Getting Cozy In October {the easiest chili recipe}

This week just felt like fall. I don't know, something about the darker mornings makes me feel like fall has arrived.

Fall means some changes at my house. While I like my summer home to feel light and airy, I want my fall/winter home to feel cozy and crisp. I make a few small changes in my home as I prepare for the colder months. 

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The Living Room. 
As soon as September arrives, I purchased new candles for fall. I love anything cinnamon-spice-apple-pumpkin. We leave a candle lit most evenings in our home, and I love the way it makes the house feel. I just purchased this one for our living room. If we can't have a cozy fireplace, I will make it smell like one!

Fireside Scented Candle

I am also adding in a basket of extra throws to the living room for the fall and winter. We move a lot of our date nights inside as the temperatures drop, and I love having a blanket to curl up with on the sofa. I also think a basket of throws just looks so inviting. 

Cashmere Throws

The Bedrooms. 

We have all heard that creating a special space for sleep is important - and AR and I have taken several steps to make this happen in our bedroom. We made the lighting a little darker, we removed clutter, and we added textures to the space. As the weather gets colder, I know we will head to bed earlier and I want that space to be cozy, warm, and comforting. 

Parachute Down Alternative Comforter

To prepare for fall, I am upping the weight of our comforter, and adding another throw to the bed. I love having a duvet cover for this reason - I take it to the dry cleaner each season and switch out the comforter depending on the weather. I also use a down alternative comforter because of all of A's allergies. 

For guest bedrooms, I add in extra throws, fuzzy socks and slippers, and a big sweatshirt. So often when people come over, they don't have something warm for their feet, so offering some extras is a sweet touch. I also like to provide extra blankets in case people get cold at night! 

For my closet (which is kind of like the bedroom!), I switch out my clothing. I love unpacking my sweater and jackets as I put away my summer clothes. I am obsessed with these vacuum seal space bags, which keep my clothes protected, and fit right under my bed. 

The Kitchen. 

Fall brings in a whole set of new recipes for me. I want hot soups and stews, with warm bread. I crave hot beverages, like tea and hot chocolate, along with sweet treats like muffins and cookies. I've been blogging about these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for weeks now, and they are becoming a fall staple. I am also stocking up my my favorite hot chocolate mix and some teas.  

Tonight I have chili in the crockpot, which I whipped up in the morning before leaving. Chili was a classic fall recipe at my house, and I love switching up the ingredients. I always start by browning onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ground turkey. I add this to the crock pot with two cans of beans (black, ranchero, or kidney beans all work well), crushed tomatoes, and a little broth. For seasonings, I use lots of chili power and cumin because we like it hot :) We like it served with shredded cheese, sour cream, and brown rice!

What do you love to bake or cook in the fall? 

How to you prepare for the seasons?

x0x0, 

Hannah

~this post was inspired my Parachute, but I was not compensated for any of my opinions~

Fall Table Decor

Ooooooo, do I love a good table decoration. One of my favorite things about visiting my family in Texas is going to my Aunt Anna Gail's house. She always has her dinning room completely decorated for whatever holiday or season is current. She decorates eveyrthing from her centerpieces, table clothes, napkin rings.... even her salt & pepper shakers change out. 

While I am not quite at my Aunt's level, I do love a fall table set-up. I like a festive centerpiece for the dinning table, as well as something for the coffee table in the living room. Here is some of the inspiration I am looking to this fall! 

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What table decor is your favorite? 

Do you change out your centerpieces for the seasons or holidays?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Falling for Fall

When I heard Katie & Pink Persistence were hosting this linking, I was so excited. I have serious fall love, and I cannot wait to read everyone's posts this evening!

AR and I actually make a bucket list each season of things to check off.... okay, I make a bucket list and AR throws out some suggestions. I think it keeps us from feeling like the season just flew by. Here are a few things I am looking forward to:

- fall baking treats- 

I made these muffins last week and will be sharing the recipe soon. I also tried these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies on Saturday night. We had friends over to watch football and they ate almost my entire batch! So so good!

- football-

Obviously, this brings me to football. Because of my school schedule, I doubt AR and I will make it to an LSU game this year, which is heartbreaking. But I am still planning on some fun football watching at home! [PSA I did not attend LSU. I married into it. ;) ]

-football movies-

I always have to watch my football movies during football season. Blind Side and Remember the Titans are my two favorites!

-pumpkin carving-

We carve pumpkins every year and have become a bit competitive about it. We try to plan out our designs way in advance and don't show each other until we finish. I can't wait for this year... I have a really good idea for my pumpkin!

-hot drinks-

Cider, cocoa, coffee... you name it, I will drink it. Hot chocolate is on my grocery list for this weekend because I think it is finally "fall" enough to make.

