Currently: Pumpkins and Gone Girl

follow along at @alexisandher on instagram 

The weather has officially started to cool off and I'm loving my first fall outside of southern Arizona. The leaves are changing and I'm starting to bust out long sleeved tops and cardigans and can't wait for some scarves and beanies. My favorite season will always be summer, but a close second is definitely fall. I love the candles at bath and body works: leaves and pumpkin pecan waffles (seriously go buy them now). Pumpkins are finally everywhere, all over grocery stores, instagram and in our drinks. It's a wonderful feeling, even though I'm not that big of a fan of the flavor and can't wait for the more exciting flavor for winter: peppermint. Gone girl tickets!!! For more on that see below. Denver Microbrew Tour Tickets that arrived in the mail a few days ago. I leave for Denver on Saturday for a quick girls trip with Christina and Priscilla. I plan on taking my heavy duty camera for some pictures, and am excited for a getaway that will require only shopping, sight seeing, and drinking some beer. Lastly, a selfie with my new haircut and yes I'm aware you can't see the cut, but it has layers and holds curls and I'm a happy girl.

Now for some Gone Girl talk

When I finished the book this summer I immediately wanted to gush about the entire book to everyone I knew and anyone who was curious about it. The book is SO good, but so hard to describe because there are so many small details that are so important. Well as we all know the movie came out two weeks ago and I waited to write a review so I could do a book/movie combo. First off, I thought that the casting was perfect. I can't think of anyone else who would have fit better or anyone that I was upset to see. I was really happy they went with Rosamund Pike over other choices. I don't know who was in the running but from Google images it looks like Reese Witherspoon was a hot pick and I'm so thankful it wasn't her. Ben Affleck is great for the "has always had it easy handsome, clueless husband" and other supporting roles were on point.

I was surprised by how well the movie followed the book. People often complain that there are so many differences but I didn't feel that that was the case with Gone Girl. Although that is not to say that portions or characters weren't missing, I just didn't think it was an issue come movie time. Ah! And now that's all that I feel I can say, too many details and so much to love. I have now seen it twice, once with my mom who read the book and once with a friend who hadn't and it was great both times. I obviously caught more details the second time, and only left the theater thinking how great it was. If you're looking for a great read or a great movie, pick this bad boy up!

What I'm Watching

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TV has really been hitting some high notes lately; and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm behind the bandwagon a bit for girls and breaking bad, but that doesn't bother me besides constantly trying to avoid spoilers/people who've seen it all.

The Following: This show is SO good, so violent, but so damn good. The Following is a crime thriller, that draws people in with it's twisted ideology and detailed killings. The second season has a different focus (no spoilers here!) but it hasn't disappointed. I've never been a huge Kevin Bacon fan (hollow man scared the crap out of me) but I've been able to tolerate him thanks to the evil, and super sexy Joe Carroll. ;) also here is a link to Kevin Bacon's entrance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, I may just have to give him a second chance because he's still got those moves!

Girls: Because I am at the point in my life where as a recent grad I'm contemplating why on earth I went to college, girls fits right into this funky: I'm still learning and growing up, but I've been catapulted into the adult world and am expected to stay afloat portion of my life. I've always enjoyed Sex and the City, but because I'm in my early twenties it hasn't always been the most...relatable, so I appreciate the honesty and quirky nature in girls. I find myself too often laughing at the characters because I've either said or thought exactly the same thing.      

Breaking Bad: Although I'm behind on this bandwagon, I've been chucking along with season two in hopes that it will continue to pick up like everyone says it will. Aaron Paul is extremely convincing in his drug induced paranoia, and I like that the characters seem real, almost like people you could really know. I'm sure that was the point, but it's nice to see it done. It's also interesting to see a show set in New Mexico, where the scenery is so similar to the Arizona desert. I'm enjoying it right now, but really hope it picks up soon.

The Walking Dead:  The season finale was a few weeks ago and I still haven't recovered from the thought that I have to wait all summer to see another episode. This show has been great from the beginning, and I'm happy that they have been able to keep it going. I am curious as to when we will get new info (what happened...are there more people?) but for now I am along for the ride!

Any good tv shows that I need to check out? Let me know, I'm excited to see what else is out there! 

Currently

Reading: About half way through Labor Day, and hoping to finish it in the next few days. And I just picked up Where'd You Go, Bernadette? after reading some great reviews after featuring it in my Dreaming of Hawaii Outfit Inspiration

Listening To: Lots of Kelly Clarkson, Adele, and Katy Perry. Lots of girl power to get me through this funky time.

Watching: Just finished getting caught up on The Walking Dead, and am excited to watch it in real time with my mom and Jeff tonight.

Missing: I'm missing a lot of different things, but I have been thinking about my grandparents (pictured above), Mr Oskar and Miss Olivia a lot these past few days. I'm such an emotional person as it is, but being away from familiar people/animals/surroundings can take its toll.

Eating/Drinking: I tried out the Raven Cafe yesterday afternoon for the first time and was pleasantly surprised to find that they have a fantastic...dare I say the best!?... iced caramel latte. I will definitely be taking my mom back in the next week!

And finally, a link that made me laugh a lot harder than it should have, and for that reason deserves to be shared!

Currently: 3 Years / Altitude Summit SLC

Today Brandon and I are celebrating 3 years together! This picture was one of our firsts together, and will always hold a special place in my heart. The past three years have been absolutely amazing, and I'm so blessed to have such a loving and supportive fiance by my side. I love you Brandon! Happy Anniversary!

