xoxo.

k.

Minne-HAHA Falls.

Lost in the serenity of winter wonderland.
If only for the afternoon.

Yet Another Reason to Love IKEA..

With the exception of the blue pot (Bachman's), everything is from IKEA. Cacti, $2.99 each. Pots, $1.00 each. Rocks, $1.50/2lb bag. Boom. Saharan desert, meet Antarctica. Hey, if I can't get it outside, I'll try anything. Also, avoid getting poked during the transportation, transplantation process. It hurts.

DIY: Tissue Paper Pom-Poms

So simple. So sweet.

Feeling inspired after noticing an 8 pack kit at Michael's for $12, I figured I'd try a hand in making these for my parent's 25th wedding anniversary party. I couldn't have been happier with the results ~ they were quite a hit and are perfect for any occasion. Instead of wire, I used pipe cleaners and finished them off with some silver spray paint. Here's an easy tutorial, http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/tissue-paper-pom-poms-how-to. Happy POM-ing!

feast, foliage & the incidental frog.

Thanksgiving: A time to be especially grateful for the many happenings that he or she has been blessed with, be them good or bad.
And it was just that.

Responsible by Nature

About to make some yummy soup, I turned on the light above the stove. With a zapping noise and burst of light, I realized I now would be without. After a bit of thought and contemplating a trip to the store, I remembered that I was given a free light bulb when Jon, myself and some highschool friends visited Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, MN.
As per the information provided on the box, I now know that 'CFLs use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, saving you up to $50 over the life of each bulb.' My accomplished face was probably brighter than the bulb, itself, after I screwed it in and turn it on. Let there be light. Thank you, Xcel Energy. Although you are a monopoly, I am hopeful that you're at least doing your part in producing efficient electricity and household items that will make our future greener. They had me at 'Efficiency in your socket. Money in your pocket.' responsiblebynature.com

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This recipe is perfect for a hearty, fall meal. A unique take on a cream sauce that is also surprisingly heathy: Not to mention, DELICIOUS. I'm sold. Enjoy ~

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons butter

1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

2 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup sour cream

A pinch of nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

1/4 cup parmesan/romano cheese, shredded

1 lb mostacolli pasta

1] In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in butter, over medium heat, until soft, not brown.

2] Whisk in the pumpkin, broth, creams and seasonings to taste.

3] Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4] Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.

5] Drain pasta and stir into pumpkin, simmering 2-3 minutes more until thick.

6] Stir in parsley and garnish with shredded parmesan/romano, more parsley and pumpkin seeds if desired.

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/creamy-pumpkin-pasta-146732#ixzz1eCVS94Ws

Photo.

Pumpkin Carving 101:

It's best to remember Pythagorean's Theorem and stick to the triangle.

Goldilocks and The Damn Bear

HAPPY BELATED HALLOWEEN!!

Quite fitting, if I do say so myself.

FALL: in the air and, well, everywhere

Chalk ghouls and goblins

Yellow, crisp leaves

Pumpkins and butternut squash, of all shapes and sizes

Corn, ready for harvest

Little remnants of summer, in all their glory

Helping hands, harvest and pink chaff

Those that aren't quite prepared for what's to come