Thankful

As the Thanksgiving season approaches I decided it would be a good time to write a post on being "Thankful." I know we are told daily to be thankful and grateful for what we have in our life, but I believe it takes special moments that really truly allow you to be thankful and grateful for your life. As I've started my new job I am faced almost daily with people's lives and situations, and it has given me an entirely new outlook and appreciation on life. I'm not just talking about clothes, cars, house...etc. I am talking a true and humbling gratefulfulness for my health, my legs, my arms, my family, my husband, my ability to take care of myself and the list could go on and on. These are all things i take for granite on a daily basis. I walk, talk, eat, breathe, live, socialize on a daily, minute by minute basis and don't even realize these are all privileges that many people live without. I'm frustrated if my iphone has less than 10% battery, as if my life will come crashing down without a phone for the day. I know- shallow right? Don't even pretend you haven't felt the same way. I'm not saying I have a perfect life, nor do I want a perfect life, because I know in those challenging moments I face the Lord teaches me things that are valuable, but I know I am blessed beyond measure and have far more than may people. If you have a roof over your head, the ability to eat out on a weekly basis, visit Starbucks far more than you should, shop for new clothes, browse Pinterest whenever you feel like it, talk or text on the phone without question and drive a car... BE THANKFUL. You are blessed. Beyond health and monetary things, I am grateful and thankful for the Lord. His grace, his mercy and his peace that passes all understanding. Without all these things I know the Lord is still my strength and comfort. I am just very thankful, and I hope you are too. Ponder these things, and take a moment to be thankful, grateful and appreciative. I know I definitely have these last few days.

Alex's fall bucket list

I've decided to follow Jessica's lead and create a fall bucket list.  This fall will be unlike any other between teaching and all of the big assignments due for my licensure.  Getting things checked off of my bucket list will be a challenge, but it's a good goal to keep myself sane and happy!  Because this is a FALL list, I want the items to be mostly FALL oriented, and I'm including things I've already done but really want to do again in the next few months!

Join me in completing some of these ideas, but let me know once you do!! I'd love to hear peoples stories, or see pictures!

1. Celestial Seasonings Tour:  This is one of my favorite tours.  There is something intriguing about a factory, especially when it involves lovely aromas and flavors.  I LOVE their tea, and I love that this is FREE.

Located in Boulder, CO.

2.  Hike to the Maroon Bells while the leaves are changing.  Just look at this picture and you'll know why!!

3. Take part in another Canvas & Cocktails class, or Upstairs Circus.  It's just too much fun being creative! 

4. Get back into a workout routine.  It's gone out the window while I've been adjusting to the new schedule.  I typically do Les Mills Body Pump or Body Combat along with one of the 30 day Way of Gray home workouts!

5.  Go to a corn maze.  Getting lost in corn fields makes me feel like a kid again…not that I hung out in corn as a kid, but I sure did love hide and seek!

6.  Get to Miller Farms to do some hand picked produce shopping!  

7.  Volunteer for a food bank! This is the time of year that families are in extra need of support!

8. Investigate (and possibly start) what it would take to donate my time to a children's hospital and read or do crafts with little ones! 

9.  Take more time in the kitchen exploring new recipes!  Of course I will pass them along if they're a success!

10. Last, and most importantly… Successfully complete my TWS, Capstone, and Masters degree…followed by being hired as a long term sub for spring :-)

**I hope you enjoy some of these ideas too!  I'm SOOO looking forward to cool air, the colors changing, boots & scarves, and a new season!

Jessica's Fall Bucket List

With fall approaching quickly I have to say I am sentimentally over summer and dying for Fall!! Every year when fall approaches and I can smell the crisp air (that makes no sense but I like it) and wear a comfy sweatshirt I welcome fall with open arms! Honestly, if I could hug fall I would. And it just so happens I still have my fall wreath on my front door.... from last year. (Don't judge) Anyways, with my favorite season approaching I put together my Fall Bucket List because I'm hoping if I write it down it will actually happen. So, here I go! :)

1. Pumpkin Patch- I love going to the pumpkin patch in the Fall. That to me is the definition of fall. Cool weather, pumpkins, apple cider, face painting, veggies...etc. I went to a Pumpkin Patch/Farm last year and it was amazing. Not the one highlighted here, but it had face painting, animals, a fresh market, roasted chilis, hay ride...etc. I loved every minute of it! This is definitely #1 on my list. I told my husband last night and he was... thrilled. ;)

2. Farmers Market- We go to the farmers market quite often over the summer but my favorite time to go is fall. I love walking around, trying food samples ( I mean let's be honest, that's the main reason I go) ;) and stocking up on fresh produce! There are farmers markets everywhere- so check your local area! The one we go to is open till November!

