FALL UP NORTH



Mr. Nine and I are like kids in a candy store or grown Andrea in a boutique when we head to our favorite Michigan town. I told you in this Post how we found this darling town. It is a home away from home, where we spend every family vacation, try to get there in each season and plan to spend much more time there as we get older. It is especially fun in the Fall when the Pure Michigan colors are spectacular and a Tradition for just the Mr. and I to get away the two of us. We had the cutest Condo on the Bay and woke up to a pretty sunset Saturday Morning.



However, sometimes things just don’t go as you planned thanks to Mother Nature. My visions of sunlight hitting golden leaves, hikes on trails of Fall colors, photos of us together, sipping hot apple cider strolling with my Mr. and pictures with pumpkins were not to be for the majority of our 48 hours up north. Instead what we got were visions of leaves in the rain, photos indoors, decaf and Baileys, eating candy corn in the car, No photos of the two of us together, watching football in the cozy condo and gale force winds with a little snow mixed in from time to time. 
Here is what I looked like for most of the first day.

Here are lots of highlights of what was still a super relaxing and precious getaway. I didn't get to wear some of the outfits I took opting for comfort and Hunter's instead.
Sweater HERE, Gingham Shirt HERE, Earrings HERE
Wearing the Flat Lay from Friday.

Scarf HERE, Sweater HERE, My New Sorel Boots HERE
(gift from Mr. Nine this week) Earrings HERE

Henley HERE, Leggings HERE, Earrings HERE,
Hunter Boots HERE

First stop in the town is always the best local restaurant called Dinghys. It’s one of the few restaurants that stays open year round. In the Fall, I always get the same thing: a Bailey’s and decaf, the BEST mozzarella sticks wrapped in wonton papers and their twice baked potato soup, soooo good! 


Leaves, beautiful leaves, they were there, just tough to see in the rain. Yet, we drove the scenic route for hours and got our glimpses and a few photos when the rain would ebb. Just driving up there is so much pretty than our neck of the woods. And the waves crashing up on the beach...so so cool!








After a day of making the most of rain and wind and candy corn fun, we had a quick dinner and back to chill. What is it about dreary, cold weather that makes us so tired? We had plans to go to the brewery to listen to a band and have a meat and cheese board but by the time 8p rolled around, we nixed that idea 2 nights in a row and opted for evenings in snuggling by the fire and Saturday night watching our one son's school, Purdue, dominate our much despised Ohio Sate...and that meant Notre Dame moved to #3 in the polls.

 We love to hike and had plans for a few trails but when it’s that windy and cold that’s a definite no. However, yesterday those winds died down, the rain was gone and we bundled up to do one we really wanted to do. And the view was so worth it!







I also need to note some realizations that came to play this rainy weekend. The Instagram thing really threw me, I thought gorgeous photos would emerge (and some did end up happening), a Fabulous story line would develop but kids...the pressure, the Instagram pressure, not sure how well I’ll keep up!! And I really didn’t want to stop every few minutes and cook up the story. Mr. Nine doesn’t care about that, he just wants me present in the moment. I love looking at all the visual wonders and fun times my friends are having on Insta but what’s happening is exactly the reason why I didn’t want an Instagram, I’m spending too much time looking at it, interacting with it, worried my stuff is not good enough, that I am not good enough and guys, I’m not that person. I’m not good at videoing stuff or myself. I’ll still be on it and engage because it has brought me joy but a balance must be obtained or this type A will personality will go crazy. With the holidays approaching, I’m going to be present and isn’t that the best gift we can give to our families, the gift of our undivided presence when they’re around. So here’s to more trips with my love, more plans altered and more be in the moment events! 
One of my dear besties, Laura had this on her Blog recently.

And They’ll be many more trips north, many more Fall colors to behold and cider to be drank. Most importantly, was the one on one time with my man and not waking up 5 in the morning when Daisy Mae barks to go out. The scenery, friendliness of the town and general relaxed vibe is still none like we get at home and meals cooked for me, well right on. AND in the last day I my picture with the Michigan pumpkins! Life is good! Life is Lovely!


 LOVELY SWEATER HERE



HAPPY START TO YOU WEEK PUMPKINS!


