Hot Apple Cider for One ♥

 

 

I'll never forget the first time I made my husband this hot apple cider.  It was a few years ago and I had just discovered how easy it was to prepare at home.  Literally just heat up cider, add a few spices, a splash of OJ, and a cinnamon stick. That's it. Up until then I had only gotten hot cider when we went apple picking or occasionally at a restaurant as treat.  It had never occurred to me that I could make it at home. It's so delicious on a cold, damp, Fall day. ♥
 

One Sunday Rob was watching a football game and I offered him some cider.  To my delight he said yes.  I prepared it for him and put it an a fancy mug with a cinnamon stick.  "Enjoy!" I said as I left the room.  A little while later when I came back to collect the cup I noticed the cinnamon stick was gone.... I asked how he liked the cider and he said it was really good, but he didn't care for the cookie! OMG - he ate the cinnamon stick!!! Has anyone ever eaten a cinnamon stick??? I didn't think it was possible???  When I told him that he wasn't supposed to actually EAT the cinnamon stick he said "good, because it tasted terrible".  True story ♥

 

Every Fall, as soon as the cider hits the market I buy it.  I love heating it at night, curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket, and sipping a big mug of it.  Last week I put some in a thermos and brought it to work. It was raining that day and the cider (and cinnamon) made my day so much better.  For me this is a Fall staple.  For some reason it only appeals to me in October & November. 

 

 

 

All I do is take a cup of cider (I measure it in the mug I'm going to drink it in first, then dump it into a little sauce pan) and heat it with a splash of OJ, a few dashes of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and (of course) a cinnamon stick.  Let it come to a boil then shut off the heat.  Stir it up until all the spices absorb and carefully pour it back into the mug.  If you desire you could also add a little something "extra" like brandy or bourbon and turn it into a hot toddy.  This is really nice on coooold nights.  You will sleep like a baby ♥

 

 

 

 

I've been nursing a cold all week and this cider, along with my mom's chicken soup are the only things that are making me feel better.  Leftover Halloween candy is helping too : )

 

Earlier this week I was feeling crafty and started dipping pinecones in melted candle wax to make ornaments.  I'm all done except for hot gluing bows on top.  I had to stop because I got sick, but hopefully I'll finish them up this week and I'll post a DIY.  They came out really cute and are getting me into a holiday mood!

 

 

 

 

I can't believe it's already November.  Thanksgiving is three weeks away!  I just booked tickets for a Polar Express train ride in December and next weekend I'm going away overnight with my Mom on our annual "girls only/Christmas shopping/craft fair/Yankee Candle extravaganza".  Every November we go up to the Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield, MA.  It's about 3 hours from here.  We shop like crazy and then the next morning we go to a huge Christmas Craft Fair in Springfield, MA.  By the time we are through the car is jammed with presents and smells like a giant Christmas tree!  We drink tea, eat chocolate covered apples in the car, and tell funny stories.  We've been doing this for over 10 years and it's one of my favorite weekends of the year! (read about last year's trip here).  Have you started thinking about the holidays yet? It's not too soon, right?  

 

Hope you all are having a wonderful week.  Autumn is going by so fast....xo

 

Apple Bread ♥

Hello Friends!

Happy October!  How are things in your corner of the world?  I know some of you are still experiencing extreme heat.  Fear not, cooler days are coming.  Here in my world we are in full blown Fall mode. And it's nice! 

The leaves have started to turn (bursting with color) and everywhere I look there is a mum plant or a pumpkin.  You can't get a parking space at the nursery!  The days are cool and the nights are chilly.  I am really enjoying my afternoon walks these days.  It's the perfect point in the season where we don't need the a/c on OR the heat! Don't you love that?! I know it won't last long so I'm taking advantage of it while I can! Trying to embrace the season before moving on to the next one....♥

It's the month of all things cozy and comfy. The month of Halloween and pumpkins and new "cold weather" pajamas.  I wore mine for the first time last night.   I've been waiting for a night that was chilly enough and last night was the night.  My family had a good laugh at my expense.  I have a thing about quirky jammies lately.  I can't resist them! ♥

They are valour and have coffee cups and little gingerbread on them.  I think they are darling! : ) 

Also..... - it's APPLE SEASON!  

Someone at work mentioned to me the other day that it was "National Hot Apple Cider Day".  Hmmm.. Is that even a thing?  I figured there's a day for everything else, so why not? I'm in.  

Hot apple cider it is! 

I always make mine the same way.  Heated with a little splash of orange juice and a cinnamon stick. 

It's so goooood! 

