ALL FOR AUTUMN

We're still in that weird in between time here in Southern California. It's still hot, but all the pumpkins are on display for our future jack-o-lanterns. I started thinking to myself of ways to save money. Let's face it, we ALL like to save money and have fun under the autumn sun. So here are some tips from the good old net with some of my own additions...

100 FALL ACTIVITIES...

...Cute right? Do you know what I DIDN'T see on the list? Baking your own loaf of bread. Since I live with a gluten free gent, I am very intrigued to see if I can make my own loaf of gluten free bread from a no knead recipe I hear is terrific, the bees knees, etc. Here is the recipe...

BONNIE STERN'S NO KNEAD ARTISANAL BREAD RECIPE:

https://houseandhome.com/recipe/bonnie-sterns-no-knead-artisanal-bread-recipe/

I'm trying the recipe this weekend, and I will post a pic of my loaf so you can see how the great homemade gluten free bread experiment turned out. If you try it, feel free to send me a pic of your freshly baked bread. Moving on to another item on the list, chili...

WHEN YOU'RE CHILLY HAVE CHILI

I lurk the web and various cooking web sites, because I'm always looking out for the latest and greatest recipes, or as my bf likes to say my "experiments". However, I keep coming back to Buzzfeed, because they compile some pretty nifty recipes. I will post a few links to get you started on your chili cook off.

24 Hearty Chili Recipes That Are Perfect For Cold Weather - BuzzFeed

https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/delicious-chili-recipes?utm_term=.ivYN6r1nE#.klovJxV6Z

My favorites from their list:

1. Smoky Black Bean Chili

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/smoky-black-bean-chili/

2. Three Bean Chili

http://wholeandheavenlyoven.com/2014/10/07/three-bean-chili/

3. Slow-Simmered Texas Chili

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes-menus/recipe-project-texas-chili-article

4. Smoked Sausage Chili

https://dineanddish.net/2014/10/simple-smoked-sausage-chili-recipe/

5. Vegetarian White Chili with Quinoa and Roasted Poblanos

http://potluck.ohmyveggies.com/slow-cooker-quinoa-white-chili-roasted-poblanos/

6. Smoky Lentil and Black Bean Chili

http://ifoodreal.com/lentil-chili/

7. Crockpot Jalapeno Popper Chili

https://everyday-reading.com/crockpot-jalapeno-popper-chili/

8. Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili

Chili https://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/11/crockpot-pulled-pork-chili/

I recommend pairing the chili with a hunk of that homemade bread I know you're going to bake. Wink, wink. Also you should have some freshly grated cheese on hand to sprinkle on top, because cheese on top of chili is fantastic! And if you're vegan, I'm sure you can find some yummy vegan cheese to sprinkle on top of your chili. Now, enough about food. Let's move on to the "Movie Night" idea I spied on our list of Fall activities...

MOVIE NIGHT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR AUTUMN EVENING: (MOVIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN AUTUMN)

1. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009)

My BF got me in to this charming, sweet, stop motion animated film about a crafty fox trying to feed his family and turn away from a life of "crime". It is based on the Road Dahl children's novel. I guarantee you will find it delightful!

2. "Spirited Away" (2001)

This epic and excellent Japanese animated fantasy film is about a young girl moving to a new home in a new town, and she ends up in a magical land trying to find her parents. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I can't say enough nice things about it. Here's the trailer...

3. "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986)

Between two Thanksgivings two years apart, Hannah's husband falls in love with her sister Lee, while her hypochondriac ex-husband rekindles his relationship with her sister Holly.

4. "It Follows" (2014)

To be honest, it is really not clear what season this horror gem is in, but it's moodiness reminds me of autumn. I know I've recommended this movie before, but this is a horror gem. The plot? I'm glad you asked: After carefree teenager Jay (Maika Monroe) sleeps with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), for the first time, she learns that she is the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from victim to victim via sexual intercourse. Death, Jay learns, will creep inexorably toward her as either a friend or a stranger. Jay's friends don't believe her seemingly paranoid ravings, until they too begin to see the phantom assassins and band together to help her flee or defend herself.

5. "Nightcrawler" (2014)

Another moody film that reminds me of the moody melancholy of autumn. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a terrific performance. The plot? Here you go: Los Angeles denizen Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) survives by scavenging and petty theft. He stumbles into a new career as a cameraman and -- armed with a camcorder and police scanner -- begins nocturnal forays across the city in search of shocking and grisly crimes. When he catches the eye of a shopworn news director (Rene Russo) who welcomes the chance to raise her station's ratings, Louis goes to increasingly greater lengths to catch the "money shot."

6. "The Awakening"

Another moody-not-necessarily-about-autumn film. It's a great "slow burn" ghost story that takes place in 1921 England. The plot? Here you go:

In post-World War I England a writer and sometime-ghost hunter (Rebecca Hall) investigates a reported haunting at a boys boarding school.

That's all for now, my lovelies. Feel free to enjoy the latest "Get Ready for the Weekend" soundtrack I posted on my Spotify. It'll help you groove and ease in to your weekend. Be good or be good at it.

Until next time...