Tag: cooking

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #15

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! Can you believe we are less than a week away from Thanksgiving and Black Friday? I can feel the holiday spirit creeping in. I haven’t started watching any holiday movies yet, but I have done some holiday browsing, it’s hard to resist the temptation when so many stores have their displays up and gifts out. As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites. Here’s some things I’m loving this week.

The Crown-Although I started season 5 last week, I didn’t want to list it as a favorite until I finished the season. Wow, this season was so good, It felt different than past seasons since it was getting closer and closer to current times. I loved the fashion, the plot lines and the casting. I think they were spot on with the casting, especially when it comes to the mannerisms. It also felt a bit different watching this season compared to ones in the past since Queen Elizabeth is no longer here. Now the waiting begins for season six, the final season of The Crown. If you are craving more Royal or Crown insight, be sure to follow Elizabeth Holmes on Instagram. I’ve mentioned her on here before but she is great for fashion insight and royal background.

The Younger Wife– Another week, another book. I have been doing all the reading this fall. The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth is my latest read. I saw other bloggers write about it a few months back and decided to give it a try. It follows the story of a heart surgeon who decides to remarry even though his wife is still alive and has dementia. His grown daughters aren’t on board at first, but come around to the idea, that is, until they uncover some secrets about their parents. From the father and mother, to the young bride to be, and the grown daughters, it turns out, everyone is keeping secrets. I enjoyed this book thoroughly; I only wish it didn’t end. It was definitely worth the read and will have you wanting more once you finish.

Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers-I mentioned that I haven’t been watching any Christmas movies or shows yet, doesn’t mean I haven’t been getting into the holiday spirit in other ways. I was at Target and saw some festive treats and had to try them. My first purchase was these chocolate covered holiday Ritz crackers. They are the perfect mix of sweet and salty. You don’t need to have many until your craving is satisfied. I know I will definitely be buying them again ahead of the holidays. These would be perfect for an appetizer night.

 

Leather sneakers– We have been experiencing very fall like weather with chilly but dry days, that was up until this week when we saw snow. When it hasn’t been snowing, I have been putting on these sneakers to wear out and about, whether it’s to the store, a quick walk or out to dinner. I got this pair by Steve Madden from DSW, but I have seen similar styles at Target, Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx. I love how they can dress up or down an outfit, they are sporty and comfortable. Definitely a good fall shoe and can be worn to transition between seasons.

Banana Recipe Help!- I’ve been doing a lot of baking lately, from cookies to breads and muffins. Baking, reading and walking have been my fall hobbies. Bananas are such an easy thing to eat and bake with, but I’m looking for more recipes to try besides just breads and muffins. If you have a favorite banana muffin, would you mind sharing? I’ve been searching on Pinterest but am always looking for new things to try especially with the holiday and baking season approaching.

That’s just a look into some of the things I’m loving this week. Tell me how are you getting into the holiday spirit? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday!

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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!

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Let's Get Cooking

Let’s Get Cooking: Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I don’t know about you, but there is something so sweet about baking in the fall and trying new recipes after a nice long walk!

Happy Fall!

After doing some apple picking, I couldn’t wait to search Pinterest for some new recipes to try. I made this Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread a few weeks ago and it was a hit. Although it is a bread, it’s so sweet and flavorful, you can serve it as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or on its own.

Without further ado, here’s a look at this tasty apple recipe.

Ingredients

1/3 cup of brown sugar

2  teaspoons of cinnamon

2 medium apples

2/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons

1 stick of butter

2 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla

1 ½ cup of flour

1 ¾ teaspoons of baking power

1 teaspoon of salt

½ cup of milk and 3 tablespoons

1 cup of powered sugar

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×5 pan with cooking spray, place parchment paper and then spray.

2) Mix brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.

A look at your dry ingredients

3) Toss chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside.

Apple mixture

4) Beat butter and 2/3 cup of sugar with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one and a time and vanilla.

5) Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl, add to cream mixture and blend. Mix ½ cup of milk until smooth.

6) Pour batter into loaf pan, add half of the apple mixture, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.

7) Continue to layer and swirl the mixture once complete.

8) Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes and check with a tooth pick.

9) To make glaze: mix powered sugar with milk and pour on top of bread once cooled.

10) Serve!

This recipe was so easy to make and so tasty! I know I will be making it more this fall season. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, a snack or dessert.

Tell me: What are some of your apple recipes?

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Currently

Currently #33

Hello all! 

September flew by, from the end of summer to the beginning of fall, it’s been a busy month. It’s time for another Currently, a glimpse into life over the past few weeks. 

What I’ve been up to: This month has been filled with saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall! I started the month with some end of season baseball games and ended the month with the start of fall walks and drinks. I created my fall bucket list where you can check out here. It makes me excited for the new season and the new adventures it brings. 

Saying goodbye to summer by enjoying some summer walks
And baseball games
My first Cleveland Guardians game happened this month!

What I’m wearing: I’ve started to bring out the leggings and jeans for the fall and winter season, but they have been paired with short sleeve tops. In addition to bringing out the pants, I’ve also been pairing shorts with long sleeve tops for days that may start out cool and turn hot or vice versa.

A fun transitional outfit. My new top from Old Navy paired with leggings.

What I’m reading: I’ve been on a roll with good books as summer winded down. I read the Perfect Couple which was a new to me book. I really loved the mystery aspect and the description of Nantucket. As we make our way into October, I’m looking forward to lighting more candles and cozying up with a blanket and reading more. Any fall books I should dive into?

A new favorite author!

What I’m watching: Fall TV is back! I’m excited to catch up on some of my favorite shows that are either back or will be coming back soon. I’m a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy and that returns next week (!!), I’m excited to see what this season has to offer and some of the changes that are expected to come along with it too! I’ve also been making my way through Sweet Magnolia’s. I didn’t watch too much tv or movies in the summer since I try to be outside as much as possible. We’ve had a few rainy days and evenings, so I’ve been watching some older movies. I watched When Harry Met Sally and it was the best way to spend an afternoon. 

A new favorite show!

What I’m loving: I’ve been enjoying spending lots of quality time with friends. Over the past month, I’ve gotten dinner or caught up via facetime with all my local friends and some of my out of town friends. It was so good to get some quality conversations and time with my friends. Whether it was a local dinner, traveling half way to see a friend or a facetime from hundreds of miles away, spending time with friends is so important and something I’ve been loving over the past few weeks. I’ve also been enjoying baking and fall walks!

I made snicker doodles for the first time. yum!

What Inspires me: As the temperatures drop, I’ve been loving lots of cooking and baking. Here’s some of the recent things I’ve made.

I’ve made homemade pizza this month
A new chicken salad with chicken, celery, grapes and pecans.
Homemade banana muffins
Cherry tomato chicken and pasta

What I accomplished: This past month, I’ve spent lots of time outside, time with friends and time with my favorite hobbies. From reading to walks and time with my family. It’s been a great month.

The sweetest treat after dinner with friends.

Goals from last month: I got a lot in from wrapping up summer and starting some fall fun and crossing things off my fall bucket list. Plus, I got in a few day trips, including Cleveland, with a day to the zoo and a baseball game.

Goals for this month: This month I look forward continue to enjoy fall, from leaves to walks, and football. I can’t wait to try some new fall recipes, especially with apples and fall veggies. I’m also working towards some new fitness goals, by eating healthier and working out more.

Enjoying a sushi spread while soaking up the last bit of warm weather.

That’s just a look at life right now. Tell me, what are some of your highlights from the past month!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Bucket List 2022

Hello all!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week as we make our way through September. Since we are now at the halfway point of the month, I figured it was time to break out the fall bucket list.

