The Monday After : )

 Good Morning Friends.  

The Monday after.  How are we all feeling? I hope you had a cozy and wonderful holiday.  Ours was just that.  We spent Christmas eve with Rob's family.  There was food, music, games, and memoires made.  On Christmas day we had a relaxing day at home with my family.  We watched movies and I cooked a yummy dinner.  Another Christmas in the books and now we are on track to a new year and a clean slate.  

Santa arrived and (thankfully) did not disappoint.  John's highlight was definitely a vintage record player with some vinyl records of some of his favorite classic rock bands.  Nothing says Merry Christmas like the Rolling Stones, Beatles, and ACDC! Haha.  There was also an Elvis record in there as well, which made my heart happy.  He was also surprised with a new keyboard from my parents which he loved! He's been playing drums for years but has recently been teaching himself piano and guitar.  Our basement is turning into a music studio, which is ok by all of us.  

John always says that the day after Christmas is sad because it's all over, but I always feel happiness and relief.  All the planning and hard work is done and now we can all exhale and relax.  

We have our memories (and new clothes and books!) to keep us warm this winter.  I've been eating my weight in fudge (boy was it a mistake to make 2 batches!) but we need to get it out of the house, so I guess I'm doing a good deed.  We'll go with that : ) 

Next weekend it all comes down (my New Year's Day tradition) so we have one more week to enjoy the twinkling Christmas tree lights and then it's on to the next phase.  CLEANING and ORGANIZING. My lists have already begun! LOL 

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and  I wish you a cozy week.  This is my favorite week of the year.  It's quiet and peaceful and my mind loves the idea of a clean slate.  Santa brought me a new calendar/planner and I'm anxious to start filling it in. 

Happy Monday lovely friends! Enjoy your day! xo 

Merry Christmas!

Hello Friends! 

Well, my presents are wrapped and I'm all ready for Santa.  All that's left to do is cook Christmas dinner, which I'm quite looking forward too.  This season, although I tried to slow it down, went by in a blink.  It's hard to believe tomorrow night is Christmas eve! Oh how I miss the days when John was small and SO excited for Santa.  He's still excited (don't get me wrong) but in a different way.  We'll still make cinnamon rolls and open presents around the tree on Christmas morning and it will be just as magical as it can be.  The best gifts can't be wrapped, but felt.  Don't you agree? 

What I'm really excited about is next week.  My favorite week of the year.  The week between Christmas and New Years.  It's quiet and reflective and perfectly acceptable to do nothing but rest and recharge.  I'm hoping to read books and watch movies (in new pj's!) and drink as much tea and eat as many cookies as my little heart desires. 

I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday!  

Merry Christmas my friends! 

I love you all!  xoxo 

December Weekend ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a lovely and festive weekend.  I finally got my tree up and decorated on Friday night and I must say, it's nice to have a tree in the house.  I know I say that every year, but it just makes me so happy.  I was having a bit of trouble getting in the spirit this year but my little tree made all the difference. Since I'm still working from home I get to enjoy it all day long and that's really nice. We even put a little tree in John's room this year.  It's the coziest thing ever and I'm so happy he wanted it.  He was over it for the last few years but this year he circled back and was onboard.  Hooray for nostalgia! 

This past Saturday John and I had to best day together Christmas shopping. It was productive and fun (which are two things I LOVE).  With his help I was able to check a few people off the Christmas list.  That's definitely a plus about having a teenager at Christmas time.  He's got great suggestions and can help me shop! Saturday evening a group of 13 of us went to dinner in Boston to celebrate my father in law's 80th birthday.  The restaurant had the most gorgeous view of the city but do you think I took a picture of it? Nope.  I was too focused on my butternut squash ravioli which was delicious : ) 

Yesterday we spent the day at home watching football, catching up on things around the house, and I even took a 30 minute nap before dinner because I was so comfortable on the couch my body would not move, so I gave in.  Napping in a room with a Christmas tree in a delightful experience.  If you've never done it, I highly recommend it  ♥

This morning I'm enjoying a hot cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee with peppermint mocha cream.  It's my favorite holiday combo. Its a rainy & windy day and the coffee hitting the spot....more than ever! 

