Fall Bucket List

Happy Friday!  

Even though it's in the 80's here in Chicago and doesn't really feel like fall, I'm not complaining because in the blink of an eye it's going to be the middle of January and I'll be bundled up with layer upon layer struggling to walk on the icy streets with blizzard-like snowflakes falling from the sky straight into my eyeballs.  Winters in Chicago suck year after year.  It's inevitable.  And I am not looking forward to that.  

Where was I going with this...oh yea, so now that it's fall I decided to create a 'Fall Bucket List' because there are always a ton of things that I want to do during this wonderful season that I never end up doing.  I spent all day making a list and I've decided that I might be taking a little too much on, but I figured I would aim high and if I don't have time to do all of these activities, at least I tried.

Fall Bucket List

1.  Visit a pumpkin patch

My nephew at a pumpkin patch 2 years ago

I haven't had a chance to visit a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard in a couple of years mostly because I moved to the Chicago area a couple of years ago and don't know where any decent ones are located.  So I'm going to have to do some research.  My family used to go to Tanner's Apple Orchard (where the adorable picture of my nephew was taken) every year and they had the most amazing apple cider and donuts I've ever had...I'm drooling over here.


2.  Carve pumpkins

While we're on the topic of pumpkins, I definitely want to carve pumpkins again this year.  Last year Vinnie and I carved pumpkins last minute and we had to go to several grocery stores in the area to find some because every where else was sold out.  Then we bought a junky, cheap carving tool kit and it just, it sucked.  So this year, we have learned out lesson.  We're either going to have the most amazing pumpkins ever, or none at all.


3.  Make Chilli 

I made homemade chilli for the first time ever last year and it was good, but not great.  This year I am bound and determined to find an amazing chilli recipe and conquer it.  So if you have an amazing chilli now would be a good time to pass it along to me :) thanks in advance!


4.  Drink fall cocktails/beer

I've already had a couple of good fall seasonal beers this year but obviously I plan on consuming more.  I'm not a big cocktail drinker though so another thing I'm determined to master this year is a delicious fall cocktail.  Last year I discovered a simple fall drink that contained bourbon, apple cider, and ginger ale.  I enjoyed that but now I need something new.


5.  More walks with Marley

I love being outside and enjoying this amazing weather.  The smell of burning leaves, seeing all of the leaves on the trees change colors, it's all amazing.  There's nothing Marley loves more than being with us and being outside.  Now that the weather is cooling down and we don't have to worry about us or him having a heat stroke, there's not excuse not to get out and get him out of the house and go for more walks.


6.  Visit a local brewery or winery

This one is pretty simple.  I love beer.  I love wine.  Why not go to the source and see how it's made?


7.  Bake Pumpkin Bread

Source

I've already pinned ^^ this recipe along with several others to my 'Fall' board on Pinterest and I've already bought a couple of cans of pumpkin, so really now it's just about finding the time to actually bake some.  I made several fall treats last year but nothing pumpkiny so this must be done this year.


8.  Have a Scary Movie Night

Source

I love scary movies and so does Vinnie, tis the season!


9.  Go to a fall festival and/or haunted house

  
Last year V and I went to Fright Fest and Six Flags and, even though it was cold and rainy, we had so much fun.  We went in a bunch of different haunted houses and got the bejeezus scared out of us.  This year we have already started looking into haunted houses to go to, or we're considering going back to Six Flags Fright Fest since, because of the crappy weather, there was a lot of attractions closed down that night and a lot of the scary actors weren't even out.  Either way I would love to make it out to either a fall festival or a haunted house, but both would be even better.


10.  Celebrate Fall Birthdays

2011

2012

I've obviously talked about this before but my dad, my brother, and myself all have birthdays within 3 days of each other at the end of October, so fall and October have always meant birthdays and celebrating to us.  The past 2 years, ever since my parents moved, we have visited Iowa and gone all out celebrating together (even though my sis couldn't make it last year).  This year we're getting even more of our family together and celebrating with cousins, my aunt and uncle, and close family friends.  Actually, we're doing this next weekend and I can barely contain myself I'm so excited.  Also, this is kind of a given but I didn't want to end my list on number 9 so I added this one in there to make it an even 10.

