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 

It's beginning to look a lot like fall....everywhere I go.... 🎶

Good morning lovely friends.  I'm back! ♥   

I didn't expect to be away from here for so long.  To be honest, I found myself in a bit of a summer slump I guess you could say, just waiting to turn the page to September and now here we are! We have arrived! It's still warm during the days but the early mornings and evenings are chilly and that air is bringing me back to life.  

Our windows are cracked open and the AC has been off for days.  It's the best feeling to have lived through the dog days of summer and then to feel that cool air on your face first thing in the morning.  

Yes please. I've been waiting for months ♥

Pumpkin spice coffee is on repeat over here (for me anyway!) and this past weekend I started decorating for fall.  

I had ordered a new garden flag because my old one was all faded.  She made her debut on Sunday.  

Now all I need are some pumpkins to go underneath ♥

Coming soon! : )

Little touches here and there remind me that summer is over.  

I've actually started thinking about Thanksgiving.  Is that crazy?! 

Yes, probably ♥

And YES I'm aware it's not officially fall yet, but once Labor Day comes and goes it's fall in my book.  We celebrated Labor Day at a cookout at my brother in laws. 

 I had my last official summer hot dog with pasta salad and now it's time to bring out the crock pot! 

I think I need a mum for this corner - right where that basket is.  I saw some the other day at the grocery store.  Another sign summer is over.  

The mums are out!  ♥

YAY! These always remind me of my mom.  She loved them.  She also loved fall as much as I do and I'm sure that's where my love for it comes from.  

Thank you mom ♥

I miss her so much.  

Away went the sea glass and summer candles - all packed up cozy until next year. Out came all things orange, yellow, and brown, apple candles, and of course Charlie Brown because everybody knows he owns the fall (and a little of Christmas too : ). 

On to downstairs where I scattered a few things about, pumpkins and such. 

I still need to do more puttering down here, but I'm off to a good start ♥

You know I live here....lol 

What I love most about our kitchen and back-room downstairs is the backdrop.  

There are several windows and once the leaves start turning, we are all aglow with color radiating from the outside in.  

My mother always had lace curtains on these windows but after our painting project this past spring I opted to not put them back on.  I like the light that comes in. And I like that I can see out to all the trees and the river. 

Also - sidenote, this lamp is one of my favorite things in life ♥

Naturally, it's way too soon to start seeing any foliage back here yet but my autumn loving heart knows it's coming.  

I'll be watching! ♥

 

I can tell by the sun shadows that there's a shift. 

 I like having my coffee out here in the wee hours of the morning.  I'll do it until it gets too cold, and even then I go out for a few sips or as long as I can stand it.  Just me and whatever wildlife decided to visit that day.  

It's the most peaceful part of my day ♥

And there you have it friends.  I've declared it.  It's happening.  Is it going to be 80 degrees today? 

Yes it is.  Do I care? No I do not.  And that's that.  

Happy Fall! ♥

So how are you all feeling? Are you ready to say goodbye to summer?  One thing I haven't done is bring Halloween candy into the house yet, even though it's readily available in EVERY store I enter.  I've resisted because let's not get toooo crazy (who? me? never!).  We'll see how long I last :) 

Well, I'm off to make another pot of coffee and get to work for the day.  We are all well over here and things are happening.  John is back to school - I'll talk about that in my next post. I hope to be here a lot more often now that I've got my "mo-jo" back!  

Have a wonderful day friends! ♥

Talk soon! xx