Lexi

After having to put down 3 of our animals within an 8 month period we decided to get a kitten. I checked the ads on Craigslist for a couple of weeks waiting for the right one to come along. I had no idea what I wanted the kitten to look like, I was just hoping to feel some sort of a connection. I finally found her and she couldn't be a better fit. Welcome to our family Lexi.

Pumpkin Sausage Soup

I have been waiting for the weather to cool off so I could make this soup. This is one of my favorite fall recipes.

Pumpkin Sausage Soup

12 ounce tube Jimmy Dean Hot sausage
1/2 cup onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
2 cups fresh mushrooms, chopped
1- 15 ounce can pumpkin
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup water

How To Prepare: Brown sausage, drain, then add the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and mushrooms and saute until done.

Add pumpkin to this mixture and mix well.
Then stir in the broth and mix well.
Simmer 20-30 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream and water and simmer on low another 10-15 min.

Taste and add salt/pepper as needed.

(Now for the fun part. I always like to add extra ingredeants to recipes. To this soup I add to taste cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, fresh grated ginger root, sugar free maple syrup, and a little splenda. I like things spicey so for mine I will also add a little bit of cilantro and a few shakes of Tony Chachere's creole seasoning. It's amazing how you can change the taste with just a few additions.)


Serve.

Autumn

Autumn is a season that reminds us that nothing is permanent.

I love autumn, but I'm not blessed to live in a city that is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage displays. We have to drive north for a few hours, but can still enjoy all that Autumn has to offer.
Here is proof that Arizona isn't all cactus and tumbleweeds.

Fall Snack Mix

This recipe is from Tanya at The Sunday Baker. She is correct, it's super addicting, so consider yourself warned!

Fall Snack Mix

1 box of peanut butter Ritz
1 bag of mini-pretzels, any preferred shape
1 large jar of roasted peanuts (really you can use any nut variety you prefer)
1 bag of m&ms
1 bag of candy corn
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. butter
2 T. vanilla extract
1 t. baking soda
1 c. sugar

In a very large, sprayed roasting pan, mix together the pretzels, crackers, and peanuts. In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, butter and corn syrup. Over medium heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the baking soda and vanilla. Pour the hot mixture over the pretzel mix and stir to coat everything. Heat in a 250 degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 15. Pour contents onto wax paper immediately upon removal from oven. Let it cool for just a few minutes, and then start breaking apart the pieces that are stuck together. Let it cool completely. Add in the m&ms and candy corn. Mix together with your hands. Keep in an airtight container.

Of course you can always put your own add-ins in this mix and change up the candy colors for different seasons.

Zumba

What is Zumba?

It's a party! Zumba (pronounced ZOOM-buh), which is Colombian slang for "fast." It emulates being in a nightclub without the drinking, smoking, and the bad pickup lines.

Zumba is a Latin- inspired, dance-fitness class that uses Latin and International music and dance movements.

Zumba incorporates footwork and body movements from the flamenco, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and other dances. You pump your legs, move your arms, gyrate your hips, clap your hands, dip, slide and spin — all to a frenzied beat that leaves you with flushed cheeks and dripping in sweat.

I along with 49 other men and women from all over AZ and 4 additional states participated in the 10 hour, 1 day training program to become a certified Zumba instructor. The training wasn't nearly as intimidating as I expected. When I received an email stating I needed to bring 2 changes of clothing and at least 2 gallons of water I became a little nervous. It was a long, tiring day but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I LOVE Zumba. If you haven't tried a class yet go to Zumba.com and find a class near you. I can now "officially" teach Zumba anywhere. Whatever that really means. Next year they will be starting a Kids Zumba program. I can't wait for that certification class. I miss teaching kids dance lessons and this will give me the motivation and desire to get started again.

My Addiction!!!

I must confess, I am an addict!!! Not everyone notices my addiction... but I am really addicted to lip glosses. I know that may sound ridiculous to some, you know, spending unreasonable bucks for tube after tube of lip gloss! How crazy! Well, that's me... I can't help it!

My addiction began before I can remember. One day I had the flavored coating across my lips known as Bonne Bell Lip Smackers. It was like eating candy all day. Who could resist that? I was so young and naive, so unaware of the danger I would be getting myself into. Those first tubes turned me to the dark side. Ever since the days of Bonne Bell, I have kept lip gloss in my pocket, my purse, in my car, and beside my bed.

I see nothing wrong with protecting my lips. I still can't be caught without some balm, gloss, or stick to slather on my face. It's my obsession and I'm okay with having to apply and reapply a dozen times a day.

A few days ago I found this cute little package of today's popular candy flavored lip balms. I think they made it just for me. As soon as I was in my car I broke the seal and had banana Laffy Taffy smeared across my lips. Watch out kids, a new generation of lip gloss addicts is about to be made.

Kill Off Of The Circus Animals

This is clearly not my day. Another Icon gone by the wayside. I think we all need to bow our heads and have a moment of silence.......

If you're a fan of these pink and white frosted Circus Animal cookies from Mother's, either stock up or start priming your nostalgia, because this week the company closed its doors abruptly.

Oh how I have always loved these little bite sized pink and white frosted cookies with the cute little animal shapes, candy balls, and lets not forget the special seasonal packages. You will be missed. You will be mourned. Maybe we should all start wearing a pink polka dotted ribbon.

What color hair should I have?

Your Hair Should Be Blonde

You are outgoing, light hearted, and a ton of fun. You don't take life too seriously, and you do your best to charm everyone you meet. You are very energetic. People tend to underestimate you, but you can get a lot done. You do tend to be a bit sensitive. If someone has a bad opinion of you, it truly hurts. You are cunning and clever. You are smart, but you aren't “book smart” or academic. Some people may think you're superficial, but they're not seeing the whole picture.

What Color Hair Should You Have?