Welp, there you have it...my fun and amazing fall bucket list.  It's a doozy when you already have a busy schedule that doesn't leave much time for trying to fit activities in but I'm gonna try my darndest to make it happen.  

Happy fall ya'll (sorry I just had to)!

XO. Tarah


 

Denim Dress Trend

Denim Dresses by tjmath3 featuring a button front dress

It's no secret that a big fashion trend this past summer (it's weird to say this past summer now that summer is officially over) was denim.  The denim jacket is making a comeback that started this past spring/summer.  Now that fall is among us I feel like we are going to start seeing more denim jackets since people are going to actually start needing a jacket.  Other denim staples that started trending this summer were boyfriend jeans, denim shirts (chambray), and the denim dress.  

Now that fall season is in the air, I think we are going to see a lot of these denim items transitioning into everybody's fall wardrobe.  One thing I didn't really think I would ever wear is a denim dress.  I ended up buying a denim dress from Gap last summer because it was on sale for a really good price and just happened to be my size.  I am actually really glad I ended up making that purchase because this denim dress has been easy to dress up or dress down and has proven to be really versatile, which is always a win in my opinion.

I wore this dress to work a few weeks ago when it was still super hot.  As you can see I couldn't decide if I wanted to wear it with my Tom's or with my Sperry's but I ended up deciding on going with my Sperry's.  I'm planning on transitioning this dress into my fall wardrobe my pairing it with tights or leggings, boots, and a sweater.  I'll make sure to show you how I end up styling once that happens!

Also, I know I talked about how I am the only female who hasn't had a pumpkin spiced latte yet this season and I actually went to 711 today to purchase my first one and they were out!  Boo 711.  So I ended up getting a skinny salted caramel latte and threw some pumpkin spiced creamer in there and in sufficed.  It's actually pretty warm here today though and I sweated while drinking it on my way back to the office.  Fall weather still hasn't quite made it's permanent presence in Chicago yet but it's coming!  

What do you guys think about the denim dress?  Is it going to become a fall fashion trend this season or was that so just a summer thing?!

XO. Tarah

Architectural Boat Tour of Chi City

Monday.  Blah.  At least it's starting to feel more like fall.  Heck, I even wore boots for the first time since winter today.  Cheers to that.

My weekend was very nice.  For the past month I really haven't done much with my weekends besides work, eat, sleep, and then watch football.  But this weekend was slightly different.  Vinnie and I actually woke up and did something on Saturday, which left me totally exhausted around 2 am that night when I was trying to close down the restaurant I work at.  Anyways, here goes nothing...my weekend in pictures.

Saturday:

We went to Navy Pier and enjoyed an architectural tour of Chicago by boat.  We've lived in Chicago for a couple of years now but we've never done one of these things and, yes, they truly are totally touristy but by golly you guys this was cool as eff and they had a bar and it was such a beautiful day.  I bought a groupon for this in March and it expires at then end of this month so I was not about to let this baby go to waste.  

I know what you're thinking, "Tarah, you went on said boat tour with a supermodel?!"  No you guys, that's my incredibly handsome, green-eyed boyfriend.  I just lucked out in that department and happened to catch me a good one.

Oh yes, we even paid $20 at the end of the tour to buy our special tourist attraction pictures.  I don't care.  I love it.

Honestly though, Vinnie and I kept talking about how amazing our city is and how lucky we are to call Chicago our home.  And the architecture is seriously cool.  There was so much that we learned about it that we would have never known had we not gone on this tour and been schooled by Victor (our tour guide).

Sunday:

It was the first official day of fall so Marley and I celebrated when I woke up with a little pumpkin flavored deliciousness.  Pumpkin coffee for me, pumpkin treats for the pup.

