Favorite Horror Movies.

 Happy Halloween!!! Since one of my favorite things about the day is getting to watch lots of horror flicks, I thought I'd talk about my love for them today and even share my favorites...

I was one of those kids that was never freaked out by scary movies. My Dad and I loved having horror movie marathons on the weekends, whether it was close to Halloween or not. We would go through whole series of horror flicks in one night, mostly the classics, munching on our pizza and assorted candy. It was a blast.

Going to bed after the movie was always a different story. Once the quiet set in and I was in my room alone in the basement that’s when the fear hit me. I would hear every creak of the house and moan of the wind and I would start to imagine all the terrible things that could be happening inside or directly outside of our house.

But I always went back, no matter how terrified I got once the movies were over. I loved watching them, and still do. So today I thought I’d share a list of my favorites, since there are so many to choose from these days...

Via

1. Halloween- This is a classic and hands down my favorite scary movie of all time. The Micheal character is the epitome of a creeper and still gets me no matter how many times I watch it.

Via

2. The Strangers- The freakiest, scariest, most real life scary movie I’ve ever seen. Period. This movie chills me to the bone, but I highly recommend it if you like scary movies.

Via

3. Saw- I don't really care for the ten billion sequals they've pushed out, but I love the original. You never see it coming.

 Via

4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre- This is one movie that I actually like the remake better than the original, but I recommend them both. Pretty much any movie with a messed up dude in a freaky white mask gets my heart rate going. (See choices number 1 and 2)

Via

5. Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare before Christmas- Ok, so these two aren't scary, but they are two of my very favorite movies ever so I have to add them to the list since they are Halloween movies.

Do you love scary movies? If so, what are your favorites?

From Where I Stand...

Photo by Eureka Photography

From where I stand (or sit, in the picture above)...

...cooler weather is finally in Austin!
And I couldn't be happier.

...the storm on the east coast sounds scary,
and I pray all our friends out there stay safe.

...the crockpot is a fun way to cook,
but I'm new and need recipe suggestions!

...I'm surrounded by boxes and packed bins
and it feels surprisingly strange.

...photo sessions can be quite the workout,
but oh so worth it.

I melt...

Last night I got the chance to take pictures of Alys and her beautiful new family of three. I put this sneak peek up last night and there will be more coming later today! Her little one was such a sweetheart. And look at those eyes! I melt...

Pretty sure that face could brighten anyone's Monday. I hope you all are having a great one!

Also, we'll be leaving Austin mid-December, so if you'd like to grab a session before then email me! My time is filling up fast. And if you're in the Knoxville, TN area we'll be there from December 18th-early January, email me if you're interested in a session! Same goes for those of you in the Louisville, KY area...we'll be headed your way at the beginning of January.

Changes...

I've never been very good at life's changes, whether big or small. They tend to throw me through a loop and make me extra emotional, but being married to Dave has taught me to roll with the punches a little easier and accept that change can be good. I'm very easy going, but throw a wrench in my routine and it takes me a moment to catch up...

Once the change has happened however, I love it! I can't imagine my life without whatever change has come. And on it continues...

As some of you know already a BIG change is coming our way...we're moving again! Due to certain circumstances Dave will be changing schools and we're headed to North Carolina! We had talked about going there before heading to Texas and now it seems we're being pushed in that direction. We're excited about the music scene out there too because Dave has already booked some shows and some TV interviews. I know God has a plan and sometimes I fight it, but He is good and I know He's looking out for our best interests in the long run.

The hardest part about leaving Austin is all of the wonderful friends I've made here! I am so sad to leave them behind, but I know we'll keep in touch and that's what keeps me positive through this big change. And I know that once we get on the road I'll be excited about this new adventure.

So, do any of you live in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro area or somewhere close? What are things I can look forward to? What are some good coffee shops or other venues where you'd love to see Dave live?

I'm still launching my photography business January 1st, so if you're in the area and would like to grab a spot for a photo session let me know! Prices will start out at introductory rates for the first few clients.

Handwritten.

I prefer to write my letters by hand and physically send them to the ones I love, and I've written on here many times about my love for snail mail, but sometimes you just have to write a virtual letter instead...

Ring: c/o Victory Jewelry // Handmade card: coming to a shop near you ;)

Dear weather,

THANK YOU for finally cooperating! Today it has dropped to the 60's and we're loving it. Today calls for cozy scarves, boots, hot coffee, and blankets. And yes I'm wearing the first scarf in these pictures around the house all day because I'm that excited about it being colder.