58 comments:

  1. I'm sorry the weather wasn't great for pictures this weekend, but I'm glad you got to spend the weekend together! I'm actually talking about something very similar with Instagram today. I totally understand!! I'm glad you were able to get one hike in and so glad to hear the views were worth it! Hope you have a great start to the week, Andrea!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  2. The photos you did get to capture when it wasn't raining are absolutely gorgeous!!!! Instagram is my most used app that I have on my phone. Anytime I pick up my phone, I find myself scrolling through it. I just try to remember that it is there for fun and not let it get to me. Some days I might most 15 stories, and then I might go two weeks without a single one.

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  3. What a rainy weekend but you still made the most of it. Instagram and social media can make you feel pressured but I’ve learned to just shRe what I want. If people don’t like it they can keep scrolling and I know that I’ll never be a certain type of blogger so you gotta do you. Great advice as always beautiful. Enjoy your week xoxo

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  4. You are fall fantastic in all your fashionable clothes my friend! Looks like you had a wonderful weekend even if it wasn't the weather you had hoped for. The pressure of Insta is too much and I am not even trying to keep up. I'll post but don't feel the need to document my life, it just takes too much time. Being present is what matters most and trying to get the perfect shot takes too much time!
    Love you!
    xo,
    Kellyann
    www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com

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  5. What a cute post! Even though the weather didn't cooperate the pics were great. As always, you look darling. You and your hubby make the cutest couple! I get what you're saying about Instagram. Sometimes I feel that way too when I'm with the girls. Have a great week!

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  6. Boo for the weather. I hear you re: insta. That's why I barely post and it's usually latergram. You look gorgeous!!

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  7. Look at all the beautiful fall foliage despite the weather! I love your outfit with the hunter boots. Happy Monday my friend! xo, Biana-BlovedBoston

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  8. I am glad you guys enjoyed your trip despite the weather. Sometimes it is nice to just get away and take it easy too. I love the vampire candy corn teeth, Mr Nine! Don't feel like you have to be perfect on insta, none of it is worth a ton of stress. Enjoy your week sweet lady! xoxo

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  9. It looked like fall perfection up there! I hear you about when the weather ruins those outdoor plans but it looks like you all made up the most of it. I'm also with you on the instagram front, I keep trying to work out a system where I don't feel pressured to put up a ton of stuff and ruin the present moment. I'm with you on the holiday time too, I was planning on taking some sort of social media break for the month of November as a gratitude practice. Glad you and Mr. Nine were able to get the hike in! xo

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

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  10. The Instagram pressures are for real, yet totally ridiculous! LOVE your outlook on it! I'm SO sorry the weather didn't cooperate, but love love love all of your amazing outfits! I had the same visions when we were up north last weekend, and the weather didn't cooperate much for us either. The apple orchard and pumpkin patch were too muddy, and the leaves had barely started changing. I didn't take a single blog/instagram photo and instead enjoyed being totally present with my family. It was marvelous <3
    Green Fashionista

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  11. Visiting from BNOTP- I live in Traverse City so I know what you experienced. Our weather has been all over the charts including snow over the weekend. Dinghy’s is great- love Frankfort! I can tell from some of the pictures where you snapped some shots! Lake Michigan is beautiful. We toured the weekend of the 13-14th and I shared a post. I don’t keep up with instagram very well. I know a lot of bloggers have converted to using it instead of blogging but I haven’t fully adopted it. Your outfits are cute and the silver/gray coat is perfect!

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  12. It still looked beautiful even in the rain! Instagram can make you crazy. Sometimes I just take the photos in the moment and add to the Story later. I don't like stopping and recording videos that much or I forget to in the moment. It's more important to be present for sure!! That Lovely sweater is perfect and I always enjoy seeing the outfits you put together. Mozzarella sticks wrapped in wonton wrappers and that soup sounds amazing. Your condo looked so nice too!! Snuggly time in the rain and wind sounds perfect!

