Tuesday 4-Autumn This and That

Welcome to Tuesday 4- A fun question post continued in the memory of Toni Tadeo, It’s original author. This is a great way to share your blog post and learn about other bloggers. You can head over to Tuesdays Place and join in. 

“It’s Autumn and temperatures in many places will be going down, days will be shorter and leaves will be tumbling down”, Let’s discuss these things.

1. Do lower temperatures bother you or make you uncomfortable and are you more of a warm climate person?

As long as the temperatures do not go below my age, I will be fine. Cooler temps are nice sometimes but I am more of a warm climate person. I do not like to be cold. I also do not like wearing heavy clothes, coats or sweaters.

2. Do you like the colors associated with Autumn? Clothing wise, do they look good on you?

I think the different color leaves are pretty on trees but I do not like Fall colors to decorate in. Fall is when all things dry up and die so oranges and browns seem dreary to me. I like the way Fall clothes look on other people but not myself. 

3. Would you rather…

• ….Get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride?
• ….Visit and apple orchard or a pumpkin patch?
• ….Eat a caramel apple or a candy apple?
• ….Cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins?

I have to admit, I have never been to a corn maze but they seem fun. I do love hayrides but I like the old fashioned kind where you were actually sitting in the hay instead of sitting on hay bales. 

I would rather be in an apple orchard than a pumpkin patch any day. 

I like caramel apples better than candy apples but I never eat either one. I once bit into a pretty caramel apple only to find the apple to be rotten underneath. So now I do not trust them. 

Cinnamon buns are the best. Pumpkin muffins, yuk. 

4. There are 75,00 varieties of apples. What is your favorite and do you like apple pie?

My favorite kind of apple is the “Honey crisp”. They are firm, juicy and have the perfect amount of sweet and tart. I am not a pie person and apple pie is my least favorite kind of pie but I will eat it hot with a scoop of ice cream on top. 

Now it’s your turn. Once your finished, Head over to http://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/ and drop your post in the link box so she can add it to her blog list for others to view. 

Kale, Apple and Carrot Slaw

There is just something about Apples in Autumn. I know most people like Pumpkin Spice, but not me. It’s fun to look at all the pumpkin spice flavored foods that come out during the Fall season but I’m not temped to buy any of it. 

I’m going to share with you a recipe that is not only good but it’s healthy and a great way to eat your greens and carrots. It is a struggle for me to eat veggies but if there is a veggie dish already made in the fridge, I will dip out a bowl of it with my meals. This recipe is a good one to make ahead and will stay fresh and crispy for a few days. It also includes Apples that give it just enough sweetness and crunch. 

Kale, Apple and Carrot Slaw.

1 head- chopped Kale.

1 apple- cored and small diced.

Handful- shredded carrots

Handful- raisins

Handful- chopped pecans (optional)

Dressing:

2 Tablespoons- plain Greek Yogurt

2 Tablespoons- mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon- brown sugar

1 Tablespoon- apple cider vinegar

Salt/pepper

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix the dressing ingredients.

Pour in the dressing and toss.

Cover and chill until meal time or over night.

Kale is healthy greens full of vitamins A,K,B6,E and C and antioxidants. It also contains calcium, copper and potassium. Together, these vitamins can help your skin look younger. It brightens your skin appearance and dark spots. Boy, I need a lot of this stuff but sadly it can also cause bloating and gas. Also, if your on blood thinners, don’t eat Kale without talking to your doctor because Vitamin K can interfere with that medicine. 

Now for the big question….

Are you more of an apple person or pumpkin spice person when it comes to those Fall favorites. 

Original recipe can be found HERE.

Signs Of Autumn

It’s that time of year where the scent of falling leaves and campfires take over the air. Though I am a Summer girl, I enjoy the smell of Fall and all the vibrant colors. 

While we were out walking this morning, I had to pull out my phone to snap a few pictures of the things that screamed Autumn. I could hear the acorns hitting the roof tops of homes and cars while the squirrels scurried around to stock up on nuts for the Winter. I picked up a few to add to my fall decor.

I could not resist snapping a photo of the Magnolia pods. Magnolia trees are one of my favorite trees next to the dogwood.

