Logan Can – Page 69 – A Lifestyle Blog about Marriage, Parenting, Fashion and Fitness

18 of the Best Fall Date Ideas Everyone Should Try

September 10, 2015

Ryan and I do not get to go on dates as often as we would like to. With him traveling a lot with work and 2 young children, it is a lot tougher to squeeze in that alone time these days. It is important for us to have that time and we are trying to make it more of a priority. My mom offered to keep the kids for us to go out to dinner Friday night and it was so nice and we really enjoyed the quality time together. With my favorite season looming and most of us already in the fall state of mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite fall date ideas! I am adding these to my personal list of to-dos this season.

Pumpkin Patch
Carve Pumpkins
Bake Pumpkin Bread
Go Apple Picking
Go on a Hayride
Walk through a Corn Maze
Watch a Scary Movie
Have a picnic (pack some soup in a thermal)
Go to a Football Game
Tailgate
Make S’mores
Go to the Fair
Attend a Thanksgiving parade
Go into a Haunted House
Decorate your car for Trunk or Treat
Go to a Bookstore
Go Hiking
Attend a Costume Party

What is your idea of the perfect fall date?

You Might Be A Bootaholic If…

September 9, 2015

My friends, family, husband and wallet know how much I am obsessed in love with boots. Tall boots, ankle boots, open toes, pointy toes, cowgirl boots, rain boots, I love them all. After buying 2 pair of booties this summer when I already have a closet full of them, I noticed I had a little problem. Awesome problem? Sure. But a problem nonetheless. Here are the symptoms to diagnose whether or not you are a bootaholic.

Brown: Old, Similar here: Target // Fringe: H&M // Belted: Target // Putty Fringe: Nordstrom

1. You have a closet full of boots but you continue to buy more.

2. It’s the middle of summer, everyone is going to the beach and you are thinking about fall so that you can wear your favorite shoes.

3. Yes, you have brown boots, but you don’t have brown boots with fringe. New boots.

4. You feel like a good pair of boots are a necessity and not a frivolous expenditure.

5. You find a pair of boots that you love and you buy them in every color.

B. A. Meetings every Monday night at 9p.m.

So, Are you a bootaholic?

Market Town Coffee Co.

September 8, 2015

Ryan and I have big dreams for our future. We would love to live on a piece of land (about 5 acres or so) and build a farm house (think Fixer Upper comes to Alabama). We would also love to open a small bookstore one day. It is very healthy to have big dreams. It is also very encouraging to see other’s dreams actually happening.

I grew up dancing with Laura Jean and her older sister, Becca, since we were very young. In fact, I have a group picture of Becca and me in the same 4 year old class. They are two of the sweetest and most encouraging people I know. Laura married Cody who happens to be my mother’s maid of honor’s son. Such a small world. Our moms are still very close even today.

Laura and Cody not only have a huge heart for those effected by human trafficking, they also have a big heart for our city. Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and is so rich in history. It is full of beautiful homes, young professionals and entrepreneurs, but unfortunately, people have a hard time seeing the city’s full potential because of our growing crime rate. While people are moving further east of Montgomery or to surrounding areas, Laura and Cody decided to move to the heart of our beautiful city.

Not only have they moved to the heart of our city, they have also followed their dream by opening a coffee cart where they sell their own brewed “Bell Blend” coffee. They brew it fresh every night for their customers and let me just say, it is delicious! One thing our city is lacking is a good coffee shop. They hope to open a full coffee shop soon to fill this void. I know I will be one of many many regulars to darken the doors!

As soon as you meet Laura Jean, you fall in love with her sweet and kind personality. Christ shines through her in such a vivid way. She brighten up everyone’s day and is so wonderful to every single one of her customers. I spent an hour down at the Market Town Coffee cart with Laura and caught up with her on all of the latest things going on in our lives. She encouraged me so much just in that one hour. I loved watching how she impacted every person that approached her coffee cart. She put a smile on every face that walked by.

