Fall in love with Fall: 50 FUN Things to Do This Autumn

This post may contain affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.

It's true, I'm usually pretty disappointed as summer comes to an end... but this year I'm more than a little excited for fall to roll around. While Florida doesn't really change all that much with the seasons, I do remember the stark difference in the midwest as autumn days became a part of my life and I guess I'm feeling a bit nostalgic about traditional fall festivities.

And well, we all know I'm not just excited about the past, I'm more than overjoyed that a few weeks before the fall solstice my little bundle of joy will be arriving... I mean could there be anything more exciting?!

I won't make this post all about her arrival though, there's way too much fall fun to be had to discuss my pregnancy in detail - I'll save that for another post. For now, here's a list of FIFTY things you need to put on your calendar as the days get a little shorter and the weather gets a tad chillier.

1.    Decorate your home with pumpkins, leaves, etc.
2.    Make a fall wreath
3.    Bake a pumpkin pie
4.    Go to Halloween Horror Nights (or a haunted house)
5.    Sip on warm apple cider
6.    Roast marshmallows around a fire
7.    Burn fall scented candles
8.    Go to the pumpkin patch
9.    Carve a pumpkin perfectly
10.    Jump in a BIG pile of leaves
11.    Make a craft with fallen leaves
12.    Spend a week with the windows open & enjoy the crisp air
13.    Watch Hocus Pocus
14.    Go to a football game
15.    Bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
16.    Run through a corn maze
17.    Find & wear the perfect Halloween costume
18.    Make a squash-based dish
19.    Toast pumpkin seeds
20.    Attend a fall festival
21.    Wear boots & a sweater
22.    Surprise a friend with a pumpkin spice latte
23.    Make caramel apples
24.    Eat handfuls of candy corn
25.    Have a Harry Potter marathon
26.    Eat kettle corn
27.    Go Black Friday shopping
28.    Make a big pot of chili
29.    Buy a new hoodie
30.    Eat loads of turkey
31.    Make homemade stuffing
32.    Have a game night with friends
33.    Read a fall-themed book
34.    Watch a fall sunrise
35.    Donate food to a food bank
36.    Buy a new blanket
37.    Drink unlimited amounts of warm chai tea
38.    Celebrate Grandparents day (September 11th)
39.    Host a cider tasting party
40.    Take autumn themed photos with family
41.    Paint your nails a dark, fall color
42.    Bob for apples
43.    Bake cinnamon muffins or cinnamon rolls
44.    Buy a new pair of boots
45.    Dress in comfy, stylish layers
46.    Make a delicious stew in a crock pot
47.    Go on a nature walk
48.    Start a gratitude journal
49.    Take a scenic drive
50.    Attend Oktoberfest

With these 50 amazing autumn activities, I'm almost certain I covered everything... but I'd love to hear if I missed one of your favorites! Tell me all about what you love about fall in the comments below! 

Nine Tips to Get Your Pre-Pregnancy Body Back

I'm still awaiting the arrival of my little darling, although we are in the final count down with less than a month until she makes her debut into the world... I guess you could say I'm a bit of a planner though, because I'm already starting to figure out how I'm going to adjust into a healthier lifestyle once she arrives.

While I don't plan on heavy work outs or dieting by it's definition, I do want to work towards my pre-pregnancy body as quickly as possible so I'm starting to work out my nutrition plans, take into consideration which work outs are plausible, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to make a few minor adjustments to my schedule to ensure both her and I are getting everything we need out of life. If you're a new mama or expecting any day now as well, today's post is for you... we're going to be in the same new baby situation soon and I'm hoping we both are able to achieve our goals quickly!

It's true, all of the steps that lead to a healthier life are fairly important, we all know a healthy lifestyle begins with nutrition so I'm taking the time to plan this part of my life out first and I suggest you do the same!

I'm a bit of a sugar addict and I love snacking but instead of grabbing for "the bad stuff", I've replaced my snack options with Weight Watchers healthier snacks! It's great because I'm still able to indulge in chocolate and ice cream but I don't have to worry about the calories with the WW versions!

The best part is, I can pick up all my favorites any time I'm grocery shopping at Publix! If you're a mama like me trying to get your body back, I highly suggest you check out all the delicious options they have in stores. They literally have a little bit of everything from Double Caramel Swirl Ice Cream cones to a "turtle-esque" Caramel with Crispies candy and even sweet baked goods like Red Velvet Snack cakes and dairy products like Light String Cheese, now you can enjoy all your favorites without feeling guilty thanks to Weight Watchers!

It's so easy limiting my snacks to the healthy Weight Watcher options, that I'm also going to start meal planning and measuring my food out in advance. Portion sizes and the quality of the food we eat plays an important part in weight loss! If you are striving for a healthier version of you, I highly suggest you start meal prepping in advance! It'll make the new mama life easier and it'll make you healthier!