Dear sparkly druzy ring (pictured above),

You make letter writing/typing so much more fun. You're pretty and I think I'll keep you.

Dear Halloween,

You are so close and I can't wait! Scary movies, candy, and cute trick-or-treaters I'm ready for you!

Dear photo sessions,

You make my heart swell, I'm so thankful for you all who are entrusting me with taking your pictures. Group hug!

Dear internets,

I have a big announcement for you soon...and no, I'm not pregnant, so don't even go there!

Dear Husband,

This has been a crazy week, but I'm excited to get dressed up for a Halloween party with you tonight!

Love,

Mal

Linking up with Adventures of Newlyweds...

October Group Giveaway!

My October sponsors are WONDERFUL! I'm so excited to introduce them to you...I asked them all what their favorite part of Halloween is, since I love it so much, and here's what they said...


Rellas Bellas
Halloween is not my favorite holiday to celebrate. Every year I think I will get more into it and I don't. But what I do love about halloween is it is the anniversary of our first date. This year it will be 7 years since Scott took me on our first date, to see SAW II. I am not a scary movie gal AT ALL but I was not about to refuse a date with such a hottie, hehehe. Every year {that scott is home} we celebrate in some way, sometimes a fun dinner out and sometimes we just stay home and pass out candy.

Blog ~ Facebook ~Navy Wives

 The Me & Mine Book   Three favorite things about Halloween...

Candy.
Friendly ghosts.
And candy.

Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

Becoming Jewelry
For Fall I'm most excited for a family trip to the orchard where we get the best hot apple cider donuts!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter


 Lauren Darlings   My favorite thing about Halloween is probably the candy. Not that I need an excuse to buy or eat more candy than I already do but I'll take it. Second is the costumes and the ability to be whatever you want to for one night. My least favorite thing is the scary movies and haunted houses, not for me.

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Instagram


New York State of Mind
  One of my favorite things about Halloween since moving to New York City is the annual Village Halloween Parade. It is always a blast going downtown to watch thousands of New Yorkers walk up Sixth Avenue in their amazing costumes. It is also pretty funny to see so many people dressed up and traveling to events and parties on the subway- you never know what crazy costume you will be sitting next to! I also love seeing the dog costume parade in Washington Square Park. The dog owners take it very seriously!

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
And a few of these ladies (plus Dave and myself) are giving away some fabulous prizes! Winner takes all, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dead from the cuteness...

Last night I did another couples session and these two were beyond adorable. I can't wait to share more pictures from their session! For now this sneak peek will have to do...

...keep an eye on my facebook page for another sneak peek today!

Wednesday Randoms...

Outfit details here.

I have some random things I'd like to share with you, so here goes:

-There is a giveaway for your very own signed copy of Dave's album Love Via Music here.

-Eureka Photography posted a sneak peek of the pictures we had taken Monday night and I am smitten, I can't wait to see the rest! Sneak peek here.

-I'm shooting another couples session tonight and I can't wait! My time is filling up fast, so if you'd like to hire me you can find my email info here...and if you're in the Knoxville, TN or Louisville, KY area and would like to book a session let me know! We'll be in Knoxville the end of December/beginning of January and Kentucky for a week at the beginning of January!

-How pretty is this necklace from Sassy Lemonade here?

-Sunday's have become one of my favorite days thanks to Dave's online shows that you can watch live from Google+ or Youtube, how cool is that? Info on this weeks show here.

What's on your mind this Wednesday?

From Where I Stand...

From where I stand…

…December is going to be a crazy, but wonderful month.

…the Across the Universe playlist is blaring on repeat,
and I’ll never get sick of it.

…everyone and their Mother are getting cute puppies
and it’s making it SO hard to wait.

…it’s still getting up to the high 80’s in Austin,
but warm drinks are a must anyway.

…my camera has become an extension of my right arm.

Music to Love: Brandi Carlile.

I have always been a huge music lover and take pride in introducing people to new music. That has to be one of my favorite things about this blog is being able to share artists with you all that you might not otherwise have found.

Today I’d like to tell you all about one of my favorite artists, Brandi Carlile. It continues to amaze and sadden me that Brandi isn’t considered mainstream music yet. I hear her music on the radio down here in Austin, but it’s a little different down here than in different parts of the country.

Brandi’s voice is a force to be reckoned with and her lyrics are very powerful themselves, paired together it’s just the kind of music that can rock you to your core. But don’t just take my word for it, listen for yourself…

"All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you"

Crockpot Pumpkin Latte Recipe.