Reading: Lots of blogs! I've been trying to get to know some of the fellow bloggers that will also be at Alt Summit. The Alt Summit blog has been fantastic for posts that have to do with conference jitters, wardrobe issues, and has posted links to past attendees blogs, so I have been able to read first hand experiences (this has helped me so much). I have been feeling so inspired and can't wait to get some of my new ideas rolling after the conference.

Listening To: Nothing really...I'm desperate for some new bands/songs to add to my rotation. Any suggestions?

Watching: American Horror Story and What Not to Wear. Total opposites, but American Horror Story has sucked me in and won't let me go. I finished Asylum last night and enjoyed it more than the first season. I loved that Lana was such a strong character, and she kept me on my toes. Next I'll start Breaking Bad, I've been curious about it for some time and want to see what all the hype is about.

Eating/Drinking: Green smoothies, grilled cheese, and chocolate milk. It's all about balance...right?

Getting Excited For: Alt Summit is here! I can't believe that Brandon and I will be on a plane to Salt Lake City by the time you read this! I can't wait to see what this conference will bring, and to meet some of my favorite bloggers. Keep a look out for lots of pictures and some fresh ideas when I get back!

Currently

My mom took this amazing picture when we went to Chicago last summer!

Reading: Nothing right now, but you better believe when the semester ends that these bad boys will be on my nightstand! one, two, three, and four. 

Listening To: Oral Histories on overload!! Only 8 days left and then I can start blaring Christmas music, and not have to worry about homework! (cue happy dance)

Watching: Duck Dynasty...why is this show so funny? Also watching a fair amount of Love it or List it, House Hunters, and Property Brothers, thank you cable!

Eating/Drinking: Still eating too much junk food, and drinking a lot of hot chocolate. Also Brandon and I have developed a strange obsession with strawberry ice cream. Not sure where it came from, but we can't get enough.

Getting Excited For: Alt Summit in January! Getting the weekly sponsor treat has been so much fun! Also getting excited for Graduation, it's only 15 days away and even though I already walked (planning a post on that) it will be a symbol of closure for me :)

Although I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude, the last few months have been difficult. Today is an important day, and it has been all I have been able to think about for the last few months. Hoping that tonight after class I will receive good news, and that the weight will be lifted.


Currently

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The picture is fitting because when my days are filled to the brim and I'm running low on sleep I have to keep reminding myself that I've got this!

Reading: No good books recently, but I have been reading some great material for my class; we just finished up Women's Rights, which is a topic that I really enjoy. I read The Feminine Mystique when I first met Brandon (he fell asleep when I read it to him), and after finishing this module for class, I'm thinking that I may read it again and see what I think now.

Listening To: I am currently interning for the Bisbee Mining Museum, my job as an intern is to listen to a set number of oral histories and transcribe them. The stories vary, some are about the mining, some are focused on ranching, or a childhood spend during the booming days. I am currently behind (considering I have 6 weeks of school left), but I have grown to love listening to each story, I've laughed, cried and shared shock with many stories. It's so interesting and beneficial to learn about the town/city you live in. In my opinion nothing beats having a little bit of knowledge and connection with the history of the town that you live in.

Watching: Dare I say: CABLE!!! Brandon and I finally joined the 21st century and got cable. Needless to say our overall productivity has plummeted. HGTV has always been a love of mine, but after living without it for nearly 3 years I have a newfound appreciation (read: obsession) for it! It sometimes bums me out that we are renting (because I have so many new ideas) but the shows are so amazing for easy ideas and fixes that make things totally different.

Eating/Drinking: Eating every piece of junk food I can get my hands on. With increased stress of the end of a semester and the holidays, I find myself drinking insane amounts of hot chocolate, and finding every reason not to cook. Making efforts to change that, but we'll see how the next 6 weeks plays out ;)

Getting Excited For: My mom is coming to visit this weekend and we already have a fun mother-daughter Friday night planned. I can't wait! :)

Currently

Reading: I finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green last week, and have been thinking about it ever since. The story left me heartbroken, aching for more interaction with the two characters Hazel and Gus, and the whirlwind romance that the book was about. I knew that the book would be sad, but for me it was so much more, it was a reminder to live everyday to its fullest potential, because 'life is not a wish granting factory'. I've also been up to my ears in political readings for my American Political Ideas class. We are currently evaluating the constitution and have been introduced to Samuel Adams. Pretty fascinating, but Hazel and Gus have won my heart this past week.

Listening To: Lenka Radio on Pandora, Iron and Wine (my go to for fall/winter months) and also a lot of Jack Johnson.

Watching: Watching the new (to us) season of The Walking Dead and New Girl on Netflix. The Walking Dead has gotten so intense that even after agreeing to only watch one episode a night, Brandon and I find ourselves saying 'next one!' after almost every episode. I cherish our nights together and a shared interest in the show. I am also ready to get back to Parks and Recreation, but homework has been keeping me busy, and I know I can't stop at just one episode!

Eating/Drinking: The baked cinnamon apple tazo tea (see above) is absolutely insane. The best way to describe it is that it is fall in a glass. I seriously can't get enough of the flavor and scent. It has quickly become a fall favorite.

Dreaming About: The endless possibilities for Brandon and I when I graduate in December. On MSN there was a list of the cheapest cities for renters, and it was fun to flip through and imagine moving to one of the growing cities. Lots of dreaming about change.