autumn = happiness

It's coming.  And, I love seeing it happen.  I'm pulling out my chili recipes and my sweaters and getting excited about the Fall once again. I even made a Autumn Love board that is making me very happy right now.  I seriously want to throw a party just to be able to design this table.

Peeking around the web, I found several fun easy ways to celebrate this season.  Tatertots and Jello always has a scad of fun ideas, and these are a few of her featured Top 20 Halloween projects.

i mean, really...what's not to love about burlap and lace.

Autumn Bunting @ My Blessed Life

i love this wreath.  it's pretty and elegant with a dab of spook. perfect.

 Simple Halloween Wreath @ Nikki, In Stitches

you know i can't resist a bucket list.

Halloween Bucket List @ Makoodle

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving...

Ok, so is it just me, or are there way too many favorite foods to try to cram into one meal on a Thursday in November?

Last week, when I asked my kids what what they were wanting to see on our Thanksgiving table, I started to feel a little overwhelmed. Their favorite Thanksgiving meal is a little different than my family's menu plan, and even though I have tried to cram it all in in the past, I think I'm past that point. For the amount of work that's involved, but also because there's just too much food when we try to cram it all into one meal. Why stuff so much in to one day?

Thus the development for another holiday meal plan at our abode. This year, we're going to have some of our favorites (mainly my kids favs) and then tomorrow, we'll take our traditional sides and desserts to our families feasts.

Here's our plan...feel free to start your own new tradition! I'd love to hear what your Thanksgiving Eve line up would be!

Twice as Good

I put my Mom's shirt on today. Partly because it's one of those that looks so fallish that it has to be worn at least once a year during this time of year. And, partly because there's some part of me that longs to be close to those who know me at this time of year.

I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins today, as my children played in the backyard with a sweet friend who came over for a playdate. It was such a warm fall day, that I could have the window open to hear as they laughed and played. I baked, and they played...and there seemed to be a sort of celebration in the air.

While I was pouring batter into the pan, Pandora faithfully played my Sara Groves station, as it does most days, and this song came on. (video to follow for email readers)

Sara Groves - Twice As Good from Sara Groves Music on Vimeo.

Every time, no matter how many times I've heard this song, this line makes me tear up...with my good news, you're dancing on the table.

Ever since Emily wrote about paying attention to what makes you cry, I have been. And, this sentence puzzles me. Why would such a seemingly simple phrase touch such a place in my heart.

I think the answer comes in watching my daughter and a best friend jumping on our trampoline in delight, or taking muffins to dear friends, laughing with my sister about life, or thanking a teacher for their gift to my child. I find joy in celebration. Life in sharing the burden together. Knowing I have friends who would stand up on a table and cheer for me...or sit there and cry with me, when I make a mess in my own life. Life is not always easy to celebrate, but with the gifts of friends around us, we are able to join each other as we walk this path, in celebration. And I am so grateful.

The Discovery

(this week, I'll be following my friend's example and writing a few letters to my little ones in celebration of who they are.)

.....................................................................................................................................

Sweet River,

I woke you before sunrise and whispered, "Today's the day you're on TV!" As your sleepy eyes began to open, you became excited at the thought. We quickly pulled on your tights and leotard, and hurried out the door into the darkness.

It's been such a fun few weeks of preparation, and this is the final week before the show. As you have counted down the days, now you only have a few to go.

A few years ago, we weren't sure what your "thing" would be. You would have thought with all the theatrics in our home, we would have known right away. But, we didn't.

We tried soccer, but you quickly let us know that you, " didn't really like running that much". I can't say I blame you.

We've tried dance, and as much as I wanted it to be your thing it still seemed like something was missing for you.

We've always thought your voice was beautiful, but it wasn't until other people started stopping us in halls to ask if you were on a stage somewhere, or in voice lessons, that we realized your gifting was not just a normal 7 year old voice. As you started singing out more boldly with that big beautiful voice, we finally knew what it was.

