Fall & Halloween Crafts

I have always loved being crafty & creative; two things I hope to instill in Tinley as well. I believe that homemade gifts are always the best, and they're fun to make too! 

With fall quickly approaching, and the weather getting cooler, I've been perusing Pinterest to find some indoor crafts we can not only have fun doing together, but also send to the grandparents! Tinley is at an age where she doesn't really like to sit still unless it's to eat or watch Barney, but I have a feeling that if I add in some fun fingerpaints, she'll be more than cooperative. After all, she loves to color, so this isn't much different. Here are a few craft ideas I came across that might be fun and easy for us to do:

Campus Book Rentals

Recently, I was contacted by Campus Book Rentals/RentBack about doing a partnership post. Even though I have been out of college for some time now, after doing some research and learning more about this company and what they do, I couldn't resist sharing what I learned, especially since school has just recently started. If any of you out there are college-goers and are interested in this program, let me know, and I will give you some information and a contact. I know if I had this opportunity when I was going to school, I would've definitely taken advantage of it! 

Some perks of renting textbooks are:

-You could save 40-90% off of bookstore prices. WOW!

-Free shipping both ways

-You are free to highlight/mark in the textbooks as you please

-Very flexible renting periods

-They donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented

What is Operation Smile you ask?

-Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever change their lives. They measure themselves by the joy they see on all of the faces they help. At Operation Smile, it's more than a charity. More than an NGO. It's a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. To learn more, visit Operation Smile. 

Another perk of Campus Book Rentals is a new program they've established called RentBack. RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own to other students, which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options, like selling your books back at the end of the semester. Isn't that awesome?! I remember always being so excited when I would go to sell books back, and then you would get maybe 1/3 of what you paid for it back. It was always such a disappointment, so this is a win-win! 

For more information, visit Campus Book Rentals and RentBack, and like I said, if you're interested, let me know, and I will pass your name along!

Tinley's Fall Wardrobe

Want to join the TTT link up? We'd love to have you! Follow Kelly, Megan, and  Lindsay, and link up your post! :o) 

I've spent enough time talking about some of my favorite new arrivals from my go-to stores for Tinley. It's time to take a look at her fall wardrobe thus far:

Here are a few of my faves from that pile of clutter:

These two dresses and adorable purple suede shoes are part of Gymboree's Stylish Corgi collection. 

How cute is this outfit? This is part of Gymboree's Sweet Music collection. 

I'm in love with this outfit! The sweater and mini skinnies are from GAP. 

I love all things pink!

1: Color Block Sweater from Old Navy. This will look precious with her pink skinnies!

2: Jumper & Oxford Polo from Ralph Lauren

3. Striped Sweater Dress from GAP

My MIL is obsessed with shoes! T has 8 new pairs so far, but these are some of my faves:

1: Uggs

2: TOMs

3: Brown Mary-Janes from Stride Rite

4: Pink Mary-Janes from Children's Place

I'm not so sure T is as excited about fall as I am, but at least she'll be stylin'!

Our Weekend Visit

Happy Monday everyone! I'm linking up once again for Weekend Shenanigans with Sami! 

So you know that quiet, empty feeling you have when company leaves? Yeah, that's happening right now in our house. You see, my parents just left to drive back to North Carolina after a wonderful long visit this past weekend. 

Although it wasn't too eventful (both Friday and Sunday were kind of nasty out), it's always nice to spend time together, even if it's just hanging out at home. Friday night involved a little grocery shopping in preparation for the weekend, lot's of catching up, and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Saturday was gorgeous, so we spent the day at Cedar Point; it was my parent's first time going, and I really think they enjoyed themselves. Of course, they loved seeing Tinley have so much fun too. That evening, we grilled out and just relaxed at home. Sunday we had lunch out, watched football, and worked on T's Halloween costume (my step-mom is super crafty, and made it! I can't wait to show it off!). Sunday night, we had dinner at home again, watched Miss America while having our own draft (Miss Oklahoma and Miss Kansas were totally robbed!), and made some delicious chocolate and peanut butter brownies. I think I'll go have one right now....

They got on the road bright and early this morning, so as I said, it's quiet and empty today. Tinley got really upset when they left; the first time she's done that when grandparents have left. I think she's starting to understand things a lot more. But, they'll be back soon and at least we have Facetime. Thank goodness for Technology!

I didn't take too many pics over the weekend, except while we were at CP, so here are a few...

T LOVED the cotton candy

T & Da on the Monster Trucks

T & Da on the Whilrlybirds

In front of the fountain

At the entrance

Group shot

On the antique cars

On the choo-choo

5 On Friday

It's been a few weeks since I've linked up for 5 on Friday, but today, I'm back! So, here are 5 things that are making me smile on this beautiful fall Friday:

{ONE}

The simple fact that it is Friday and the weekend is near has me excited! We are looking forward to my parent's arrival from NC any minute, and I can't want to spend a fun-filled weekend with them! I'm hoping the weather cooperates for some Boat Show fun and a trip to Cedar Point. 

{TWO}

I love fall for so many reasons, but one of my faves is all things pumpkin. Cider, lattes, and especially beer! Blue Moon has an awesome seasonal pack with some delicious beers. I suggest running out and getting one. Or 2. 

{THREE}

Two words: VERY JANE. My girlfriend told me about this site last weekend, and I'm addicted! How did I not know about this?! If you aren't a subscriber, do so immediately. It's like Etsy, only cheaper!

{FOUR}

College football is back, and I couldn't be happier! Saturdays are football days in our household, from noon until the late hours into the night. Another reason why I absolutely love fall. 

{FIVE}

My Halo portable iPhone charger has saved my life several times this week! Have you guys ever seen a cuter phone charger? And one that is made for on-the-go nonetheless?! My MIL got mine from QVC, but you can order them online too. Another must-have!

So, there you have it. What's making you smile today?

Have a great weekend loves!