October weekending at home...♥

Hello Lovely Friends! Happy Monday morning!  

I have missed you! ♥

Well, it happened.  I turned the heat on for the first time this season.  We have arrived.  I tried to hold out as long as I could, but it was borderline frosty when I got out of bed this morning so here we are.  That sound of the furnace kicking on and that first blast of warm air through the vents brought me to life. Like a big hug! Next was coffee, I lit a candle, and my Monday began....so, hello....how are you today?! ♥

October is really October-ing now, isn't it? Leaves are falling and every neighbor on my street has a pumpkin, or mums, or something spooky in the yard. I can remember walking to school on chilly mornings like this when I was in jr. high school. I didn't drink coffee then.  I actually remember drinking diet Pepsi first thing in the morning before school! Can you imagine? That was my drink. It was the 80's :) 

I think about my childhood a lot and have so many de'ja vus, probably because I live in my childhood home and know this neighborhood like the back of my hand.  If my jr. high self only knew I would be waving goodbye to my son from the front door as he leaves for the day (with hot coffee, not Pepsi), she never would never believe it.  

Life is crazy sometimes ♥

But anyway...this past weekend I was embracing all the cozy fall things, because we are in it now, and I don't want it to slip by. 

I finally got around to clipping some of these hydrangeas to bring them inside.  

The muted colors are so pretty ♥ 

Hard to believe these are bright blue in the summertime. 

I think I prefer them this way ♥

I spent Saturday cleaning and "nesting" as my mother used to say ♥

I found this string of pumpkin lights and didn't know what to do with them, so I put them on this plant in the corner.  

...me and my tea were contemplating if they should stay or go...

...they stayed! ♥

I couldn't let the weekend go past without some seasonal baking.  Look at these spices.  

Only good things can come from this line up! ♥

...and it did ♥

The best fall cookie!  

And my kitchen smelled amazing! ♥

Soft Ginger Cookies! They are chewy and delicious.  I blogged the recipe some years ago and totally forgot about them.  How could I? I am going to make these again for Thanksgiving this year.  

They are so good! ♥

(click here for recipe - super easy too!) 

Ginger Cookies

I have realized I don't make cookies enough!  I'm going to start trying new cookie recipes every week. 

Stay tuned! ♥

Saturday supper was beef stew and homemade biscuits! ♥

I used Susan Branch's recipe for Best Biscuits out of her Heart of the Home cookbook.  

They were perfect! We are having the rest of them with chicken pot pie tonight ♥

**By the way did you read Susan's latest blog post about her Martha's Vineyard house being sold?  It's bittersweet indeed, but I'm so happy for her.  I'm more happy that she's going back to the island in December to experience another New England winter.  Those of us that live here know there's really nothing like it** 

I preordered her knew Christmas book and the latest news is that they are being shipped on November 1st. Yay! I cannot wait! A gift to myself and something to look forward.  My cozy reading spot is all ready for me to sit for hours and devour every page. 

 I'm 52 years old and still want to be Susan Branch when I grow up :)

My evening walks were very chilly this weekend.  Last night I actually pulled out my winter coat!  This is me coming home.  It's only about 7:30pm and look how dark it is! 

I finished this audiobook on my travels and let me tell you...it's completely unhinged!  

Loved it👌 

In a shocking contrast, the Hallmark channel has started its countdown to Christmas movies, so I've been watching too many of those already.  I had them on all weekend in the background while "nesting" about the house.  My mom and I used to watch all of them together.  Even when she was in the hospital we would put Hallmark on and make fun of how corny the movies were and we'd laugh about it. I miss her so much and every day I find new things that remind me of her. She'd be happy I'm still watching Hallmark and thinking of her.  Don't worry mom, I am ♥  

And with that I will love and leave you here for today.  I have lots to do so I better get to it.  Have a happy Monday, friends! I hope you all have a cozy day.  Have a hot beverage and a sweet treat and please take time for yourselves! 

Be back soon! Xx 

♥

Homemade pancake mix ♥

I stopped buying pancake mix as soon as I discovered how easy it was to make at home.  It's one less pantry item I have to worry about running out of when someone suddenly says "how about pancakes?"  