I'm back to work, tapping away on my computer but in the back of my mind I'm thinking about baking cookies and doing some Amazon shopping tonight.  I'm hoping to finish my Christmas shopping online if I can. We'll see how that goes.  Fingers crossed! 

I have a pot roast bubbling way in the crock pot for dinner tonight and I think I'll stop by Whole Foods this afternoon and pick up a loaf of fresh bread to go with it.  That's something I've been doing lately and it's such a nice treat with dinner.  There's nothing like a freshly baked loaf of bread with dinner (and if I don't have time to bake it, well Whole Foods bakery is pretty darn good!). 

Have a happy and cozy day, friends!  xoxoxo  

♥

   

The Christmas Season Has Begun ♥

 

Good Moring Friends! ♥

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a happy Thanksgiving!  Our day was lovely and delicious.  We celebrated at my brother-in-laws.  There were laughs, games, FOOD, and a nice walk after dinner to digest and look at Christmas lights. It was a holiday I will surely keep in my memory forever.  

Turkey dinner remains my favorite meal of the year and this year did not disappoint!  

YUM!!!! 

As per usual I ate too much but it was worth it.  I spent Friday napping and nibbling on leftover pie (because it was there...:) in between video game rounds with John.  We watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and now it officially feels like the Holiday Season.

This weekend I decorated, did some online shopping, and watched 2 seasons of Holiday Baking Championship on the Food Network.  (I'm obsessed!)  I wanted to feel like I was somewhat productive before getting back to work on Monday.  

This morning I'm set up with my little computer in the kitchen working away on real life stuff, but I have a pot of goodness simmering behind me and it smells like Williams Sonoma in here...which is exactly what I was going for  ♥

This year I've decided to keep my decorating minimal and simple.  

It will be more about the smells and the feels. 

 Books, candles, and vintage inspired decorations are my favorite. 

Christmas time and December in general can be a very busy, stressful time.  

My objective this year is to embrace the quiet and the cozy.

It won't be difficult ♥

So as your calendar starts to fill up and you feel yourself stressing, remember that  self care is the most important gift you can give this season. 

Wishing you all a festive week! 

Happy Thanksgiving! ♥

Wishing you all sparkling china, flickering candles, cranberry sauce, and all those little Norman Rockwell moments that make your heart full.  

However you are celebrating - in a large group around the table, or in your pj's on the couch, enjoy your day.  And remember it's OK if it's not perfect. Just don't forget to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. That's a must : ) 

Happy Thanksgiving my friends! I'm very thankful for YOU! ♥

xoxo

Lovely November

Hello Friends! Happy Wednesday! 

How is your November? So far November has not disappointed me.  It's been everything I've looked forward to and all that it should be.  We've had days so sunny and bright that the colors of the leaves almost glow.  We've also had days like today that are dark and dreary and just as beautiful in their own way.  

November is funny like that.  She can be foggy, damp, and miserable, yet we love her so much it's hard to be mad at her.  

Aaaaand, it's gotten COLD.  So cold I had to finally put on my winter coat.  And it felt good. I don't know why I resist this every year, because once I finally take the plunge and put it on...it's heaven. 

 It was very windy today...leaves blowing everywhere...but I was cozy warm in my black wool coat.  

I'm soaking up all the things I love about fall before we have to transition over into winter.  Holiday commercials and songs have begun.  Today I bought my first Christmas present, so I've officially started my shopping.  One day in the trenches and I'm feeling spent... long lines and crowed stores are not ideal these days, but not everything can be done online. The world has gone completely crazy and makes us feel like we have to do everything early or the holidays will be doomed.  I'm trying not to get too stressed out and just doing a little at a time.  When the the world gets too much, I know I have my tea and Hallmark movies to keep me warm. 

I'm thinking about decorating this weekend.  It will be had to say goodbye to my pretty fall décor, but I'll pack it away nice and safe until next year.  Christmas decorations make me happy so why wait?

My mornings will continue to be delicious with oatmeal, bananas, and honey.  Yum.  Pumpkin spice coffee will continue, as will pumpkin pie.  Seasonal yummy treats like gingerbread cookies have taken the place of Halloween candy (which is long gone, thank goodness!).  I've started to pin holiday recipes to try.  Yesterday I picked up a gingerbread house kit for John and his chocolate Advent calendar.  December 1st is coming fast.  It's getting exciting. 

