Warm soups for cold fall weather

When the temperature drops I instantly think two things, cozy sweaters and bowls of yummy soup. Here is one of my faves to get you feeling warm and fuzzy right away, its nutritious and very affordable to make.

Autumn Soup

1 lb ground beef

1 c. chopped onion

4 c. water

1 c. chopped carrot

1 c. chopped celery

1 c. chopped potatoes

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1/4 c barley

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp Kitchen Bouquet

2 bay leaves

1 tsp basil

1 beef bouillon cube

Directions:

Cook the ground beef before adding to the pot, combine all ingredients until veggies and barley are tender. 

This is one of those recipes you can add more or less of veggies, add other veg you like or other seasoning. It also works great in the crock pot on low for 8-9 hours. Enjoy this simple recipe and cozy up for cold fall nights.  

Halloween Family Tradition

Halloween is my favorite time of the year, the cool weather, changing leaves, and the fun of Halloween decorating.
Every year my family and I create our own Halloween decorations. We make sure we keep it simple and under $5 for each project. The kids love coming up with ideas and making the decorations by hand.
Here is a list of the projects we have loved doing most.

SPECIMEN JARS: Glass jars filled with creepy objects and colored water.
GRAVEYARD: Headstones cut from Styrofoam and spray painted with fun names written on them.
APOTHECARY JARS: Decorative glass jars filled with fall themed candy.
GHOSTS: White sheet cut into squares, yard balls, fishing line and you're set for a yard full of ghosts.

Have fun coming up with your own decoration ideas and making this a spooky and memorable Halloween. Stay safe and Enjoy!