I love lists! I love laying everything out in one space, I love the satisfaction of crossing things off when they are completed, I love seeing my to-do list in front of me. It should come as no surprise that I love seasonal bucket lists. These lists serve as a way to get ideas for weekends activities, time with family or even dates. I carried some items from my summer bucket list over to my fall bucket list that I didn’t accomplish yet. 

Without further ado, here’s my Fall 2022 Bucket List!

Winery

Apple Picking

Coffee/Book store date

Brewery

Fall Walk

Collect Leaves

Apple Recipes

Clean Cars for fall and winter

Fall Festival

Get Pumpkins

Decorate for Fall

Bonfire and S’mores

Enjoy Candy Apple

Fall Drive

Try a New Soup Recipe

Enjoy Hot Apple Cider

Celebrate Halloween

Make a Candy Corn Recipe

Watch a Halloween movie

Try a new Pumpkin Recipe 

Curl up and Read a Book

Celebrate Thanksgiving

If you are looking for ideas or inspiration for fall fun, may consider checking an item or two off this list. I would love to hear what’s on your fall bucket lists too! Feel free to share them with me below!

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #5

Happy Friday! We made it through the first full week of September! Woo hoo! 

I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend, maybe some football action with the return of the NFL season? As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this edition of Friday Favorites!

Here’s five things I’m loving this week!

Trying out the Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta– A few weeks back, I shared that I wanted to try this Cherry Tomato Pasta from Mix and Match Mama. I made it for dinner this past Sunday and loved it. It was super easy to make, there was lots of flavor and it was fast and filling. I will definitely be making this again!

The perfect Sunday dinner

New Makeup samples– I mentioned a few weeks back that I was testing some makeup samples out. I got a few foundation samples from Benefit and Valentino and have slowly been trying them out. I tend to stick to my Bare Minerals powder foundation, and I plan on sticking to that. But, it has been nice trying some other products out especially on days off. I have been enjoying the coverage that the liquid foundation provides and it’s long-lasting too. Both wins in my book!

A few samples I’ve tried
More samples I’ve tried.

Alleyoop Multi-Tasker Brush- Sticking with beauty, I heard about this Multi-tasker Brush by Alleyoop from a few different people and when I saw it went on sale, I decided to try it for myself. I have been looking for a set of small travel makeup brushes to keep at work for makeup touch-ups through the day and rather than buy four separate brushes, I decided to go for a four in one brush. This brush features a blush brush, sponge, eye shadow brush and eye line/brow brush. I’ve been using it all this week and I love it. It blends makeup really well, I like that It can fit in a makeup bag, and it comes with its own too. My favorite feature is that it’s four in one, I’m not digging through my purse looking for different brushes, it has all my main brushes for touch-ups. this would also work as a great travel makeup brush too. Overall, I’ve been very happy with this purchase. 5 Stars from me!

My favorite brush for work!

Switching out Notebooks– With so many students heading back to school and back into the classroom, it has me feeling a bit nostalgic of school days. I recently had to upgrade my notebook for work and it brought me back to my school days and picking out fresh supplies. There’s nothing quite like starting a new month and using a fresh notebook too. I got a much larger notebook and I’m looking forward to more space to jot down notes and keep track of to-do lists through the day. 

New month, new notebook!

Meghan Markle in The Cut-If you have been following me for a while then you know that I’m an avid follower of the Royal Family. These last few years have been interesting to say the least. I really enjoyed reading this interview in The Cut featuring Meaghan Markle. I love how genuine and honest the article portrayed her. I’m looking forward to see more of the work her and Harry do together over the next few months. 

That’s just a look into things I’ve been loving this week. Tell me, what are some things that are jumping out at you!?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Let's Get Cooking

Let’s Get Cooking: Summer Drinks

Hi everyone! I hope you are having an enjoyable week.

As we make our way through July, my blog series about summer tastes and must haves continues.

