Layered Look

It feels like the weather has changed overnight in L.A. (Lower Alabama). We've gone from last week's sunny 70s to this week's hard freeze in the 20s at night. But bundled up for cold weather, I don't always feel stylish -- more like the Michelin man in puffy vests and jackets! Instead of dreading the cold, I'm trying to layer a few basic pieces. Warm is good; comfy is even better! 

This fall look, for example, includes popular items: an infinity scarf, black booties, marled knit sweater and a plaid check coat. This casual outfit is perfect for feeling comfortable - as well as fashionable!

Layered Look by lgb321 featuring a leather purse

Here are a few inexpensive items to add to your cold weather wardrobe:

Leopard Infinity Scarf, $11, from Wetseal.com

Black Booties, $44.99, from Target.com

Black & white toggle coat, $57.80, from Forever21.com

Denim-seamed Sweater, $37.99, from BlackFive.com

Of course, you can add or remove these layers depending on the day's forecast. 

So stay in style, no matter what the weather brings!

Pumpkin Bread

In the fall, there's nothing like coming home to the smell of baking bread in the oven. My husband and children especially love pumpkin bread. It's one of the best autumn treats! While searching for tasty and healthy recipes online, I came across this simple recipe on "Cooking with Cakes" baking blog. While the site's pumpkin bread is smothered with cream cheese frosting, I left my pumpkin bread plain and simple. No one in our house complained, because they didn't know it was an option! Moist and full of flavor, it's a great treat for breakfast and snacks. And it was a wonderful gift (recipe included) for our new neighbors. So get baking and welcome fall with this easy recipe!

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread

INGREDIENTS --

• 15 oz Libby's Pure Pumpkin Filling
• 2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 1/2 cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
• 5 Large Egg Whites
• 1/4 cup Canola Oil
• 1 1/2 tsps Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• Crisco to grease (Note: you can use Spray Pam)

DIRECTIONS --

1. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (flour, white sugar, baking soda, salt). In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (pumpkin, egg whites, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon), mixing thoroughly until smooth. (Note: make sure brown sugar is loose before combining with wet ingredients - it will be easier to combine and will avoid leaving clumps.) When ready, add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir thoroughly, utilizing an electric mixer if necessary to create a thick, smooth mixture. 
2. Pour pumpkin mix into well-greased loaf pan (mine was 9X5) and bake in oven middle rack at 350F for 60 - 70 minutes until cooked through. 
3. When finished, set aside and allow to cool.
4. When bread has cooled, carefully remove from loaf pan and place on wire rack. Immediately plate and serve. (Without the frosting, nutrition facts are -- Calories: 257 Fat: 8g, Carbs 40g Protein 6g)

You can find the complete recipe, including the frosting, at:

http://cookingwithcakes.com/brown-sugar-cinnamon-pumpkin-bread/