That happened today....:)

I thought I'd share the recipe I use. It's easy and the pancakes always come out perfectly.

  Honestly, I don't make pancakes all the time, but when I do, I want it to be worth it. 

 These are worth it ♥

 

2 cups flour

4 tbsp sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 3/4 cup milk

4 tbsp melted butter

2 tsp vanilla

1 egg

Whisk up the dry. Add the wet.  

Pour, grill, flip, and enjoy ♥

**add warm syrup and berries for extra points**

Tomorrow is the first day of October!! Yay! It's finally stopped raining, but the neighborhood is scattered with leaves and branches from the storm.  The cleanup hasn't started yet.  Some of my neighbors have already started decorating for Halloween. Perfect for an evening walk with a light sweatshirt, listening to an audiobook, and then home to my couch, blanket and hot tea. 

Happy October eve, friends. 

Maybe have pancakes in the morning ♥

♥

We survived the storm! ♥

Hello Dear Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

What you see here is chicken stock bubbling on the stove.  We have made it successfully through the storm, but since it's still raining and its Monday, which is a double whammy in my book, I thought soup might be just the medicine for today. 

The kitchen is warm and smells really nice right now.  

I can't wait for supper ♥

This storm was indeed a rager.  Monsoon winds and SO MUCH RAIN. 

Thankfully we had no damage!  All our trees stayed in the ground and we never lost power!

I don't know how, but we didn't ♥

 

Another good thing is that our house is up on a hill so even though the river out back was flooded, we didn't get any water in our basement or anything like that. 

The rain will continue through today and even a little tomorrow morning too.  

This storm just won't end!  

However - the forecast shows sunshine in the 70's Wednesday and Thursday.  Go figure! 

I'm dying to get out for a walk as soon as the rain lets up. 

I spent most of the weekend being lazy, as did everyone else.  All of John's plans were canceled on Saturday so he was home too.  Apparently, no one wants to go to a football game during a nor'easter! 

I wrapped myself in a blanket read my book, slept, and watched an entire season of Downton Abbey.  Season 2.  I'm about to begin Season 3 for the 137th time and I still don't know if I'm emotionally prepared to do it again. If you know, you know! 

This was literally ME to my family this weekend ↓

*seriously, this is what I do for fun - I'm not kidding*

I also made some lists (during food breaks in between episodes:).  

I was thinking about things I want to do this fall. 

Here are some random examples of what crossed my mind:

make applesauce

get new winter pjs

simplify my makeup and eliminate products I don't need or want to wear anymore

make a Bath & Bodyworks run for wallflower refills

make a Pinterest board for Thanksgiving (centerpieces, decorations, recipes, etc.)

get a puzzle for future rainy days 

try a new cookie recipe (any suggestions???) 

...I told you it was random! 

♥

It crossed my mind how quickly summer flew by and I hardly remember it happening. Is it just me getting older or does this happen to everyone? One minute we are putting on the AC and the next I'm thinking about putting on the heat - of which I haven't done yet, but it probably won't be long now. 

Anyhow, today it's back to work and so far it's been a productive day.  Rob had work and John had school and we're back to our regular scheduled programming.  I made my Dad and I coffee this morning and a new week has begun.  The last one in September!  Thursday is October 1st and I must get some Halloween candy in this house.  

The time is NOW! : ) 

Oh, I wanted to tell you I put this movie on for background today while I was working...♥

Pumpkin Pie Wars! 🍂

It's one of my favorite Fall Hallmark movies! If you're looking for something soooo cozy to get you into the fall spirit, please watch this one. It's free on YouTube! 

 I hope you all had a cozy weekend and if you were in this storm's path, I hope you are OK.  

The sun will come out again. She always does ♥

Thanks for checking in with me today! Talk soon! Xx 

A storm is coming! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday! ♥

I just got back from the grocery store.  After I put everything away, I made myself a hot cup of tea (it just felt like a tea kind of day - as my mother used to say) and cut myself a piece of apple cake I made yesterday.  

Nothing like chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar to make it really feel FALL.  

The kitchen smelled heavenly! ♥

This is one of my go-to recipes the minute the season changes.  I've shared the recipe many times before but in case you missed it and want to bake something seasonal this weekend...here it is.  