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  13. What a fun and cozy weekend! That looks like such a great getaway even though the weather didn't cooperate for all of it. I love that you and Mr. Nine make it a priority to spend such quality time connecting together. And your Instagram realizations are the truth - it takes you away from the moment and slowly shifts your perspective to "how do I present this moment for other people's enjoyment" instead of just enjoying it for yourself. Glad you were able to identify that pressure and just step back and enjoy your weekend!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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  14. Soon many things to say! First and foremost, while the trip wasn't what you had expected..it sounds PERFECT to me: rain, leaves, cozy nights, candy corn, potato soup??? I mean, a CA girl can dream about such a trip :) You both are the cutest and even though the weather was bad, it still looks like the best trip with the most adorable couple! Second thing; Instagram is literally the worst. Which is why I never use Stories. It would mean I'm never present for my family and friends and I just can't live that way. I've gone from posting content everyday to about 3 times a week. I just take the pressure. And in the end, real human connection is far more important than picture perfect squares on an app. And PS - love you!!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  15. OH wow! What a beautiful and fun weekend for you and your hubby. What a fun weekend get away. I know that you guys probably wanted to get out more, but seriously snuggled in by a fire during the cold sounds perfect to me! I love those wellies! Happy Monday Andrea!

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  16. Ya, that instagame is tough- I usually stray from stories but sometimes feel creative and inspired- without taking away from being in the moment. I guess my best advice is do what works for you- who cares what others think.

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  17. Sorry to hear about the weather that really stinks. Love that lovely sweater, so fab on you. I hear ya about Insta. It's so easy to get sucked into that place. I have been taking a break from it and its been great. I'm all about living it in the moment!!

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  18. The pictures you captured were gorgeous and YES IG is a constant pressure and I am NOT a blogger and I feel pressure. I do not like that. Hubby is a HUGE ND fan and we are NOT Ohio St. fans ( I am a lifer Penn State fan) so we were cheering like crazy for Purdue! Loved it! Thank you for sharing your weekend! My goal is to be present more this holiday season and not worry who see's what on my Social Media!

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  19. So sorry the weather didn't cooperate but glad you enjoyed anyway. The pictures are great! I use instagram for photos that I post daily, I don't usually use stories unless there's something exciting to share that can't wait for its own photo, you know? I think yours looks great!

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  20. Your boots are amazing! Maybe it's worth having yucky weather just to give you an excuse for wearing them!

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  21. I just love you and reading about this weekend. Even though it was not quite what you envisioned, you guys made the most of it and it sounded just heavenly. You of course looked ah-dorable and Mr. looked pretty cute with his candy corn fangs. What a good sport. You are so right about IG. Here's what I sometimes try...capture the moments and just save them, then later go back (if you remember...HA) and add them to your story. People don't know if you just did 10 minutes ago or earlier in the day. The most I've ever kept up with it was on our trip. That was CRAY! LOL. You are an IG natural and you have the right idea. Happy Monday!!! XOXO

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  22. This sounds like a fun trip. The hiking sounds like fun, and after 10 years of not being able to hike much I can get into it now. Love the pumpkin sweater on you, the plaid.. you always look cute no matter what! I know the weather wasnt the best, but you make the most out of it.
    I am not a big fan of IG, and stopped taking pics of what I am eating.. hehe. I am sure you will do well. Social media can suck away time for sure.
    Have a wonderful week!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  23. Just look at all of those beautiful leaves! We are finally at the point where ours are starting to turn... I think it took forever this year because the trees are confused due to all of our freakishly late hot weather!

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  24. You guys are the best couple! I hope when our kids are grown, Joe and I do trips like these. Bummer about the rain, but you made the best of it. I love fall and I loved seeing these pictures from your time away! Happy Monday, Andrea!!!

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  25. Oh Andrea, you're just the cutest, and I'm glad you made the best of your trip - in spite of the dreary rainy weather! Instagram and I have a love/hate relationship. It's so easy to get caught up in the need for followers and likes, much like Facebook. I use it to tell a story these days, but only on my terms. I don't want to spend every waking minute on there, yet I enjoy a good browse in the evening. It sounds like you're smart enough to know when to take a step back <3

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  26. You sure made the best of a rainy, chilly weekend! The leaves and pumpkins were so pretty, and I'm sorry you didn't get some sunshine for great photos. But spending time with the Mr. made the whole weekend wonderful I'm sure! I know exactly what you mean about Instagram. I have pulled back a little, and really try to only share when I have downtime not while I'm with the family. I've also gone back and forth a million times on keeping my account private or going public. I know I could get a lot more followers if I went public, but decided I'm not really there to get followers but to connect with the folks I already "know." Have a wonderful week!