I don't know if you remember me telling this story before but one time I made Rob a hot apple cider and when I came back to get his empty mug I notice the cinnamon stick was gone!  He ate it! He said he thought he was supposed to! Oh my word, I'll never forget that! I think of it every time I make this! LOL 

Autumn in a mug ♥

And speaking of apples, here is a quick little recipe that I know you will love.  The recipe comes from one of my favorite blogs (and one of the first blogs I started following many years ago when blogging was a "new" thing : ).

Cherrymenlove.com.  Cherry lives in England and is the mom to two adorable twins!  She's completely lovely and I hope you check her out!  

I've tried a few of Cherry's recipes over the years and they all have come out delicious.  This apple bread was no exception.  Cherry totally gets me  ♥ 

Here's is the recipe if you want to give it a try!  

7 tbls unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

small splash of milk

2 large apples, peeled & chopped 

*cinnamon-sugar mixture*

(To make combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 tbls cinnamon. Use the extra on hot buttered toast : ) 

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease a 2lb loaf pan.

Peel and chop apples and place in a bowl.  Sprinkle with 1 tbls of the cinnamon sugar mixture and mix well.  Set aside while you make the batter.

Cream together the butter, sugar, and cinnamon until light and fluffy. 

Gently beat in eggs, vanilla, and a splash of milk. 

Add the flour and the baking powder.  Mix gently until combined.  

Stir in the apples (with all the sugary juice in the bowl).

Pour into prepared loaf pan.  Bake for 1 hr and 10 minutes. 

*Keep a close eye on it.  Mine needed a few extra minutes for the middle to set.  Make sure a knife inserted in the center comes out clean*

Let cool on a wire rack, slice, and serve! 

I like mine served warm with butter and a cup of tea on the side. 

So yummy on a crisp October night!  

Enjoy! ♥

I hope your October is off to a good start! 

So far I've seen the Downton movie twice! Once was just not enough.  Have you seen it yet? 

It's SO GOOD!  

And if I'm not obsessing over Downton Abbey you can find me watching the Brady house renovation on HGTV.  I know, two totally different things but I LOVE them both!  So fun, right? 

Have a wonderful day friends!  

Be back soon! XOXO

A Funny Story...

I've said before and I'll say it again... One of the things I love most about this little blog of mine is its a place to store my memories.  From very serious events to the most lighthearted moments. Everything I want to remember about my life is right here, and I love that. 

 I was scrolling though some old posts today searching for a recipe and I came across this little story that I shared years ago.  It's still funny to me, and if you know my husband you'll know why.... 

(I copied this excerpt from my blog post in 2013! ♥) 

One Sunday Rob was watching a football game and I offered him some hot cider.  To my delight he said yes.  I prepared it for him and put it an a fancy mug with a cinnamon stick.  "Enjoy!" I said as I left the room.  A little while later when I came back to collect the cup I noticed the cinnamon stick was gone.... I asked how he liked the cider and he said it was really good, but he didn't care for the cookie! OMG - he ate the cinnamon stick!!! Has anyone ever eaten a cinnamon stick??? I didn't think it was possible???  When I told him that he wasn't supposed to actually EAT the cinnamon stick he said "good, because it tasted terrible".  True story ♥

I remember this day so clearly and the feeling of confusion and shock when I realized the cinnamon stick was gone.  He didn't??? Yep, he did! LOL  

Looking back on this story now I was thinking to myself why did he continue eating the cinnamon stick if he thought it tasted awful? It must have been not to hurt my feelings, and that's really sweet. 

And there you go.  Thank you old self for documenting this on the blog.  I got a chuckle today and I hope you did too!  😄

PS - Here's the link to the post if you want to see how I prepare the hot cider.  I still prepare it this way.  In fact, I had some yesterday! : ) 

10 Things I Love ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday!  ♥

Before I get into this post I wanted to give you a little update.... My mom came home from the hospital on Wednesday night.  She's being treated with antibiotics and doing much better.  She has a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and visiting nurse that have been coming to the house for checkups and therapy.  So far so good! We have a long road in front of us, but we are heading in the right direction. Thank you for all your blessings.  We have felt them!

With that being said, I am full of gratitude this week.  I was trying to think of something to write about today and it seemed only fitting to do a "10 things I love" post.  I always say it's the little things in life that bring the most comfort and joy.  A really big chocolate chip cookie.  A warm, soft blanket.  Your favorite movie on TV just when you need it most.  Those things are the best things.  What would life be like without them? 

Here are ten VERY random things I currently love:  ♥

Dark chocolate.  I have one square a day.  It's delightful...especially when I dunk it in a cup of tea. I look forward to it every afternoon. Yum. 

