Today is supposed to be a colder and dreary day. It is a perfect day to chop up some fresh veggies and make a Crock Pot Veggie Soup!
This recipe was inspired by this recipe here. Of course I came across it from where else? PINTEREST of course!
This recipe can be changed up into a LOT of different ways!
Crock Pot Veggie Soup
Place all ingredients into a crock pot on low for 8 – 10 hours.
28 oz can of diced tomatoes
2 – 15 oz cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
8- 10 cups of water (I used only 7 cups, it depends on how “soupy” you want it to be)
2 teaspoons of beef bullion powder or granules
2 cups of: chopped carrots, celery, onion, red & yellow pepper (there was a HUGE sale going on with the peppers, so I stocked up!)
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
AND for my special ingredient … Misty’s All Purpose Seasoning!
Misty’s in a local steak house in Lincoln, Nebraska. GO BIG RED! 🙂 They are known for their steaks, but also for their awesome seasonings! You can order your seasoning from their website here. I sprinkle this on a lot of stuff and for this soup I just sprinkled a bunch on top of all my veggies, in the crock pot.
You do not HAVE to use the Misty’s seasoning. If you have a favorite seasoning, use it! Or mix up a bunch of seasons and spice it up how you like!
At about 45 minutes to 1 hours before taking out of the crock pot, dice up 1-2 zucchinis and about 1 cup of pasta and place into crock pot.
Using the Misty’s spice definitely added a little kick to it. You can also add a bit of shredded cheese on top or slice of avocado!
What veggies would you add to this soup or NOT add to this soup?
There has been so much going on lately! And a lot of ideas are generating for posts. Here is a glimpse …
Starbucks has been my latest addiction! I cannot get enough of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Salted Caramel Mochas! But, let me tell you, I’m definitely feeling it now 🙁
Of course, I’ve been spending time with this little nugget! Love him to pieces!
Ummm … I came across these amazingly, ridiculous chips! Check them out!
I’m doing some MAJOR research regarding the Paleo eating lifestyle. It’s looking more and more like I may give it a try! Keep your eyes out for my final decision and thoughts!
Mr. Monte and I are going to give sign language a try! Keep your eyes open on how well it works for us 🙂
A Fall Sensory bin is in the works! Keep your eyes open for the results and reaction!
AND last, but definitely not least, we have been spending time with our favorite Bassett Hound, Elvis!
Good morning everyone! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I know it’s not Monday, but my week usually starts on Tuesdays 🙂
Anyways, I want to share another awesome fall recipe I found on Pinterest. I made it Sunday morning for breakfast. It was such a beautiful day Sunday that we sat outside and enjoyed our rolls out on the patio.
While I was baking Monte enjoyed himself, while reading a People Magazine 🙂
I found this recipe here. Of course I added a little something to change it up a bit!
Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Rolls
Ingredients
Rolls
2 packages/cans crescent rolls
4 0z cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
Frosting
4 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon canned pumpkin
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll crescent rolls to form 4 rectangles. Pinch the seams together to create one large rectangle.
2. Place the cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon into the mixer. I also added some dried cranberries! Beat it until it is well combined.
3. Split the mixture evenly among the rectangles and spread until about 1/2 inch from the edge.
4. Starting at the long end, roll them up and then cut into 1 inch pieces. I was able to get 3 small rolls out of each rectangle.
5. Place the rolls around 2 – 9 inch cake pans, sprayed with cooking spray. Place them along the edges, leaving the middle open so they can expand.
6. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, mix up the ingredients for the frosting in a mixer until well combined.
7. When the rolls are done baking, pull them out and frost the rolls immediately so the frosting can melt on top of the rolls. Let them cool for about 10 minutes.
These cinnamon rolls are pretty small, but I really only needed 1 pan instead of 2. If it’s only going to be 2-3 people you can probably get by with halving the recipe.
Today is the first day of Autumn! Monte and I have created our 2013 Fall Bucket List.
In previous posts, you may have noticed I mentioned our 2013 Summer Bucket List. Since I started my blog late in the summer I did not share our whole bucket list with everyone, BUT we are definitely going to share them here on out!
I love creating bucket lists because I always want to do so many different things and our bucket lists help organize all of these activities.