You conquered fear and auditioned, we knew that even though it was difficult, it would only give you more confidence. Then, when you were called back, we couldn't believe that you had been narrowed down to a specific part! When you were cast in the role you were hoping for, it turned into a grand celebration.

I wish I could tell you that it will always be that easy. But the truth is, I know first hand that it won't be. I walked this path, and I know how painful it can be to not see your name up on that list. Or to see it on the list in the spot you wished it wasn't. There will be many tears along this path...I'm sure. But, as GiGi and Grandma Beth told me, when you really love doing something, than you have to choose to press on, through the disappointment, through the pain. It doesn't matter if other people think you're the best at it, or if they always see how special you are. Regardless of what others think, without living out of your gifts, you miss part of who God has made you to be. You choose to operate out of your gifts, not because it's always easy, but because it's who you are.

As you began rehearsals a few weeks ago, you realized more and more how perfect it was for you. You even said to me in excitement after one of the first practices, "Mom! It has singing and acting AND dancing! But, singing's my favorite!"

I'm so proud of you, River Elizabeth. You are a blessing to so many, and your beautiful smile couldn't have beamed any brighter under your pink fluffy hat this morning. I'm so excited to have discovered this part of who you are.

Love,

Mama

p.s. Here's the story from this morning...see if you can spot your little pink-ballerina-munchkin self on the right!

i heart (veggie) soup

I never intended on taking a bloggy hiatus, but alas it was needed. It's been so fun doing 31 Days to an Artful Event, but I was ready to take a little break.

Last year, I posted every day of November, and it was such a fun way to celebrate last fall. I've been craving soup lately, so it seemed appropriate to leave you with a few great recipes for the weekend. Especially with how crazy our nights seem lately, soup is the perfect recipe to double or triple, and then just freeze the extra batches for a rainy day...or snowy...or windy...you get the picture.

All of these soups can be made vegetarian by just leaving out the meat, and they are still fabulous. Perfect for my family...a hearty meal, that's quick and easy...and everyone loves!

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One of my favorite things to eat in the fall is soup. Especially on Sundays. This year, I decided that every week I would make a different pot of soup or stew, as a small way (and cheap way) to enjoy the cooler weather.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Hearty Vegetable Soup

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 lg. onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp. ground cumin

2-3 tsp. italian spices

1 tsp. salt

1-2 tbsp. sugar

4 baking potatoes (diced)

2 carrots (sliced)

frozen peas, lima beans, corn (or whatever veggies you like)

46 oz. tomato juice

1 can beef broth

2 cups water

Heat olive oil over medium heat in your soup pot. Sauté your onion in olive oil until soft and translucent. Add garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant (couple minutes). Add rest of ingredients. Bring to boil, and then turn down to simmer on low for at least 45 min. (I have been known to let cook on low for several hours, and it just gets better!) Serve this with grilled cheese for a great meal!

Chili

(Many times I make this vegetarian friendly, and leave out the beef...still very yummy!)

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion (chopped)

2 cans kidney beans (drained)

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 can tomato soup

1 pkt. chili seasoning

2 tbsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

Fry your ground beef and onion together until beef is browned (10 min. on med heat). Drain excess grease. Add in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili packet, tomato soup, salt, and sugar. Let simmer for 1 1/2 hrs. stirring often. Garnish with cheddar cheese and sour cream and serve over rice. Delicious on a cold winter day!

Quick Potato Chowder

2 stalks celery (diced)

3 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. flour

1 14 oz. can chicken broth

*2 cups refrigerated diced potatoes with onions

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup half and half

4 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled

salt and pepper

*can use fresh potatoes and onions also. just add the sauté the onion with the celery, and cook your potatoes in boiling water until soft.

In a saucepan cook celery in hot butter over med heat until tender. Stir in flour until combined. Stir in broth; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Add potatoes; return to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 15 min. or until tender. Slightly mash potatoes. Stir in milk, half and half, and bacon. Heat through. Salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Stew

4 tsp. olive oil

1 med. onion (chopped)

4 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can diced tomatoes

*1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 pkg. frozen corn (10 oz.)

