Friday Favorites

This week was filled with creativity. It actually went by slow but felt satisfying. I think that comes in part from my monthly goal of appreciating each moment and remembering to be grateful each day. This gratitude challenge has made me more mindful of each moment, task, and action. And I’ve seen such an increase in my mood, even on a rainy day, which I would’ve normally just gloated about. Instead I had an energy that brought me to the craft store inspired to get things for upcoming crafts and gifts, which then made me take a long scenic drive along colored trees in beautiful shades of yellow, orange and reds. I feel like I accomplished so much this week, including taking the time for others. It makes me look forward to this weekend even more, where me and the guy are road tripping to Baltimore and DC to meet up with a group of friends for our friend’s app and business launch party. It’ll be nice to see friends I haven’t seen in years, plus I’ve been itching to travel and this mini-getaway comes at the perfect time. Hope you continue the enjoy the best of Fall, and have a great weekend! Felt like a child again, playing in the leaves for this colorful wreath. The leaves looked as if they were simmering…
I’ve been on a mini pie kick. So many ways to bake up my classic and fall favorite apple pie. Before creating these yummy no-bake pumpkin oatmeal bites, I experimented with a version of this parfait, which was a nice afternoon treat. Tested out this amazing flourless chocolate cake for one of my classes. So delicious, you have to try it!Brought my little guy back a cookie from Boston for his birthday. For Halloween I whipped up an even healthier version of these amazing pumpkin ale cupcakes, topped with an ale brown sugar glaze. Stocking up on plenty of dough to have on hand for an impromptu pie.  Didn’t want to toss all my apple peels, so decided to bake them up with maple syrup…and it was absolutely delicious! My new favorite snack, and highly recommend you baking a batch too!Can’t get enough of Illume’s tin candles in Gilded Amberleaf, such a lovely scent for autumn and isn’t it so pretty…