Quarantine Coffee Cake ♥ (with apples & cranberries)

Hello my friends!  How are you doing?  

I decided I'm going to keep this post light today.  I'm not going to talk about how emotional and anxiety filled of a week it's been. I know we are all feeling this way and praying for the health and safety of our world and for all of this to end as quickly as possible. As I head into my 3rd week of quarantine, I'm going to move forward with a positive attitude and a grateful heart for all the medical workers on the front lines who are protecting us ♥

That being said here are a few things I've learned over the past 2 weeks:

1. Being in quarantine with a 12 year old I've been introduced to the world of Marvel.  I never realized how much I love superhero movies.  I've watched countless over the past 14 days and it's very easy to be sucked into that world.  Also, Chris Pratt is very cute.

2.  I never thought I would miss my office as much as I do.  I don't think I'll ever complain about going to work again.  Ok maybe I will, but I won't mean it.  Also I miss the coffee machine.

3.  Going to the grocery store has become an Olympic event.  How fast can I get in and get out while moving around people like I'm on an obstacle course.  I also feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt, frantically searching for items while the clock ticks.  I miss my leisurely shopping days.  These are crazy times. 

4. My thought process when cooking/baking:  "hmm...how much do I really want to eat this? Is it worth using the ingredients....because who knows if I can get more flour or eggs on my next grocery run?"

Can you relate? 

I have discovered just how much I take for granted.  I decided to throw caution to the wind whip together a quick coffee cake.  I used this recipe because it only called for 1 egg (nice) and it used oil instead of butter (another plus).  

It's amazing what a good coffee cake can do?  First off it makes the house smell nice when it's baking.  It's also the perfect afternoon treat, warm, with tea.  It's comforting.  I love coffee cake.  

I have a feeling you do too ♥

The recipe comes from Pinch of Yum (click here).  I found it on Pinterest and it's delicious.  Yes, it has a bit more sugar than I would usually use in a recipe, but hey....this is not the time for diets.  Am I right?!  

The only change I made was instead of 2 1/2 cups of chopped apples I used 1 large apple (granny smith) and a 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries, which I had tucked away in the freezer.  I imagine this cake would be delicious with frozen blueberries too! 

*Also I didn't have buttermilk so I used 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.  I've used this method before making scones that call for buttermilk and it works perfectly. 

The cinnamon sugar crumble on top is the best part ♥

 I am wishing you all well as we head into the next week of social distancing.  

Try to have a relaxing weekend and let's all pray for positive vibes in the days to come! xo

10 Things I Love Tuesday ♥

Hello Friends.  How are you all doing?  

Is it just me or does it feel like everyday is the same?  A real life version of the movie Groundhog Day.  Today I was struggling a little bit and then I forced myself outside for a 15 minute walk.  I went to a place where I knew there wouldn't be many people and I could keep my distance.  I walked and breathed the fresh air. And then I sat by the ocean.  It really did help my mood.  When I got home I felt better.  And then Rob suggested we order dinner from our favorite take out place down the street. It felt good to support them because small businesses are suffering.  We are all praying and patiently waiting for this to end.  The next few weeks will be crucial.  We are all in this together.  

We can do this ♥

I feel like there is no better time to think about the things I love.  The little things in life that make me happy and bring me joy.  We can't forget the little things.  For it's these things that keep us going and put smiles on our faces.  

So without further adieu, here are 10 (very random) things I love: 

milk glass bud vases

white twinkle lights

pancakes (anytime of day: )

going to museums by myself

floral patterns on china

pearl earrings

the song "Vincent" by Don McLean

Entenmann's raspberry danish

the movie Hope Floats (with Sandra Bullock & Harry Connick Jr.)

cherry Chapstick

So that's my list. What's yours? Let's spread some happiness! ♥

Be well everyone! xo 

Checking In ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday.  

It is Monday, isn't it?  I'm starting to feel like I'm losing track.  I hope you all are doing well.  I actually had a very nice weekend.  After a hectic first week of working from home and all the technical issues that go along with that, it was nice to unplug my work computer for a few days.  I cleaned & disinfected the house, brought out all my Easter decorations, and baked cookies.  I felt normalcy for the first time all week.  

