One of my favorite things...

Fresh flowers. I swear there is nothing like a few beautiful blooms to brighten up your home. I know I have written about flowers before, but I cannot stress the difference they make in making a home feel like home.

I went with my lovely friend Jessica to check out some of the wonderful things her sister has done in her house. Her home was beautiful and full of creative projects and decor that really made you feel welcome and surrounded by inspiration. I know it definitely got me motivated to make some changes in our house and get everything organized (finally).

The point to this post is, I left her house with not only inspiration - but fantastic Hydrangeas as well! She had them coming out of her ears and was more than happy to share the wealth and sent me off with some purple, green and amazing blue bunches of flowers! As you can imagine, I was quite ecstatic. I rushed home and put together three arrangements to spread around my home. Here are two of them:

Don't you think they make quite the difference? Thanks Mandy!!!

Halloween Mystery Solved!

 Apple Cider.
     Pumpkins.
          Warm Sweaters.
               Decorations.
                                                                                               Cute Kids in Cute Costumes.
                                                                                         Spooky Stories. 
                                                                          Wonderful Candy.
                                                               Hot Starbucks Drinks. 

I love the Fall.

 

 

 

On Monday evening I came home to such a spooky surprise! Our front porch was decorated wonderfully for Halloween! After a hand full of phone calls and interrogations we still did not know who the culprit was!  Luckily, my Dad is horrible at keeping secrets and he finally spilled the beans. My parents were the mystery Halloween Elves!

A little recharging...

Since I was about two, my family has rented a family friend's beach house almost every year. The beach house is in Tierra Del Mar, which is Pacific City I believe. The house is spacious and right on the beach. The view is amazing and we always spend the weekend watching movies, playing games, and of course...eating.

This year was a little chaotic because in the house were Michael and I, my Parents, my Brother and 3 dogs! Sampsy Pants had a blast and was clearly saddened by our departure. He moped around at home for about 3 days, poor little guy.

 Our days were filled with numerous walks on the beach, where Sampson tested the waters (get it!?) to see how much trouble he could get away with.  He spent his walks exploring, chasing Mike, and visiting other doggies. It was this trip where I discovered his stubbornness and complete naughty-ness!

It was incredibly entertaining watching Sampson with Daisy. He followed her everywhere and had to do everything she did. For the most part, Daisy enjoyed his company. When she was sick of him, she did not hesitate to let him know.

We could see the big rock from the sand outside the beach house. So pretty. I didn't even mind that it wasn't warm and sunny.

 Like I said, Sampson was pretty sad about leaving the beach and his best friend Daisy. He slept almost the entire way home.

Family Trip to Wahkeena Falls

He loves his Daddy.

King of the Forest

Now I have been to Wahkeena, Oneanta and Multnomah. Where should we go next!?

Caramel Apple Cider

Let me preface this post by stating: my blog is not about healthy eating!

Today, I became inspired by the Fall weather and I realized just how much I needed Fall to be here. The Hubs and I went winter clothes shopping, and picked up a few Fall decor items along the way. Kohls is such a great place to shop for basics and home decor. Seriously, we saved a TON of money. We usually shop there for off-season items because they are literally a steal. However, today we came home with warm and toasty threads.

Anyway, Michael has been playing video games with his friend since we got home and in the spirit of rainy weather and the leaves falling, I decided to make a delicious fall treat. It tasted better than it sounds and better than it looks. It literally took me ten minutes.

Bring 1/4 cup of Brown Sugar and 1/4 cup of Heavy Cream to a boil over medium heat. Add in 3 cups of Apple Cider (I used Simply Apple, because it is 100% pressed apples). Turn the heat up a little and bring to a boil (about 4 minutes).

Meanwhile, or while cider is cooling - mix Heavy Whipping Cream and Brown Sugar with a mixer. I am not sure exactly how much I used, I would say 1 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream and 1/4 cup Brown Sugar. Mix until it forms stiff peaks.

 I topped it off with some orange sugar sprinkles!

Simple Savory Breakfast

Yesterday I spent the morning taking a walk with my Mom, Daisy and Sampson. It was fun watching Sampson follow Daisy around, constantly pestering her. One of the many plus sides to owning a doggie is it motivates me to go on walks each morning and night. The exercise and fresh air have been wonderful for me.

After our walk we went back to my parents house for a fabulous, yet incredibly simple recipe. We have both made it several times before and it is perfect for one, and even better to make for a brunch or a big group of people.

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For breakfast we made Herb Baked Eggs from the Barefoot Contessa cookbook.

Ingredients
¼ teaspoon minced fresh garlic
¼ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 extra-large eggs
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Toasted French bread or brioche, for serving

Preheat the broiler for 5 minutes and place the oven rack 6 inches below the heat.

Combine the garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Parmesan cheese and set aside. Carefully crack 3 eggs into each of 2 small bowls or teacups (you won’t be baking them in these) without breaking the yolks. (It’s very important to have all the eggs ready to go before you start cooking.)

Place two individual gratin dishes on a baking sheet. Place 1 tablespoon of cream and ½ tablespoon of butter in each dish and place under the broiler for about 3 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Quickly, but carefully, pour 3 eggs into each gratin dish and sprinkle evenly with the herb mixture, then sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Place back under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes, until the whites of the eggs are almost cooked. (Rotate the baking sheet once if they aren’t cooking evenly.) The eggs will continue to cook after you take them out of the oven. Allow to set for 60 seconds and serve hot with toasted bread. 

Finished Product!

Tastes great anytime of yea,r but this hot savory breakfast seems even more delicious now that fall is here. We embellished the dish with sliced tomato from the garden and some ham! My mom also used herbs from her garden.

Asian Style Pork

Tonight I made something so easy, yet so delicious.

- Boneless Pork Chops
- 2 eggs
- Flour
- Milk
- Panko

Mix the milk and eggs in a bowl along with some salt & pepper (sorry I don't usually do measurements, I just do what feels right).

Rinse pork chops in water, dip each one in the egg mixture, then in the Panko, followed by egg mixture again, and Panko for the second time. Let them all sit for about ten minutes.

Heat about a cup of Vegetable Oil in a large pan at about medium-high heat (be careful not to let the oil get too hot or the chops will burn)

Set pork chops in oil for 5 minutes on each side.

After it has cooled enough to touch, slice very thin and serve!

I served this on brown rice along with sauteed zucchini (we eat a lot of zucchini in our house).