- blog changes-

I've been working with the ladies at Designer Blogs for some revamping of the blog. Fall is the perfect time for new beginnings, right? Stay tuned for more information, but I am so excited!!!

-fall workouts-

Down here, out workouts move outside in the fall. To be honest, outdoor running in August can be pretty gross. I am excited for evening runs in the cooler air, weekend hikes, and outdoor picnics. We have a day trip planned this weekend to go hiking and have a picnic. Any it looks like the weather may be under 73*! #fallinthesouth

What are you looking forward to this fall? Any must-make recipes that feel like fall to you?

x0x0, 

Hannah

P.S. Thanks for the sweet comments on my wedding photo sneak peak. More coming soon!!!

Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup

Fall flavors are everywhere right now. My friend and I immediately texted each other the day Panera brought back their squash soup and I have already baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

It is easy to focus on squash as a sweet food, but it can also be amazing as a savory option. I love spaghetti squash with marinara, baked acorn squash stuffed with couscous and beans, and butternut squash mac and cheese. Squash adds such a buttery creaminess to dishes, and packs a ton of nutrients.

On Monday evening I whipped up this butternut squash and pumpkin soup. It was a favorite of mine all last winter and I am loving it this week! I really love making a big pot of soup to enjoy all week in lunches or for a quick dinner. Last night I enjoyed it with a large piece of wheat toast and a sliced pair. It was a perfect combination.

For this soup, I combined roasted butternut squash with broth, celery, pumpkin puree, and seasonings.  I topped it off with a little almond milk for creaminess. Feel free to use whatever broth you have on hand and include an onion or even diced carrots!

Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup 

Ingredients
1 large or 2 small butternut squash, halved and seeded
1/2 cup of finely diced celery (or onion)
1 cup of pumpkin puree - canned or homemade
3 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 dash of cinnamon
1 tsp. of salt - plus more if your broth is low sodium
1/4 tsp. of black pepper
olive oil
1/2 c. of unsweetened almond milk

Directions
Heat over to 400*. Place seeded and halved squash on a baking sheet with cut side up. Brush squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake the squash until tender, about 30 minutes for small squash and 45 for a large squash.

Meanwhile, heat 1 T. of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add celery/onion and sauté until tender. Scoop butternut squash into the saucepan and add the pumpkin, broth, and seasonings. Cook over medium heat until ingredients are all tender and flavors have combined, about 15 minutes.

Puree soup in blender, food processor, or with an immersion blender. Return to saucepan and check seasonings, adjusting as necessary. Stir in the almond milk until combined. Serve with pumpkin seeds, a scoop of yogurt, or croutons!

Enjoy!

Hannah 

Fall Bucket List

Friends, fall is HERE!'

I am thrilled. 

Fall in Atlanta is one of the most gorgeous things ever. The weather doesn't get too cold, but the city is filled with trees that put on a show with bright colors. 

Here are some things I want to do this fall:

1. Take pictures in the park with all of the gorgeous trees - maybe for our Christmas cards?

2. Go apple picking. 

3. Get a new puffy vest to wear in these cooler temperatures. 

4. Make an autumn table-scape.

5. Carve pumpkins - AR and I do this every year, its a tradition.

6. Bake a pumpkin, puree it myself, and make soup/cookies/everything.

7. Run the Chicago Marathon in the gorgeous midwest October weather! 

8. Make lots of crock-pot soups and stews with cornbread or biscuits

9. Take a "cleanse month" for AR and I --> more on this later! 

10. Take a trip to Stone Mountain. 

x0x0, 

Hannah 

{Fall} Sweaters, Boots, & Jackets

The blog world is blowing up over autumn. 

Here it is, not even September, and we all want to make pumpkin muffins and wear sweaters. 

I am no different, but living in Atlanta, I know I have a long wait until the sweaters come out. Until then, I am baking pumpkin treats and pinning fall looks to my Pinterest boards (<-- thank heavens for my imaginary life on Pinterest). 

This fall, I have several must-have items

Majorly distressed denim. I just really love big sweaters with faded, distressed denim. 

Dark nail polish. Yes, it shows chips faster than anything, but it is just so beautiful. This is Carry On, by Essie. It is one of my absolute favorites. 

A fur vest. I confess, I never bought one last fall and regretted it deeply. This year, a fur vest is a MUST for me. 

Sweater & Scarf combos. I could probably wear a different scarf every day of the month and not have to repeat. I own so so many, yet I still love them. I'll be shopping for more :) 

This is from Anthro and I am obsessed. LOVE. 

 Rain boots. I bought my Hunters last winter and they were the most-worn item i my closet, hands down. I have worn them so many times, and I know this fall will be no different. It rains so much in Atlanta, perhaps I should get another pair!

I have this color and I feel like they are so perfect with everything.

Do you have a fall must-have list going? 

What are you *dying* to wear out of your closet?

x0x0, 

Hannah