If there was thing that would make me happy above everything else, it would be if the weather could stay the way it is right now all year round. It's magical, it's romantic and above all, it's comfortable. By that I mean, you can truly take the time to enjoy the little things and embrace them fully. There is more time to appreciate the colors that are so vibrant, and the sunsets that are consistently so beautiful every evening. You don't get those chances any other time during the year, and that makes me really enjoy autumn. The state I live in, Minnesota, offers both of those so nicely during October + November that I really dread when it becomes December.

I say that because, the other thing I really appreciate about this time? There is still the motivation to be happy and want to be outgoing. Winter brings out a really dark part of me, where I tend to be more depressed than I usually am, and I hate that it can affect me so much. It's brutal, I tend to want to isolate myself more because it's so cold outside! At least in fall, your outside view is like a painting waiting to be seen. Here's hoping this upcoming cold season won't be too bad, and then we can go right into spring!
I should probably slow down though, right? Jumping too far ahead, so let's go back to last weekend! My sister and her family joined me on a trip up North, to Gooseberry Falls in Two Harbors, Minnesota. This time of year is so beautiful up there, you get the best scenery of colors and atmosphere. It's beginning to become tradition to go up there, whether it's with family or friends, and I'm quite liking it. The chance to get away, even if for a few hours, is super relaxing and you're still in the same state!

 If you should ever visit the Midwest, I highly recommend stopping by this area and enjoying it like I do. Which area in your state do you enjoy seeing the autumn colors and scenery? Let me know in the comments below, and I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

With the release of Key to Ravenhearst today, I thought it would be perfect to celebrate with putting it in my next These Things series! This is also a recommendation to anyone who enjoys casual gaming, since this is one my FAVORITE series of computer games I've ever played. Want to know more of why it's so much fun?

• Awesome Hidden Objects to find in various scenarios
• Detailed + continued storyline
• MYSTERY + MAYHEM
• Beautiful graphics

From the Mystery Case Files Wiki page:

Mystery Case Files (also known as MCF) is a video game series originally developed by the internal studios of Big Fish Games. New installments are currently developed by Eipix Entertainment, replacing Elephant Games who developed sequels from 2013 to 2014. The Mystery Case Files series is known for its ‘Hidden Object’ puzzles where, in order to progress through a game, the player must find a certain number of items hidden somewhere on a painted scene.

There are a total of TWELVE of these games, and I highly suggest you play them in order. The first two are somewhat different from the rest, but it gives you a general feeling of what to expect from the later versions. Let me tell you, they are like a fine wine and they get incredibly better with age! I give mad kudos to all of the artistic creators and inventors of the games because they've brought to life an entire world. All images via CasualGameGuides.
Huntsville (2005)

A crime spree baffles Huntsville™ police! Can you help solve the crime? There are picture puzzles to ponder, strange crime scenes to explore, and much, much, more! Download: PC/MAC 

 Prime Suspects (2006)

The Queen's Hope Diamond has been stolen! It's up to you to search for clues throughout 22 levels, find the offending culprit, and recover the stolen gem. Download: PC/MAC

Ravenhearst (2006)

Rumors surrounding the history of stately Ravenhearst Manor have circulated for decades. The recently acquired diary of Emma Ravenhearst may hold the key to unraveling the tale behind this unsettling place, yet the pages are missing. Locating and assembling diary pages helps tell the story of the house and, ultimately, unlock the mystery. Download: PC/MAC

Madame Fate (2007)

Madame Fate™, a mysterious fortune teller, has foreseen her own demise at midnight this very day. She has asked for your help in investigating each quirky carnival worker to determine their whereabouts at midnight. Your investigation will include a multitude of fascinating personalities, from Art the Carny to Lucy the Bearded Beauty, while exploring the magical world of Fate`s Carnival. Each suspect has a motive, but only a Master Detective can discover the secrets hidden within Madame Fate`s crystal ball. Download: PC/MAC/iPAD/iPHONE 

Return to Ravenhearst (2008)

