Fall smells like...

Harvest!
I know I work at BBW. I know I shouldn't even say the words "Yankee" and "candle" together, but, I can't resist. I love this candle so much! I bought it last year on clearance and brought it out this year when the weather starting getting cold up here in the mitt. Yankeecandle.com describes the candle as "A blend of cinnamon, cloves and musk with a hint of sweet apples and pumpkin" (This is one thing I like about BBW vs Yankee-BBW has the scent notes on the bottom of the candle).
This smells spicy, but not too spicy and it's a little fruity with the apple and a lot of festive fall with the pumpkin and clove. I love this.

*Disclaimer-I am an associate of limited brands, but all of my own thoughts are mine and do not represent the company in any way*

The Perfect Fall Day....and I got to sit in a BIG chair!

Today was the perfect fall day (perfect enough for Michigan weather, that is). 

Ry and I both had the day off so we slept in a little bit and started off the morning with some caramel apple coffee (local coffeehouse has the best flavored beans!).  

We followed the coffee with slowly taking our time getting ready (no rushing and throughly enjoying our day off). 

We then went to a local apple orchard where we picked 4 kinds of yummy apples, had lunch, walked around enjoying the crisp fall air and warm sunshine, ate cinnamon sugar doughnuts (fresh out of the oven and still warm!) and hot mulled cider. Ahhhhh.....

We then took a back way home and drove with the windows and sunroof open, while watching the leaves slowly fall and loving the slowly changing colors of the trees.

We then did a little bit of shopping/errands where we found....

...the BIG chair! I guess it's the largest in our area? Pretty cool.

After the BIG chair, we went to a soccer game with my family at my old high school where my little brother did amazing (so proud!).

And...I have these in the oven right now. Except instead of chocolate chips, I added cream cheese frosting. AKANKSDHF;ESFNUER'AFG.

(No words).

BBW Candle Haul

So, this is just a candle haul...

When BBW has there 2 for $20 candle sale and a current 20% off coupon, I can't resist. You can layer the promotions and th candles that are originally $19.50 end up being about $8 for one. LOVE IT. These candles are also amazing...if you haven't tried them, I really encourage you to! And I just love burning candles in the fall/winter. This is several trips made over a few weeks...but, anyways, on to the reviews....

Sleep-Lavender Vanilla

This first one is from the aromatherapy line. It's for sleep-lavender and vanilla soothe and calm. I love lighting it in the bedroom an hour or so before bedtime. It makes the entire room smell like soothing vanilla and lavender. Love it. 

Stress Relief-Eucalyptus Spearmint

Another from the aromatherapy line-this one is for stress. This is Ryan's favorite candle of all the candles I own. It's eucalyptus spearmint. It's a light minty and a fresh eucalyptus smell. It is really nice and I don't know if it works, but it does for us because we have it in our heads to work (stress relief, that is). Crazy how powerful your mind is!

Leaves

It is not fall until you have leaves. This is a classic BBW scent. LOVE LOVE LOVE. The bottom reads: Golden nectar, juicy mandarin and red delicious apple blend with toasted cinnamon, mulled cider and freshly harvested berries. It's fruity and spicy and everything fall. This is the ultimate fall scent.

Autumn

Autumn is a really amazing fall scent too. I've heard that the names of 'leaves' and 'autumn' should be switched, and I agree. 'Autumn' is a crunchy leaf scent and 'Leaves' is a cozy autumn scent. Autumn is described as "A crisp fall fragrance that blends pomegranate and red delicious apple, with notes of fir balsam and rich cedarwood." It's woodsy and fruity-another classic fall scent.

Autumn Apple

Autumn Apple is applish-ous. It's "Crisp and bright-the sparkling scent of autumn apples with pear blossoms and a hint of applewood." The scent description is dead on. This is the truest red apple scent. I've burned this one a bit and I really like it. It's crisp and fresh. 

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch reminds me of a pumpkin pie, but less sweet and more fruity. It's spicy and warm. It's "An invitingly warm blend of fresh pumpkin, spicy cinnamon, creamy nutmeg, whipped butter and brown sugar." I know I keep saying this, but I love this one! I started burning it, but then I thought that I would be better closer to thanksgiving, so I've put it away for now.... :)

Spiced Apple Toddy

Spiced Apple Toddy reminds me of Leaves-except fruitier. I think that this candle is only out in certain stores. It's "A warming blend of apple brandy and spiced plum, infused with mulled cider and tart cranberry". Leaves and SAT both have bottom notes of mulled cider and berries. I love the photo on this candle, it's really unique. And I do like this candle in fall-it's fruity and spicy. Yum.

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut is a love it or hate it kinda candle. It smells exactly like cinnamon sugar doughnuts, which is like music to my nose. It's not an over-powering cinnamon, just a sweet, yummy scent. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that it's not strong enough for me. BBW candles normally fill up my joint living room/kitchen/dining room. This one doesn't. Which is fine, I'll use it in smaller locations (I love it that much!). And I always get some mulled cider with a cinnamon sugar doughnuts at the local orchard, so this one is definitely fall to me!

So there you go! My fall candle haul! If you have any additional questions or want more info on anything listed, please let me know in the comments below! :) Happy smelling!

*I am an associate of limited brands, however my opinions are my own and do not reflect the company in any way.*

Using up Canned Chicken

I don't know what it is about canned food, but it kinda grosses me out. Especially canned meats. And we have a lot of canned chicken. I want to use it up before it goes bad, and it's good for the budget, ya know? This recipe is perfect for canned chicken-I've used it before and LOVE IT. It's also what's for dinner this weekend...(seriously, this is copied and pasted from here).

Creamy White Chili

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (I use canned)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (I use fresh garlic cloves)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies (I use a little more-I like it spicier!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (lil more of this too...)
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• **I also add in 2 or so cups of frozen corn.**

Directions

• In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream. Yield: 7 servings.

You can make it 'crockpot friendly' by sautéing the onions and the garlic cloves (not the chicken, it's already cooked if you're like me and using canned) and then add all the remaining ingredients minus the heavy cream and the sour cream. Put it in the crock pot on low for 4-6 hours. Then it's ready when you get home!

Do you guys have any good ideas or recipes so that I can use up some canned chicken? :)

#Marriagefail

Great minds think alike, right? RIGHT?

We got to Target and found out....

...We were wearing the exact same thing! O dear.....

Cute Cute Cute

I'm not really a walmart shopper, but this cardigan could change my mind!

Seriously? AND it comes in dark grey! This is the perfect fall cardigan, and I'm pretty sure I need it. :)

Yum, Yum.

At the farmer's market, I pick up flowers and well as some fresh veggies. I love farmer's markets, so much! Delicious, fresh wholesome food. And it's autumn weather, which makes me two times happy!

Anyways, I made some tasty bruschetta chicken with a side of fresh corn. I found the recipe at tasteofhome.com, but here it is here too!

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 egg substitute (I used two eggs)
4 boneless chicken breasts (I used 6-8 chicken tenders)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese-grated
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs (I used italian seasoned bread crumbs)
1 T butter, melted
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped (I bought cherry tomatoes-so I used those)
3 T fresh basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T EVOO
S&P to taste

Place flour and eggs in separate bowls. Dip chicken in egg, then in flour and place into a 9 by 13 baking dish. Combine cheese, bread crumbs and butter-sprinkle over chicken.

Loosely cover with foil and bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Uncover and finish baking for 5-10 minutes.

While chicken is baking, mix remaining ingredients (I also like to put 3 T or so of minced red onion and    1T of balsamic vinegar into my bruschetta).  Place on chicken when finished baking (or if you want it warm, put in oven when you remove the foil). SO good.