cowboy cookout

Today was the 1st annual cowboy cookout.  We brought a party pack of mustaches, some cowboy hats & handkerchiefs along.  Then we took some photos.  It was so much fun!  We decided today that this will be a family tradition and are already plotting for next year (we're talking bringing in some indian gear & more props).  My dad grilled steaks over the wood fire and mom made calico beans, corn, and biscuits with homemade apple butter (I'll have to get my mom's recipe cause it was ah-mazing).  For dessert we had apple crisp baked in a cast iron pan. So good.  I still have to get together with my sister for a maternity photo session....and the dogs need costumes! I have so much to do....I love this time of year! ♥

cinema love

The weather was finally chilly today;  I am so ready for it to start feeling like fall.  I just want to watch spooky movies cuddled on the couch!  I have quite a strategic netflix queue lined up right now...tonight we're watching Pan's Labyrinth, dark yet beautiful.  I have also been daydreaming about more cooking & baking.  It's always nice to warm the kitchen by making a homemade meal.  I'll try to share some of our favorite standby recipes.  Our goal is to knock off our eating out habit, so we will be doing all our cooking at home.  I'll be sure to share any new recipes we try that turn out successful!

fun video...

saw this today via rockstar diaries & just wanted to pass it on...
Also, I am feeling so much better today! I am excited for fall weather, to walk the dogs this weekend and for the cowboy dinner at my parent's house this weekend. I am going to take photos of my family, maybe I can find some props...
My sister also told me that my new niece Avry will arrive on November 1st! I am super excited to meet the little November baby ♥

true love...

I am still really sore from my surgery so I'm spending another few days recuperating & resting at home.  Cory came home to check on me & make me lunch today...isn't that adorable?  I am a lucky girl...but I can't wait to be feeling back to normal again ♡

It has been a challenging week.  I had a trip to the ER on Wednesday (don't worry - I am fine, and believe me - you do not want details).  I am also recovering from a minor surgery I had on Friday so I have been camped out in front of the TV most of the week & weekend...I have not gotten anything done & the house is a total mess.  I have watched the movie Babies twice in the past 2 days...it is just beautiful & who doesn't love babies?!!  It's definitely a must see in my opinion.  And thank heavens for Cory, who has been taking care of me & making sure I'm comfortable.  While I'm confined to my bed, I am making lists & brainstorming.  I can't wait to put up all my autumn & Halloween decorations - and a new yarn & felt wreath is in order I think!

red pepper soup

The weekend has gone by too quickly, yet again.  My preggo sister has been jonesing for this roasted red pepper soup I've been making for the last few years (it's a Giada recipe from Food Network).  It's super easy, healthy & muy delicioso! I made her a whole batch of her very own today so she can freeze some to enjoy later.  And I heard that my 19 month old niece loved it to - it's a winner!

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, peeled & chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons chopped, fresh thyme
6 cups chicken broth
2 - 12 ounce jars of roasted red bell peppers in water (drained)
1 russet potato, peeled & coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon sugar
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy, large pot over medium/high heat.  Add the onions, carrots, garlic and thyme and saute until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).  Add the broth, bell peppers, potato, wine and sugar.  Bring to a simmer over high heat.  Decrease the heat to medium/low, partially cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 30 minutes).  Cool the soup slightly.  Then using an immersion hand blender, puree the soup in the pot until it is smooth.  You can also do this in a blender, working in batches (be careful transferring & blending any hot liquids).  Season the soup to taste with salt & pepper.  Enjoy! ♥

I am so glad the weekend is finally here!  Tomorrow we are celebrating my sisters' & brother's birthday with dinner at our favorite Italian steakhouse.  Above is a gift for my sis, just wanted to share the lovely packaging - I recycled the box & lace from the packaging from an order from spinthread and inside is a Lisa Leonard necklace!  I stamped & added the tag, simple but lovely! ♡

source: bakerella

I really want my own copy of bakerella's new book...cutest ideas ever :)  I particularly love the owls!  This week is kind of creeping by...I'm on the early shift this week & went to bed at 8:30 last night.  Seriously.  And I was still tired this morning.  Anyway, we have fun dinner plans this weekend & I think we might try to hit up the drive-in.  One bonus to the early shift is getting off early - plenty of light to take photos...of the summer mini that I need to finish....the one that has been staring at me from my coffee table. Grr!

little things...

Trying to notice & appreciate the little things today....
The above photo is of my favorite chopsticks from when I lived in Japan.  They aren't expensive or fancy but I love them anyway.  The blog re-design is done...for now ;)  I find I need to freshen things up every season or so.  And I may even try a blogging schedule to keep myself on track!  I had work this morning and have been cleaning house this afternoon.  Looking forward to some down time & a relaxing Sunday.  I vow to get that summer mini finished too.  If I don't do it now - I"ll never get it done.  Besides, all I want to think about is AUTUMN!  Happy Saturday ♥

under construction...

source

Pardon my mess for a day or two while I am working on a blog re-design. Thank you. ♥