To Do Tuesday-Fall Bucket List

Welcome to another new feature called "To Do Tuesday."  I thought every so often I would bring you some FUN "to do" lists!  We get so bogged down with the not so fun stuff of holidays that we often forget to do the fun stuff!

Today I am bringing you a Fall Bucket List.  When I made plans to write this blog back in late October, we had temps in the low 80's.  But today our temps dipped 40 degrees and it feels more like winter.  Oh well, that's Texas for you!  Since it is technically not winter yet, I will carry on with my fall list of fun things to do!  We just might need to bundle up a bit more.

After Halloween, it feels like everyone goes into Christmas overdrive.  Stores have the Christmas decor up and pushing their black Friday sales already!!  But what about the rest of fall?  What about Thanksgiving? This is the time of year to really enjoy the things around you...little things around you.  Leaves changing color, cooler temps that allow for a night around the fire pit, and "awesomely" ( yes I may have made that word up) cozy sweaters are just a few of those things.  The list I made contains things you could do AFTER Halloween has passed.  It will help pass the time for those that go into Christmas mode on November 1st.  Sorry it is not in a cute download but you could easily type this up or write it out on a chalkboard!

FALL BUCKET LIST:

1. Make homemade apple cider

2.  Make a pumpkin dessert-pie, fudge, french toast, bread, etc.

3.  Buy (or make) a new cozy sweater.  If you can knit, more power to you!!

4.  Go on a leaf hunt with the kids.  Bring the leaves you find home and make a craft.  Talk about the different shapes, what trees they came from and the colors.

5.  Pick pecans!!! Then make a yummy dessert!

6.  Go on a hayride.

7.  Builld a fire outside-either a bonfire or in your small fire pit.  Then roast marshmellows for s'mores!

8. TAILGATE!!  Hello, this is prime football weather!!

9.  Clean out toys, clothes, etc now and donate to a shelter.

10.  Make a grateful jar.  Each day add something you are grateful for.  (Tomorrow's blog will have ours.)

Our family has already checked off a few of these.  Last  Friday, the kiddos spent the afternoon at Nana's picking AND cracking pecans.  I might try to steal some before my mom uses them all!

                 

I was hoping to make this list family oriented and kid friendly for the most part.  We get so busy (and I use that term loosely because we are not that "busy" to spend time with family) and don't appreciate the little things in life.  This list is meant to slow you down and make you appreciate little things.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Hugs y'all,
LSG

Thirsty Thursday-Thanksgiving Cocktails

        

   

Hallloween was last Friday...Turkey Day is in THREE WEEKS...Christmas countdowns have already started.  If that is not enough to send you into holiday stress meltdown, imagine doing it all without the help of a little adult beverage!!!  The readers that personally know me, know that I am not a big drinker. However, I do enjoy a little something every now and then.  Didn't want you thinking I was some sort of raging alcoholic...

All of these holiday drinks really have intrigued me.  They sound simple and yummy!!  I bought a big bottle of caramel flavored vodka so anything I can that in, I am happy. Not only is it the start of the holiday season, but it's also the beginning of entertaining season.  I think most people tend have more parties to attend.  More people host friends and family in their homes.  It's the height of football season, so you may have friends coming over to watch their favorite teams.  The cocktails I have compiled for you could be really served any time from early October to late December (especially the apple flavored ones!)

1. Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail

2.  Caramel Apple Sangria:

3.  Fall Cocktail:

4.  Caramel Apple Pie Cocktail

5.  Fall Cocktail

These should at least get you started on the holiday spirit.  Bottoms up!

Hugs Y'all,

LSG

  

Thirsty Thursday-Drunken Pumpkin Cocktail

                         

 

I am so excited to bring you today's drink!! I have been working on it all afternoon!  I thought I would use candy corn but then I saw the candy pumpkins...the rest is history!!!  I call it the "Drunken Pumpkin."  It is perfect for sipping while sitting out on your porch (maybe while you hand out candy tomorrow night?)

RECIPE:

1.  Soak a handful of candy pumpkins in 1/4 cup of caramel flavored vodka.  I put mine in mason jar.  It will turn the vodka orange.  It should soak for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

2..  Heat 1 1/2 cup of apple cider in a saucepan.  Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and stir until it is dissolved.  Remove from heat and add a pinch of cinnamon.  Stir again.

3.  Using a strainer, separate the candy and vodka.  Pour your vodka into a cup.

4.  Add your apple cider to the vodka and stir again.

This is not a strong drink.  I personally do not care for drinks that taste like alcohol.  As you can see, it makes enough  for a full mason jar.  It is finally getting chilly here (in my part of Texas)...finally!  So I think I will enjoy a warm cup and a Halloween movie wth the kids!

Hugs y'all!

LSG

Thirsty Thursday-Add A Little Spice to Your Fall

                                              

                      

                     

With the chilly mornings we have been having lately, it puts me in the mood for the popular coffee chain's warm drinks.  However, I have been little bothered with their menu lately.  It's wonderful that the pumpkin spice drink is back.  I am so happy for the people that get their drink back.  But what if you're not the pumpkin spice type?  What if you are the simple girl who just really wants a tall caramel apple spice cider?  I understand there are not very many of "us" around.  The ones that order the drink as is...not extra whipped, not with skinny milk but extra sugar, not with 2.73 oz of creamer...AS IS! When fall comes around, I want my apple cider, not the pumpkin spice thing that everyone is drinking.  I don't like pumpkin that much!

Since my yummy apple cider is not on the menu yet, I will just have to make my own! And just maybe, I will add a touch of vodka to really spice up my day!  The grocery list is pretty simple: A jug of apple cider (makes multiple cups), brown sugar, ground cinnamon, whipped topping and caramel sauce.

                   

                     

Steps for making a single cup of caramel apple cider:

1.  Heat 1 1/2 cups of apple cider in a small sauce pan.  I made sure not to boil mine; just heat it.

2.  While the pan is still on the heat, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.  Stir well, making sure the brown sugar dissolves.  Before removing from the heat, add a pinch of cinnamon.

3.  After adding the cinnamon, stir one last time really well.

4.  Pour the cider into a mug.  Add a scoop of whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce over it.

I made some to go with my dinner tonight.  My kids were stealing sips while I made their plates!  So after dinner, the kids got their own small cup (and a promise to make more this weekend!).  I am thinking the next time I make a cup for me, I made add a dash of caramel flavored vodka.  I did not have any on hand tonight.  If I give it a try, then I will let you know how it is.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!

Hugs y'all!

LSG