This recipe is way too easy for how delicious it tastes! I'm not even lying when I say Dave and I both agreed it's way better than the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte that everyone knows and loves...plus it's SO much healthier. This recipe uses real pumpkin, which is one of Dr. Oz's Superfoods.

8 Cups almond milk

6 Cups brewed coffee (I made mine in the french press, 6 scoops of coffee with about 5 8oz glasses of water)

1 Cup cane sugar

1 1/2 Tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup canned pumpkin (I use Libby's 100% pure pumpkin)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Pour all ingredients in the crockpot and whip until well mixed (I used a fork), set on high for two hours. Dish into mugs and enjoy!

See? Super easy, way too easy not to try...if you do try it let me know, I'd love to hear if you love it as much as we do! I'm definitely making this again this weekend.

Recipe inspiration here.

Sponsor?

See what I did up there? I used my brand spankin' new logo from Fran at Creative United! More of her awesomeness is yet to come on this blog, get excited. And if you're in need of design work, she is your girl!

I have some sponsor spots that are open immediately! Things are getting extra exciting around here and I'd love to have you along for the ride. I really enjoy helping to bring new people to others' shops, blogs, etc!

Here are some of our stats...

450+ views daily

512 likes on Facebook

1,106 followers on Twitter

612 followers on Pinterest

758 followers on Instagram

1,077+ followers on GFC, Bloglovin, and Hellocotton combined

*Plus my husband's social network that he shares the blog with of about 20,000+ people!

If you'd like more info go here.

One Year Later.

Yesterday I came across this post that I wrote one year ago, almost to the date. So much has happened since then, it's wild. This has been an incredible year full of chasing my dreams and learning things that I only thought possible in my craziest fantasies.

Somewhere along the way I've stopped worrying so much what other people think of me and my decisions in life...and what a difference that has made! It feels like such a burden lifted off my shoulders knowing that the decisions I make are now solely my own, and not based on what I think other people expect of me. It's about time...

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else's life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~Steve Jobs

Courtney and David.

I had such a wonderful time photographing these two newlyweds and capturing their love for one another. Courtney and David braved one of the coldest and gloomiest days here in Austin for their couples session, and I'm so happy they did...

If you're interested in scheduling a photo session, send me an email homeiswithyoublog (at) gmail (dot) com! I'm willing to travel and I'd love to hear from you.

 Linking up with  The Paper Mama, Project Alicia, Live and Love Outloud, Naptimemomtog, Jenni from the Blog, and A Little King and I...

From Where I Stand

From where I stand...

...there are many new adventures ahead, and this wildly excites me.

...we need to spend less time arguing with people about who they're voting for,

and more time reading up on who we're voting for.

...the world can be a pretty wonderful place...if you let it.

...there aren't many leaves changing color or falling to the ground here,

and that makes my heart ache for Kansas.

...the future is wide open.

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I can't wait to read all of your posts! Don't forget to grab a button (above) and/or link back!

New Link-up!

Ok friends, you asked for it so here it is! I'm so excited to be starting a link-up for you all to join in and for us all to find some new blogs to read and make new friends. The link-up will go live every Tuesday!

For an example of a "From Where I Stand" post, go here. These posts are all about what things look like from where you stand. What do you see? What's life like? What needs to change?

As always for link-ups, please use the button below and/or provide a link back here so people know you're joining us. That way more people can join in the fun and we have more posts to read and more friends to meet.

If you'd like a different sized button so you can put it in your sidebar, just let me know! I'd love for you all to share this link-up any way you can, I'll be reading all the posts submitted and want to meet as many of you as I can!

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Phone haps...

These past few weeks (since I've done an iphone picture update) have been some great ones...

-Gorgeous location I found for a photo session.
-Making these delicious things.
-Celebrating my first couples session with my love.
-I had a blast taking pictures of Courtney and David, a full post of pictures will be up this week!
-Fields forever.
-Dave's famous taco ring. By special request the recipe is coming soon!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Life Rearranged...

Dearest...

Dear Mom,
Thank you for sending the goody box full of pumpkin and fall treats from World Market! The pumpkin pretzels lasted .02 seconds and the pumpkin scones have been delightful for breakfast with a little peanut butter on top along with my morning coffee. I think about you every morning as I enjoy them.

Dear readers,
The "From Where I Stand" linkup is happening (YAY!), so today is your last chance to get your vote in on which day works best for you: Tuesday or Thursday...I'll let you know on Monday when to have your post ready and I'll have a pretty button ready for you.

