Happy Halloween!

Check out our costumes this year!! Tonight we plan to host a bonfire in the front yard with our neighbor, passing out candy to the kiddos.

 Trying to make an "Olive Oyl" face - not sure what I'm doing here...

What's New Wednesday: Halloween

 I love Halloween...love! Maybe obsessed is a better word. =) So, my home needs to reflect my obsession. Check it out!

Tasty Tuesday: Chili

Chili with some movies from RedBox! Try promo code: dvdonme for a free rental!

This past lazy Sunday, I got inspired to to cook. Quickly perusing a couple of recipes, I settled on chili. With that said, I decided not to follow directions but rather whip up whatever I had available. So, I call this my "everything but the kitchen sink" chili.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Red, orange and yellow bell peppers
• White onion
• Jalapeno (from the garden)
• Low sodium kidney beans 
• Low sodium black beans
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Red flaked hot pepper

Directions:
Defrost ground turkey and saute with chopped onions and bell peppers. Add seasoning to liking. Once brown, transition into crock pot, adding extra onions, jalapeno, spices and beans. Cook on low for four-hours and on high for the final 45-minutes. Serve with Frito Lays, chopped onions and cheese.

Motivation Monday: Be a better friend...

With the slow demise of a good friendship, the idea of being a better friend has been on my mind lately. While I firmly believe it takes two to make or break a relationship, I know I need to work on being the kind of friend that I would like to have in my life. So, here are some good reminders from Tiny Buddha.

1. Be who you truly are—be that vulnerable–and provide the other person the space, safety and choice to do the same. 
2. Be genuinely happy when your friend gets, receives, or achieves something you truly desire.
3. Share the truth in your heart, without the fear of misunderstanding. 
4. Be loyal and forgive; but above all: love and respect. 
5. Accept the person as they are, as an individual, without conditions. Also, as important as it is for you to be there for them, sometimes you have to be willing to let them be there for you.
6. Keep your word and acknowledge when you don’t.
7. Show up! You can pretend to care but you cannot pretend to show up.
8. A true friend is someone you feel as comfortable with as you do when you are by yourself.
9. Don’t let your own stuff get in the way. The ego is powerful. 
10. Know someone’s least admirable characteristics and still love and support them.

What's New Wednesday

Chicago is what's new!! Here are a few photos from our recent travels to Chi-town. Mostly taken by my husband but edited by me - and quickly. So, please do not judge! But rather...enjoy. =)

Tasty Tuesday: A Family Recipe

Spinach Squares have been in my family for years, and while I cannot share the recipe (sorry, family code) I can show a photo! This is an appetizer that folks are hesitant to try but once they have a taste cannot stop. Yum, yum, yum!

Motivation Monday: Fall List

I'm back; sorry for being flighty. I haven't been inspired to post, and my time seems to always be filled with adult-like responsibilities. But I promise to make more of a commitment to my blog - sharing some tips and bits.

Today? Well, rather tonight. (Hehe) It's about a fall goal list. Just like my summer list, this provides some fun, motivating things to accomplish this fall.

And as San Diego has failed to provide my fall, crisp weather as of late I will just have to entertain some fall-like traditions to get in the spirit.

So, here it goes!

Fall Goal #1: Pumpkin Painting: Living close to the beach has posed some moldy issues with pumpkin carving. My solution? Pumpkin painting! My coworkers are coming over for a little Halloween spooktacular later this week. On the agenda is some good ol' pumpkin painting. Pictures to follow soon!

Fall Goal #2: Apple Picking: Growing up in Northern Nevada, my family and I made the annual (obligatory) trip to Placerville's Apple Hill. With festivals, apple cider, apple pie, apple picking and events this place holds a special place in my heart. While I would love to make a trip, the likelihood of traveling 8/9 hours is slim. So, I have Julian, CA a mere 45-minutes away! Check out the apple picking opportunities available!

Fall Goal #3: Fall Gardening: Fall gardening is said to be easier to flourish which is great news as the hubby and I just planted broccoli, snap peas, rosemary and lettuce. Check out some tips for fall-time gardening!

Fall Goal #4: Volunteering: Sign up at your local Feeding America or food bank now to prepare for the busy holiday season!

Have a great fall!

A quick snapshot...

Last week, Nick and I went to a Bear's game. Live. In Chicago. At Soldier Field. And they won! It was amazing!

Tasty Tuesday: Simple Halloween Treats

Going to a Halloween party? Have little to no time? No fret! Here are a few, simple Halloween treats you can whip up!

Ghosts and Pumpkins (bananas w/ chocolate chips & peeled tangerines w/ celery)

Dental fun (halved apples, peanut butter & mini marshmallows)

Mummy Pizza Bites (French roll, pizza sauce, mozzarella & olives)

Courtesy of Pinterest

Motivation Monday: Home

Home Sweet Home

Nick and I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Chicago/land. With a strenuous travel day; long walks throughout the city; drinks at the Navy Pier; eats at Chicago Cut; deep dish at Lou Malnati's; da Bears; friends/family; and Blair's wedding I'm exhausted. And of course as soon as I get home I spring into mega housecleaning, robot wife - dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, yard work, and laundry. With all that said (and done), I'm so relieved to be home. It was an amazing trip but there's nothing like chilling in your pajamas - with your cat and husband - at home. This is my happiness. Speaking of which, I read a great article on Huffington Post about the 9 Happiness Mistakes You're Probably Making. Check it out!

And here's another shot of our house "Halloween-fied" - more photos to share on the blog soon!

Both photos courtesy of Nick via Instagram

What's New Wednesday: A spruce

The hubby and I have been busy upgrading our rented cottage. Just recently we completed a HUGE project in the backyard. We added rocks - I know it doesn't sound like much but it took about two weeks to finish. Check it out!

And here are some other changes we have made around the cottage...
Added a little flare to the office:

Organized the jewelry drawer and added a fun way to display necklaces; repurposed an inexpensive, ornate-looking soap dish as a watch holder; and found a unique way to hold the hubby's rings.

Added a little ground cover.

More updates to come!