Top 3 Recipes 2023 - Cocktail Version

 

Looking for top views of recipe posts as I usually do to end a blogging year, I found something interesting.  I did not have very many actual recipe posts and in fact the top recipe was for How to Make Boxed Banana Bread Better.  This is indicative of my Florida life, compared to when I started this blog.  More dinner hours pool side and less cooking day to day.  It’s a lot more fun to grab a sub and watch a beach sunset at dinner time than to spend hours in the kitchen.

The top three views of fun cocktail posts are as follows.  Enjoy and Happy 2024!

Easter Cocktail - Drunk Bunny

Prosecco and Vodka Grapes

Simple Raspberry Margarita

Top 3 Recipes in 2022

 

I do have a tendency to try new breakfast type recipes, so it is really no surprise that my top 3 recipes on the blog in 2022 are of that category.  Baking in the morning is my favorite, because it just feels cozy.  All these recipes and simple and quick to put together, so you will be enjoying them with your morning coffee without delay.  

The past 2 years, my top recipes have included  a viral or tic Tok sensation that I have tried for fun, really not expecting much.  But, to my surprise, both have been good (2021 top recipe).  A sign of the times as I save and try more recipes found on Instagram.

Happy 2023!  I look forward to sharing my recipes, travels, family events and especially Florida life with all of you and seeing what you are up to as well.

1.  2 Ingredient Pull Apart Cinnamon Apple Bake

2. Simple Strawberry Bread

3.  Healthy Breakfast Cookies

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

 

Top 3 Recipes in 2019

When I was blogging more often each week, I posted a lot more recipes than I do now.  But, my life changed since I started this blog in 2012 and the blogging world changed too.  I’ll never stop trying new recipes and even coming up with a few of my own; it’s just a different season of my life right now.  A lot simpler in every aspect.

The top three viewed recipes in 2019 were two savory and one sweet.  I find it interesting that a sheet pan dinner was the number one viewed recipe, because I have been saving and pinning quite a few of this simple type of cooking to try.  And, I love any three or four ingredient recipe and you have always responded well to those type of recipes too.  The shrimp recipe just fits our casual Florida lifestyle.   Maybe we are on to something?  Simple, quick, casual, but delicious cooking and baking.

Happy 2020!


Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner 

Old Bay Shrimp

Four Ingredient Peach Cobbler

Top 3 Recipes 2018

 

 

To be honest, I don't post nearly as many recipes as I used to, and 2018 was no exception. But, like all my blog posts these days, I'm not writing for the sake of writing, but because I really have something to say. The same could be said for my recipe posts. If I make something delicious, I want to share it and even better if it fits in with my trend towards a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes my top recipe posts feature all sweet treats or main dishes, but in 2018, my readers seemed to want something with a healthier twist. These three recipes were not just one time experiments either. I make all three consistently, especially the Chickpea Tuna Salad. It's such a great alternative to a sandwich lunch and I'm always looking to cut carbs wherever I can. So, the top three recipes in terms of pageviews are below, from third place to first place.

 

No Bake Peanut Butter Bites

 

4 Ingredient Applesauce Pancakes

 

Chickpea Tuna Salad

 

Happy 2019! May it be both healthy and happy.

 

{ Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Between Naps on the Porch

21 Rosemary Lane

June Summer Lovin' Questions

 

 

Venice Farmer's Market - less crowded in the summer

 

Summer in Florida means one thing - it's hot! But, there really is an added bonus with all the snowbirds gone until the season starts again. No crowds in restaurants, no crowds at the beach and really just a wonderful few months ahead. Linking with The Blended Blog for some this or that summer questions.

 

TBB ASKS JUNE SUMMER LOVIN’

1. Walk or Bike Ride? I walk almost every day and I love it.

2. Favorite Picnic Food? Brie, French bread, grapes and a good Chardonnay.

3. Pool or Lake? I love the pool, but if given the chance, I love to be out in a boat on a pretty Michigan lake.

4. Favorite Flavor of ice cream? Key Lime Pie at Venice Creamery. Tart and pieces of graham cracker crust.

5. Ice Cream Cone or in a Dish? Sugar cone.

6. Flip Flops or Slides? I live in flip flops pretty much year around in Florida.

7. Jean Shorts or Jean Capris? Don't own either and no plans to buy. I'm a skort/skirt girl.

8. Favorite summer Fruit? Fresh strawberries to make Strawberry Shortcake.

9. Corn on the Cob or Cut Off the Cob? On the cob. Light on the butter, heavy on the salt.

10. Favorite summertime song? Kid Rock - All Summer Long

11. Favorite summertime activity? Used to be gardening and golf, but now I do both year around!

12. Favorite Berry? Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry or Blackberry? Blueberries (love blueberry pancakes)