It is encouraging to see someone have a huge impact on people and who are following and excelling in their dreams. If you haven’t gone down to visit The Market Town Coffee cart, you are missing out. If you are not local, they offer to ship their coffee blend and I highly recommend you try some! There is something about freshly brewed coffee that is so pure and delicious! Laura also happens to blog over at The Ivory Bell. She is an excellent writer and has such a natural talent for bringing a beauty to her words that make you never want to quit reading. I’m so thankful for people like Laura Jean and Cody who live so open for Christ and shine his light in the darkest places of a lost city. I have so much faith that as more people and businesses gain courage to move downtown and into Old Cloverdale, that Montgomery will thrive again. It can be turned around.

In addition to their tasty coffee, they sell adorable t-shirts! I actually just ordered one and can’t wait to receive it! Read more about Laura and Cody’s mission and don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

Progresso Bread Crumbs Pasta

September 7, 2015

This post is sponsored by General Mills but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Labor Day! In some ways it feels like summer just began but on the other hand, I am tired of 95+ degree weather! Bring on the fireplace weather! This fall semester, I am challenging myself to cook one to two new recipes every week. I have really been wanting to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone in the kitchen and I have decided I will share a few of my favorite with all of you! After all, fall is about cozying up by the fire with a good book, cup of coffee and food. Lots and lots of food.

Ingredients:
Progresso bread crumbs
2 1/2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tsp. Minced Garlic
8 oz. Linguine Pasta
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions on the package. While pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds and take off of heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Drain pasta and pour pasta into a large bowl. Toss in all ingredients and serve immediately.

I added a side dish of salad with Kraft Italian Dressing and shredded cheese to complete our Italian meal! It was easy, quick and delicious. Even our toddler loved it! That is an A++ recipe in my book.

Now you can win $10 to try these products for yourself! All you have to do is visit Progresso or Kraft and leave me a comment telling me which recipe you’d like to try! Enter in the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check back here or on Twitter for an amazing coupon starting September 10th! Coupon details here:

• $2.00 off Publix Produce with the purchase of Any Four (4) participating products
Participating products: select Old El Paso items**, Ro*tel Tomatoes, Hunt’s Tomatoes, Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, Avocados from Mexico
**Items include Dinner Kits, Seasoning Mixes, Enchilada Sauce, Refried Beans
• $2.00 off Publix Chicken with the purchase of Any Four (4) participating products
Participating products: Progresso Bread Crumbs, Progresso Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth, Kraft Salad Dressing, Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, Hunt’s Tomatoes
• $1.00 off Any Five (5) Ro*tel Tomatoes (10 oz.)
• $1.00 off Any Five (5) Hunt’s Tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
• Save $1.00 on Avocados from Mexico when you buy three (3) Old El Paso products (1-31 oz.)
• Save $1.00 on three (3) Betty Crocker casserole potatoes (4.5-5.1 oz.)
• Save $1.50 on two (2) Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes (12.5-17.9 oz.)

2015 Labor Day Sales Picks

September 4, 2015

Target:
Earn an extra 10% off online through September 7th on clothing, shoes, home items and accessories using code “LABORDAY” at checkout!

Amazon:
Kindle Fire 6% off + Free shipping? Deal! These hardly ever go on sale and I can save $20! I am definitely pulling the “It’s almost our anniversary” card on this one!

For the babies:
We haven’t moved SR into her nursery yet because we need two things: a sound machine and a baby monitor! I was so excited to find these deals on two things we have been putting off buying. Now I know it’s because we were just waiting to save money! I’m also excited to find some Thomas the Train toys that are discounted! They are always so expensive and Hampton has been all Thomas everything for the last 6 months (at least). It will make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas! If you are about to have a baby, you definitely need to snag these Aden and Anias swaddles!

For Bloggers:
If I didn’t just buy a Cannon rebel T3i a few months ago, I’d be all over this deal! Umm, amazing! Also, every blogger needs a good pair of earbuds!

Old Navy:

The entire store is up to 60% off! I am really eyeing this workout tank and these compression tights. They look so comfortable and I love wearing tights during the winter! Oh, and I’m pretty much dying over all of their baby clothes right now. So. Cute.

The Loft:

30% off New Fall Styles and 50% off Summer Sale Items!

I am so excited that corduroy is in again this year! I am a little obsessed with corduroy and I have my eye on this skirt and these pants! I also really love this Henley and this tunic! Tunic + Leggings = my happy place.

