Pumpkin Picking

My friend, Heidi, and I went pumpkin picking this past Sunday.  It was so much fun.  They have an animal farm where you can interact with the animals.  They also have a maze, pumpkin patch and sell a small amount of food.  We experienced everything.  We didn't get any food, but we did get apple cider.  Although, mine was thoroughly enjoyed by a bee instead of me.  It was cool to watch the bee drink it!  I wish I was able to take a picture.

My pumpkins

Heidi used to volunteer at the farm.  She's catching up with a friend (the one in the purple hat).

I don't like the chicken coop.  Last time I went in, a chicken chased me.  So I took pictures when Heidi went in.

We had a lot of fun in the maze.  We took a lot of goofy pictures.  I'll upload some of mine after I get them from Heidi.

 

How are you enjoying your fall?

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Birthday Gift #2

My birthday is on Halloween.  I'm turning 25 this year!  I cannot believe that I'm turning 25 already!  But I know that I've become an amazing person who I am proud of being.  And I will be 25% awesome come Halloween (I'm only 24% awesome now because you get better with age).

My first birthday gift was from my dad.  He gave me a ticket to go see the Million Dollar Quartet!  It was AMAZING!!  I loved the show!  He also gave me three Halloween wine glasses, a three-pumpkins-stacked light, and a Halloween night light (I'll post pictures later). 

I feel so lucky to have such loving parents and family. 

Today, I got my second birthday gift.  My aunt Brenda shipped me a gift she made.  When I opened the box, I was hit with a beautiful smell of cinnamon.  I pulled out her gift and it was so beautiful.  I immediately had to hang it on my bedroom door.  It's too beautiful not to be showcased.  She is so creative (she made it).  She also got be a wind-up alligator (my favorite animal) and a pumpkin place mat.

 

I just love everything so much and feel so loved!

Thank you Aunt Brenda!

 

"Keep Moving Forward"

Soup Season

I absolutely love Autumn!  I also LOVE soup!  Soup season is here!!

My mom emailed me the Weight Watcher's Spicy Black Bean soup recipe this morning.  I had planned on looking up a recipe on my way to work and then pick up the ingredients I don't have on the way home.  She ended up crossing one thing off my to do list.  I only needed three ingredients, which I picked up on my way home.


Spicy Black Bean soup
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8 (based on 1 1/2 cup serving)

Ingredients:

Coat bottom of stockpot (I used a large saucepan) with olive oil.

 

Chop 1 medium onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic (I actually used 3).  Sauté in pan until it looks like it's glazed/translucent

 

Add one can of black beans and onion mixture into the blender

Add red pepper and cumin

Cover and blend until smooth. 

 

Pour mixture back into pot.

 

Add one can of black beans and vegetable broth (since I had a large box of broth instead of a can, I measured it out using the empty black beans can) to the blender

Puree until smooth

 

Pour into pot

 

Stir in last can of black beans (as is, do not puree), can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn into the pot.

Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Serve in a bowl and enjoy!

 

 

I am so happy I tried this soup.  It was so easy to make.  It came out delicious!  I only added enough spice to give it a little heat.  But you can play with the spices to make it to your liking.  This will definitely be a recipe that makes a regular appearance in my kitchen!  Thank you mom for passing along the recipe!

 

What soups do you enjoy in the colder weather?  If you want, share your favorite as a comment below. 

 

"Keep Moving Forward"