Since I've been gone...

Oh dear...it's been a while since I've stopped by here.  Now that it's almost November (gasp!), I decided I need to make my way back into the blogosphere.  First and foremost, let me fill you in on where I've been...

October started off with a bang; or, rather, a midnight drive down to Cape Cod when we got the call that my sister was in labor.  Here's my beautiful (one-month-old!) niece, Sally, here to wish you a Happy Halloween!  Pretty spooky, huh?!

The rest of October went by in a blur: midterm stress, birthday celebrations for a certain tall/dark/handsome someone, a THREE (!!!!) year anniversary celebration, and finally, a visit with Liz!

When Liz arrived in Portland last weekend, it was the first time we had seen each other in almost a year and a half!  That's just unacceptable, if you ask me.  We had the most relaxing weekend involving long walks around town, yummy food, tall glasses of wine, and outlet shopping.  There was even a guest appearance from our most loyal reader.

Lizzo, let's never go that long without seeing each other again!

Weekend plans

It's only Thursday and I'm already thinking about the weekend. We're going to go apple picking so that we can make more delicious pies like these,

Go to this craft fair right by our apartment,

And maybe even paint my nails like the ones below. I mean, how cool are they?

Via Apartment 34

What are your plans? For Anna, this may be the weekend that she becomes an aunt!

The Final Countdown

As I mentioned a few months ago, I'm going to be an aunt.   Very soon, in fact - my sister is due TODAY!  As you might expect, things have been a little baby-crazy around here.  It's been especially fun picking up cute toys and imagining a little baby playing with them in just a few weeks!  Here are a few things we've gotten for the littlest member of the family.

Meet Marvin the Lion, the baby's first stuffed animal. (I bought this a week after I found out my sister was pregnant!)

via jellycat.com 

The cutest book of baby haikus:

via haikutwobytwo.com

A DIY mobile (inspired by this one):

via land of nod

A home-sewn blanket:

What are your favorite gifts for new babies?

Man Gift

We always talk about clothes and gifts for women, but rarely for men. We need to get better at doing that. So when I spotted this online store for guys, I figured I'd share. I love the notepads, the belts...everything from Wood & Faulk. The bag below would make a really nice gift for any boyfriend, brother, or dad who likes to travel. Looks like something that would last for years. And really nice for fall, which begins Friday!

Via Wood & Faulk

I hope you all have a great start to your fall. (It is definitely my favorite season.) Here's to crisp air, falling leaves, apple pie, the smell of wood in the fireplace, and cozy sweaters. Mmmm.

For your travel adventures

The best luggage tag around.

Via Harlex

Puppies!

Earlier this summer, my sister and her husband finally decided to breed their dog, Fisher.  Two weeks ago, the pups were born and I woke up this morning to find some adorable pictures in my inbox that I knew I had to share!  Their eyes aren't open yet, and they mostly just lay around in a pile, but what could be better than a whole pile of puppies to start of your hectic Tuesday?!

Here's the proud, handsome dad (and the #1 coolest dawg around):

And the pups:

Wouldn't you love to spend the day lounging with these furry little guys?

See of Love Fall Essentials

Feeling like your wardrobe is a little drab? Us too. Here are our picks for fall 2011.

Blazer via JCrew.com

Tie blouse via Piperlime.com

Bright skinny trousers via Zara.com 

Dark wash jeans via Gap.com

Animal print pump via Nordstrom.com

What do you have in your closet for this fall? We'd love to hear! Happy Monday :)