Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year – apple cider, layering clothes, lower utility bill – so I thought I’d share three of my all time favorite autumn photos for this week’s You Capture.

I also just signed up for Picnik and am getting the hang of some of their features – I’m obviously a big fan of saturation and rounded corners. I’m of the school of thought that if a photo is going to be edited/altered/enhanced, it should be done very obviously.

What’s old is new again, right? Enjoy!

Me and my sister – 2007

My husband (before he was my husband) and dog – downtown Indianapolis- 2006

My dog – 2006

My tank-ass started Atkins on Monday. My goal is to lose 55 pounds.

55 pounds. Isn’t that the average weight of a 2nd grader?

Once I get all my meals planned out, Atkins is about the only diet that I don’t struggle with. Especially since it’s not as stringent as it used to be – there’s lots of veggies with every meal to offset the heart-stopping bacon and eggs breakfasts.

The only part of the diet that’s a real challenge for me is what to drink. I usually drink fruit juice – but that’s the biggest Atkins faux pas I can make – and I can only drink so much hot tea with Splenda before my bladder explodes. So you can bet I mustered up a parched YES when Fruit2O asked if I’d like to sample the six new flavors of Fruti2O Essentials.

Fruit20 Essentials are an Atkin’s dream – zero calories, zero carbs, with the nutrients equal to two servings of fruit in every bottle. The flavors are subtle and refreshing – which is what I crave most between cheese courses. I think that they are best served very cold to bring out the fruit flavors.

• Cranberry Raspberry
• Strawberry Kiwi
• Peach Mango
• Citrus
• Blueberry Pomegranate *my favorite*
• Cherry Acai

Whether you’re on a diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to fruit juices and soda, get your coupon and gives Fruit2O a try. It’s saved my tank-ass from cheating on this diet!

This is a sponsored post. Please see my site policy if you have any questions. I’m going to have another piece of bacon.

Back in my Catholic school days (seriously – is there anybody out there that didn’t guess that I went to Catholic school?) I used to totally rock the saddle shoes and knee high socks. Granted, it was more of a uniform requirement than a personal choice – what I really wanted to wear the LA Gears with the leather spirals on the side and the license plate key chain, but my mom said they would get too dirty – but looking back I think they totally kick ass.

In fact, I think they kick so much ass that I want a pair now. The question is, does a grown woman wearing saddle shoes look chic and fashion forward or like a complete idiot?

[polldaddy poll="2180470"]

The annual Foster Family Vacation is in full planning mode. For the past several years, our immediate family has vacationed together in early spring to shake off the winter funk. Our only requirements are that the destination be warm enough to lounge by the beach or pool and that the cocktails are plentiful. My mom also doesn’t object to a slot machine to occupy her time.

We’ve been to the Bahamas and Las Vegas, but it’s time for something more exotic. Destinations across Asia Pacific, such as Australia, Fiji, and Bali definitely meet those requirements! And the Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific can make our vacation dreams a reality.

Deals on over 1 million hotel rooms runs from October 27 thru 29 and start at just $30 a night – for that price, I could take a sabbatical and nobody would see me for months! You can travel anytime between December 9 and April 10 – so now is the time to start planning for those late winter vacations when cabin fever starts to set in!

Accor hotels include Pullman, Grand Mercure, All Seasons, and others – so you’re not going to get stuck in some shitty little hostile in a foreign country.

You’ll need to book quickly because these prices only last for the duration of the 3-day Super Sale! Maybe the Foster Family will see you in Australia!