This Unfamiliar Road

As the weather begins to cool, I find myself searching for my favorite fall & winter recipes. I've compiled them all here to make it easier!


Snacks & Meals

Pumpkin Seeds
Yumbo Gumbo
Chicken & Dumplings
Low Calorie Potato Soup

Desserts

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies...and Cupcakes
Easy Apple Crisp

This Halloween was all about the husband Peyton as it was her first year to actually go out trick or treating. We only went to a few homes but I was so proud of my girl-she marched right up to every door, exclaimed "Chee Chee" ("trick or treat") and helped herself to the bowl of candy.
Ben was also super excited this year because we dressed up as Star Wars. Yes, he's a nerd but I love him. I didn't realize the can of worms I opened when I found a Princess Leia costume at a children's consignment sale!
We always get into dressing up, and our neighborhood is full of kiddos (150 trick or treaters this year!) so it's a super fun atmosphere.



What a wonderful night for my little family! I hope that Peyton comes to love Halloween as much as we do!

Seriously, where has this week gone?!

Here's what I'm loving:

ONE. Amazon.com
Yep, Amazon-where you can purchase almost anything! I have been creating a 'gift' list for a few months now-as I think of great gift ideas, I just find the item on Amazon and add it to my list! I also have a Family Christmas Wishlist. I hope this will make Christmas shopping easier this year!


TWO. My job
Although we have been super busy lately, I have had so many moments when I feel that I have truly made an impact in my patient's lives. It's not an easy job, but it's so rewarding. I love that I am in a position to truly help people :)


 THREE. Cloth Diapers
I am way overdue for a cloth diaper update, but we are still in the CD and still lovin' it! We had to buy some disposables for our trip out of town last weekend, and I flinched as I paid $12 for diapers I'm just going to toss.


FOUR. Halloween
Duh. What an awesome night where it's ok to dress in ridiculous clothes and eat all the chocolate you want.
Stay tuned for a recap of our Halloween!


FIVE. Weekend Off
Guess what I'm doing this weekend?! NOTHING. No plans. No work, no road trips, no parties. Oh I'm so excited. In reality, I will stay very busy playing catch up, but I desperately need this time at home to get stuff done! I will really enjoy the chance to unwind and play with miss P.

Hey y'all!
It's been another crazy week, and I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels. You know-Those days when you are in constant motion getting things done, yet look around and you haven't even made a dent!

Still, I need some "me" time so I thought I would recap our fun trip to Alabama!

We left Saturday morning to head to Tuscaloosa.


As we neared the town we spotted lots of cars/SUV's decked out in gameday gear. We had so much fun blaring Rocky Top and getting pumped with other UT fans driving by :)


 Our hosts gave us the VIP treatment: watching a band performance, free food at The Quad, excellent seats, and a personal tour of campus!





Even though our boys in orange lost, it was a great trip and a perfect weekend getaway for Mommy & Daddy!

Wait...didn't we just do this? This week has been a whirlwind and my head is still spinning. And we're just getting started.







ONE. Football. Game.
Can you believe that in all the years I've been a UT fan/attended UT I have NEVER been to an away game?! Honestly, it's always made me nervous to be on enemy turf. And I guess I've just never had the opportunity to go. I'm so excited to be heading to Tuscaloosa this weekend to cheers on our VOLS!


TWO. Modern Medicine
Sounds silly, but I am so thankful for modern medicine this week. We've had an interesting week of a cold, ear infection, a bad fall, and a virus. I love the science behind the meds and the availability we have to it!
THREE. Halloween Costumes
{Squeal} I just can't resist the kiddos dressed in their costumes...it's some kind of torture for them but it's oh so cute! We have a lot of little ones in our neighborhood and I just love seeing them all!

FOUR. Babies!
Speaking of the kiddos... we have had a baby boom at work over the past month! We are certainly staying busy. I also have lots of friends and family welcoming new babes into the world! SO exciting :)


FIVE. Jewelry
I'm not one to wear a lot of jewelry, but I love having staple pieces. Being a Mom gives me a great excuse for a classic necklace! I've been perusing lately and I just love this...simple, classy, and I can add on when it's time!

Happy Friday friends!

I thought it would be fun to join in on a link-up today! The idea is to write about five things I'm loving. We will see how this goes and maybe it will become a weekly tradition!


ONE. Low Sugar Pumpkin Spice Creamer
I am a sucker for flavored coffee creamer. I usually use almond milk to sweeten my coffee because of the high calories in creamer...but what a great way to add a little pumpkin flavor without adding the calories and sugar!


TWO. New blog design and name
I am still in love with the new name and design. It's so refreshing.


THREE. Fall TV
Cooler weather and early sunsets have us indoors more often at night. I am loving my TV lineup these days! Can we say Grey's Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory, and Modern Family?!

FOUR. My Write Plate
The Write Plate was one of the most fun and unique wedding gifts I received! I love changing out the ribbon and the message to reflect each season & occasion.


FIVE. Long naps
Not for me...for the little one. Peyton is pretty consistent with naps, but I just love the days when she decides to sleep for 3 hours! I take the opportunity to catch up on housework and enjoy some ME time!


Be sure to link up and join the fun!

Last fall, I experimented with the recipe for Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies. They turned out quite delicious, but had more of a cake/muffin texture rather than a cookie texture. I was inspired... :)

Thus, The 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cupcakes were born!


What You'll Need
1 (15 oz.) can of pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 box spice cake mix
frosting of choice (I used cream cheese frosting)



What You'll Do:

1. Mix the pumpkin and cake mix together. You will have to use a little elbow grease, too!
2. Place cupcake liners in a muffin pan and fill with the mixture. I like a jumbo cupcake, so I fill about 3/4 full.

3. Bake  at 350 for 25 minutes.


For a muffin, you are all done!

For a cupcake, add icing :)

Enjoy!

I would love for you to share any recipes with simple ingredients!