Madewell:

30% off fall essentials and an extra 30% off all sale styles

Books A Million:

20% off your purchase of $50 or more with code “WORK20”

Thred Up

Up to 90% off all clothing!

Don’t forget to do all of your shopping through Ebates to earn cash back on all of your purchases! It saved me $200 last year during the holiday season! I will definitely be doing all of my Christmas shopping through them again!

Where are you shopping this Labor Day? What’s on your list?

How To Make a Burlap Wreath

September 3, 2015

Post contains affiliate links.

Last week’s cooler weather really got me in the spirit of fall. Over the weekend, I started decorating for my favorite season and even got a little crafty. I went to Hobby Lobby and grabbed a few supplies and decided to make a new wreath. I know it is technically a little early, but our home is almost ready to welcome the new season! Here is a really simple tutorial on how to make your own burlap wreath:

What You Need:
1 – 18″ wire wreath
60 feet of 5″ wide burlap ribbon or garland (20 yards)
1 – 18 foot spool of 1.5″ wide orange gingham wired accent ribbon (9 yards)
1 – 18 foot spool of 1.5″ wide orange Moroccan wired accent ribbon (9 yards) (or the ribbon of your choice)
– A 6″ Tin Letter
-A pumpkin floral accent
-Hot Glue Gun and glue

Let’s Get Started:

1. Tie the burlap into a knot on the back side of the wire wreath (I did it on one of the middle wires). Repeat with other ribbons.

2. Turn the wreath back around and begin weaving the ribbon through the wired wreath, alternating sides and ribbons. I created about a 4 inch loop (height) but you can make it smaller or larger depending on your preference.

3. Make sure to push the loops tightly together so you don’t have any unwanted gaps.

4. When your spools run out, go ahead and start a new one by tying the end of the ribbon in a knot on the backside of the wired wreath.

5. When you get to the end, tie the ends of your spools to the back of the wired wreath and fluff/arrange the loops to your liking.

6. Tie your letter to the top of the wreath using either twine or leftover ribbon. I chose to use my ribbon.

7. Place your floral pumpkin (or flowers) on your wreath and poke the stem through the wire. Twist it around the wire and then hot glue the back of the pumpkin to the wreath to hold it in place.

8. Hang your wreath and enjoy your newest DIY!

Life Happens

September 2, 2015

Post contains affiliate links.

Romper: Gap via ThredUp // Vest: Old Navy // Birks // Kendra Scott Cuff: Nordstrom // Bag: TJ Maxx (similar here)

Our cooler weather didn’t last very long. It is back up in the 90’s and I’m back to rompin’ around in my jean vest. Oy Vey. So, last week in our small group, we went around the circle and told what are peaks and pits of the week were. I thought it would be fun to do the same this week because it has been filled with lots of ups and downs.

Pits:

Our house has been on the market for a year and a half now. We have lowered the price several times and continue to update it. It has been a really frustrating process. A couple of weeks ago we noticed a spot on Hampton’s baseboard in his room that looked like the wood had been warped. We had someone come out and look at it on Monday and, we have termites. Wonderful. While you may be thinking, “oh, it’s fine because I’m sure you have a bond”…no. We don’t. Or, we didn’t. Our bond expired a couple of months back and we had not renewed it. I’m not even going to tell you what our bill is costing us. Just know, our bank account is crying harder than that guy who loves Britney.

Sophie’s “acid reflux” has been awful. She isn’t gaining hardly any weight and it is really upsetting me. I feel like she is throwing everything up that she eats and then some. She should be growing and getting chunky, but instead she looks skinnier to me. We are going to the doctor later today for her 4 month check-up and I’m hoping she can give me new advice that will help. I’ve been so desperate that I even tried to give her formula but she still screamed the entire time I tried to give it to her. Any advice, moms?

Peaks:

While the termite thing was awful and hurt our bank account a little bit, we are so thankful that we caught it pretty early and have everything fixed now. It could have been a lot worse if we had waited or not noticed it.

Hampton has had a really good week. His behavior has been so much better and he has been so sweet with SR. I started decorating for fall/Halloween this week and he has loved seeing all of the “punkin’s” all over the house! He is definitely my little pumpkin baby! I hope he loves Halloween as much as I do!

