The Circle Tour

It recently came to my attention that I have shared no pictures of the inside of my house since floor refinishing and privacy blinds hanging.

I was going to wait until my living room was "done." But, let's get serious, that may never happen. I am way too indecisive, painfully slow thoughtful about what should go where and choosing things to hang on the walls. The clock in these pictures just went up today, after leaning against my fireplace for at least 2 weeks.

I actually chose my furniture surprisingly quickly, which was delivered over 3 months ago. It's very neutral -- which likely is why the decision was so quick.

Here's the circle tour around my living room...

There did not seem to be enough space to buy both a couch and a loveseat, so this comfy chair provides seating in addition to the couch. Those split doors lead to the front door.


This couch is amazing. Great for all things a couch should be great for: reading, napping, television watching, chatting with friends, drinking coffee, eating dinner, accidentally sleeping for the whole night.


And here's the third part of the room. Again is the chair with the clock above. And my TV. I had never in my life bought a new TV. I was still watching on this miniature 13 inch TV that I had in college. Every man who entered my house would make a comment about how teeny-tiny my TV was, so I bought a new one (well, and I wanted a new one). Figured it also was the only way I'd ever get anyone to come to my house to watch a football game. And honestly? Even though I'm not a big TV watcher... I must say, it's awesome.

Just to the right of this last picture is the opening into my dining room (table currently covered with mail and bills). And on the fourth wall of the living room (which is farther to the right) is my fireplace -- currently cluttered with all of the Christmas decorations I brought up from the basement today. Need to organize and buy more before I actually get excited about decorating for Christmas. Oh, and eat turkey tomorrow too -- no Christmas decorating until after Thanksgiving in this house.

birthdays + up north

Both of my parents celebrated big birthdays this year (Dad in September and Mom in November). And since my parents aren't really into big parties, my siblings and I decided to take everyone up to Traverse City for a fall weekend in October - smack dab in the middle of their respective big days. Rented a condo, visited wineries, watched college football, ate great meals, enjoyed one of our favorite parts of Michigan, played games, and just enjoyed good family time. Quality time is one of the best kinds of gifts, anyway.

The colors on Old Mission Peninsula were phenomenal (unable to be captured in a photo). The kiddos had so much fun running around and playing with each other.


Nothing says fall like a pumpkin patch...


...or playing in a vineyard!


Uncle Brian giving a wagon ride


That side of the table


This side of the table

Joe even loved his new hat!

...have I ever mentioned how much I love northern Michigan?!

Thanksgiving in a Bowl

Since I always am looking for new recipes, I look forward to each week when one of my dear childhood friends posts amazing soup recipes on her blog (thanks, Lindsay!). I love making soup on the weekends because it makes for quick and easy lunches during of the week. And it doesn't get much easier than this recipe that my sister made for me a couple weeks ago. She shared it with one of her best friend too, who said it tasted like "Thanksgiving in a Bowl."

This comes from none other than Rachael Ray (yum-o) and is only 5 ingredients (with salt, pepper, and olive oil being freebies) so I didn't even have to make a list for the grocery store.

Butternut Squash Soup

1 peeled, seeded and chopped butternut squash
1 peeled and quartered onion
1 peeled and quartered baking potato
1 quart chicken broth
1/2 to 1 cup whole milk

Preheat oven to 400. In 9x13 baking dish, toss butternut squash, onion and baking potato with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
Bake until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Transfer vegetables and any juices to large soup pot, add the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat and, using an immersion blender, puree until smooth. Stir in the milk, according to desired thickness, and season with salt and pepper.



I enjoyed this with my favoite sourdough bread from a local bakery, which is also readily available at my local grocery stores.

After about 40 minutes in the oven, everything started to get very soft but I think I should have let it go longer because I discovered some less-than-tender pieces after I put it all in the soup pot. This could easily be made vegetarian with vegetable broth instead of chicken. Also, I do not have an immersion blender (what's an immersion blender, anyway?) so I just carefully blended it in very small batches in my regular blender which worked out well. I added the full amount of milk, but wish I would have started with less and kept it a little bit thicker.

Enjoy!