Oops!

Well I definitely didn't intend to post on Thursday and then fall off the face of the Earth for the rest of the week and weekend, ha-ha! It happens though and so here we are, on Monday once again and another week is under way! 

Let's jump back just a bit - shall we? I share some things I would have included on my Five on Friday and share all about my weekend. The most important thing I can share with you today is: I GOT AN ALDI CHEESE ADVENT CALENDAR! Perhaps this would be nothing special to some people but I'm positively thrilled! And of course - there's a bit of a story behind it's purchase!

Wednesday while I was perusing the internet at work, I stumbled on an article that told all about Aldi's famous wine and cheese advent calendars which were being sold in the US for the first time this year! I had my women's group meeting but I (jokingly) text my Mom and told her that she needed to go get me an Aldi cheese advent calendar while they were out and about for dinner on Wednesday night.

Lo and behold - she text me later to tell me that she'd purchased the LAST one in the store! The wine and cheese calendars went on sale on Wednesday the 7th and when my parents arrived at our local Aldi, there was already a sign declaring the wine advent calendars ($69.99) were already sold out! They couldn't find the cheese calendars anywhere but my Mom asked and they had one left, that they'd placed in the back - the only reason I ended up with this thing is because my Mom asked! So - moral of the story: ask for what you want! Or...have your Mom ask for what you want, ha-ha!

It poured all day on Friday - another weekend starting with rain! Blegh! We closed the office early and I made the trip to Kirkland's with my friends Danielle and Meridith to peruse the store's offerings - it just opened on Wednesday, so it's still filled with newness and everything is shiny. I couldn't resist purchasing two tree toppers, which I immediately took home and plopped on top of the two trees (actually five) that I already have up. They weren't decorated on Friday night...but they are now, ha-ha!

We watched the movie Pompeii on Friday night ahead of our trip to Italy (we leave in FOUR days!) and my Mom and I also watched an episode of Escape to the Continent - I'll definitely be adding Austria to my "must see" list of places! I slept in on Saturday, sipped my coffee and then got myself together and joined my Mom to go see the Christmas Open Houses happening all over town... 

We purchased things here and there - decorations, a few Christmas gifts, I pointed out a gift I would like and we had a delicious lunch at Firehouse Subs! It really just put me in the Christmas spirit but then - as much as I love Christmas, that isn't a hard thing to accomplish! After a day filled with Christmas cheer, yummy food and shopping, we headed home to have some delicious vegetable beef soup for supper and I decorated my Christmas trees! 

I woke up on Sunday morning with a headache - which is absolutely so frustrating because I'm not certain what could have caused a headache to spring up during the night! I took some medicine and had breakfast before getting ready for church...but unfortunately the music only made my head throb more and instead of heading to my ladies group retreat for the afternoon, I went home and ate lunch and crawled on my couch...

After trying Excedrin Migraine, Sinex and finally just good old Aspirin (not all together), my headache finally went away around 4:00! I laid on the couch and watched the newest episode of Outlander with my Mom (I was not a fan) and then did some early stages of getting things together to pack for our upcoming trip to Italy! The family headed out for dinner at Chili's and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the sky - a picture that doesn't begin to do it justice - but oh well.

We popped into Wal-Mart on the way to Chili's to pick up a skinny Christmas tree and then had dinner together - Chili's was offering a free meal for Veteran's Day and so my sweet Veteran Daddy took advantage of that, he does love the Chipotle Chicken Crispers, ha-ha! Once we returned home, I took my ritualistic Sunday night bubble bath and then we began to Christmas-ify the house - we want to have everything up and done before we leave for Italy, so when we return home we can just enjoy the Christmas season.

Watson posed for his very own portrait while we were getting ready to watch Poldark and I couldn't resist sharing that here. He's so adorable! After a rousing episode of all things Cornwall and crazy, I hit the sack ahead of another week! So you see - you didn't really miss much! 

Veteran's Day

My Veterans: My grandfather James Watson, My sister Lindsey Summerlin, my father Jeffrey Summerlin and my grandfather Huey Summerlin. 

