Fall To-Do List

“Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!” – Robert Lewis Stevenson

Saturday was the first official day of the fall…my very favorite season! You know, summer is nice and all…but I don't know about you but I’m always counting down the days till the stubborn summertime finally takes a back seat to lovely fall. There is just a magic and whimsy to the season that makes me a very happy gal. And I am so happy to report that it seems the season has made it’s way to Texas a little earlier than usual as we’ve had some cooler temps lately. Especially in the evening, it feels like heaven…you can just smell it, fall is in the air.

The fall décor is out, pumpkin candles are burning, candy corn is lying around the house, and I’m already buying up ingredients for some fall baking (yes, get ready for pumpkin everything). So in honor of making sure to soak it all in, I made a little list below of some of the things I want to do before the season is over. Hope you enjoy reading!

Happy Fall loves! :)

                    My Fall To-Do List -

1. Do some fall crafts such as: glitter pumpkins, fall wreath, leaf bunting, leaf lantern, and waxed leaves – Is there not something extra fun and cozy about crafting in the fall? Open up some windows to let the cool, crisp air flow in, put on some pretty music, and craft while sipping on a pumpkin spice latte…okay, so that was a bit idealistic but it’s a nice idea, no? ;) I’m hoping to tackle at least a few of these adorable fall crafts before the season’s over. Will post the results!
2. Make a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte – I became obsessed with making iced pumpkin spice lattes last year and basically drank them all season. I definitely plan on making them again but also want to make a regular one as well.
3. Carve a pumpkin
4. Watch Coraline – I love this weird and quirky movie! While I’ll watch it anytime, there’s just something about watching it in the fall, specifically around Halloween, that just feels right.
5. Make a fall playlist – Must have a mix cd or two with pretty, whimsical music to accompany the season. By the way, am I the only one that when fall hits feels like listening to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday? Something about this season puts me in the mood for old jazz standards, I suppose. :)
6. Cook some of my favorite fall meals such as Chicken & Dumplings and Chili – When the weather starts to get even the slightest bit cooler I want comfort food. Ya feel me?
7. Find a pumpkin patch and corn field maze – Wanted to go to one last year but didn’t get a chance to. Just sounds too fun!
8. Make apple cider & this recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
9. Bake some Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars – Made these last year and loved them! So delish, can’t wait to make ‘em again.
10. Take as many walks in the cool air as I can – I miss going for walks at the bay in my town…haven’t done it all summer seeing as heat stroke is just not my idea of fun. But the cooler weather we’ve had lately is beckoning me out doors to soak it up as much as I possibly can.

So that’s my little list of fall to-dos! Can’t wait to dive into them! What are you looking forward to doing this fall?

If I Were Honest…

If I were honest I would tell you that I'm no where near where I want to be.

If I were honest I would tell you that I have a lot of crazy seemingly unrealistic dreams.

If I were honest I would tell you that I haven't the slightest clue how to make those dreams come true....but I know in my heart, they are supposed to.

If I were honest I would tell you that I won't be content doing anything else.

If I were honest I would tell you that fear is what stops me; it's my worst enemy.

If I were honest I would tell you that I'm a late bloomer.

If I were honest I would tell you that it's messy and hard to explain...and even if I tried you probably wouldn't get it anyway.

If I were honest I would tell you that I'm no where near where I want to be but by the grace of God, I'm getting there.

Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese and Lemon

Hey fellow foodies! Today we’re making one of my new favorite side dishes. If you’re a potato lover like me, you’ll love these, trust me. In fact, you just may find yourself dreaming about them they are that delectable. Plus, they are super easy and add a touch of fancy to your dinner.

Now we all know that potatoes are a great side dish, but these potatoes are more than that. They demand your attention, they shout “Hey, we will not play second fiddle to chicken! We are lemony, flavorful potato-licious goodness.” Well, at least that’s what I heard anyway. Oh… your food doesn’t talk to you? Yeah… me neither. ;)

Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese and Lemon -

 

(Recipe found @ http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com)

Roasted potatoes with feta cheese, herbs, and lemon... yes, please! This has become my go-to side dish as it's so easy to throw together. You start out by covering the potato chunks in herbs and roasting these babies in oven.

You then whip up a simple and yummy marinade made up of lemon juice and parsley for the feta cheese to take a bath in.

When the potatoes are done roasting do your best to resist diving in as they are not quite finished yet. To finish them off, pour the lemony marinade over the potatoes and back in the oven they go for just 5 more minutes.

 

What you end up with is this lovely little of potato heaven. I love the way the lemon and feta cheese give these potatoes a sweet and tangy taste. The flavors compliment each other perfectly. Hope you give 'em a try soon! :)

Ingredients:

4 cups potatoes, 3/4" cubes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper

1/2 cup feta cheese, chopped/crumbled

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with oil.

In a large bowl toss potatoes with oil, thyme, oregano salt and pepper. Spread out on baking sheet and bake until potatoes are tender 30-35 minutes.

Meanwhile, marinate the feta in the lemon juice and parsley.

Remove from oven and toss the potatoes with the lemony feta right on the pan; cook 5 more minutes. Serve immediately. Yields 3-4 servings.

Weekly Inspirations Take 2

Hey loves! Thought I would share round 2 of what has been inspiring my crazy brain lately. Hope you enjoy and find some inspiration here as well. :)

Have been sooo in love with this song lately. I’m a huge fan of Sucre (aka Stacy and Darren King, and Jeremy Larson) and have had this lovely tune on repeat constantly. The music is so whimsical and unique, and of course, Stacy sounds as angelic as ever. Someone on YouTube described this song as  “Mutemath/Nine Inch Nails meets Alison Sudol” lol, wouldn’t have thought to put it that way…but it describes it rather well actually.

After years of this being on my “to bake” list, I finally did it… I made Crème Brulee! Woot! I’ve been super inspired lately to try baking new things and when I came across this yummy recipe for Cookie Dough (Oh yes, you read that right) Crème Brulee… I just knew… it was time. And I’m so glad I finally gave it a go! I don’t know why I always thought it would be so hard to make… it could not be simpler. It was so delish and with the layer of cookie dough at the bottom, very decadent. Recipe to come soon! Next on the list … macarons… wish me luck! :)

This scripture is so beautiful and comforting to me - "He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zep3:17

I love watching this sped up video of Elise Larson creating one of her adorable paintings. Watching the art in action is so beyond inspiring!

Okay, so I know I posted about The Sweet Boutique in Sugar Land last time but after another visit there last week… I simply couldn’t help myself. I must confess my undying love and affection for this oh so adorable bakery and their delish treats. Namely their cupcakes. This time I tried the Tiramisu cupcake (pictured above), which was so amazing! The vanilla cupcake with a coffee center and mascarpone frosting on top was heavenly! I also tried a salted caramel macaron and my parents tried an almond macaron; needless to say we loved ‘em!

I also posted a photo of their lovely display of cake pops and macarons. Just looking at this display makes me want to get in the kitchen and bake my heart out. :)

Cannot tell you how much I love love love this video! I have been a bit obsessed with watching art journaling videos on YouTube lately and this is one of the best ones I’ve come across so far. It’s a sped up video of an art journal page from start to finish. So creative and artistic! This left me crazy inspired to try new things in my art journal.

(Source)

Last but not least, this beautiful quote. Did that dream instantly pop in your mind when you read this? I know it did for me. :)