 

I wish for fall all year and every year it comes and goes too quickly.  I would gladly give up one of the hot summer months for another month of fall...cool, crisp, and colorful...before we enter the Christmas rush.  But alas, that's not the case so I'll go with the flow. 

 

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week! 

Wishing you a very lovely day and happy November.  

Byeeee xoxo 

10 Things I Love: Fall Edition ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

It's time for another edition of :"10 things I love".  

Today I'm going to talk about all the things I love about Fall.  

Obviously there are more than just 10, but thinking of the simple pleasures of day to day life during the fall, here are 10 random things I love...

Pumpkin flavored everything! Coffee, bread, muffins, donuts...I could go on and on! I want it all. In fact today I made a pumpkin pie! (the coffee pictured above was a gift from a friend and it's DELICIOUS ♥ ) 

Hot cider with a cinnamon stick

Getting new PJ's for the winter

Making holiday lists and starting my Christmas shopping

Hallmark movies - all day every day : ) 

Roasted butternut squash soup for lunch

Warm cozy sweaters and socks 

Simmering stovetop potpourri

Dried fruit garlands and homemade decorations in the kitchen 

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  

♥

Some bonus LOVES are cracking fires, the smell of the cool crisp air, and Peanuts everywhere! 

I'm so glad I live in a place that has changing seasons or I would never be able to appreciate each one as much as I do.  

What are some things you are loving right now?  Do you love lighting candles on dark cold mornings while you wait for the coffee or tea to brew?  Do you love snuggling under cozy blankets and watching movies or reading a book?  Do you love taking an afternoon walk to look at the stunning colors of the leaves?  Me too ♥

Have a wonderful cozy week my friends! It's only 4:15pm and it's already starting to get dark!

Xx 

French Onion Pork Chops ♥

Good Morning Friends!  Happy Halloween! ♥

I hope you all had a happy, safe, and not too scary holiday!  I don't know about you, but for the last few days I have been living off a steady diet of sugary treats and chocolate bars! I end up raiding John's candy and eat all the ones he can't eat. This would be anything with peanuts & peanut butter. UGH! I am a magnet to the candy bowl and it's only the beginning.  It's THAT time of year again and there is no escaping it! ♥

We had a fun Halloween.  It's much different now that he's older, but he still got in the spirit, hung around with some friends and had fun trick or treating at a few houses.  My friend Courtney always does a lovely spread of goodies and cocoa on her porch for anyone that wants to come.  We've been going since John was in first grade.  Not last year because of covid so it was nice to be back celebrating this year! 

He was Jason from Friday the13th (we've come a long way from Woody the Cowboy and hot dog costumes!).

Very Scary!! 

And now it's November! Holy Cow! Time is marching on....

♥

Well, here's a new recipe I tried earlier this week that I wanted to share with you. 

French Onion Pork Chops!

 I saw this on YouTube and immediately knew I wanted to try it because I love French onion soup and I love easy recipes! 

It was simple to make, had delicious flavor, and my family loved it.  

I will definitely be adding this recipe to the winter rotation : ) 

Here's what you need:

4 boneless pork chops

2 yellow onions

olive oil & butter

beef broth

S&P, garlic powder, & thyme

flour

cheese

Cut the onions into rings.  Sauté in 2 tbls of butter and 1 tbls of olive oil. 

Cook for about 5 minutes and then add in 1/4 beef broth. Let cook for about 12 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown. 

 Remove from pan and set aside. 

Season pork chops with garlic powder, S&P, and thyme on each side.  Add to the pan and cook 4-5 minutes on each side. 

Remove from pan and set aside. 

Add onions back into the pan along with 2 tablespoons of flour.  Stir together until flour is dissolved  and then add in 1 cup of beef broth.  

Whisk together and simmer until sauce thickens. 

Add pork chops back into the pan. 

Add cheese on top of each chop if you'd like. (I used mozzarella, but provolone or swiss would be delish : )

Cover and let simmer until cheese is melted and chops are cooked through.  

Just a few more minutes ♥

I served ours with mashed potatoes and broccoli. YUM! 

It was a hearty, warm meal that we all enjoyed! 

