Biltmore Estates.

Biltmore Estates.

^^^

Seriously one of my very favorite dates with the Hubby!

Isn't it breath taking?! Now add in my super attractive Husband-- perfection!! 

But let me back up just a little bit.

Scott's wonderful dad took us to the annual Saints vs. Panthers game in Charlotte, one of our other favorite cities in NC. We had a blast and the best part?! They won! Although, the Panther fans weren't very fond of Saints fans after that.

After the game we stayed with his uncle&aunt and then headed to Asheville the next morning.

I know that it is not a secret, but...

I MISS MOUNTAINS. And Autumn in the mountains. 

And that crisp, fresh air. Guess what we found?!!?

Seriously. This was real!

  

I couldn't believe that I have been in NC for this long without seeing this part of it. Simply wonderful. The drive was amazing and even though they aren't the Rocky Mountains, they are mountains!! Road trips are a thing for Scott&I, which made it even that much more wonderful! 

And now... welcome to the Biltmore Estates. 

Be still my beating heart--You are married to that amazing man!

MOUNTAINS!

Swoooooooon.

 Now the gardens.

Secret Garden.

 Okay--- So Scott totally made fun of me for taking these pictures. S:What are you taking a picture of?

K:These pretty dried flowers.

S:But, they are dead.

K:But are so pretty, they have a vintage feel!

S: *add in laughter* Of course, if they look vintage.

Yep--bless my vintage soul! Thanks Dad&Mom!

Haha this lady didn't know how to take a picture. She tried and didn't think she was taking any pictures. This was when Scott was going to check on her.
She took about ten.

 

Then we took a wine making tour&had our first wine tasting together.

This was the Vanderbilts' car, one of only a few of them in the world.

  We went to downtown Asheville for dinner before we headed back to my inlaw's house. 

Our restaurant--Wicked Weed. Halloween night. 

One word: Interesting.

And we will probably not be doing that again haha 

But I did find someone..

Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice.

Then he just appeared! 

We will definitely be making another trip to Asheville before we leave North Carolina. Scott&I absolutely loved being just us, away from life, on a mini-mini "vacation". 

Thank you Honey for taking me on this magnificent date and loving me  the way you love me!

Sweet Potato&Black Bean Crockpot Chili

When I am meal planning for the upcoming week, I try to include at least one vegetarian meal. Not only is it cheaper, but there are a lot of yummy recipes! It was kind of challenging at first because S&  I are both meat lovers.

 But he's been letting me experiment and he's been enjoying it! 

Yay me!! 

I wanted to share this recipe that I found.

Seriously delicious.

Sweet Potato&Black Bean Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

1 large onion, chopped
1 red pepper- cored, seeded, & chopped

1 green pepper- cored, seeded, & chopped

2 jalapeño peppers- seeded & dices

2 medium sweet potatoes- peeled & diced

4 large cloves garlic- minced

3 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp sea salt

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1.5 tsp basil

1 bay leaf

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

28 oz vegetable broth

30 oz black beans- rinsed & drained

Juice of 1 lime

Garnish: Sour cream (we used greek yogurt), chopped fresh cilantro, chopped scallions

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into the slow cooker, except the black beans &lime juice.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours.

3. Minutes before eating, add the black beans and stir well.

4. Right before serving, stir in the lime juice.

5. Garnish, serve warm, and enjoy!

Encouraging Monday! {Psalm 37:39}

The Lord our God is our strength in time of trouble.

I am so glad that I know that God will always carry me.

Thank you, Lord!!