It’s Friday! This week has been a whirlwind of settling back into our routine after vacation and I’m looking forward to a couple down days to fully settle into fall. Plus, pizza Friday- whoop! So let’s get to it.
Pumpkin Season! We drove past a pumpkin patch the other day and Hailey has begged nonstop to get a pumpkin. I took the girls to two different ones the other day and let them pick them pick out a pumpkin (or two- the little ones were 3 for $1!). They loved it and I loved the sisterly bonding (ha).
Homemade broth! It is officially soup/stew/chili season and I’m psyched. We received about 8 or so big ‘ol beef bones when we bought our half cow share and earlier this week I used one to make some amazing beef broth.
No recipe needed, just the beef bones, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and parsley. I ended up letting it simmer for 24 hours (mostly because I forgot to turn it off before bed- oops), but as a result the flavor was deep and amazing.
I used it last night as a base for a modified version of this beef stew and… SO GOOD. I used to be intimidated to season such large pots of soup/stew and default to the flavor packets from the store, but I’ve learned to trust the power of quality ingredients plus herbs, salt and pepper to be all a dish needs to be packed with flavor.
Burn Bootcamp! Do I mention this all the time or what? I can’t help it- I love it. Monday was leg day and I felt it for 3 days afterwards. This is what we did:
I know it looks confusing, but it was a partner work out. While partner #1 did 10 reps of exercise #1, partner #2 did the second exercise, then we’d switch. We repeated that as a drop set (so 10 reps, switch, 9 reps, switch, etc), then would run 3 laps and go onto the next set of exercises. Killer.
Marinated chickpeas! I mixed chickpeas, diced cucumber and finely diced red onion in a mixture of olive oil, grapeseed oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, salt, pepper and ground mustard, then added them as needed to salads. Such a fun switch up!
Plus I could use them for lunch for Kaitlyn. She gave them an ‘ehh’ review, but what does she know (wink).
(Almond butter oat balls in the top right— working on perfecting)
Cashew cream! On our forbidden rice and fajita veggie bowls, I wanted to switch things up so I soaked cashews overnight, then blended them with cilantro and spices to create the cilantro cashew cream sauce.
It was really good, but made a ton, so I’m going to refine it a bit before sharing the recipe.
Pumpkin candles! Nothing makes me happier in fall/winter than candles. However, I find so many are saccharine sweet smelling and I’m not a fan. Well, I found the perfect pumpkin spice one that fits the bill!
Well, actually my friend Julie found it and gave it to me for my birthday (so sweet!) and I’m obsessed with it. This pumpkin spice candle has a wood wick and smells like a real spiced pumpkin baking in the oven. I have no doubt I’ll have burned through it in a week!
Fall fashion! Anyone else excited for scarves, jeans and sweaters?! I’m hoping to tear through my closet soon, clean it out and then add a few key items. I also am ready to embrace the skinny jeans and booties trend and found this post on how to wear ankle boots with jeans very helpful!
Now off to make breakfast, light my candle and celebrate this cool, rainy fall Friday!
What are you loving lately?
Any great recipes?
Any fall fashion finds I should check out?
Sarah says
I love the metal lunch container! Where did you get it? Lately I’ve been trying not to use too many plastic containers to store food, especially with the kids’ food.
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a planetbox lunchbox! I won’t lie, it’s a little pricey, but we love it.
Gena says
Okay, I must try the binder clip roll with my skinny jeans. I have weird skinny ankles so I get all my trousers altered (otherwise they look like floods) and I’ve just never really worn my jeans with my booties. Thanks for sharing!!!
christina says
can you pack my lunch too? that first pic of the girls is so funny. it looks like hailey is choking her. happy friday!
Liz @ LovePenelopen says
Oh mannn, I’m just so excited for Fall! I just went and picked up a Fall candle yesterday and was in heaven.
Heather says
I finally gave in and now I’m excited for fall. I’d still like to hang on to warmer temperatures, but I’m ready to embrace fall layers and the smells and coziness that this season brings. Love the ankle boots link! I bought my first pair a week ago and this is super helpful!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
Can’t wait to stock up on some pumpkin/fall candles!! I’ve been on a fall fashion kick lately- I just purchased some black booties, new denim, and a hat. Can’t stop, won’t stop 🙂
Elizabeth Evans says
I read your blog just before I went to lunch. I figured it was fate when I spotted the same candle in line at tjmaxx & bought it : )
Brittany Dixon says
Awesome! Haha, go light it up- I have mine lit now- love it!
Hilary says
Yum homemade broth sounds yummy! I have been on a mission to try some football tailgate recipes lately! I tried out Lexis clean kitchen’s eggplant parm bites and they were so scrumptious I would for sure recommend them!
Lauren @ Oh Hey, I Like That! says
I’m sooooo excited for scarves and sweaters! By the way, I included you as one of my favorite blogs in my Blogger Shout Out this week!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey thanks for the shout out!! 🙂
Kate says
I love fall fashion. It’s nothing new or surprising, but you can’t beat big knits and scarves…
Ruth says
That sauce with the cashew sounds amazing!
Here is Australia, the weather is slowly heating up and summer fruit like mango are popping up in the shops again. I loooooove ours summers and can’t wait to wear open toes shoes and dresses again 🙂
Kayla says
That stew looks amazing!! Also, you now have me excited to go shopping for some pumpkin scented candles. Good thing it’s the weekend! 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love cashew cream! And pumpkin everything!!
Sara G says
Hi Brittany – I love your blog and, more recently, Periscope videos 🙂 My friend and I are visiting Charlotte in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if you had any restaurant recommendations. Is there a page on your blog that focuses on things to do (places to eat) in Charlotte? Thanks for your help!
Brittany Dixon says
Sending you an email 🙂