While Rob and I were in Roanoke last weekend, my friend Erin came over for an afternoon of Halloween crafts and wine! She and I went to college together and have barely had a chance to catch up since she moved back to the United States from Wales this past year, so it was really nice hanging out with her. 

With Halloween right around the corner, I wanted to do something easy and fun with pumpkins that didn't involve carving them, so I set us up with some glue, glitter, spray paint, and jewels. I don't usually make time for any crafty projects, and every time I do, I'm always amazed by how fun it can be to get creative and try something new. It really does make for a terrific friend date, so grab a girlfriend this weekend, pour a couple glasses of wine, and glitter yourself a little pumpkin!

The only downside to this method of decorating pumpkins is that you don't get to roast the seeds after you're done! But it was really fast and super easy to clean up, so I think it's perfect for a last-minute Halloween idea. I'm sharing detailed steps and instructions today on The La Crema Blog, so head over there next to make your own!

This post is brought to you in partnership with La Crema.

Photos by Sarah Gatrell of Photo + Love.

One really nice thing about living in Charlotte is that once or twice a week, we get to hang out with Rob's parents. It definitely makes North Carolina feel a bit more like home. Last night, we headed over to my in-laws' house with some snacks (Food Should Taste Good provided me with some of their awesome chips) and had a little appetizer party!

I brought the chips (sweet potato, blue corn, and multigrain), some salsa and garlic dip, pepperoni, manchego cheese, fruit salad, and a bottle of wine. We sat around the table, catching up and enjoying a little indoor picnic. Even Daisy the dog had a bite.

This post is sponsored by Food Should Taste Good. Thanks for your support as I continue to work with brands!

Now that the weather is finally getting cooler in Charlotte, I'm finding myself wanting that always-comforting afternoon cup of coffee more and more. You know the one--it's usually paired with another chapter of whatever book you're reading or, if you're me right now, an embarrassing number of episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

Yesterday, Rob was able to work from home so we sat on the couch in the afternoon and drank coffee together. It was so nice, with the window to the deck open; just spending time together on a Monday. Those little moments tend to be my favorite.

Recently Lavazza sent me some more coffee, as well as a bottle of caramel syrup and a milk frother! I would love to be able to tell you that I resisted the caramel, but let's face it--does anyone not like caramel? I rarely ever sweeten my coffee, so it was a nice treat yesterday. I do regularly heat up some almond milk and froth it to make luxurious, homemade cafe au laits, which I totally love.

What's your favorite way to have coffee?

This post is brought to you in partnership with Lavazza.