There are many of these trees in my neighborhood and when they show off their white flowering blooms, I can smell a lemony aroma.

Some people use these pods to add to their Fall decorations. You can actually find these for sale in private shops. 

If you look closely, you can see a big spider web. There is a spider perfectly centered waiting on her prey as the dew drops glitter on her transparent silks.

This is when I put my camera aways and left the scene. This was way to close for comfort for me. Spiders are one of my biggest fears. I will probably have nightmares about them tonight now. 

It has rained here for the past few days and the temperatures are in the 70’s. We will head out for a walk every chance we can get between the downpours. I managed to get in my three miles while Nick continued for two more. It is always nice to see the new things nature plants for us to see as we enjoy the outdoors. 

We are really missing is the sounds of Football games and marching bands from the high school around the block. 

What are favorite things about Fall?

Crochet Pumpkin Cup Cozy

I love Spring and Summer but I don’t mind Fall at all. There is something about the smell of fallen leaves and camp fires that make me enjoy the Autumn season. Everywhere you turn you see something Pumpkin Spicy. I am not a fan of pumpkin flavored foods except for pumpkin pie and even then, I like it covered with whipped cream. 

This time of year is also when everyone enjoys their favorite hot drinks while relaxing outdoors or at ball games. Sometimes those hot drinks you get at takeout coffee shops can be hot on your hands even thought they are served in insulated cups. Same goes with cold drinks. Our hands suffer discomfort at times. This is why everyone should own a cup or mug cozy.

My neighbor and sweet friend asked me if I could make her a crocheted cozy for her Starbucks cups. She thought it would be fun to have one with a pumpkin or other fall look to it. So I whipped up a cute little cozy and delivered it to her.

I thought it was cute so I made another one (a little different) and added it to my Etsy shop. I am tempted to take it for myself but I’d rather see it sell. I can always make another one for me later. Meanwhile I have kept busy supplying a local store with my crocheted ear savers that help protect ears from all day mask wear. They happen to be a big seller and I have been making 100 of them a month. I am also wanting to crochet myself a blanket. 

Are you a coffee or tea drinker or do you prefer cold drinks?

I love coffee with a sweet vanilla creamer. 

The cozy pattern that inspired me can be found at Okiegirlblingnthings.com.

Be sure to visit my Etsy shop LiLiDi for more of my creations.

Cleaning Away Summer

It was was beautiful day with temperatures in the high 60’s. I have been itching to go outside. I do not like going outside in weather colder than my age. It was a perfect day to get out.

Looking out the windows I noticed the yard was covered in a blanket of leaves from our huge Dogwood tree. The branches were bare so it was a good time to clean up the yard. Though that is the only tree we have in the back yard, there are neighboring trees that frame our property. We get all the leaves.

Nick asked if I would like to go out and help him rake leaves. “Sure!” I said with excitement. This would be perfect to help me overcome this cabin fever. I threw on some old jeans, boots and garden gloves and headed outside. 

“Here are two rakes you can use”.He said. “I will be on the mower sucking up the Pin Oak leaves while you rake the larger leaves in a pile”.

. 

We spent three hours cleaning up the yard. I raked while he mowed. It felt good to do some laboring work. It was a great work out. I also cut back our butterfly bush in the front yard. It was still holding on to it’s leaves, but I knew it would be shedding them soon. This time last year it was already bare. We have had a warmer than normal Fall this year. 

Today I am sore and my hands are slightly blistered. My yard is groomed and there are no more signs of Summer. Now we sit and wait on the cold weather and frost in the weeks to come. 

My Win Review

I am a sucker for those Instagram giveaways. If it is something I would love to try, I will enter the giveaway. I'm not just after the freebies, but I really and honestly want to try things. I enjoy writing about products I try and I also believe in supporting small businesses.

I entered a giveaway a couple weeks ago and was so excited to have been chosen as the winner of this darling gift pack sponsored by four different companies. It was like Christmas when It arrived on my doorstep.

Usually there will be one item in a giveaway that strikes my attention. This time I liked ALL of the prizes. Let me show you what I got.

1. I received this darling wide lace leather cuff from New Market Farm House. They are a family owned business located in Southern Indiana.

