how to fall for fall

i've been loving the cooler weather that's greeted me a few mornings this past week.  with a subtle chill in the air, i'm totally feeling fall.  fall is my favorite season - made all the sweeter this year by our upcoming wedding in just TWO months!

so, with fall weather on the brain, here's a little "recipe" i cooked up to get you falling for fall, too.

drink this - something warm.  i personally love spicy, fallish brews like orange spice or chai tea.  add a teaspoon of sugar and a touch of cream (if you're doing chai).  remember: citrus-based teas can curdle milk - it doesn't taste bad but looks kinda gross.

eat this - apples.  no other fruit says fall quite like a crisp apple.  i can't wait until the orchards open for apple-picking.  craig and i got a little over-zealous a few falls ago and were eating apple-everything for weeks!

do this - go for a walk.  one of my favorite things to do when the weather gets a bit cooler is to pull on a comfy sweater and go for a walk with craig and olive.  (with the risk of sounding like a creeper, i especially like going for walks in the early evening when it's getting dark, because you can peek into the lovely glow that emanates from the houses.)

me sporting my t-shirt necklace

wear this - scarves.  i'm a sucker for a good scarf, pashmina or t-shirt necklace (learn how to make your very own t-shirt necklace in just 15 minutes {here}).  i <3 anything that makes me feel warm and cozy.  plus, they are a super simple way to jazz up your outfit - and considering my go-to is often yoga pants, a fun accessory can be the perfect thing to complete it!

well, mavens...whether you adore fall or are dreading the end of warm weather, i hope this little list has you (at least a little bit) excited and looking forward to fallish fun!

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how to detox

do this: spinal twists.  in yoga, they compare twists to wringing out a washcloth.  they purify your system and detoxify the blood.  plus, they feel goooood.  (stand with your feet parallel, 4-5 ft apart.  hinge forward at the waist and place hands/fingertips on the floor.  keeping your back flat, twist your right arm up to the sky, leaving your left hand on the ground.  look up, if you can.  hold for a few deep breaths.  repeat on the other side.)  still not sure what to do?  check out the pose {here}.

another spinal twist option.  credit {here}

eat this: veggies!  there is nothing like simply prepared, wholesome veggies to set you right again.  {shameless plug coming} and, i have just the thing {wink}, my lovely (and FREE) cookbook, vegetables & vodka!  all the dinner recipes "star" veggies and are less than 450 calories per serving.  so, what are you waiting for?  download it below : )  and if you love it, please pass it along...

drink this: water.  that was a given...  but, if you're finding h2o a little boring, opt for seltzer or add a squeeze of fresh citrus to your glass or enjoy a cup of tea with 1 tsp sugar in the raw & lemon.

try this: too often, we plant ourselves in front of the tv or computer screen until moments before bed.  we give our bodies no time to slow down and relax.  try to turn off all electronics 30 min before bed.  spend that last bit of time reading, chatting with your spouse or writing in your journal.  you'll feel infinitely better, i promise!

here's to a simply fabulous (mini) detox!  what are your detox tricks?.

how to celebrate (the end of) summer

it's hard to believe that we're almost 2 weeks into august.  this summer has flown by, and now we're just over a month away from fall.  (my personal favorite season.)  but before we bid summer adieu, i think it's important to soak up every last bit of sun, surf & sand.

do this: stop by a local road side stand or farmers' market to enjoy the season's bounty.  fresh berries and fruit.  juicy tomatoes, zucchinis and peppers.  stock up while they last : )

credit {here}

eat this: ice cream.  the other day, craig, my sis (hannah), olive (our dog-baby) and i stopped at our favorite local ice cream place.  dilly's.  i ordered my "usual" - small (soft-serve) vanilla in a cone with rainbow sprinkles.  it tasted like my childhood.

credit {here}

wear this: sunglasses! chic sunglasses are a must for summer (well, really a "must" year-round, i guess.)  i often treat myself to a new pair each season.  they needn't be expensive - they just have to be stylish!  if you haven't indulged in a new pair, be certain to pick up some with built-in uv protection.

credit {here}

try this: slim calm sexy yoga.  there are still a few good beach weeks left, so if you have yet to start your summer workout regimen, don't fret.  better late than never!  even just the idea of getting fit will make you feel more bikini-confident.

enjoy (what's left of) the dog days of summer.  any end-of-summer plans???.

happy hour: how to become a regular

as many of you know, craig and i love bobby's.  bobby simone's is a great little bar in nearby doylestown that has become our happy hour hot spot.  when we walk in the door, the bartenders know us and always greet us with a smile and sometimes even a cheer : )  bobby's has become our cheers.

it's amazing how a little customer service - like them remembering us - impresses and impacts and keeps us coming back for more.  (not to mention sandy mixes a mean cosmo...which is only $5 at happy hour.)

so, how does one become a regular?  we didn't initially set out to achieve anything special, but after frequenting the same place for a while, you do get certain perks.  a complimentary drink or two or three, special service (like when i ask for just a 1/2 martini) and the thrill of being "known".

here are my tips if you're looking to carve out a special place:

1. don't settle.  craig and i checked out a few bars in doylestown that offer happy hours before choosing bobby's.  (tough job, but someone's gotta do it.)  see who has the best drinks, the best deals and the best crowd.

2. slow but steady. you don't have to go multiple times a week or even every week to get remembered.  the slow and steady method is better (for you and your wallet).  that way you can "ease" yourself in.

3. sit at the bar.  if you have the option of seats at the bar or a table, go for the bar.  that way you can get to know your bartenders and strike up a rapport.

4. ask their opinion.  if you always order the same thing (like me), ask what other drinks they recommend that would please your palate.  good bartenders know how to make good drinks, and they'll appreciate being recognized as an expert.

5. tip well.  this one's kind of obvious, but tip well.  happy hour is already cheap, so it's not a big deal to leave a little extra.  we like to leave 25-35%.  good tippers are remembered and treated well.

6. go after hours.  after hitting up several happy hours, and if the bartenders are starting to remember you, go after happy hour.  this will let them know that you're not always looking for a deal and that you like them/the bar/the drinks even if you have to pay full price.  and this is most likely when you'll reap the benefits of regularity...often the monetary kind...

so, i think it's about time to go out and find your happy place!.