Can we take a moment to appreciate how these imperfectly stacked pumpkins perfectly coordinate with the blog's current header? It really is the simple things that make me happiest.

I am less than thrilled about the turn our local weather has taken over the past week and I intend to keep glaring at my phone's weather app until all the 80s transform into 65s. So far, it is not working, but I never underestimate the power of the glare. I have faith that my beloved, and currently illusive, autumnal temperatures will soon return to me and my eager collection of boots and sweaters. Fall is never long enough for me.

The autumn always gets me. I am typically not a spendy lady. It takes me a loooong time to decide to spend money on myself. At least, it usually does, but when fall hits I am seduced by a carefree, designer-coffee-loving breeze that somehow drains every bit of Dave Ramsey's influence upon my life and convinces me that I am some variation of Kate Middleton who needs an entirely new wardrobe, sixteen pairs of velvet pants, and a seasonal latte in hand at all times. Essentially, fall is a danger zone.

This dress has a serious hold upon my heart right now. Of course, if I get that dress I would have to buy these shoes to match. These are the problems.

I am certainly in favor of elegance on a budget, but I feel that this arrangement is stretching it a bit. A decent lunch perhaps, but I cannot hop on board with deeming it a true charcuterie.

Am I the only one who feels that this culture of ours might be a little over exuberant in their obsession with La Croix? I mean, it's good, but is it really better than any other sparkling water? Not so sure...

I shot a Thanksgiving recipe last week. What is happening?

Did you see this salad? Oh my goodness. I need that cinnamon shallot vinaigrette in my life.

I kindly planned out your entire weekend for you. Crepes for breakfast tomorrow, maybe served with some berries, butter, and a cup of something autumnal, followed by a rich, bistro-style dinner of chicken and mushroom crepes. We've got parmesan cream sauce and prosciutto in there so...you are going to want to get in on this.

My mouth is watering. I am not above a good iceberg situation.

I hope you are burning all the fall candles and drinking basic girl drinks on the reg. (Am I street enough to pull off that phraseology? Probably not. Mostly because I just used the term "phraseology," oh well.) Happy weekend!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

hungry?

It's the 'Don't Want to Make Dinner' that's hearty and full of fall the fall flavors we all crave. Find the recipe on www.platefete.com!

Bacon & Butternut Weeknight Hash - ' The Don't Want to Make Dinner ' Dinner

These Coconut Turmeric Baked Chicken Fingers are a fresh new spin on weeknight chicken. Baked to a crisp with the help of coconut oil makes keeps them healthy and no-mess! Find the recipe on www.pedanticfoodie.com!

Coconut Turmeric Baked Chicken Strips

Hi, friends. How are you? Should we talk about the humidity? No, let’s ignore the general dampness of our clothes and make something together.

Hearty Cauliflower & Gnocchi Soup

Let’s make my newest favorite soup!

Easiest Weeknight Fish Tacos!! Find this recipe and so many more at www.pedanticfoodie.com!

Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with The Very Best Crema

It’s time for tacos. Simple, approachable, unbelievably colorful weeknight tacos.

Mini Chicken, Mushroom & Squash Pot Pies

We had our first snow day yesterday and while it was but a sprinkling, my brain instantly kicked into Cozy Mode. Ironically, nothing warms my heart like a fresh dusting of snow.

CIDER-BRINED PORK CHOPS

There are many practices in this life which are initially assumed with trepidation but, once adopted, are thought to be undeniably essential.

I am speaking of such things as owning a dog (I can vouch for both my initial fears and leeriness and my subsequent undying love and sometimes, extreme, obsession on this front), marriage, investing in a quality mattress, or in this case, brining. All of these steps are often categorized as nonessentials until you experience, firsthand, their magical levels of value and proceed to exclaim loudly to all who will listen that you “really do not know how or what you ever did without them”.

MUSHROOM & PARMESAN RISOTTO with BACON and ARUGULA

I have a special place in my heart for risotto - the rice so decadent that it borders on being mistaken for pasta.

Butternut squash soup is stepped up a notch with maple butter brie crostini! Find the super simple recipe on www.pedanticfoodie.com!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP with MAPLE BUTTER BRIE CROSTINI

Though the Virginia weather refuses to corporate, we are in the glorious depths of fall and I am ready for every meal to come in a bowl.

Weeknight Buttery Coconut Curry Chicken

My distaste for change has been put to the test more times than I can count over the past several years. Jobs, dreams, relationships, and so many facets I would have once classified as constants have faded or evolved.

Through painful trials and subsequent meltdowns, I have built up some callouses to what was once the biggest monster in my life. Change is not only something I can survive, but is often worth embracing. Sure, I’ve lost some things along the way and my body - both physically and mentally bears the marks, but there is also a deeper sense of love, joy, and peace than I have ever known before.

Sesame-Soy Pork Loin Salads

When you are the kind of person who wants nothing more than to eat cozy autumn soups, cheese-laden pasta, and charcuterie boards for the rest of her life, trying to find more healthful options can be a bit of a challenge.