!

Wish I were a Cowgirl

Wish I learned to Rope and Ride! - The words from a Toby Keith song.




This weekend I went to the Rodeo with Jessica and Katrina (who both lived in the room next to me!). Haha. It was fun to sport my belt buckle and be country for the day. We watched barrel racing and bull riding. And might I say the cowboy who posted the highest scores was a Home Boy from Washington!

Girls Night Out

Sometimes it is a pain to be a girl... But sometimes it has it perks.

Three Blondes especially. = )

On Friday night we went out to BJ's. For birthday's they give out Pizookie's (warm cookie topped with ice cream). The waiter asked if we wanted one... I just mentioned to him my birthday was last month.


Theresa's Birthday!



My birthday!


Katrina's Birthday!

Then Monday night we went to Olive Garden. Our waiter happened to be someone I knew from undergrad. He surprised us with Pumpkin Cheesecake, his treat.

I guess life isn't too bad as a girl. YAY for nights out with the ladies.