Vino for my Amigos, part Fall

Kyle and I are currently on the hunt for a house wine (under $20, of course!) for the Fall! Kyle came home with this little gem the other day for a taste test:

2006 Galante Vineyards Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon

I'm not going to call it "the one", but I'd definitely go out on another date!  It's a fun cab that is bright but with dark fruit flavors.  We had our friend Abigail over to taste test with us during the A&M game last weekend.  While the Aggies nearly gave us all a heart attack (as they always do), we pulled out a win and I suppose I was wrong to hide all sharp objects from Kyle.  Fittingly, Ab concluded that this wine tasted like "winning".  I'll take it!

And speaking of wine, or no more whine to be exact...

After 20 months and Cooper being indifferent to about 20 different "loveys", he has decided on a favorite...the "Angel Dear" bunny.  In my attempt to stock the house, diaper bag and school backpack in the case of an emergency, I stumbled upon this niftily little kit: "A Pair and a Spare".  That is 3 of the "chosen ones" packaged in one box.  Perfect for the emergency spare or stocking your gift closet for baby showers!  Ok, Angel Dear, you win.  You can have my $35 for your clever marketing trickery!  Must. Have. [The Correct.] Lovey.

The happy boy!

Happy [almost] weekend, y'all!

Chili Time!

The best part about fall is most definitely the food.  First up on my fav fall food list?  Kyle's chili.  The minute the thermometer dips below 60° I am begging for him to make it.  At around bowl number two I am thankful for the second best part of fall...sweaters to hide my chili belly!

Here is Kyle's "secret" recipe.  I say secret because he doesn't measure when he cooks so getting this down on paper took some doing!  His recipe is both spicy and sweet and definitely Texas style with jalepenos and black beans!  I think its best washed down with a cold Shiner.  Enjoy!

Kyle's Chili

1 sweet onion

3 garlic cloves

1 yellow bell pepper

2 jalepenos

1 can black beans

1 can sweet corn

2 small cans tomato paste
3lbs chili meat

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp cayenne

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp seasoned salt

1.5 Tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp black pepper

Olive Oil

Garnish: Cilantro, avocado, green onions, sour cream, sharp cheddar and Fritos!

1. Chop garlic, onions and peppers and sweat in a dutch oven with olive oil.  (If you're a crock pot fan, do this in a pan on the stove first and then transfer to your crock pot.)
2. Add in meat and seasoning and simmer on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. About 30 minutes before it is done, add in the corn and beans.
4. Garnish and serve!

Yes, this makes enough for a small army but it freezes well!

The Farmer's Market

No trip ever goes as planned with a 20 month old.  

Today, we decided to take Cooper to the farmer's market to get breakfast.  I had pictured the three of us strolling around, visiting booths, sampling fruit and eating fresh pastries while watching a live band.  What was I thinking?!  What I got instead was "Hold my coffee while I make sure Cooper doesn't run in the street" and "Please, for the love Cooper, put down that man's tomatoes!  Don't you put that in your mouth! Don't you do it!"  There was more chasing than strolling and more stealing sampling than buying but such is life right now.  Hectic, but fun!

We almost got out unscathed, and Mama got some flowers!

Afterwards, all smiles on the slide!

Thank God for Daddies who are willing to touch bugs!

This is love!

My boy is in love.  With a girl name Cassidy!  It's official, and I have proof!

(Excuse the shirtless BBQ dinner, it's Friday night in Houston y'all!)

Shout out to "Uncle Nat" = Uncle Matt for the video!

A dance, an oops and a first love?

Cooper's teacher sent us a video of him dancing during music class today.  I couldn't believe my eyes! This is the same kid that cries his eyes out every morning at drop off?! Clearly aced Toddler Manipulation 101!

For those of you who haven't had the pleasant opportunity of trying to get crayon marks off your floor I'll go ahead and save you a step...Mr. Clean magic erasers!  How did Moms survive before these?!  (Yes, I am blogging about cleaning products, sheesh.  Moving on...)

In other news...Cooper boy won't stop talking about a little girl in his class.  He says her name over and over and giggles to himself.  What the what?!  Slow it down Macho Man! 

Mama's got a new toy!

Mama's got a new camera lens...sorry Coop!  When we were at the river a couple of weekends ago I totally got "lens envy" watching my photog friend in action.  Here are a few from tonight's shoot.  Cooper just loves having his picture taken, can't you tell?!

Sweet face.

In action.  Why are boys so sweaty?!

"OK, Mom. Enough with the pictures."

"I'm DONE!"

Maroon!

I am very lucky to have two people in my life, my husband and my best friend, who do most of my clothes shopping for me!  I know I'm spoiled, but we all have our strengths and weaknesses!

I'm not totally deficient.  I can pick out clothes that I like and I do ok keeping the basics stocked.  Plus, I have ZERO problems in the shoe and handbag departments!  But, the thought of stocking up my fall wardrobe or picking out an outfit for my Christmas pics makes me a little queasy.  And once I find something I like, you are sure to see me in it 500 times.  (Just ask Kyle about the "winter pants, 2009" or the "summer shorts, 2012"!)

To all my Aggie friends...check out Lyndsey's picks for maroon this fall!  LOVE!

Shoes {obsessed with maroon on the feet this season!}

1 2 3 4 5 6

Game day tops

1 2 3 4 5 

Leg guitars

1 2 3 4 

Bottoms Up

1 2 3 

Happy First Weekend of Fall!

P.S. A litte more maroon...

I know these are considered filler flowers but I dig them and they were only $10 at Central Market!

P.P.S. FUN weekend song.

XO,

LZ