Going into this new week of self isolating, I'm clinging to the things that bring me comfort.  I am enjoying afternoon tea & treats, movie marathons with John, and calls and texts with friends.  I am also finding comfort being productive and getting things done at home. I made a list of little things to keep me busy and I am looking forward to checking them off.  First up is to reorganize my pantry which I'm off to do right now : ) 

I hope you are all hanging in there!  Praying this will all be over soon and we can get back to our normal lives.  

I'll be back tomorrow with "10 Things I Love Tuesday".  Do you have your list?  I do! ♥

XO 

10 Things I Love (Thursday ♥)

Hello Friends! 

I hope you all are hanging in there and doing OK during this crazy time in our world.  We are on day 4 of self quarantining here in my part of the world.  We are finally getting into our groove with working and schooling from home.  We are all doing our best not to complain as we are very grateful for our health and safety.  Trying to keep to as normal of a routine as possible I've been getting up at my regular time and getting ready as I normally would - putting on my lipstick and everything :)

 It's been helpful for me to be motivated to work from home.  

I'm also so very grateful for this blog and other outlets of social media that let me interact with my online friends. It reassures me that we are all in this together.  

That being said, let's try to concentrate on the good things.  The little things that make us happy and feel comfort on days like this.  

Here are 10 random things I love:

blueberry muffins

James Dean in East of Eden 

baby's breath flowers in bunches ♥

Charlie Brown cartoon specials 

milkshakes from McDonalds

1950's style dresses

Stevie Wonder 

Full moons

Danielle Steele novels 

games shows from the 1970's (seriously, we watch Match Game 78 every night! : ) 

There's my 10.  What are yours? 

♥

Happy first day of Spring!  Be hopeful everyone! 

XO 

The New Normal...how's everyone doing?

Hello Friends! 

Today I wanted to check in with everyone and see how you all are doing.  I hope you all are home, safe, and feeling good.  We are feeling OK.  Yes a bit stressed (like everyone else) but trying to stay positive.  We are trying to keep as normal of a routine as possible. I don't watch the news as much as I used to because I found watching it was just making me more anxious.  I check in a few times a day to get updates, otherwise I'm not listening.  

I am grateful to be able to work from home.  It's taken a few days to get organized and accept the situation, but ...we are all in this together, we are all working together, and we will make it through this!  

And so... if I have to be self quarantined I'm grateful it's at home with my family.  John is home from school until at least April 7th and we are hearing it might be longer.  We have officially entered the world of "online learning".  It's new for us but we are getting used to it. I keep telling John this is a time his kids will be reading about in the history books someday.  

Here is our homeschooling situation we set up in the basement.  It's not bad.  Organization is the key, right?  He's been great about doing his daily assignments so they don't pile up.  Also, it's familiar and normal for him, and right now familiar and normal is comforting.

My grocery shopping experience on Friday was insane.  I have not stocked up on things. I buy weekly.  Maybe that's just me hoping for the best. Also me not having a place to store large quantities of things.  I felt like I was being swallowed up by all the crazy shoppers pushing me around the store.  

It was madness. 

And before you ask, YES the toilet paper isle was empty.  Luckily I wasn't desperate, but some people were, and they were not happy.  It was very disconcerting.  

So did I grab a few extra things? Yes I did.  

Important things like ice cream and carbs.  

I have my priorities! 

That whole ordeal had me a bit shaken, but then all things were put into perspective when  I got home and saw this...

Daffodils are sprouting.  Spring is coming.  Life continues.  I was so happy : )

And so this is our new normal for a while and it's ok.  We are doing our part to stop this horrible thing that's happening in our world right now.  For my own personal health I have decided that when possible (if the weather allows) to get myself out for a walk, maintaining social distancing of course, daily.  

I did this yesterday and it felt SO GOOD! 

Play games, watch movies, let yourself eat snacks and enjoy them.  Go for walks if you can.  Fresh air does wonders.  Take naps. Read.  Stay safe & healthy.  

Also, laughter helps.  The next day my husband texted me this photo.

We have struck gold! : )

Hang in there everyone!  I'm thinking of you all!! xoxo

PS - HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!  Did you think I forget? 

