I was always taught that September 21st is the official first day of fall. I don’t care if the US Government claims tomorrow is the first official day of fall. I celebrated today! Take that you high-90s weather. You try to ruin my fall spirit, but I won’t let you.

It all started this morning with a special pot ‘o gold. Or can ‘o orange. Whatever.

You better believe I incorporated pumpkin into my breakfast. Yay for the first batch of pumpkin oats of the season! My oats included 1/2 c oats, 2 heaping spoonfuls of pumpkin, 1 heaping spoonful of melted peanut butter, and a healthy dash of pumpkin pie spice.

Perhaps these were the key to my good mood today? Or the power behind my awesome spin class this morning? I just know pumpkin is a good, good way to start the day.

Pumpkin is also a good way to end the day. I already mentioned earlier that Tuesdays are Sister Night. Knowing that my sister shares the same adoration of pumpkin as I do, I had a plan.

To start the night off right with a particular pumpkin beverage. But first, we had dinner at Atlanta Bread Company. Because well, it’s attached to Starbucks. That’s reason enough for me. 😉

I had the half and half combo with chicken salad on wheat and the balsamic blue salad. I don’t think I can ever get sick of this combo. I don’t think I can ever get sick of pumpkin infused treats either.

The first pumpkin spiced latte of the season. I do wish it came in a pretty mug though. That would be more fun. And photogenic. Oh well. I’m a happy camper now. Now, I’m off to watch some Fall TV!!!!! 

• What made you smile today?
• Do you have siblings? Are you close? I have a sister (obviously) and a brother. My brother lives in AZ so we aren’t extremely close. I still love him though! My sister and I are one and the same person. And it actually makes me a little sad that M likely won’t have that sisterly bond.

Today is National Prayer for Peace Day. Take a moment to pray that all of those across the world may feel God’s peace in their lives.

Happy Tuesday! Did you all make it through Monday okay? I did and now it's time to get my busy schedule kicked off. I already applied some of the tips I use to keep sane during busy times. Starting with last night.

I made it to the 5:30 pm spin class on time! I got there about 15 minutes early to grab a bike. Thank goodness I did because, shortly after,  the class filled up again. I needed a good workout and some me-time. The class fit the bill perfectly. I left feeling accomplished and ready to relax.

What better way to relax than with a special book? Eat, Pray, Love became available for me at the library this week. Finally!

I have played the patient patron for about 5 months. I’m guessing the movie made it have a long waiting list. Ironically, I’m kind of bummed to be reading the book right at the cusp of the book being a big deal from the movie. I don’t read things to follow trends. I read them because they interest me and I hope to get something out of the words scripted across the pages. I’m certain this book will spark lots of thoughts in my rambling mind. I’ll be sure to share what I think might interest you all…without going on about things already mentioned everywhere else.

This morning, I took time to prepare a hearty and healthy breakfast to help jump start my day. I broke open a new jar of my favorite nut butter. Skippy All Natural Honey.

I like the fancier nut butters too, but this one remains on top thanks to its cost friendliness. I used the peanut butter to top a bowl of oats. With some tropical mix dried fruit mixed in. Yum!

Now, I have some snacks packed up (a Luna Bar + banana) along with my laundry basket (to serve as my shopping cart). It’s time for me to chase after those bargains. This sale is crrrraaazzzyyy! I really hope to shop quick and beat the 3 hour wait to check out that comes in the afternoon. M better know how much I love her.

• Have you read Eat, Pray, Love? Would you care to hear about my thoughts on it or not really because people already discuss it so much? You can be honest!
• What’s your favorite nut butter?
• Be sure to check out the 30 Days of Self-Love challenge coming to my site in September! And don’t forget to let me know if you added my button or shared the challenge on your blog.