Tag: apple crisp

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Currently

Currently #58

Hello All!

Happy Wednesday and may I add, happy Halloween Eve!

Are you all set for the big day? I don’t have too many big plans for the holiday, but I will be enjoying some candy, treats and maybe a Halloween movie to celebrate.

Fall in full effect!

October was all enjoying the beautiful fall weather. We had gorgeous weather, and the leaves and foliage showed off all month long. I tried my best to pack in as much fall fun as I could and I think I did a pretty good job at it. This post is full of fall fun, you have been warned.

What I’ve Been Up To: 

This month began by running my furthest distance, 10.5 miles which I was VERY proud of. I had gorgeous weather and more than enough time to pace myself and enjoy the journey. 

I’ve really enjoyed finding new places to run in my community and have been discovering hidden gems along the way.

Early morning run
Another new spot to run

I also enjoyed some solo dates to the library and taking the time to browse and read and not rush to another errand.

Snapshot from a recent solo date

I made a few trips to different farmer’s markets to pick out pumpkins and fall decor which is always a fun outing for me. 

October also brought seeing the Northern Lights from my backyard which was an incredible experience. 

Plus, we got to see a beautiful, full moon.

I got to do one of my favorite fall activities which was apple picking and made some sweet treats from it as well.  

What I’m Reading: 

I had such a good reading month with lots of different genres of books. 

The Plan– I kicked this month by reading The Plan by Kendra Adachi. This is Adachi’s third book and it’s all about planning, organization, and compassionate time management. She lays out ideas and principles for how to plan and organize your life, but the best part is that you can tailor it to your own wants and needs. I found myself taking notes while reading it and have applied so many principles to my own life. If you have read or listened to Adachi’s podcast or books, you can almost hear her voice across the pages. 5 Stars from me!

The Summer Pact– The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin was a heavier read, but I’m glad I read it. I have read other books by Giffin and really enjoyed them. The book follows three friends who lose one of their friends to suicide in college but remain close through the years. When one of the characters go through a major life change, they go on a trip to reconnect and get their lives back in order, but they learn more about each other and all go through major life and growth moments on the trip while remembering their fourth friend. I really loved the themes of friendship, growth and maturity that were found all through the story. I would recommend, but just be warned that suicide is discussed in it. 

The Home Edit- The Home Edit by Clea and Joanna was just a fun read for me. I love all things organization and this gave examples with pictures of how to organize different areas in your home. I loved all the scenarios they created for what spots you can streamline in your space, no matter how big or small. 

The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard– The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan was a book I picked up on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It follows the story of a rising Hollywood star who leaves the spotlight after a summer in Martha’s Vineyard. What happens that summer that caused her to leave it all behind? I really loved the mystery that came with this book, but it jumps back and forth from the past to present which always keeps my attention. The description of Martha’s Vineyard was dreamy too. This was such a fun read after a heavier book. 

Darling Girls– Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth had been on my to be read list for a long time and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it just in time for spooky season. It follows the story of three girls who grew up in foster care and how their past becomes part of their present when a body is found under the home they grew up in. There were so many changes in the plot that I had a hard time keeping up, but this book was so good and worth the wait to read it. 

Lies and Weddings– Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings was a fun read but you do have to be plugged in while making your way through it. Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians so I knew I was in for a treat with this one. He was recently on the podcast, Books, Beach and Beyond and I loved learning the behind the scenes scoop. It tells the story of a young man from a healthy family who’s mother wants him married off, but there’s a method to her madness. Throughout the book, lies, secrets and family histories are revealed and not everything is as it seems. The only critique is that there was a lot of characters and it took focus to keep them all in order, otherwise, it was a great read!

My What If Year- My What If Year by Alisha Fernandez Miranda is all about a woman who is a wife, mother and CEO and as she enters hr 40’s she decides to try different jobs and internships for a several months. She tries careers she has always dreamed of and gets a first hand look at what they entail. I loved reading about this woman’s journey and hearing what she took away from the experience.

What I’m Watching:

I have been making my way through Gilmore Girls which has been a fun escape for the fall season.

I also watched the latest season of Outer Banks. It started out slow but they picked up and now I can’t wait for part two to be released next month. 

I also made my way through Nobody Wants This which was a hit on Netflix and already got renewed for season 2!

Plus, I have made time for the classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

What I’m Wearing:

My wardrobe hasn’t been too exciting as of late, a lot of layering for when it starts cool and then warms up.

What I’m Cooking:

Here’s been some of my favorite new meals:

I have been busy in the kitchen this month thanks to checking out different cookbooks from the library like Magnolia by Joanna Gaines and some of Ina Garten’s cookbooks.

