Fall for fall

I'm lusting over these beautiful fall paintings from FlowerArt Painting.

Check 'em out.

TGIF

While browsing the local Etsy shops (again), I found these photographs by kateparadis.

She's an Akron photographer and a few of her photos were taken in my neighborhood, which I love. I'd definitely like to buy some of her prints for my apartment.

Eat Up!

I love a burrito as much as the next the girl but here in the Amish Country a good burrito place is like 40 minutes away.

But I found these pretty great burritos that I can make at home.

They have a pretty awesome story too. So check them out.

Weekly tune-up

Music I'm loving right now . . .  Audio, Video, Disco by Justice

Listen to while . . . dancing. Anywhere and everywhere.

(There's more after the jump . . .)

Wish List

Instead of only shopping for business casual outfits I can wear to work, I've been lusting over things that I could never justify purchasing this season.

Here are some of my top picks for play appropriate purchases:

Winter hats from the Gap

Drawstring hoodies from Forever 21

New fall Converse collection

Drink this in

A month or so ago, I was introduced to Oliver's Beanblossom Hard Cider. The bottle design immediately grabbed me.

I love how whimsical the bottle is, it definitely stands out on the wine shelf (I know it says hard cider, but the back actually calls it an apple wine, which is what it tastes like). The colors are bright and vibrant plus the bottle is 100 percent recyclable - I think mine's going to be recycled into a flower vase. I picked mine up at Giant Eagle and they also had flavors like raspberry and peach.

Happy Saturday!!

Sorry for the late post this week, I've spent the last 48 hours covering the state golf tournament ... Oh, sports reporting.

Never fear though, I have a new obsession to share this week.

T-shirt Necklaces!!!!

You can make your own from this step-by-step post from Whole Living.

Or buy one from Etsy!

Weekly tune-up

Music I'm loving right now . . . Phantogram

Listen to while . . . keeping warm on the couch on a rainy day.

(There's more after the jump  . . .)

Perfect Pour

Get the perfect cup of coffee from Williams Bound Ltd.

I wish they would have had this when I was in college. It would have really kept me from making ... and then drinking ... an entire pot of coffee myself.

I can't wait to try it out and see if it makes a decent cup.

'Tis the (flu) season

My boyfriend and I were just talking about his inability to tell when he or anyone else has a fever - he's convinced it's a "girl thing." Well, won't he be surprised when he gets this for Christmas.

It's the Mr. Sneeze forehead thermometer (available from The Spoon Sisters right here) - it's easy to use and it's the perfect size to throw in your bag, just in case. Just place the strip against your forehead and a green color will appear in the box that indicates your temperature. It's like a mood ring, for your fever. Besides, who doesn't love the Mr. Men (and Little Miss) series?

Warm Up

Here are some products from Krochet Kids International ... so cute and so helpful.

Below is what Krochet Kids International is all about...

MISSION

To empower people to rise above poverty.

VISION

To create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations.

To inspire the knowledge of a generation about their ability to bring change to a world that is in need.

VALUES

People: We desire holistic freedom for our people to grow and enrich their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Our Product: We believe in quality, handmade products that not only bring comfort and style, but serve as a vehicle for social change.

Love: We believe actions rooted in love bring lasting and powerful change. Our model for love is that of the ultimate servant: Jesus.

TGIF

I'm really loving metallics for the fall, so here are a few of my favorite ways to add some glitzy gold to your wardrobe without being overwhelming.

1. Headbands - I'm a big fan of headbands and I really think they can add that extra sparkle to your outfit in a simple way. (Pictured headband from American Apparel)
2. Scarves - A really easy way to dress up your normal jeans and T-shirt combo and it would also look great at work. I love versatility. (Pictured scarf from New York and Company)
3. Shoes - I love TOMS and when I saw these on their website, I thought they would be the perfect fall shoes. What a great way to kick up your look a notch.
4. Bags - You can always use another bag, right? Well, why not make this one metallic and put some shine into those gray fall days. (Pictured bag from Gap)

Some Silly!

I love the Ohio band Relient K, they remind me of a simpler time in my life. Here is the band's new album of covers. They're silly and just perfect for fun.

