I want to introduce you to my sister in law, Kristine. She is QUEEN of Halloween and if you know her, you love her. She’s hilarious, has a huge heart, and basically is the hostess with the mostess. We love coming to their house because 1) she makes you instantly feel at home and 2) she has the best food. (A lot of recipes you’ll see on here come from her)
We got to visit them last October and my kids didn’t want to leave. Here are my kids and her kids all together. They are not only cousins, but also built in best friends. They can pick up instantly where they left off 6 months ago. Plus, do you see all the cereal lined up on the counter behind them? Yes, she brings out the good stuff when we’re there and they love that too.

So, for the past few weeks, I was watching the leaves begin to change and I kept thinking, “okay, this is nice, but where is the autumn in Virginia that everyone can’t stop talking about?”
Then, last week something amazing happened. I can’t believe what’s around us! 

you remember my dollar store spring vignette? Well, of course I had to change it up a bit for fall:

Here are some deals that may be able to knock a few things off your Christmas shopping list (for you or others!)
Coldwater Creek is having an add’l 25% off their outlet, plus for free shipping use code WHH8931 when you check out.

It’s not just your mom’s store anymore…look at all the great stuff they have over there! ^ All of these pictures are from the outlet~awesome prices!
I got some of the blue scarves on the bottom (2.99 each!) to wrap teacher gifts in. They are so soft and nice.
The ikat napkins on the bottom left corner are 18 inches square, so wouldn’t they make great pillows if you sewed 2 together?? $9.99 for a set of 4.

1. Does your McDonald’s have pumpkin shakes?? We discovered these when we were driving from Utah to Montana for my sister’s wedding. They are d.i.v.i.n.i.t.y. The pumpkin-spice flavoring is perfect, it’s creamy, cold, I want one NOW, but do you think McDonald’s in Virginia have them? No ma’am. At least not in these parts. I am so jealous if your McD’s has them. Go have one for me. Or make one from the recipe on Our Best Bites.



2.  Are your costumes all ready? If they’re not, it’s all good. I saw this link to Parents Magazine on A Bushel and a Peck of Fun and they have some fantastic no-sew ideas.