Hi again, friends!
I haven’t done one of these posts in a long time.
Like, a really long time.
As in … a year ago!
Seriously, where does time go?
Anyways, if you want a laugh, go check out Post #1 and Post #2 from the “things that make me smile” series. Post #1 was one of the first posts I ever wrote, and it’s funny to see how bad the formatting was back then (not that it’s much better now, but it’s still quite an improvement from the original blog! 
).
Things that are making me smile right now:
1. Date nights with Brandon.
This weekend, my husband and I enjoyed a much needed date night.
We tried a new (to us) sushi restaurant.
We split the tempura shrimp roll, and then I chose a roll called the Big-O (please keep all smart comments to yourselves, my friends), which included a ton of lobster and shrimp!
Brandon thoroughly enjoyed his roll, which included huge pieces of tuna, eel, salmon, and yellowtail.
I love sushi.
If you’ve never tried it, you have to at least try it once in your lifetime. I always assumed that I would hate it, until I finally broke down my senior year of college and tried a roll. Life has been much tastier ever since! 
2. Pirate hats. Always make me smile.
I don’t know what occasion these ladies were celebrating, but I want to be invited to their next party. 
3. Carrot cake ice cream.
I saw this ice cream at the store on Saturday, and I knew it had to be mine. If you like carrot cake, you need to try it. 
4. Exploring new places, while also getting a workout.
On Saturday morning, I went hiking around a nearby lake. It was so much fun exploring a new area, and I got quite the butt workout from climbing so many hills!
I’m by no means a workout expert, but I think if you find something you love to do that also involves moving your body in some way, you’ll be a lot more likely to stick with it. Why do we always make things like fitness and healthy eating so complicated??
5. The fact that fall is around the corner.
I am looking forward to so many things about fall.
But just to name a few:
College football …
(Source)
Pumpkin Spice Latte’s …
(That’s a picture from last fall. They don’t actually return to the stores until early September.)
… and making a million recipes using pumpkin!
(One of my favorite recipes ever: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies)
6. Family.
One of my cousins shared more pictures from my grandmother’s birthday party on Facebook.
I just love that so many relatives were able to get together and celebrate such a special occasion!
7. Big Brother drama.
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!)
First the “brains” of Big Brother leaves.
Then, the … well … not the brains of Big Brother left. 
All the while, this guy remains untouchable.
While this guy still won’t stop yelling in the Diary Room.
And this girl continues to be the ultimate floater.
If they just replaced Jen with a blow-up doll, I don’t think anyone would even notice.
Oh, how I love this ridiculous, drama-filled show!!
(All Big Brother pictures from cbs.com)
Question for ya …
What did you do this weekend?
Favorite kind of sushi?
What about the fall season are you most looking forward to?
Thoughts on Big Brother?
College football…Heck yes go gators!! Less than a week until kickoff at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium!
Cannot wait for college football to begin. GO PENN STATE
I’m glad you and Brandon were able to get out for a much needed date night. You both look great, and your food sounds delicious. I hope the night was perfect for the two of you <3
Jessie recently posted..Amazing Run & Webcam Date
That sushi and pumpkin whoopie pie look so good! I’m most looking forward to some cooler temperatures (I’ve had enough of this TX summer weather), watching football on TV, and the fact that fall means it’s almost holiday time!
Megan@ The Running Doc recently posted..The Shitty Side of Celiac’s Disease
Ooh, all that sushi looks great! I can’t wait to make my homemade pumpkin spice lattes again once it cools down a bit more here – so delicious!
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..slow cooker mexican chicken {with beans + corn}
A picture of Starbucks Pumkin Spice!!!!! I want it now- Thanks McGuire lol
I Amy started golfing this weekend well hitting golf balls anyhow ladies you have to try it!!!!! You too Kristen
That floater needs to go on Big Brother!! I love Brittney. Dislike Frank but he does play a good game!
Wow, good job, Amy!! Brandon would love if I started hitting golf balls!
i love football season too! It is just so comforting to me, that is weird but its true!! haha
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud recently posted..Random Friday: Instagram, Blogging, Confessions, & Pinterest
I love this list!!! While I am sad that the colder weather is coming I love football and pumpkin coffee! I can’t wait to break out all the pumpkin recipes!
