Pumpkin Soup

As much as I love all things fall, I've never been a huge soup person.  However, I once had a pumpkin soup that was so creamy and decadent it tasted like molten pumpkin pie, and this weekend I had the ambition to attempt my own version.  I loosely followed this recipe, but modified and added in a few ingredients.  It turned out SO good - creamy, slightly sweet, and savory - it was once of my favorite dishes I've made as of late.

:: Creamy Pumpkin Soup ::

1/4 butter

1/3 cup chopped sweet onion

1 clove finely chopped garlic

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 can low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 (15 oz) can Libby's Pure Pumpkin 

1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream

Melt the butter in a 3 quart size saucepan, add in onion, garlic, and brown sugar and saute for 2 minutes.  Add in chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer on low for 10 minutes.  Add in pumpkin, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream, and cook on medium for 5 minutes.  Transfer soup (you'll probably have to do it in batches) to a food processor and pulse a few times to combine evenly.  Transfer all the soup back to your saucepan, and cook for 5 more minutes.  Finish with a dollop of creme fresh, some chopped fresh sage, and a few chopped hazelnuts.

Perfect Sunday night of fall cooking

Stick it to me

Source: coutureandcupcakes.wordpress.com via Krystal on Pinterest

I was gifted a very cool set of flower wall "stickers" for my birthday.  I'll admit, I've always been skeptical of these.  Some can look too trendy, and seemed very intimidating to apply. But I'm very pleased on how it turned out, and made my entryway wall a real statement piece in my apartment.  I had to play around a bit with the layout to make it fit, and it was a happy accident that it came together the way it did. 

 

 

Here are a few of my favs I've found...

 



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Maximizing Your Decor - The Basics

Lately I have found myself on a flurry of decorating projects.  I've been so inspired, and cannot wait to develop this little hobby further.  In the meantime, I'm vowing to start blogging a bit more about tips and tricks for decorating your space.  Specifically 1). On a budget, and 2). Easy and accessible projects.  After all, it's all about finding my niche!  To start, I wanted to share some basics that I like to stick to when attacking a space from scratch to make it feel "styled".  Simple and easy ways to add some pizazz that won't break the bank.

Art

It's no secret that some art on the walls is the easiest way to decorate.  Don't want to go out and buy framed art or frames?  No problemo.  I love finding greeting cards with cute sayings or photos and creating groupings of 3 or 4 and hanging them with office binder clips and a nail.  I also love the fun clothes hanger idea.

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Source: beyondbeyond.co.uk via Krystal on Pinterest

Curtains

Seeing people's apartments / condos, I am surprised how many people don't put these beauties up.  It softens the space and helps give it that "homey" feel.  I turn to Overstock.com for a great selection at a equally great price (these guys can be pricey - and they don't have to be!).  Look for big grommet pockets on top for a more expensive look.

Grommet top Curtains at Overstock - only $19.49 / panel and lots of neutral colors

Room Essentials curtain rod at Target - the perfect basic rod at $9.99 for a standard window

Throw Pillows

A couple of accent pillows on your couch or love seat can really punch up a room.  I love mixing prints too - no need to be matchy matchy. If you fancy yourself a Suzy Sewer, you can even just hop on over to the fabric store and re-cover some old ones or get some pillow forms.  For those who don't know know the first thing about sewing, try Target or Homegoods for a huge selection.  I bought mine at this Etsy shop, and there are so many more pillow covers on Etsy that are just as fun!

My living room pillows:  Coral chevron pillows from Etsy, Blue Moroccan print and grey stripe were homemade, right from Target

No go out there and add some swagger to your space!  

Hello Fall!

October is here and it's my favorite month (and also my Birthday month!).  The changing of seasons and smell of falling leaves make me one happy gal.  I could peruse through images like this all day long... here are some of my fall favorites:

And finally, just because...

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