Home Scents

   Time to get cozy! As the weather cools and the holiday seasons approach everyone loves warm nostalgic smells that bring to mind family and friends. Here are some easy recipes and ideas you can use in your home for holiday parties, events, or just for yourself. 
   All these recipes are very simple you essentially place the ingredients in a pot add water and simmer. You will need to continually add water the longer you use it because it will begin to evaporate and if left unattended could burn the bottom of your pot. 

 

 Rosemary

Lemon Slices

Vanilla 

 Apple Peals

Orange Slices

Cinnamon Sticks 

 You can use any of these herbs in your scents 

Rosemary-Basil-Juniper

 Cranberries

Orange Slices

Pine Needle Clippings 

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Lemon Garlic Chicken

   This is a slow cooker recipe which I am all about. Any time I can use my crock pot it takes a load off of me and saves on valuable time. 

 This is a simple recipe and the favors can be altered to fit your taste. 

            * Clean your chicken well including the inside as well
            

   * Cut a head of garlic in half and one lemon placing it at the bottom of the slow cooker including some rosemary. 
   * Place the cleaned chicken on top of the above mentioned items and season the chicken as desired. I put seasoned pepper, garlic powder, and salt on top. 

   * On top of the chicken place some lemon and rosemary

    * Cover and place your crock pot on high for 4 hours minimum. I cooked on high for 4 hours and then on low for an hour. 

   The chicken was very moist and flavorful and I was able to use the left overs for a chicken pot pie the next day. Wonderful way to extend your meal to the next day and to be healthy and ultimately hands free. 




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DETAILS

Little of this & Litttle of that by carrielee34 featuring vintage earrings

J Crew pink lace top
jcrew.com

J Crew skirt
jcrew.com

J.Crew pumps
jcrew.com

J.Crew vintage earrings
jcrew.com

J Crew bracelet
jcrew.com

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Fall Harvest Tips

    Now that we are into the fall season and the farmers markets and produce isles are full of fall produce and inspiration. I thought I would round up some tips on money saving ideas, tips for what to look for, and a fun new recipe that will help you as you transition into the fall foodie mentality. 

    Tip 1 - Buy in season, which should make sense, but a lot of times finding out what is in season in your area can be challenging. I found this site that you can click on your state and it will show you whats in season monthly. 


    Tip 2 - Not all organics are equal and all of them usually cost a pretty penny. Here is a list of produce that you won't want to skimp on when decided what to buy organic or not. 

peaches

apples

sweet bell peppers

celery

nectarines

strawberries

cherries

pears

grapes (imported)

spinach

lettuce

potatoes

     Tip 3 - Here is a list of some of my favorite fall produce and why they should be items we look to add to our cooking arsenal. 

 Arugula is a cool weather peppery green harvested at different times in different places (winter in warm climates, summer in cool ones) but grows in many places during autumn.

 Brussels sprouts grow on a stalk, and if you see them for sale that way snap them up - they'll last quite a bit longer than once they're cut.

Eggplant (early fall) comes into season towards the end of summer, but bright shiny heavy-feeling specimens stay in season well into fall.

 Garlic is another produce item that we forget has a season; fresh garlic is at its plump, sweetest best in late summer and fall.

 Green beans tend to be sweetest and most tender during their natural season, from mid-summer into fall in most regions.

Kale is like all hearty cooking greens - cooler weather keeps it sweet.

Pumpkins are the most common winter squash and come into season in September in most areas.

Winter squash of all sorts comes into season in early fall and usually last well into winter.
 
Zucchini have a harvest season from summer into fall in most climates.

  Tip 4 - When you are at the store here are some no brainer money saving ideas. 

 * Make sure you shop with a list

 * Buy (organic) meat in bulk when on sale. You can freeze and have on hand when needed.

 * The smaller the cart, the smaller the bill

 * Splurge in the produce isle, and make veggies the star of the meal.

 * Don't throw money away, look for ways to use every bit of your food so that none goes to waist. 

   Tip 5 - Fall Cornbread Panzanella Salad with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette - fun fall recipe from a great blog with wonderful creative ideas that inspire your taste buds. 

 





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Tidbits

   I have just returned from visiting a friend in VA and her new precious baby boy. So my posts have been a bit sparse and I feel like bouncing back from trips takes more time then it use to. I hope to get back on track soon, but in the mean time I hope these tidbits hold you over.

       Love this retro jacket


      Nursery inspiration for the clean modern look


      Quick freezer crock pot meals


      Spend a lovely Saturday here


     I could always do with more glitz in my life


    Get some wonderful fall inspiration 

  
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Pumpkin Loaf

       This is one of the easiest pumpkin recipes ever. If you are looking for something that is easy to remember, quick, and yummy this is it. 

Ingredients

1 can of pumpkin puree

1 yellow cake mix

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 

* Mix together the ingredients till you reach a batter like consistancy 

*Then poor into a greased pan or cupcake liners. 

Bake at 350 degrees 

18-22 minutes 

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 package of regular cream cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream

(mix until you have frosting like consistency)

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Fall Scarves

I love scarves! I like the way they add color, texture, and interest to an outfit. You can wear an outfit that is neutral and then add a scarf and the look changes. It can also balance out your body shape if you have more to your bottom half having some interest up top will emphasize your narrow waste. 

There are so many tutorials out there to give you new ideas and inspiration. I like the look of this world market tutorial hope you enjoy it.  

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October has arrived

      Beginning of a new month and open to so many new opportunities and discoveries. Sometimes it might feel like we are being dragged from one month to another and it feels like a never ending race between work, family, and just living life. Try and take some time to step back, take a deep breath in, see all the blessings that you have in your life and give thanks. See the beauty in the small things in the changing of the seasons and the time with family and friends. 

10 Great Things About October 

1. Everything is flavoured Pumpkin Spice 

2. Football is in full swing 

3. National Seafood Month

4. Fall Beers

5. Fall Festivals

6. New Season of TV shows 

7. Baseball Play offs 

8. Boots, scarves, & cool weather

9. Beautiful colors of falling leaves 

10. ....um, did we talk about pumpkin spice already :)

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