Cold Snap! Oh Snap! Top Reasons I Love Fall

These two days of cooler weather reminded me why I love the fall. I would have to say this is my favorite season, and like every year, it greeted me with illness. Seasons change- never fails I have some sinus, respiratory, ENT issue. I am on the tail end of bronchitis and a double ear infection and a super mega dosage of antibiotics.

Of course, illness is not why fall is my favorite season, and like other girls, it is not my favorite season because of leggings, boots, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Fun fact: did you know people abbreviate this as PSL? I didn't, and I was incredibly concerned when a ton of people on my social media got their first PSL this year. I thought the zombie apocalypse was beginning.

Why do I love fall though? Not why most would think...

5. It's the season of crock pot meals, chili, and soup. I have a really hard time eating soups throughout the spring and summer. I just don't understand why someone wants a heavy, hearty meal in the sweltering heat. One year, I prepped 30 days of crock pot meals, so we took full advantage of the beginning of crock pot season.

4. No more shorts and tanks! I can finally pull out those comfy sweats and over-sized sweater and not be judged for wearing it! The other plus... no need to shave our legs. Every. Day. I always joke and say shaving my legs is my cardio for the week. I mean, be honest... it is similar to a full body work out. Don't get me wrong, I don't have like man legs, but I am a little more lenient.

3. All. The. Decorations. Can we be honest? I was ready to set up all my pumpkin, acorn, candy corn, and leaf decor in the beginning of August. A dear friend told me, if it's still 80 degrees out, I can't. With this cold snap though, I totally started digging out my decor. This is the season for decorations. You start with fall decor, move into Halloween, transition to Thanksgiving, and top the year off with the mightiest of all decor Christmas.

Disclaimer- I am looking for some fall DIY decor ideas. Last year I made some incredible door decorations, but haven't decided my plans for this year.

2. The short span where central heat/AC isn't necessary. We take full advantage of this time because we save mega bucks on our electric bill. (If you're on Jellico electric, you totally understand.) IT is cool enough to leave the AC off, and warm enough to avoid turning the heat on. Cold? Get a blanket. Warm? Turn on the fan. Open the windows, and get some fresh air!

1. Changing of the colors. There is some magical about the fall. The foliage begins to change colors, and the leaves descend from the trees. The crisp cool air and the dense fog settling in the mornings. I always viewed the transition from summer to fall as some type of renewal.  Shedding your leaves and flowers in preparation for winter and a brand new awakening in the spring. It's a reminder of how the world works, and tomorrow is always a new day.

 

So here's to fully enjoying my favorite time of the year! Maybe I'll finally catch up on my ever growing pile of books to read! 

Comfort Foods for those Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days

Everyone has a bad day, but there are days you can't seem to shake it. Those days call for a comfy bed, covers over your head, and some comfort food. Now, don't get it twisted- this is not about eating my emotions. (Unless stressed, haha.) But there are some dishes that remind us of our families, associated with a specific memory, and just taste dang good. 

Top 5 Comfort Foods for those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day:

5. Stepmomma's Chicken Enchiladas
I only get this meal once a year- on my birthday. My dad/stepmomma come to visit for my birthday weekend and I'm fortunate she cooks the entire weekend! Her chicken enchiladas though... They are amazing. Just ask anyone I've shared with. I've tried recreating the recipe and trying others, but it's just not the same.

4. Geneva's Vegetable Soup
My husband's grandmother ALWAYS calls when she makes a big kettle of vegetable soup. It's hearty, tomato-y goodness.

3. Grilled Cheese
I don't care who, when, or how it's made. I love a good grilled cheese. It always makes me feel better, so on those not so great days I need a pick me up? I grab some bread and two slices of cheese and make a grilled cheese. Add some back on the middle... heaven!

2. Mac and Cheese
Cheesy noodle goodness. Now, I am picky about my mac and cheese. I guess you could say I am more of a shells and cheese person. Mac and cheese always reminds me of home. I remember when I was younger, that was meal of choice for my mom and me. You can make a large portion for next to nothing.

1. Mamaw's Chicken and Dumplings
Ask anyone in my family what's the best dish my mamaw makes? I bet you they will answer chicken and dumplings. They are a hard thing to perfect: consistency, dumpligs, flavor, etc.. Somehow my mamaw makes it perfect every time. In her house, don't expect little droplet dumplings or huge biscuit ones, I am telling you they are a perfect mix of the two. NO ONE's compares to my mamaw's.

These aren't extravagant dishes ordifficult to make. I think what the difference is they are made with love. It's that ingredient you can't bottle or purchase at a store. It's the work of people who want to provide a delicious meal for their family. That's why there is no recipe attached. I could tell you exactly how to make the above but it wouldn't taste the same.

Today, I ask you to stop and think about your favorite dish. If it's linked to someone near and dear to your heart, pick up the phone or stop by to tell them how much you appreciate them!