I did a whole lot of nothing for most of the day because, as I always say, that is what Sundays are for (in my world).  I watched some bad TV, I ate a lot of crap, and I mostly just hung out with Marley.  I did do laundry, which is always the only productive thing I do on Sundays.  That night the Bears played so Marley and I watched them beat the Steelers before we called it a night.  
 

I also enjoyed myself another pumpkin flavored treat...Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale.  One of my favs every year.
  

I made this 9x13 pan of heaven at half time.  Smores rice krispie treats.  You will want this recipe...and I will give it to you, just not today because I don't feel like typing all that shaz out.  

And that concludes my weekend adventures.  Oh one more thing...

...my boyfriend's a-freaking-dorable.

Happy Fall!

XO. Tarah

Linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!

 

What the F is a PSL?

Happy Friday!

So I've been pretty busy lately and I haven't really kept up on my daily blog reading and instagram browsing.  Apparently there are a couple of major things that I have missed.

#1.  Am I the only living female who does not own a Phillip Lim bag?

Source of Picture

Apparently this line launched on Sunday with very limited items in stock.  I had no idea.  I have never heard of Phillip Lim, but I do enjoy these bags.  I guess women were up early, running to the nearest target and fighting off other fashion-obsessed women in order to get their hands on one of these bags.  I just looked on eBay and people are selling these bags for literally double the amount that they paid for them.  The bags are cute but you guys, calm down.  Congrats if you were one of the lucky ones?

The funny thing is, I just went to Target on Tuesday and I bought a Phillip Lim dress (maybe I should be re-thinking this decision since it was still in stock 2 days after the launch, it might not be 'hip' enough).  I still didn't realize who the eff Phillip Lim was until yesterday.  I just thought the dress was cute.  Also, I guess I have been living under a rock?

#2.  Am I the only living female who hasn't purchased a pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks yet this year?  Also, when did we start calling them PSL's?  I don't like that.

Source of Picture

By the way, if you click on that 'source' link up there ^^ it will take you to a blog that has a copy cat recipe for a 'PSL' and it sounds fucking delicious.  I may have to try that, but I probably won't because I'm lazy. 

Ok, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks because that shit is good.  All I'm saying is that women are obsessed with them.  I know they are only out for a limited time and everyone loves fall so when these come out we all get excited because that means fall is coming, fall is coming!  Trust me, I'm excited too, but I did not sprint to the nearest Starbucks to order one when they first came back and it was 105 degrees out.  I just can't truly enjoy pumpkin stuff until it actually feels like fall.  So I will be going to Starbucks (or 711 because theirs are just as good and don't cost nearly as much) and I will be ordering myself one of these and I will drink it with a smile on my face.  But you guys, just chill out.  And seriously, who nicknames a drink?  Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  It takes 2 seconds to say. 

And on that note, have a good weekend!  If it cools down enough, totes go get yourself a PSL from S-bucks!  

Ta ta!

XO. Tarah

 

Replace Fear of the Unknown

Source

^^ what I've been busy trying to do lately.

Sorry I've been MIA recently.  There's this little thing called Life that's just keeping me busy.  I'll be back.  Soon.

XO. Tarah

9/11/13

I am so happy that today is Wednesday, mostly just because I am glad that yesterday is over!  It was just one of those days.  You know, the ones where you wake up with a pounding headache, stuffy nose, and sinus pressure so bad you just wanna rip your face off.  I mentioned yesterday that the weather in Chicago is killing my allergies but seriously, I thought I was going to die yesterday.  I never ever get sick so when I do, it's not something I'm used to and I always think I'm definitely in the process of slowly dying.

I found some allergy medicine that didn't end up making me feel any better and went to work.  Of course I was already running late and of course there was some sort of an accident on the expressway so I ended up being even later.  I hate being late.

A couple of hours after being at work, Vinnie sends me a picture of dog vomit all over our bed.  Thanks Marley.  You couldn't have puked on our hardwood floors which would be super easy to clean up.  You have to climb up in our bed, pull back the comforter, and puke on our clean sheets (ok he didn't pull back our comforter, Vinnie never makes our bed when he gets up in the morning and fine yes, our sheets weren't freshly cleaned but you know what I mean).  Of course our other 2 sets of sheets are still dirty because I never find the time to wash big loads of sheets so now we have 3 sets of dirty sheets and a dirty mattress cover.  

