Well, it's not officially here yet but it's right around the corner. And believe me, I'm not
trying to rush it. But there's no denying that Fall is in the air. And without even mentioning a word, we see it and feel it. The weather becomes crisp, especially in the mornings and the evenings. The days getting shorter. In some areas the leaves are starting to turn. There's the sound of crickets or katydids or cicadas in the evening. You can see large flocks of birds migrating south for the winter (just like some of us do!). Animals start to prepare for winter, gathering food. Harvest time is here, pumpkins, apples and squash are in season and fall festivals are taking place. Autumn themed decorations of pumpkins, gourds come out, as well as sweaters and jackets, hats and scarfs as the temperatures start to drop. And let's not forget about those scents of cinnamon, pumpkin spice and woodsy fireplaces. Yes, fall is in the air, and ready or not, we are embracing it!
So, what will I be doing now that Fall is upon us? Well, enjoying nature for one. I am fortunate to live in an area where there are all kinds of trails and there is nothing better during this time of year than a walk in the morning or late afternoon. It's also time to "rearrange" my closet and although my wardrobe these days is mainly workout clothing or jeans, it's time to take a look at my sweaters and jackets to see what I'm keeping, what I'm donating and what I need to buy. I change my home decor to reflect an autumn vibe and it's also that time of the year of non-stop baking, so the house will be filled with the smells of apple desserts and pumpkin delicacies. As the nights get cooler, I'll wrap up with a cozy throw, a good book, a lit fireplace and one of those great smelling candles, enjoying a hot cinnamon latte!
Did I get you in the mood? Here's some ideas for you to join me as this new season starts its debut on September 22nd!
I mentioned going for a walk or hike and I've literally found the best walking shoes. Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe. I know it says "running shoe" but one person's run is another person's walk. I have tried about every shoe out there and there is nothing like Brooks for walking or running. Why? There is no break in period. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. The offer the ultimate support. And I can walk forever in them. Brooks makes many different styles and models. I also wear these Brooks Ghost . They are my go-to shoes for not only walking but just when want to slip on something comfortable for running errands. I also look for a shoe with a wider toe box (bunions:( ) and Brooks offers a roomy toe box as well. There are lots of styles to choose from and if you are looking for a comfortable walking show, I don't think Brooks can be beat.
I like to add a Fall appearance to the outside and inside of our home and besides the addition of mums in my flowerpots, I've added this amazing wreath to our front door. And as I love lights, I added these torch lights to my walkway to give off a warm autumn glow.
I've been looking for a new throw blanket to curl up with and this one fits the bill. It comes in lots of colors, and I picked up the Caramel one for our living room. It's made from a chenille yarn which is super soft and easy to care for. And it comes in so many colors. I'm thinking of a second one so Kal can enjoy one too!
I've got a large dining room table that I like to decorate for the season. I've started off with this Socomi Fall Thanksgiving Table Runner in Terracotta. I've used this kind of table runner before, when I did our wedding brunch. I like it because is easy to work with and has a soft informal look. I bunch it up and nestle things in it. To add a little pizazz, I put these battery-operated twinkle lights underneath the runner. Then I used these Whaline 12Pcs Fall Artificial Pumpkins 3 Sizes, nestle them into the runner, add some flameless LED candles, add in some autumn leaves and I'm done. This arrangement also looks great to set the mood for your thanksgiving table. Just put a tablecloth underneath it first and repeat this fall look.
What's fall without the scents of fall? Over the years I've had lots of different candles but the one that always outshines the others are Yankee Candles. There are so many different scents, but for this time of the year my favorites are Autumn Wreath, Salted Caramel, and Mountain Lodge.
Well, we have the decor set and your home smells like a mountain lodge or autumn leaves. What's left to tie this up? How about a fresh apple spice cake? This is from Ina Garten Make it Ahead and just like all her recipes, this one does not disappoint! It features a mix of warm spices, Granny Smith apples, rum-soaked raisins, and toasted pecans, all topped off with a hint of orange zest. Serve it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce or just eat it plain with a cup of tea or a hot cinnamon latte! Here is the recipe.
Fresh Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dark rum
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup granulated sugar (I half the sugar)
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed (Again, I half the sugar)
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and 1/4-inch-diced (3 to 4 apples) (I do not peel my apples but wash in a vegetable wash first)
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce, such as Fran's, heated
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.
Place the pecans on a sheet pan and toast them for 5 to 10 minutes, until lightly toasted. Set aside. Combine the rum and raisins in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 60 seconds. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla, and orange zest on medium speed for 3 minutes. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves into a medium bowl. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, just until combined. Drain the raisins, discarding the liquid. With a rubber spatula, fold the raisins, pecans, and apples into the batter. Spread into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool, cut into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
And I did mention a latte. So, skip Starbucks and make your own! It's easy, delicious and a lot cheaper:)
Cinnamon Latte
Ingredients
16 oz full-fat milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
4 oz freshly brewed espresso
4 oz freshly whipped cream (or as much as you like:)
Directions
Step 1. Pour the milk into a saucepan, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, the vanilla extract and sugar and slowly bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 2. Divide the freshly brewed espresso between 2 tall mugs. Pour the sweet cinnamon-infused milk over the expresso.
Step 3.Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkling of the remaining cinnamon.
Well, I think I covered everything that's needed to have a cozy autumn night. Light your candles, slip into something comfy, turn on the fireplace, cozy up in a throw and have your cake and latte. Summer may be over, but Fall is just starting and it's going to be fantastic!
Liz 🍁
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