Fall Reading List

First, where did September go?  The time just flies lately as we quickly approach the busy months ahead and I have even started preparing for the holidays with a house booked and Christmas present ideas formulating. We are starting to see some relief from the heat and humidity and October will always be my favorite month in Florida.  It brings the first hint of cool air in the mornings and then beautiful sunshine and bright blue skies at the beach.  Both make for perfect outdoor reading weather.  

My fall reading list is not extensive, but there are some that I definitely look forward to.  Mostly favorite authors, but also a few new ones too.  These posts are always well received and I love when you drop some suggestions in the comments as well.  Connecting with fellow readers is one of the best things about the blog world.  

Happy Reading!

Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow (Kate Shugak series)

Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin

Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta series)

The Heron’s Cry by Ann Cleeves (2nd in her new series)

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Unlost by Gail Muller (similar to Wild)

Apple Brownies - Recipe Redo

 

Fall in Florida is not quite here yet, though we are told there may be less humidity next week.  But, the calendar says Fall and to me, that means baking something with apples.  This recipe is a good one and first appeared on my blog in 2018.  It has the plentiful, chunky apples like I love in an apple recipe and because you coat the apples in cinnamon and sugar, the flavors are perfect.

To change things up a bit, I decided to add a sour cream glaze that cuts the sweetness just a bit.  A cream cheese frosting would also be delicious.  Either way, just spread the glaze or frosting on top when out of the oven and completely cool.  I stored these in the fridge.  

Enjoy and Happy Fall!

Sour Cream Glaze

1/2 cup Sour Cream

1 cup powdered sugar (add a bit more if you like a thicker glaze)

Mix together well and let thicken in refrigerator until ready to use.  

Spartans in Miami

 

We had a fabulous weekend that began on Friday with a visit from my sister and brother-in-law. We tried to go on a tiki bar hop with our favorite boat captain, but because of stormy weather the boat ride was cut short. That didn’t stop us and we just finished the day by driving to the other bars, ending in Sarasota as planned.

Saturday was all about Spartan football and we could not have had more fun.  We drove over to Miami for the noon game against the University of Miami and came away with a big win.  There were so many other Spartans who made the trip and sitting in the stands at an away game surrounded by all that joy, was something I won’t soon forget.  Our tradition in East Lansing has always been to enjoy a dinner and margaritas at our favorite Mexican restaurant post game (El Azteco) and we kept the tradition alive with a stop in Naples at the Mercato (Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar).

When we moved to Florida from Michigan, giving up our football season tickets was hard, but we always thought for sure there would be a bowl game or two in Florida.  Many circumstances have not brought that about in the past four years, but the future of MSU football is looking bright and we will keep our green and white gear ready.

Happy Monday!

Florida House - Kitchen Update

 

I mentioned in a previous post that we were planning to update the island countertop in our four year old kitchen, but while that seems crazy, when building, we had limited time at the builder’s design center and felt it was time for something with a little more interest.  We switched from white Corian (I wanted an all white kitchen) to white quartz with subtle veining and a white surface to match the other counters.  I like having the island different and it makes it a focal point.

Most tones at the showroom were reading gray, but I was able to find a slab with more tan/greige tones to match the rest of my open floor plan home.  We are very happy with the finished product and the installation process.  We also switched the double sink to a larger, inset, and more modern one compartment stainless sink with a custom insert to cut down on scratches.

I love it all.