A Chill is in the Air. Yippee!!

Fall is finally here.  The best season ever!  One of my favorite parts about autumn is the leaves changing colors, unfortunately, in central Texas this is not really a major characteristic of fall.  I know this initially sounds like the worse thing ever; however I believe this just opens an opportunity for me to focus more on the other reasons why autumn is the best season!  I love the sweaters, the pumpkins, the cider, the stews, the chilly weather, the football and the beautiful autumn décor.  I’m not sure if anyone was able to read between the lines but I am definitely grateful to be out of the 100 and something degree weather!  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50’s for us and I cannot wait!! 

Don’t get me wrong, there were some great times during those 100-something degree days.   

Here's one of those summer memories...Once Kyle and I got back from visiting Illinois we were quickly welcoming Kyle’s mom and aunt to Texas.  They took a long road trip in August.   First to New Mexico to visit with Kyle’s cousin, Meg, and then they swung by Austin to spend some time with Kyle and I.  It would be an understatement to say this visit was wonderful. We experienced lots of laughs, yummy foods and a lot of Austin!

Summer Time Fun

Kyle and I also had the chance to see the musical, Little Shop of Horrors, at the city’s outdoor community theater.  I’m game any day for a picnic, spectacular entertainment and some great company!  We actually have many great moments this summer of going out and just simply enjoying our friends’ and the company they have to offer. 

One of our last big summer hoorah’s was celebrating Museum Day in Austin.  Kyle and I hit up two museums in Austin: an art museum and a history museum.  I would recommend the art museum to everyone!  The history museum….hmmm I would say if history is your thing….you should check it out.  I personally had to put a little effort in to stay engaged.  Kyle seemed to really enjoy it though!   

 Enough about looking into the past…let’s look more into the future! 

Patrick and I: Independence Brewery Fun!

Kyle and I are going to see Les Miserables  this upcoming weekend.  I am sooo excited!  One of my favorite musicals ever!  We are also checking out a tapas restaurant we’ve never been too before.  Yummmmm! I can't wait for all the many adventures and fun fall has to offer for us!!!!

Here are a couple more bullet points to the goings-on of these transplant Austinites :)  - 

• Kyle's roomies (& our good friends) just got a puppy!!! He was found outside of Shawn's work and after a couple of days of waiting for someone to claim him...he quickly became a part of the family.  His name is Phoenix and he is super duper cute!!!
• We just had a fantastic time last weekend at one of our favorite Austin breweries.  Independence was celebrating their 9th anniversary.  
• Kyle and I are cat sitting for our friends who got married in Hawaii this past week!  It is so amusing getting to know another cat other than socrates...they are like night and day.  
• Theresa, my sister, safely moved to Canada and seems to be getting acclimated quickly to a whole new life in a whole new country.  I actually talk to her more now than I did when she was in Illinois....thanks Skype!!!  
• Molly is going to be Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween and Owen I believe will be a ninja?  I couldn't really understand him through all his little happy squeals the other night...hmmmm.    

Happy Birthday to all the fall babies out there! 

And happy wedding fun for our good friends  We are soo happy for Crystal and Matt!!!

XX

Mads

P.S. Recipe of the months??  :)  

Baked Ziti

Weight Watchers Recipe

7 PointsPlus Value

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 40 min

Other time: 0 min

Serves: 12

Here’s a tasty, healthy version of the Italian classic. For more robust flavor, add crushed fennel seeds. For a meaty version, add lean ground beef to the sauce.*

Ingredients 3 spray(s) cooking spray    1 pound(s) uncooked pasta, rigatoni or penne    3/4 pound(s) part-skim ricotta cheese    1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste    1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese, divided    4 cup(s) store bought marinara sauce, divided**    1/2 pound(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese    1/4 cup(s) basil, cut into ribbons, for garnish***    Instructions Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat bottom and sides of a lasagna pan with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cool water and drain. While pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup marinara sauce. To assemble ziti, spoon 1/2 cup sauce on bottom of prepared pan; top with half of pasta in an even layer. Evenly spread pasta with ricotta mixture; cover with half of remaining sauce. Top with remaining pasta and spoon remaining sauce over top; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining tablespoon Parmesan. Bake until cheese melts and is browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow ziti to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving. Notes *Could affect PointsPlus value. **If you don’t have a store-bought sauce on hand, you can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead (could affect PointsPlus value). *** To watch a video of this technique, click here.