Pineapple Pete: October 2014

10.31.2014

Happy Pumpkin Day!

Happy Halloween Friends.

Just a little happy for today.

10.29.2014

Road Trip down South | Football Fun

Sorry for being MIA for two weeks. We took a 10 day road trip for work and play and I am just getting back to the grind, aka catching up on life. It was a long trip... but so much fun. We got to see family, friends, football and ended with a great trip to Auburn! Here is a glimpse at our trip down South.

Saturday we enjoyed South Alabama Football with the family!

Me and Makenzie tailgating

Jesse and I at the USA game.

Sunday was fun day with the Daphne Elleards. We spent the day at the beach and cooked a yummy dinner before they headed home. Not nearly enough time to catch up, but always tons of fun! This was the only picture I took all day. I need to get better...

Emi and her Uncle Jesse playing

Monday we spent the day on the water with my folks - yes, in October - it was gorgeous! We ate Pirates Cove burgers and just cruised the inter-coastal while enjoying some cold bevs. We topped off the evening with my favorite, Lillian's pizza before packing up to head north.

Tuesday we headed to Mississippi for work.

I visited USM, Millsaps and Missisippi State before heading over to University of Alabama for a visit. Busy work, but got some good work done. That night we stayed with Sydo and Greg and got to hang out with this cutie!

We enjoyed a nice long walk through Homewood Friday morning and a delicious lunch at Urban Cookhouse before heading to Auburn.

We had the best afternoon exploring Auburn. I hadn't been in the new basketball arena, Hall of Honor or the wellness center, so we checked them all out on Friday afternoon! Students these days have it made. I'm just sayin' #jealous

Lounging on Samford Lawn enjoying some Toomer's lemonade and lots of people watching.

Game day!! We had so much hanging out with my AOII's and just taking it easy. I just love the perfect fall day in Auburn. It's the best!

Game time. And GREAT seats thanks to the hubs!

Rolling Toomer's Corner after the big win!

Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall! We certainly have been. Jesse's parents arrive tomorrow and we are excited to show them the new house and spend Halloween with them!

10.14.2014

Tasty Tuesday: Once You Pop

You really can't stop. Eating popcorn that is. :) Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks, and pretty healthy too! I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes to spice it up a lil... when you're not in the mood for good ole' movie butter popcorn.

Italian Breadstick Popcorn

Truffle and Parmesan Popcorn

Chili Lime Tequila Popcorn

Tropical Popcorn

I also love Skinny Girl Popcorn, it's quick and says and only 25 calories per cup. It' sky go-to for the weekdays. Happy snacking my friends!

10.13.2014

Monday, Monday | Carter Mountain

via.

Another Monday, which means another busy week of work ahead and a vaca on the horizon!!! Just a mini-vaca home, a lil work and a trip to Auburn, but vacation none-the-less. I can't wait to see this adorable bundle of joy on Thursday....

Collin and Kona

...and these smiling faces on Friday!

My crazy brother and his fam.

Not to mention four nights at home with momma and papa next weekend. Who's excited? This gal is! Not to get too ahead of myself on this Monday though. We had a fabulous weekend at home and are finally decorated for fall...just in time to leave for 10 days, but isn't that how it always works? Here is a sneak peak at some decor around the Lyons' den.

The built-in's are still empty and waiting to be painted, so I took full advantage of the free space and decorated for fall.

We also made a trip to Carter Mountain Sunday for a fall feast... aka, rainy weather year #2 in a row and no actual apple picking. But, the apple cider doughnuts and cider made it all worth it. Brunch at Beer Run beforehand also was well worth the trip to C'ville. That and spending time with some of my favorites!

Cheers to a great week ahead friends!

10.10.2014

Five on Friday | Fall Favs

Last weekend I got away for a lil AOII time, and also a little shopping. On my way home Monday, I made a few stops at some of my favorite places, Target, Payless, and my favorite of all... Ikea!

Linking up with the Natasha, April, Christina, and Darci for Five on Friday, {yes, it's back!} to share some of my favs I picked up this week for fall. They also have a fabulous giveaway going on today, so be sure and hop over to their blogs today for some freebies!

Also linking up with the gals at oh hey, Friday!

Now for my 5 Fall Favs on Friday.

{one} This great plaid scarf. It's super soft and has fall written all over it. I can't wait to wrap up in it with my boots and vest.

via Target.

{two} Remember when I shared with you how much I love scalloped things. Well, look what Payless has introduced this season. How precious are these flats? Perfect for fall! I picked up the burgundy ones for $13 and ordered the leopard ones online when I got home.

via Payless.

{three} Vests are my new favorite obsession {or continued obsession from last fall} and was so excited to add this little gem to my collection, it's currently 50% off too!

via J.Crew Factory.

{four} I love trips to Ikea, and my trip on Monday morning was no exception. I came away with a tote full {literally} or fall goodies to spruce up the house. The candlesticks below and orange table runner were one of my favorite purchases. So cute!

Decorating to come this weekend.... sorry for the bare table pic.

via Ikea.

{five} This fabulous vase has been on my wish list since 2011 - it was one of the very first items I pinned when Pinterest first began. It's finally on sale and would make a great wedding gift!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! We are looking forward to finishing up some projects around the house and of course, college football. War Eagle!!!

10.09.2014

Skinny Chicken Taco Chili

Fall is in the air... which means cooler temps and shorter days... and not a lot of time for cooking week-night meals. I am looking forward to sunny skies in the morning come daylight savings, but dreading getting off at 5 p.m. and walking out to pitch black skies. The last thing anyone wants to do when it's dark out is go for a run or workout and then think about cooking dinner when they get home. Which is why fall to me also means lots of crock pot favorites, including this lil gem of a recipe.

This low-cal {200 calories per serving} chicken chili is easy to throw together on your lunch break, and wonderful to come home to on those dark evenings.

Skinny Chicken Taco Chili

1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 12 oz can tomato sauce
1 12 oz bag frozen corn
1 packet taco seasoning (I usually make my own here.)
1 tablespoons chili powder
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
pepper and garlic to taste

Drain beans {I usually rinse my black beans} and add to crock pot with tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn and seasonings. Stir to combine all ingredients. Lay chicken breasts on top and cover with black pepper and garlic.

Cover and set crock pot on high for 4 hours. Next, shred your chicken on top and stir into chili. Turn the temperature to low and let simmer another 1-2 hours, or until you are ready to serve!

Top with plain Greek yogurt, diced green onions and shredded chedder cheese. I usually serve with some warm corn muffins.

Makes 8 servings.

10.08.2014

House Remodeling: Let's talk bar stools

We finally finished renovations to the kitchen, with two final pieces left to complete the look. One is a light over the kitchen table, and secondly is new barstools! There are so many options out there to choose from. I thought today I would share a few of my favorites.