Some of my recent faves.

Is it just me, or did Fall come and go at lightening speed this year? After being afflicted with morning sickness last autumn, I was looking forward to actually enjoying my favorite season of the year. Alas, it was not to be. I've instead resigned myself to the fact that for the foreseeable future I'll be stuck in large poofy jackets and my warmest hat which makes me look like a Swedish country girl.

Meh...at least Christmas is coming. :)

In the meantime, I've found some new favorites that have been helping me overcome my autumn-went-away-too-stinkin-fast-itis.

1.) The Gap. It's cold out, and Owen needed boots - well, not necessarily to tromp through the snow in since he can't walk yet, but at least something to cover his little feet other than socks that are typically ripped off at the first opportunity. Since he inherited his father's giant genes, I had a heck of a time trying to find baby boots that fit him. In swooped The Gap to save the day. Thirty percent off with free shipping AND $25 GapCash for every $50 you spend?! Yes, please!

2.) Mastering the Art of French Cooking. An oldie but a goodie. I snagged a banged-up used copy from Half-Price Books and cooked a few of the vegetable/sauce recipes in the past because I was too chicken to actually attempt one of the more difficult recipes. I finally grew a pair this past weekend and made a pot roast that included a whole freaking bottle of wine. Making it was reminiscent of giving birth - first there was the fear (this recipe is SO COMPLICATED! AHHH SCARY!!), then came the courage (I can do this! I BELIEVE!!), then there was the anger when things didn't go my way (Screw you Julia Child! SCREW YOU!!), then the triumph when I was able to make the recipe bend to my will (Ah ha! SUCK IT JULIA!), and finally, the best part: acceptance that the entire process was oh so worth it after taking that first bite of that heavenly pot roast (om nom nom).

3.) Young House Love. Since I now live in a house that I can (mostly) decorate to my liking, I'm constantly looking for design inspiration to help make it our own. This wildly popular home improvement blog has some neat thrifty ideas of  how to make your house into a home. Plus their personal stories are pretty amusing.

4.) Table for Two. Can you tell I'm a foodie? :) I actually discovered this one through a photographer I follow and admire. I visit this one from time to time to find relatively easy and delicious recipes. Plus, the blogger has such a talent for photographing food - every picture is the very definition of food porn. Now please excuse me while I wipe my drool off the floor.

5.) My new iPhone. After fighting the urge to purchase a smart phone for years (and suffering through much pointing and giggling at my ghettofabulous flip phone) I finally caved. It's shiny. It's pretty. It's way too addicting. And I'm thinking about naming her Stella, because I'm weird and name inanimate objects.