2013 Fall Bucket List
1. Center Grove Orchard
2. Carve/Decorate Pumpkins
3. Pick Apples
4. Make homemade applesauce
5. Trick or Treat
6. Drink apple cider
7. Play in corn pit
8. Hay rack ride
9. Make homemade apple pie
10. Wills Family Orchard
11. Eat a caramel apple
12. Play in leaves
13. Go on a bike ride
14. Make chili
15. Make pumpkin pancakes
16. Pick pumpkins
17. Watch the Thanksgiving Parade
18. Do a Fall/Halloween craft
19. Watch – It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
20. Watch Nebraska football!!!
Make sure to check out the Bucket List tab on the top of my page. This is where I will keep track of everything we accomplish!
There is a LOT going on this weekend! Check out all of the Fall & Halloween activities, and even a few runs! As always make sure to check my events and activities calendar on the lower right hand of the page.
1. World Food Festival
When: Friday and Saturday 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Where and What: Located in Historic East Village, this all weekend event is going to be filled with lots of food from around the world and live music. There will also be cooking demonstrations. $1.00 for tastes and all entrees are $5.00 or less. It is FREE to attend. For more information and schedules of performances and cooking demonstrations check out here.
2. Fall Festival: “Appel Pluk”
When: Thursday 5 pm – 8 pm, Friday 10 am – 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Where and What: The Pella Historical Society is hosting the Appel Pluk! Come and drink wine and beer, while eating cheese and chocolate! Doesn’t get any better then that, right? There will be live music, Vermeer Mill Tours, apple themed games, and lunch. Admission is $5 per family or $2 per person. Check out here for more information!
3. Run DMU 5k
When: Friday at 6 pm
Where and What: Need to get some exercise Friday evening? Sign up for the Run DMU 5k! Located at Des Moines University, this run is $25 per person ($35 day of race) and $15 youth 12 and under. The funds for this race go towards educational offerings at Des Moines University. There is also a new route this year! Check out here for more information.
4. King of BBQ Competition
When: Friday 6- 10 pm
Where and What: Located in the Merle Hay Mall parking lot. Lots of BBQ sampling, beer garden, and live music! No cover charge! This would be a great date night! Check out their website for more information.
5. Harvest Moon Walk
When: Friday and Saturday 6 – 8 pm
Where and What: Geisler Farms in Bondurant. Explore their 10 acre corn maze underneath the full moon! Make sure to bring your flash lights so you can read the map that is provided for you. The admission is $7 and afterwards there will be beverages available in the barn. For more information about this event and Geisler Farms check out their website.
6. Puppy Mill Awareness Dog Walk
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: Here is an event you can bring your furry friend to! Meet at Grays Lake and walk! Registration includes the walk and a t-shirt. All dogs must be up to date with their Rabies vaccination. Register online here!
7. Fall Family Hike
When: Saturday 9 – 11 am
Where and What: Located at the Iowa Arboretum in the Cafferty Building. Take a hike with Mike Havlik and learn about nature, sing songs, and see a few animals. This is an activity for the whole family! $10 per family for members and $15 per family for nonmembers. For more information about the Iowa Arboretum check out their website.
8. Fall Festival at the Franklin Library
When: Saturday at 11 am- 3 pm
What: Come to the Franklin Library for games, prizes, live performances, and food! This is an event for all ages! Check out the Des Moines Public Library for more information on this event and other events to come.
9. Halloween Hustle Dance Party
When: Saturday at 11 am
Where and What: Located at the Beaverdale Books Store. This is for kiddos ages 3 and up! Come dance and listen to Halloween stories. Your little ones will receive a coloring page and book mark and it’s all FREE! Check out Beaverdale Books Store for more information!
10. Apple Festival at Penoach Vineyard & Winery
When: Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
What: Come to Penoach Vineyard & Winery in Adel. There will be lots of vendors including Picket Fence Creamery, Deer Creek Creations, Dallas County Orchards and much more! There will be live music from 1- 5 pm along with wagon rides, face painting, clowns, crafts, pumpkin and apples for purchasing and much more! It is FREE admission, but they are asking for a donation of a non-perishable food item for the pantry. For more information about Penoach Vineyard & Winery check out their website.
11. Metro Arts 5k Rock ‘n run
When: Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
Where and What: This is the 2nd annual Rock ‘n Run and will held at the Clive Aquatic Center. While running “rock out” to local bands and at the end enjoy a FREE concert by The Nadas! This is a family friendly event with different vendors, children activities, and cold beer! $35 to register, late registration is $40. For more information check it out here.
