things I'm dreaming of {october}:

this cute pullover with a ruffle.
a gel nails kit.
some new sneakers perfect for work and play.
using this tutorial for glitter letters to make a word for November.
this white scalloped cake plate.
ankle boots in a great neutral color.
the prettiest books you ever did see.
a plate of these peanut butter pumpkins.
eyeshadow fit for a goddess.
these cookies - rolos, need I say more?

image via

this was a "first" for us.

 

It amazes me that after a few years of marriage, you can still have "firsts." You know what I mean by "firsts," right? First car purchase, first real job, first fight (haha), first Christmas together, first anniversary, and so on and so on. This weekend was our first trip away together (besides our honeymoon) in our 2 1/2 years of marriage - because our families live far away, we use all of our vacation time to go out to Denver or Salt Lake City any chance we get. The opportunity for a quick little weekend getaway to Branson, MO presented itself and we were all too eager to jump on it.

The weather recently in St. Louis has been fall-like, so naturally, I packed us sweaters and pants and socks. Since Mother Nature clearly has a mind of her own, she decided to throw us a curve ball this past weekend and bring back the 90 degree & 80% humidity weather. Thus, sweaty faces and frizzy hair. 

The red and yellow trees made up for it all. As did the perfect little lake and marina.

We knew going down that we didn't want to check out any of the shows and we definitely didn't want to have a schedule, so we didn't plan a single thing. We went for walks, we ate good food, we got a malt shake to share from an old-fashioned candy counter, we sat outside under the stars and talked, we explored the town a bit, we read, and we slept well without the noise of the city in the background. It was perfect and relaxing to get away from all responsibilities!

Definitely already planning our next little getaway. :)

Word of advice: go to Branson during the fall and you won't be disappointed.

Also, try the twice baked potatoes at the Chateau Grille.

a secret, a challenge, and the results.

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the book swap I'm hosting! I'm pretty excited about it since we have quite a few women from all around the country signed up to participate. :)

Hello, I'm Lex and I have flaws.

Here's a little secret about me: I can be quite the grumpy gus sometimes which results in me not being the nicest person. Poor Ben has to deal with Grumpy Lex most mornings as I begin to wake up and get myself into the shower (reeeeeally not a morning person and probably never will be). And sometimes he gets the wrath of Grumpy Lex when I'm starving, super tired, stressed from having so much to do, or when I clean the house and it's a disaster 3 hours later. ;)

However, I recently printed out this quote and put it where I would see it each day because I felt like it was exactly what I've been needing to work on. President Monson's challenge became my own personal little challenge. Instead of thinking mean thoughts about drivers when they'd cut me off, I forced myself to get over it immediately and think of a few things I'm grateful for. Instead of becoming annoyed or agitated throughout the day when I'd get a headache or end up a little hungry at times, I challenged myself to think of others when those emotions would start to creep up on me. I'd send a text to someone, send a Facebook message, or make cookies to take to a friend if my schedule allowed - and guess what?

1) I've been a much nicer person to be around the past little while, and 2) I've perfected my Reese's Peanut Butter cookie recipe. Double bonus. You could say I'm a big fan of taking President Monson's counsel and putting it into action. :)

Happy Thursday, friends!

a trip to the orchard.

My cute parents came out to visit last weekend and one of the things to do on our list was head out to Eckert's to pick some apples. We lucked out with great weather on Saturday, which was fortunate since it rained all day Friday, and a bit on Sunday and Monday. The best part though about Eckert's was getting to munch on apples while we were out in the orchards, and let me tell you, those Suncrisp apples were to die for. They were delicious right off the tree, and they were delicious baked into an Apple Crisp! Between the four us, those 8 pounds of apples didn't last long. :)

See last year's peach picking trip to Eckert's here.

in which i pretend i have painting skills.

A few weeks ago, my friend Alicia discovered a thing called Paint Nite on Groupon. She sent out an email to all of the women in our ward inviting us to tag along with her, and I thought the idea was so great that I signed up immediately! I've never been one to pull out paint and paper and create masterpieces (mostly because I can't paint or draw to save my life), but this event sounded too fun to pass up.

