Pumpkin spice caramel corn ♥

October never disappoints me. 

That's why YOU are my favorite ♥  

Yesterday was one of those perfect October days where the sun is out, but there is still slight chill in the air, and it’s just windy enough to toss the leaves around your feet as you walk.  I had the day off from work and I couldn’t wait to get outside for just a little while and enjoy it.  It’s supposed to rain the rest of the week and I figured it would be my only chance.  

So off I went to explore Hingham square… it was a good decision.  

Coffee in hand I wandered about looking in shop windows.  It got me thinking about the holidays.  I got excited.   I suddenly want to bake gingerbread cookies and hang twinkle lights around my windows.  It won’t be long now.  I heard church bells at 1 o’clock and it made my heart sing.  I normally don’t get to hear them, but yesterday I did.  Is there any prettier sound? 

Not likely. 

This store has all French things inside.  I tested some very expensive hand lotion.  It was nice.  I promised I would go back and treat myself for Christmas ♥ 

I think you call what I did meandering…. Sounds about right. 

 I admired cobblestone walkways and autumn floral arrangements. It was nice to see that it’s still mild enough to see blooming roses as well.    

So pretty! I could have stayed all day

How I love this time of year.  

On my way home I stopped at this old cemetery that dates back to the 1800’s.  

 I admired the foliage and said a prayer for all the souls buried here. 

Some of stones are so old you can’t even read them, which made me sad.  

  It makes me wonder who walked these paths long ago.

What were their names? Where did they come from? (what were they wearing???) 

It looks so very New England, don’t you think? 

After my "date with myself" which I highly recommend,  I headed home to make John and after school treat.  

And since we are in full "October/Fall mode" I give you the amazing....Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn ♥ 

Adding another layer to the pumpkin spice madness!  I just can't get enough! :) 

Adapted from a Jessica Seinfeld recipe  I saw this recipe on her Instagram.  The only change I made was she called for coconut oil.  I didn’t have any so I used canola oil.  I don’t think it made any difference. 

2 tablespoons canola oil

2/3 cup popcorn kernels, popped

½ cup honey

½ cup canned pumpkin puree

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Divide the popped popcorn evenly into two large bowls. 

In a medium skillet heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the honey, pumpkin, and brown sugar.  Whisk together.  Let simmer, whisking often until the mixture is thick like caramel, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and whisk in the cinnamon & nutmeg.  Dividing evenly, pour over each bowl of popcorn and toss to combine.

Divide the popcorn among the two lined baking sheets and sprinkle with salt.  Bake 10 -15 minutes or until just set.  Let cool.  It will crisp up as it cools.  I put mine in the freezer to speed up the cooling because I couldn’t wait!  When completely cooked, break it up into pieces and enjoy! 

 Easy and delicious!  John loved it and so did everyone else....especially me!  Make a big bowl of this while you are waiting for trick or treaters or watching your favorite Halloween special.  Add a cup of hot cider and we can be best friends! 

♥

Have a lovely October day, my friends!  Don't forget to appreciate the little things in life, like a big bowl of popcorn, a blustery October day full of window shopping, and the sound of church bells.  

Thank you for visiting me today!  xoxox 

Moving swiftly along... ♥

Why all of a sudden does summer feel so far in the past? Didn’t it just happen? This morning it was so chilly that I reached for my warm cardigan and corduroys to wear to work. I almost put on my favorite pair of leather boots, but reluctantly decided to wait – good news is that I know it’s going to be soon : ) 

Crazy thing is only three short weeks ago we were at the beach.  Hard to believe!

It's apple season! 

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 Things change fast here in New England. You blink and it’s done.  The foliage is only at its beginning stages. 

I’m on daily watch. 

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On Monday I spent the morning cleaning my house. I had the house to myself so I put on this CD and I was in heaven.  I finished putting out the last of my fall decorations and then on a whim I decided to hang lights around my kitchen window.  I usually wait until November to do this, but I was I was in the mood….so here you are.  Too soon?  I don’t think so either.   

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Something about these cute little fairy lights makes the kitchen so cozy.  I’m big on lighting.  I like to shut everything off except these and just enjoy the glow : )  Rob made a funny comment (something like  “Merry Christmas!”) but I just smiled and drank my tea.  I think he secretly loves it. Maybe for Christmas I’ll change them to colored lights, but for now I’m in love with these white ones ♥♥♥

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That night I made a chicken pot pie for dinner and it felt like a holiday in my home.  I love nights like that.

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So, fourth grade is off to a great start.  Last night was parent’s night at school.  I saw John’s classroom and met the teacher (God bless her!).  Looking at the first and second grade classes, this one seems so big.  He has binders and notebooks and it all seems so grown up (I’m struggling with being happy/sad/happy/sad). This year he’s going to be playing the drums in the school band, which he’s been waiting for since second grade.  He also signed up for junior drama, so we'll have another Christmas show to look forward too.  It’s going to be a fun year for him. He is very excited!  

