by Cathy Baker | Home & Family, Ideas |
Big outdoor plans were in the making for our October weekends.
But then the historic SC rain fell the first weekend…and the following Saturday. Call it stir crazy but I had to get out of the house!
Out of this craziness came five ideas for outside fun when the sun returns:
Head to the Farm! Many farms during this season open their doors to visitors for hayrides, the selling of their goods, and instructional opportunities — perfect for kids and adults alike. Just watch where you step. 🙂
Flee to the local Flea Market. You need only ask me once and I’m there. I’m not sure why, as I’m pretty much maxed out on antiques, but I love the idea of finding Mason jars at a bargain or something unusual that prompts a story. One really doesn’t need an excuse to flee, right?
Go to your County Fair. I think I’ve missed this one in our area. Honestly, it’s been years since I’ve gone but nothing said Fall when I was a teenager like a boyfriend wowing the crowd and winning a big stuffed bear! But I digress. County fairs have it all – animals, flowers, rides, cotton candy and funnel cakes (I’ve never had one of these!)
Attend a Football Game. Enough said. 🙂
Enjoy an Outdoor Concert. Wonder what’s going on in your city? Google it! Most city Web sites now have a section just for concerts. Don’t forget to bundle up for Fall’s chilly nights and chairs, if necessary. Or even a better, a mega wool blanket.
Your turn! What have I missed? What’s your favorite Fall outdoor activity? There are so many. Let me hear at least one.
by Cathy Baker | Home & Family |
by Cathy Baker
Need I say more?
I stumbled across Chelsea’s Messy Apron while searching for the perfect pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies. But once I spotted this picture? Game over.
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| Image from Chelsea’s Messy Apron |
Once you visit Chelsea’s site you’re sure to be wowed by the healthy recipes just waiting to be made, enjoyed, and shared with others. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
But for today, go here {Chelsea’s Messy Apron} to read this gluten-free yummylicious recipe!
Do you think you’ll give this a try? Let me know.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I want to be adventurous. I really do.
I look at my friends and wish I could live vicariously through them but the truth is, my idea of adventure is trying a new latte flavor at Starbucks. Sad, I know.
Today I asked the Barista to create a short Toasted Graham Latte instead of my normal Skinny Vanilla Latte. I knew I was in trouble (Weight Watchers point-wise) when she swirled a bit of whip cream on top and sprinkled tiny bits of graham cracker on top, but I gulped it down took one for the team, and let me just say…it was worth every single point. Yum to the max, my friend!
Fall is the perfect season for us to venture out — turning onto an unknown back road, taking up a new hobby, or going to a place we’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t. Or, for the more adventurous at heart, trying a new Fall flavor latte at Starbucks. 🙂
Now there’s no way I could tempt you with such a delight without offering an opportunity to win a cup of your own, so simply fill in the blank below via the comment section, and you’ll be signed up for a random drawing being held Wednesday, October 14th.
(If you’re not a Google user and it shows as Anonymous, please FB message me or email me via the button on my side bar so I’ll have your address if you’re the winner!)
Just one more way to love, love, love this spectacular season.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
You know the old adage:
The way to a man’s heart is
through his stomach.
Thankfully for me, the way to Brian’s heart wasn’t through food but a solid friendship and a goofy sense of humor.
Still, a girl needs to cook, even the empty-nester type, like myself. As you may know from past posts, I’ve been doing Weight Watchers since April. I’m learning that healthier food doesn’t have to look or taste all that different. Take this classic Fall dessert, Apple Crisp, for instance:
Ingredients:
-
5 medium fresh peeled apple slice(s)
{I used Honeycrisp}
-
3 tsp sugar
-
2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
-
2 Tbsp regular butter
-
3/4 cup(s) uncooked oatmeal
-
1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Arrange sliced, peeled apples in 11×7 baking dish sprayed with
cooking spray. Combine all other ingredients together to form crumbs,
scatter evenly over the top. Bake at 350 for 30 min. DELICIOUS!
Serves 6, at 5 points+ per plentiful serving. Top with Fat Free Whipped Topping for 0 points. Yes, life is good.
— recipe posted by Laura, Fairfax VA, Weight Watchers site, 2013
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Is anything more awe-stirring than an Autumn evening?
Moonlit skies ripe with vibrant stars, crisp light winds brisk enough to warrant warm sweaters and soft scarves.
So bundle up and head outdoors. Lay in the bed of your truck or spread out your blanket on a soft patch of grass. Look up! Gaze and marvel at the wonder God has created.
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who
brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by
name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is
missing. Isaiah 40:26
As you point towards all the different stars, remember this…God calls each by name.
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety.”
Deuteronomy 33:12
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 17:8
“… but I have called you friends…”
John 15:15
Before heading inside for a cup of cocoa, let us consider the names that the God of the universe calls us. Is there anything more personal? Spend a few moments thanking Him for desiring—pursuing—such a personal relationship with you.
The above are just three names of many but is there one that resonates with you more today? Please share in the comment section.