Paint Nite usually takes place at a bar (people can get unlimited drinks with the Groupon - we got ice waters, haha) where an art instructor shows everyone how to paint the same picture. We signed up to paint a bunch of blue flowers.

From looking at the pictures, you get the idea that everyone interprets things differently or takes their painting in different directions. One guy decided to paint his abstractly while some women chose to follow the instructor exactly, and my friends and I decided to half listen to the instructor and half do whatever the heck we wanted!

All in all, it took about 2 hours from start to finish and the time seriously flew by. We had so much fun sipping our ice waters (haha) and chatting while painting. I think it's safe to assume that we're all looking forward to trying it again next time it's discounted on Groupon! Wherever you live, you should definitely check out what paintings are being done in your area and jump on that!

^^I have to admit, I'm super surprised that I don't absolutely hate my painting. Pretty sure it won't be displayed anywhere in our apartment, but I'm proud of the fact that I actually painted something!^^

Have you done something similar to this before?

fall book swap.

Hello, hello!

Those of you who have stopped by before know that I have an affinity for reading. I probably spend too much time browsing eBay and Amazon--or even digging through thrift store bins--in order to find new books. But no matter how many books I search out and purchase myself, the fact remains that some of my favorite books I've ever read have been gifted to me by family or friends. I'm hoping that by hosting a little book swap, you could discover a new favorite book, too.

Additionally, the hospital I work at is in desperate need of children's books to be used for entertaining kids while they wait for appointments, for speech therapy sessions, and for volunteers to read to young patients. For each person that signs up to participate in the book swap, I'm planning on purchasing and donating a children's book to the hospital library. So spread the word and let's see how many people we can get involved in the book swap and children's book donations!

1. Fill out this form with your basic info by Friday, October 24!
2. I'll shoot you an email (using the email you entered on the form) by Monday, October 27 with another person's name and address that you'll be sending your book to.
3. Drop one of your favorite books and a little note in the mail by Monday, November 3 at the very latest! (It's under $2.50 to mail a book through USPS.)
4. I'll be hosting a link-up on Wednesday, November 19 so you can share a post about the book you received if you feel so inclined!

Please note:
// Limited to U.S. only.
// New or used books are acceptable.
// Keep it clean, please! (No pornography, excessive swearing, drug references, etc.)
// Only sign up if you're willing to mail out a book.
// Your address will only be seen by me and the person who mails you a book.

10 great things from the weekend.

1. Receiving instruction, words of hope and comfort, and encouragement from church leaders.

2. Bundling up in sweaters and boots, and going for a walk under the changing leaves.

3. Halloween cupcakes that were amaaaaazing.

4. Date nights that include Mexican food.

5. Call the Midwife.

6. Starting another book together and spending our Sunday evening reading.

7. Having friends over for dinner.

8. German Pancakes for brunch.

9. Fall scented candles.

10. Staying in pj's until 1 pm both days.

currently.

listening: to "Glorious" by David Archuleta (on repeat!)

making: our meal plan for the next 2 weeks

cooking: some pumpkin cupcakes tonight

drinking: ice water

wanting: to be outside in the crisp fall air

looking: at retirement investment packages

playing: phone tag with a friend

wasting: time filling this out

wishing: for mountains to miraculously pop up in Missouri

eating: apple slices dipped in peanut butter

enjoying: the fact that it's a Friday!

reading: The Fault in our Stars & Gone Girl

waiting: for General Conference!

liking: all of the positive things happening in the lives of those around me

wondering: why every day can't be Friday

loving: this great conditioner that leaves my hair feeling fabulous (+ it is ridiculously cheap!)

hoping: to do some fun fall activities this month

marveling: at all of the changing colors

needing: a relaxing beach vacation

smelling: peanut butter

wearing: jeans, boots, and a cardigan over a sweater

following: the Prophet (Haha. Can you tell I'm a Primary teacher?)

knowing: probably too much about the development of brains

thinking: of Mexican food

feeling: content

bookmarking: Halloween decorating ideas

noticing: so many people who need help, love, and encouragement    

opening: lots of emails

giggling: at short videos on Facebook