(*to make a more mild stew you can substitute a can of regular diced tomatoes)

In large saucepan heat oil over med. heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cumin, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant (another minute or so). Add beans, tomatoes, water, and salt to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low and simmer, until slightly thickened, about 20 min. Add corn to stew and allow to heat through. Garnish with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with heated tortillas or quesadillas.

Chicken Taco Soup

(probably my favorite and many times i leave out the chicken to have a vegetarian option for my hubs...it's still delicious!)

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney or chili beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans (I sometimes do 2 cans of black and no chili)
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer OR chicken broth (I usually just do the broth, and it's wonderful)
• 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• crushed tortilla chips (optional)
• 
  
• 1. Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.
• 
  
• 2. Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

*ok, because i'm not a huge rule follower, i deviate from the shredding chicken step on this recipe, and just wait til the end, and then stir it around while it falls apart. it's delicious. i'm getting hungry.

Super cute blog Armommy has a great post about her menu a few weeks ago. I loved all her great recipes, not to mention how she displayed them for us!

Day 30: Entertaining at Home

If you're planning on entertaining at home this fall, you may find yourself turning your decorations up a notch. It's okay to glam it up once in a while, just make sure to stay true to yourself.

Using things that you already have to create centerpieces may seem mundane to you because you see these items all the time. The trick is to use your imagination! Place a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in a pitcher or a couple of clustered mason jars instead of a vase. Make a bouquet of cinnamon sticks to accompany the bouquet, or sprinkle a couple of nuts and/or cranberries around. Or even, put a bouquet of flowers inside of the pumpkin you just carved out (to make pie filling, of course)!

Casual centerpieces, with the use of candles or lanterns, are great for setting a comfortable and intimate tone. Turn up the volume with some sparkle and glam by using glitter pumpkins instead of plain gourds.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 29: Showcase Your Home

Mantels and front porches are the most prominent places to decorate year round, for special occasions and for holidays. Since these are usually focal points in a home, they do deserve special attention.

Displaying family pictures in your seasonal decor makes them more personal and tells a story, rather than just being there to look pretty.

If you like to lean towards holiday decor rather than seasonal decor, try to incorporate natural seasonal items (rather than fake greenery, gourds, pine combs and nuts) to keep your decor simple.

Instead of buying decorations, make some with your kids. The decorations will mean that much more to you, knowing that they were made with love.

If you don't have a mantel or a front porch (apartment living?), focus on areas in your home that are highly visible (your television console, kitchen island, windows, dining table).

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Day 28: The Heart of The Home

For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. To add warmth and comfort to your home this time of year, incorporate your senses to create an inviting fall atmosphere in the most important room of your home.

You can start off with simple solutions. Switch out hand towels, kitchen mats, and rearrange your china cabinet to display harvest colors.

But the simplest solution to bring fall into your kitchen is (duh!) by showing off fall's gorgeous seasonal veggies and fruits. (Don't just display your gourds, use them too!)

Candles are, of course, one of those sensory items you can use just as well; be sure to choose a food/fruit scent for the kitchen! (Floral scents compete with the natural smell of food cooking in your kitchen!)

Just remember, there's no need to go over-the-top in your home, just make it special to you and your family- sometimes simplicity is the best way to achieve happiness.

images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 27: Trigger Your Senses

When fall starts rolling around, you can really feel it. It becomes chilly out and the leaves start turning colors... those senses that you associate with fall start coming back to you.

In order to celebrate your home, it needs to be personal to you and your family. Using obvious and over-the-top holiday decorations may not necessarily be the way to go, for you. Some great ways to bring fall into your home can be achieved by triggering your senses.

Texture

Cozy knits, pillows, and throw blankets in your home are the sweaters, scarves and boots of your fall wardrobe! Why not wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket while enjoying some good family time?

Taste

You know you've been excited about the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte! Try out some recipes on your own with seasonal gourds and spices; you might end up with a drink or dish that'll become a new fall tradition.