I've made two of these Irish Breads this week.  Here is the recipe if you would like to make it

  (click me).  

Last weekend I made this video of me sharing the recipe. 

Enjoy! 

PSA ♥

Just remember: 

Be prepared.

Be cautious.

Be aware.

Do not panic.

And please, please, please....wash your hands.  

Be well everyone! xo 

Everything will be OK ♥

10 Things I Love...Tuesday!

Hello Friends! 

Welcome to "10 things I love Tuesday!" (I just decided to name it that  : ) 

I did this last week and really enjoyed it so I thought I would make it a weekly tradition.

So, without further adieu, here are 10 random things I love: 

peppermint stick ice cream

the style of Elizabeth Taylor (actually her whole life fascinates me!)

antique stores 

aprons

"I Love You For Sentiment Reasons" (Sam Cooke version)

Cape Cod

the smell of hyacinths in springtime

lemon in my tea

flowered wallpaper

grilled cheese sandwiches 

What are some things that you love? Please share with me! 

xoxo

Happy Monday! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! 

I hope you all had a nice weekend~ 

I don't know about you, but daylight savings is kicking my butt today.  I was soooo tired this morning.  It always takes a few days to adjust to the lost hour of sleep on Saturday night. The good news we have extended daylight!  Last night the sun set at 6:45pm! It was really nice. It made being tired a little less annoying because I know what's coming.  Spring!  

It's all in the process of the season's changing.  Time marches on.   I'll be ditching the winter coat soon.  I hope! : ) 

I ended up having to run out on Saturday to drop John off at a friends house.  While I was out I decided to run a few errands and I made a little video in the process.  It was my first time "vlogging" out in the world.  This was a total experiment for me and I have to say I rather enjoyed it.  It's nothing too exciting...just at trip to the library, Target, and a few other random places.  

Please take a watch and I hope you enjoy it! 

Have a great day everyone!  

Byeee! xoox 

Saturday Favorites ♥

Good Morning and happy Saturday! ♥

 

 

I'm having a nice cozy morning. I'm sitting on the couch with my coffee, a blanket, and I'm talking to you : )  Even though the sun is shining, it's windy and cold and I'm very happy I don't have to go out today.   

So last night John and & I went to the movies with my sister in law, nieces, and nephew to see the new Disney Pixar Movie, Onward.  It was so good!  I highly recommend it!  I didn't know what to expect of this movie but the story was so great.  It had a lot of adventure, comedy, and of course that thing that Disney Pixar always does... it tugs at your heartstrings.  I loved it.  

 

It was a great way to kick off the weekend.  

Along with Onward, I'd like to share with you a few favorites from my week:

First is BEAUTY FOR REAL makeup.  For Christmas my friend gifted me with with 2 eye shadow sticks, an eyeliner, and a mascara (clearly she knows me well!).  I absolutely love these products and have been using them faithfully ever since.   

The colors are so pretty and they last all day long.  I've been putting the light color on my lid and the darker color in the crease.  

It's the first time I've ever used a cream shadow stick and now I'm completely hooked.  The color glides on so easily.  I just smudge it out a bit with my finger and that's it.  I add the black eyeliner and  Hi-Def mascara (which is amazing) and I'm done.  

LOVE IT ♥

I'm anxious to see what spring and summer colors they have available! 

Next up is the Victoria Trading Company.  

Do you know this company?  They have the most lovely vintage inspired products.  In the past I've bought seasonal home decor items and vintage Valentine's from the catalog, although I've wanted to buy everything!  There is an antique ring that I've been coveting for months. 

The happiest day of the month is when I receive the catalog via snail mail.  It's fun to snuggle up with a cup of tea and flip through it.  You can request a catalog on their website.  You can also browse products on the website too, but I think it's more fun to get the catalog....the old fashioned way! 

Visit them at www.victoriatradingcompany.com ♥

And lastly I just have to share this yummy beverage which I am addicted to lately.  

Polar's Vanilla Seltzer!  It's the best!!!

I'm really in to seltzer waters lately and this flavor is so refreshing! 

Yummy!!!

Well, I guess I better get off this couch and make some breakfast.  

I'm making Irish Bread today which I will share with you all on Monday! 

Thanks for stopping by this morning.

