I woke up this morning to snow dusted across sidewalks and tree branches, slowly being washed away by a muffled rainfall. I love snow. I love rain. This combination of the two was just exactly what I needed this Saturday.

I walked into the dark living room and turned the heat on, waiting for that click and the smell of electric warmth that follows. After taking a shower and curling my hair, I finally decided to just put a hat on and slipped into some boots.  I was walking to the door, umbrella in hand when my phone rang and my boss, Bahar, was on the other line. She told me that all the shops on the Downtown Mall were pretty much closed or closing, so if I was still at home I could just stay there.

Rob was still in bed and didn't have to be at work until ten, so I woke him up and we headed to Para for some coffee. Saturday morning together used to be our thing, but we haven't had a free one in months. 

It's cold out there.

I'm not a big Halloween fan, but the end of October is one of my favorite times of the year. I find myself truly happy when surrounded with the sound of rain falling, a warm cup, a dry blanket and a good book.

Get comfy today, friends. I sure will.

[ASK ME A QUESTION]

This is my new favorite outfit. 

It's perfect for those crisp, fall days that are still a little warm and sunny.

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Chinese Laundry Belt: La De Da

Nine West Boots: Macy's

I really like it when an outfit is composed of mostly older items and just one new thing. It makes me feel like I'm saving money on a brand new outfit, even though in reality I just spent money on a brand new dress.

I bought this belt several years ago. I wear it with dresses a lot, but when I was buying this new dress at Urban the other day, I compulsively bought a new belt to go with it. I got home and tried the dress with my old belt and realized that not only did I not need the new belt, I didn't even want the new belt. Which is sort of a big deal.

So I went back the next day and returned it. I didn't even buy anything else while I was there! It was a miracle. Oh, and on my first visit, I was all "Hey do you think this stain on the back right here will come out in the laundry? This dress is the only one left in my size," and the guy at the cash register was all "I don't know for sure but why don't I just go ahead and take off an additional 10% of the original price of this already discounted item?"

Thanks, bro!

When I leave on Friday and don't show up again until Wednesday, it's because I'm having a really good time doing whatever I'm doing. Usually whatever I'm doing is drinking wine, hanging out with my dog, cooking with my mom, eating with friends, laughing, sitting on my parents' dock, watching movies with my dad, and did I say drinking wine already?

First stop: my brother's apartment at Longwood. He has a guitar-shaped spoon holder in his kitchen. So very Sean.

The second stop was Hampden-Sydney for Homecoming festivities.

Then we all ventured to Roanoke for the rest of the long weekend. Fall Break and Smith Mountain Lake, I love you both.

There's my mom, working on dinner for eleven people. 

It was my sweet dad's birthday on Sunday. And Shawna's was on Friday. They both got to blow out the candles.

"The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." 

--Thomas Jefferson