Their products are all delicately handmade with love and care. They specialize in Faith inspiring, engraved and hand stamped leather key chains that are uplifting and encouraging. You really should go check them out. Christmas will be here before you know it.
I think this one will be perfect for my Fall or Winter sweaters.

2. I am always looking for some good plant based health benefits. One day I might find the secret to staying young, but until then, I couldn't wait to try this BIOHM Probiotic Supplement with Super Greens.

BIOHM is formulated with fused fruits, vegetables and herbal extracts. Rich in probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes that include 31 organic plant extracts. That means a healthy balanced gut. That’s right. It has good bacteria and good fungi to break through digestive plaque. 

Just one scoop a day is all you need to feel super charged.
The direction say to add it to water but you can add it to your shakes, smoothies or any other drinks.
How does it taste? I added it to water and it tasted like a nice rich and smooth herbal tea. I think it would be perfect warmed and cuddled in a cup.

3. I can hardly wait to sit back and relax in the tub with the wonderful aroma of these baths soaks and essential oil roller ball from The Inked Bee. The owner is a mother who has a love for bees and what they can produce. She only uses natural sourced organic or non GMO ingredients.  

With hints of Rosemary, Peppermint and Eucalyptus I will be taken away. Calgon has nothing on this. The roller ball is perfect to keep with me for some easy quick aromatherapy when I need it. Be sure to visit her shop for more great natural products.

4. Last but not least, I love this adorable pumpkin patch shirt by D&G at The Memphis Market Co. I have been wanting a cute shirt to wear for Fall fun and this one is perfect..

This company is a husband and wife team in Southern Indiana. You should definitely check them out as they have the cutest t shirts, sweatshirts and digital files to make your own. I love how soft the fabric is. This is not your typical bulky t-shirt. When held up to light, you can actually see how the fabric breathes for a dry and comfortable wear any season.

Essential oil and bath soak- The Inked Bee.

Probiotic Super Greens- BIOHM with Online Health Coach Stephanie Richie

Pumpkin Patch Tshirt- The Memphis Market Co

Leather laced cuff- New Market Farm House

I am not affiliated, asked or paid by any of the companies mentioned in this post. 
These items were given to me at no charge. 
All content is written using my own honest opinion. 

Fall Maybe

It finally cooled down a little this weekend making it feel more like Fall. While temperatures tipped 100 degrees last week, we woke up Saturday morning to temperatures dipping into the 60’s. Fall maybe?

Temperatures are still too warm to bring out the sweaters but it did put me in the mood for some Autumn like recipes. 

Note: No pumpkin spice included. I am not a fan of pumpkin unless it’s in a pie hidden under a mountain of whip cream. 

I attempted to make blender Tortilla Soup. I did not read the recipe correctly and made it wrong. While the flavor was still there, the texture made it undesirable. I eat two bowls all the same. I didn't think it was all that bad, I just felt like I was eating baby food. Haha. 

Recipe Here

My husband surprised me by making some baked pear. He gets all the credit for this one. He even took a before photo. How thoughtful of him. 

These pears were easy. Just cut them in half, core out the center, stuff with cinnamon and walnuts and drizzle with honey. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the pears are soft. Drizzle more honey on top right before serving. I topped mine with a little yogurt. These were so good!

I also got in the mood for this Fall favorite of mine. I have learned to love acorn squash. When cooked it has a similar flavor to a sweet potato. 

I wanted to see if I could make them in my air fryer. The air fryer did a perfect job in half the time as the oven. These are easy to make too.

Just cut in half and clean out the seeds. Rub coconut oil or butter on the inside and add some cinnamon and brown sugar. Place in air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. 

I added a little extra sweetness by adding some walnuts and placing a divided marshmallow on top. To brown the marshmallows, I put the squash in the toaster until the marshmallows were melted and had a nice crisp topping. Delicious. 

How is the weather in your area? Are you seeing Fall yet?

Where are you Fall?

Happy October!

Do any of you know what Mother Nature did with Fall? The temperatures here in North Carolina are still in the 90's! I sorta want to decorate for the season but can't get in the mood when It feels like I live in the dessert. We have not had rain in over a month, so yea, It's dry too.

I have some new Fall sweaters and booties I would love to wear before Winter arrives. However, I'm still in tank tops and flip flops.