My sick just got worse and worse through the day and I was basically dragging my legs by the time I got into work at my second job last night.  It was pretty obvious that I was sick so they sent me home because, well, who really wants a slimy, snot monster with the voice of a nasaly demon delivering food and talking to guests.  I would definitely scare people.  So I went to wal-greens and loaded up on medicine and a pint of ben and jerry's, went home to wash sheets, and ate almost the whole pint of ice cream while watching 'Cat Fish' on MTV.  I literally would have gone straight to bed if my bed actually had sheets on it and wasn't just a bare naked mattress.  I was in bed before 10 though, with freshly clean sheets.

Poor Vinnie, all he heard all night was me complaining, 'I just want to die', 'I'm going to murder Marley', 'It is so hot in here', 'Don't touch me, I'm sick'.

I woke up this morning feeling, not 100%, but much less like I was being punched in the face by King Kong constantly.  This sick talk has gone on for far too long. 

Today is September 11 and it is always important to remember this day.  I know I will never forget it.  I was only in 8th grade and didn't really understand at the time, but as I got older I realized just what a huge day that really was.  For me, September 11 is not a sad day though.  12 years ago on this day our country was attacked, but 31 years ago on this day my amazing parents were married and started the rest of their lives together.

This day will always have double the meaning for me.  I take time to remember what happened and to sympathize for all of the victims and families that were affected.  I also take time to thank God for bringing my parents, the most special people in this world to me, together.  It makes me realize how lucky I am to have my family.

Today I honor the victims of 9/11 and I also honor my parents and the lives that they built for themselves, my siblings, and myself.  They have taught us what love really, truly is.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

XO. Tarah


Linking up with Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday.

Warby Parker

If you're anything like me and you have terrible eyesight but you hate wearing glasses, then you're only option is contacts.  Contacts are great but sometimes I don't feel like wearing them or, on days like today, my allergies start acting up and my eyes get all puffy and red and the last thing I want to do is put contacts in my eyes to irritate them even more (Dear Chicago Weather, I hate you).  I got my first pair of glasses in 8th grade and refused to wear them because I was so self conscious about how awful they made me look.  Luckily, new companies have started popping up and now there are a lot more options for cool, stylish glasses that actually add a little something to your outfit and are easy to style.  It also doesn't hurt that I grew out of my awkward 13 year old self and into the young, sophisticated lady that I am today(sarcasm), but seriously, I have found some glasses that actually don't make me cringe when I look in a mirror while wearing them or make me feel self conscious about leaving the house to go out in public.

Warby Parker is a company that sells prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses online. 

Ames - Whiskey Tortoise

I was first intrigued by this company because of their new Fall Collection for 2013.  This collection has a vintage-inspired theme and I must say, I dig em.  Their newest collection recalls the shaky years when social change was nearing take-off, just before the Surgeon General denounced smoking and hemlines creeped north.  The collection debuts five new frames in a mix of materials - bold acetate in rich, autumnal colors at the brow and nose, and stainless steel-rimmed lenses.  Each name is a respectful bow to some of the most famous literary references of time - Ames, Ripley, Rowan, Holcomb, and Ellison.  The 15 options provide midcentury style without the flea market goose chase.  They're instant classics. just like the works of the literary references they are named after.  

Duckworth - Oak Barrel

You would think that the price of their frames would be pretty expensive because they offer a high quality, unique product.  Warby Parker designs glasses in-house and sells directly to customers avoiding the middleman as well as retail markups. 

My favorite part about this company is their 'Buy a pair, give a pair' program.  Give me a company that offers an awesome product and gives back to those in need and I will support them any day.  Almost one billion people worldwide lack access to glasses which means that 15% of the global population cannot effectively learn or work.  Warby Parker is addressing this problem head on by giving a pair of glasses to someone in need every time a pair of glasses is sold.  Everybody has the right to see.  2 thumbs up Warby Parker!