12. Doors to the Past-Tour of Historic Sherman Hill
When: September 21st & 22nd 10 am – 4 pm and September 28th & 29th 10 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Have you ever driven through the Sherman Hills area? It’s a gorgeous area with a lot of beautiful homes and condominiums. This is also where Gateway Market and Smokey Row are located. Purchase tickets and walk through to look inside these beautiful homes. Tickets are on sale at Gateway Market, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Dahls. For more information on ticket prices and the tour check out their official website.
13. Octagon Festival
When: Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Where and What: Located on Main Street in Ames. Get out an enjoy the weather and check out some artwork! There will be live music, food and children art activities available also! For more information check out their website.
I made an awesome crock pot recipe this weekend that I want to share with all of YOU!
I made Apple Butter Ribs! They were delish and perfect for our entrance into fall.
Ingredients
7 lbs Pork Baby Back Ribs
(1) Vidalia Onion
(2) Apples
2 tsp Minced Garlic
2 tsp Nutmeg
(2) 16 oz jars Apple Butter
Salt and Pepper
Serves about 5 people, using 2 crock pots.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare your ribs by lightly sprinkling salt and pepper on each side. Place onto a cookie sheet. You may have to cut your slab of ribs in half and use more then one cookie sheet depending on how big the slabs are.
We purchased our ribs from a local place called B & B Grocery Meat & Deli. They always have the best meat available and also have some AWESOME sandwiches to try out!
2. After the oven is preheated place the slabs into the oven for 7 minutes each side. This browns the ribs and reduces the fat.
3. While they are browning wash and chop your onion and apple. I used an apple corer/slicer for my apple to create wedges.
4. Once the ribs are done browning sprinkle both sides of the ribs with nutmeg. I generously sprinkled each side, it may have been more then 2 teaspoons.
5. Take about 1/4th of your onion and apple slices and layer on bottom of crock pot. Place one slab of ribs. Then layer another 1/4th of onion and apple slices. Place another slab of ribs.
6. Open one jar of apple butter and mix in 1 tsp of minced garlic. You may use more depending on how garlicky you want it.
We purchased Apple Butter from a local place too! Iowa Orchard is located in Urbandale and has cider, pies, apples, apple butter, BBQ sauces, and more! They also have nectarines, sweet corn, and other produce available through out the year. Pumpkins will also be available very soon!
7. Pour the apple butter mixture over the ribs so each slab is covered. Put lid on and set at low for 8-10 hours.
8. Repeat with the second batch in the second crock pot.
I put these in the crock pot, on low 8-10 hours at about 10 am. At about 3 pm they were cooked thoroughly. We were not ready to eat yet, so I turned the crock pots to warm.
When I got everything ready to eat, the meat was literally falling off the bone! My house smelled amazing and the ribs tasted delish!
I took two glass bowls and split the ribs up into each bowl, then spooned out the sauce, onion, and apples and poured it all over the ribs.
It’s Monday!! How was everyone’s weekend? I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing weekend and enjoyed the gorgeous temperatures.
I had a great weekend and definitely enjoyed lots of fallish things including: football, pumpkin beer, Crockpot Apple Butter Ribs (recipe coming soon!), apple cider, AND a homemade Pumpkin Caramel Cake …. which leads me to the story of my failed attempt of homemade caramel 🙁
Travis’s mom and dad’s birthdays were on Friday so everyone came over Saturday evening to celebrate. I decided to make a Pumpkin Caramel Cake I found on Pinterest. The actual recipe can be found here.
The first steps are to make the caramel cream cheese frosting.
FROSTING
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 pound cream cheese, cut into 2-inch cubes
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, vanilla bean and seeds. Cook over high heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Using a wet pastry brush, wash down any crystals from the side of the pan. Cook over moderate heat without stirring until a medium-dark amber caramel forms, about 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and heavy cream. (Don’t worry if the butter separates.) Discard the vanilla bean.
Seems pretty easy right? I started with combining the first three ingredients.
This was also my first time using a vanilla bean. Before this weekend I had always thought a vanilla bean looked like well … a bean? Nope, it was long and looked almost like a twig. You can see the two halves floating around in the pot.
After the sugar dissolved, I turned down the heat to medium and waited for it to turn a “medium-dark amber color”. The recipe stated it would be about 9 minutes, but it was much longer then that when I began to notice the change in color. I would say 15 minutes?
