Pumpkin Chili - vegan & gluten free

I'm sorry I'm such a tease.

I posted on Instagram and then mentioned last week that I made a new kind of chili, and I'm just now telling you about it. Can we still be friends? Yes, you know what it's like to go on vacation staycation and have it somehow disappear much faster than you can understand, and certainly faster than you'd like, and just not get everything done that you'd like to?

oh good, I'm so glad that happens to other people.

Weekend Reading

How is it the weekend already? And why does time fly when I'm on vacation? Not ok. What are you up to? What have you been reading?

Onward to links!

Well, this is gross. A new study found 12% of spices imported to the U.S. are contaminated. Once you've digested that, you can read a conversation with a spice buyer about what McCormick and Company is doing about it.

This isn't the newest news, but a study validates the link between BPA and childhood obesity in girls.

Did you know it matters which direction a dog's tail is wagging? I didn't, but apparently it matters a great deal to dogs.

Want more friends? Try courting some. It's the smart way to make more of them.

Whether you're lazy (ahem, Mr OT), taking part in Movember, or still holding onto your playoff beard, you might be interested to learn which days of beard growth are most attractive (or unattractive).

Trying to organize your food-home life? Try this free, printable, bi-weekly menu planner from Northwest Edible.

Now that it's after Halloween, I guess I can admit that The Holidays are right around the corner. Real Simple has tips to make hosting parties easier and less stressful.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that there's a movement to rid M&M's of artificial colors. Well, Kraft has announced it's going to be phasing out that artificial neon glow in some of it's mac & cheese products. baby steps.

Marissa of Food in Jars is inspiring me to rethink leaving canning rings on jars. She says you should absolutely take them off.

David Sedaris' piece about his sister's suicide.

Until this week, I had not heard the name Joss Whedon, but he's totally my favorite person of the week.  Maybe you're cooler than I and know all about him, but regardless, check out this speech he gave back in 2006 detailing the many smart answers he's given one dumb question he's endlessly asked.

Ever feel upset, intimidated, daunted, _____ by the women you see in magazines? Check out this crazy photoshopping.

Are you a mom? You're probably doing a much better job than you think you are. Just listen to these kids.