fall mug swap + online community

One of my favorite thing about the blogging world (my favorite actually!) is meeting the other women in it! It is crazy how you can feel a connection to women you have never and may not ever meet. We are connected by our stories and the similarity in our struggles and joys. We are connected by a comradity brought on by similar tragedy or victory - we cheer each other on and pray for one another with many miles in between. Sure sometimes it is catty and judgey and the claws come out on sensitive subjects, but for the most part I am proud to be part of such an amazing online community. 

Another fun perk of this community is all the swapping that goes on! Ornament swapping, mug swapping, headband swapping....the list goes on. It is so fun to participate in these things because you get a chance to connect once again in a way that is different. You get to know the person, you follow their blog and Pinterest and by the end it is like sending a gift to a friend! 

The Fall Mug Swap put on by the wonderful Amanda Lynne from Amanda Lynne Designs.

I hopped on board as soon as one of my besties (in real life! I love when the blogging and real world collide!!) Ali from Ballpoint + Pen told me about it. Give a mug, get a mug. I am all over it.

My mug swap buddy Chrissy from The Pearl Blog sent me the most amazing package! Not only did it contain a gorgeous mug that is as we speak filled to the brim with yummy coffee, but also she sent me cocoa packets, cookies, a HOMEMADE scarf (what? awesome!) an awesome flower ring and the striped stationary set! (someone has been peeping my office supply obsession board on Pinterest!) 

See mug swaps or any swap for that matter, are the best. You get to know a new friend explore a new blog and just participate in this wonderful online community!

My mug swap story has a little more drama! Haha I peeped her Pinterest, read about her on Facebook, followed her Instagram...I knew this lady loved owls and fall. I immediately ordered this little HOOT in white and had it delivered to my house. Well it got stolen off my porch (boo!!) so after 2 calls to UPS, 1 call to West Elm and many unbloggable phrases to my hubby about hooligans running around the neighborhood drinking about of MY owl mug (when did I turn 80...geez!) I just decided in the spirit of Fall Mug Swap to just suck it up and order a new one and have it sent to HER house instead of mine. All turned out fine, she loved the mug and did not already own it! (phew!)

Off to drink coffee out of my new mug and put my new scarf on! 

breakfast in the rain.

This morning we woke up to the most glorious sound and scent. 

Rain slowing padding on the ground bringing up the smell of earth.

One of my favorite things in the world.

The whole backyard was drenched, our plans of hiking were ruined but sometimes you just need to stay in on a rainy day and make a greasy breakfast for you & the love of your life.

I couldn't have asked for a better morning. I love my husband so much and he makes me feel like home, he makes me laugh. He is definitely my best friend...and not just in a cliche married way...but legitimately we have crazy jokes and try so hard to make each other laugh, he's the first one I call when I have a bad day or something good happens. I loved sharing my morning with him before we both go off to do our thing today. 

pumpkin spice muffins

Here is my first taste of fall obligatory pumpkin recipe! 

 To be honest they were a little dry for my taste so I would add more milk to the recipe or maybe a little less flour next time? They were darn near perfect right out of the oven but as soon as they cooled they were a little dense and dry. 

Gather your baking supplies

Ingredients

• 3 C. all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 sticks butter
• 1/3 C. buttermilk or regular milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 C. brown sugar
• 1 1/4 C. pumpkin puree
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp all-spice
• 1tsp vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 350 & Line or grease cup cake tins

1.Whisk together flour, baking soda & powder, salt, and the spices.

2.In a small bowl whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk or buttermilk and the vanilla

3. Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Tip: I like to use brown sugar instead of white sugar in this recipe because the molasses taste really compliments the flavors of fall and the highlights the pumpkin.

4. Add eggs one at a time beating until well combined.

5. Add pumpkin mixture & flour mixture alternating until your batter is well combined.

6. add batter to cupcake tin by the 1/4 cup full

7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean!

The muffins were delicious, but like I said a tad dry for my taste this time. 

Regardless I had one for dessert...and for breakfast!

september means fall.

I have always been on the strict 3 months for each season policy. None of this fall starts September 20-something business. It's September? Its Fall. 

{Never mind the 100 degree forecast for this weekend. Just never you mind.}

I don't have a favorite season. Seriously I don't. I love each and every one of the seasons and I am always ready for them to come and ready for them to go! So I am happy to wave good bye to summer and hello to this wonderful, pumpkin and crunchy leaf filled time of year!

Some of my favorite fall pins right now! 1/2/3