Last week, I showed you how to make a super easy pasta salad that an be used for big gatherings or pre-made lunches. To check out my Pizza Pasta Salad check out my last post.

This week we are talking summer drinks.I drink water 99% of the time. I always have it with me whether I’m at my desk, on the go, or at home. In the summer, I do like to change up my drink choices for something a bit more fruity and fun.

Here’s my recipe for Sunrise Juice!

This drink can be served at any meal and just like the pizza pasta salad, you can tailor the portion to your liking. 


Here’s what you need:

-Orange juice

-Sprite or 7 Up

-Pineapple Juice 

-Lime Juice 

-Strawberries to garnish
You can serve this with alcohol but I prefer to drink it just with the juices.

Directions:

  1. In a large glass or cup, mix equal parts or orange juice, sprite or 7 Up (whichever you prefer), pineapple juice and a squirt of lime juice. 
  2. Stir it together and add ice.
  3. Add strawberries to garnish and to your mixture for an extra fruity pop.
    And there you have it, an easy and refreshing summer drink.

You can change out different fruit juices to your liking, but the orange and pineapple go very well together, and the lime juice and soda adds an extra kick.

Another shot of the drink


I like to enjoy this by the pool, when I’m reading or hanging out with friends.

This drink is fairly healthy, sweet and refreshing for the summer.

As we are talking about food and drinks for the summer, what your go-to’s for summer tastes?

Let me know in the comments below! Next week we will be talking about summer travel must haves. I can’t wait to be back here, same time, same place on Wednesday, until then, have a great week!

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Let's Get Cooking

Pizza Pasta Salad

Hi friends!

Happy Wednesday and happy July! I hope you all holiday weekend with family or friends. I always love celebrating our country along with family traditions of grilling, swimming and fireworks. 

I’m starting a new series of posts over the next few weeks about everything summer as we make our way through the season. To kick off my series, we are talking summer foods!

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a pasta salad alongside chicken or a burger or just by itself. If you’re looking for a fun and crowd-pleasing pasta salad this is for you.

Here’s a look at how to make Pizza Pasta Salad

​​

Ingredients

Here’s what you need

(The amount of ingredients you will need to use varies since you can alter how much you want to make. I often make enough for a few servings but you can add more or less based on how many people will be eating)

Pasta (I chose medium shells)

Mini Pepperoni

Mozzarella Cheese (balls or shredded-whichever is your favorite)

Cherry tomatoes

Basil

Oregano

Italian Dressing

Directions

1) Boil pasta and add salt

2) Refrigerate until pasta is cool

1) Add Italian dressing, basil and oregano to pasta

2) Add in cheese, pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes3) Refrigerates well-add fresh Italian dressing before serving again

You can alter add how much of each ingredient you want to use based on how you are feeling too. This can be served as a side with a larger meal or it can be enjoyed on its own. Either way, it’s a perfect Italian mix to add to your summer salads in the summer.

What’s your go-to recipe for summer salad?

Let me know in the comments below. Get ready because next week we are talking about summer drinks!

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Currently

Currently #29

Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday. I hope your week has been filled with sunshine, warm weather, and all the spring vibes (or something like that).

Today, I have a currently lined up for your reading. I know it’s a bit earlier in the month, but I have an extra special post set up for next week

Without further ado, here’s a look into what I’ve been up to this past month. 

What I’m up to: I’ve been LOVING all the warm weather. Last week we had weather in the 70s all week long. I’ve been trying to get outside more after work, whether it’s for a walk or just to sit and read. I’ve also been enjoying making lighter and summery meals.

Seeing flowers and plants and trees in bloom brings a smile to my face.

A few weeks ago I made a lemon chicken sheet pan dinner which was so flavorful and easy. I got the recipe from Mix and Match Mama and I really enjoyed cooking it.

A look at my meal from a few weeks ago.

I also celebrated Mother’s Day with my family and enjoyed dinner with my family and a trip to the zoo.

A few shots of our trip to the zoo.
Such an array of colors.

