Foodgawker

Foodgawker is "a photo gallery that allows you to visually search and discover new recipes, techniques and ingredients" submitted by food bloggers from around the world. When something catches your eye, you click on the photo and go straight to the blog for the recipe. I submitted my Spaghetti alla Puttanesca and my photo was accepted onto the site. So I added this little guy onto my sidebar which links to my gallery. I just have the one so far, but hope to submit more in the future.

Simple and Natural Fall Decor

I've just completed this years fall decorating. Last year, I cleaned out my fall decor bin and started with a relatively clean slate this year. I never like to spend a lot of money on decor since it's only on display for a few months, so I opted instead for some inexpensive natural elements.

I found this idea from Better Homes and Gardens, and knew I could create something similar. I grabbed the leaves during a morning walk and put them in some spare frames, using the back of the page that comes with the frames for a white background. I plan on doing something similar with pine branches.

I also picked up some mums for $2.50 a pot and put them in some ikea planters. I know mums live outside but I put them outside every other day to get some sun, and they're holding up well.

The wreath was half off at Hobby Lobby (when are things not half off at Hobby Lobby?).

The ceramic pumpkin is one of the few things left in my decor bin, and sits atop the books on the coffee table.

The pumpkins on the steps are actually faux, craft pumpkins, but I they have a pretty realistic look and never rot. I'm thinking about spray painting them white for a clean, elegant look.

I plan on grabbing a few more things on clearance to add to the bin for next year, like this cornucopia, or these white pumpkin candles.

Check out some more holiday decorating ideas on my Pinterest page

What types of fall decor does everyone else have around the house, I'd love to see!

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

 

1 lb spaghetti

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

4 anchovy filets, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon capers
small can black olives

2 cloves garlic, crushed
fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

red pepper flakes, to taste

	While your spaghetti cooks in salted boiling water, prepare your sauce.
	Heat olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) in a large skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. When garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes), add anchovies, olives, and capers.
	Let cook for a few seconds then pour in tomatoes. Cook for approximately five minutes or until the sauce has reduced a bit.
	Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Image by Amynonymous for Domestic Observances

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my husband Mike who turned 29 on the 7th! One year closer to the dirty 30. We celebrated with homemade peanut butter cupcakes with chocolate frosting, a family dinner and a night out with friends. I bought Mike this brew kit for his birthday, and we're starting a pumpkin ale soon (details to come). Happy Birthday love!

Homemade Christmas

This year my family was coerced decided to do a homemade Christmas. I'm not a big fan of Christmas shopping, and since Christmas is more about family than gifts, I thought a homemade Christmas would be a lost cost, more personal alternative. Below I compiled some different ideas for different members of my family. Mike and I are still trying to decide what to make for each person, and it's fun trying to come up with the right gift to fit each person's personality and style. I know it's only October, but if we're all going to be making homemade gifts, we need to start working.

Note to my family, if you aren't able to make gifts this year, we can still use the wishlist for gift ideas, no need to stress about coming up with homemade gifts, if that's not your thing.