The last item on my list of ways to adjust your nutrition to get your pre-pregnancy body back is to try and intake more water. I've always aimed for half of my body weight in water and after Delainey arrives I plan to drink even more! Our bodies are made up of H2O so be sure to drink plenty of water to supply your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly.

As I mentioned, nutrition is always the first step when working towards a healthier version of you,  but we can't forget fitness when we're talking about getting healthy! I'm fully aware that I'm going to have to limit myself at first when Delainey is born and that's okay... but once I get the go ahead I'm ready for some real fun!

Speaking of fun, that's my first fitness tip... Stop taking it so seriously! Spend a few minutes at the beach chasing after a ball while playing a game with a friend or take a couple seconds and practice yoga before you head out for the day. Either way, your body will feel revitalized and your health goals will be achieved a lot quicker!

Another way to make sure you keep your fitness on track as a new mama is to use a heart rate monitor to make sure you are working towards your full potential! HRM are easy to operate, most are super stylish now-a-days and they keep track of all kinds of different stats, from the amount of steps you walk in one day to the hours you rest, all without you having to press a button.

As I mentioned, I don't plan on jumping in head first to working out again, so instead of jumping into a work out routine that could cause some serious stress on my body I'm going to start out nice and easy. Walks around the block with a friend will be my first "work out", then I'll work my way up to practicing yoga, and lastly, I'll head back into the gym to get some weight training done... but it all needs to happen in "baby steps", after all Rome wasn't built in a day!



The last few items I want to address regarding your healthier lifestyle are actually all about your daily routine. While some of these things may be a given to a select number of people, it seems as though a majority of people don't take these things into consideration while trying to lose the baby weight!

We'll start with making sure you are getting enough rest... and with a baby we all know this is easier said than done. I suggest what everyone else says and that's to "sleep when the baby is sleeping". This may not always be ideal, but it'll help your body do what it needs to do in order to heal properly and ultimately, lose the baby weight!

Another adjustment to your routine you should consider is allowing yourself to set realistic goals. I mean we all have aspirations to look like a famous celebrity or even just a better version of ourselves, but let's start small. Grab a dress that you used to love to wear and your favorite pair of heels and place them in plain sight... that way when you are tempted to overindulge you can see your weight loss goal directly in front of you and choose healthier options instead!

The last tip I have for new mamas to help get their pre-baby body back is to breastfeed. I know this isn't always a possibility and I'm not insulting you if that's the case for you... but if possible, breastfeeding is a great way to shed extra calories and of course, feed your baby!

It's easy to say I'm going to do all of these things, so I'm wanting to hold each other accountable instead of just sharing this post. So tell me, are you a new mama hoping to lose weight or a seasoned mom that has already whipped her body back into gear? Either way, tell me all about your healthy lifestyle adjustments and how they benefited you in the long run, especially as a mama! I'd love to find some work out buddies and maybe some women that have more advice to share!

I'm hoping with our nutrition adjusted, our fitness plans altered, and a few lifestyle adjustments, you and I should be ready to lose our baby weight in no time flat! Now I just can't wait to bring Delainey into this world so I can join you on the adventure back to our pre-pregnancy bodies!


This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Weight Watchers, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WWFoodsAtPublix  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Six Ways to Remain Confident (or Gain Confidence) While Pregnant! #BeComfydent

Let's play a little game, what do these phrases have in common?

"Are you expecting twins?"...

"WOW! You look like you're a month overdue!"...

"You're huge!"...

"You're going to POP any day now!"...

You may have guessed it, but for those that didn't know, these are all statements I've heard a handful of times over the last few days from complete strangers. While I'm certain every person that uttered these words to me didn't intend to hurt my feelings - honestly, they kind of did. Then I remembered I'm a confident, beautiful woman, growing a life within my body and shook off all that negativity. If you've been pregnant before or you are currently expecting as well, you know it's tough learning to accept your body when you are carrying a child, no matter how blessed you feel so today I want to share how I've changed my mindset and hopefully I can help another mama change hers if she gets these comments from a stranger any time soon!

Now I'll agree, it's hard hearing every strangers opinion as they walk by and it's even harder watching stretch marks pop up all over the place, but the best part is you are working toward a great end result... that little baby of yours! While it's tough to learn to accept your body during any part of pregnancy, it's totally possible and it may actually be easier than you think. While I'm 9 months pregnant and the last comment listed above may be the truest of the four, I've finally learned to accept my body the way it is and I want to share a few ways I've mastered this "art":

1. Let yourself enjoy pregnancy. This may be the easiest and the hardest part of pregnancy. I love every single second that I'm pregnant, but at the same time things get a bit uncomfortable during your 9th month of pregnancy. I've learned to just let your mind accept that your body knows what it's doing and that you can't compare your bump to your besties, you both are two different people so it only makes sense that your bumps are different. Whether your bump is the size of a planet or tiny, appreciate the fact that you are growing a life within it and embrace the beauty of knowing it will all be over fairly soon. Take photos weekly and embrace watching the beauty that is growing within your body!