Roasted Keilbasa, Carrots and Sprouts– This was perfect for fall and was so tasty to heat up the next day.

Snickerdoodles-A fall must have!

Speaking of treats, one of my most recent treats…snickerdoodles!

Homemade gumbo– I found this recipe in Magnolia and was a bit intimated by it, but it wasn’t as tricky as I thought and it tasted so warm, a great late summer or early fall soup!

Apple Cider Donut Cake– I have been baking all things Apple, including this apple cider donut cake which only has a few ingredients that I’m sure you keep around your home!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins– Another welcome to fall and only three ingredients! 

Pulled Pork Tacos– I love a good taco night and this was a fun and flavorful twist on this!

Pumpkin Black Bean Chili- I love a good chili and you can cook this in the stove or in the slow cooker and you will have a delicious meal. Not a bad meal idea for Halloween too!

Chicken Cordon Bleu- I was intimated to make this at first, but it was fairly easy and a warm and hearty meal too.

What Inspires Me:

I have been inspired by all the fall weather and changing of the leaves. I’ve really been trying to make it a point to really be present outdoors and take in nature.

Just look at this beauty
So many colors!

Here’s a few quote that have really resonated with me too!

What I accomplished:

I really have made so much headway with my bucket list. Here’s how it started and how it’s going. 

My boyfriend and I also had a packed full fall day and did all the festive things which was so fun!

I also got to listen to a presentation by journalist and sports analyst Stephen A Smith. It was fascinating to hear his take on sports, the media, journalism and our currently political climate. 

Goals from Last Month:

I got some much fun fall activities in, plus I spent time with friends and although not all together, I got lots of family time in too which is always a treat. 

Beautiful fall drives

Goals for this Month:

I’m really going to try to be present and do all the prep work before the craziness of the holidays. I also have a weekend trip planned, some big work projects to tackle and then Thanksgiving! So maybe it won’t be as calm as I hoped? Haha! We will have to see!

Thanks so much for stopping by for a look at life lately and what I’m currently up to.

Have a happy Halloween and I will see you back here on Friday!

One last fall walk!
Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List 2024

Hello everyone and happy Wednesday! The first day of fall is Sunday! As much as I hate to say goodbye to the summer season, I do love fresh starts. Every year and every season, I like to share a bucket list of activities of things I want to do to celebrate the time period and this year is no different. 

Today, I’m sharing my 2024 Fall Bucket List. These activities are a mix of traditional and new things I want to accomplish this year. Most of them are fairly inexpensive or free and can be done by yourself, with a significant other, with friends or family. 

These bucket lists always give me inspiration for things to do when I am bored or have some spare time and want to take advantage of the season. I have some classic fall fun with a mix of new things I want to try over the next few months. I can’t wait to start crossing things off my bucket list.

Without further ado, here it is!

FALL BUCKET LIST

  • Apple Picking
  • S’mores and Bonfire
  • Fall Walks and Runs
  • Collect Leaves
  • New Apple Recipe and Make Apple Crisp
  • Fall Festival
  • Decorate for Fall
  • Fall Trail Mix
  • Pumpkin Patch and Decorate Pumpkins
  • Halloween movies
  • Candy Corn Recipe
  • Enjoy Hot Apple Cider
  • Try a Pumpkin Recipe
  • Try New Soups
  • Make Chili and homemade cornbread
  • Read Fall Books and Movies (Charlie Brown, You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle)
  • Start Gilmore Girls
  • Celebrate Halloween
  • Celebrate Thanksgiving
  • Warm Drink and Bookstore Date
  • Watch a Sporting Event- Football or Hockey
  • Enjoy Apple Cider Donuts

There you have it, a look at what I want to accomplish this next season. A lot of these goals can be done at home and all cozied up, which was my plan. However, I do plan to spend as much time as I can outdoors too! 

As we get ready to say hello to fall in a few days, what are some things you want to accomplish over the next few months? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Fall!

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Let's Get Cooking

Fall Eats

Hello all! I hope you are all having a great week. As I mentioned before, I love the time between Halloween and Thanksgiving as a time of rest and recuperation before the busy time of the holidays. As the days get colder and shorter and sometimes gloomier, I like to remind myself of all the warm and bright things going on and things to look forward too.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve really enjoyed baking on my days off. From soup, to cookies, appetizers and desserts, it’s been so fun to try new recipes. If you are looking for new things to try, Pinterest is a great place to start or you can check out cookbooks at the library too.

