more fall

the leaves are really starting to turn and fall. we've already raked the yard once, and it's on the agenda for tomorrow again. i think it's one of my favorite chores and i look forward to it every year.

wreath refurbishing

i decided to pull out the old vine wreath and give it a colorful update for fall while watching today's football game. i suppose i should've taken a before photo, but i'm sure you can imagine it in its stripped-down state. it looks much more cheerful now, as does our front door. i feel almost justified in spending my time in front of the tv. (click image for larger view)

the boy and me - week 23

at missy's request, here we are in week 23.

artwork and a trip to the dollar store

yesterday we managed to remove one more piece of extraneous furniture from the room where we plan to put the boy. huzzah! progress! one of these days we might actually buy paint. but until then, i can entertain myself by looking at other people's wonderful rooms (especially here and here), and inspired by all the kid friendly artwork (like the above).
i did get to the dollar store today to pick up a few cheap frames. stay tuned to see the results.
(image Synesthesia print via)

snap happy

we debated between the gingersnaps and an apple pie. in the end, the snaps won. it's time consuming to make the full recipe, but they freeze well, so we've got some profits for weeks to come.

gingersnaps

ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp ginger
• 4 1/4 cups flour
• 3 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp cloves

directions:

1. cream shortening and sugars
2. add molasses and eggs; beat well
3. sift together dry ingredients; add
4. mix well
5. roll dough into small balls; roll balls in sugar
6. place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets
7. bake 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees

makes bunches, so after "taste testers" have performed their job, there will be plenty to share or freeze

i wish i had a firepit

as if i wasn't already jealous of missy for being able to squeeze in a camping trip last weekend.

if i could drop everything and go camping this weekend, i would definitely stop by the grocery and pick up the ingredients for these gooey treats. i guess all i REALLY need is a firepit, but alas, our postage-stamp of a yard probably doesn't have the necessary space. (in reality, i could probably use the oven, but that just seems like cheating!)
on the upside, we have plans to visit mike's brother and his family, and they DO have a firepit...

get the recipe here. found via here.

pattern envy

i'm really loving the looks from the marimekko A/W 08 collection—especially that center dress. the prints are fantastic and the shapes are super cute.
found via oh joy.