Love isn't a feeling.

CAPES [something empowering] Feelings come and go, so keep them in check. While it's important to be "in touch with your feelings", they can also manipulate and lead you astray from reality.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Graham-cracker-crust embedded key lime gelato. This isn't a feeling...it's love.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] And like that! it's fall...which means tall boots, ponchos, bows, and beanies...as well as the pumpkin maple cupcake (out in 4 days!).

I submit that the word "xi" should be allowed in scrabble games.

CAPES [something empowering] Whether we are picked to win or lose, TheDawgDude always makes me feel like the Huskies have a shot...not to mention that the [sometimes inappropriate] humor also makes me feel at home. Go Dawgs! Beat Cal!

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Cousin to the well-known Sonic Care, Clarisonic makes my face glow and feel so so good.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Some people play ordinary Scrabble. 860 and I play 9-tile. Yea, we're a big deal.

"When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire" (Stars).*

CAPES [something empowering] Don't wait for others to be your advocate. Sometimes, you have to get out there and advocate for yourself.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] The Skinnygirl Margarita & Skinnygirl Sangria: not quite as good as the real thing, but not bad for 100-ish calories.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] A facial, if done right, is about so much more than just the face. A relaxing room with great music, a paraffin wax hand treatment, steam, masks, exfoliation, shoulder+neck+arm+hand massage...I left the 90 minute session rejuvenated and glowing. From now on, I'm going to try to go monthly...for health reasons, of course. If you want the facial+so-much-more experience, call the Cristy Carner salon and ask for Jolene.

*860: this doesn't apply to you...pyro.

Personal bests are made to be broken.

CAPES [something empowering] There is something very rewarding in having your 30-year-old self break the personal best time of your 25-year-old self. Personal bests are made to be broken: Lake Sammamish Marathon Invitational, here I come!

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Twist Bands won't kink up your hair, and as an added bonus can be worn as fun bracelets.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I love Glassybaby, along with so many others. But here is my "hidden menu" of the not-so-common uses for the handblown glass art pieces: use drinkers as [portion-control] icecream bowls or to organize all your tubes lipgloss, and use your glassybaby to organize your q-tips, cotton balls, pens, etc.

lessons from a 2-year old

CAPES [something empowering] Withholding information based on not wanting to hurt someone's feelings usually ends up hurting their feelings in the long run. It's better to be graciously and intentionally straightforward from the start.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] 24 days until the Pumpkin Maple is back at Cupcake Royale. It's better than you could ever imagine, and definitely worth the countdown.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My nephew recently learned the word "maybe". While at the cabin on Whidbey, he saw a fish jump. The rest of the weekend, he hopefully asked anyone who would listen: "Maaaayyyybeeee...fish jump again?". There's a difference between saying a hopeful "maybe" and saying "maybe" to get out of an obligation. I'm glad Cooper has learned the prior rather than the latter.

Feeling under-appreciated?

CAPES [something empowering] Instead of waiting around for a "thank you" card, send a "you're welcome" card instead. Let people know that you've noticed them not noticing your acts of kindness. My under-appreciated friend, JPP, will be coming out with a line of "you're welcome" cards soon. I'll blog about them in the "COFFEE" section as soon as they become available.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I love a nice and cold toddy. This beverage throws out the risk burning your coffee grounds by simply marinating them instead. Strain the marination-magic through a filter and voilà! - you've got a toddy (don't forget the 2 pumps vanilla and cream).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I was recently given a shoutout on Lovedog Ranch's blog - a blog I simply adore - so here is me shouting back :) Check out her blog for food inspirations, artistic creations, and fun ideas.