You are cordially invited...

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas...

All of us ladies were pretty inspired after seeing the Crook House Museum decorated for the holidays. Jan, Irma and I had to visit Hobby Lobby after the Tea so Jan could find some tassels and medallions. I had already purchased the pearl/gold sprays there earlier in the week (50% off!).

So, yes, I still have Thanksgiving/Fall decorations up...but I wanted to get a little bit of a head start on some of the Christmas festivities. What can I say? I was inspired!

Project time!

More of Fall...it's not Winter yet!

Here is my "Organic" punchbowl and two of the cups. I made these a few years ago, and in September they were in a show featuring work of current students and alumni of Midland. I was unable to see them on display, along with my glass "Freezeframe" sculptures--but now the ceramic pieces help decorate our living room. They fit with the earthy, natural tones of the living room and, of course, Fall!

Time for comfort food

Ugh. It is supposed to snow tonight/tomorrow. Good thing I have new recipes to try out for the crock pot! I took a last minute photo on my lunch break with my purse camera:


Pumpkin bisque--it smelled so delicious when I came home from work! It needs a little bit of a kick, though. A co-worker suggested rotisserie chicken, and I think I might add some chili powder or peppers to give it some more flavor next time.

More fall elements

I know several people who have set up their Christmas trees already, but I do have a few fall decorations I want to enjoy first. Most of them are decorate our dining room. I love rich browns, reds and other deep colors; they also happen to be perfect colors for fall!

The first turkey and the pumpkin element were part of the "loot" I found at our last trip to Tender Heart Treasures.

I stocked up on tea last week, when I thought I was getting sick. I love having all different flavors for whatever mood I am in. Sipping hot tea during dreary and snowy weather can make for a cozier fall/winter.

Because I want dinner ready when I get home

I am adjusting to my new hours. I miss my alternating days in Fremont, where I could have some mornings and some afternoons free during the week. I decided utilizing our crock pot more would be a good way to save time on cooking after getting home from work. Here is the first pot roast:


It was quite delicious. Ben even liked the carrots! I thought the meat was a little dry, but it had to cook longer than required because I had a meeting after work. I used a can of beer, but next time I will make sure to have a can of soup on hand.