Currently November + TBB Linkup

Today I’m joining Anne and Julie of A Hopeful Hood for a look at what is currently going on over here as well as Jenn and Jessi for What’s Hap-“pinning” Wednesday.

It’s November 1st and this month is always a favorite for me.  October is full of birthdays and celebrating and it leaves my heart so full and ready to spend November being more conscious about giving and being thankful for all we have.  It sets my heart up perfectly for the Christmas season and keeps me focused and less stressed.

Realizing

There are only 54 days until Christmas y’all!  I seriously feel like this all just happened and a yet a year has gone by!  I am not an overly prepared Christmas shopper but by this point I traditionally have at least half purchased with lots of great ideas for the rest.  Umm…I have exactly zero gifts purchased and only one idea thus far!  The best things about big kids though is sometimes one gift is all they need because they want such pricey crap!  Ha!

Stirring

I stirred up a delicious pot of chili for Halloween and devoured a frito pie like nobodies business.  This was my first time using my instant pot and it certainly was more flavorful.  I typically use a McCormick seasoning packet but pulled spices together based on a recipe I found and tweaked just a bit.

  • Saute 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, chopped onion and 5 cloves chopped garlic directly in instant pot
  • Combine 2 tbsp chili power and cumin, 2 tsp garlic powder and oregano and add to pot
  • Add one small can tomato sauce and one cup beef broth and stir
  • Drain one can Rotel tomatoes and dump on top (I didn’t stir)
  • Seal instant pot and set to manual for 12 minutes with vent sealed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

We ate ours over fritos (because I’ve lost all control this week) so I did wait to salt until I tasted since the fritos add in some salt.

Appreciating

How truly blessed I am to have so many sweet women in my life who support and inspire me, hold me accountable and provide comic relief!  October is always a special month for me as I end up having some extra time with friends to celebrate my birthday and every year I appreciate it just a little bit more!

Investigating

TMI warning, but I’m definitely investigating more about menopause.  At 48 I’m still a little early but I’m definitely having some changes I feel certain are attributed.  Mainly irregularity but also some anxiety and moodiness. I know this is just part of life but really do like to have all the information possible to hopefully mentally process a little better!  It has been 36 days since my last cycle and I feel bloated, exhausted and am a tad (okay maybe more than a tad) bit testy.

Following

The World Series!  The games have all been pretty exciting and it is just so amazing to see the excitement from these grown men living their dream.  That being said, I am certainly excited today will be the last game because I need my evenings back.  Ha!  Of course we are Team Astros!

If you missed my post yesterday you can hop over and see What I Wore on Vacation!  Be sure to link up your favorite look with The Blended Blog Style!