Holcomb - Marbled Sandstone

They also created their second TV commercial recently, which aimed to capture their enthusiasm for their new Fall 2013 Collection.  You can view this commercial here.  I love the vintage theme, edginess, and boldness of this collection and seeing real people wear them helps you get a feel for how you can style these glasses.

I posted some pictures of my favorite new styles but there are a lot more.  Don't forget they offer sunglasses as well.  The Fall 2013 Collection launches today so if you are in the market for new glasses, visit their website and get to shopping!  You can thank me later (or thank me right now).

XO. Tarah


* I was not paid or given anything by Warby Parker to write this blog post.  These are the real opinions of little ol' me and I really do support this company.  

Buffalo Chicken Dip and a Sunday Funday

I had a great weekend even though there's really not much excitement to report.  

Friday and Saturday nights were spent working.  I played with Marley all day Saturday until I had to go into work.  I didn't even do any laundry this weekend so I wasn't even really that productive.  We did clean our apartment on Sunday morning because we had a couple of people over for the BEARS game!  Yay football!

I also made buffalo chicken dip which, I am very pleased to report, was awesome.  It was definitely a big hit and couldn't have been much easier to make.  So since I don't have any weekend shenanigans to recap, below is this delicious recipe.  You can thank me in advance.

This is not my picture.  I didn't have time to take pictures because I was too busy stuffing my face.

Buffalo Chicken Dip
Original Source 

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless chicken breast
1 bottle (12 oz) of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (I used buffalo wing sauce and it was a good decision)
8 oz container of cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican cheese blend)
1 cup ranch (I probably only used about 3/4 cup)
1 bag tortilla chips and/or veggies for dipping

Instructions:
1.  Poach the chicken breast in chicken stock and water (I didn't use chicken stock because I didn't have any and it turned out just fine)

2.  Using 2 forks, gently pull chicken apart into small threaded chunks.

3.  In a bowl, combine chicken with Frank's Red Hot sauce to taste.  I probably used about half of the 12 oz bottle.

4.  Spread the cream cheese into the bottom of an ungreased baking dish or casserole dish.

5.  Top with buffalo chicken.

6.  Sprinkle on the shredded cheese.

7.  Finish it off by adding the ranch dressing to the top.

8.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until dip is melted and bubbling.

9.  Serve with chips and/or veggies for dipping!  Yum!

This was a great football food and I will definitely be making it again!  The rest of Sunday was spent watching football and lounging around.  We took Marley for a walk later that night and ate a frozen pizza then went to bed early.  Overall it was a lazy Sunday well spent.

I hope you enjoyed your first Sunday Funday football style of the year!  Fingers crossed for a short week so we can get to the next one!

XO. Tarah

Football Season is Here!

Finally Friday!  *breathing a sigh of relief*

The thing on almost everybody's minds as the weekend slowly creeps up on us is, football.  Last night kicked off the start of the regular NFL season and if you're anything like my boyfriend, you were glued to the TV the minute you got home from work golfing.  I made dinner while he complained about the weather delay and then listened to him talk about his fantasy football team while pretending to be interested throughout the rest of the night.  I may not have a fantasy football team myself, but that doesn't stop me from getting excited about football season!  It's definitely one of my faves and it ultimately means that fall (my favorite season of course) is right around the corner.  Smiles all around here.

The Bears play on Sunday so naturally Vinnie and I have had at least one conversation everyday about how excited we are to watch them.  We are having people over to debut our amazing TV (which isn't sooo new now but not many people have seen it) and I can't wait to see how good the Bears look while winning their first regular season game of 2013.  I'm also debuting a new recipe, buffalo chicken dip, so I'll be sure to let you all now how that turns out (unless it tastes like shit).

The boys watching the game last night.

Excuse my trashy dirty looking boyfriend.  He just got home from golfing all day.

Happy first week of NFL football season to you!

Now I'll leave you with some pictures from us enjoying football season last year.

Go Bears!

XO. Tarah