Gratitude Journal

November is the time of year where we take one day to be thankful for all that we have.  But I think it would be nice if we took a lot more time than that.  I think it's too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day, especially when the holidays come near, and to forget all the really great things - big and small - that are in our lives.

So, I decided to start a gratitude journal.  Every day, I try to find something new that I'm thankful for.  I sometimes forget, but most days I jot down a line or two.  It's a great way to remind myself of what's beautiful in my life and to keep me from taking these things for granted.

Think you'd try something like this?

Saturday Snapshot: Sun Soaked Leaves

Last weekend, I took some time to try and take in the last days of fall weather.  Here in Minnesota, you can feel winter lurking around the corner.  So when the sun is out and the leaves are still golden, you have to take full advantage!

Pot Pies for Two

A few years ago, I shared an adapted recipe for pot pie.  Well, I'm going to adapt it again, this time serving it up in ramekins for a perfect fall dinner for two.

For the sauce, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 and 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons thyme leaves

For the rest, you will need:

• 1 sweet potato
• 1/4 yellow onion
• 2 servings baby carrots (about 6 ounces) 
• 1 tube Pillbury Grands biscuits

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Chop up your veggies, toss them in olive oil, and roast for about 30 minutes.

About halfway into your roasting time, make your sauce.  Melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the flour. Then add in the white wine and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil and add in the thyme leaves.  Simmer on low heat until your veggies are done

Place two ramekins on a cool baking sheet.  When your veggies are done, spoon them into the two ramekins.

Ladle sauce over the top.

Place one biscuit on each ramekin.  You can bake the rest of the biscuits on the remaining space on the baking sheet.

Bake for another 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Enjoy!  But be careful- these are hot!

Grilled Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Who says it's too early for Thanksgiving food?  I saw a recipe for ginger cranberry sauce in a magazine (I have no idea which one!!) and immediately wanted to make it.  I added a few slices of turkey breast and some brie (obviously) to make a perfect creamy, tangy, savory, sweet sandwich.  Seriously, so good!

For the cranberries, combine 1 bag cranberries (about 3 cups), 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger in a pot.  Bring to a boil, then simmer until the cranberries start to burst.  Put into a serving dish and let it chill for 2 hours.

(If you're impatient like me, you can spoon a bit of it into a smaller bowl and pop it in the freezer)

Then, just layer your turkey, brie, and cranberry sauce on lightly buttered bread.  Grill until golden brown.

Enjoy!

DIY Autumn Leaves Wreath

It's time for yet another wreath, because I couldn't very well leave a skull with bugs all over it up in November.

You will need:

• Raffia wrapped wire
• Fabric leaves (find these at any craft store)
• Hot glue gun
• Wire cutters

This is so so so SO simple!  First, cut three strips of wire slightly longer than the size you want your wreath to be.

Braid these three together.  This will give your wreath stability.  Now, if you're tempted to just buy a foam wreath, don't!  The hot glue gun will melt the Styrofoam, and it will be a big mess.

Connect the ends to form a circle.

Then, just glue your leaves on one at a time.  I think it looks best if you mix up colors and directionality, but go with your gut!

And you're done!  Totally doable :)

Saturday Snapshot: Mum's the Word

November Book Club

Hi everybody!  Last month, I was reading Lolita, which I had an awfully hard time getting into.  I think that Nabakov has an excellently crafted narrative voice in Humbert Humbert, but I really had to push myself to finish it.

So, this month I wanted to try something a little more modern.  I've picked Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann.  It takes place in the wake of World War II and is about two cousins and their families.  The plot promises secrets to be revealed and the elegance of Fitzgerald, so I'm excited to get started!

What are you reading this month?