Stew Season

Tis the season for all things warm and cozy - especially when you're in the kitchen! I recently made two different stews that were both delicious, filling and nailed the whole "warm & cozy" thing. I loved both of these and they will be added to my rotation, so give them a try!

Brunswick Stew

• 2 Quarts chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb. shredded pork
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups peeled & chopped potatoes
• 1 10 ounce package frozen lima bean; thawed
• 1 16 ounce package frozen whole kernel corn; thawed
• 1 16 ounce package frozen white shoepeg corn; thawed
• 1 cup mirepoix (diced celery, carrot & onion sauteed in butter)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 28 ounce can of whole tomatoes
• 2 cans white meat chicken; drained

Combine all ingredients in a stock pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until desired thickness.

Remove the bay leaf - serve and enjoy!

Chicken Pot Pie Stew

• 2 cans white meat chicken; drained & shredded
• 5 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup peeled & diced carrots
• 1 15 ounce can low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups peeled & diced russet potatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

In a stock pot, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add in onion, carrot and celery and saute for about 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, potatoes, parsley, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium (press veggies down into broth), cover with lid and allow to cook, stirring occasionally until potatoes are tender - about 15-25 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in chicken and peas.

In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour and cook mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 1/2 minutes. While whisking, slowly pour in milk and whisk vigourously to smooth lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat while stirring constantly. then remove from heat and stir in cream. Pour and stir milk mixture into mixture in pot. Stir in lemon juice.

Remove bay leaf and serve warm.

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Watson Wednesday

Marveling at the wonder of Autumn leaves.

Freddie Mercury, Fruits of the Vine & Fall Leaves

It's Tuesday - so y'all know that means my Monday was a little bit wild! Honestly, Monday wasn't so bad and it wasn't even really hectic but I guess the rain and the time change combined to make me seem melancholy because I sighed as the nurse prepared to give me my flu shot...and she asked what had gotten me down? Honestly - nothing, ha-ha!

This weekend was full but so good! We were lucky enough to get to leave work early on Friday and so I headed home in the rain, picked up my parents and we hopped over to Wok Zone for dinner and then to the Alamo to see Bohemian Rhapsody.

I could go on and on about how excellent the movie was - there were times I wasn't sure if I was watching Rami Malek playing Freddie Mercury or it actually WAS Freddie Mercury. The movie was phenomenal, so fun and of course, the music in the movie was outstanding! I've had my Queen on repeat since watching the movie! I got the Killer Queen cocktail to enjoy during the movie, it was tropical, yummy and included a mustache, ha-ha! Seriously y'all - go see Bohemian Rhapsody!

Saturday morning I slept in, had my coffee and then set about getting ready. My office had a client event at Fleetwood Farm Winery on Saturday afternoon from 1-4, my friends (who are also my co-workers) picked me up at 11:45, so after scarfing down some soup - it was time to hop in the car and make the 50 minute ride to the winery. 

The winery was absolutely lovely and the weather; after being dreary all day on Friday, was a perfect day. We met with clients, sampled wines, snacked on some delicious treats from Wegman's and it was honestly just a really nice afternoon! I'm terrible at being social (at least, I think so) but it was very easy to talk with everyone - which was surprising to me! I sampled some really delicious Rose and Chardonnay, had macarons and got to spend time with my friends! 

After the tasting was done - I joined my parents for dinner at Chuy's - one of my Mom and I's favorite Mexican spots. We have to get it when we are closer to DC because while there are locations all over the place the closer you get to DC, they are not close to us. *sigh* We scarfed down some delicious food, popped into the Nothing Bundt Cakes store and then headed home to watch MSU football and relax.

Sunday we slept in - but not really that late, what with the time change and all that jazz. We decided to skip church on Sunday morning and instead had breakfast at Mama's Kitchen before waiting in the line of cars to enter the National Park and check out the fall foliage. The line was a bit long, but once inside the park the traffic was almost nonexistent with people going every which way to see all the different views the park has to offer.

