This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LoveTheWild. The opinions and text are all mine.
We’re doing something new today, you guys!
We’re doing something new today, you guys! 
A hangout, so-to-speak. Grab a cup of coffee, dose it up with pumpkin spice creamer or don’t. Whatever suits your fancy. I’m gonna tell all you beautiful people what’s been going on in life, lately. And I hope that you guys chat back with me and tell me what you’ve been into lately!
Clark and I are at home right now – home, as in Indiana. My brother arrived back from 11 months in Malaysia, where he was teaching English as a Fulbright Grant Recipient. This visit has been bittersweet. It’s been a time of happy celebration that’s also laced with the heavy news of my grandpa’s lung cancer diagnosis. We’ve spent quite a bit of time at my grandparents’ house and visiting him in the hospital. Chemo has not been good to him so far. If you want to send positive healing vibes his way, they will be greatly appreciated.
On a high note, my mom and I went to Palm Springs mid-October for a long weekend. She had the idea months ago: “Would you want to go on a weekend trip? Just us girls?” A) Where do I sign up? And B) When? Of course, life’s not -quite- that simple. My parents sold the bowling alley and their house. We went to Mexico. We went to a wedding. They went to Malaysia. They went to another wedding. Then they moved into a new house. Finally, we found a few days that worked for us both to get away. We met in Denver for our connecting flight and headed to the desert from there. If you’ve never been to Palm Springs, I have one thing to say: GO. It’s gorgeous. It’s situated at the base of these unreal desert mountains and you’re surrounded by tall, LA-style palm trees. We lounged by the pool. We drank frozen margs and daiquiris. We brunched. We drove through Joshua Tree in a YELLOW. CAMARO. CONVERTIBLE. We had lunch and drinks in a real life old saloon. And we spent some quality time together. Some “us time.” That’s the good stuff and it’s hard to come by.
Back in reality – Colorado Springs – the leaves have already changed and the last few are hanging on for dear life. But all the scary movies have been watched, we’re ready for a quiet Thanksgiving, and we’re looking forward to some Christmas snow. 
Now that we’re all caught up on life, let’s chat food and books and shows and clothes and DOGS. Yeah? Yeah. Ok. Let’s go.
What I’m Eating…
LoveTheWild fish dinners – Frozen meals are something we’d never tried until recently (aside from frozen pizza, because, frozen pizza). BUT – this brand is amazing and it’s changed our dinner game. We spend plenty of time cooking for blog recipes. Sometimes it’s nice to just not have to think about, worry about, or fuss about having to cook. Easy prep, minimal cleanup, and a wholesome dinner. What that means to me is more “me time.” More “us time.” More time to just relax, wind down, and breathe. 
I’ve mentioned before that I’m super particular about seafood. If I’m buying it, I want to know where it comes from and how it was raised. LoveTheWild cares about the health of the environment and your health, too. They’ve created a sustainable, delicious, and quality fish option that’s perfect for easy dinners. We found their Rainbow Trout with Salsa Verde and their Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce at our area Whole Foods, but you can check their store locator to see what’s available near you. Thank me later. 
And leave a comment telling me what YOU would do with some extra “you time” in your day – LoveTheWild is giving coupons to the first 10 commenters!
All of the soups – But especially this cauli + potato soup. And this miso soup. And this sweet potato soup.
Cauliflower mashed potatoes. – Add these to your Thanksgiving menu. And your Christmas menu. Trust me. Also, these are a perfect side for one of those Love The Wild options I mentioned earlier. 
This smoothie. – This time of year, I figure I could always benefit from a dose of healthy greens.
What I’m Reading…
Game of Thrones – Because I want nothing to do with inspirational, motivational nonfiction type of reading right now. I’m ready to descend into the depths of winter (pun intended) and get buried in some fiction that could never actually happen in real life. I’m on book 2 of the series which means I might make it through the entire series before the season 8 premiere.
What I’m Watching…
Stranger Things – Who else binge watched the new season right before Halloween? SO good. I wondered where they could take the storyline after last year’s season finale and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m Team Steve, y’all.
What Scout’s Doing…
I know this is what you’ve all really been waiting for, right? Scout has been enjoying her new backyard, chasing grasshoppers, making friends with the neighbor dog, and checking out the Greenway that’s right around the corner from us. She lives for this cooler fall weather.
What I’m Wearing…
Last year’s version of this cushy, cozy sweater from Urban Outfitters.
My favorite Old Navy leggings. These are so comfy and flattering, and the mesh cutouts make me feel a little fancy even when I’m being lazy.
Glossier! Their boy brow and their cloud paint (blush) are my new favorite beauty essentials. Wait, what? Did I just say beauty essentials? 
I am SO not the kind of girl who’s up on the latest makeup and fashion trends. But I heard about Glossier from a friend and after trying it, I’m sold. They have the perfect staples for a makeup minimalist like me.
What’s Popular On The Blog Right Now…
It is fall, after all. 
And you guys are eating up some of my favorite fall recipes! This chili has been a reader favorite. This tofu burrito bowl meal prep has been making your lives easier. And you’ve been loving the ever-popular sweet and spicy cauli. I love seeing what you all enjoy making and eating. Don’t forget to leave us comments and let us know what you think!
Alright, guys. It’s your turn! What have you been into lately? What have you been watching, reading, eating, etc.? Do you have a dog? If so please @ me on Instagram and show him/her off ASAP.
This post was sponsored by our friends at LoveTheWild. We appreciate you supporting the brands that we love!
The post Let’s Catch Up! appeared first on The Fitchen.
