Fall Weather. Halloween Prep. And SnapChat Filters.

I'm loving this fall weather in North Carolina. The sun shines bright, the air is cool, and the skies are the bluest blue. Temperatures are getting down in the 50s at night and topping out at 70 during the day. Doesn't that sound heavenly?

I'm not sure if mums are a Fall thing or a Southern thing. I have always loved them but they don't stand up well in dry desert heat. This Carolina weather is much better for them. Aren't they pretty?

The lizard loves them too. He is always out there lounging around by the yellow ones.

We are ready for Halloween! Costumes prepping is in full swing. Some kids are more ready than others. Zac is super excited to roam the streets with his new pet.

We usually do homemade costumes, like Minecraft guys...

...and a Zombie Hot Dog Seller. But this year, I just don't have creative in me.

Even Charlie appreciates a homemade Halloween costume.

Fall isn't the same as it was in California where we visited pumpkin patches every single year

2015

2013

2005-2012

And those easy day trips to Disneyland all decorated for Halloween :(

But it's more authentic in NC :) Where leaves change colors... 

and you can actually afford pumpkins.

And the weather dips below 80 in October.

God Bless California. I still love that state.

I have been more into the Halloween festivities this year compared to other years. It probably helps that I'm not working and completely stressed out. I have enjoyed putting together and receiving some themed gifts to celebrate the season. 

Orange and black is a good color combo.

  If I could be anymore into Halloween, then Snapchat filters would be sending me over the edge right now. I love all the Halloween filters this week. Some aren't the most flattering but perfectly done!

This one is a little weird.

My mean Halloween dog face. 

Gotta play the part!

Wishing you all a fun festive weekend and a Happy (safe) Halloween!

Ipsy October 2016 GlamBag

It's Ipsy reveal day for my October Glambag. This makes some of you happy and others not so much. Sorry others! Today I'm just doing the glambag reveal, so you probably want to skip this post. All my Ipsy lovers, stick around! I've got five beauty products to share!

Every month I gush and praise Ipsy because I love their service. I really do; however, my love does not mean I always love the products. This month was mediocre. I'm ok with that.  I love trying new things. I'm not rushing out to Sephora on the weekend sampling what's hot. This is how I try new products. If they don't work for me, then I just throw it away or pass it along. I really love the value. I pay $10 monthly and receive no less than $40 worth of product. I encourage everyone, any age, and any level of beauty interest to try Ipsy. I think you would love it! Or...maybe you are loving it?!? In that case, we need to chat! Be sure to leave me a comment with your favorite/least favorite item this month.

 Here is what I got:

Ciate London Fierce Flicks Eyeliner $19

theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama Blush $21

Kokie Cosmetics Kokie Nail Polish in Heavenly $6

Trust Fund Beauty Gimme Good Face - Face Primer 

INDI Beauty Buttercream Antioxidant Lip Scrub $11.99

Total retail value: $51.99+. 

Monthly cost: $10

Favorite item: Ciate London Fierce Flicks Eyeliner. Loving the liquid eyeliners Ipsy has sent. High quality. Perfectly crafted for easy application.

Least favorite item: Trust Fund Beauty Face Primer. It's not a reflection on the product I'm just skeptical of the face primers in general :) 

Most recent Ipsy Glambags:

September 2016 Glambag

August 2016 Glambag

July 2016 Glambag

This is not a sponsored post. It's just something I like to include on my blog.

If you would like to sign up to receive monthly Ipsy glambags and use a referral link: https://www.ipsy.com/newcid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=wswla

The Silver Lining. Fun Mail. And Neighborhood Walks.

It's pretty clear North Carolina hasn't been the easiest PCS transition for me. I was comfortable with life in California and struggled to leave all the positive behind. The things that keep me moving forward (even after a setback) are the silver linings. What North Carolina has to offer that California did not. 

Fall tops the list. I was so excited to experience seasons again. As much as California loves a corner lot pumpkin patch and Starbucks seasonal drinks, Autumn does not exist. If you don't have fall foliage and crisp cool air on sunny days, then you don't have Fall. I missed this! The best kind of ombre!

The past week has been a struggle. There was a not so cool encounter with another parent that really bothered me. I wrote everything out in a post and then I just let it sit. Then, I deleted it because that isn't what I need. What I really want to say is I struggle often here to find my connection. Often times, I feel rejected or like I don't fit in. On one hand, I do think I've had a somewhat jaded view :) I might be a little biased towards my old home. The other hand, I think there are some legitimate underlying negative social behaviors that will make it difficult for me to connect with people. That is my tactful way of saying I feel like I'm back in middle school. So, I've just decided to say f*it and do my thing. If I do what I enjoy, I know I will find my people. 

If you ever want to do some deep self-evaluating, then PSC right before deployment. And don't live near a military base. I know, you are asking why anyone would ever do that :) I don't know! *lol*

Things get better. After this depressing confrontation, I was inundated with unrelated acts of kindness. The timing was divine intervention. Saturday, the day after my cryfest, I was surprised by some fun mail from my dear blogger friend who keeps spoiling me :) We got Boo'd! Surprise mail always brightens my day! How fun is that? If you ever have an inclination that you would hit it off with another blogger chances are, you're right. I read Kara's blog when she was stationed in Okinawa, then she moved to California for a short time. I pretty much begged to meet her. I really did! 

