Congrats Kelly + JP!

 This past weekend we celebrated the engagement of Jamie's sister, Kelly, and her boyfriend, JP!  Pictures of the event to come, but first, Hammond and Scout knew they wouldn't be able to make it to Barnsley Gardens to celebrate...and they wanted to find a way to say congrats.  

After all of these attempts (and many more not pictured), we decided to go with this one...

Lots of fun to come in these next few months!!

Pumpkin Everywhere

Every year, about this time, I tend to go a little pumpkin crazy (last year's post here, the year before's here).  I love having pumpkins around the house, I crave pumpkin flavors, and if you ask my husband he would tell you that it's a little out of control.  Now that I'm home most of the day, I cook about 90% of my meals and I have some time to experiment.  So, this year might be the most creative I've ever been with my pumpkin endeavors.  

For our college small group, I made Lindsay's pumpkin whoopee pies.  They are creamy and delicious, were such a hit, and have about 1/3 the calories.

I was craving soup as the weather has been a bit cooler, and saw a recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Soup with Prawns and Thai Basil somewhere online.  It combines some of my favorite things - pumpkin, thai, shrimp...yum!  Plus, back when Jamie went to plant our new herbs for the spring summer, he bought Thai Basil because it smelled good!  I have had no idea what to use it for, and then this recipe came along!  Just in time for us to rip out the herb trough. :)

A few other recipes I've tried - 

- this healthier version of pumpkin bread

- pumpkin sauce (not sure I'd recommend this...it was interesting!)

- and I'm still trying to find the perfect homemade pumpkin spice latte...anybody got any ideas?  Of course, I'm searching for that perfectly healthier version that tastes like Starbucks. :)

Anything pumpkin-y that you've tried recently and would recommend?  

Political Post

Now that my dad is out of the race, this is the most I'll be referencing the upcoming election.  While I won't be taking part (in drinking games, not the election), I did find this quite humorous. :)