Here’s a few recipes I enjoyed making:

Baked brie-I enjoy brie for a tasty appetizer before a meal or on its own. Whether you enjoy it by itself, cold with crackers, apples or grapes, or warm, there’s so many ways to enjoy it. Here’s one recipe I found on Pinterest. You take a sheet of crescent dough and place your brie inside and then add jam on top of the cheese. I prefer raspberry jam, but you can do whatever you enjoy. Once you add your jam, wrap the rest of the crescent around it and bake at 350 degrees until the crescent is golden brown (about 15-20 mins). Add some pecans and honey for flavor on top and serve! I enjoy serving mine with crackers, bread, or apples.

Apple Crisp-Another tasty fall dessert to make that is super easy and as a bonus, your home will smell divine. Simply slice apples and put in a slow cooker for a few hours with some cinnamon. I typically put it on high for three hours and then let it simmer. Once you are ready to serve add a scoop of ice cream. A warm and tasty dessert that’s perfect for fall.

Apple Crisp

Peanut Butter Cookies– If you are looking for a quick and tasty dessert that doubles as an activity, then baking cookies is a perfect solution. Here’s my go-to recipe for peanut butter cookies. If you want to add some extra sweetness, consider putting a chocolate kiss or part of a Hershey bar on top.

Peanut butter Cookies

​​Ingredients

½ cup of peanut butter

¼ cup of shortening

¼ cup of butter

1 1/3 cup of flour

½ cup of sugar

½ cup of brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

½ teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon of baking powder

                     Directions

1) In a bowl beat peanut butter, shortening and butter with an electric mixer until softened.

2) Add half the flour, the ½ cup of sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, baking powder and baking soda to peanut butter mixture. Then stir in remaining flour.

3) Shape dough into balls and place on cookie sheet. Use fork to add sugar and make crisscrosses.

4) Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

5) Serve!

These are just a few recipes that are great for fall. From desserts to appetizers, consider trying one of these for your next weekend project. What have you been enjoying cooking or baking recently? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy cooking!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List Recap

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! Even though we are in the middle of November and still have about a month of fall left, I wanted to recap my fall bucket list before we get into the holiday fun between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here’s a recap of my fall bucket list.

Here’s my bucket list all marked off.
  • Apple Picking
I collected lots of apples and made some tasty recipes too!
Up-close of the apples.
  • Niagara Falls

I didn’t get to Niagara Falls, but I’m making a plan to go next spring or summer.

But I did get to go to another set of water falls in New York in Letchworth State Park.
  • Kinzua Hike
A beautiful fall day for a hike at Kinzua State Park.
  • Hockey Game

I didn’t make this happen, but I’m hoping to head to some local games this winter.

  • -Cider Press
I went to a pumpkin patch that at a cider press on site.
  • Decorate Pumpkins
Collected lots of pumpkins and used the to decorate my house.
  • Collect Leaves
Some of the leaves that I saw on the walk.
Then I used them to decorate my desk in my room
  • Scary Book and Movie
This was a chick read with a Halloween/mystery twist.
  • Celebrate Halloween 
Decorated my house for Halloween. (The pumpkins are from Mason Farms)
And I ate a lot of sweet candy, probably too much!
  • Fall Walk
Nothing beats a fall walk. If you are looking for places to walk, check out my blog post on places to walk or hike.
  • Enjoy Hot Apple Cider

I was enjoying a cup of hot cider every morning but work, but I never snapped a picture…blogger fail.

  • Make A Fall Treat
I made cut out cookies for Halloween
I made apple crisp and apple bread from the apples I picked.
I made s’mores cookies for the first time.
And of course fall trail mix.
  • Mason Farms
Here’s the pumpkins I got from Mason Farms.
  • Fall Festival

I didn’t make it to a fall fest this year, but I clearly enjoyed lots of fall fun!

I hate to see summer end, but I always look forward to the changing leaves and fall fun. That’s just a little peak into my fall fun! What are some of our favorite fall activities?!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List

Hey ya’ll, it’s fall!!! I rarely say ya’ll except to have it rhyme with fall hehe! If you have been following along for a while, you know I love my bucket lists and to do lists.

Every season I make a list of activities or things I want to do in that season. I’ve made them for the past few summers and I love seeing how much I accomplish and all the memories I make along the way. They can be as simple as getting a favorite drink or going for a walk or something bigger like heading to a fall festival. It’s all about taking advantage of opportunities and making memories.