Scent

Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cinnamon, Orange Clove.... whichever scents take you back to fall as a child or remind you of your favorite fall holiday, can really transform the way you feel in your home. Try burning candles in your fireplace or creating your own perfect potpourri mixture!

Colors

If you like to rotate your home decor (ie. switching out throw pillows, artwork, hand towels, etc.) you might want to try out a seasonal color palette. Use whichever colors come to mind when you think of fall- the colors that make you happy.

Decorating your home for the holidays (and any occasion) should be a direct reflection of who your and your family are, by incorporating your senses, you'll feel at home in your home.

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Day 25: It Has to be You

The most important element of any event is that it represents you. If you feel stuffy and uncomfortable, than it's not really you. If it's not you, you're not going to be able to really enjoy it.

The most important place to celebrate is in your own home. It doesn't have to happen through a party, though it definitely could. It doesn't have to happen through elegant and extravagant decor. It doesn't have to be through a grand dinner with all your friends and family. It can be in the simplest and smallest ways. But, it has to be you. Real. Honest. You.

Not your best friend. Not your favorite designer. Not your favorite DIY blogger. You.

I'm a lefty, and so as you might imagine, my handwriting has never been beautiful. I remember when I went to a Creative Memories class years ago, hearing that it didn't matter if you had pretty handwriting or not...all that mattered was that it was yours. I didn't really like this "rule" because I wanted my pages to look pretty. And unless I wanted to sit there until Christmas, my handwritten story page was not going to look "pretty".

However, I think about my silver serving platters. Every time I use them, I turn them over to see an old handwritten label that my mom had placed on them over 30 years ago. I see her handwritten name on that old faded white label, and every time it makes me smile. It really does.

So, I have to go back to sticking with the rule myself. It has to be you. If your home does not feel like you when you look around, find out what will make it feel that way. Talk to your spouse or loved ones. Take some time to listen to your own interests and likes. Then, begin to showcase it in your own home. You'll be surprised at how your home will open into a new phase of celebration, and burst forth with artful events!

Catch up on the previous 31 days posts starting here!

Day 24: Worth the Wait

Sometimes without knowing it, I'll catch myself humming a familiar Christmas tune. Then, I hear myself, and gasp, and tell myself to wait!

I think I've always been one to savor the moment. On trips I always want my last day of vacation to be spent going out one more time to enjoy wherever we were. I hate just packing up and leaving...it feels like wasting the entire "day" that you could have still been wherever it was you were.

The holidays are no different for me. Last year, I did a whole series on this principle! So, yes, I agree 100% with Nordstrom's policy, and am glad they took my advice last year.

All this to say, that this last week of our 31 days journey, I'll be sharing some fun tips to fall festivities around the home. To celebrate this wonderful season we're in, and to encourage you not to miss the glory of Fall around your home. See you tomorrow!

Day 16: Things of Glory

Today, I'm finding inspiration in the most mundane,

and yet miraculous things of all.

Spotting a woodpecker from my kitchen window.

Hearing the sweetest words from a child.

A hot breakfast with lots of laughter to share.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow streaming through the house sung so beautifully.

The leaves giving their curtain call.

The faith of a child.

May we find the grace today to see glory all around us in the littlest of ways.

What are the things inspiring you today?

Day 12: Could it Get Any Better?

I told you about how I bribed my son with visions of popcorn and other carnival goodies. But I didn't tell you that really I was just tempting myself with all my favorite carnival food.

Ok, you might think, CARNIVAL FOOD?!? That's so much work!!!

But, really, carnival food is the easiest of all to plan for...(not necessarily the healthiest, but just add some fruit and veggie trays to the spread...remember the trick!)

1. Hot Dogs. Throw them in a crock pot for a couple hours on high. Set out fixings near the crock pot, so people can design their own dog. Done.

2. Popcorn...Easy! Either pop it ahead of time, or have it popping in a popcorn machine while the carnival is in progress (always adds to the carnival atmosphere!)

