Halloween Hangover. A New Month. And A New Look

You've read it a million times by now, but...it's November?!? How did that happen? I'm not ready for the holiday season and it will be here before we know it! Let's remember the fun of Halloween for another day!

The boys loved their costumes so much. 

D really really wanted to incorporate Charlie into his costume. 

He recycled one of his sister's old costumes.

Hot Dog Seller.

I hope this is the last year someone brings the dog trick or treating.

As much as Charlie loves to be carried around and wear a costume...

his look says it all. 

Although, it was nice not having him home to bark at every single trick or treater.

I was watching a morning talk show discussing age limits on trick or treaters.

I get it! I'm so hesitant to send out my kids who are in the 12-18 age bracket that some people think is too old for trick or treating.

On one hand, I think they need to give it up.

On the other hand, I'm thankful my kids are enjoying a safe, responsible, and innocent activity with their friends. 

Stay that way as long as possible!

I'm so sad Halloween Snapchat filters are gone :(

Which reminds me...how many Snapchat deers did you see on Halloween?

I think we had 2 or 3 come to the door.

And all of them were equally cute!

This one was not cute but still loved it!

Here is a little something I've been working on...

I just chopped off all my hair to jumpstart my new look.

Can't wait to make more changes!

I took a little day trip to Wilmington this week. 

I explored Airlie Gardens and immersed myself in some major Southern atmosphere. Centuries old live oak trees covered in hanging moss, swans swimming in a lake, and Italian sculptures in overgrown flower gardens.

I think that is pretty much the epitome of Southern landscaping!

I'll do a overloaded picture post on Monday :)

October Not-So-Spooky Reads

Do you know how hard it is to get your hands on some spooky books in October? I think everyone had the same thought for themed reading. I shouldn't be too disappointed since my plan was to only read light romantic comedy books. My mood changes and my plan was derailed after my first October book. My second read, a historical fiction novel, rerouted my reading plan mid month setting the tone for the rest of October. I read 4 books this month compared to the 6 books I read  in September. My reading goal for 2016 is 55 books. I have currently read 51 books.

I had a major slow down this month compared to September! My months started a little slow. I finished Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst which I had started in September. I was reading chapter by chapter as a Christian book study. I really enjoyed this book and I feel like there are so many takeaways for everyone. The main theme is rejection. We've all felt it; most likely, we are all continually affected. This book shines a light on where rejection may hold you back and how to overcome those feelings. I highly recommend this book. 

#2 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I added this book to my reading list because a few bloggers I follow have raved about it. I'm not sure what I missed ?? but it was a dud for me. Goodreads, which I highly trust, rated The Hating Game 4.32 out of 5. I gave it a 3. The general synopsis is a struggling love story between two co-workers vying for the same promotion. The Hating Game is what I like to call smut. My definition of smut is...storyline exists for the sole purpose of having mundane conversations and many descriptive sexual encounters. If that is your thing, then by all means :)

#3 Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This is my favorite new book in 2016 book (so far). I love when authors create a story which is unique and thoughtful and smart. Then, they package the smart story in a way to appeal to your heart and create great empathy. This is everything Salt To The Sea is. A young adult (YA) historical fiction novel set in Eastern Europe during World War II. The story evolves from 4 characters each fleeing their respective war torn country. The focus is on the impact WW2 had on the neighboring countries of Germany who were being invaded by Russia and Germany leading up to the true event of Wilhem Gustloff. Sepety's Salt To The Sea receives my highest recommendation for an all around great book. 

All I wanted to do after reading Salt To The Sea was read it again! How often do you find a book like that? For me, almost never!! I couldn't shake all the good feelings. I picked up a handful of books and nothing was keeping my attention. I was heading into one of my infamous reading slumps, which notoriously happens after I read an amazing book. All I really wanted was to re-read Sepetys' book again. So...I got another one of her books...

#4 Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septys. My daughter's favorite book. This novel is another WW2 young adult historical fiction novel. The story is told from the perspective of a Lithuanian teen, Lina, being impacted by the conflict between Russia and Germany. Compared to Salt To the Sea, Between Shades of Gray is more intense, violent, and graphic. I recommend it because I think the subject matter is often overshadowed by the Nazi/Jews WW2 rather than the Russia/Eastern Europe WW2. Educate yo' self :) 

Can I just say I am so insanely obsessed with Ruta Septys right now? The way she writes, the things she writes about. I want to know everything! *sigh*

Moving forward, here is my To Be Read for November:

What are you planning to read this month? 

If you have any recommendations from October, please leave them in the comments! 

The Ship of Brides is a recommendation from September. 

I wouldn't have picked it up without your positive reviews! 

Oh yeah, if you are on GoodReads, look me up. 

Nicole on GoodReads

Linking up with Steph and Jana for Show Us Your Books. Click the link for book reviews and recommendations galore!

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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. 

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