Creamy Pumpkin Bisque

This slightly spicy, super comforting Creamy Pumpkin Bisque has been my go-to autumn soup for the past several years. As soon as the temps drop just the slightest and the leaves start to turn, I have a pot of this easy to make crowd pleaser on the stove. It’s basically the equivalent of my own personal pumpkin spice latte, welcoming in the cooler half of the year!

 

Creamy Pumpkin Bisque

• 1 stalk celery, halved
• 1 carrot, quartered
• 1 yellow onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp pepper flakes (adjust for level of heat)
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 C pumpkin puree (2 cans)
• 4 C chicken or vegetable broth (2 cans)
• 1 C heavy cream (or half and half)

Add celery, carrot, onion, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick to a large saucepan set to medium-high heat. Sautee until fragrant, roughly 5 minutes. Add pumpkin, broth, and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and remove vegetables, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Incorporate cream. Allow to cool slightly before serving. So good with thick sliced bread or rolls!

Serves 4.

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Advent Calendars

Less than two weeks left until the start of December, which means it’s time to start thinking about advent calendars! Is it a tradition your family goes all out for? I grew up with an advent calendar every year (usually the paper ones with flaps from Hallmark), and continue to carry on the tradition. And I still look forward to opening one door every morning for the first 24 days of December. Here are my favorites this year – some are DIY and some are not, but all are awesome. (Click on the image to go to the link.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos copyright of their respective sites.

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Happy Weekend

01/ A Banoffee Pie Milkshake – YUM.
02/ Baby Vincent’s Daydreams, illustrated!
03/ My favorite free printable 2013 calendar.
04/ Pretty handmade floral wallpaper.
05/ Adorable wooden breadboard cat.
06/ The Infinite Jukebox, turn any song into an infinite remix.
07/ This poster is such a great Christmas tree alternative.
08/ These panoramas of New York churches are stunners.
09/ These soap stones would make great stocking stuffers, right?
10/ Love this gold cat ears ring!

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Sky High

Sky High, written by Germano Zullo and illustrated by Albertine, is one of the best children’s books I’ve ever seen. The storyline focuses on two competing neighbors – Agenor-Agobar Poirier des Chapelles and Willigis Kittycly Junior – who are both attempting to build the bigger, better house. The home improvements start small and grow incredibly absurd, with Albertine’s illustrations playing the star and Zullo’s sparse words assisting. The best part about Sky High is that the adult reading will enjoy it as much as the child(ren) listening, so good!

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Greene + Gray

 

Newcomers Greene + Gray recently introduced one of the best lines of women’s tech cases and totes I’ve seen all year (and that’s saying a lot when we’re halfway through November!). The collection – available in Stripe and Tribal designs – includes Macbook wristlets, carryalls and iPhone 5 wallets that can stand alone as accessories or be combined as a set. I know a lot of women have a difficult time finding tech accessories that are both stylish and professional, but now it looks like Greene + Gray has got our backs! You can purchase the entire line on Apple and Apple.com.

 

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Huset Pot Guards

 

I’ve been waiting for something like the Huset Pot Guard literally since the day I started cooking, I can’t even begin to estimate how many times a pot has boiled over onto my stovetop. And there’s nothing I hate more when it comes to household chores than cleaning crevices on a stovetop. These little guys keep the perfect gap between lid and pot, allowing heat and steam to escape. Choose between the laser cut wooden likenesses of a hedhog, owl, or moose. (via Tasteologie)

 

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Anorak Trunks

 

I grew up with a large steamer trunk (my dad’s) for a toy box, later in life I owned a few super cheap versions for summer’s at camp. None looked anything like these, but Anorak’s steamer trunks make me happy. They’re canvas-coated, and the deer pattern could make a nice little home at the bottom of my bed for linen storage.

 

 

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iMM Living + a Giveaway

I’m pleased as punch to be part of Imm Living’s Choo Choo Chooses Thanksgiving Edition! About a month ago they asked me to choose a handful of things to style around my home, and since Imm has the most amazing white ceramic accessories it really couldn’t have been any easier. Take a look…

 

The bear Hunter’s Den Decorative Tray makes the perfect spot for my discarded tea bag, especially since I like to try and use each one twice!

 

The large Pedigree Collection Container fits in perfectly with my white vases. So far it’s made everyone take a second look!

 

Some of the only plants I’m able to grow are herbs, and they tend to run rampant in my kitchen. My blue mouflon Watering Hole Cruet is living next to the out-of-control basil and acting as a watering can!

 

This Totem Cup Set is one of my favorites! How can you not love their mischievous faces? They’re currently residing next to my dry goods to show off their tall and narrow look when stacked. Can’t wait to use them for hot chocolate this winter.

 

The deer Royal Tine Jewelry Holder is perfect for organizing the pieces I wear most, and I keep it close at hand on one of my bedside tables.

 

A business gal has got to have her office in order, and this pretty little Feather Card Holder is the perfect thing to keep my cards close at hand.

 

Oh, and that little mention of a giveaway? Well. One of you has the chance to win EVERYTHING I just mentioned. Yup, all six pieces.

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to #140 Kirsten!

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me which piece is your favorite.
2. Make sure the email address you leave is valid.
3. Do it all before Monday, November 19th at midnight CST.
(You can read the full rules + disclosures right here.)

And one last little surprise, Burke Decor is offering you all 15% off storewide (including Imm Living) through December 15th. Just enter the code DESIGNCRUSHIMM during checkout. Time to get shopping!

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Dream Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving planning is in full swing! Notes are being made, grocery lists compiled, and the stress is building. We all know there’s no such thing as a stress-free holiday. But all of this got me thinking, if I had a group of fairies or elves or something magical that could cook, this is the sort of Thanksgiving I would like. Nothing terribly fancy, just a lot of good food and good company and a little decor to keep things festive. In other words, my dream Thanksgiving. (Links follow at the end.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE APPETIZERS
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Roll – Boulder Locavore
Orange Sweet Potato Baked Chips with Thyme – Cooking Melangery
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crostini – What’s Cooking With Ruthie

THE COCKTAILS
Bomb Collins – The Boys’ Club
Autumn Apple Cider & Champagne Sangria – Kiran Tarun
Honeycrisp Bourbon Spiced Cider – Spoon Fork Bacon

THE TABLE
Aero Flatware – Crate & Barrel
Hand-Drawn Menus – Chris Silas Neal
Metallic Diamond Napkins – West Elm
DIY Neon Pinecone Placecard Holder – Camille Styles
Sarjaton Glasses – Verket Interior
Blueprint Paper Placemats – West Elm

THE EATS
Parmesan Polenta – GOOP
Clementine Ginger Almond Rice – Tasty Yummies
Spicy Honey Cranberry Sauce – Boulder Locavore
Maple Bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts – Authentic Suburban Gourmet
Kale Dressing – Bon Appetit
Nikki’s Sweet Potatoes – 101 Cookbooks
Sweet Tea & Citrus Brined Turkey – Confections of a Foodie Bride

THE DESSERTS
Warm Apple Pie Pots – Roost
Top Secret Chocolate Mousse – French Fridays With Dorie
Sweet Potato Souffles – A Spicy Perspective

THE DETAILS
DIY Bottle Hurricanes – Apartment Therapy
Give Thanks Banner – House of Earnest
Contemporary Wheat – Create Like Crazy

 

OTHER TIPS FOR A FABULOUS DAY
5 Tips For Setting a Tabletop Feast – A Subtle Revelry
Tips For Autumn Floral Arrangements – A Beautiful Mess
7 Secrets to the Juiciest Thanksgiving Turkey – Design Mom

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