Monday night we celebrated Ryan’s great-grandmother’s 92nd birthday! She told me she is now shooting for 100! I bet if anyone can make it to 100, it’s her! She is so precious and uplifting to be around. I love listening to her stories and being around her is such a calming influence. She has the kindest spirit.

My sister is coming home this weekend and I can’t wait to see her! Her and my mom offered to keep my kids so that Ryan and I can go out on a date! I am so excited! We have been out on one date since SR was born and that was over 2 months ago! With all of the traveling he has been doing, I am definitely ready to have a date with my hubby!

P.S. One of my best friends started a blog and launched it yesterday! Check her out over at Stroll Through the South! You will love her!

What was your pit and peak of the week?

Book Review: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

September 1, 2015

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
Gallery Books July 2015

Pages: 318

Synopsis from Goodreads: YOU’VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

My Thoughts: I was so excited to read this book off of my Summer Reading List! It did not disappoint. The cover art is really what caught my attention initially, and the title is just as delicious. Books with some sort of sweet in the title or set in Paris are my weaknesses if you haven’t already noticed. I read this book while on our cruise a couple of weeks ago and it was the perfect vacation read.

I read it very quickly and couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what happened to Al and Lou! This book kept my attention, and while I did predict the end before I got there, it was still so satisfying and dreamy. I gave this one 4 stars!

Friendship and Gelato

August 31, 2015

Location: Cafe Louisa’s

Since I’ve become a SAHM and quit my day job, I have really learned the importance of friendship and having a group of friends that are in the SAHM club. Being a stay at home mom can be a very lonely job. For example, when my group of friends get together, usually everyone loves to talk about their jobs. It’s what they do every day all day long, so of course that is their go-to topic of conversation. As a SAHM, it can feel really lonely at times.

My dear friend, Lindsey recently moved back to Montgomery and she is also a SAHM. We have started having (almost) weekly play dates together and with other moms and it has been wonderful. Things don’t feel so lonely anymore. She has a son that is Hampton’s age and is currently pregnant with her second child. We have so much in common. Our moms grew up together, we grew up together, and now our children are being raised together. It is so special and our friendship is such a rare treasure.

Last week we packed a picnic and took it to the park. We then walked down to Luella’s Cafe to enjoy some gelato with the boys. It was such a fun day and our little guys enjoyed the time together. Days like these remind me how special real life friends are and how important it is to get away from social media for a little bit and enjoy God’s beauty – whether it is swooning over Old Cloverdale houses, or strolling through downtown with your littles.

How To Fall In Love With Running

August 28, 2015

Let me start off by first stating that you will probably hate running at first, at least, I did. Your body isn’t used to it. You may be overweight or, like me, just had a baby and are starting over which can be very frustrating. What I will tell you is, you will fall in love with your results from running, but this takes time. Here are some things you can do along the way that will help you fall in love with running:

-Entertain yourself. Whether you take this time to pray, meditate, listen to your favorite jams or whatever it is you do, do it. It will make the run more pleasant and enjoyable and may even help the time pass quickly. Oh, I already ran 2 miles? What?

-Eat right. Don’t ever eat right before you run. Give your body time to digest or you will get sick, cramp or your body won’t have enough energy to get through your run because it is busy digesting your food. Also, never ever drink soft drinks if you plan on running in the next couple of days. They cause terrible cramps. I learned this through my years of dance and it is not a fun experience.

-Drink up. Drink lots and lots of water and sometimes Gatorade – especially after a race.

-Warm up very well before every run. I like to do a few jumping jacks or jog in place for a minute to warm my muscles so that I can stretch properly for a few minutes. This will help you feel loose during your run and prevents injury. Don’t ever skip your warm-up.

-Don’t overdue it. Pushing yourself a little at a time is great, but don’t start off with the mindset of a half-marathoner and then be discouraged when you can’t breathe after only one mile. I speak from experience. Take your time. You can work up to your goals, but don’t overdue it. It is important to train properly. I have loved doing the Couch to 5k plan. It helped me start running a few years ago, but also helped me lose my baby weight after my first and second pregnancies. It’s a great plan that will really help you build your endurance and get back into those races!

Do you run? What tips do you have for a beginner?

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