The trees seemed to be the most colorful near the base of the mountains - I think the recent rainy and windy weather had already pulled most of the leaves from the trees higher on the mountain. We made our way to the midway point, then headed out of the park near Sperryville and headed home. We picked up my sweet pup and made our way to the Virginia State Arboretum because the Gingko trees finally turned the spectacular golden yellow that they are known for...

We made a drive around the Arboretum and snapped some pictures of other gorgeous Autumn colors on display...

We made our way home and my Mom and I watched the first episode of the new season of Outlander. Of course, it was dark by 5:00 and I commented that it felt like midnight at 5:30...but I always feel that way, ha-ha! We had pizza for dinner, I maybe...just maybe...put out my Christmas tree(s) and took a bubble bath and ended the evening with Poldark!

Five on Friday

Is anyone else excited to see Friday arrive? Let's be honest - I find it hard to believe that there are many times in life when a Friday isn't welcomed upon it's arrival. As always, I'm thoroughly pleased to see Friday arrive and I'm ready to enjoy this first weekend in November! Which - how did we get here? Time flies!

One. Game of Thrones Season Eight - It's been over a year since season seven of Game of Thrones bowed out and finally...at long last...a brief glimpse into season eight! The article that corresponds with the cover has been made available online but I'm waiting until my copy of the magazine arrives! Perhaps this means we'll get an idea about a premiere date soon? Any other Game of Thrones obsessed folks out there that squealed in delight when they saw this cover??

I want a Winter coat like Daenerys' - that coat is absolute perfection, is it not?

Two. Christmas Spirit - I know...I know...it's only November 2nd but I have to admit that I've already listened to Christmas music! I just can't help it y'all! I have always loved Christmas with all my heart and so as soon as that calendar flips to November, I started thinking about Christmas carols, Christmas lights, Christmas movies...the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving too - I just think I can be thankful that I already have my Christmas light up while I'm eating my turkey! 

That's not actually my hand - but it could be, ha-ha!

Three. Chicken Pot Pie Soup - I made this recipe on Thursday night and it is to die for! It's the perfect soup for the upcoming chilly Autumn and Winter evenings! The soup is filling, delicious, full of vegetables and flavor...and what's more, I got my Dad to say "I think this is my new favorite soup". If that's not a win, I don't know what is!

I'll share the recipe next week so you all can whip up a big ol pot for yourselves! I promise you won't regret making this!

Four. Halloween Recap - I didn't have a costume this year, so I tried to keep the spirit of Halloween alive by wearing my orange dress and black leggings to work on Wednesday. The boss let us head home around 4:30 and I helped my Mom put together a dinner of grilled hot dogs, chili, all the fixings, chips and drinks. Our friends and their kiddos arrived around 6:15 and we all had dinner...

After bellies were filled, the kids set out to roam the neighborhood in search of candy! We had a hot dog, a witch from Descendants, Chewbacca, Bumblebee, a cowgirl, Cat Boy and a pumpkin - whoosh! I sat on the porch with my Mom and my sweet pup - in his bat wings - and we handed out candy. After sorting all the goodies and sampling some with Amelia and Evelyn, I ended my Halloween night with my tradition - watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. 

Five. Weekend Plans - It's supposed to rain all evening tonight...but that's no big deal! I'm headed to the theater to see Bohemian Rhapsody, which I'm really looking forward to! I grew up listening to Queen's music, so I know all the songs by heart and I've heard good things about the movie! I'm going to sleep in on Saturday and then meet up with my co-workers to attend a wine tasting event my office is taking part in...

After the wine tasting, my parents are picking me up and we are heading to celebrate (I'll share about that a little later...) at Chuy's! The leaves have become absolutely incredible this past week and so on Sunday after church, we are heading into the National Park to peep some leaves! And Sunday night, the fourth season of Outlander premieres!

What are your weekend plans? Anything you're looking forward to? I hope everyone enjoys the first weekend of November!

