Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Fall into Fall: Centerpiece and Chili Recipe

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There is no time of year better than the fall in Colorado.

The leaves actually change, the air gets crisp, people hold hands and skip down the lane, okay, maybe not that last part but you get my gist. It's heavenly this time of year in Colorado.

Last week I decorated for fall and am so happy. I mean, who isn't happy in the fall?

My newest purchase that I absolutely adore is from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Four Bugs in a Rug. Check out all their table runners, I love them all. They were also so easy to work with which in our house is a big deal.

Here's a close up pic from their site:
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And a couple pics from our table:
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The pumpkin is a decorating pumpkin, and I plan to paint something spooky on it soon. I found super-cute templates for doing this on Country Living, which you can check out here. Did I mention I'm not crafty? TOTES not-crafty.

The next  thing on my short craft list this year, throwing together this wreath:
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This picture from Star City Wreaths is my inspiration.Will I fail and order from their Etsy shop? Time will tell.

Another sign of fall's arrival?
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I made my first batch of chili, Vegetarian Chili. I live off of it during the fall, winter and spring. So really, I just take a break in the summer. It's simply divine, packed with fiber, filling and it keeps great which is critical for my lunches.

I have used this old Crockpot Recipe for years, and just kind-of tweaked it with spices and ingredients I like over time.

{Vegetarian Chili -Ingredients}
1 large carrot chopped.
1 stalk celery chopped.
1 zucchini chopped.
2 cups corn kernels.
3 cloves garlic chopped.
2 tbsp olive oil.
1 28-ounce can diced tomato can, with liquid.
3 cups red kidney beans drained.
1.5 cup black beans, cooked.
1 tbsp chili powder.
1.5 tsp salt.
1 tbsp cumin.
1 tbsp garlic powder.

{Directions}
Combine in crockpot. Turn on low and cook overnight.
I like to top with cheddar cheese and avocado (and if no one's watching some Frito's).
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Happy fall, y'all!
Lauren

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Cocktail Hour: Blueberry Vodka Spritzer

I'm starting to accept that summer is winding down.
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We will soon be saying goodbye to our sprawling summer garden (insert intense sarcasm here), our many hours clocked at the park and pool - and will be saying hello to a sure-t0-be gorgeous Colorado fall. Hopefully followed SLOWLY by winter. IE: more fall, less winter. Got it Denver?

I'm getting all sentimental about savoring the last of summer. So I say, let's go out with a cheers!

Lately I've been craving not wine, but a refreshing, fruity, light, spritzer-like  blueberry vodka cocktail.
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I think it's been years since I've actually bought a bottle of vodka, and it felt a little...scandalous with a toddler in tow. Alas, it was time!

When it comes to making cocktails, I like simple and low-calorie. There were a lot of homemade simple syrup recipes on Pinterest, but REALLY, who has time for that?! I threw this together over the weekend it was so delicious. Whoever invented flavored vodka is a genius.
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Blueberry Mint Vodka Spritzer Cocktail
Ice in glass
1 ounce blueberry vodka
Sparkling lime water to taste
(Very picky on this. Finally settled on our Safeway brand.)
1 slice lemon halved and squeezed in glass
Few leaves mint
Handful blueberries

Blueberry Mint Vodka Spritzer Mock-tail
Replace the vodka with a splash of grenadine or cranberry juice
Voila! Isn't it pretty?
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Yum! If it wasn't 9 o'clock in the morning I'd totally be down for one of these.

Cheers!
xo
Lauren

Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday Re-Wind

There is so much that I am loving about this past week. A little week-in-review on this Friday...

1. West Elm
I’ve fallen back in love with this store. I’ve recently made two purchases that I just adore. Don't you love that? When you make a purchase and then like it more when you bring it home? Typically never happens, but it has recently:

First, this salvaged wood shelf. I feel like you could put this shelf anywhere and it would work but it is hanging in our master above our bed. (I’d take a picture, but my room is not quite ready for public viewing yet). I’m in love:



http://www.westelm.com/products/salvaged-wood-shelf-w637/?pkey=e|shelf|16|best|0|1|24||1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

And these curtains I just bought for our new updated office/guest bedroom that my husband finally gave the green flag to decorate. Hip hip hooray, this room is no longer just “his space” and "off limits." I went with a gray/white theme which has turned out really nice.



http://www.westelm.com/products/cotton-canvas-printed-window-panel-scribble-lattice-b901/?cm_src=AutoSchRel

2. Kale
I’ve been trying to make kale a staple in our household because its got such great health benefits. But, have you had kale? It’s a little…challenging. This week I’ve fallen in love with a roasted kale recipe - so much that I made it twice in two nights. Here’s the Grilled Kale recipe from the blog Unruly-Things:



http://www.unruly-things.com/2011/09/grilled-kale-salad.html

3. OWN
I mean, if we’re being honest here, who doesn’t love Oprah? I don’t watch her new network religiously (probably should), but I TIVO her show Next Chapter. From Carrie Underwood, to Neil Patrick Harris, it’s such an intimate look into peoples lives. And there are always little nuggets of true Oprah wisdom that she gives each episode. The last episode I watched she called the kitchen "the heartbeat of the house.” Oh Oprah, I've missed you. The show airs on her network on Sunday at 8pm central.

4. Family time
Last weekend we were so excited to have family in town from Las Vegas. My sister-in-law stopped in with her two kids and it was so fun to spend time with her family and my mother-in-law. I just wish everyone lived closer! Our babies are 11 short days apart. Here’s some pics from the visit (and yes the boys are matching. You're welcome.):





Also, Denver, I'd like to thank you for no humidity even with record highs. It allowed this little munchkin to play outside. And you've seen it - we officially have a sitter!



[caption id="attachment_397" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hudson continues to keep a safe distance. [/caption]

Well folks, Jeff and I are off to Steamboat Springs for the weekend. I will never tire of the fact that we can travel to so many these fabulous places within hours. Just another reason I love Colorado. :) This weekend will be my first time leaving Cooper...ever! I'll share that experience next Friday. Have a great weekend everyone!

-Lauren