Five on Friday II

Yippee!!  It's Friday!  Wishing y'all a Happy Halloween and a wonderful start to the weekend!  We'll pass out candy this evening and then head to our neighborhood bonfire.  Other than that I am looking forward to some quiet down time laying low.  But first, here's my Five on Friday:

ONE

I came back to school on Monday after being out sick to this sweet little note on my desk.  I'm a sucker for when the kiddos draw my curly hair.  There was also a darling little story about a lollipop named Melissa who loves to dance (they know me well....) but it made her sweat, which is not good for lollipops, so she had to quit dancing and took up yoga instead.  They never cease to amaze me with their creativity and it certainly was a great way to start the week.

Melissa the curly headed, yoga performing lollipop!

Terra Cotta Warriors

I love my city.  Truly.  I'm reminded often why, usually because of the wonderful people living here, but yesterday I had a unique opportunity to see something special and was reminded again of my love of Indy. 

The Children's Museum is showcasing a special exhibit of the China's Terra Cotta Warriors.  In fact, it is the only place in the country in which you can see them this year.  They are spectacular.  I'm so happy I managed to sneak down to see them before it closes. 

Happy Hour [Vokda Mint Gimlet]

We're clinging on to the warm weather around these parts this week. I think it's the last stretch as the high for this weekend is 40 degrees. However, before that stays for good Hubby and I enjoyed a beautiful little Happy Hour this evening.

Five on Friday

This week while being down and out with the flu I stumbled upon a linky party through Pinterest.  I spent ages reading through several fabulous blogs listing their "Five on Friday".  So, today I'm linking up with Darci, Christina, Natasha, and April. and am listing my own Five on Friday.  T.G.I.F.!!

ONE

Like I said, have been feeling a little under the weather this week (read: came home from work Wednesday and slept all afternoon, which is unlike me.)  I've been eating this avgolemono (Greek Chicken Soup) like it's going out of style.  This soup is like a bowl of medicine and is delicious to boot.

You've Been Boozed!

Last fall we came home to a little sweet surprise on our doorstep.  We had been "boozed".  So. much. fun.  Our sweet friends had left a little goodie bag, including an adult beverage, and some little yummies.  As Halloween is approaching, I just knew I had to get in on the action and leave some little surprises on doorsteps myself.  I left a couple off last week and have one more delivery to make today.

What's for Dinner [Avgolemono - Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo]

The first time I became sick at IU all I wanted was a big bowl of avgolemono.  I called the local "Greek" restaurant, but they had never heard of it.  I was completely dejected.  All these years later I still crave a bowl each time I feel under the weather.  I cooked up a big batch last night, then crawled into bed and pulled the covers over my head.  I'm telling you, this stuff is magic...it's like medicine in a bowl.  And it's pretty darn yummy when you're not feeling like yourself, too.  Delish. 

Repeat

Yesterday was a good day.  No, actually Friday and Saturday were both great days.  Years and years of hard work by some fine young men paid off with a second consecutive state championship.  I've known many of them since they were very young.  You have no idea how many hours they've spent on and off the court working toward this goal. 


Ramblings

Last weekend I was lucky enough to spend some QT with my Koumbara.  It had been way, way too long.  We ended the day with a little nightcap.  The Moscow Mule might just be my new favorite.  It was delish!  (And of course I'm a sucker for presentation....the copper cup just may have sealed the deal.)

What's for Dinner [Spanakopita]

I've been intending on writing this post for nearly a month, but honestly, just don't know where to begin.  Full disclosure: my spanakopita is not nearly as delicious as my daddy's, but it's good.  Unfortunately, we don't really measure the ingredients, just kind of go by what it looks like and how it tastes....hence the few specific measurements in the recipe that follows.  I used to call my dad and ask for specific directions for cooking various things.  He'd respond with something along the lines of, "Sister, cooking is an art, not a science."  I've been asked often if I could just make a little pita, but I'm a firm believer if you are going to the trouble, you might as well go big or go home.  It's just as easy to make a big one, and then you can share with those you love!

