exit, pursued by bear

welcome, autumn!

Saw this photo on Martha's blog earlier today and it just reminded me so much of all the great things that autumn brings!

{photo from the Martha Blog}

I wish my garden had room for such a big pumpkin patch. The blog post that accompanies this photo, "from Seed to Harvest," is definitely worth a read! It's so neat to see all the different pumpkin varieties she grows!

I'm a little late with my fall/autumn greetings, since yesterday was the first "official" day - but I'm looking forward to all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells that are in store over the next few months.

Are you excited about autumn?

because sometimes you want to make dinner with a can (or 2).

Often when someone mentions a particular food or recipe, I immediately get a craving for it and can hardly get it out of my head. This is what happened yesterday, when a friend mentioned she was making a casserOLÉ! Much hilarity ensued as we discussed possible Mexican casserole options.

I came across two recipes that sounded easy and quick, and basically combined the two: the "Fiesta Taco Casserole" from Betty Crocker and McCormick's "Taco Casserole." Mine came out looking like this, but I didn't beautify the casserole dish with carefully arranged tortilla chips along the edge ...

{photo via Betty Crocker}

Fiesta CasserOLÉ!

1.5 lb lean ground beef
1 can (15 to 16 oz) spicy chili beans in sauce, undrained
1 can (11 ounces) Mexican-style corn or whole kernel corn (I actually didn't drain it
Thick or chunky-style salsa (recipe called for a cup - I just eyeballed it)
1 package taco seasoning mix
Coarsely broken tortilla chips
Shredded Mexican-style cheese

Optional:
Tortilla chips or Fritos
Shredded lettuce
Sour cream
Canned diced tomatoes with chilies (Rotel or similar)

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix, beans, corn and approximately cup salsa. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes.
2. In ungreased 2-quart casserole, place broken tortilla chips. Top with beef mixture. Sprinkle with (drained) tomatoes and cheese.
3. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Arrange tortilla chips around edge of casserole, if desired. Serve, topping with lettuce, additional salsa, sour cream and extra tortilla chips or Fritos.

not that I need another pair ...

as I can barely close my pajama dresser drawer as it is, but these are hard to resist:

{"Cosy Brushed Pull-ons" in Lavender Polka Spot, from Boden: $38}

Just loving purple lately.

not too shabby.

Despite the possibility of looking like I was wearing furniture fabric, I do love this dress from Shabby Apple:

{"Carousel" by Shabby Apple, $108}

Sort of surprising, since I'm not much of a ruffle girl. But still, a very sweet dress.

(on) the wall.

Gradually starting to come around on wallpaper again. Love this pattern from Ballard Designs:

{Trellis Wallpaper - Green Double Roll, Ballard Designs: $119, via Holly Mathis Interiors}

What are your thoughts on the return of wallpaper?

have another seat (or two)

Just came across this pair of lovelies:

{2 Mid Century Danish Modern Clam Shell Chairs Eames Era, via ebay seller heritage_hills}

The lines and color are fantastic. Reserve not met - but I'm keeping my eye on this one!

um, yes please.

I definitely need this blue velvet couch:

{via made by girl, from Atmosphere Home Essentials}

have a seat.

Last weekend we picked up my latest Craiglist find - a pair of old theater seats. We've "auditioned" them in several different areas/rooms - but I think we've settled on our bedroom, beneath the clothes rack on our wall. I tried to "stage" the corner a bit:

Here's a more close-up shot - they're in great shape and look fantastic with our floors:

What do you think? It took a little convincing for the hubs, but he loves them now.

When Scots Get Bored.

Not sure if this has been around for a while or not, but was just sent this earlier today and I just had to share its awesomeness:

Baa-studs, indeed.