Life is good, that's the way it should be

Hello Cupcakes!

Well it most certainly has been a minute! Or more specifically almost 1.578e+6 minutes. This is clearly a trend in my life. I've had several blogs in the past and they always seem to start out the same. This blog is no exception. "I know, I know, I'm bad at updating this..." I feel personally obligated to apologize at the fact I said I would have a post up in a few days and 3 years later here we are! Whoops, my b! 

Here's the thing- if there's anything I'm horrible at, it's with following through with things. Like if I say I'm going to do something, I've already jinxed it by telling you I'm going to do it. Also complete side note I need to stop apologizing so much. Life happens. I need to learn to live my life without apologies. I mean after all it is my life. So if you are like me... stop it!!! :) 

So why am I here you may ask? Well I wanted to start posting things again here and there. I'm not going to give a specific time table because we all know what happens when I do. So I just wanted to stop and give a quick hello before I do. So HEYYYYY!!! :)

I would update you on my life over the past three years but everything and nothing has changed all at once. Lets just say I started 2015 really trying to work on myself. To challenge my fears and become a better version of me. So far I've conquered my fear of change, and everything else is still a work in progress. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I told myself that this was going to be the best year yet, and while the first half of the year has been very difficult I still believe that whole heartedly. I'm coming up to my 3 year anniversary of living in South Carolina and of course a lot has changed since I've moved. I've lost friends, I've gained friends, I've moved to different stores and back (but haven't switched jobs). I've grown a lot as a person and have surrounded myself with some pretty cool people. So while it's been a roller coaster, (as it always seems to be) at the end of the day life is good, and that's the way it should be.

I would tell you that I will be posting a recipe to my famous pepperoni balls tomorrow, but if I told you that, then we all know it will never happen. So I'm just going to tell you off the bat.. I AM NOT GOING TO BE POSTING A RECIPE TO MY WORLD FAMOUS PEPPERONI BALLS TOMORROW!!! ;) oh and for the record it's not my recipe, but it is a recipe I have found and has been my go to recipe for any event or gathering. These pepperoni balls are so famously delicious that they will be gone in 10 minutes or less! I kid you not!!! So if not for tomorrow perhaps in the next 3 years I will share the recipe with you!

I hope you all have had a wonderful and blessed weekend! And here's to following through more! (I'm working on it, I promise!)

Sincerely, 
Adi

P.S I just realized it's been almost 2 years since my last post not 3 years. Did I mention I'm horrible at math? :P

P.S.S So then I got really confused because I could of sworn my 3 year anniversary of moving here was coming up. It still is.. I started this blog 3 years ago and like my flaky self I was bad at updating. Glad we solved that. Because clearly it was a big issue! :p

Adventures Await!

Hello Cupcakes!!!

I can't believe it's already been a few months since my last post, but fear not, Sincerely, Autumn will be up and running again very shortly!!

Back when I started this blog, my house was still being built, and now I am all moved in, and ready to take you on all of the funny adventures of turning this house into a home, while learning how to cook for not just myself, but also for some new bellies that are in my life now! My boyfriend of 4 years has finally moved to the United States from Canada for a lifetime of adventures, random dance breaks as we make our way to the grocery store, and, of course, Boy Meets World on DVD. 4 years is a long time to be in a long-distance relationship, but we have made it work, and are stronger than ever. If you believe, and love, anything is possible!

I'm currently working on my next blog post, which will be up by this coming Friday at the latest, so until then, check out my Pinterest to gather inspiration for your own projects or daydreams!

Sincerely,

Adi

Gone-before-you-know-it Pizza Dip

Hello Cupcakes!

It's that time of year... football season!!! Now I can't say I'm a big football person, but I love the food that always seems to be associated with football when it's on TV. I love the idea of people coming together cheering on their favorite teams, even if your friend's favorite teams aren't the same as your favorite. But, whatever team you are rooting for, I have an A-MAY-ZING pizza dip that will have everyone rooting for more and more!

At family gatherings with my family, you either have to get there early or be on time to enjoy this yummy dip because it's gone within 5 minutes. I had to introduce this scrumptious dip to my friends, after that day, if there is ever a gathering where I don't make it, my one friend Kelly is the first one to (jokingly) yell at me. So hopefully all of these examples will have you trying it out yourself! The best part, second to taste, is that it only takes 10 minuets to make! Here's how:

 What you will need:

1 pack of room temperature cream cheese 8 oz

1/4 teaspoon Basil

1/2 teaspoon Parsley

1/2 teaspoon Oregano

1 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 cup pizza sauce 

Any topping of your choice: pepperoni, green peppers, olives etc

9 inch pie pan

Directions:

First off, it is important that your cream cheese is at room temperature, this makes it easier when mixing in the spices. Blend the cream cheese with 1/4tsp basil, 1/2tsp parsley, 1/2tsp oregano. I used a mixer to blend them, but you can use a spoon or spatula.

Next smooth the cream cheese mix on the bottom of the 9 inch pie pan with a rubber spatula. Then add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and a 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top of the cream cheese mix.