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I’m taking things one day at a time ♥ (you mom’s out there get it : )

Let’s eat….

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I know I’ve posted this before (here), but since John has been back to school I’ve been making him this snack so I thought it deserved a repost.  He’s still getting used to his new schedule – going to bed early and getting up early. It’ll take some time to shake off the summer.  After school he’s absolutely starving and I’m trying to find healthy alternatives for him.  If I don’t plan ahead and have something ready, he’ll eat anything and everything in sight.  This seems to tide him over so things don’t get too crazy. 

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I saw this in Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food Magazine a few years ago.  It’s so simple! I like it for an afternoon snack for ME as well.

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All you do is lightly toast an English muffin.  Then top it with sliced apples and a few thin slices of cheese.  Then toast again. Done! 

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Martha suggests using cheddar cheese (which is delicious) but Swiss also works really well. It gets nice and "melty" over the apples.  

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The apples will get warm and slightly soft.  It's soooo good!  This snack also proves my point that you can melt cheese on anything and it will taste good. ♥

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Thank you for visiting me today! I appreciate it so much! Have a virtual pumpkin spice latte with me on Saturday, won't you?   

Cheers to fall!  xo 

I wish you all a very wonderful weekend doing something you love with someone you love! ♥♥♥

Caramel corn ♥

This recipe was a special request from my eight year old son, John.  He saw someone making caramel corn on TV and said "we could do that....right?" I had never made it before, but I liked his style, so without hesitation I said, "sure, why not!".

 

Caramel corn is the perfect Fall treat.  It reminds me of Halloween and now that I know how easy it is, I will keep it in mind for parties....

 

Cause once you start....you just can't stop! ♥

 

 

 

 

 

4 cups popcorn

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

 

 

 

 

Spread your popcorn out on a baking sheet. (btw- this was my first time making popcorn with coconut oil and it was delicious!)

 

It's important to make sure your helper doesn't eat all the popcorn before we finish the recipe : )

 

 

 

 

For the caramel:

 

Melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat.  The mixture will start to bubble. Keep stirring so the butter doesn't burn.  Gently add in the corn syrup.  Cook about 10 minutes, while continually stirring. 

 

**Caution - this mixture is very hot.  If you have a helper like I did, make sure to keep a close eye on everything!

 

 

 

 

After 10 minutes remove the pan from the stove.  Add in the vanilla and baking soda.  Stir to incorporate.

 

Drizzle over the popcorn. 

 

 

 

 

Bake in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour. 

 

Remove from the oven.  Break it up a little with a wooden spoon if you need to... and viola!

 

You've got caramel corn!

 

(store in an airtight container)

 

 

 

 

I think adding peanuts, M&M's, or candy corn would also be yummy mixed into this. 

 

 

We are in full Fall mode here in New England.  The days are cool and the nights are crisp.  It's officially sweater weather!

Halloween is fast approaching and John has decided he wants to be a hot dog this year. 
This should be interesting! 

Happy Days! ♥♥♥

 

 

Honey roasted chickpeas ♥

Here is a super easy recipe for honey roasted chickpeas.  These beans have been a lifesaver for my nightly snack attacks! I don't feel as guilty reaching for these as I do when I scoop Nutella straight from the jar (don't tell me you've never done it...come on : )

 

Chickpeas are high in fiber and rich in victims and minerals. Just don't go too heavy on the sea salt and they are the perfect snack to satisfy that little nagging voice inside you. 

 

I found several variations online, but this basic one is my favorite. 

 

 

recipe courtesy of  Alida's Kitchen

 

15 oz. can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 tablespoon canola oil

sea salt

 

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.  Set aside.

 

Empty the chickpeas into a colander and rinse until no longer foamy. Drain. 

Put on a paper towel and pat to dry.  Remove skins from the chickpeas.  Gently roll the beans between your fingers and the skins will easily come off ♥

 

 

 

 

Place the beans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, or until crunchy (if they are still soft add an additional 5 minutes of baking time).

 

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk honey and oil. 

 

Add the hot chickpeas and toss to coat. 

 

 

Put the beans back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for an additional 5 - 10 minutes, until caramelized. 

 

Sprinkle with sea salt ♥

 

{Other versions I saw added cinnamon & sugar, garlic salt, or cumin.  I say just do what you like }

 

 

 

 

Let the bean cool completely and store in an airtight container. 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!

Summer favorites: with a grateful heart... ♥

 

 

Hello Friends! I am back.  I feel as though I have been disconnected for a few days.  I want to say thank you to all my online friends who have reached out with all their positive thoughts and prayers lately. 

 

 

For those of you who don't know, my Mom had an unexpected trip to the hospital last week.  She had a sever blockage in her heart and had to have surgery on Friday.  I'm happy to say our prayers were answered.  She's home now and doing much better.  It was quite a scare for my family and we are so grateful that she is okay.  Now we are focusing on her recovery - making sure she takes her medicines, follows a new (low salt!) diet, and once she gets her strength back, a little exercise. 

