So Thanksgiving week is here and there's no denying that the holiday busyness is upon us. I'm hosting my family for the Thanksgiving meal and I've been busy in the kitchen already. Two loaves of pumpkin bread, one loaf of banana bread, one pumpkin cheesecake, and one flourless chocolate cake are now safely tucked away in my freezer. Whew! The turkey is thawing in the fridge, sweet potatoes and Yukon golds are in the pantry, and fresh green beans are chilling in the crisper. Wow, what a lot of food! I'm counting on getting at least two meals from the feast, so it seems good to prepare a lot.

My mind is also busy with the thought of Christmas presents. I'm trying to simplify this year, turning my photos into gifts, and making donations to charities like this one. I love shopping on Etsy, too, with so many great artists and affordable options. Something like this would be fun to give to family or friends.

In the midst of all this, I remind myself that the food and gifts don't matter nearly as much as the people for whom they're intended. I'm so grateful for my husband, children, parents, siblings, and close friends! They are what make my life full, give me a reason to smile, and keep me lifted up. They are life's real blessings, and for them I am truly thankful.

P.S. If you're interested, details on the hat can be found on Ravelry.

Labels: Fall, Holidays, Thanksgiving

posted by Leslie @ 11/23/2009 08:35:00 AM 2 comments

Labels: Fall, Wordless Wednesday

posted by Leslie @ 11/18/2009 02:28:00 PM 3 comments

It was a glorious week weather-wise here in the K.C. area, and the perfect time to be outside taking photos. I've been frugal with my film, but decided to splurge a bit for 'Roid Week. I have such fun with this camera. Now it's over but the memories are captured in these little squares of happiness.

Be sure to check out the flickr pool to see all the amazing photos shot this week.

Labels: Fall, Polaroid Week

posted by Leslie @ 11/07/2009 12:04:00 PM 4 comments

Polaroid magic, that is! It's 'Roid Week, and I've been so busy having fun with my SX-70 that I've forgotten to share my shots with you. These are from the first three days--I'll share the rest tomorrow. Now I'm pondering what I'll do for the perfect "final" photo. Ah, decisions!

P.S. Check out the wealth of amazing photos from the week here. And if you haven't seen the video on the SX-70, it's worth a look!

Labels: 'Roid Week 2009, Polaroid

posted by Leslie @ 11/05/2009 02:26:00 PM 2 comments

Today signals a fresh start as a new month stretches before me. I can't believe October is gone! A whirlwind of change, with blustery days and bursts of color everywhere. And pumpkins, lots of pumpkins. Pumpkin patches, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies. Baked and carved, all behind me. The jack-o-lantern will soon shrivel, the leftover candy will be consumed. So what's ahead?

Right now I'm thinking about the holidays and how we can simplify. The ideas behind the Advent Conspiracy are compelling to me: spending less on gifts, more time with family, giving to those in need. I'm working on ideas to make this happen. I have some plans, but haven't finalized them all. Have you been thinking about this, too? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Let's share ideas so we can all enjoy the time more.

Labels: Fall, Holidays, November

posted by Leslie @ 11/01/2009 08:56:00 AM 4 comments

Fall is definitely here, and warm, sunny days are keeping company with gloomy, rainy ones. The gray days have me thinking--not too happily--about winter, but I find baking can usually lift my spirits. After seeing Heather's post yesterday, I knew I had to give these peanut butter cookies a try.

I actually made two batches of these flourless cookies, not being too happy with the appearance of the first one. I used natural peanut butter and dark brown sugar the first time around, and the texture and color just weren't very appealing. After switching to my usual peanut butter and light brown sugar, the result was much better.



These cookies are delicious and would be perfect for anyone with gluten allergies. If you try them, pop on over to Heather's blog and tell her "thank you" for an easy, delicious recipe!

Labels: Baking, Fall

posted by Leslie @ 10/27/2009 04:05:00 PM 4 comments

Labels: Fall, Wordless Wednesday

posted by Leslie @ 10/21/2009 07:57:00 AM 2 comments