Soup Weather

It is finally soup weather here in Arizona (meaning that it is no longer 115 degrees!) and I've been searching my favorite food blogs for recipes. I found this amazing Spice Butternut Squash Apple Soup recipe from goodLife {eats} and I might give it a whirl this soup season. While I'm at it I might just make an extra batch and have a Soup Swap - has anyone done this? Sounds like fun! I found these adorable canning lid labels from A Sonoma Garden to add a handmade touch. Happy souping!

Happiness

Happiness = Pumpkin Pancakes (for dinner)

What makes you happy?

Halloween Goodness

I have scoured the internet in search of Halloween goodness and I think you will be spooked (in a good way) at what I found. Link your Halloween crafts & recipes in the comment section.

Fun Fall Cookies Recipe @ Stylish Cousine
Mmmm these candy corn cookies look delish!


I Scream Sandwiches @ Martha Stewart
How ridiculously adorable are these ice cream "sand-witch" hats?!

Jack the Hoop-o-lantern @ Betz White
Check out this super sweet Jack-o-lantern by Betz.


Free Printable Cup Sleeves @ Living Locurto
Drink your pumpkin spice latte in style.

Fabulous Finds

I have a serious (and I admit - irrational) fear of spiders but these little guys look harmless enough (maybe)...

Black Orange Spiderweb Doily by Shady Fibers

Fuzzy Pumpkin by thefuzzymonkey

Creepy Crawly Halloween Banner by Green Elephant Boutique

How-To: Apple Crisp Recipe

Fall is in the air and there is nothing better than a yummy apple crisp on a cold day (90 degrees can be considered cold here in AZ, right?). My friend Gina of Legally Brunette passed along this fabulous and super easy Apple Crisp recipe that I just had to share with you. I don't know about you but I like visuals when following a recipe so I decided to document my steps as I went. Enjoy!

The Equipment:
Large Mixing Bowl
Baking or Pie Dish
Paring Knife or Apple Corer
Measuring Cups
Pastry Blender
Cutting Board
Vegetable Peeler
Baking Sheet

The Ingredients:
6 Large or 8 Medium Apples
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
10 Tbsp Butter


Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2: While your oven is preheating, start making your crumble topping. Combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.


Step 3: Cut up 10 tbsp of butter and add to the mixing bowl. In order to cut out the trans fat, I used Smart Balance instead of regular butter and it still tasted yummy. I also didn't have any nutmeg so I added extra cinnamon. Don't be afraid to substitute ingredients or change a recipe.


Step 4: Using a pastry blender, blend your ingredients together until you get a crumbly consistency.


Step 5: Wash and peel your apples. You can use a paring knife to do this but a vegetable peeler is so much easier.


Step 6: Core and slice your apples. I used my nifty apple corer and this saved me so much time. I'm all about saving time in the kitchen!


Step 7: Arrange your apples inside of your baking dish and sprinkle on your crumble topping.


Step 8: Place your dish on top of a baking dish with sides and place in the oven. Bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Stick a fork into one of the apples to make sure that it is tender.


Step 9: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream and enjoy!


Add your photos to the Designs by Vanessa Tutorial Flickr Group if you decide to make this recipe!

Fabulous Find

This pumpkin spice soap is totally makes me crave pumpkin pie...mmm with almond spiced whipped cream. Ok, I need to quickly look away before I ruin my diet. Luckily this yummy smelling goodness is calorie free.

Sweet Pumpkin Spice Goats Milk Soap by DancingMooney

Fabulous Finds

Have I mentioned that I love Halloween? Well I do! I love festive crafts, spooky decorations and pretty pumpkins. I'll be posting a few of my spooky craft tutorials soon but for now I'm off to add a little glitter to a pumpkin...

Petitie All Hallows' Eve Banner by heatheranndesigns

Coffee Sack Basket by Brin&Nohl

Piece of My Heart by LittleGrayPixel

Clowning Around

Halloween is quickly approaching and I can't wait! Yes, that would be yours truly as a clown when I was about 3 years old haha. My mom used to torture me dress me up in these ridiculous adorable handmade costumes. Oh how I don't miss my mom controlling my clothing choices anymore lol!

What will you be for Halloween?

Fabulous Find

While it is still shorts weather here in sunny Arizona, I can't help but drool over these gorgeous shawls by TickledPinkKnits. Oh how I miss cold weather and all of the fabulous scarves and cowls that come with it. Think of me when you are wearing your cozy wool sweaters.

Rococo Petite Shawlette

Rococo Shawl

Rococo Petite Shawlette

Autumn Loves

My Autumn Loves:

fall foliage
pumpkin pie
halloween candy
costumes
layering clothing
football
thanksgiving
carving pumpkins
long walks
craft fairs
hot apple cider
outdoor photography
the sound of stepping on crunchy leaves
beautiful weather
homemade tomato soup
sipping hot chocolate
scarecrows
corn on the cob
caramel apples
cool nights
breezy days
cozy wool scarves
the smell of cinnamon
the start of my favorite tv shows
the colors
baking
the balloon fiesta
preparing for christmas
living in my favorite pair of jeans

What are your autumn loves?

Secret Forest by EveldasNeverland

Flora Flat by HydraHeart

Green Oak Leaf Headband by Lupin