god only knows what I'd be without you

The Beach Boys are one of my all time favorite bands. You might be able to trace that back to the days when Full House featured them on the show at least once a season for my formative years (Uncle Jesse was so cool, and anyone else notice how he got hotter as he aged?). Though Kokomo and Forever are great songs, they don't compare with the classics of the Pet Sounds album. This is one of those CDs that I can play the whole thing and just enjoy every song. Those classic melodies, songs that tell a story, and of course some simple little love songs that state what every young couple in the 1960's must have been thinking- yes, it really would be nice if we were older. The boys harmonizing puts me in a good mood, and these are songs that just make long for summer days at the beach or driving in a convertible car.

when autumn leaves start to fall

When I was little, my mother always brought home gourds to decorate the house for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love miniatures, particularly the little pumpkins.  Tiny and cute, and definitely a lot easier to carry home then their larger counterparts, gourds offer a fun way to seasonally decorate with color and unique shapes. These look great on a table, or in a bowl, either alone or mixed with some leaves from outside. Just make sure you don't bring in any bugs for your centerpiece.

turtle neck check, with another on deck

Snugly crowl necked tops have long been on my favorite late fall/ winter wardrobe lists for a long time now. I find they give the extra warmth without the restriction of a regular turtlenecks. I found this knit crowl neck at Loft. I love that it's not bulky, but a nice layer that could work in my office with trousers or a skirt, or more casually on the weekends with jeans or even sweatpants for curling up on the couch.

oh candy, your love's so sweet

Clearly, I am trapped in the past this week - I think any holiday sends me on a trip down memory lane. Halloween is one of those rare holidays where bad behavior can totally be allowed. I remember how important it was to count all the loot from trick or treating upon arriving at home, and then figuring out which candies you had the most of, and trading siblings and friends for your favorites. I still get disappointed when I think about the people who gave raisins, Charleston Chews, or the dentist down the street who would hand out toothbrushes - definitely not in the spirit of the holiday. My favorite candy has held steady and true after all these years, the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. There is something about that chocolate and peanut butter combination that I never tire of.  Now, if only I was allowed to go trick or treating to see how many of these I could come home with.