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  27. You cuties!! I'm glad y'all made the most out of the trip, even though the weather was not the greatest.
    I love your purple Hunter boots, so cute!

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  28. Mother Nature can be so unpredictable! But I'm glad to hear you made the most out of your trip. And overall sounds like a wonderful time. Ohh Instagram, it seriously can be a trapped. I definitely limit my time on that app. Living in real life is so much better. I always remind myself that instgram is a highlight reel.

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  29. I hear you on the weird instagram guilt. Despite the rain ruining some fun, you still look like you had so much fun! I love all your outfits and the candy corn fangs on Mr. Nine!

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  30. Dont let the pressure get to you on IG - just snap pictures & when you get a change - WHENEVER that is - even if its the next day, THEN share - you dont have ot share on your stories immediately - you can do those pics later. I think we all go through that 'gotta be good enough' but just dont worry - be you - that's good enough :)
    So laughed at the candy corn vampire look :)

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  31. Little getaways are so fun and this town sounds so charming! Also, don't let IG ruin your life - no need to post when you are on vacay!
    Happy Monday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  32. The scenery in your photos is idyllic! It sure doesn't look like that here. In fact it still almost looks like summer. :)

    I'm so glad you got to get away and have a romantic time in such a pretty place.

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  33. I hate when the weather interferes with what I envision a day trip or weekend trip looking like but it does sound like you had fun and that's what counts.

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  34. Looks lovely despite the weather and the cold weather clothing is ever so cute! ❤️❤️❤️

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  35. What a lovely place, Andrea! I'm really sorry the weather wasn't good, I hate when that happens. Looks like you made the most of your trip anyways :)

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  36. Love you, your tender heart, and your beautiful reminder to be present. I love my Insta time and need to be so very careful. Timely reminder my friend. And your favorite Michigan town loooks stunning. I love it too and I’ve never been! Sorry it was rained out but glad you guys were able to spend some quality time together.

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  37. Michigan is beautiful in the Fall.. but COLD! Loved your pictures and recap!

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  38. Lovely pictures! And despite the weather I am sure anytime spent together just the two of you is a wonderful time indeed!! Have a great week!!

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  39. What a great annual fall tradition, and so glad you had a fun time even though the weather was a little rainy. Onto the second part about IG- first of all you are absolutely doing a fabulous job- all your posts are always gorgeous and I just want you to know that. But, I completely relate and understand how you're feeling. It can be hard when there are so many pretty photos out there and it can be difficult finding that balance between being present and taking photos and stories for IG. I personally just try to post things that make me happy and try to stay mindful of unplugging as needed.

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  40. What a fun weekend and you are cute as pie, my friend.

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  41. How sweet you chose to snuggle up with the fire...that'd be exactly what we would do!!
    And I love how you included your hubby!!
    Fun, fun and more fun!! I've learned not to let the weather dictate our fun, right??
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  42. What a fun little getaway for you and the Mr. to enjoy some QT even if Mother Nature didn't produce the best weather. The sunset you caught and the beautiful Fall colors of the trees have me wishing to experience a true Fall. Sounds like you two made the most when it wasn't raining and went out to explore and enjoy yourselves. Such cute and Fall fabulous outfits you packed for the trip and even for the pumpkin patch. Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

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  43. Any trip is perfect when you're with those you love. Sorry it wasn't quite as fun as you had hoped but it still seemed cozy. And of course, you looked beautiful.

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  44. You are singing my song about IG. I hardly go on it anymore because I can't devote the time required to keep it going. I love to see others but for me it is a chore that sucks the joy. I am living the autumn of my life in the present. Life isn't a dress rehearsal after all! At any rate you look fabulous and like it was still a memorable trip. We are heading up our beloved mountain home in a few days to spend a week and to celebrate the anniversary of when we met. I am like you and envision this idealistic romantic trip but will be prepared for real life to happen. Mostly I am excited to try out my new Ugg winter boots. How sick am I?!!! Ha ha.
    Peace!
    Cheryl

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  45. I think even with the appalling weather, it looks like you had the most wonderful time! What a fabulous place, I'm really quite envious that you've got all this on your doorstep, Andrea!
    Hugs
    Suzy xxx

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  46. My mom was in Michigan about two weeks ago! She's actually from MI and moved to AL when she was 10 and some of her siblings moved back to MI, so she was there visiting them. We had hot weather down here and all she could talk about was the beautiful fall weather and colors they had up there haha! I hate it your trip didn't turn out weather-wise, but I know anytime just the two of you is a wonderful time!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  47. Northern fall is my favorite. The south will never ever be able to compete! I totally get the Instagram pressure. I was thinking my weekend at the cabin would make for lots of pictures & stories but in reality I took next to no pictures because I was enjoying my time away with friends & had next to no service a lot of the time even if I had wanted to post a lot.

