Fall into Fall!

Sickness has hit the household, and it's making me want to curl up with a good book or better yet my iPad and Pinterest account! Why?! Because it's buzzing with Fall inspiration including mulled cider, layers of clothing, and decor that makes me feel the cool breeze blowing through my open windows!
Do you need some help breaking out of the summer heat? Check out some of my favorite finds!

I love this look for Dablet for the Fall! The layers, ruffles, and comfy rustic chic look are too cute!

Pinned here

Me to a "T" the neckline, texting (or tweeting) while walking, and layers of bracelets for a bit of fall glam!

Pinned here Originally pulled from Particularity Blog

Let's face it, North Carolina doesn't get SUPER cold so I can pull of flip flops for a long time. I can also appreciate the comfort of this grab and go outfit for running errands with Dablet!

Pinned here via Lynda from Focal Point

Let's face it, mulled cider is one of the best things about the Fall! I LOVE these apple cups too! Great way to use all of the parts and have a fabulous display!

Pinned here!

This is BY FAR the best beef stew I have ever had or cooked. Whenever it comes up in our house "what do you want for dinner" in the Fall or Winter Kyle gives me a side eye and says "Beef Stew?!" like a kid asking to open a Christmas present early! Here's the recipe! 

(Cited from foodnetwork.com)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, for frying, plus more to drizzle
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck shoulder roast, cut into 2-inch pieces (this cut is also called chuck shoulder pot roast and chuck roast boneless)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bottle good quality dry red wine (recommended: Burgundy)
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 orange, zest removed in 3 (1-inch) strips
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 cups beef stock
• 9 small new potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut in 1/2
• 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups frozen pearl onions, a large handful
• 1 pound white mushrooms, cut in 1/2
• 1/2 pound garden peas frozen or fresh
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Horseradish Sour Cream, recipe follows, for garnish
• Toasted Peasant Bread, recipe follows, for serving

Directions

Preheat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with the oil and butter.

While the pan is heating, arrange the flour on a large dish. Season the cubed beef with some salt and freshly ground black pepper and then toss in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour and add the beef chunks in a single layer to the hot pan, being careful not to over crowd the pan, you might have to work in batches. Thoroughly brown all of the cubes on all sides. Once all the meat has been browned remove it to a plate and reserve.

Add the wine to the pan and bring up to a simmer while you scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon being sure to loosen up all those tasty bits. Once the wine has gotten hot add the browned meat, thyme, smashed garlic, orange zest strip, ground cloves, freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste,bay leaves and beef stock. Bring the mixture up to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the liquids start to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours.

After 2 hours add halved potatoes, sliced carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms, along with a pinch of sugar to balance out the acid from the red wine. Turn the heat up slightly and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes more, until the vegetables and meat are tender. Add the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper and remove the thyme sprigs.

To serve, place the stew in a soup bowl, garnish with parsley, drizzle with olive oil and add a dollop of Horseradish Sour Cream. Right before serving add a slice of Toasted Peasant Bread, half way submerged in the stew.

Happy Fall Dreaming!!!