Emma`s soul is free. But her ghost has delivered a dire warning: evil still lurks in Ravenhearst Manor. Big Fish Games Studios takes you deep inside the cursed estate in Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst ™, the thrilling sequel. Experience Ravenhearst`s spectral halls as never before with new immersive adventure-style gameplay and an epic original soundtrack. Feel the floorboards creak as you move from room to room solving puzzles and seeking out clues in over 150 detailed scenes. Download: PC/MAC/iPHONE/iPAD

Dire Grove (2009)

The Celtic legend of Dire Grove has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Considered a fairytale, its telling was meant to frighten small children into staying in their beds through the night. A recently unearthed artifact in the United Kingdom, however, proves the dark legend to be true! Download: PC/MAC

13th Skull (2010)

Shortly after moving into a creepy mansion in Louisiana, Sara Lawson is struck with tragedy when her husband mysteriously disappears. Sara’s daughter, Magnolia, believes her father was kidnapped by the ghost of a vengeful pirate seeking to protect his lost fortune. With the locals terrified of the pirate’s curse, you are the family’s last hope. Available in Standard or Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC/iPAD

Escape from Ravenhearst (2011)

You lived through their side of the story—now live through his! Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story—if you escape. Available in Standard or Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC/iPAD/iPHONE

Shadow Lake (2012)

Uncover the evil legend that haunts a forgotten town. In 1973, something wicked took over the town of Bitterford, Maine, after an unsuspecting inmate unearthed a mysterious object from beneath the prison floor. Years later, Bitterford lies in ruin. You must join forces with psychic Cassandra Williams, played by award-winning actress Lea Thompson, to investigate the events that led to the town's destruction. Available in Standard or Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC/iPAD/iPHONE

Fate's Carnival (2013)

Madame Fate returns… from the dead! This is Fate’s Carnival as you’ve never seen it before, with old acts like Amazing Larry and Marlena Mermaid in the most harrowing predicaments! Can you stop fate before it’s too late? Or will the creepy carnival curse stop you? Available in Standard or Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC/iPAD/iPHONE

Dire Grove, Sacred Grove (2014)

Dire Grove has been plunged into a record-defying cold, and wild animals threaten at every turn! You've been called in to uncover the source of the town's troubles. But you quickly find yourself in the middle of a feud between the local hunters and the mysterious Mistwalkers who live in the woods. Can you prevent an all-out war? Available in Standard or Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC/iPHONE/iPAD 

Key to Ravenhearst (2015)

It would seem the 12th title in the series is returning players to their roots at Ravenhearst Manor. But things are a little different. In our absence, the historical manor has been rebuilt, but as a museum. The terrible purpose behind the Ravenheart Museum’s existence is up to you to discover. Available (for now) in Collector's Edition. Download: PC/MAC

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Happy Friday! Another week gone, which means we’re even closer to winter than I want it to be. The seasons are changing quickly, which means your wardrobe has to do the same! For today’s Wardrobe Essential series, I’m talking all about the cardigan! This essential is very important, and is a big part of my own closet. The easiest way to incorporate this into your wardrobe is to use it as a layering piece, which can add tons of texture and pattern to your outfit.

By using a cardigan as the focal point of whatever you are wearing, you’re making it the statement piece for your outfit! There are literally so many ways to wear the cardigan, it was hard to decide which were my favorite to talk about. In the end,  I decided to focus on four which just so happen to be in my closet already! The four are; classic, cropped, long and knit. Enjoy the looks above, and let me know which type is your favorite in the comments below!

This time of year always seems to bring out the best style, whether my personal style or style that I admire from afar. It's the perfect time to up the ante when it comes to updating your wardrobe, and accessories are the easiest way to start the steps to doing so. I love layering, not only because you really have to here in Minnesota, but because it can make outfits so much fun. Whether it's with boots, knits & sweaters or outwear, you cannot go wrong with adding extra to your outfit.

Scarves are my go-to layering option, and they are literally my favorite accessory to layer with. I enjoy them so much, I have a drawer filled with ones that match every season. Gotta be prepared, right?! Below, I've rounded up 10 scarves that are sure to illuminate & make any outfit fun during this season. The bonus is, they're all under $50 (except #10, as I HAD to include it) and can be found in the links highlighted. Which one is your favorite?!