Have a great weekend! ♥

 

Rustic Fruit Tart ♥ (video)

Hi Everyone! 

 I'm back today with another YouTube video. I'm really enjoying making these videos for you guys and sloooowly but surely I'm starting to feel more comfortable in front of the camera 😉

This week I decided to make this rustic fruit tart.  I've made it many times before and is one of my favorite recipes. Let's just say I love anything involving puff pastry : ) 

♥

I have to say I also love anything that can be called "rustic" don't you?  It means it can look anyway you want and still be considered charming.  How can you go wrong?  

This recipe uses store bought puff pastry and frozen fruit...any kind you want.  In the past I've used mostly berries (blueberries, strawberries, & blackberries) and it's come out delicious.  This time I used a mix that was heavy on peaches, pineapple, grapes, and cherries.  It came out amazing!!  The peaches and brown sugar were a match made in heaven  ♥

Please take a look at my video and let me know what you think.  

If you like it and want to see more, please subscribe to my channel.  

I am trying to post at least one video a week ♥

\

Here's a link to my original post with the recipe and all the instructions. 

I hope you enjoy it!!  ♥

rustic fruit tart  

Happy Thursday, friends!  I hope you have a great day! 

Tomorrow is Friday already!! : ) 

10 Things I Love ♥

10 Things I love:

the smell of fresh ground coffee

road trips

comfy slippers

eating cereal at night

Perry Como's "Catch a Falling Star"

book stores

chocolate covered cherries 

cardigan sweaters (on men and ladies : ) 

vanilla cake with vanilla frosting 

kind words ♥

*a bonus thing I love - Perry Como IN a cardigan sweater.  And it's monogrammed! Swoon! lol 

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away.  Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket save it for a rainy day." 

What are some random things you love? Please share with me ♥

Have a wonderful day! xo 

It's March! Let's Chat ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  I surely did.  First of all, thank you for all the well wishes.  I am feeling so much better! I'd say 99.9% back to normal.  It feels good to feel good, you know what I mean?!

It spend the entire weekend at home.  I didn't leave the house once.  Every once in a while I have a weekend like this and I really appreciate it when it happens. Rob took John shopping Saturday and ice skating Sunday, so I was left with some free time. I took advantage of it to put some music on and putter around the house. I took down my Valentine's Day decorations and packed them away for another year and out came St. Patrick's Day! I was tempted to bring out Easter, but in an effort to slow things down I decided to wait a few weeks and not rush it.  There will be time for that soon enough. I tucked away the last of the snowmen....even though it's still freezing here...it was time for them to go.  I enjoyed seeing all the bright colors of green, pink, and yellow in my decor now.  Spring is on it's way (even though it doesn't feel like it). The calendar says we are 2 and a half 

weeks away, so I'm going with that! 

♥

I'm noticing the beautiful rays of sunlight are lingering around a little longer these days.  We are no longer eating dinner in the dark, which is the first tell tale sign for me that Spring is on it's way.  

I used to always say I hated March because it was long and boring.  As I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate it more.  March is our transition month between winter & spring.  It's a beautiful bridge that takes time to cross.  And that's o.k. I'm not in a rush, are you?

I have a theory that maybe March was invented to give us a month in between all the chocolate we (i.e. me) consumed in February before we start going crazy with jelly beans and Cadbury mini eggs in April?! 

Hmm...I could be on to something here : ) 

If that's the case....I love you March! ♥

So what are your plans for the week?  Mine include helping John with his science project, trying a new dinner recipe (fingers crossed it comes out good -  I'll share if it does), and starting a new book, which is always a good thing.   It's the little things in life that keep us going.  Speaking of, I started a new game on my phone - Words with Friends!  My friend got me into it and now I'm addicted.  It's so fun!  Do you play games on your phone?  I think it keeps us sharper.  Plus it distracts me from the news, which is pretty depressing lately.  Doesn't anyone have anything good to say about anything?  Apparently not.  Words with Friends it is!  

♥

Have a wonderful week everyone! What will the first week of March bring you?  I hope all good things! March is our lucky month, right?  ♥

Thanks for visiting me today! I'm off to work.  But first coffee, because... it's Monday! 

Bye! xo