I guarantee you have everything you need on hand to make it. 

You won't regret it 🍎

apple swirl cake 

The secret ingredient is orange juice! ♥

It gives it a little something special : ) 

It comes out perfect every time. It will keep your kitchen warm (because it's getting a bit chilly) and your belly too.  

I just love coffee or tea with a slice of cake in the afternoon. 

It's the little things in life ♥

We are currently battening down the hatches (is that the correct term?) for a big storm this weekend - heavy rain and high winds. If you are in its path, I'm sure you are aware.  

I just brought in my garden flag and a few little things I have outside because I don't want them to blow away.  I've forgotten to do that before and have lost things.  

Happy I remembered this time! ♥

The rain hasn't started yet, but it's already getting very windy.  The weather people on TV are having a field day.  Apparently, that's all that's happening in the world right now because they have the top story. 

We are on storm watch from now to Monday and that's all we will be hearing about.  I for one am happy putting on a movie or TV show and shutting off the world for the weekend.  Sometimes it's just a little too much chatter, you know what I mean??

Thankfully, none of us have any place to go so we'll be hibernating in our bubble ♥

I have candles, books, and plenty of previously mentioned baked goods on hand in case we lose power.  

I'm praying we don't! ♥

After the storm passes the sun will come out again and the birds and the squirrels will be back.  I'm sure they are getting all cozy as well, waiting for this to pass. 

Can you believe this is the last weekend in September? Where did the month go?? We are on a fast track to holiday season and there's no stopping it now.  

Is anyone thinking about Thanksgiving yet or am I the only one? 🦃 It's the one big holiday I host so it means a lot to me.  Plus, a full turkey dinner is my favorite meal of life.  Oh, how I miss my mother's homemade stuffing - and do you believe I never learned her recipe.  How could I not? I'm so mad at myself. I mean, mine is ok...but it's not the same. When I really think about it, I can remember the taste so clearly - especially the crispy bits on the edges, those were my favorite.  Oh well...such is life.  I'll try again this year.  I'm sure she'll be watching and cheering me on ♥

Wishing you all a comfy and restful weekend.  If you are hibernating like me, enjoy it! Stay in your pj's, bake, read, binge a favorite show, and maybe take a nap.  

That's what I'll be doing ♥

Stay safe, everyone! (and dry too!).  Right now I'm off to meal plan for the upcoming week before I forget what I just bought.  Does that ever happen to you?  I have big ideas at the store and by the time I get home they are all goneeeeee!  I need to be better at writing stuff down! :) 

Talk to you all soon! xo 

Happy First Day of Fall! ♥

 Hello Lovely Friends! 

Happy first day of FALL! 🍂🍁

My windows were cracked open last night, and I woke up to a 62-degree breeze wafting in. At 6:00 am it was still dark.  All the vibes were there. I was wrapped in my blanket feeling so very cozy.  I got up and poured myself a hot cup of coffee (the first of many today) and brought it back to bed. 

This is Fall I thought. And what a welcome! ♥

It's a blustery Winnie-the-Pooh kind of day - minus the colorful foliage view out the window. We're not there quite yet, but soon.  I love waking up when it's still dark out. Sometimes I light a candle or my twinkle lights.  It's my favorite time of the day.  Slowly the world wakes up with me.  

John had a late class today, so I was able to make him some breakfast before he left. We had egg sandwiches.  I am happy to save him a few bucks from the Dunkin Donuts drive through! : )  

I won't see him again until late tonight, so it was nice to catch up over breakfast. I'll treasure these mornings while they last. Over the years back to school season has always had its own special routine and this is now. 

Anyway, how was your weekend? 

The weather here was wonderful! Saturday was sunny and cool - a perfect fall day.  Rob and I got up early and headed into Boston for coffee and a nice walk around the city.  

We go cappuccinos and a treat at one of our favorite bakery's.

 

The fruit tarts are so good! 

It was one of the best Saturday mornings I've had in a while ♥

We had fun roaming around for a few hours.  

I told Rob I want to come back at Christmastime to shop and see all the decorations.  That's where my mind goes.  Believe it or not, its not that far away! : )

In the meantime, some of my favorite fall products are making their appearances around the house...