The trees here have not put on their Autumn show. Most are still green. I even think the birds are  mating again.

I would also like to add a pumpkin or two on my porch and some Mums in the yard but most of the Mums I see at the stores and markets have already reached full bloom and are already wilted.

But hey, my Loofah plants are still thriving, Well, sorta. I will show you my results of those soon.

Meanwhile, I will continue enjoying the warm sunshine and blue skies. Honestly, It would be ok with me if it stayed Summer time forever.

What is the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Signs of Fall

The weather here in North Carolina is still peaking into the 80's and 90's during the days, but the mornings and evenings are dipping into the 60's and 70's. This is one of the first signs I notice of Fall.

I have also noticed that my mornings are not as bright at 7 am as they have been the past few months. I wake up with the sun, so until we move our clocks back, I will struggle getting out of bed before the sun fully rises.

Our afternoon walks are a little cooler now and before we know it, the afternoons will be too dark to get in our walk after I get home from work.

Yesterday during our power stroll through the neighborhood, Mother Nature was showing off some of her Fall accessories. This little acorn was perfect.

What's funny about this acorn is after snapping a photo of it, I threw it toward a storm drain on the side of the road. The drain was a good ways away so I did my ole Micheal Jordan, one arm throw, but instead of a point shot, It hit and knocked an empty soda can into the drain and the acorn bounced right back toward me. We got a good laugh. Nick said that could never happen again in a million years. I put the acorn in my pocket and kept walking.

On down the road I noticed these mushrooms growing in a neighbors yard. 

I always find mushrooms fun to photograph and interesting to look at. I made this quick as I do not know these neighbors and they are watching me through their window.

As we were almost home, we could smell a sweet floral aroma in the air. At first we thought someone was drying clothes. We can sometimes smell the fresh sent of fabric softener through outside vents as we pass. But there were no houses close, so I leaned over to sniff some white flowers growing in a vacant yard. “That’s it!” I said. “These flowers are what we smell”. I grabbed my phone from my waistband and asked my face book friends for a clue as to what these were called. 

After no legit answers, I turned to Google. I learned that they are called “Autumn Clematis”.

We are also seeing turning leaves fall from trees and before we know it, the sound of leaf blowers will take the place of roaring lawn mowers.

Speaking of Fall, remember the loofahs I planted in the beginning of spring? They are not doing as good as I thought they would, but I do have a few almost ready to harvest. I can't wait to give you an updated post on those toward the end of September or maybe sooner.

Veggie Soup

We are now starting to feel the cool season of Fall here in North Carolina. The temperatures have dropped down to the 40's in the mornings and after sundown. It has put me in the mood for soup.

I have been wanting to make some vegetable soup. We have made all sorts of soups in the past but I have never made a real "old fashioned vegetable soup". I headed to my social media friends for some help and ideas on how to get this soup started. I was in a limbo weather to make it with a broth base or more of a tomato base. 

Most of my friends suggested V-8 Juice as a starter. Some suggested beef or chicken broth. 

Needless to say, I was still somewhat undecided on what would taste best. That's when I decided to reach out to my friend Anne. I know she does a lot of cooking, and, well, I just trust her taste. 

Her base starter? Water.

OK, that sounded easy enough. The veggies add the broth and make a delicious soup as it slowly cooks in a pot for a few hours. So that's how I started. Before I knew it, I was adding this, that and whatever. I started with adding some cubed potatoes and diced onions and let those cook a little first then I started adding in the veggies. I ended up adding a can of beef broth for flavor and consistency. 

Just look at that mess!

Then I made a pan of cornbread. I mean, what good is veggie soup if you don't have cornbread right? 

No jiffy mix here. This is the real stuff made in a cast iron pan just like mom! (recipe is on the bag of cornmeal).

My soup turned out delicious and we had enough for the next day. [Did I mention soup is better the second time around?] 

Below is basically what was in my soup:

2 baking potatoes

1 onion

2- 14.5 oz. cans of petite diced tomatoes

1- bag of frozen mixed vegetables

1- bag of frozen okra

1/2 head of chopped cabbage

1- can of beef broth

1- can of water

Salt/ Pepper

pinch of garlic salt

dash of Italian Seasoning

dash of parsley 

I started the potatoes and onions first in a little water in a stock pot until they started to soften, then I added all the other ingredients and cooked in a crock-pot on low 4-5 hours.