Sunday there was another surprise goodie delivered to my doorstep. A delivery from my deployment secret sister. What's a deployment secret sister? Another squadron spouse anonymously matched to send support, little gifts, and notes throughout the deployment. Perfect timing! I really love this. Deployment can be so lonely and draining. It's nice to have tangible displays of support from another going through the same. 

I have my secret sister's October gift needing to be delivered. I'm a sucker for a theme basket.

Sunday we took a leisurely drive to Raleigh. We went to William B. Umstead State Park located in the middle of the city. We walked around the visitor center and took some pictures. It's a big forest in the middle of the city with hiking trails and a lake. Definitely hiking here when my husband returns.

Monday was my Ipsy delivery day. Which means more fun mail. What a week! I love Ipsy glambags. October's bag is so cute! Ipsy post coming soon. I write those posts for about 13 people who like them :) 12 if you're counting me!

Time for me to share the love! Homemade Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter cookies for the kids.

Tuesday was HIIT class. After a month of attending class, Tuesday was my first time doing all the exercises without modifications. Huge accomplishment for me!

I've been walking about 2 miles daily. Our neighborhood street is made like a figure 8. Each lap is 1 mile. I'm "the one who is always out walking" nearly everyone comments when I meet them along the way. Thursday I decided to take some pictures around the neighborhood of Halloween decorations to share with our missing family member.

 Three houses...it's not looking too promising for Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood. I need to add to the fun and decorate our house yet. I don't have much time left!

One little tree in the neighborhood changing colors right now. 

SaveSave

Snakes Galore

I swear the things we do for our kids! Last week the kids were out of school every day due to flooding post-Matthew. By Thursday, I suggested we leave the house and do something fun. My thoughts: a museum and a healthy cafe lunch. Their thoughts: a serpentarium (aka snake house). They've been bugging me about the snake house for months. So, I caved.

Clearly they were happy with my caving :)

The official name of this place is not the snake house; even though, it should be.

It is the Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The serpentarium is a two story building is full of snakes, lizards, and alligators. 

Highly venomous, man-eating snakes the size of me!

Ok, I'm exaggerating. They don't eat men.

Monitor Lizard

I believe this is an Emerald Tree Boa. 

Do not fear. He is not poisonous but he will bite you. 

So, if you're ever walking in a rain forest...in the Amazon...be careful!

This guy is every reason I never want to travel to China.

The Mang Mountain Viper.

Big alligator. Small cage. Sad face.

My kids thought the serpentarium was the greatest place.

They love weird stuff.

What's a snake house without a irritable squawky parrot?

Welcome to the Weekend

I'm so very thankful the weekend is here. I am in need of a reset. A clean slate. This entire week the kids have been out of school due to flooding after Matthew. They have reached their limit of time spent together. In fact, this was the last happy picture I have of them. Maybe I should buy more cookies and muffins? The answer to all life's troubles!

Please send hugs, tissues, wine, and chocolate! I need some relief. Hope this weekend is the answer! I'm wishing you a s-s-super one! You know, because of the snake picture below and all that hokey stuff ;)

Stop by Monday for a picture overload on the snake place we visited this past week.
It is as skin crawling as it sounds!

Stitch Fix October 2016

October is here. And we are all just a little bit happier. Why are pumpkins just the prettiest, most heartwarming sight to behold? One day I will live in a place where it is appropriate to drink fall-inspired hot beverages and wear sweaters/boot combos in October. That is my dream. Until then, the Marine Corps owns us and summer weather until Christmas it is!

My recent Stitchfix has me hoping for cooler temps soon. My October Fix was filled with 5 perfect fall items. What fun to try them on and pretend the season has changed :) I cannot wait to wear my new items (weather permitting). Fingers crossed the weather changes by Halloween. I currently have a trip booked to see the leaves at the end of the month. We should definitely be packing the sweaters and boots by then!

All the hoping and wishing isn't getting us any closer to seeing what my stylist, Leah, sent this month. Let's get to the fun stuff, shall we?

Loveappella Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt

This was my obvious keeper of the box. I love the olive color and it look casual yet cute. I paired with my black leggings and new booties (which I love). I got 3 compliments in one day! It's been awhile since I've got complimented on my outfit. I guess people aren't wow'd by workout gear anymore! 

Daniel Rainn Dalina Crochet Detail Knit Top

I love the color. Purple is my favorite. Unfortunately, something wasn't jiving between the mixed materials, detailing, and my body. The front was laying a little awkward. 

But purple is still my favorite! And those booties :) And my favorite jeans from my Birthday StitchFix last year. DL 1961 jeans are the best!

Unpublished Kialla Denim Jacket

Cute jacket! I just wasn't sold it was for me. This is the one item I'm having doubts about whether I should have kept. I've been doubting myself a lot lately. White is just one of those colors I don't feel confident wearing. 

Edyson Leon Corduroy Ankle Zip Skinny Jean

Keeper. Pictures say it all.

DV8 Jossie Two Tone Bootie

I am a big fan of this current trend of the berry/merlot/burgundy bootie. Sadly, this particular bootie wasn't working on my foot comfortably. For me, it was cutting across the ankle when I walked. 

My two picks for my October StitchFix were the Loveappella Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt and the Edyson Leon Corduroy Ankle Zip Skinny Jean. 

Do you think I made the right choice? Or should I have kept more?