 

 

 

 

There is nothing like a health scare to put things into perspective.  When my Mom was in the hospital, I didn't care about anything else. I just wanted her to be okay.  Something like this changes you.  We got a warming and now we've been given a second chance.  I'm so grateful God was (is!) watching over us!

 

Before this happened (last Tuesday) I had these photo's uploaded and prepared to post as my weekly Summer Favorites.  I'm going to still post them, just keep in mind they are two weeks old. I have to still keep myself busy or else I will worry, worry, worry.  There are times in life when a little distraction and mindless chatter are a good thing! ♥  

 

So anyway, here are a few other things going on lately....

 

 

 

 

Something I've always wanted to do is see Shakespeare in the park.  I read in last weeks paper that the Bay Colony Shakespeare Company will be preforming Midsummer Night's Dream in August, outdoors, just one town over.  It's a nighttime show in a beautiful venue, just minutes from my house.  I bought my ticket and can hardly wait to go ♥

 

 

 

 

We had some fun pool time at Rob's aunt & uncles pool.  What a fun day!

Love them so much!

 

 

Just look at that face! xoxo

And then on one rainy Saturday afternoon I found this in my pantry.... Old fashioned brown bread! It's the stuff my childhood was made of! (Yes, it's bread in a can! If you are from New England you know what I'm talkin' about! : )

Toasted with butter is the best! Add an old black & white Jimmy Stewart movie and you've got a perfect Saturday afternoon!

A new bakery opened up in South Weymouth square.  It's a dangerous place, let me tell you!

 

 

I discovered that I really LOVE Kind bars! They are worth the extra few pennies.  This one (dark chocolate cherry cashew) was delicious!  

 

 

 

 

I got some fresh mint and basil from my father in law's garden.  It's so pretty and fragrant that I put them in a vase on the kitchen island.  I wish I had his green thumb for gardening!

 

 

 

 

I took a stroll by one of my favorite little French shops in the square.  Unfortunately I can only afford to window shop.....and I do that often! : )  

 

 

We hung a new clock in the bedroom. Well, it's not actually new.  I got this clock quite a while ago and have never hung it.  Once I finally did it I remembered how much I love a ticking clock in the house.  I guess I haven't had one in a while.  It's very comforting.

 

 

 

Have I told you that we are going to Disney??? Yes! Next month we are road tripping to Orlando! (we are staying here) This will be John's first Disney trip - and also his birthday week! What more could an new 8 year old ask for?! Last week I asked my IG/twitter friends for any tips regarding Disney travel.  Thank you all so much for your suggestions! And please keep them coming! I'm concerned about the August Florida heat and also the crowds, but you all had some great suggestions ♥

 

 

 

 

The cherry tomato plant on my deck is doing awesome! It's been very hot and humid here lately so I have to remember to water them.  As long as I do that, they are happy!

 

 

 

 

Same goes for the geraniums.  Must. remember. to. water.

 

 

 

 

Fresh mint leaves in orange fizzy drinks are very refreshing on a hot day!

 

 

 

 

Have you ever tried argan oil? This conditioner is the best one I have ever used! I have always wanted to try it but it's very expensive.  Then the other day I had a great idea.  Buy the travel size! It's way cheaper and you only use a little at a time anyway.  Brilliant! This conditioner makes my hair soft and shiny - and it smells amazing!

 

 

 

 

I checked out Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette from the library (again!) last week an watched it for the umpteenth time! I really love this movie.  I think Kirsten Dunst made the perfect Marie Antoinette. And it was actually filmed at The Palace of Versailles. It's so beautiful! (one of the places I would LOVE to go to). The costumes are amazing too! ♥♥♥

 

 

 

 

Because it's been so hot, I've been going the easy route with cooking.  This day I made roasted sausages, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.  All on one cookie sheet and it was delicious!

 

 

 

 

 My Dad planted wild flower seeds on the side of my parents house.  We had no idea what was going to grow.  This is the result.  Quite pretty! I love the one lone red flower, just standing there in the middle.  I know how she feels. #awkward

 

 

 

 

Here is a tip that I learned from Susan Branch's Summer book.  When it's really hot out, put your body lotions, moisturizers, perfumes, etc  in the refrigerator.  What a refreshing treat on hot skin.  I've been doing this for years.  Cold Oil of Olay on my face after a hot shower is the best!

 

 

 

 

 Some of you have asked me about the stones that I talked about in my last post.  I am planning on doing a blog post about them soon.  They have really helped me this week ♥

 

 

And of course the obligatory ice cream cone! We can't stop and we don't want to! Do you take jimmies or sprinkles?

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Thank you all so much for being here! You have no idea how much I appreciate you!

 

Have a great week!

xoxox