October Amusements

What I Read

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon - I'll confess...I'm still only about 200 pages into this one and I haven't done a lot of reading this month. *sigh* I forgot that this book is a little hard to get into but I was on an Outlander high and wanted to keep reading after The Drums of Autumn. I'm still enjoying it but it's taking me longer to get into!

Books on the Shelf

Make Something Good Today by Erin & Ben Napier - I read the first chapter of this and then I got distracted, so I've reallocated it to the "read soon" area on my shelf. Otherwise I have nothing that I'm really waiting to read. I know - so sad.

Must See TV

The Man in the High Castle - Well...the third season of TMITHC was so incredibly fast paced and both my little sister and I managed to binge all ten episodes in about four days. The show is based on the novel by Philip K. Dick that offer a look at what the world would be like if the Axis Powers won WWII, splitting the United States between Nazi Germany and the Japanese. The show is absolutely fascinating, if a bit unsettling at times. If you're a history fan and enjoy a sci-fi twist thrown in, I can almost guarantee you'd love this show!

This Is Us - The third season has only had five or six episodes but already they are pulling at the heartstrings and Randall is doing that whole single tear thing that gets me right in the feels every single time. I love watching this show and I love discovering new layers that make each of the characters and the stories of their lives even more intriguing and compelling! Do y'all watch This Is Us - because if not, you should be! So good!

Movies of the Month

A Star is Born - Well I absolutely loved this movie! *sigh* I know this is the third remake of the film originally made in 1937, but it was my first introduction to the movie and it was wonderful. The story and the characters just pull you in from the first minutes of the movie, the music is wonderful (who knew Bradley Cooper could sing y'all?!?) and the acting is incredible. I ended up seeing this twice - once with my friends on my birthday and again with my Mom - loved it both times. If you've even thought about seeing it, I'd say go for it!

This is the only movie I saw all month - but I did see it twice because y'all - it's so freaking good.

What I'm Listening To

A Star is Born Soundtrack - I'll say it again...who knew Bradley Cooper could sing? I knew Lady Gaga could sing but the two of them together, oh man - they're excellent! I've had this soundtrack on repeat since I downloaded at the start of the month!

Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack - I was raised on the music of Queen and I can't wait to see the movie (seeing it tomorrow)... the songs on the soundtrack are basically a greatest hits of Queen and I've had this one of rotation since I downloaded earlier this week! All the songs are classics and absolutely and completely awesome!

Tasty Treats

Oh man... I honestly feel like I've just eaten so much junk all month but when I look back at my pictures, I didn't find too much and y'all know I love a good food picture! I know without a doubt that my birthday macarons from Olivia Macaron were a favorite this month and I'm so glad we discovered 50/50 Taphouse because the burgers are outstanding! I can't wait to go back!

We found a perfect Brunswick Stew recipe and as always... Nana's Irish Pub never disappoints: the Celtic Chips, Chicken Pie and Bannoffee Pie were to die for! And the next two months are easily the best "eating" months of the year! Eek!

What I'm Looking Forward To

Italy - I'm going to Italy in 15 days! Are you kidding me...just FIFTEEN days! I don't think I can even wrap my head around that but oh my gosh y'all, it is so close! We will be exploring the canals of Venice, the streets of Rome, the ruins of Pompeii and the coastline of Sicily and I just can't even wrap my head around how blessed and excited I am to be setting foot on Italian soil this month!

Decorating for Christmas - That's right! I'll be decorating this month for Christmas! I'm planning to decorate before we leave for Italy, so I may even do that next weekend... who knows? I absolutely love Christmas so much and so I am never bothered by decorating as soon as it's acceptable, ha-ha!

Movies - Y'all know I love a good movie and there are several coming out in November that I cannot wait to see! What movies might those be? Well... Bohemian Rhapsody (seeing that one the day it comes out), The Nutcracker & the Four Realms, The Grinch and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. I do love a good time spent at the movies!

That's all she wrote for the month of October! November is here...the countdown to Christmas is on and I haven't quite decided if it's acceptable to listen to Christmas music yet. See y'all back here tomorrow for Five on Friday!