13. Bikini’s, tankini’s or one pieces? Tankinis with a short skirt. I like to mix and match.

14. Dresses or Skirts? Skirts for golf and casual wear and sun dresses for going out.

15. One Word to describe Summer? Endless :-) (Florida description)

 

Happy Monday!

 

Fix to Blogger Comment Issue

 

 

Housekeeping post today.

So, Blogger is having a bit of a hiccup at the moment. For some reason, comment notifications are not being sent to my email. Since this is the easiest way to reply to comments, it is a problem.

After some research, I found out three things: 1) This is a widespread problem 2) After no response on the Blogger Product Forum all day, one of the experts finally replied that Blogger is working on it 3) In the meantime, there is a fix that is working for me. At the bottom of your post's comment section, check the box that says notify me. This basically subscribes you to all comments on that post and they will show up in your email inbox. You will need to do this on every new post.

Hope this helps! And share this too :-)

 

Guest Posting Today

 

 

Laura was kind enough to ask me to write a guest post on her blog and she posted it today. It's all about how we downsized and became young retirees in Florida. This is my first time writing a guest post and it may be a fun way for you to learn something new about me.

Happy Monday!

 

The Start of 2018

 

 

 

I saw this New Year's prayer on Pinterest and it really spoke to me. This blog is primarily a happy and positive place. I rarely write about the hard things, even though I hope you realize that we all have our stuff that makes life difficult at times. I prefer to keep things positive and look for the good things in day to day life.

But, as 2018 starts, you will find me on a plane tomorrow headed back to Michigan (and the cold!) to help manage a situation with my elderly parents. Things have come to a head with my mother's Alzheimer's and the fact that my father is her primary caregiver. It will not be a trip for pleasure, but rather, one of life's hard obligations. The only thing I can do at this point is stay positive, patient and hope and pray for the best care to be found. I'll be back to the blog when I can.

New Year's blessings to you all!

 

Top 3 Recipe Posts of 2017

 

 

2017 was not a year where I posted a lot of recipes. Between moving out of our house and into a temporary condo where I didn't cook a lot, and the actual move and the time it took to get settled, cooking and baking were not a priority. But, things have settled a bit and should be a little more back to normal in 2018. I look forward to trying a lot of new recipes and taking some pretty photos to share.

The top 3 recipe posts were read and shared a record number of times and as usual, were both sweet and savory. I tend to make a lot of soups and are my favorite kind of new recipe to try. Soup is just a healthy way to include a serving of protein, carbs and veggies in perfect portion control (my diabetes mantra). The baked oatmeal was a new version of many I have made over the years (I love it), but with a Florida twist. And, speaking of a Florida twist, shrimp recipes are a new go to, especially with bold flavors like these foil packets.

 

Shrimp Boil in Foil Packets

 

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

 

Pineapple Coconut Baked Oatmeal

 

Happy New Year to all!

 

Top Three

 

 

 

I thought this was a fun idea for a post when I saw it on Laura's blog. Maybe you will learn something new about me :-)

Happy Thursday!

 

Three Experiences

Bike ride downhill from the crater of Haleakala in Maui at sunrise.

Watching one daughter birdie the first hole at the state golf championships and the other perform a pompon routine during halftime at the Breslin Center.

Watching the sunset on Sarasota's Sand Dollar Island with my daughters (and husband) on their first trip to our Florida home.

Three Pieces of Advice For Everyone

Don't worry about the small things when your children are growing up. It will all work out in the end and you will wonder why you worried so much.

Find someone to marry that's good to his mother. (For my daughters)

Faith will get you through anything.