Dear self,
Will you ever learn your lesson and stop using swivel chairs to get "the perfect angle" for your pictures? You really need to invest in a small ladder before you severely injure yourself.

Dear girls night,
You were much needed last night and you don't come often enough. Thanks for some good laughs and even some tears, you girls are the best.

Dear sweet commenters/emailers,
I love getting your wonderful messages through comments and emails, I appreciate every single one and they mean the world to me. Pretty please make sure you're not a "no-reply" commenter so I can reply to you!

Dear husband,
I'm sorry that you've been sick this week, but hopefully this weekend will give you the time to rest that you need. I'm trying to be extra quiet this morning while you sleep in a bit, I hope it helps I just hate it when you're not feeling well.

Love,

Mal

Linking up with Adventures of Newlyweds...

A reason why...

It is POURING here in Austin right now and I'm loving it, but I will say that this weather always reminds me why I should never live in the Pacific Northwest...I would never get anything done.

Days like this I wish I had a laptop so I could curl up in bed and work from there. To me, rainy days are best spent curled up in bed with a good book or on the couch with a favorite movie. This is fine somewhere like Austin where the rain is few and far between, but I don't think that would fly if I lived where it rained all the time.

Anyone else get really unproductive on dark rainy days? Excuse me while I go make myself some coffee and attempt to get things done.

PS~ the winner of the September Group Giveaway is Alyson McMahon! Congrats!

Comfort in the old...

What is it about the familiar that is so comforting? Dear old friends, a movie you've watched a million times over,  Mom's muffin recipe, re-reading a favorite book...

They all leave you with a wonderful feeling that bring the worst days a bit of sunshine and make the best days even better. I wish you all a Wednesday sprinkled with life's little comforts.

A little peak...

...into the couples photo session I did on Sunday! I can't wait to share the rest of my favorites of Courtney and David's session on here with you all.

Until then, be on the lookout for another sneak peek coming to the Facebook page TODAY! :)

Mornings without you...

Love this quote. So true. 

A few questions for you all on this Tuesday morning:

-I had a few people ask about doing a "From Where I Stand" link-up...if I did, would you all be interested? If so, what day works best for you guys?

-Since I'm new to making my own coffee at home, what is your favorite store-bought coffee? Are there any flavored coffee grinds that don't have artificial flavors?

-I have a few more photo sessions lined up, a bunch of them for Christmas cards, and I was wondering if anyone had things they'd like to donate for the shoots? Maybe you have a shop that makes fun banners or something of the sort that could be used? The pics will be posted on here and you'd get lots of blog love. If so, shoot me an email, let's talk!

-Does anyone else watch New Girl with Zooey Deschanel? This last question is an important one because Dave thinks that I'm just like Jess on that show, haha...and he's right, I am completely a clutzy goof who is so incredibly awkward yet hilarious...once you get to know me.

...ok, that's all for now, I know that's a lot of questions so early in the morning.

PS~ I added the picture above as a print option in the shop! Here.

Fall Fashion: World Market Style.

Dave and I love to shop at World Market, they always have so many fun snacks and food we like to try. Especially this time of year, we love all things pumpkin and making our Halloween Chili. Delicious.

One thing I never knew was how many fun/cute clothes and accessories they have! I usually make a beeline to the food section (partially to avoid looking at all the pretty decorations that I want and can't buy) when we go in...

This time I took my time and let myself take in everything this store has to offer. It was so much fun browsing the aisles and seeing all the little details that I usually miss...

I ended up getting some really cute accessories that I adore. It's a good thing it's cooled down a bit here in Austin, because I can't stop wearing them.

Infinity scarf: World Market // Tank, flannel, jeans, and boots: Target

Infinity Scarf and floppy hat: c/o World Market // Shirt, jeans, and boots: Target

If you love World Market like we do, you'll be excited to hear they're having an amazing giveaway right now, here are all the details...

-Grand Prize package includes: A $10,000 World Market shopping spree and design consultation with an HGTV Designer

-There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $1,000 World Market gift card!

-The HGTV Sweepstakes runs from September 22, 2012 until October 26, 2012.

-If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.

-Enter here or on their Facebook.

You can also find World Market here:

Website // Twitter // Facebook // Google+ // Pinterest // Instagram

*Disclaimer: This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Rolled Up Pretty, The Paper Mama, Project Alicia, Live and Love Outloud, Angry Julie Monday, and Jenni from the Blog...