I always like to create a list of season must-do’s. Here’s my fall 2021 bucket list:

My Fall Bucket List
  • Apple Picking
  • Niagara Falls
  • Kinzua Hike
  • Hockey Game
  • Cider Press
  • Decorate Pumpkins
  • Collect Leaves
  • Scary Book and Movie
  • Celebrate Halloween 
  • Fall Walk
  • Enjoy Hot Apple Cider
  • Make A Fall Treat
  • Mason Farms
  • Fall Festival

This is just a little to-do list of plans I have for the next few months. If I get them all done, great! If I don’t then it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes, I do things that aren’t on my list and that’s part of the fun. Also, having a list helps come up with ideas to do when you are looking for fun inspiration.

What’s something on your fall bucket list!?

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Fabulous living

Apple Recipes

Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! There’s a lot going on in the world and nation right now, from the Election, the pandemic and the holidays approaching, so with that being said, today, we are talking about none of those things and instead we are talking about apple recipes!!! 

Something fun and something new and something you can do this weekend!

Last week I took a trip and went apple picking and for the past week I have been enjoying all the apples and I have been baking a lot too!

Fun day apple picking

Last week, I baked my apple turnovers. They are so easy and tasty, perfect for a dessert, snack or even a sweet breakfast! Here’s the recipe from when I made it in the past.

Apple Turnovers

I then made some oatmeal apple crisp! It was perfect with some cold vanilla ice cream! I love the warm apples, with the oats and crisp topping. 

You can find the recipe here for the one with an oats topping.

If oats is not your thing, you can find an alternative one here.

Apple crisp with Oats

Lastly, I made a new favorite for the fall! I saw this on Pinterest and I wanted to try it. I love the strong apple taste and the crumb cake like topping, plus they are perfect for a breakfast on the or something sweet after a meal. Here’s therecipe I used from Pinterest. 

Apple Muffins

I have loved all the recipes that I made this past week, but there is nothing that beats a fresh apple. Let me know what recipes you try!! Have a sweet week ahead!

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Currently

Currently #10

Hey hey everyone! October was a month, like between working different schedules, seeing family, and gearing up for a busy few weeks ahead. With that being said, I apologize if this currently is a little boring. But let’s get to it. 

What I’m up to: Lots of work but also filling my free time in with fall activites. This past week I went apple picking and it was so fun and very fall! I’m so glad I got it in before the weather got too cold. 

Fun day apple picking

What I’m wearing: I went on a shopping spree to Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx and got some cute dresses for fall. Check out this green one!!! Perfect for winter and fall weather and the color compliments the weather we are experiencing. 

New green dress for fall

What I’m reading: I decided to try some audio books. I am currently making my way through Mindy Kailing’s book series through Amazon reading. She has a series of books that reflects her life, her family, her work and her background. This is such a fun listen especially when I’m doing things around the house. 

What I’m Watching: I’ve been watching Schitt’s Creek and loving it. I love that the episodes are only 20 minutes and the casting is perfect. It’s the perfect light thing to watch at the end of the day or when I’m getting ready to start the day. 

What I’m Loving: I am loving the fall weather, the changing of the leaves, the crisp air and making my way through my bucket list for fall.

What Inspires Me:  I’ve been lately so inspired by Pinterest. I am loving all the fall and winter boards I’m creating for food, fashion, fun and quotes. It’s been a great creative escape. 

Inspiration

What I accomplished: With work being super busy, I am so happy with getting time to relax and unwind even during the busy days, plus I am loving the ability to relax and unwind and make times for family traditions in the fall too. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Despite all the chaos, I have still been able to stay in touch with family and friends with weekly facetime calls and in person dinners. Also, even in all the craziness, I have been able to keep up with my work out routine and stay active too.

Goals for the New Month: Although, this next month will start out busy I am looking forward to planning for the holidays, even though it will be a bit different I am looking forward to all my favorite yearly traditions.

That’s just a recap into life today. Not too exciting but a realistic look into life today. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

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Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List

Hi everyone!! Happy October!! The leaves are on the ground, the air is crisp, it’s time for long sleeves and layers, plus the holiday season is right around the corner. Although, this holiday season will look different, I am embracing the change and making the best of it. As fall approaches, I love to make a fall bucket list of things I want to accomplish, everything from foods to make, things to do and places to see. These next few weeks are going to be busy for me but I still want to make the best of it and fit in some fun things to do. Here’s a quick list of things I want to do this season:

  • Apple Picking
  • Head to a Pumpkin Patch
  • Enjoy Hot Cider
  • Get Cozy by a Bonfire
  • Enjoy Fall Leaves
  • Break out the Fall Wardrobe
  • Turn on the Fire Place
  • Make Apple Crisp 
  • Still enjoy walks outside with the leaves
  • Learn a new fall recipe 
  • Read more books
  • Celebrate Halloween
  • Enjoy apple cider donuts
  • Live in a grateful mindset
Already made some apple crisp

Now, some of these are easier said than done, but I love making a list of things I want to accomplish to make sure I get them all in. The most important to me is the grateful mindset, I’m hoping that in the busy times, I remember that being grateful is the best way to live a life. 

