life in my empty nest

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Farmhouse Hamburger Soup {Pinterest Success 35}

These brutally cold temperatures we are experiencing have kept me at home, because being outside when it is below zero is no fun. I did make a trip to the grocery store on this past Saturday, one of the coldest days, but I wanted to get the ingredients for a hearty soup we could enjoy that night. This recipe for Farmhouse Hamburger Soup has been on my Crockpot Pinterest board for some time, but a cold winter day seemed the perfect time to try it. The original pin and recipe can be found here.

This is a quick, versatile recipe that can be prepared either on the stove or in the crockpot. Since I was getting a late start, I prepared in on the stove and after simmering for about one hour the vegetables were tender. I made a few changes that I think added to the flavor; I used Yukon Gold potatoes with the skins on, I did not use baby carrots, but regular sliced carrots instead and I added a bit of Tabasco sauce for a slight spice. Really though, you could add any kind of vegetables, fresh or canned, and the flavor would only get better. We enjoyed this soup very much and I would make it again, especially in the winter months.

Happy Thursday!

{Linking with these friends}

Stonegable

Rattlebridge Farm

Mostly Homeade Mom

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

Gooseberry Patch

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Neutral Winter Mantel

After the Christmas reds were taken down this year, my mantel seemed the perfect spot to bring some neutrals into the winter decor. When the snow is flying outside and the light is diffused, the neutrals continue that air of winter quiet.

Some of the elements are from my Christmas mantel and I changed the look and feel, by removing greenery and lights and changing red candles for ones with a subtle stripe in cream and brown tones. The silver and gold trees, also leftover from Christmas, add a bit of sparkle on those sunshiny winter days and look as if they are dusted with shimmery snow. Of course, the star of the display is the center featured window, giving height and sporting a wooden snowflake in neutral tones.

It's fun to change a mantel for the seasons and I never know where my creativity will take me from year to year. This year I'm happy with the neutral tones - last year there was an explosion of red berries. Isn't it interesting what a new year and a new eye can bring to our decor?

Happy Tuesday!

{Linking with these friends}

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Between Naps on the Porch

Thrifty Decor Chick

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Monday, January 12, 2015

Party of One {Golden Globes}

I have a love/hate relationship with the Golden Globes. I love seeing all the pretty dresses, but I don't really care that much about who actually wins the awards. I love that the actors can mill about and talk to each other, but it is annoying how they have to stumble through the tables and chairs to get on stage when they win. I like the monologue and jokes, but don't care to hear the political opinions. It's a fun look at Hollywood and because I watch more television than movies, I enjoy it a little more than the Oscars which can be a little self important.

I happily watched from my bed, with a glass of wine and a softly, glowing candle ( and a few texts with my daughter to give our opinions here and there).

Here are my favorite dresses of the night.

These two dresses were my favorites (Selma Hayek and Anna Kendrick) mostly because I love the thin belts that make their waists look so tiny. Both have beautiful fabric and seem just right for the occasion.