All the smells and feels are here! ♥

I also have to mention my current book, which is fitting in quite nicely to this time of year.  By the title and cover you can probably tell what it's about.  It's a bit freaky, not gonna lie...but I'm loving it! 

This with a blanket and hot beverage on a cool autumn night....bliss! 

Happy Fall, my friends! I wish you the best season ever! ♥

Let's enjoy it while we have it. 

Have a pumpkin coffee and bake something with apples (that's what I'll be doing anyway :) 

It's just beginning! xx 

*PS THANK YOU to my friends who offered clothing suggestions! You ladies are my people! I've looked at all websites.  Such great choices.  I'll give you an update (with a haul) soon! ♥

Friday catch up! ♥...and a quick question

Hello Friends! Happy Friday! ♥

It's almost the end of a busy week and I for one, am so happy it's the weekend! 

But more importantly, look at this tree at end of my road.  Last night on my walk I spied color....yay! 

The leaves are starting to change 🍁

It's only little bits poking out here and there, but it's happening and that's all the matters :)

The late summer flowers are still blooming...♥

 

...and I think I might like my hydrangeas this way than in full bloom. The colors are muted and look so pretty.  

I just remembered I brought some of these inside last year to dry and kept them on my table for a bit.  

I must do that again this weekend. 

Such pretty sights all around ♥

I know it's not Halloween/crunchy leaves/spooky time yet, but seeing and feeling this shift has me very excited.  

And after another round of heat and humidity last week (it was really baaaad) the air is finally cool and we could actually now be in the clear.  

My windows are open and the past few nights have been good sleeping weather!  

Fall baking has started.  

I made pumpkin strudel muffins.  

They were yummy! Everyone got one in their lunch ♥

There is no stopping me now : ) 

Well now that I've caught you up around the house, what else is new? 

I mentioned a busy week and it was.  

Lots of appointments (for me and my Dad - all good though - no worries) work projects, house chores, being John's personal secretary (aka mom duties) and plain old ordinary adulting has me exhausted.  I live for the weekends when Rob and I can just kick back and relax. 

He's off tomorrow and we have a special day planned.  We're going into the city for day.  I haven't done a Boston day in a while so I'm looking forward to it.  Its fun being a tourist in your own neighborhood, isn't it?! It's going to be 72 degrees and sunny tomorrow.  Perfect! 

I can't wait to get a coffee and pastry and stroll the North End. It's so fun ♥

Oh, I wanted to tell you about John.  He's doing great!  He started school the beginning of September.  It's only been a few weeks now, but so far he's loving it.  He's in the music ed program and loving the classes and professors. I'm so proud of how far he's come, and most importantly, how he's following his passion.  He has his first jazz concert in December, and we are really looking forward to that.  

Here's a few pictures from the summer that I forgot to post.  He had a great time playing with his band at the beach on July 3rd. It's their second year doing it. 

This is a really talented group of kids.  They've started writing their own songs that they hope to record soon :) 

 

So that's the John update! ♥

Otherwise, it's ordinary day around here.  Pumpkin spice and everything nice.  I'm reading like crazy and at night either watching TV shows or doing cross stitch.  I'm still working on the same one I started a hundred years ago but it's ok.  I'm enjoying the process.  I'll share the finished product - if that day ever comes : ) 

One question I've been meaning to ask you all - specifically my over 50 friends... where are you all buying clothes these days?  I've been going through my closet and am in desperate need of an update this fall and winter.  Nothing fits comfortably anymore.  I've reached that point in life when things are *changing* and I'm thicker in the middle than I used to be.  Things I used to love to wear just aren't working for me anymore.  I don't know where to go to buy clothes.  I like casual and comfortable - but not sweats...well, not all the time.  If anyone has any suggestions PLEEEEASE send them my way.  Stores, brands, links, anything. I'm desperate 😧 

I hope you all have a great weekend.  It's going to rain Sunday, so I plan to have a cozy day reading and catching up on blogs.  I look forward to seeing what you all have been up to :)

The "ber" months are here! 

From here on I plan to be as cozy as possible! ♥

(and if I can't find anything comfortable to wear I'll be in my pj's indefinitely! :) 

I'm not even kidding.

Thanks for visiting me today! ♥

Byeeeee! xx