Hello, Autumn

Hey y'all, it's fall, and I'm feeling good! There's nothing more complete to me than a chilly, fall afternoon with a cup of coffee in hand. Pumpkin spice coffee, to be exact!

{ ingredients }

>> 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

>> 1/2 tsp vanilla

>> 1 tbsp(ish) sugar or pure maple syrup 

>> 1 cup coffee

>> lite whip cream

The pure maple sugar was a great suggestion from someone I'll be trying next time. I hope you enjoy its yumminess as much as I do. This will save you several bucks from buying that Starbucks latte this season too! 

Thank God for this beautiful season!

xx jmeelin

Shenandoah National Park

Hello there, friends! This is a somewhat late post about my adventures exploring about Shenandoah National Park two weeks ago with my love and our puppy, Baxley (you can cross that off of my summer to-do list now). Every year, Scott and I always make a point to go camping since we moved to Virginia two years ago. This past trip we went on was more laid back. Normally, we like to go on several major hikes to view the waterfalls throughout the park, but we just decided to keep it cool and relax a bit more. It was wonderful.

Although the mountains are amazing, they still do not compare to a week up in northern  Michigan at the lake. ;) 

During this hot weekend we have planned ahead, I wish for you all to keep cool and stay plenty hydrated. Popsicles might already be sold out, so you better stock up now! 

xx jmeelin

Summer Festivities

Hi there! Where did the time go? Summer creeped up on me so fast that I have barely made any time (or effort) to post on here. Life is good though, and I cannot complain. :) Here are some things I've already accomplished and some things to look forward to during the next three months of sunshine and greatness...
    
  >> Camping in Shenandoah
  >> Kayaking 
  >> White Water Rafting at Harper's Ferry
  >> DC Chili Cookoff
  >> Learn how to play poker
  >> Weekend trip to Ocean City (or Virginia Beach)
  >> Vacation in Wyoming to visit the Fantozzi's 
  >> Read, read, read on my patio

I know there's more to add to this list, but for now, these will do. And I plan on documenting all! Now for some snapshots of what I have been up to lately, via my Instagram.

I personally love the Instax Polaroid snapshot of my me and my boys (Scott and Baxley).  I cannot get over Baxley's squished, yet happy, facial expression. :)

Now, go enjoy your day. :)

xx jmeelin

Sunday Morning

Good Morning all!

What a beautiful day it has been so far, and I thought what better way to start it than with a batch of Banana Pancake Bites (provided by www.emilybites.com)! I recently discovered her wonderful recipe blog a week ago on Pinterest, and since then, I have already made at least three of her tasty recipes. 

Banana Pancake Bites

Ingredients:
1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart Pancake & Baking Mix
2/3 cup skim milk
½ cup reduced calorie breakfast syrup
1 large ripe banana, chopped into small pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. I personally love Smart Balance's!

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the Bisquick Pancake mix, milk, and breakfast syrup. Pour batter evenly into each muffin cup. 

3. Sprinkle the chopped banana on to the tops of each muffin cup.  Place in the oven, and cook for about 12-15 minutes. 

4. Once finished, let muffins cool for about 5 minutes.  Enjoy with a small glass of skim milk!

These were SO good, and had just the right amount of sweetness and banana in each bite.  It did not take much effort to make them either, considering how delicious they were. I am definitely saving this for future lazy mornings! :)

Much to do today, and a friend's BBQ is schedule for this afternoon...love when I am able to say that.  Hello summer! Have yourselves a lovely Sunday!

xx jmeelin

Month of Snapshots

Oh, hello there! Do I know you? ;)

So, instead of giving this whole long spiel on what I have been up to since my last post, I will simply just post snapshots of the events that have taken place since then.  Among these events, include a wedding, spring, photo shoots, and my new camera/lens. 

Also, I was featured last week on a blog called Instagram Talk that you may read about HERE! :) A big thanks to all of my supporters out there, you are loved. 

There are more exciting events coming up, which of course means more photos to share with you lovely people (a whopping four of you). Either way, I am thankful for the time you take out of your day to read this little blog of mine. 

Have a lovely April day!

xx jmeelin

Some More Lists

Haven't had a chance to upload my recent lists for the 30days Challenge! Apologies. Here are lists 10 through 13. :)

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

So that last list is pretty embarrassing.  But I thought adding some old photos added a nice touch! Haha! 

xx jmeelin