1. Union Jack Print Color Block: $6
2. Camilla Check Blanket: $37
3. Calvin Klein Crepe Infinity Loop: $23
4. Starry Nights: $30
5. Star Struck: $44
6. Frayed Plaid: $13
7. Leopard Animal Print: $25
8. Le Nom Deco Chevron Infinity: $10
9. Printed Infinity: $12
10. Cityguide: $62

Happy Thursday! I've been having a hard time coming up with some new content, to really get inspiration but then I decided to take a look back into some past entries and draw from there. With the success of my previous 'character' style inspiration, Wednesday Addams, I decided to do another popular fictional person to base today's post off of, but this time it's more than one! The story? 'Alice in Wonderland' and it's many colorful characters that are also extremely popular during this time of year. While I did not enjoy this story when I was younger, just go away Cheshire Cat, I can't deny finding inspiration in the costumes a lot of fun. Instead of just one of, I've decided to do three of the main characters of the story to base style off of. If I did something like this again, who would you want me to be inspired by? Let me know in the comments!

For this year's 'Life Through Instagram' series, I've decided to take a different approach. Instead of going through a bunch of photos, I thought I would select a few over the past year that have stood out to me! I'm really proud of what I've accomplished over the past year on my Instagram, and every photo is a new experience and opportunity for a conversation with people. I'm now trying cleaner aesthetics and brighter filters, and have sensed a theme as the seasons change too. So enjoy some of my favorite photos over the past year, and let me know which one is yours!

My type of Saturday night, and I get to spend it with Frodo. 🙌 #thatsdarling #mostlylisa #lush #lushie #midwestbloggers

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Sep 19, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT

This was by far the best post I've ever done, mostly because Blake Lively liked it! That was definitely a surprise, and helped me to reach a much broader audience. It made my night ten times more relaxing.

Still can't get over this 1997 editorial for Italian Vogue. Photographed by #ellenvonunwerth. So beautiful.

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Sep 6, 2014 at 4:30pm PDT

During fall last year, I was definitely in the mood for more romantic photography and fairytale-inspired editorials. This Vogue Italia photo shoot hit just the right points for what I was looking for. Look at that hair!

The most magical month is upon us! Happy October, ghosts & ghouls. 👻🍁💀🎃 #mostlylisa #riflepaperco #ABMautumn #thatsdarling #vscocam

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Oct 1, 2015 at 11:38am PDT

I'm a huge fan of Rifle Paper Co., and the calendar for this year has cities around the world for each month. It just so happens to be New York City for October, and it just made everything so perfect. The illustration and colors are just top notch.

First session is done! Holy shit, I love it. Thanks Jordan! You're super talented. 😍 Can't wait to get it colored in a few weeks. #midwestbloggers #mostlylisa

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Oct 28, 2014 at 1:33pm PDT

October last year was extremely special! I was finally able to save up enough money and get started on my third tattoo, which is based on Jane Austen. While I have not had the finances to get it colored and finished, I'm still dreaming of the day when that can finally happen. Though most people say they actually quite enjoy it as an outline. What do you think?!

The cutest card I ever did see! This would make the perfect Halloween costume, too! #riflepaperco #papercrown #stationery

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Feb 22, 2015 at 6:13pm PST

Another successful post, and another ode to Rifle Paper Company. The cutest card ever, and probably one of the easiest Halloween costume ideas! Definitely one of the top contenders for this year.

This is happening, and it's out of this world. #lush. #bathbomb

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Nov 23, 2014 at 12:17pm PST

That moment when you try a Lush bath bomb and your entire life is changed! I have become obsessed with this entire company, and I'm so glad there is one located in Minnesota.

A lovely day spent with family, and a good way to get me out of my funk. Well, at least for awhile. 💖 #proudauntie #midwestbloggers

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Aug 30, 2015 at 3:27pm PDT

My two nephews turned 4 & 2 this year. It's just hard to believe these two have grown up so much. Where does time go?!

my type of saturday. 🍁 #mostlylisa #ABMautumn #thatsdarling #CelebrateMySize

A photo posted by Lisa M. Lynn (@piccadillytown) on Oct 3, 2015 at 4:14pm PDT

The perfect moment captured last week. The sun was setting, I loved my outfit and the colors were so beautiful. Looking forward to more of these!