Danielle recently posted..Marvelous in My Monday
It’s been entirely too long since I’ve had sushi! I need to change that.
I’m a summer girl through and through, but there are a select few things that I look forward to in the fall- the abundance of pumpkin being one of them! I went to a farmer’s market the other day and picked up a jar of pumpkin butter. Dangerously good!
Angela @ Health’s Angel recently posted..The Sights of Oregon
Ooh pumpkin butter!! Love that!
Funny blog. Mmmmmm pumpkins sounds good!
I looove sushi! Too funny because I have been craving it so bad lately. I might have to make a pit stop at Whole Foods today to get some for dinner tonight.
I’m really not picky when it comes to it… I honestly love almost any kind. I’m not as big on sushi that has eel in it because I find it has an unusual after taste, but I’ll still eat it if put in front of me! I’m glad you and Brandon had a date night!
That carrot cake ice cream intrigues me! I do love carrot cake, but I’m not sure I can imagine it in ice cream form?! Hmm… I might just have to pick some up to try it out myself.
And oh yes, love love LOVE pumpkin anything and everything! I’m looking forward to fall too!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..Stepping Away
I have never tried sushi! I don’t really like fish a whole lot though
.
Also, I’m pretty excited for PSL…I think I like them better than the peppermint mochas, and for me, that’s saying a lot! We make an awesome pumpkin cake thing that sooo delicious!
Oh! I think I’m making your buffalo chicken dip for a work party tomorrow…I hope I don’t screw it up!
Love the post!
Gretchen recently posted..Nothing Really New…
Let me know what you think of the dip! If you don’t like it, send it out way … my husband devours the stuff!
Oh I so cannot stand Frank!! Ughh!!
I definitely want to make your pumpkin whoopie pie recipe this fall as well. yum
Oh man, you old posts are so cute! I look back at some of my “old” posts (they aren’t even a year yet) and I just cringe! I’m like, I had no idea what I was doing! HA! Anywho, carrot cake ice cream sounds like pretty much the worst thing ever! LOL. I can not stand carrot cake. Chocolate any day baby. I don’t know why I’m such a hater.
Cinnamon @ eatpraytri recently posted..23Paws: Party {#3} Chloe and the onion
Well good. More carrot cake ice cream for me.
You made my day with all of the sights of fall! I am also intrigued by the pumpkin whoopie pies and will have to try those soon!
Plus, I love sushi
Click on the link for the whoopie pies and then make them, a-sap! They’re so good!!
Welcome Back. I’m hooked on Big Brother right now and rooting for Ian. Date nights with the husband are the best.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets recently posted..The CSA Madness Continues
I’m glad Boogie was evicted! I just thought he was so annoying and I didn’t want him to win. As for Frank, I hope he goes too because he can be pretty mean, but he has won so many comps I could see him winning in the end. He also brings much needed drama! I love Britney… I hope she wins or at least gets america’s player!
p.s. I often forget Jen is even in the house!
Yeah Frank is like a big bug that just can’t seem to get squashed!
Aww yay for date nights! I am so excited for fall — fall and pumpkin recipes! The absolute best!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie recently posted..Family Weekend Recap
I love this post! I like sushi too, but I get vegetarian rolls. My favorites are avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, and mushroom!
Emily @ Perfection Isn’t Happy recently posted..Marvelous in My Monday
Pumpking Whoopie Pies?! My mind is blown!!! The fact that I’m ABSOLUTELY MUST try that recipe is NOWHERE close to contention! (I don’t even think I can wait for fall to do it!)
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale recently posted..Insomnia = Productivity?
*Pumpkin (oops!! Got so excited I forgot how to spell, apparently!)
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale recently posted..Insomnia = Productivity?
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Those are pretty much all favorites of mine about fall as well! College football, high school football, cooler weather, BOOTS!, pumpkin in EVERYTHING, hunting season, pumpkin spice lattes…I’ll stop now. I miss you and love you, friend!
natalie @ southern fit foodie recently posted..my favorite running day ever