# not so spooky

Happy Friday guys! I think it's safe to say that most of us are gearing up for Halloween by now! For those of you who might be counting, you already know, but for those of you that aren't, its only THIRTEEN days away!!!

Any who, I have been working on sprucing up our front porch and I wanted to post a little progress pic!

I tossed in a pinch of spooky to my mainly traditional fall motif. All of the pumpkins are real with the exception of the "trick or treat" one. Isn't that heirloom pumpkin to die for?!? Two years ago I made the Halloween wreath using supplies purchased from a local craft store and things I had lying around in my craft room. And, can you believe I tried to sell that wooden stool in a garage sale this summer?!? Good thing no one wanted it! Turns out, I still did! I think it's coming along nicely but it definitely needs MORE!

I have a few things that I have yet to put out that will hopefully give it more of a Halloweeny vibe rather than just a Fall feeling. I noticed in these photos that there seems to be a bit of a void up top because most of the decor is placed on the ground. I have just the thing in mind! I recently came across a Pottery Barn Knock Off tutorial on one of my favorite blogs, House of Smiths, for a flying crow mobile!!!

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How fun right!?! I think it has the perfect mix of whimsical creepiness!!!
If you enjoyed checking out these fall/Halloween decor ideas you certainly want to check out the other blogs that I am linking up with today!

Whipper Berry Friday Flair Link Party

Thirty Handmade Days Pity Party 162

My Fitness Must Haves

**Warning: this post is a little long winded (pun intended) but packed full of great ideas!**

This week

the pretty girls over @

Trulie-Scrumptious

are hosting an exercise link up.

See, just like most of us,

they are aiming to get into shape for bikini season.

To motivate themselves and others they are posting tips and tricks from "real" gals.

I am definitely a real gal,

with real struggles when it comes to eating healthily and exercising regularly.

So, I thought I'd share some of the things I do in order to stay motivated and consistent with my goals.

First, you should know

that I am ANYTHING but a creature of habit.

I am so all over the map, Columbus couldn't find me!

I realize that it's a bit "Peter Pan" of me,

but I'm into doing things when the mood strikes.

Which can make for some interesting fitness habits!

I like to run/jog, 

do pilates and yoga

and dance dance ants in my pants!

I keep dancing strictly for fun.

For me, if it becomes work-it loses its luster.

So, my workouts are comprised primarily of running.

You know why?!?

Because it's F-R-E-E and you can do it almost anywhere!

One of the things that I just couldn't live without when it comes to a run is my 

InCase Sport Armband and iPhone.

I NEEEEED to hear the motivating music!

and thanks to the Pandora Radio App I'm never at a loss for good tunes!

Lately I have been rockin the Glee Station!

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I also use the runkeeper app that syncs automatically to my Run Keeper online profile!

Run keeper tracks my routes, distances, average speed, and calories burned!

What more could a girl ask for???

I also make sure and bring my trusty security guard along!

iTunes offers an app called nightally.

You arm the phone before you leave 

and if needed you simply shake the phone

which will emit an alarm and bright flashing light.

Word on the street is that they will soon be updating the app with an auto dial feature!

Makes for easy dialing in case of an emergency!

I think it's also really important to be outfitted properly.

Comfy running shoes, a good watch, and properly fitting, moisture wicking fabrics are a MUST!

I am currently eyeing these babies.

This is Merrell's version of the barefoot running shoe!
*Swoon*

Last, but not least,
you gotta have motivation!
I like to set my computer's background to a picture that will inspire me to get off the net and on the road!
I also have an entire "board" on Pinterest that is dedicated to motivating sayings and images!

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See, don't you feel motivated now!?!

Phew! 

If you made it through this post,

then you can do anything!!!

Until Then....