Easy Crock Pot Roast Stew

Since it's been somewhat cooler lately, I've been in the mood for some good 'ol yummy comfort food. My Mom makes the BEST beef stew out there. It's literally to die for. Though her recipe is a little complex. I've always wanted to find a way to simplify it. I found this recipe so I decided to try it. It turned out delicious and extremely easy. Of course SuSu's Beef stew is still better but this one came in at a good second.
Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. I actually forgot. I was a little consumed taking care of a cranky two year while attempting this new recipe.

Recipe:
3-4 medium potatoes; cut/peeled (I used red potatoes)
baby carrots
3-5 lb. pot roast
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg onion soup mix

Place all items in crook pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. No need to add water. It will be plenty moist with a nice flavorful gravy!

My notes:
I always tend to tweak recipes to make them my own. So I added a few things:
~ onions; chopped (I love onions. In my opinion, red meat and onions go so great together).
~ can of green beans and a can of corn (more a veggie stew, too)
~ before adding the meat in the crock pot, I dipped the sides in flour (to give it a little crust)
~ salt and pepper to taste and a dash of red pepper for a little heat
~ Along with the soup/mix, I also added one serving of Knorr homestyle beef concentrated stock.
~ I served it over mashed potatoes (you could serve over rice as well).
~ All crock pots I've ever had are fast cookers rather than slow cookers. The recipe says to cook for 8-10 hours. I'm so glad I checked on mine. It was done at 5 hours on low heat.

It’s Fall, y’all!

When I was younger, Spring or Summer was my favorite season. Spring – probably because school was about to be out. Summer – definitely because school was out and I had 3 whole months of playing and not having to deal with homework. The older I become, I’ve realized that fall has become my favorite season. I love the beautiful colors on the trees, the cool crisp air, the distant smell of smoke from fireplaces/fire pits, the feeling of wanting to snuggle up by the fire with loved ones and sip hot cocoa. Yes, I’m getting old. . . .

And let’s not forget about FOOTBALL. Fall = football season. There is nothing more fun than tailgating and spending time watching my AU Tigers with nearly 90,000 of my closest AU fans!

I found these pictures below (courtesy of the weather channel). Aren’t they gorgeous?? The south has beautiful falls, but one day I would love to see the fall foliage in the Northeast like the states of Vermont or New Hampshire. I’ve heard it’s quite fabulous to see.

I’m thrilled that it’s not 300 degrees anymore! Lexie and I have been having so much fun spending time outside without sweating like a dog. We are so happy to have fall here!

Having a hard time letting go. . . .

Of summer. The past couple of times I’ve gone to get Lexie from her afternoon nap, this is what I’ve found. She had gone to her dresser and opened the “swimsuit” drawer only to take every single swimsuit out and lay them on her bed. She was even trying to wear one. . . .

A few random things. . . .

Lexie has been doing great at school. She comes home quite frequently talking about a different classmate. Wednesday she came home with a Perfect Potty Award along with a bag full of goodies. It’s to praise the children that are potty trained and haven’t had an accident since the beginning of school. Lexie was so proud!

I’ve been getting pretty involved with her school as well. I’ve been volunteering at a lot of school functions. I’m also helping with some class art projects. It’s been nice meeting other Moms of NMP and also to have something to do other than house chores/errands.

Lexie is still into her Princess/dress up/diva stage. She loves wearing her high heels, carrying a hand bag on her forearm, while being decked out in jewels and sunglasses. She is ready to hit the town!

For the love of pink. . . .

Have I mentioned that Lexie LOVES pink and anything to do with not just princesses but Disney princesses? She has gotten in a rut where she will hardly eat anything unless it’s pink. And the food has to be on her princess plates (unless they are dirty). So I have been trying to be creative. . . If you have any other tricks, please let me know.

Pink Scrambled eggs, pink toast, and bacon

Pink grilled cheese

Enjoying the pink grilled cheese

Pink Ice Cream – special treat of course.