Amazon, QVC, or any home delivery service.  It's hard to remember a time when Amazon didn't exist.  I currently have a cart full of Christmas presents ready to be ordered.  What a feeling to know packages will come right to my door and I never have to leave the house.  No crowded stores or waiting in long lines. RELIEF!  I'm even considering ordering a Thanksgiving dinner this year (fully cooked and ready to eat). What a time saver.  Our grandmothers may not approve, but I do : ) 

The Libby App.  Have you heard of this?  I'm sure I've talked about it before.  It's an app that hooks into your local library.  You can get books, magazine, audio books, all for free.  All you need is a library card.  I am obsessed with it!  I am constantly listening to audio books while I work and it's wonderful to be able to get them for free through my library.  I just downloaded a book called Don't Let Her Stay.  I love thrillers and so far this one is really good! 

Hot Cider.  Every fall we make hot cider.  I take store bought apple cider, add orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon.  I heat it on the stove and pour it into my favorite fall mug.  Its the most comforting drink on a chilly October or November afternoon.  It's fall in a cup. And it makes the kitchen smell good too.

Baking Bread.  I've talked a lot of my love of bread making on this blog.  I have a deep love of dough. LOL  This year for Christmas I'm treating myself to a Food Nanny dough hook.  There is nothing like homemade bread. It's better for us and the act of making it is almost as good as eating it.  I find it very therapeutic and it brings me joy.

Panera Bread's Autumn Harvest Soup. Run to Panera and get a bowl ASAP. You're Welcome! 

Words With Friends.  I'm back on this app again.  I do my words throughout the day.  I'm currently in three games.  Let me know if you want to play : ) 

Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid.  I've been using this on my face under my moisturizer for the past few months.  It adds extra hydration to the skin (something I really need!) now that the weather is changing (and my aging skin is changing!).  Don't let the name scare you.  It's very gentle and I've notice my makeup is looking a lot better since I've been using it.  Sharon left a comment on my blog a few weeks ago about doing a fall/winter makeup and fashion post.  Thank you Sharon, it's coming!  ♥

Vintage Jazz on Spotify.  There is something so nice about jazz music.  It creates the perfect background and sets the mood for a fall day.  I've been listening to a Spotify playlist called " Autumn Vintage Jazz" all week.  It's beautiful and brining peace to my days.  There are also some really nice ones on YouTube too.  In a few weeks I'll switch to "vintage Christmas Jazz"....haha

And speaking of Christmas...

Hallmark has started it's Countdown to Christmas.  All Christmas movies all the time.  I know some of you are rolling your eyes.  Yes they are corny and predictable but I like corny and predictable.  We need more if that in our lives.  Better than real life I say.  My favorite movies are the Lacey Chabert ones.  If I had to pick an actress to play me in my life story, she would be the one.  And you best believe it would be set in the cutest Christmas coffee shop or bakery you can imagine.  I love her and I love Hallmark.  IYKYK  ♥

Watching Hallmark Christmas movies is getting me excited for the holidays but I still have a lot of fall left in me to enjoy.  The next few weeks are some of my favorite of the year.  The stillness of early November is something to appreciate before the rush begins. You know what?....my decorations don't have to go up on a specific date.  And I've decided to allow myself to accept help when I need it.  

I am going to try to take it slow this year  ♥

Thank you so much for visiting me today.  I'm off to put a lasagna in the oven for dinner tonight.  I'm so glad the weekend is finally here.  I'm praying for good health and strength for my mom this weekend.  And John has a band concert on Sunday afternoon that Rob and I are looking forward to attending as well.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xoxo 

Beautiful Fall Days ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

We've been waiting for Fall for so long and it's finally here.  I'm doing my best to take time to appreciate all the beauty around me and all the feels, sounds, & smells this lovely season has to offer.  

We have officially put extra blankets on the beds because it's chilly at night.  My coffee tastes extra good on cold, dark mornings. It's steamy and cozy, just the way it should be.  Around town I keeps seeing signs for a fall festival and holiday craft fairs next month.  A sign of normalcy, which is nice. 

On Saturday John and some friends are going to a Haunted House. It was canceled last year so he's very excited to go back and get the ever living daylights scared out of him! 

Ah, to be 14! I love it ♥

Yesterday on the way to pick him up from school I took some time to admire a tree in front of our church. I've always loved this tree.  It's wonky and not perfect, but hey, who is?  

Not everything in life has to be grand. 

She's still beautiful and her color blows me away!

 

Back home I have candles burning all the time.  Yesterday John came in the room and said "its smells like fall in here."  YES!  I guess I'm doing something right after all! 

