Fall Bucket List

Since we made a summer bucket list, I thought it would be appropriate to make a fall bucket list. Morgan teased me a little because apparently I'm the world's most organized person (not really, but I'm 10x more so than my darling husband). Every Sunday after church, I sit down and write out a weekly calendar of our appointments and whatnot for each day, and then plan meals for accordingly (being on a tight budget, planning is a necessity). Then I make a list of the groceries we need...and I may or may not organize my list in order of the aisles of the grocery store. Ugh. I am a freak.

Anyways, when I suggested we make a Fall Bucket list too, Morgan just laughed and, like a good sport, went along with it. What a champ. :)

-Take family pictures
-Go to a pumpkin patch/fall farm
-carve a pumpkin
-make Halloween costumes for FHE
-find a party where it is appropriate to wear said costumes
-drive the Alpine loop
-go on a walk at Sugarhouse park
-make hot chocolate and walk around Temple Square
-go to a football game

Alpine Loop

Morgan and I had to go to beloved Provo today for different reasons...he had to work a booth at a Boy's Career Fair Expo at UVU teaching teens all about Physical Therapy. We both thought it sounded kind of boring, but he actually had a great time! I had a shoot scheduled at Aspen Grove (just past Sundance) and because we had a little time in between our commitments, we decided to take a walk at Bridal Veil Falls. It was so beautiful, but totally packed. After my shoot, Morgan and I decided to take the very beautiful and scenic drive, the Alpine Loop. It was so amazing...I only wish I had thought of video taping it sooner! 

Notice how Morgan gets all fake and awkward for the camera? This happens EVERY TIME I try and make a video. I love him so much for it. :)

Surprise!

The other night I couldn't go to Morgan's football game because I had to get some editing done. I felt bad because he really likes it when I go and cheer on the sidelines...so instead of just plopping dinner on a plate and saying "here ya go", I decided to make it a fancy affair (or as fancy as you can get being poor grad students in a 500 square foot apartment). He was so surprised when he walked in to find THIS:

I brought out our fancy candlesticks (we had them at our wedding) and actually lit them for the first time! I've always been too nervous with tall, tapered candles like that, but it was fine. Very romantic if you know what I mean. I used our "nicest glasses", which are actually from the dollar store and have snowflakes around the sides (we got them for Christmas last year). I even got the "fancy" bread from Walmart...big doings around here.

Okay, so I know this looks completely unappetizing (sorry, crappy point and shoot camera at 8pm), but it was so delicious. Garlic Tomato sauce with penne pasta (al dente of course) and a bit of Parmesan. Also, I should point out that it is a big deal that this is even in a serving bowl. Being poor college students means we don't have any serving-ware and frankly don't have the extra-dishwashing space to clean them with. Sooo most nights we serve ourselves dinner straight out of the saucepan, or crockpot, or skillet. Is that really weird?

Oh, and here's a close up of the "Fancy Bread." 

MMmmm.

Knitting K-nightmares.

Disclaimer:

(Do not assume that this post is designed to display exceptional domestic skills. The following documentation is simply provided as evidence that Cate Sheffer does not knit well. At all.)

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One summery morning, Cate Sheffer went to yonder yarn shoppe to acquire the skills necessary to knit something beautiful. Her dear friend Molly accompanied her, and together, they set off on adventure full of 3-ply yarn and bamboo knitting needles. A lovely fairy instructed them in the ancient methods of casting on. She told them to practice.

It started with a simple knit (garter) stich. Cate did this for many rows, and then decided to spice things up. 

She watched a million youtube videos, and taught herself how to purl.

She thought she could make a lovely pattern by alternating the knit & purl stitches, but all she got was a bumpy mess with random holes.

  

Upon inspection, she realized her project was in an awful state. Gaping holes, dropped stitches, reduced rows, and stray strings of yarn glared back at her. She promptly threw her knitting needles down, and shouted for all the world to hear,

"Screw this, I'm going back to crochet."

 

Fall 2011

Fall is my favorite time of year. It is absolutely the best season! You get to put on scarves and boots, wear cozy sweaters, drink hot chocolate, go to BYU football games, watch Anne of Green Gables, burn cinnamon candles, celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving, make delicious pot roasts and stews, cuddle...the list goes on and ON.

Here are a few of the ways I "spruced up" our home to reflect the cheeriness (is that a word?) of the season. I feel like a lot of the time, fall decorations can be a little cheesy and hokey, but I tried to be festive without looking tacky.


I made that wreath to save money, and scored those candlesticks for $2.50!


Festive potpourri from TJ Maxx that smells like pumpkin & vanilla, and a fall-leaf garland from Tai Pan.


Metallic pumpkin from Tai Pan, and a DELICIOUS candle that Morgan gave me for my B-day.


Gorgeous tray I found at TJ Maxx. It has birds on it...so you know I'm in love with it.

Sneaking one more thing in before Fall

1. Learn how to knit.
2. Learn how to use a sewing machine.
3. Make something by knitting or sewing.
4. Read a few books.
5. Visit church history sites.
6. Design a vintage photo session with models, props and authentic clothing. I'm VERY excited for this one.
7. Have a picnic with Morgan.
8. Go to the water park.
9. Buy a washing machine!
10. Continue writing my novel. 

I did one more thing on my list and HAD to tell someone! :) Thanks Molly Campbell for telling me all about Blazing Needles and for going with me! I can't wait to go again next week.

Check out this awesome yarn shop HERE!

My first attempt...don't look too closely because there are A LOT of mistakes!