Three Things I'd Give Up In A Second

High Heels

Television (except for sports)

Chocolate

Three Things That Are Always In My Fridge

Yogurt

Orange Juice (medicine when you're a diabetic)

Wine

Three Things That Are Always In My Freezer

Ice cream

Bags of Ice for the cooler

Frozen waffles

Three Things That Are Always In My Pantry

K cups (decaf coffee for me)

Peppermint Tea

Cheerios

Three Most Often Used Makeup Products

Oil of Olay Moisterizer with SPF

Naked Eye Pencil (zero)

Almay hypoallergenic mascara

Three Things I'll Spend Money On

Pedicure

Aveda Salon highlights

Lilly Pulitizer

Three Things I Won't Spend Money On

Manicure

The Gym (yoga and walking for me)

Trendy clothes

Travel Bucket List

Napa Valley

London/Scotland

Hiking in Colorado

Cocktails

Margarita

Gin and Tonic

Sangria

 

Note: In all the upheaval of Irma, my little blog passed the one million page view mark. I think that's worth noting. It been a slow and steady growth and I'm happy with the community I have built. I plan to keep writing and I hope you will keep reading too. I think a blog design to reflect my new life in Florida is on the horizon!

Technical Difficulties

 

 

Yes, my blog looks a little different today! It looks like the host my blog designer uses to store her designs is having some kind of issue that has replaced all my headers. I'm trying to get in touch with her, but I don't think she is designing blogs at this point, so who knows. Any recommendations for a good blog designer?

 

 

Update: Fixed by My Fairy Blogmother

Top 3 Recipe Posts in 2016

 

 

Recipe posts are definately some of my favorite posts to write. Every recipe that I post has a story that goes along with it and I try to evoke the feeling of you cooking right along with me, in my kitchen. It's fun for me to try new recipes and share them with all of you.

I wasn't really surprised to see that the top three recipes are sweet treats, because that is my favorite kind of new recipe to try and usually turn into a lower sugar version, if possible. Sometimes I change the recipe by leaving out excess sugar, but usually I substitute Truvia as a sugar equivilent. As a diabetic, it's all things in moderation and by baking at home, I can indulge a little.

These three recipes are simple, sweet, seasonal and delicious. Any kind of fruit can be substituted for each recipe; even frozen if you can't find fresh fruit to your liking right now. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

 

Strawberry Shortcake Coffee Cake

 

2 Ingredient Fluff Cake

 

One Bowl Apple Plum Cake

 

See you in 2017!

 

Lately

 

 

 

Around the house

I am still working on my master bath update. There is one coat left to paint on my cabinets and then I will be able to move to the final steps - painting the walls and all the finishing touches to bring everything together. I have struggled to pick a neutral wall color that will be right with the cabinet color and the existing trim color, but I think I have finally decided. The progress has been slow, but that is ok. The end is now in sight.

Watching

Season two of Poldark on Sunday nights has been my favorite show of the fall season. It hasn't taken the place of Downton Abbey in my heart, but it's close. One of the stars of the show is the scenery and the Cornwall coast is simply breathtaking.

Downsizing update

My holiday decorations have been near and dear to my heart for many years, but since our move to Florida will mean much less storage space, many favorite things will have to go. This week, I plan on making a start with the fall decorations. One thing that makes things easier is picturing a light, bright new home in Florida where many of my decorations would simply look out of place. The same thing will happen with my Christmas decor in a few weeks.

Excited About

We have a few trips in the works - one to visit Megan in Pittsburgh and one to Florida to begin to look at homes. We think we know what we want in a home, but it's equally nerve wracking and exciting actually starting the process.

Cooking

In my crockpot this morning and making wonderful fall scents throughout my house is a new recipe for Cranberry Apple Butter. It has lots of fall spices and if it tastes as good as it smells, it should be delicious. I'll post the recipe later in the week.

So, you can see there is a lot keeping me busy lately, along with trips to help out my parents, hence less blog posts each week. I have given myself a break on this and know that this is the season of my life now. I make time for what I enjoy, like reading and walking my dog and blogging will always be a part of that. Whether I write twice a week, or every day, I'll still be here sharing the both the exciting changes and everyday happenings in my life. I would miss you all too much to stop.

Happy Monday!

 

Top 5 Recipe Posts of 2015

 

 

It is always interesting to take a look back at what posts were the most popular; especially when it comes to recipes. I like to try new recipes and one of the things I love the most about reading blogs and looking at Pinterest is that you can find recipes that real people have tested. You get their success stories and the tweaks that made the recipe better. I have loved sharing family recipes with you, as well as some experiments in putting together dishes that sounded good to me. The most popular recipes in 2015 were a mix of savory and sweet and some of my favorites too. The Lemon Brownies have become a summertime staple and I am making the Antipasto Salad for a dinner party I am hosting tonight. Here is the complete list.