What's for Dinner {Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup]

I have been searching and searching for a Hubby approved slow cooker recipe.  So far the Three Envelope Roast is the only one that fits the bill.  Until the other night when I made this Chicken Enchilada Soup.  It was a cold, rainy day, so I think that helped, but regardless, this soup is yummy, flavorful, and satisfying.  It will definitely make it into the rotation.

Saying Goodbye

I have a heavy heart today, as we lay to rest a sweet cousin and also a dear, dear friend.  As I sit in the quiet of this rainy morning, I'm at a loss for words, but my heart is full of incredible, fun, and loving memories that I will continue to cherish.  For now, May Their Memories Be Eternal.

Boo! ~Spooky Bat Cave~

I've never really been a big fan of Halloween.  Every year my Brownie troop went to the Children's Museum Haunted House, and every year my mama would ask if I was sure I wanted to go....because every year I would chicken out, stand outside, and not go in.  (Side note: Brownies didn't last too long, as all we ever really did was sell cookies and go to the darned haunted house...I mean my brothers' Boy Scouts troop did things like sailing in Key West, canoeing in Maine, and hiking in New Mexico....but, I digress....)

Zinnia Love

The other day I mentioned my sentimental love of zinnias in passing, and since then I've had a couple questions about it.  So.....here's the story.....

What's for Dinner [Creole Butter Injected Chicken]

When I spied an injector in the clearance aisle at the grocery, I quickly snatched it up. I had been wanting to try one, and for 99 cents I simply couldn't pass it up...even if it was a failure, I would only be out a buck.  Well, let me tell you, it was a success. It was juicy and flavorful.  I got Hubby to not only eat chicken (not his favorite) but also agree to make it again!  Score!

More Fall Love

The older I become, the more I appreciate fall.  I truly fell in love with the season at IU when the campus was just stunning.  I genuinely appreciate the change of season, and although I'm not a fan of winter or cold weather, would miss the changes if we lived elsewhere. 

Yesterday I shared some fall touches around our little hive.  I have just a few more images to share with you today that didn't quite fit into the blue and white love fest.  I kept with the theme of bringing the outdoors in to create a cozy and natural feeling. 

Mini white and orange pumpkins......

Blue and White Love on The Pink Pagoda

The Pink Pagoda is hosting The Blue and White Bash today.  If you've never visited her blog before, it is spectacular.....all things blue, white, and chinoiserie....truly stunning!  So much so, that I'm really, really nervous about participating.  I'm no where near as talented as the incredible ladies that are linking up.  I decided though that my love of blue and white is just as strong, so I'm going to go for it!

Biscuit Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

In fifth grade we went on an overnight camping field trip.  I remember several things from this trip.....a ghost story that was so scary one girl wet her pants (although I don't remember the story), a night hike, and Mrs. Simpson's camping doughnuts.  They were yummy, and for some reason, Mrs. Simpson was not one I would have imagined to make doughnuts over a camp fire, which made it even cooler.

Homemade Pumpkin Latte

It might be cliché, but I love drinking pumpkin lattes in fall.  (I love anything pumpkin, truth be told.)  I do not, however, like spending $4+ at a certain coffee shop with those green and white cups.  This year I was determined to make my own PSL so that I could enjoy it when ever and as often as I like. 

Autumn Wreath

I have a slight obsession with wreaths.  I love to change them with the seasons, holidays, weather, or any other little 'ole excuse to change things ups.  Last year I whipped up this simple fall wreath as something new for our front door. 

I started with a grapevine wreath from Joann's.  While there, I picked up some berry and leaf picks, and also several sheets of felt in fall colors.  Using this picture as a quick tutorial on how to make the flowers, I cut several circles of different sizes in different colors, rolled them into the flowers, and used a dab of hot glue to keep them together.