First glimpse of fall

What are some things you are hoping to accomplish this fall season and what’s one thing you are grateful for this season?

Already made It on a fall walk
Look at the leaves!!!
Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Recipe-Apple Crisp

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a relaxing weekend and your week is off to a great start. Last week I shared my fall bucket list and one of the things on it was make a fall recipe. When I was home last week for fall break, I made one of my favorite recipes, homemade apple crisp. It is so flavorful and warm for fall. I am sharing how to make it today.

Before

What You Need:

6 large apples

1 and 1/4 cup of Sugar

1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

1 cup of Flour

1/4 teaspoon of Salt

2 Tablespoons of Butter

1 Egg

1 teaspoon of Baking Powder

The original recipe

First slice all your apples and place them in a pan or dish that has cooking spray on it.

Then mix your 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon and mix that with the apple mixture. 

The sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon

Combine your flour, salt, butter, eggs, and 1 cup of sugar and mix thoroughly. Then spread over apple mixture. 

The completed mixture

Once your mixture is complete place in the oven for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees. 

After it’s done in the oven, take it out to cool.

I like to serve mine heated with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There is so much flavor and it’s a warm dessert for fall, plus you don’t feel as guilty since you are eating apples. Haha! This is an easy dessert to make for family or friends, it’s simple to put together and easy to serve. All things I am looking for when I am cooking or baking.

Coming out from the oven

I hope you enjoyed today’s recipe, I will have more recipes coming soon. Have a great week!

Ready to enjoy!

What are some of your favorite fall recipes to cook or bake? Do you prefer apple flavored things or pumpkin flavored things?

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Fabulous living

Fall Activities

Hello All!

Happy Tuesday!

I can’t believe we are almost to the end of October. Last weekend was super busy, I worked a lot so I am looking forward to a slower week ahead and a fun weekend too. This month flew by, I think going home for Fall Break for a few days definitely broke up the month. Speaking of fall break. I had the best time at home. I unplugged and unwound which was much needed. It was so good to get away from school and work for a break and escape to my home for some down time. I also managed to get some fun fall time in. Here are some suggestions for some fall festivities as well as a recap from my time home.

  • Fall Drive

Take a fun drive to see the changing leaves, pumpkin patches or take the back roads instead of the highways. I always can clear my head best with a long car drive and some good music. The fall and right around Christmas (especially to see the colorful Christmas lights and decorations) are the best time to take a nice drive.

Yes, this may be from my backyard but can you blame me? The sky and the trees compliment each other perfectly

  • Pumpkin Patch/Farm

Pumpkins and October go hand and hand. I love picking out a pumpkin for my room at school and I can’t help but look at all the flowers, décor, and arrangements for fall. I also love to hit up some fall festivals and enjoy the changing weather. Plus there is nothing better than walking around a pumpkin farm with a hot cup of apple cider.

My two friends and I headed to a fall fest to kick off fall break. It was fun to relax and walk around and see all the fun booths and snack on tasty treats.

My sweet friends Olivia and Bailey and I hit up a fall festival and we had the best time. It was spontaneous and the best way to spend a Friday afternoon

I headed to a pumpkin farm while I was home and I loved this display. The colors scream fall.

I love all the shapes and colors gourds come in, they are always so unique!

So many pumpkins, this is one of the best parts about October. I love seeing all the shapes and sizes of pumpkins.

Here’s an arrangement I made up from things I bought at the pumpkin farm.

  • Warm Drinks and Dessert

Whether you are a pumpkin spice latte lover, hot apple cider fan or love some dessert than fall is the perfect time to enjoy some sweet and savory treats. I personally am a fan of everything apple.

My mom’s homemade apple crisp heated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel hits the spot. As far as drinks go, my favorite fall drink is apple cider with my own spin of it. I love to drink hot apple cider with cinnamon, some whipped cream and a pump of caramel. Yum! So sweet and delicious.

My favorite fall dessert made by my mom

Well, there you have it, some fun suggestions for fall activities and my personal favorite fall treats. Yes, I know I left out Halloween. I loved dressing up as a child and going Trick or Treating. This weekend there is a Halloween Dance at School, so I will be sharing my costume next week. Do you have any guesses? What are some things on your fall bucket list?