Links of the Week #2

1. This guy is adorable and his day in LA is sure to make you smile. I did.

2. Nothing says Thanksgiving like the smell of cinnamon roasted almonds wafting through your house. I made these from a slightly altered recipe I created on the fly and they're amazing.

3. If you've not yet seen About Time, it's about time you go see it. Great movie with a heartwarming message.

4. Downton Abbey fanatics there's a jewelry and gift shop just for you!

5. Don't tell me you've never been hangry.

The Autumn Tag

Last year's Fall Family Fun Day

Although it's sad for me to admit that Autumn is quickly approaching, I have to admit there is one tiny (VERY tiny) part of me that is excited for what Fall brings. Sweaters, chunky scarves, hot tea, cuddles, favorite TV show season premiers, colorful leaves, and Halloween candy! I'm so very sad to see summer go, but that's life. I decided it'd be fun to do this Autumn tag I've seen floating around blog land. Here goes nothing...

Favorite Thing About Autumn

I'd have to say my favorite thing about Autumn is that my favorite television shows come back on air! I'm most excited for Downton Abbey, but the end of Breaking Bad should be intense. I'm also looking forward to less dramatic television, like Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, and New Girl.

Favorite Drink

I think it depends on the day for me. I love tea, so I might say a Hot Cinnamon Spice tea from Caribou, or my Pumpkin Spice tea from Target. I also love Pumpkin Chai Lattes from Caribou if I'm feeling fancy. If I wanted a serious classically fall drink I'd go for a hot apple cider.

Favorite Scent/Candle

My favorite candle is Leaves from Bath and Body Works. It smells like you're making home made cider and baking fall treats in your house. I've also been a fan of their new Blueberry Pumpkin Patch candle, as well. I have Pumpkin Spice candle from Yankee Candle that is equally delicious smelling.

Best Lipstick

If you know me, you'll know that I rarely ever wear anything but lip balm on my lips. On my latest Target excursion I grabbed Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie and I surprisingly love it. It's a departure from anything I've ever worn before, but I really enjoy it. I wear it as more of a stain than anything, but it's a gorgeous color.

Best Go-To Moisturizer

I'm a Neutrogena Visibly Even lover. It's my go-to everyday moisturizer for any season. 'Nuff said.

Favorite Go-To Color on the Eyes

Again, I keep it pretty simple for my eyes, but I love bronzey/champagne colors for the Fall. My favorites are Maybelline Bad to the Bronze and L'Oreal Amber Rush.

Favorite Music

This Fall Sara Bareilles' new album, The Blessed Unrest, has been playing non-stop on my iPod.

Favorite Treat

I am still on my Paleo diet, so I haven't yet made any Paleo-friendly fall treats. I'm hoping to experiment with a Paleo Pumpkin Bread next week. I'll be sure to post about it if it is tasty. If I wasn't Paleo right now, I'd be eating pounds of pumpkin muffins.

Favorite Place to Be

I think anywhere is beautiful in Fall. The leaves are changing, it's still nice outside, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. I'll be most looking forward to my annual apple orchard and pumpkin patch trip!

What are your Fall essentials?

Downton Abbey Inspired Outfit

If you haven't joined the thousands of people who are in love with Downton Abbey, I highly suggest you take few moments and watch the first episode because you will not be disappointed.
I fell in love with the characters and the story line within the first five minutes. I was already shipping couples, drooling over landscapes of England, and wishing I lived in the 20s so I could steal all of their clothes.

Speaking of fashion, there's a lot of it in many different styles. There are the three high society Crawley sisters, the servants, and guests from all over the world visiting Downton. I'm in love with Sybil Crawley, the youngest of the sisters, because of her fearlessness. She has a feminist spark and a revolutionary attitude. She's such a strong character. Sybil lives for herself and not for pleasing her family's societal demands. Without actually realizing it, I was window shopping online pulling inspiration from Sybil with her brighter colors and younger approach to the style of the age. I was also searching the stores for any long necklaces and realized that must have been an effect of Downton as well. Mary Crawley, the eldest sister, always sports long necklaces during fancy dinner parties and I'm enthralled with her Art Deco style.

I was inspired by some of the episodes later in the series when the 1920s fashion begins to emerge. Mary often wears a sparkly clip in her hair, all the girls wear Mary Jane high heels, and long necklaces appear in almost every episode.

Necklace, Dress, Headband, Clutch, Shoes

This is a very wearable way to show your love for Downton Abbey. The pieces are classic, the look is chic, and everyone will be wondering where you got your accessories!
Let me know if you've found any other stores that are carrying Downton-esque pieces because I'm obsessed!