After you sprinkle on the cheese, add 1 cup pizza sauce and spread it evenly on top of the cheese.

Once again add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly on top of the pizza sauce.

Finally, add whatever toppings you'd like on your pizza dip. For my pizza I added green peppers. You can also get mini pepperoni to put on your dip, that's my favorite topping I just forgot it at the store!

Once you've added all the toppings you want to your pizza dip microwave for 5 minutes and you're done!!!

Let me know if you try it out and what toppings you used, or would like to use! Also if you have any great game day recipes let me know! I love snacks, so even though I'm not big into football, I love learning all kinds of new snacks to make! Hope this makes your game day parties into a sure-fire win! :)

Sincerely, 

Adi

What's Your Style?

Hello Cupcakes!!

This morning I was on Twitter catching up on some morning tweets, when I came across a promoted tweet from HomeGoods. It seemed intriguing so I just had to open the link in the tweet. It was a fun little "stylescope" quiz to find out what your style is. I love design, so these types of quizzes are a nice little treat for me. In high school I took an interior design class and never felt more at home. I'm not sure why I never ended up on that route, maybe it's because I'm indecisive. I'm probably the most indecisive person you will ever meet. As I mentioned in previous posts, I'm currently building a house and it took me over 100 paint swatches, 3 different brands of paint until I found the perfect blue for the inside (Which ultimately was Serious Gray by Sherwin Williams). Some may call that being picky, but I seriously just couldn't decide. The stress was especially strong when it came to the exterior color, since it's much more permanent than the interior, and they happened to discontinue the outside color I picked for the house. I had to go pick another color, can you imagine my anxiety? The fear of picking the wrong color after spending so much time finding the perfect color? Haha spastic I know!

In any event, design has always been a passion of mine, which is why I can't wait until my house is built so I can go room by room decorating it.  Don't worry I will be taking you all on that journey with me! I'm little bit curious on how it will all turn out considering my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years and I have completely different taste when it comes to almost everything. Let's just say it makes for an interesting relationship. :) 

Below is the Stylescope quiz that I took. I could not have agreed more with the outcome. This Stylescope quiz also made me want to find the nearest HomeGood store so I can start stocking up for my new house! What's your style? Find out below! 

Source: HomeGoods.com

Source: HomeGoods.com

In case you are wondering, here are the five photos I picked! Who doesn't love heart marshmallows in their hot chocolate? Ironically, I don't like marshmallows (unless they are burnt and put in s'mores!) but I just had to choose the photo because it makes me so happy.

Source: HomeGoods.com

And my style is... FARM HOUSE GLAM!! I guess that's a new way of describing the vintage, country look!

Source: HomeGoods.com

Source: HomeGoods.com

 If I had any input on the Farmhouse Glam, it would be less gold and more silver and lots of blue detail!  But that's just my personal taste! :)

Source: HomeGoods.com

Take the Stylescope quiz here!

Leave a comment below telling me what style you are! Also if you have any tips on how to combine my boyfriends style of Modern Metro, with my Farmhouse Glam let me know!

If your style matches mine, follow me on Pinterest, you just might find your next design project! Have a happy Saturday everyone! :)


Sincerely,
Adi

DIY: Decoupage Recipe Box

Hello Cupcakes!

When it comes to gift-giving, I pride myself on giving the most unique, creative and thoughtful gifts, and I do a good job of it (not to sound narcissistic or anything!) I will admit there are a lot of things I am completely horrible at. I am a total klutz, preventing me from doing many things and I can't sing a tune to save my life. (Trust me, you do not want to hear me sing. I sound worse than those tone deaf people that try out for American Idol LOL). Hurting ears with my singing aside, I guess if I had a talent, it would have to be gift giving, that and making people smile, but that does go hand-in-hand, does it not?

Recently one of my best friends from back home got engaged. I always tend to go overboard when it comes to bridal shower gifts and I almost never buy from the registry. I know that's probably a total no no, but it's never failed me before.  I understand that it's important to get things that the happy couple might need but I really don't want to be the one who buys a deep fryer or towels. I mean every bridal shower I've been to they always end up with like 50 towels. Okay maybe not but there's always a towel overload! That's not to say I give impractical gifts, either. I've always added in a cookbook with my bridal shower gifts, but never just any cook book. I always look at the couple and try to find that perfect cookbook that seems to be made just for them.

For my friend who's getting married in December, I wanted to do something a little different and fun. I decided to create a recipe box with all different kinds of recipes I have found on Pinterest. They seriously need to make a Pinterest cookbook!  I searched high and low on Pinterest to find a wide variety of recipes that I know they will love and will be sure to provide weeks of food comas! :) 

I originally was just going to fill a blank recipe book but I couldn't find a blank recipe book that I loved. I'm very picky with giving gifts, and I constantly obsess on making sure that it is always something that is unique and thoughtful. That is how I decided on the decoupage recipe box. This gave me the opportunity to create something that goes with their decor and is something I know they will cherish for years to come. I really could not find a good tutorial on how to decoupage a recipe box so I kind of just went along with it. I bought an extra recipe box to test out before making their actual box. Below is a step by step process of the first recipe box I've made.