My favorite time to admire them is around 4:00.  It's when I log off from work and make myself a little snack and hot beverage before dinner.  It's when it starts to get dark and with the candles flickering it's just lovely.  I wrap up in a blanket for 30 mins and I wish that time of day could last a bit longer.  

I picked up this pumpkin bread at a local farm on Sunday, along with some apple cider donuts.  

So delicious and I'm more than happy to support local business ♥

I need to do more of that.  Noted! 

I made us our first round of hot apple cider yesterday afternoon and I realized I need to replenish my spices! Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg are all low.  Need to fix that ASAP : ) 

We have entered baking season and I don't want to run out ♥

I made sure to tell Rob not too eat the cinnamon stick this time!  If you don't know that story, you can read it here.  

I'll never forget it! LOL 

I'm off to the market today to gather ingredients for a yummy pot roast supper I'm planning.

Cozy fall dinners are my favorite.  Especially when it's chilly out, having a roast bubbling away in the crock pot is the best feeling, isn't it?  I just need to decide on dessert??? Hmmm....

Have a wonderful fall day, my friends! Stay cozy! ♥

Teapots ♥

Did you know that I collect teapots?  Neither did I.  Until I moved.

 

When you move you are faced with the reality of having everything you own placed in front of you and you have to make a decision...keep it or toss it.

 

I was amazed at some of the things I found during this process. For example: I must really love cinnamon sticks because in my spice cabinet I found at least 5 jars of them (really???). And what does one do with cinnamon sticks anyway? Aside from putting them in hot cider I can't think of a thing.  Thank heavens we are entering cider season : )  

 

Back to teapots....Yes I love them. I mean, who doesn't love a beautiful teapot.  I guess  I didn't realize just how much I've loved them over the years.  And even though my space is now limited I kept every single one.  Some are in my china cabinet, some on shelves, and some tucked away in a cabinet or in the attic. I'll probably never use them, but I couldn't part with them.  

 

Here's a few of my favorites:

 

 

I found this little cutie wrapped up in a box in my attic! How could I have done such a thing?!  I have no recollection where I got it.  I don't remember it from my childhood so I must have picked it up at a garage sale or antique store.  I love anything with strawberries on it so I'm not surprised that I had it. 

 

It's now front and center in my kitchen ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

This teapot on the other hand I know very well.  I've know this piece my whole life.  It belonged to my grandmother, my Dad's mom who passed away before I was born.  My mother used to have it in a china cabinet in our living room.  They kept little papers and loose change in it. 

 

I always loved the blue color on it.

 

 

 

 

 

One day my parents gave it me and I was so happy! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It got this one as a shower gift.  It matches my Phaltzgraff dishes.  The pattern is Grapevine. 

 

I love it's chubby shape!

 

 

 

One day my Dad came over to my house and said "I've got something for you".  He gave me this teapot with the fruit on it and a large tin of different teas (I still have the tin too : ).  It wasn't my birthday and I hadn't done anything to deserve it.  He just gave it to me because he thought I might like it. 

 

He was right ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now these two pots are very special. They came to me all the way from Italy. 

 

Rob has a lot of family still living there and when we got married they had these sent over to me. 

 

The short one is for tea and came with a set of tea cups and the tall one is for coffee and came with a set of demitasse cups. 

 

 

 

I have a sugar and creamer for each set as well.  Aren't they beautiful?

 

 

 

The pattern is similar to my china pattern so they compliment each other well.  Rob always jokes with me that I have all these "fancy things" but don't use them, so what's the point?

 

Someday I tell him.  I will. Someday ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just because my mother knows me so well, a few years ago she made me this little fabric teapot. 

 

How cute is this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She even added the teapot charm! And a kitty...♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it.  My teapot collection.  And now I'm off to make some tea.....maybe with a cinnamon stick in it???

 

Because of course, I kept all those too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy tea time! xo

 

Halloween this or that 👻

 

Hello Friends!  

Since tomorrow is Halloween, I thought it would be fun to do a quick Halloween this or that.

Please leave me your answers down below so I can see how you like to celebrate your Halloween! 

 Trick-or-treating or handing out candy?

Trick-or-treating! It's where all the fun is!  Sadly, our trick or treating days are over. Now I'm the candy-giver-outer, which is dangerous because I have to stay awfully close to the candy bowl! 

Scary movie night or costume party?

Scary movie night for sure! That's my kind of Halloween party...but not too scary of course : ) 

Gory makeup or cute spooky makeup?

Oh, I don't like gory at all. 

Candy apples or caramel apples? 

Caramel! Even better if dipped in chocolate! 

Drink apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte? 