 

'

Blueberry Croissant Puff

 

Apple Sour Cream Loaf

 

Parmesan Thyme Grilled Tomatoes

 

Lemon Brownies

 

Antipasto Salad

 

Here's to sharing many more delicious new recipes in 2016!

 

{Linking with these friends}

French Country Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Between Naps on the Porch

Cozy Little House

Eclectic Red Barn

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

DIY by Design

Northern Nesting

Stonegable

Rattlebridge Farm

 

Posted with Blogsy

Reflections on Blogging

 

 

 

This week ( July 11th) marked my third anniversary of the day I first pushed that scary publish button and sent my first blog post out over the Internet. Both then and now, I am thankful for this lovely on line world I discovered that day. I am thankful for the scrapbook I have of the last three years and especially the words and pictures of day to day life that I would never have recorded without this blog.

The blogging world is special and I am so happy to be a part of it. It inspires me daily, pushes me to be better and gives me so many wonderful ideas. It teaches me many things, makes me a better writer and most of all has brought me many friends.

So, I want to say thank you. Thank you for coming here, reading and commenting. Thank you for being kind and supportive. You hear a lot about cruelty in the Internet world, but my experience is different. You all are generous with compliments and quick to give wonderful advise. When I started blogging, my goal was to make a happy, calm space and because of you, I think it is.

Happy Thursday!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Loving Instagram

 

 

 

My affection for Instagram grows every day. It has been almost six months since I made that first post and at the time, I wondered how it would fit in with my blog. I could see how twitter worked to bring readers through linking my posts, but Instagram had a different feel. It seemed to be more about making a connection, a quick comment or giving a like to a pretty photo. What I found was a community that is uplifting, friendly and a nice compliment to my blog.

I can post a quick photo as I go about my day and immediately receive feedback. I don't have a Facebook account ( no interest), but do follow my daughters on Instagram and love seeing the little snippets of their life. Megan loves to post photos of the dinners she cooks and that's fun to see across the miles. I see a different side of my blogging friends, as well as keeping in touch with those who have stopped blogging as often. And, the photos are beautiful.

I would never stop blogging, because there are too many words inside me most days, needing to be put on the page. But, Instagram is a fun way to quickly share my life and share the lives of others. I would love to have any of you that are on Instagram join me and if you haven't tried it yet, I think you would enjoy it as much as I do.

You can find me at user name lifeinmyemptynest :-)

Happy Thursday!

 

Posted with Blogsy

2014 - Top 5 Posts plus a Favorite

 

 

It is always interesting to go back and look at all the posts written in a year and see which were the most popular of all. Since I write about a variety of topics, it makes sense that the most popular posts also fit this criteria.

 

Green Roses at the Rose Bowl

 

The most popular post was also the first post of the year and very appropriate for today. Last year at this time my husband and daughter were on a trip of a lifetime at the Rose Bowl in California. This year we will be cozy at home, watching MSU play Baylor in the Cotton Bowl.

 

Hair Remedy

 

The number two post was about my solution for winter dry hair and while I don't often write about beauty products, I think that hair issues are something that everyone can relate to. I still use and love both these products.

 

Updating Tired Landscape

 

A gardening post was the number three most read post of the year and it is really nice to go back and revisit this post, especially this time of year. I wonder what my next gardening project will be in 2015? Something fun to think about on the long, cold winter days ahead.

 

Sparkling Raspberry Margarita - Skinny Version

 

The number four post was a skinny cocktail and I was happy to see this since I always enjoy writing and sharing the skinny versions of drinks I come up with. Doesn't this look like summer in a glass?

 

Low Sugar Cherry Coffee Cake

 

The number five most popular post shows that any recipe can be made low sugar and it also highlights my love for seasonal ingredients. I think this would even be delicious with canned cherries if you wanted to make it right now.

 

Empty Nest Feels Empty

 

My favorite post of the year is a heartfelt one on living with an empty nest and how the adjustment is never easy. This blog has become a part of my empty nest life and helps me think things through by writing them down.