It’s hard to tell by this picture, but this was my final product. I took the pot off the stove and added the butter and cream and discarded the vanilla bean.
2. Transfer the caramel to the large bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk and beat at low speed until the caramel cools slightly and comes together, about 5 minutes. With the machine on, beat in the cream cheese, 1 cube at a time and beating well between additions, until silky. Transfer the frosting to a bowl and refrigerate until very firm, at least 6 hours.
The caramel looked great, but it definitely had a burnt after taste to it. I added the cream cheese hoping the taste would go away, but it didn’t. So I placed it in the fridge and continued onto baking the cake.
CAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup whole milk
3.Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves.
4. In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and eggs at medium-high speed until fluffy, 3 minutes. Beat in the oil, then beat in the pumpkin puree. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk in 3 batches, beating well between additions.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool on a rack for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Place one layer on a plate and spread with 1 cup of the caramel–cream cheese frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the top and side. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours before serving.
The cake portion turned out great and I had no issues!
Saturday morning I ran out to the store and picked up another pound of cream cheese. I decided to just use a jar of caramel sauce I already had and mix in the cream cheese.
This frosting turned out a lot better and I felt more comfortable adding it to the cake!
I completely forgot to take a final picture of the cake 🙁 but it turned out great and everyone enjoyed it!
Check out the site where the original recipe was posted for an awesome picture of the finish product here!
Have you ever made homemade caramel before? What advice do you have for me so it doesn’t taste burnt?
When and Where: Friday 11 am – 1:30 pm, Walnut Street between 6th & 7th Street
What: This is the last Welcome Back to Walnut Street of the summer! Walk along and check out all the food vendors, and live music during your lunch break. The Des Moines Ballet will also be performing! Check out here for more information and the names of specific vendors!
2. Science Center Family Night
When and Where: Friday 5-8 pm at the Science Center of Iowa
What: Bring the whole family to the Science Center, $5 for general admission. During this time do several activities including building a rocket, check out the I-MAX theater and much more! The Science Center cafe, The Food Chain, also has food specials available. For more information check out the Science Center of Iowa.
3. Beaverdale Fall Festival
When: Friday 7 am – 11 pm & Saturday 7:30 am – 11 pm
What: Located in the Beaverdale area, come out for live music, a carnival, activities, food and more! Friday evening there will be fireworks and Saturday morning there will be a parade starting at 10 am. Entrance into the festival is FREE! Check out their official site for maps and more information regarding vendors here.
4. Iowa State vs. Iowa Football Game
When and Where: Saturday @ 5 pm at Jack Trice Stadium
What: The Iowa State Cyclones (0-1) will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1) in the annual Cy-Hawk game! If you do not have tickets to watch it in Ames this year, a lot of bars in the Des Moines area will be offering specials for the game. Get dressed up, meet up with friends, and watch the game! Check out this weeks Datebook for specific Hawkeye fan bars and Cyclone fan bars!
5. Free Cheerleading Clinic
When and Where: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm at Apex Athletics in Johnston
What: Do you have an aspiring cheerleader on your hands? This would be the perfect opportunity for your little one to learn more about cheering and tumbling. This is for kids ages 3 and up. This clinic is free! Go here to pre-register! Also, while registering check out all of the other awesome classes they offer!
6. Des Moines Renaissance Faire
When: Saturday 10 am – 6 pm & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Where and What: This is the FINAL weekend of the Renaissance Faire! Get out to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park where the Renaissance Fare is being held! Lots of food, entertainment, and activities. There is surely something for everyone! For more information check out their official website here.
7. Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine
When: September 14 & 15 and September 20-22
Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
What: This starts this weekend! There may be some tickets still available, so if you are interested check it out! Take a ride on Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt! Check out the official website here for more information and to purchase tickets.
8. Art in the Barn
When and Where: Sunday 4- 7 pm at Simpson Barn in Johnston
What: Come out to Simpson Barn and enjoy wine and cheese! This event is to help raise money for the Johnston Public Library. Last year, they raised $3,500 and used it towards purchasing computers for the children’s section in the library. This year there will be even more artists displayed! You can purchase tickets at Hy-Vee or the Johnston Public Library for $20. For more information check it out here.
PLAN AHEAD …
1. World Food & Music Festival
When: September 20th – 22nd, Friday & Saturday 11 am -10 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Historic East Village
What: Great event for the whole family! Free to attend. $1 samples all entrees are $5 or less. Check out the live music and cooking demonstrations! For more information check out their official website here.