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  48. I'm so sorry the weather didn't cooperate, that always makes it so tough, especially when you have high hopes. I'm glad you were still able to relax and make the most of it. We were hoping to see some fall foliage this weekend on our camping trip and nothing but, green, green, or leaves already gone over here. I can completely understand about the instagram pressure. I think if you can let go of the pressure and use the app for what you want to get out of it, that's when it becomes fun. I only post when I can and try not to get caught up in having all pretty pictures or a cohesive feed. To be honest, I never post in real time. Not even my stories. If we're out somewhere I won't share until we're home or already in the car. It allows me to be more present and I just don't trust people, my kids safety will always come first. I know some that they let it control their life and share every moment, I just can't let it get to that point. I'm a big believer that your loyal followers will be there for you and catch up when they can. Not everyone has time to be on it 24/7, and that's ok. I love seeing your pics but hope it's also enjoyable for you! It's definitely a hard balancing act. Ok. longest comment, ever. Sorry my friend :) Sierra Beautifully Candid

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  49. Just love this beautiful trip that you took with your husband! I love trips away with my husband, I enjoy spending time with him alone so much! But, I love when we are all together as a family with the kids, too!! You got some beautiful photos even with the yucky weather! It is nice to snuggle up and sleep in! I love your outfits and your coat! Instagram is such a huge, huge deal right now in the blogging world, but it also takes a ridiculous amount of time. I try to be present with my family, but I'll admit the temptation can be hard sometimes. Thanks for being real!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  50. It still looks like a beautiful place! Those waves are amazing! We used to live by the lake and I loved it most in fall and winter when the waves would get so big!

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  51. I'm sorry that y'all had such rainy and gross weather, but at least y'all still got to see some amazing fall colors! That's definitely something that I wish that we had down here! And I totally feel you on the Instagram battle! One thing that I try and do is to just take pictures/videos and then post them towards the end of the day or at a specific time. That way you can enjoy the moment. It's hard to keep Instagram "instant" with the girls around anyways.

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  52. What a great weekend, despite the weather. At least you used it as an excuse to relax and be present with each other. oh Man IG...I just gave up and post like twice a month now, haha! Such pretty pictures, even if they weren't what you thought they were. This weekend, the guys in the family are going to the ND/NAVY game in San Diego :)

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  53. Oh my goodness those views!! And that water is so blue! Sorry it didn't go as planned but sometimes a little snuggling away from home is just what I need. When we are home I'm not so great at settling down. You do you Andrea...do not let social media overwhelm you friend!!

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  54. Loved this post, Andrea, Thanks for sharing the experience. The wonderful thing is that you two have the same pleasure together, good or bad weather. But snow in October?!! Those mozzarella sticks better be at their yummiest for you to leave the gorgeous lakeside condo on a day like that!
    And I'm glad you're staying in the now and squaring up to Insta, it should be fun, not distracting from real life. Fortunately, I know so little about Insta that I've felt no pressure whatsoever!! Hugs and again, thanks for sharing this weekend break, x.

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  55. Yes, sometimes we just have to adjust to the crazy weather and make the most of the situation and looks like you did a good job of that. Lovely pics and especially the one of you with the pumpkins and truck. Always fun to stop by.

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  56. Lovely photos Andrea. I would love to take some photos with lots of Pumpkins :)

    Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays, you will be one of my featured blogs today :)

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  57. So appreciate how you guys just carried on with your plans. Love seeing Mr. Nine in the photos. What a handsome couple you kids are!! Those berry-colored boots are adorable and would brighten any rainy day.

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  58. Sorry about the rain. Looks like you had a great time. You look beautiful as always. I love your hair. I think I saw a post that you said you color your on hair, would you mind sharing what color you use? Thank you!

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