3. Air Force Academy- Don't ask me why but going to an Air force Football game has been something I have always wanted to do! Maybe because Colorado Springs is my favorite city in Colorado and so going to a college game sounds like a blast and a half! :)

4. Drink gallons of pumpkin spice lattes- because why not? It's fall.

5. Decorate/carve pumpkins. I really want to paint pumpkins instead of carve this year because carving is hard and messy. and that's not my thing.

(Pic from Pinterest)

6. Wear leggings 7x/week ;)

7. Lose 10 pounds so I don't feel bad about the 100 batches of baked goodies I'll be making. Fall Trail Mix, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, macaroons, pumpkin pie... and the list goes on. Martha Stewart would be proud. (I'll post recipes to all in a later post)

8. Go on long walks. I love walking in the fall. I love hearing the leaves crunch under my feet and once again smelling the crisp air. It's simply the best.

(Pic from Pinterest)

For some reason fall reminds me to slow down a bit. Summer is always sooo busy that when fall hits I'm reminded to just take a breath. What's on your Fall Bucket List??

Smells like Fall

Happy Tuesday!!! Did anyone else notice that it is starting to smell like fall?? I am absolutely LOVING it!! I am a little sad that summer is over because I thought this was such an amazing summer! Well... as amazing as working full time can get ;) I really enjoyed the warm weather, long summer days and lounging by the pool! But... I am always happy to welcome in fall! Fall is probably my favorite season. The crisp feeling in the air, pumpkin spice lattes, scarfs, sweaters and the list goes on! I do have to admit one of my favorite things about fall is... FOOTBALL SEASON!!! This girl LOVES her Broncos!!! With fall also comes this feeling of responsibility to cook and bake more. I mean who doesn't want to gain 10 pounds from October-January?! ;) With that said home girl needs some major recipe inspiration so I am hoping you will leave a comment with some yummy fall *EASY* recipes!!! Here are a list of some of my fav fall recipes!

Homemade Chili

1 Onion

1 LB Hamburger (preferably organic)

2 cans each: Kidney Beans, Black Beans & Pinto Beans

Lg Can of Whole Tomatos

1 Small Can of Whole Tomatos

Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic, Paprika

(all to taste)

Cut Onion & Cook with Hamburger

While that is cooking pour both cans of tomatos in the blender and mix up until chunky

Drain all cans of beans and rinse well

Once the hamburger/onion is cooked pour in tomatos, beans and season heavily. I do all the seasoning to taste, so you may have to add more as time goes on. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for however long, or throw into the crock pot on low! VOILA- dinner is served!

Semi-homemade Minestrone Soup

2 cans of Progresso Minestrone Soup

1 lb. hamburger or turkey

1 onion

1 can of Rotel

1 can of Italian cut green beans

1 can of Pinto Beans

Cook the hamburger & onion

Once cooked throw everything in and bring to a boil

Put on low and let cook for however long

*I prefer to drain the green beans & pinto beans, but that's up to you

EAT UP & ENJOY!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Rotisserie Chicken

2-3 Carrots

1 Onion

2-3 Pieces of Celery

Salt & Pepper to taste

1-2 32oz chicken broth

Noodles of your choice

Olive Oil

Tear up the rotisserie chicken into small pieces

Cut the carrots, celery & onion

Toss into pot with olive oil, salt, pepper

When tender put in the rotisserie chicken & chicken broth

Taste & season the way you like

*I usually cook my noodles separately and then throw into the soup, or you can throw the noodles into the soup and let cook*

Let cook for 20-30 mins on low.

I hope these have inspired you to welcome in fall!! If you have any favorite fall recipes/soups let me know!