I’ve also managed to enjoy some friend time over the past few weeks which was much needed.

What I’m wearing: I’m always on the look for work dresses and clothes. I often stop into stores like Marshall’s of TJ Maxx just to see if there’s ever new finds. I lucked out big time during my last time in finding affordable and fashionable clothes. As far as casual clothes, I’ve been able to break out some shorts and t-shirts which just makes me happy that warm weather is here and here to stay. 

I also got a fresh trim for summer which was much needed!

What I’m reading: I finished Not A Happy Family and wow-what a good book. I couldn’t it down. I’m typically not a thriller lover but this was soooo good. A great mix of mystery and thriller and not too scary.

I’m currently reading, Paris is Always a Good Idea and it’s the opposite of Not A Happy Family, it’s light and fluffy and will make you want to travel. It’s such a good call for summer.

What I’m watching: I started and finished season 5 of Selling Sunset, it’s such a guilty pleasure, I started to watch it when it came out for the real estate, but now I watch for the drama. Haha!

On a more serious note, I watched The Anatomy of a Scandal and loved it. I finished it in one weekend. Another great cliffhanger mini series with a great cast.

What I’m Loving: ALL the WARM and SPRING weather. That’s all. I love being outside and enjoying ice cream and walks after work and not having to wear all the layers.

I even had my first hot dog grilling of the season which just gets me in the summer mode.

What Inspires Me: I’ve been planning a few fun summer plans and excursions and it’s making me excited for summer and adventures and more hikes and times with friends and family and maybe even a trip or two. I’ll be sharing my summer bucket list at the start of June!

I’ve already been to the beach once for a walk this summer and I can’t wait to head back more.

What I Accomplished: I enjoyed celebrating my mom for Mother’s Day at the beginning of the month and I had a few other special birthdays too. We enjoyed a fun family meal to celebrate my mom.

The process
The finished product

I still have a few graduations and my birthday to celebrate so I’m excited for those in the coming weeks.

Goals from Last Month: I’ve been really good at seeing friends consistently who live in town and making time for friends out of town. I also got a lot of start of spring/summer must dos done like different odds and ends that feels good to start a new month on the right foot. I also took a day trip with my mom and brother to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown which was so fun and I learned a lot too.

A look at the iconic I Love Lucy set.
And some scripts from The Office.

Goals for Next Month: I’m looking forward to starting my summer bucket list and enjoying time outside with my family.  I have a graduation and some day trips planned to see friends so I’m looking forward to that. I’m also excited to spend time with friends and family and enjoy more time grilling and swimming and trying to take it slow? I know, easier said than done. Overall, I’m just really excited for summer!

Fresh lemonade and a good book. The perfect combo!

That’s a look at my life today. Lots of family time, time outdoors and good food. How’s life been looking for you the past month? Let me know.

Categories
Fabulous living

Winter Bucket List

Hey Hey!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you all had a great start to your week. The month is flying by. As much as I love the holidays, there’s some refreshing about the start of a new year and month. I’ve been taking these first few weeks to work on my goals and resolutions for the new year and get back into my rhythms after the holidays.

The next few months are always slower and calmer as we hunker down until spring. While it may seem that winter may never end, I always like to come up with some fun ideas of activities to do to make the most of the winter days. Some are outdoor activities, others are things you can do staying inside and warm.

These are good ideas for dates, things to do with friends or even something fun to do as a family. 

Here’s my Winter Bucket List for 2022. I always like to write them down and hang them on my bulletin board where I can always see them.

  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing
  • Winter Walk
  • Reading with Hot Cocoa
  • Make a New Soup
  • Sled Riding
  • Do something tropical
  • Movie Day
  • Do a puzzle

What are some of your favorite things to do in the winter?

I’m always open to new things to do especially when it’s cold out and it seems like there’s nothing to do except stay inside.

I hope you have a great rest of your week.

Stay warm and cozy!