Happy New Year to all!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Two Years

 

 

source

 

This past Friday was the two year anniversary of Life in My Empty Nest, and I couldn't let it pass without some reflection on what blogging has meant to me. When I first hit that publish button, on that first post, two years ago, it was a scary feeling, putting my words, thoughts and feelings out in the world. I had planned on trying to write five times a week and I wondered if that would grow tedious over time.

Two years and 485 posts later, I can safely say that I have met that goal, with only a few days off here and there for vacations, holidays and every day busy life. The words have come easily and the variety of the posts I like to write, has kept things fresh for me and I hope for you too.

Perhaps my favorite thing about blogging is the feedback and connections built with those who read every day. It is a strange thing to feel a connection with those I have never met, but I do, especially with my fellow empty nesters. I do believe if you write from the heart, about what inspires you, you will find like minded readers who can become friends. It has been an interesting, fun and introspective two years.

Here's to many more - thank you so much for reading :-)

Happy Monday - planning a little summer fun this week!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Blog Tag

 

 

My sweet blog friend Lauren from Simply LKJ was kind enough to tag me in this blog question and answer series going around and I thought it would be fun to answer them today. Lauren is an empty nester like me, the mother of two girls like me and getting to know her through blogging has been a treat. She even has a mother in law who lives in Michigan, so we have that connection too! By doing this today, maybe you will learn something new about me whether you are a long time reader, or new to this blog.

 

1. Are you named after someone? Yes, I am named after my Mother's best friend. I didn't really like the name Victoria when I was younger, but started using it for business and grew to love it. Everyone I know still calls me Vicki or Vic, if they really know me well.

2. When was the last time you cried? That is easy - when my daughter Megan moved to Pittsburgh about a month ago. It wasn't a big cry; just a little misty eyed when she pulled away in her car. I miss her.

3. Do you have kiddos? Two daughters. Megan is 24 and Melissa is 20. Having grown up daughters is a new experience and very fun!

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself? I hope so and try to be a thoughtful and loyal friend. Isn't that the best thing someone could say about you - that you are a good friend?

5. Do you have a guilty pleasure? Since I am a diabetic, my guilty pleasures are all the things I shouldn't have, but indulge in from time to time. Sometimes I like to have that second glass of wine, or that handful of M and M's. As long as it is a rare occurrence, everyone needs a splurge or life is just boring and predictable.

6. Do you like your handwriting? I don't hate it, but don't really love it either. It seems to have become a combination of printing and cursive over the years.

7. What's your favorite cereal? Special K with red berries.

8. What's the first thing you notice about people? Their smile. I don't care for people who look unhappy and frown a lot.

9. What's the color of your eyes? Green. I like that they are unique.

10. Scary movie or happy endings? Definitely happy endings. I hate, hate, hate scary movies and don't even watch the previews, if I can help it. I was traumatized when I saw The Exorcist in high school!

11. Favorite TV shows? All the BBC show like Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife and Last Tango in Halifax. I also enjoy the Real Housewives and The Bachelor, but mostly watch now to read and appreciate the funny and snarky recaps the next day. My new favorite show, which I have been catching up with on Netflix is Parenthood. What great characters and real life situations.

12. Summer or Winter? I actually like whatever season I am in at the time. But, Winter is too long here in Michigan. Could it please be over at the end of January?

13. Hugs or kisses? Hugs!

14. Do you have any special talent? I think a talent that is dying out is being able to sew. I regret never teaching my daughters how to sew and use a sewing machine.

15. Where were you born? Adrian, Michigan. I grew up in various small towns in southeastern Michigan and coundn't wait to get away. I've learned to appreciate small town values, as time has gone by.

16. What are your hobbies? Gardening, reading, cooking, golf

17. Do you have any pets? Yes, a Cockapoo named Cooper who is my walking buddy and a silly girl that makes me laugh every day.

18. Favorite movie? Terms of Endearment. I love a good tear jerker and this is the best. If it is on, I always watch. Gone with the Wind is my second choice. I will never forget seeing it at the movie theater when I was a young girl.

19. What color is your car? Black.

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? I'm happy with my life now. I believe in the quote " bloom where you are planted". This empty nest life can be a new adventure.

 

I am not tagging anyone, but feel free to answer the questions on your own. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

Posted with Blogsy