2. White Christmas
When: December 10th – 15th
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
What: Yes, the holiday season is just around the corner! Tickets go on sale for this classic on September 23rd at 9 am!
Today is Grandparents Day! Happy Grandparents Day to all of you Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Great Grandmothers, and Great Grandfathers!
Not many are aware that there is a national holiday to celebrate grandparents. When I told my husband the other day that we were working on a project for grandparents day he was like “huh?”
It was in 1978 when Grandparents Day was officially recognized as a national holiday. It was the goal of Marian McQuade to make the youth aware and educate them the importance of seniors in our community. McQade wanted to make them aware of how much seniors have contributed to our history and also encouraged the youth to “adopt” a grandparent.
At first, Grandparents Day was only recognized by the state of West Virginia. When the idea of it being proclaimed as a national holiday was proposed and brought to the U.S. Senate, it died. McQade organized supporters, congressman, etc. in all fifty states for it to become a state holiday. Once she had proclamations of 43 states, she sent copies of the proclamations to Senator Randolph. At that time the U.S. Congress met again and requested that President Jimmy Carter sign a proclamation that proclaimed that the first Sunday after Labor Day, every year, be National Grandparents Day.
The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer”.
All of this information was taken from Wikipedia and can be found here.
Grandparents Day Tiles
I have several ideas posted on my Pinterest page of ideas for gifts to give for Grandparents Day.
Monte and I found this idea here, but I changed it up a bit.
While I was at Michaels purchasing stuff for my DIY chalkboard, I picked up the supplies needed to do this project. Instead of tiles, I purchased wood squares, a can of colored spray paint, acrylic paint for Monte’s hand, and paint pens. All of this cost me about $25.00.
I then took the four boards outside and spray painted them. The spray painted I used was for indoor/outdoor use and left a glossy finish. On the can it said it dried in about 10 minutes. It DID dry quickly! I was able to get a couple coats sprayed, on both sides, in about an hour.
The next day, was the fun part! I had Travis help me with brushing paint onto Monte’s hand and placing it on the tiles. Monte did not really understand what was going on and was more interested in what the gooey stuff was on his hand.
Afterwards, I let the hand print dry then took the paint pens which are AWESOME and wrote in Grandparents Day 2013 and Love, Monte.
Yeah, it’s not really preschool, but he is attending the Parent’s Morning Out Program through West Des Moines Methodist Church. I have been VERY excited about this since I signed him up! He will be going every Friday for a 2 1/2 hours in the morning. It will be a fantastic opportunity for him to meet others his own age, make friends, and do some learning!
West Des Moines Methodist Church offers different schedules and classes you can sign up for. The program Monte is in, is specifically for 18 month to young 2’s. They also have a 2-year old program and 3-old program. For the younger ones you can choose once, twice, or three days a week. For the older children you can choose two, three or four days a week.
Today was the first day, but everything has been so organized thus far. They provided an orientation, schedules of parties and certain activities, schedules of “spirit days” (they are the Preschool Pandas!), and the staff has been so helpful and friendly! I definitely recommend!
To prepare for the first day of school, I have been in search of a chalkboard! I am sure you have all seen on Etsy and Pinterest the new “thing” to do is have your child next to a chalkboard labeled with the event that is going on. I think it’s adorable, so I jumped on the bandwagon! Except, even though this is so popular, I could NOT find a small, individual chalkboard anywhere! So, I made my own 🙂
I got the idea from friend on Facebook! Her idea was to actually spray a white canvas with chalkboard paint. I did a little variation of her idea.
I went to Michaels (my second time there this week!). I purchased a 12×12 wood board, chalkboard spray paint, and Crayola chalk (bright, fun colors). I had a 40% off one item coupon, so my total was about $20.00 for everything.
I went home and took the board outside and spray painted it. I let it dry for about 30 minutes and sprayed it again. I let it dry for another 30 minutes, flipped it over, and sprayed the other side!
The instructions on the spray paint can, instruct you to take a piece of chalk and rub across the whole board, then wipe off before using. After doing this, it wasn’t so black it had that chalkboard effect on it.
Its pretty cool how well this turned out! I love it! The only difference, you cannot use a classic chalk eraser to erase the chalk. I used a damp towel to wipe it after I used it and i came off great!
Do you do anything special for your kiddos first day of school?