3. Cotton Candy...so pretty and a carnival favorite!

4. Old Fashion Donut Holes! They are so yum...especially cute with fun bags.

5. Another fair favorite are those big soft pretzels. This recipe looks pretty great!

6. Snow Cones! Rent a snow cone machine or even get your own machine to enjoy for several parties to come.

7. And last, but definitely not least, splurge with some delicious candy or caramel apples to really give it that carnival feel. You could wrap them up individually and give as favors, or just have them as another treat during the party.

*side note: Candy Apples are also very popular for

fall weddings for a creative and fun twist on a favor!

Check back tomorrow for the next step in the planning of our Vintage Carnival Party!

Catch up on all the 31 Day Posts!

Day 1: 31 Days to an Artful Event

Day 2: The Haves and the Have Nots

Day 3: A Few of My Favorite Things

Day 4: Thinking Outside of the (Berry) Box

Day 5: It's the Little Things

Day 6: Layering is a Good Thing

Day 7: Allowing it to Be

Day 8: The Finished Product

Day 9: Indulging on a Sunday

Day 10: The Greatest Show on Earth

Day 11: Come One, Come All!

Day 11: Come One, Come All...

After having been inspired by a pack of stickers,

I went on a hunt to find an artful invitation.

I knew Etsy would have more than enough options to find the perfect one. I simply searched for my theme ("vintage circus invitation") and up came a ton of choices.

I always love supporting a fellow artist, and it's so fun to be able

to carry out the theme of the event. To me, the invitation is like a

sneak peek into the event!

We were well on our way to making this circus party a grand celebration!

Catch up on the 31 Day Posts!

Day 1: 31 Days to an Artful Event

Day 2: The Haves and the Have Nots

Day 3: A Few of My Favorite Things

Day 4: Thinking Outside of the (Berry) Box

Day 5: It's the Little Things

Day 6: Layering is a Good Thing

Day 7: Allowing it to Be

Day 8: The Finished Product

Day 9: Indulging on a Sunday

Day 10: The Greatest Show on Earth

Day 10: The Greatest Show on Earth

Have you ever designed a party around a pack of stickers?

Ok, maybe it's just me, but I love these. I found them for about .14 cents each this summer, and decided that someway, somehow, I was going to design a vintage circus party.

When we were first pregnant with my oldest (about 8 years ago), we decided that we would be surprised, and not find out if we were having a girl or a boy. I didn't want to just do the same old green or yellow, safe gender neutral colors. I wanted to use reds and browns and amber, and sage. I wanted to use old antique toys and books to decorate. I couldn't stand all the choices at all the big box stores, and so for a while, it felt like it would never come together. But, then, we found this beautiful little blanket in the most unsuspecting spot.

And it was perfect. It was all I needed to design the sweetest little nursery for the little one growing in my belly. And she was a beautiful surprise when she came out. From the beginning I could tell she was a star, so the vintage circus theme seemed just perfect for her.

Then, when we found out our second was going to be a boy, I saw no need to deter from using the same nursery things. So my dear friend surprised me with this fun lamp she found.

A show stopper indeed. I remember pulling it out of the diaper box it had been wrapped in, and exclaiming...

"This is so much better than diapers!!!"

So, there you have it. My love for vintage circus must run deep. I'm not big on the cutsie animal themes, or the character clothes, but give me a bear drinking tea any day.

Since those days, my babies have grown, and almost outgrown any care for things circus related. But, when I told my son we'd have fresh popcorn, tug o war, and relay races, he got pretty excited.

So, off we go to have another adventure this week on our 31 day journey to an artful event. Won't you come along?

Previous 31 Days Posts:

Day 1: 31 Days to an Artful Event

Day 2: The Haves and the Have Nots

Day 3: A Few of My Favorite Things

Day 4: Thinking Outside of the (Berry) Box

Day 5: It's the Little Things

Day 6: Layering is a Good Thing

Day 7: Allowing it to Be

Day 8: The Finished Product

Day 9: Indulging on a Sunday