life in my empty nest

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween Preparation and a Cocktail

Without little ones at home any longer, my Halloween preparations are not nearly as hectic. No class parties to prepare and no trips to the store for just the right costume. I will go out and buy my candy for the trick or treaters today, since we will have quite a few, even if it is raining. Our pumpkin is carved and will welcome the trick or treaters with its spooky light, as well as the creepy witch that hangs on my front door.

A tradition the past few years has been to celebrate Halloween night with a fun cocktail as I pass out the candy. Last year I really enjoyed my Caramel Apple Martini. This year I have come up with a yummy Apple Cider Margarita. I gave it a try last night and will be making it again on Halloween night. It's a great seasonal cocktail; perfect for an autumn night by the fire.

Apple Cider Margarita: wet the rim of a glass with apple cider and dip in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Add a generous amount of ice to the glass and add 3/4 cup apple cider, 1 shot tequila, 1 shot triple sec and a generous splash of lime juice. Stir, garnish with an apple slice and enjoy.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Halloween!

Linking with Between Naps on the Porch

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Walking in the Leaves

Am I ever happy I took a long walk earlier this week, since we are now dealing with the remnants of the southern tropical storm. I am always amazed that the wind and rain we receive sometimes has its roots from so far away and can reach this far north, but such is nature. We are just past our peak of color, with leaves starting to fall like crazy, but it is still very pretty. The wind and rain will scatter and bring down much of what is left on the trees and all this fall beauty will be just a memory.

As you know, I try to walk every day that I can. It is a good routine to have and it gets me out, so even on days I may not feel like it, I am always very glad I did, once out walking. As I walk along the paths; and especially this time of year, with so much beauty to see, any worries melt away and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet becomes the only thing I am aware of. It's almost meditative and exactly what I need on many days.

Cooper, my favorite walking buddy, is always happy to go as far as I want to and on this walk, we experienced every bit of autumn beauty that we could find. We go where the paths take us and enjoy the feeling of being far away from civilization, even though we are in the middle of a neighborhood. It's all about perspective and being in tune with what is around you. The sights, the smells and the constant way that nature changes. It's good for the soul.

Happy Wednesday!

Linking with Savvy Southern Style

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Monday, October 26, 2015

Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin - Pinterest Success {39}

I had a busy day last week and knew I would feel much better walking back into my house at the end of the day with a yummy main dish cooking away in the crock pot. I checked my Crock Pot Pinterest board and found a pin for a delicious sounding version of pork tenderloin. I think pork tenderloin is a great cut of meat to cook in the crock pot and can really stand up to the long, slow cooking process.

The original pin and recipe for this amazing Brown Sugar and Balsamic Pork Tenderloin can be found here and it was definitely a Pinterest success. The marinade had a distinctive balsamic, yet sweet flavor and the sage was the perfect spice to use with the pork. Served with some creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, it was a wonderful and comforting week night dinner. Note: I doubled the recipe, cooked this on low in my crock pot and it was done in 7 hours rather than the 8 called for by the recipe.

Happy Monday!

{Linking with these friends}

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Between Naps on the Porch