Top 3 Recipies 2021

 

As always, I like to end the year of blogging by looking back at the top recipes of the past year.  I was not surprised to see what recipe came in at number one, because I have had many people comment on either making it or wanting to make it.  I really need to make it again, because it is delicious.  I have also been told you can now find the pastries at other places besides Aldi if you are not an Aldi shopper.  

Happy New Year and may 2022 be peaceful and healthy for everyone.

1. Baked Aldi Pain au Chocolat French Toast

2. Easy Carrot Cake Muffins

3. My Try at the Trendy Tik Tok Pasta

 

Christmas 2021 in Photos

 

We had a wonderful four days in Michigan spending time with family.  It was a whirlwind as usual, but low key at the same time.  My daughter Melissa and her boyfriend hosted us in their new home a few times and it is always fun to relax and just be together.  We were also at my sister’s house for Christmas Eve brunch and at my mother in law’s new home for Christmas Day.  We definitely ate and drank well and often.  We even were able to fit in a trip to East Lansing and the MSU campus which made me very happy, since it was my first time back in four years.

Not having a house in Michigan for the holidays is always difficult, but this year we found the perfect Airbnb and already plan to book it early for next year.  We love having room for Adam and Megan to stay with us and a location close to Melissa.  Plus, I upgraded this year and it was so worth it.

Happy New Year’s week and Go Green in the Peach Bowl on December 30th!

Glow Ride

 

Those of you that live in a neighborhood with an HOA know there can be both negatives and positives.  The Glow Ride organized by our social committee is definitely one of the positives.  This year was the biggest yet, and really the first large community wide event, post covid.  I’m sure the newer residents had no idea how vibrant our community could be and it was lovely to see.

I hosted a stop on the route with a neighbor and we went all out with jello shots, a festive cocktail and lots of food.  We had Santa and Mrs. Claus serving and mingling with all the other Santas too.  The bikes and golf carts were decorated with lights and it was a beautiful sight to see them coming down the street on a warm Florida evening, with a full moon shining too.

It has been a busy, but fun stretch of pre Christmas activities for me and once I put together the table for my golf group’s Christmas breakfast this morning when I arrive at the course, I can take a breather before the real festivities begin.  

Merry Christmas to all!

 

Life Lately

 

A lot of Christmas prep is happening here and things really start to get busy this week with a gift exchange party, hosting a dinner party here, a lanai cocktail party and hosting a stop for the glow ride in our neighborhood.  

What else have I been doing?

Volunteering

The group I volunteer with always helps to decorate a city park and the past few years, I have been assigned to the official city tree.  The whole park comes together so beautifully and it is a lovely and festive spot to walk through during the holidays.  I included photos of the volunteer day and later, the park at night.

All the Christmas Lights

I can never get my fill of Christmas lights, so we went to dinner at a great spot in Sarasota where all of the palm trees (100’s) are wrapped with lights that are synchronized to Christmas music.  It really is beautiful to have dinner on an outdoor patio and just soak in the holiday atmosphere.  Florida style Christmas at it’s best.

Watching

Shetland is an all time favorite show of mine and I have been searching for a way to watch the new season.  Britbox was having a free trial, so I signed up and I have one episode to go, but am loving it and Jimmy Perez, Tosh and Sandy.  Shows where the location fit the storyline and the characters so well are my favorite.

Reading

Anyone else finished the new Outlander book Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone?  It’s the kind of book that is good, so you want to read fast, yet you don’t want it to end, so you try to slow down a bit.  Unfortunately, there will probably be at least another five years until the final book in the series (Book 10) is released.  Jamie and Claire are back home on Fraser’s Ridge and are struggling to keep the war from invading their peaceful family days.  It wouldn’t be Outlander if chaos did not find them.

Enjoying Florida in December

December weather in Florida can be unpredictable, but we have had a stretch of sunny and 80 degree days that have me enjoying the pool during the day and savoring the warm nights on the lanai.  I may see snow in Michigan at Christmas, but for now, I will take this slice of paradise.

Happy Monday!

Easy Gingerbread Latte

 

When you can’t easily make it to Starbucks, this easy recipe has you covered.  And, even better, you most likely have all the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.  It has all the flavors of Christmas and is good both hot and cold.  If you don’t own a frother, I highly recommend getting one (an inexpensive hand held one works great) and stepping up your morning coffee game.  Happy Monday!

Easy Gingerbread Latte

3/4 cup strong coffee (prepared in advance)

3/4 cup milk 

1/4 cup 1/2 and 1/2

1 tsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Put milk and 1/2 and 1/2 in a large glass measuring cup and mix in brown sugar and spices.  Whisk until well combined. Place in microwave and heat for 45 seconds or until hot.  Froth the milk mixture and then pour over top of coffee in a large mug. Enjoy!