2. Wear undergarments that make you feel confident and dare I say sexy. I recommend Hanes, simply because they keep me comfortable, cool, and confident during these warm summer months.

With the amazing Get Cozy ComfortFlex Fit Wire-Free bra it's easy to feel cozy and cool, plus with a versatile style I feel like I can wear my favorite bra with any outfit and not worry about how I look. Offering a sleek silhouette that doesn't show under any outfit, pull-over comfort, and a $9.99 price tag, I'm totally in love with this bra and will be rocking it postpartum, no doubt about it!

With that said, my new Ultimate Comfy Support ComfortFlex Fit Wire-Free Bra is also another new favorite of mine. With lining on the cups to protect myself from pregnancy mishaps or the non-pregnant woman from an awkwardly cold situation and a versatile look to build on, I'm in love with how comfortable these bras are and I highly recommend you look into adding one into your undergarment collection.

Now I suppose I can get to the point and share what all pregnant women want to hear, my underwear have been upgraded to ultimate comfort without sacrificing cuteness. My new Hanes Cool Comfort underwear may be the most important part of staying confident while pregnant. Available in Bikini and Hipster styles I'm always able to stay comfy without sacrificing my confidence, leaving me feeling beautiful! The best part is the Cool Comfort wicking fabric keeps you cool while providing all day comfort, plus the super soft cotton is just what any woman wants in a pair of undies... additionally, you can't find a better deal on panties, with a price point of $13 for a pack of six I'll be stocking up on these beauties to make me feel "comfydent" even after baby arrives!

3. Concentrate on the end result - your baby! While it's easier said than done, spend more time worrying about baby than your body shape. Spend a few hours shopping for clothes for baby or maybe take the time to organize babies items in their closet, it's easy to distract yourself from worrying about your growing waistline with so much to be done for the baby on the way!

4. Educate yourself. Instead of worrying if your belly is the right size, learn about it. Spend a few minutes finding books that will help you master the art of pregnancy, then read all you can about the stage of pregnancy you are currently in.

5. Stay active! While walking is more like waddling at this point, I suggest you take a few minutes each day to walk around the block or even around your favorite place to shop. If walking is too much, spend a few minutes doing some yoga, even if it's just a pose in the morning and a pose at night. It may not seem like much, but the activity is good for you and baby and it'll keep your mind off how round your bump is while also helping your body digest food, circulate blood, increase oxygen flow, etc.

6. Spend time with your husband, spouse, partner, or whatever you call your other half. Tell him about how you're feeling and I bet he's smart enough to let you know that he truly loves you and your belly, it doesn't matter what shape it is or how round it gets...

There you have it, six different ways you can learn to embrace your growing baby bump and gain confidence. I know it's easier said than done, but take it from a girl who has heard every questionable statement from a stranger during her pregnancy... it's okay to love your body while pregnant and even better, be confident! Rock what your mama gave you and what you're giving your baby!

So tell me, have you been in the same boat as me? Are you currently? I'd love to hear how you kept your cool and remained confident during your pregnancy, especially during the third trimester - leave me a comment telling me all about it below or share this post with others and use the hashtag #BeComfydent!

Feed Your Family a Delicious Meal with Chef Boyardee

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SaveOnChef #CollectiveBias

I can remember on busy nights when my sister and I both had activities after school to participate in, dinner usually was the last thing my parents wanted to worry about. While we always had a nutritious meal before we went off our seperate ways, I imagine it was a tough task at times and I can remember many times asking for a delicious serving of Beefaroni before spending time playing soccer or going to Girl Scouts. Chef Boyardee has always kind of been a staple in our family.

So with the back to school season approaching, now my family is looking for easy weeknight meal solutions. By spending less time in the kitchen, we can enjoy other after-school activities together and make the most of our time!

Now through August 29, 2016, each 14.5 to 15 ounce can of Chef Boyardee is on Rollback at Walmart for only $0.80! Purchase five cans for $4 in a variety of flavors that include: Mini Ravioli, Beefaroni, and Spaghetti and Meatballs. With savings like this, you can enjoy a week’s worth of quality meals at an affordable price!

Be sure when you stock up on Chef Boyardee at Walmart to look for the Chef Boyardee cans that feature NO artificial flavors, NO preservatives, and NO artificial colors, the perfect way to feed your family! With quality ingredients since 1924, Chef Boyardee has been a pantry staple for many families and that won't be changing any time soon. While shopping at Walmart, be sure to look for the Rollback signs for Chef Boyardee in the Canned Food aisle!