I plan to make some more of this kind of soup again soon. It's low calorie and Lord knows I need the veggies. 

We call this an Italian spoon rest.

“Soups On!”

Cheese Pumpkins

Today your getting a short repost of and old post. I have had a busy weekend and simply too tired to come up with anything else right now so your getting a cheesy recipe.

 Grab a block of cheese and lets make something Cheese Pumpkins. Lawd have mercy! These little boogers are delicious!

They were really easy to make. Other similar recipes tell you to put the dough in the fridge a few hours to firm so its easier to work with but I didn't. I just whooped up a batch and stuck them in the oven. The dough didn't know it was not cold. [smh]. I mean after all, the ingredients had just been in the fridge for days.

Now I’d love to share this spicy little recipe with you. Here it is...

Cheese Pumpkins

1 Cup plain flour

1 Stick butter (softened)

1 Block (1/2lbs) Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Grated)

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/4 teaspoon Salt

Pecans 

Preheat oven to 350

Mix flour and butter, then add cheese and seasoning. Mix well.(use your hands).

Pinch off about 2 inch balls and place on ungreased cooking sheet. 

Use a spoon or your thumb and slightly mash each one and place a pecan piece in the center. 

Bake for about 20 minutes or until set.

[Makes about 60].

Here are a few options.

1. You don't have to make pumpkins. You can just make wafers by pressing each ball with a fork and laying a pecan on top.
2. You can also mix chopped pecans in the dough. (I'm going to do this next time because I love the taste of the toasted pecan).
3. You can also make in the shape of sticks then you have the famous cheese straws.

To me, they taste sort of like sausage balls without the sausage but the cayenne pepper makes up for that. wowza! These will be great for fall festivals, Halloween parties and more. 

Enjoy!


 

SnickerDoodle Bread

Whens a better time to enjoy the sweetness of cinnamon bread other than in the Fall? Well, anytime actually. I love cinnamon bread. One of my favorite breakfasts growing up was heavily buttered toast with a cinnamon/sugar mix layered on top. I have always loved cinnamon.

When I came across this recipe for Snicker Doodle Bread, I could not resist the temptation. I figured I could just make some mini loafs and give them away leaving us with only a mini loaf to enjoy. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. I could not find any mini loaf pans so I used two regular loaf pans.

My daddy loves all things sweet and I haven't made him anything in a while so I decided I would give him one of the loafs. Me and Nick ended up eating half of the other one. I did well with my portion control and only had a small piece with my egg two mornings and a small slice for a snack one night.

Since I have been dieting, I still love sweet things but can not take a lot of it. Sweet to me now is "very sweet".  That's a good thing, right?

This bread was so easy to make and very delicious and my house had the aroma of warm cinnamon for two days.

I tweaked the recipe some by accident because I did not have enough white sugar and forgot to add an egg and it turned out perfect anyway. But you can find a link to the original recipe at the bottom of this post if you do not like how mine looks.

Here goes....

SNICKERDOODLE BREAD

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Grease 2 loaf pans (I used cooking spray)

With electric beaters, cream together:

1 Cup- Butter (softened)

1 Cup- Sugar

1/2 Cup- Brown Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon- Salt

2 Teaspoons- Ground Cinnamon

Mix in:

2- Eggs

1 Teaspoon- Vanilla Extract

3/4 Cup- Sour Cream

Then slowly add:

2 1/2 Cups- All Purpose Flour

2 Teaspoons- Baking Powder

(batter will be thick)

Fold in:

1 Cup- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)

Pour batter in loaf pans about 3/4 full and top with Cinnamon/ Sugar Mixture:

3 Tablespoons- Sugar

3 Teaspoons- Ground Cinnamon

Bake for 60 minutes or until done (Test with tooth pick or cake tester).

Allow to cool some before removing from pans and serving.

ENJOY!

I thought this bread was better after it cooled. I also think it will be just as tasty without the chocolate chips. (You can just have them on the side.)

😋

Original and printable recipe can be found at

  TheCookinChicks.

