Halloween I Love You’s, Thrifting, Friends and Funds.

Halloween is synonymous with winter in the Midwest.    It never fails, the temperature plummets and parents scramble to find their kids winter gloves and hats for an evening of trick or treating.  Every. Single. Year.

Clint and I had our bowl of candy ready for a stream of kiddos, but sadly I only saw about 20 total.   That might even be pushing it.   I guess the weather held them back.

Our neighbor’s granddaughter stole my heart in her monkey costume and cute as a button smile.

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My friend, Claire, stopped over with her kiddo Briton, so we took off around my neighborhood for a little trick-or-treating.   This kid loves the color green and dinosaurs so his costume was perfect.

 

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Briton is such an intelligent, loving, cute as can be kiddo.  I just love spending time with this green loving squirt.

 

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Briton story time with “Aunt Jordan”

Briton kept us thoroughly entertained as he told each and every person who gave him candy that he loved them.   It was pretty much adorable and the reactions were priceless.  Most men didn’t know how to respond, one man said “Too Soon” and most of the ladies turned into a ball of mush.

Briton for the win.

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Briton and his mommy

Saturday morning I spent with Tyree hitting up thrift stores for some old frames and a little lunch date at Jason’s Deli.   It has been well over a month since I’ve seen the girl, so it was nice to hang out just the two of us for a low key afternoon.   She and I split ways around 3 and I spent the rest of my day at Nebraska Furniture Mart, Target, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.   By the time I got home it was 8pm and I was spent.  Dinner and a glass of wine while sitting my butt on the couch is how I spent the rest of my evening as Clint was in Clarinda helping the family harvest.

Sunday morning I had a coffee date with my girl, Sunni.  Instead of meeting at Starbucks, I took the coffee to her.    Little Ms. Brooklyn was not going to let mom go.   Such a cute little squirt.

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Following our coffee and small talk, I headed back home for an afternoon of projects.

First up:  a short Harley ride and a long overdue washing.    She was disgusting.

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The rest of the day was spent around the house cleaning and starting new projects.  Not done yet, but the exciting part is I have a new entertainment center thanks to my shopping adventures.  The one I had was a cheap buy from Wal-Mart 8 years ago.  It was time to be a grown-up.

New paint and fun wall art to come soon!  I’m tapping into my creative side for this one.

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Have I mentioned we aren’t done with the basement remodel yet?   My excuse: we need new furniture, an area rug and a new tv for it.    Oh, and the framing around the window has yet to be finished.   So…. until all of the above can be purchased (money tree… I need a money tree), the basement remains ‘under construction’.

Don’t judge.

Cheers to closing out a great weekend!

Spinach Mushroom Garlic Lasagna Recipe And Happy Halloween!

Before we get to the yummiest vegetable based recipe I have made yet, I must first say,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  We have had the cutest little kiddos visiting our house tonight.  Love their tiny voices saying “trick-or-treat“!

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I asked Champ if he was ready for some Halloween candy.  His reaction is much like mine when talking chocolate.

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Tonight for dinner was Spinach Mushroom Garlic Lasagna.  Apparently, I am on a spinach, mushroom, garlic kick lately.  I am rolling with it.

Spinach Mushroom Garlic Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • Box Lasagna Noodles (I used whole grain)
  • 8oz. mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 9 oz. bag spinach, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. basil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 24 oz. Garden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce
  • 15 oz low fat ricotta
  • 12 oz low fat cottage cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 Tbsp. Egg White (or 1 whole egg)
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella
  • 2 Tbsp EVOO

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Directions:

Boil noodles in pot of water.

Saute chopped onion, mushrooms and garlic in EVOO over medium-low heat.

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While mixture is sauteing, chop spinach and add to pan once mushrooms and onions have softened.

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While spinach wilts in pan, mix together egg whites, ricotta, cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella in a medium size bowl.  Set aside.   Once spinach mixture has reduced, add in Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce.

Yum!

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At this point you are ready to assemble the lasagna.  In a greased 9×13 pan, overlap four lasagna noodles, top with mushroom/spinach mixture, dollops of the ricotta mixture and a handful of shredded mozzarella.   Repeat layers four times.

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Place in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.  Let set, cut, serve, devour.  Try to have just one serving.  Not. Possible.

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Hope you all had a wonderful Thursday!

What was your favorite costume of the evening?