It’s not too early to start planning for Christmas, My amazing butternut squash soup, my Fall tablescape and more…

Lifestyle 101

I know, I know you think it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas, I hear ya. Thinking about spending all that money and time makes you want to crawl back in bed and put it off for as long as possible. Don’t you remember that Christmas you did that and Sarah’s shoes were sold out? Trust me it’s time to start planning. Even if you just start making lists, that still counts. Christmas in July is a thing and also in October since it’s just 2 months away!

Get out the calendar and start making plans, you could get those Christmas cards out of the way now so you won’t be left sending New Year’s cards that say Merry Christmas. That must be embarrassing, right? I don’t want to hear so much to do, so little time a week before!

Once you get your ducks in a row, do know that I have bookings open for holiday shopping, holiday wrapping, and of course setting up your tree and making her a stunner. I can even schedule your takedown and organization of all your decor, that sure makes Christmas sound doable now, huh?

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Shopping 101

SMEG

Isn’t she pretty? My Dualit finally bit the dust but I couldn’t bring myself to throw her out because she was my first awesome (and expensive) toaster BUT she may have met her match. Aesthetically the SMEG is winning for sure.

Italian-based SMEG is known for its '50s retro-look appliances designed in collaboration with some of the world's top architects. This toaster combines iconic midcentury style with modern features, so you can count on perfect toast or bagels every time. Choose from a selection of luscious colors that match other SMEG appliances for a coordinated collection.

You can find yours here.

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Food 101

Autumn Squash Soup (Panera Bread Dupe)

It’s Fall so I felt the pressure to provide y’all with something Fall-ish and pumpkin-inspired. My daughter Amanda originally made this soup and raved about this Tik-Tok recipe. Of course, I wanted to elevate its presentation, and boy it didn’t disappoint! I did buy pre-cut butternut squash to make my life a little easier and added the steamed broccolini and olive oil drizzle with pepitas and I was so glad I did. Dave gave this one 5 ⭐️’s and had seconds, maybe thirds too? It does have a little kick to it so if you are wary of heat make sure you tread a little lighter with the spice mix. I don’t love too much heat and I was fine, just a heads up.

Ingredients

This recipe is plant-based and so satisfying. I picked up all my ingredients at Sprouts and it wasn’t a labor-intensive recipe which is always nice on a week night. Make sure you add pepitas and broccolini to your cart if you want to garnish like I did.

I even made mine in my Staub Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte

Once you have combined all your ingredients add in your roasted butternut squash and blend in a high-speed blender or food processor.

I linked the cocotte here. I was surprised to see that Williams Sonoma still carries it as I got mine years ago, and now it also comes in white which is darling af.

Print

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Autumn Squash Soup

Yield: 8+

Author: Jen Adair

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash cubed, 5 cups.
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrot, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 gala apple cored, peeled, and cubed
• 2.5 c. vegetable broth
• 1/2 c. non-dairy milk
• 1 c. pumpkin puree

Spice Mix

• 1 tsp. curry powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ginger
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cube the butternut squash. In a large bowl toss squash in the olive oil, half the salt, and cinnamon, and roast at 400F for 20-25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix your spice ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Chop the veggies, garlic and, apple and add to the frying pan. Saute in 1 Tbsp. olive oil with the spice mix until fragrant. 
3. Stir in remaining salt, the vegetable broth, non-dairy milk, pumpkin puree, roasted squash and, brown sugar. Let simmer until tender. Add to a food processor, or high-speed blender and garnish with pepitas and some non-dairy cream. Serve with crusty bread and a salad! 

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Styling 101

Thanksgiving Tablescape & Floral

It’s pumpkin time and almost time to start thinking about hosting for the holidays. I know, I said that above, but it’s true! Like I’ve said too many times before, I really love pumpkin season because you can easily create so many different tablescapes from Halloween through Turkey day. We do tablescapes locally for events so it was fun to get our creative juices flowing.

I love to mix in a few unusual pumpkins, the lumpy, and green ones too, they add character and texture! I used some wooden cake plates to create some height, added in a eucalyptus garland down the center, some dried flowers in a vase and, some fresh sunflowers to create dimension and interest. I love the golden pops of color. 🌻

Take A Walk

That’s right, take a walk around your entire table, you want to make sure that it looks balanced and pretty from every angle not just when you enter the room. Gobble, gobble. Better start planning my menu now, you know I’m organized, right? I swear I learned years ago that the more organized I am the more fun I have on the actual day of. I highly recommend it! :)

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Organizing 101

Car Trunk

There are a lot of things to organize in your life, right? Well, let’s not forget your trunk especially if you’re a young mom or on the go often. While getting organized think of the items you most use and need while out. I suggest getting either a collapsible basket like this one or find one around the house like I did, and pack it up with items you need, such as:

• Paper towels,

• Handy wipes/diaper wipes

• Extra pair of shoes

• Bottled water

• Umbrella

• Notepad & pen

• Kid’s car games

If you want to go big here are a few more items you could consider:

• Blanket

• Snacks that will hold up stored in your car

• Sunscreen

• Yoga mat

• Hat

• Hairbrush

• Extra chargers

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Shop the PL Portal Here.

Did you know that you can shop the PL Home Portal on the website by board or category? The selections grow each week, so check back or drop a comment below and I can help you find whatever you’re dreaming up!

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