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (originally performed by Cyndi Lauper)

"Baby" (originally performed by Justin Bieber)

"One Headlight" (originally performed by The Wallflowers)

"You're the Inspiration" (originally performed by Chicago)

"The Distance" (originally performed by Cake)

"Crazy" (originally performed by Gnarls Barkley)

"Motorcycle Drive By" (originally performed by Third Eye Blind)

"Doctor Worm" (originally performed by They Might Be Giants)

"Interstate Love Song" (originally performed by Stone Temple Pilots)

"Here Comes My Girl" (originally performed by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

"Africa" (originally performed by Toto)

"Surf Wax America" (originally performed by Weezer)

"Inside of Love" (originally performed by Nada Surf)

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (originally performed by Tears for Fears

¡Qué rico!

I love Mexican food. I could honestly eat it for all three meals every day of the week. And ever since I moved back to Akron I've been on the hunt for the Mexican restaurant that can live up to El Zarape in Bowling Green. I'm still searching. But the other day I stumbled upon a recipe to make these . . .

Women's Health Magazine had them as a teaser on their homepage. They're beef empanadas and they're also one of five healthy and simple Mexican recipes on the magazine's site. I'm really excited to make them for dinner tonight (along with some yellow rice and guacamole) - they use very simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and they only take about a half hour to make from start to finish. ¡Qué rico!

Update: These were really easy and quick to make - and absolutely delicious! Definitely a keeper!

(Check out the recipe after the jump . . .)

Fabric Love

I am currently fawning over these fabrics from Paper Thread.

This line is called Across the Pond and I love them!

Now I just need something to sew ... curtains?

Hitch or Ditch: Socks & Boots

It's time for the second round of Hitch or Ditch here at Ohio is 4 Lovers. This week's question: tall socks with boots - hitch or ditch?

 

I've seen this trend a lot more frequently lately - in Akron and a little bit in NYC when I was there this weekend - and I haven't been able to decide if I'm a fan of it or not yet.

Does it depend on what kind of boots/the height of the socks/the type of socks? What do you guys think? Will you be rocking the tall socks peeking out of your boots this fall?

-Alissa

Yes, Please!

A little dose of Ohio for your Friday! ... Thanks HUNTER & smile

Weekly tune-up

In less than 48 hours I will be heading to New York City for the first time to visit one of my very best friends. To say I'm excited would definitely be an understatement. So for this "weekly tune-up" I thought I'd share a little bit of what I'll be listening to on my way to the big city this weekend. It's just a small sampling of songs I'm addicted to and songs that remind me of all the fun her and I have together - enjoy!

Shakira - Waka Waka (Esto es Africa)

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

Florence & the Machine - Shake It Out

Taylor Swift - I'm Only Me When I'm With You

Lily Allen - 22

Matt Nathanson - Faster

Rihanna - Cheers (Drink to That)

The Airborne Toxic Event - Changing

The Band Perry - All Your Life

Kellie Pickler feat. Taylor Swift - Best Days of Your Life

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (TGIF)

Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna - Fly



-Alissa

The Elusive Cupcake

There is a new cupcake place in Northeast Ohio ... Main Street Cupcakes!

Every time I go in there is practically a line out the door and for good reason. Their cupcakes are amazing and come in all sorts of different flavors like Mojito, Pumpkin Spice Latte and The Cleveland. My personal favorite is the Raspberry Lemonade.

Now, on more than one occasion I've gotten to the shop to find them sold out so I cherish the opportunity to try a new flavor.

I you're not from the NE OH, no worries. They ship across the nation.

There could be no better news than that!

Hometown Pride

Last month I was browsing stands at the Highland Square's Art in the Square festival with my mom when we stumbled upon this great screenprint . . .

Photo via APE MADE

I can't wait to add this print to our apartment decor. It's made by April Bleakney (aka APE MADE) and along with a lot of really great screenprints on canvas, her Etsy shop also has her designs on T-shirts, tote bags and coasters. Here are a few of my other favorites from her, but be sure to check out her Etsy shop for more fun Ohio stuff!

 

 

- Alissa

Bags with a Purpose

Looking for a new bag that makes you feel and look great! Check out one of these awesome FEED bags from The Feed Foundation.

They have everything from book to back to saddle to pencil. All of the bags do something helpful like feed a child for a year or provide meals for schools. So grab a bag today.