I think I can put the breaks on desserts this week.  We have enough sweets to tide us over for a while! LOL

Have a great day friends! Are you putting up your Christmas decorations yet? I'm not...but I'm thinking about it  🎄🤶

Bye!!! xoxoxo ♥

Let There Be Light! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday! ♥

I am so happy tonight because we have Electricity!! For the last two days we have been living by candlelight because of a bad storm that went through our area.  The winds were so powerful that I felt like our house was going to fly away like Dorothy being transported to OZ!!  So many trees down (one nearly hitting our house but thank goodness it didn't!). The storm left my entire town without power.  Some still don't have it back. Thankfully last night ours came back!  Lights, heat, wifi.... you don't realize how much you take these things for granted until they are gone!  

Life is really boring with no TV.  At least for me : ) 

 

Anyway, back to my regularly scheduled life.  Before all the chaos I was enjoying a cozy fall week. 

Hallmark started it's countdown to Christmas movie marathon and I am here for it!  I love every single one.  Corny, predictable, sicky sweet....yes, yes, and yes! (much to the horror of my family! lol) 

I'll be watching until Christmas and I'm not even sorry ♥

This week's soup was homemade tomato with grilled cheese sandwiches of course.  This was our last hot meal before it went dark.  It was perfect on a stormy night.  

The newest addition to the bedroom is my new nightlight.  I added twinkle lights to an Eiffel Tower bottle that I picked up at a thrift store.  

It makes nighttime tea even more enjoyable.

**this helped so much during the power outage because those lights are battery operated** 

Chicken pot pie is one of our favorite comfort meals.  

I love the process of making it almost as much as I do eating it. 

Almost! ♥

A new project I started is putting all my recipes on cute recipe cards.  

Aren't these darling? ♥

It's hard to believe this weekend is Halloween!  

We are expecting more rain on Saturday but so far (fingers crossed) Sunday looks cool and clear!  We'll carve our pumpkin tomorrow and I'll roast the seeds. 

I look forward to that every year. 

John has plans to go to a friends house on Halloween so tomorrow we have to find him a costume, because everybody knows No costume, No candy!  

I'm going to go enjoy my heat and electricity, make a hot cup of tea, and pray for those who are still without power.  It's no fun.

Have a happy Halloween weekend friends!  I hope you don't get too scared!  ♥

xoox   

Apple Cobbler ♥

Good morning friends! Happy Monday! 

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  Mine went by way too quickly, as usual.  

Today I'm excited to share with you a wonderful fall dessert.  

Apple Cobbler!!  ♥

Truth be told, I had never made an apple cobbler before.  This was my first time!

I love peach cobbler and strawberry cobbler, so of course I had to try it with apples! 

 

A cobbler is easier to make than a crisp.  It's basically just a batter poured over sugared apples and melted butter, then baked to perfection.  A perfect cozy dessert on a chilly fall evening. 

So first things first.  Remember these? 

 

Well, they turned into this! 

All the hard word was peeling and chopping.  And it wasn't really that hard : ) 

Tossed in brown sugar, cinnamon, & nutmeg.  

All the delicious tastes and smells of Fall ♥

Melt some butter and whip up a quick batter.

Ready for the oven.

Your kitchen will smell like heaven ♥

Viola!!!

We had dinner guests last week and I wanted to make them an extra special dessert.  

They had been traveling and I think this dessert made them feel like "home". 

 It's that cozy and pure comfort food! 

We had a pot roast for dinner with some fresh Italian bread and this cobbler for dessert.  

It felt like a very New England meal.  

They enjoyed it and we had a fabulous evening! 

Here is the recipe (taken from Pinterest) if you want to make it.  I highly recommend it!! 

It's great for company, but why not just for you? ♥

5 apples, peeled and sliced 

1 3/4 cup flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder 

1 1/2  cup brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg 

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put butter in a 9x13 baking dish.  Place in the oven until butter is melted. 

Put sliced apples in a large mixing bowl.  Add 1/4 cup of the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Toss to coat. 

In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining dry ingredients.

Add in the milk while continuing to whisk.  

Pour the batter into the baking dish over the melted butter. 

Add the apples on top of the batter.  Do not mix. 

Bake 45-50 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream 

Enjoy!! 

Have a wonderful day, friends! 

It's raining here, but these flowers are bringing sunshine to me today ♥

XO