Duh?!  Just kidding! I love hot cider too! But if given the choice I will choose a PSL! 

Scary costumes or pop-culture costumes?

I think the fun costumes are so much better than the scary ones.  There is nothing more terrifying than a scary clown.  No. Just no. 

Haunted house or corn maze?

Corn mazes can be just as scary as haunted houses.  They remind me of those creepy fun house mazes that are all mirrors.  Every turn looks the same and you can't escape. I would rather a haunted house (especially if it's the one in Disney...which isn't scary at all! : )

Bobbin for apples or carving pumpkins?

We carve pumpkins every year! I've never bobbed for apples.  Come to think of it, I don't think I've known anyone who's ever bobbed for apples.  Have you? I just know it from the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin movie (which I watched last night!). I mean, who's dunking their head in a bucket of water to get an apple?  

Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?

Well, I've seen Twilight so naturally I'd rather be a vampire! 

Happy Halloween eve, friends! What are your plans for tomorrow? 

xx 

Cozy Autumn Tag ♥

Good morning friends and happy Monday! 

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend.  We went apple picking on Saturday.  It was so much fun.  The experience has changed a bit now that John is older. Since we still go the same place I can't help but picture him as a little one running around through the apple trees making me laugh and getting so excited to see the animals. Such great memories! What makes me happy now is that he still loves it and looks forward to it as part of our Autumn traditions every year (yay!).  I hope that never never changes ♥

Anyway, we had the most perfect weather!  I came home with a loot of apples. On Sunday, while Rob watched football, I made a beef stew dinner with homemade bread. For dessert  I made Susan Branch's apple cranberry crisp (which was divine!).   It was a comfort meal for sure. We are full on FALL now and it's a beautiful thing : )  

My friend Carrie at Northwoods Scrapbook posted this autumn tag last week and I thought I would join in on the fun. I love reading everyone's responses! 

As if we needed any further Autumn inspiration, but here goes....♥

1.  What is your favorite thing about fall?

The cooler weather! After a long hot summer, the cooler crisp days and nights are so refreshing. I love putting my summer clothes away and bringing out my warm sweaters and cozy pajamas. 

2.  Do you get fall colors where you live?

Yes! Where I live in Massachusetts we usually get stunning foliage! Unfortunately it doesn't last long.  After the leaves fall, out come the rakes! 

3.  Favorite fall scent?  (wax melts, candles, anything)

Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin candle is my very favorite~ 

 

4.  Favorite fall food or drink?

There's so many! But I have to go with pumpkin spiced coffee!  So good! 

5.  Football . . . yay or nay?

Funny thing about football, I like it, but I don't necessarily watch the games.  Rob watches every Sunday while I putter around the kitchen and make football food, like chili or wings, or a soup.  I like the feeling of an autumn day, with football on the TV, and everyone home watching the game. Does that count? 

 

6.  Do you rake, jump in, or burn piles of leaves?

Rake. Or some members of my family rake.  I may or may not participate.  My main job is to make the hot chocolate for afterwards : ) 

 

7.  Haunted house or corn maze?

Haunted house.  But not too scary.  Medium scary is all I can handle. 

 

8.  Have you ever gone on a hayride?

Nope.  

9.  Cider or hot chocolate?

I love both.  There is nothing like a hot apple cider (with a cinnamon stick) on an chilly October afternoon.  But once November comes, it's gotta be hot chocolate for me! 

 

10. Carve a pumpkin or eat pumpkin pie?

We do both! One to carve and one to eat! 

11. Do you dress up for Halloween?

No. I haven't dressed up for Halloween in long time.  I love to see other peoples costumes though.

 

12. Candy corn . . . yay or nay?

Definitely YAY! I don't understand all the candy corn hate.  I love it! 

 

13. Favorite Halloween season movie?

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! 

14. Scariest movie?

I get scared pretty easily. I recently saw A Quiet Place and that really freaked me out! 

 

15. Halloween or Thanksgiving?

Both but if I have to choose I'll say Thanksgiving because of the food.  It's my favorite meal of the year.  

16. Do you watch the Macy's parade?

Yes, every year!  

17. Apple pie or pumpkin pie?

Apple! But pumpkin is a close second.  They are both delicious! 

 

18. White or dark meat?

I'm a white meal gal!

 

19. Jellied or real cranberry sauce?

Again, both!  I like a little of each.

20. Will you host or travel for Thanksgiving?

We will travel. I've never hosted Thanksgiving before but I hope to one day! 

(where did the time go??)

♥

Feel free to copy and paste these questions on your blog if you want to participate with the tag!

Have a great day friends! Stay cozy!! xoxo