Fall Cardigan

I just can’t seem to get into the whole Fall season around here in North Carolina. Our temperatures are still in the 80s. I’m still wearing shorts and flip flops for heaven sake. 

I went shopping this weekend for some new Fall booties, and again, I’m waking up today without any new ones. I just can’t seem to find a color and style that catches my eye. I’m also on a mission for a new pocket book but I can’t find the right one. The only one I saw that I really liked, was the same price as my car payment, so nope.

We headed out to the mall and I picked up some lotion from bath and body works then skipped across the mall to Charlotte Russe. (Yes I practically skipped because I was feeling giddy after getting my lotion at a great sale price). 

We are planning on taking another trip to the beach next week so I wanted some new threads to wear. I had to ask myself, “Do I hit the sales rack for reduced summer items? I mean, it is still hot outside. Or do I go ahead and get something Fallish?” 

The weather man is calling for some cooler weather finally starting next week. So, it could be cool at the beach.

I was in a limbo.

First I headed straight back to the shoe wall and ohhed and ahhed over the sweet looking shoes they had. Then turned to the sweater rack. Thats when I saw some rust colored cardigans on door buster sale. They were practically half price and I love this color. 

I grabbed a small and headed to the register. 

I plan to pack this in my suitcase for my Fall beach trip. No matter how warm it is, It can get a little chilly at the beach during the evenings. I plan to wear this cardigain with my jeans but I also think it looks fun with my denim shorts and T-shirt. 

It’s a fun cardigan that can be dressed up or down. It’s perfect for Fall and fun to wear. 

Open Front Cable Cardigan- Charlotte Russe

Split Side Denim Cut off shorts- Old Navy

White Luxe T-shirt- Gap

TBB Asks- Fall 2.0

Wow! It’s already October! Where did September go? I haven’t even finished taking my beach vacations yet and I already have my house decorated for fall. This lead me to join in on this months TBB ask. 

The first Monday of each month, the ladies of "The Blended Blog" host a linkup with fun themed questions and answers to write about and share. 

This months theme is Fall 2.0 Enjoy.

Q.- Favorite Fall Color

A.- My favorite Fall colors in clothes are tans, creams and grays. As for as decorating, I am in love with all the blues, greens and cream colored decorations in the stores now. They have that french country appeal while keeping up with the season. However, my home is currently decorated with the same old drabby orange and browns from years before. I need to update. 

Q.- Apple Cider Hot or Cold?

A.- Hot of course. I’m not a big fan of cider but I do keep single packs of instant cider at my coffee bar. Sometimes it’s nice and relaxing to sip on a cup. I have never tried the homemade good stuff. Do people actually drink apple cider cold?

 

Q.- Caramel Apple: yes or no

A.- Yes. I love anything caramel! I prefer my apples cut and dipped in caramel unless I make them myself. I’m picky about what my apples look like. 

If you have ever bitten into a bad apple hidden behind fresh caramel you’d understand. 

Q.- Pumpkin Doughnuts or Apple Cider Doughnuts? 

A.- Lets don’t talk about doughnuts. I’m currently in doughnut rehab.

Q.- Long or Short Cardigan?

A.- I prefer wearing long cardigans. They just seem to go best with jeans and booties. I feel like short cardigans make me look frumpy.

Q.- Favorite Football or Fall Party Food?

A.- You know those little smokies? Those.

Q.- Orange or White Pumpkins?

A.- Orange for carving and white for decorating. I love the Heirloom pumpkins and gourds. 

(Heirloom Pumpkins)

Q.- Hayride or Bonfire?

A.- I have never had good luck with hayrides. I’d rather sit around a bonfire or campfire with friends on a cool Fall night.

Q.- Favorite Fall Baked Good?

A.- I’m thinking back to grandmaws sweet potato pies. I also love rice pudding and sweet homemade breads.

Q.- Most Anticipated Fall Activity.

A.- I always want to visit the Renaissance festival. Then there is the County Fair. 

****ONE MORE THING...Do you like coffee??? There is a Starbucks Card give away going on at annstersdommain.blogspot.com to celebrate her 1000th post! So head on over there and enter. Contest ends October 4th. 

I mean really, who couldn't use a starbucks card? Right?