For starters you will need a recipe box. If you plan on decoupaging it with scrapbook paper I would suggest finding a blank recipe box. (you will see why in upcoming photos) If you plan on decoupaging it with fabric, any recipe box will do. I got my recipe box from Hobby Lobby close to the Scrapbooking section. They also have blank recipe cards next to the box that you can buy to put in your box. This blank recipe box already had the tabs inside. The Recipe box was $3.99 and the Recipe cards were $1.99 with 25 cards in a package.

Any form of mod podge will do. It does not matter if you use matte or glossy, it all depends on the look you are going for. For this box I used glossy. I would suggest making sure whatever brand you get is water resistant, especially if you plan on keeping the recipe box in the kitchen. I got Collage Pauge at Hobby Lobby. I also got a matte Mod Podge by Plaid Enterprises from Walmart on a different trip. The Collage Pauge I got was $ 6.99 for 8 Fl Oz, but they had other Mod Podge brands that were cheaper.  The Mod Podge by Plaid Enterprises  from Walmart was around $7 for 16 Fl Oz. You can also create your own Mod Podge, though I haven't tried it out yet, but you can definitely Google it (let me know how it goes if you try it out!)

Select the paper or fabric you want to use to decoupage your recipe box. I chose three different designs to give it a vintage look. I got my scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby at 50% off. They always have the best sales! I chose the Farmhouse Crate paper. Originally the book was $19.99 but I only paid $10. The book of paper had 48 sheets all together. 

Measure each side of your recipe box and then measure it out on the backside of your paper or fabric.

Use an exacto knife to cut out your paper or fabric. You may have to go back and trim the paper to have it properly fit the sides of the box. I think if the paper had grid lines on the back it would of made this step easier with having straight lines. 

Next you'll want to add a thin coat of mod podge. It is important to not add a thick layer because it could make the paper or fabric bubble. Another trick I learned if you fan it with the paper you're about to lay it with for a couple seconds before placing the paper on it will not bubble as much.  You then want to coat the paper or fabric you placed on your box with some mod podge. To smooth out any bubbles dip your fingers in water to smooth them. Continue on to your next side. After all sides are completed add another layer of mod podge. I ended up adding 4 extra coats. I don't think I needed to add that many coats but my mom kept telling me to add more! An important tip that I almost forgot myself is to make sure you keep your recipe box open so you don't glue it shut. It's a miracle I remembered this because people that know me would know I generally forget the most crucial step! 

It's important that you add mod podge to the bottom to help create a water resistant seal even if you don't plan on adding any paper or fabric. I almost forgot this step- shout out to my mom for reminding me! :) 

This is the front view of my vintage-inspired recipe box. I haven't decided what I will do with this one, as it was just a tester. Perhaps it will make a nice christmas present to someone else! :) 

When I decided to go with scrapbook paper I realized that trying to cover the corners and edges would be almost impossible. I think with my color scheme though, with the brown showing through it looks fine. It was tricky getting all of the paper to match evenly but for doing this for the first time I think it turned out pretty good! I think if you use one kind of fabric you can easily fold over and also mod podge it to the inside.

Again I went for a glossy look, but you can also choose to have a matte look. This is what a glossy look would look like if you decide to go the glossy route! 

My next DIY project: Decoupage coasters! I'll add a post about that as soon as I try it out! :) 

Let me know if you have any fun decoupage projects, after all, I have enough scrapbook paper to decoupage an entire house!!! Also let me know if you think I should make my friends recipe box with a glossy or matte look, I have yet to decide and would love some input! :)

Sincerely,
Adi

Introducing Sincerely, Autumn

Hi I’m Adi! Every day I hear many different pronunciations for my name, including oww-dee, oh-dee, and add-ee, but the real pronunciation is aww-dee. I recently moved to South Carolina to follow my new job and to build my first home, leaving behind my social life in New York state. During the build, I have chosen to live with my mom after living by myself for over a year, and trust me, it sounds like a great idea on paper, but it’s not always rainbows and sprinkles when two stubborn, independent women live in the same house!

This newfound free time has forced me to be very creative when it comes to filling my days off from work. That, paired with a desire to always think outside the box when finding gifts and decorating made me into somewhat of an addict, starting with cooking, which was a gateway “Drug” to almost any kind of crafting you could think of! After working on a few exciting DIY projects, I immediately had to show the world, and thus Sincerely, Autumn was born.

Through Sincerely, Autumn, I hope to not only provide ideas and inspiration for dining, crafting and decorating, but to also connect with others that feel very much at home in Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, and often find themselves turning a 30 minute trip into a 3 hour stay. Here at S.A., I will be posting all the various crafts, decorations, and DIY projects I attempt, exciting new meals and beverages I discover, reviews of things that I love, looks into my fashion sense and personal style, tips and advice, the joys and stresses of building and decorating your first home (which I am about to do), and so much more.

Life is a journey, and I’m very excited to take you along the ride with me.

Sincerely, 
Adi

P.S stay tuned for my next post on decoupaged gifts! :)