If you think it’s too early for PUMPKIN season, think again…….

You know I’m not mad about it, but I do feel bad for the die-hard summer lovers out there trying to hold on to every last bit of summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love these beautiful sunny Chicago days (that are all too few) but there’s something about waking up on a crispy autumn morning, dark colored nail polish on my nails, and wearing my favorite booties that just makes me tick.

Hate it if you wish, but when retailers make almost $350 million dollars from the sale of pumpkin spice items, you better believe they will start rolling them out long before the 10-day forecast calls for sweaters. Last week World Market beat Starbucks to the punch as the first retailer to roll out pumpkin spice coffee, and that’s not all. I headed over there to see the pumpkin for myself and that’s not all I saw. Pumpkin bark, pumpkin almonds, pumpkin oatmeal cookies and MORE! As I brought my loot to the checkout counter, the cashier chucked and said “I can’t believe we have this stuff out already!” When I told her how happy I was, and about peculiar passion for pumpkin, she punched in a 10% discount without making me join the store’s loyalty program. I call that winning, my friends!

So you’re asking yourself, what other pumpkin foods can you get your hands on starting now? Well I’m rounding up my favorites for you here, and this is just the start! You better believe I asked Trader Joe’s when they’re expecting their first pumpkin shipment, and you’ll have to stay tuned to my posts and Instagram stories to find out–It’s sooner than you think 🙂

Why I’m loving them: Pumpkin seeds are the first ingredient in these super food bars!  You know we’re going to be eating a lot of pumpkin foods this season, so why not make some of them healthy?!! Grab a pumpkin seed bar for a mid-afternoon pumpkin-pick-me-up. With flavors like honey cracked pepper with turmeric you’re getting a nutritional boost and your pumpkin fix at the same time! Or try the cinnamon spice flavor—pumpkin spice’s little sister.

Why I’m loving them: Try to stop at one bite. You can’t because nothing appeals more to basic bee’s (you know I love you!) than pumpkin spice, and chocolate. Nut free, and made with organic pumpkin makes these cookies the pick of the patch for 2017. Fancy Pants did the fall baking for you, and now you have more time to frolic in a over-sized sweater. You’re welcome!

Why I’m loving them: The smell of fall pours out the minute you open the bag of these overnight oats. Add your favorite nut milk, fresh fruit, and drizzle with almond butter for a dreamy fall breakfast! The best part is with 10g of protein, and no added sugar, you’ll have room to drink a PSL too…while wearing UGG boots and yoga pants, of course.

xoxo,

Pumpkin Girl

JORD Watch Giveaway + Sunny Chicago Weekend

I unloaded some personal things in the previous blog post, and wanted to lighten things up to talk about something I’ve very excited to share with you! I had a nice weekend celebrating my mom’s birthday, and honestly spent a lot of time in the kitchen creating some yummy PUMPKIN things (hint: pumpkin flour)!

I also spent time, re-organizing my room, getting rid of clothes I never wear and sprucing things up. It finally felt like springtime this weekend in Chicago, which was the perfect time to whip out my JORD watch!

I’ve partnered with JORD watches to bring you the perfect accessory for the changing seasons! If you live in Chicago you know that one day it’s freezing and the next is 70 degrees! What is a girl to wear?? Their watches are made from natural wood, and I love the way the face of the mint colored one looks in the light of day! It especially goes with all the pumpkin-y, orange things I eat and wear everyday.

JORD WATCH GIVEAWAY

Want to know the best part? You can get a deal on one! Everyone who enters with the link below gets $25 off a watch, and one lucky winner will receive $100 off a watch of their choice! Follow them on Instagram too to increase your chances!

 Enter here! 

Unique Watch

You can purchase the one I have here. To shop the complete collection for women, visit their website–they also have great options for men!  And since Father’s Day will be here before we know it, I have one earmarked for my dad! I know he will appreciate the look of the wood, and that it’s perfect for everyday wear.

I hope your weekend was also filled with sunshine, warm weather and some R&R! Sometimes the hardest part of waking up for me is picking out an outfit when I’m half asleep. At least I know what I’ll be wearing on my wrist!

xoxo,

Pumpkin Girl

Happy Monday pumpkin people! Chicago has taken a turn back to winter lately….brr! The temperatures dipped over the weekend, which had me craving something warm and cheesy and pumpkin-y! I had a box of Banaza pasta handy in my pantry, and just like I like to pair white chocolate with pumpkin pancakes, white cheddar pairs perfectly with pumpkin paste!

This recipe skips the heavy cream found in typical mac and cheeses, and swaps it for whole-milk yogurt! The creaminess from the pumpkin complements the yogurt and white cheddar cheese to a tee. The best part is that this meal left me feeling extremely satisfied because Banza pasta is made from chickpeas, aka lots of fiber! Pair that with the fiber from the pumpkin and you have the perfect meatless monday meal if that’s your thing! And if pumpkin is your thing, (I’m assuming it is if you’re reading this) you’ll definitely enjoy this cozy pumpkin comfort food!

Ingredients

1 box Banza pasta shells

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 container siggi’s whole-milk vanilla yogurt (client)

1/4 cup Kerrygold aged cheddar cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, (additional to sprinkle on top)

1/4 cup pepitas

fresh ground pepper

Optional add ins:

• sauteed spinach, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes

Directions

Follow cooking directions on the box on Banza pasta, and cook as directed. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan combine cheeses, yogurt and pumpkin and stir until combined. Pour pumpkin cheddar sauce over pasta and garnish with pepper and pepitas. It’s seriously that simple! Enjoy!

From the RD corner, this pasta is a great source of protein and fiber. I also really like it because it’s a great alternative to regular pasta–and no difference in taste! I love pairing it with other vegetables, and with or without another source of protein because it’s a good source on its own. Swapping yogurt for heavy cream often found in mac and cheese recipes, didn’t make me feel like I was missing out at all. Definitely worth trying!

If you have any other tips or tricks for making a creamy mac and cheese, leave me a comment because I’d love to know!

xoxo,

Pumpkin Girl