Fallish Weekend

Nashville, you did me right this past weekend. 

Your weather could have fooled me, feelin' like it's October already.

We took full advantage of the dip in temperature, and enjoyed some much needed family time.

Thanks to a team member friend of mine, we were gifted with six end-zone seats to the Vandy football game. With a chill in the air, football just felt...right.

Of course, we needed our fall drinks from Starbucks to keep us warm! (Holla if you're a fan of the pumpkin spice latte!)

Not pictured: us chugging our beverages after taking this photo, as the security man told us we could not bring our drinks into the stadium. Classy, I know.

I mean... really? Geez, I love this guy.

He went to work at 7:00 on Saturday morning, so that he could meet us at the game later in the day.

He's just the best.

The whole clan.

After the game (which ended up being an exciting one in the 4th quarter), we came back to La Casa Darcy to continue the fall shenanigans. The guys tossed around the football while I got the chili on the stove.

That's right- we made white chicken chili, courtesy of Paula Dean. It was DELISH! You can find the recipe here.

(Serve with jalapeno cornbread- Mmm, mmm, good!)

And what's a better finale to a family fun day than playing Mexican Train? We snacked on magic mix and shared some laughs.

I really could not be more thankful that my brothers live in town, that Jon and I get to be involved in their lives and them in ours, and that we see each other throughout the week. 

This season is going to be one to remember.

And this fall weather? You just keep it comin', Nashville.

autumn & spice and everything nice

Y'all.
Today is September 1st.
September!
If you can't believe August has already come and gone, raise your hand. (Two hands raised high.)

I am not complaining; I am merely stating that summer flew by!

Although summer was full of fun, friends, food, and frolicking (I like alliteration, okay?),
I.cannot.wait.for.fall.

I know, I know... Fall officially doesn't begin until September 23rd. But in my heart, fall begins September 1st. TODAY.

I have been planning ahead for the next few months in the Darcy household, and it's going to be a good time all around.

Fall is my absolute favorite season. (Can I get an amen?)

Just think about all the Autumn goodness to come:

pumpkin spice lattes
pumpkin spice doughnuts
pumpkin spice cream cheese
pumpkin butter
(Let's be honest- anything with pumpkin flavoring, really)
pumpkin patches
pumpkin carving
caramel apples
kettle corn
hayrides
corn mazes
drive-in movies
football (Yes, Mr. Darcy, I'm excited for your favorite sport)
BOOTS
cuffed skinny jeans with ankle boots
flannel shirts
oversized cardigans
leather jackets
(I mean, fall has the best clothes. Am I right?)
fall home decor
autumn spice candles
candy corn
pine cones
leaves in brilliant, warm shades
jumping in am oversized pile of leaves
crisp skies
chilly nights

Fall even has its own smell, doesn't it?

I. can't. wait.

If you're a fellow Fall-fanatic like me, what are you most looking forward to?

Fabulous photo from this cute photographer's site.

(This phrase will probably end up in our home. Like tomorrow.)

Engagement: Parker & Heather (Part 2)

When Parker asked me if everyone could come to our house for dessert following his proposal to Heather, I screamed yes without any hesitation. 

And since the bride-to-be's favorite desserts are doughnuts, I knew what we had to pull off - a good ol' fashioned doughnut bar.

Start with everyone's favorite milk selections: chocolate, whole, and almond.

(Of course we served coffee and water, too. But no matter how old you are, nothing tastes better with a fresh doughnut than ice cold milk.)

My favorite party paper suppliers for this event were Target and Hobby Lobby.
I wanted everything to "look" like Heather's taste. I was excited about the paper supplies I found.

I saw this idea on Pinterest. I had no idea how cute they'd be in real life, though!
Diamond ring skewers to pick up the doughnut holes - Adorbs, right?

And the sweetest part...the doughnuts.
Heather's favorite place in Nashville is Fox's Donut Den in Green Hills. So of course Jon and I made a special trip.
They are the best!

Again, thank you Target for the adorable, feminine paper supplies!

The paper fans hanging on the wall are in the Martha Stewart party line at Joann Fabrics.
(They may or may not still be hanging in our kitchen because I like them so much.)

My first attempt at chalkboard art - Parker and Heather's love story (in Park's words).

I mean, what's a party these days without a banner strung across the mantle?
This one is a chalkboard banner, so I can supposedly wipe it off and use my chalk pens for another event.

(And special thanks for DJ Jon for creating the playlist for the evening.)

The Three Amigos! My three favorite people in the entire world (after Jon of course.)  :)

Heather and her parents. We really love them, too. And we are gonna dance at this wedding reception!

Parker and our super proud parents. Thanks for such a great night, Mom and Dad.

These people are my loves.
Every single day I thank The Lord that they are my family.
It goes without saying that each one of us can't wait to officially make Heather our sister.