Throw Back Thursday {Thanksgiving Crafty Countdown}

A few years ago...or more, I guess it was way back in 2010...I blogged a series of six Thanksgiving/autumn themed crafts for kids {as always, from my previous blog}.  Follow the links for full instructions, enjoy!

Day one:
Cone Cornucopias

Day two:

"Stained Glass" Leaves

Day three:

Indian Beads

Day four:

Leaf Napkin Ties

Day five:

Frosted Leaf Candle Holders 

Day 6:

Double Braided Bread

Chili

{this night we had our chili atop cornbread waffles...so, so good}

Chili is a fall time favorite in our home, one of our go-to comfort food recipes.  Here's how I make it...

Chili

serves: 6-8

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

3 stalks celery, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon chili powder (plus more to taste if needed)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

1- 6 oz can tomato paste

1- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (plain)

1- 15.5 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1- 14.5 oz can low sodium chicken broth (beef or vegetable works too-whatever you have on hand)

1.  Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat.  Add onions, green pepper, celery, and garlic.  Saute until vegetables are tender.

2.  Add ground beef.  Before meat browns, add the seasonings: chili powder, basil, salt, pepper, steak seasoning, and red pepper flakes.  Stir to combine, breaking up beef and cooking until beef is no longer pink.  If desired you can transfer this to a crock pot, then proceed with the next steps.

3.  Add tomato paste, stir to combine.  Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans and broth.  Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least an hour to allow the flavors meld (at least 3-4 hours in a crock pot).

4.  Taste, adjust seasonings as desired.  I find that sometimes the heat of the chili powder cooks out during a long cooking time, and you might like it spicier, this recipe is on the mild side.  If you do add more seasoning, cook for a few more minutes, then enjoy!

Autumn Home

When the first of September rolls around, I find myself getting my home ready for fall.  Warm blankets, fall colors and simple fall touches come out of storage and make our home cozy {even if autumn weather is a little ways off for us}.  I love everything about autumn...comfort foods, sweaters & warm socks, cool breezes,  and of course the colors.  It is easily my favorite time of year.  It can't come soon enough.

Autumn Home Treasury

1. Every autumn home needs a pumpkin {or two} I love these from Luna Cab Co.

2. These painted jars are an easy way to add some autumn color to your home, from Sixty Beans

3. Lovely, bright red leaf coasters from Raine Style Home

4. Perfectly simple knitted blanket great for any decor at Andy Ve Erin

5. A differnt spin on the traditional autumn table runner at Simply Devine by JoAnn

6. Add an easy pop of color to your walls by switching out your nuetral frames for the season, like these at BeautiSHE

7. I love a fall candle & I love the look of these, at Cloth & Patina

8. Beautiful fall wreath at Rose Flower {like I said, we all need a pumpkin or two}

9. Fun and whimsical dot garland from Arts Delight

10. Adorable felted bowl at The Felterie

11. Beautiful glittery acorns from Birch Hill Crafts {with just enough sparkle}

12. Swap out your every day art for this lovely water color of fall leaves from Yao Cheng Design

{I do not receive any compensation for any items featured on my blog...I just like what I see}