Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday's Feature: Tailgating

Feature:
It's one of the best times of the year - college football started last week, NFL football started last night - we are right in the swing of things.  College football might have started last week but tomorrow is Penn State's first home game.  On many weekends throughout the fall, you can find us in State College, PA cheering on the Nittany Lions each weekend.  We aren't going tomorrow because Derek has an event at work but we will surely be in attendance for next week's night game.

We've tailgated for years and years (believe me the items listed below weren't just accumulated overnight!), my parents have a vacation house to enjoy, we love the town, we love the season, we love everything about Penn State football.

I'm kicking off football season sharing a little bit about what we pack up each game day in our tailgate boxes to head down to the stadium.  In the near future I'm looking forward to sharing some of my favorite game day tailgate recipes (we have our general menu down at this point) as well as my favorite NFL game day meals (aka enjoy from your own house not a tailgate parking lot) and a look back on my favorite tailgates in State College.


Must have tailgate items:

+Penn State Everything: including… Game day clothing/gear, tent, folding chairs, cornhole and latter golf, platters and bowls, plats/cups/napkins, table cloths, decorative folding tables, wine/bottle opener, acrylic wine glasses, small drink cooler for decoration + multiple bigger coolers, snack helmet (my favorite and cutest tailgate piece), beer koozies, Penn State specific foods - pasta, salsa, mustard, chocolate, etc.

+ Essentials: hand wipes, paper towels, wine stopper (must not forget this - it's the worst to realize you don't have!), speakers, glovers/blankets/etc., straws, utensils, serving utensils (another easy to forget but much needed), aluminum foil, extra toilet paper (you never know with those port-a-potties), any extra decorative decor, football to toss

I could easily share with you my favorite Penn State stores (online and in person) but I know everyone out there has their own team to root for so for that sake - I'll say that we have gotten more items than I can count from one of our favorite sports sites - Fans Edge.

Other Happenings:

+ Speaking of Penn State, we're heading into week two with a terrible loss against Temple last week (terrible as in the boys literally buried the game tape) but are hoping to change things tomorrow against Buffalo.

+ On the football note, I've already been asked if we can be home by 1pm on Sunday and have a game day meal - our house will be busy with the night games both nights - Cowboys on Sunday night and the Eagles on Monday night.

+ Time hop keeps reminding me that last year each day I was enjoying my honeymoon and each day I continue wishing I was back there enjoying currently.

+ The biggest task for the weekend is the big ole "closet clean out" and fall clothes swap.  I will feel SO much better (well, hopefully - as long as I follow through) come Saturday afternoon once things are done.  I'm already missing my  bright colors…

+ Last but not least, my very favorite Loft is currently having 40% off (I live for these days!) and high on the to do list today is to sneak into the store for a few minutes.  A couple of my favorites that I'm on the look for… this shirt I envision as part of a perfect Thanksgiving outfit.  This tank top I have, love and is one of my favorites - I might need a few more colors.  A top perfect for the fall transition is this one. For dresses, I'm hoping today to find this one and I need a new pair (or two) of jeans and crops.

Cheers to the weekend! Enjoy a cocktail, I know I can use one.

20 comments:

  1. I took advantage of the Loft sale last week and have already had a nice package arrive on my doorstep with the next part of it arriving on Monday. love that striped tank you have--what a great layering piece!
    I hope the Fall clothes swap goes well and that your team does well for you this weekend too!

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  2. I need to make a trip to Loft this weekend! And loving all of your tailgate necessities! I am so unbelievably happy tailgating and football season are back! Hope you have an amazing football filled weekend!
    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  3. I plan on completing round one of my summer-to-fall closet transition this weekend as well. I have to do it in cycles here in Louisiana, because it is still HOT here! I can't wait to see what colors you decide to wear this fall since you obviously enjoy the brighter colors in the warmer seasons! Have a great weekend! We'll be cheering for Alabama this weekend! Roll Tide!

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  4. I'm so excited that football is officially back, and it looks like y'all have tailgating down to a science! We're missing the first home football game for the Aggies too this weekend because of a wedding, but as soon as we have the chance we're getting our butts to College Station!
    As soon as I heard that Loft was having a 40% off sale, I immediately started filling my shopping bag online! Now I just need to see if I can narrow my choices down.

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  5. Totally with you on the cocktail!! My goodness, you have a busy weekend planned!! I so wish I was on my honeymoon right now, too. This week has been an absolutely beating and I don't foresee next week getting any better. RAWR.

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  6. I need to look into Loft...I feel like I haven't shopped in ages and I would love to get some cute fall items! I have never been tailgating so I am always interesting to hear about others going. You listed a bunch of things that I probably would have never thought of! Great post!

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  7. Yay for football! We plan on a big dinner and the Cowboys game Sunday night too. I'm currently working on my closet clean out and then will switch to fall/winter items. It's definitely a job, but you're right, I feel so much better afterwards!
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

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  8. *Hugs* for the tough loss last week, one of my good friends is a Penn State alum and we watched the game together last week and it was roughhhhh with a capital woof. Cheers to you guys pulling out a W this week! And loving all your tailgating gear especially that goal post golf toss set - so much fun!

    Happy Friday gurlie <3

    Green Fashionista

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  9. I'm so excited that football is back too! We're traveling for a wedding this weekend, but I'm hoping we'll be able to catch some of our game. Also, running to Loft this afternoon!

    xo, Carly | carly blogs

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  10. What a great post! I am so excited for the return of fall sports like football & hockey! So much action coming up!

    michellespaige.com

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  11. Hah the tailgate glass is amazing! I have one (not a school one though) but it holds a glass of wine and is plastic. Adult sippy cups are the best ;)

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  12. Oh my gosh, that Penn State ladder golf looks awesome!! I also love the Nittany Lion pasta :) I can't wait to read about some of your favorite recipes!

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  13. I need to clean out Jacob's closet this weekend... I've done mine and Olivia's and now I'm just burned out on the closet cleaning. It's a big job! Hopefully yours will go smoothly... it's always so nice to start fresh with each new season! Have a great weekend and enjoy your cocktail! :o)

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  14. I'm planning on swapping out my closet this weekend too! We use our corn hole boards like CRAZY during football season! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  15. Love your picks! We don't tailgate, we have no idea how to haha.

    liz jo @ sundays with sophie

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  16. i love football and tailgating season! I need to buy a set of bags (cornhole as most people call it!) hah ! have a good weekend christina, hope you got my email!

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  17. I sadly have to admit that I haven't ever stepped foot into our Loft store which is so pathetic. They have such cute things that I've seen other bloggers write about and I just haven't jumped on board yet. I also love that they run some great sales. Maybe I'll get by there this weekend to find a few post-baby items!! xox, Annie- HomeofMalones

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  18. LOVE this little mini series you started! I'm glad college football is back. I am going to have to check out Loft, I don't think I've ever been in that store before!

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  19. I love how into it you get!! I have been caring much more this year than in the past. We cheer for UNC in this house haha but I hope Penn State has a good season this year!

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