Autumness

So here’s what we’ve done so far to celebrate fall:

  • I made my mom’s chili beans with rice, which is warm and comforting and delicious. My version of the recipe is below.

1chili-beans

  • We took a long walk all over the city on Saturday night, and it was beautiful.
  • Justin put up our orange twinkle lights around the living room and the kitchen. I love that orange glow… it feels so warm and cozy.

1twinkle-lights

  • I’m working on designs for my Halloween costume, and I’m hoping to start sewing this weekend.
  • It’s been cool and rainy for the past couple of days, so I donned my new tights and boots and scarf for a night out with friends.

1tights

  • Justin and I started reading aloud together again, while snuggled under the quilt my grandma made us.
  • I made a fig and honey tart, because I just couldn’t leave those figs at the market… they were calling out to me. I just sliced some figs and tossed them with honey and a bit of kosher salt, and folded them into a ready-made pie crust. I wanted the tart to be sweeter (more honey?), but Justin loved it.

1fig-tart

  • I made some Mexican hot cocoa (we found Abuelita instant Mexican hot cocoa, which is yummy and easy), and had it with a peanut butter sandwich for dinner one night.

1pbj-cocoa

  • I lined the stairs with tiny pumpkins… they make me so happy, all cute and autumny.

1pumpkins

Things I still want to do to celebrate fall:

  • Bake more cookies and cakes and things with pumpkin and spices.
  • Pull out my sweaters and tights and start putting together fall outfits. (I’ll definitely need my friend Andy’s help with this.)
  • Start some kind of artsy craftsy project – embroidery or knitting, perhaps.
  • Buy lots of votive candles to light all over the apartment.
  • Watch a high school football game at the field a few blocks from our home.

How is your autumn going so far?

Chili Beans with Rice

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 can pinto beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Cooked rice

Saute the ground beef and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Add the chili powder and stir for a bit; then add the beans and tomatoes, cover, and cook for 10 – 15 minutes. Serve over rice.

Notes: We like our veggies cooked to death, so we wait until the bell peppers are nice and soft. I sometimes serve this with brown rice, but if you’ve had a hard day, and need some old-fashioned mama comfort, only white rice will do. 🙂

Makes 4 servings.

Source: my mama.

6 responses to “Autumness”

  1. Super cute tights and scarf and I love the pumpkins! I’m trying hard to hold back until October 1st to decorate for Halloween. 🙂

  2. I pulled out the boots on one of the rainy days this week…and I’m going to make your mom’s chili beans at the next sign of a cold snap. That looks delish! Nice to meet you “in person” yesterday.

  3. Girl, you look great in that outfit!

    Love this recipe,I’m looking forward to some more winter recipes and comfort food. Mexican hot chocolate sounds really good! Lovely week to you!

  4. your post is just brimming with cuteness! i want some mini-punnies! [pumpkins]

  5. Thanks, guys! Andria, it was great to meet you, too! 🙂

  6. you are so cute with your tights! come to boston! 🙂

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