Christmas time is here! My favorite time of the year!

The joy of this season is measured by what we prioritize. Christ being first, Family, friends, those less fortunate and the lost that need to here "His Story" and why we Celebrate!

What a beautiful cold , crisp fall day today. Winter is officially here in Florida. A great day for vegetable soup and corn bread. I have such wonderful memories of my moms cornbread with lentils or soup over the years. One of my favorites that she always cooked in an iron skillet. I loved the crispy outside with melted butter on top! Yum ,makes me hungry! The square iron skillet below was my great grandmother we called "Mama White" She and my great granddaddy lived in Beamiston, Alabama. I have a few distinct memories that stand out like my granddaddy always telling us there was a boogy man in the basement which  was his way of keeping us out of there, and it worked!
Dancing and singing to the Chipmunks record but.........

                           My favorite memories were always  the smells that came from the kitchen!
        Treasure the memories with your children and grandchildren in the kitchen. It is becoming a lost art but one that is important to make time for. Don't worry about the mess, just enjoy the time you share together!

Hope you are having a wonderful week so far! Are you soaking in this wonderful weather and all the beauty God has provided for us to enjoy! I often just love to go outside and take deep breaths, look at the trees and listen to the birds and or look at the stars at night! It is soothing and peaceful and provides a calm that is so needed in the busy days we live in. Speaking of calm, I have a new favorite
tea! It has a wonderful flavor by itself but I like to add a teaspoon of honey to make it just right!

Thank you Lord for your PEACE that transcends the busiest of days.

Your JOY that enables us to live above our circumstances.

Everyday with you Lord is sweeter than the day before!

 

 There is noting like a crisp fall day in Florida. We Floridians get so excited that we bring out the sweaters and jackets and scarves when it hits 45-50 degrees! I even turned on our gas fireplace and had some hot chocolate:)   My favorite part of this week has been sitting on the porch swing with my cup of coffee and bible. Setting time aside for yourself like this is so important especially in the busy days we live in. "Create a clean heart , Renew a steadfast spirit within me Lord. We renew our spirit and cleanse our heart by spending time in His word. I have often found that when I am feeling overwhelmed and weary Gods word is the source that renews my joy and strength.  Hope you can sit awhile today and be refreshed and renewed. Set aside your "YOU" time , this allows you to better love and serve those around you.

 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Take some time for yourself and rest in Him. Treat yourself to a warm cup of cider while your at it!
                                              
                                                                  APPLE CIDER
                                                    1 half gallon of 100% apple juice
                                                    1 teaspoon of Allspice
                                                    1/2 cup brown sugar
                                                    4 cinnamon sticks
                                                    1 tablespoon of cloves whole
                                                    1 nutmeg whole
                                                    optional 1 orange cut in 4 wedge slices.
* MIX ALL TOGETHER IN MEDIUM SAUCEPAN AND SIMMER ON LOW TILL YOUR HOME IS FILLED WITH A WONDERFUL AROMA. AT LEAST 1 HOUR.  ENJOY!
YOU CAN DOUBLE OR TRIPLE RECIPIE AND PUT IN CROCKPOT ALL DAY TILL READY TO SERVE.

 

     Hope your having a blessed Friday. I cant believe we are already into our second week of October
Even though it is still quite warm here in Florida we are still having fun decorating for the Fall Season..

             Have a blessed day and Happy Fall Decorating! Ps I make the Chalkboard frames if your interested message me.  Thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and visit!

So excited to offer another Giveaway ! All you have to do is invite your friends to like my blog and whoever has the most friends like it will win! Ends Sunday 12pm.

Simple Fall Decor

I'm all about keeping things simple! You can add Fall touches in your home without spending a lot of time or money. Here is how:
 Use things you already have and just add small touches.

I just bought a roll of burlap ribbon from HOBBIE LOBBY (My favorite place).  All the silk leaves
came from Dollar General.  Just be creative and have fun. Look at magazines and copy them if that helps. Some people need a visual and some don't. Have FUN!

I just wanted to congratulate KIM ZASTROW for winning the  Giveaway!!
Message me your address Kim and I will get it in the mail to you right away!!
Enjoy your FROSTIES!! Thank you to each of you who went to my blog and shared it with friends!!
Your the best!!

No Cook Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Bars

Well, autumn is in the air here in Florida! As native Floridians we are so excited to welcome cooler evenings and mornings and crisp fall breezes! Football games, festivals, fresh apples, cider, pumpkins and colorful mums to name a few are my favorites. Oh dear , I almost forgot my favorite thing; sitting on our porch swing with a cup of coffee and my Bible! 
  A little sweet treat doesn't hurt either!
                   
                                                 Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Bars
                           
1 Cup of Honey
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels, divided
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup regular rolled oats
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts chopped
1/4 cup shredded coconut, divided
1 teaspoon sea salt, regular is fine if that is all you have.

* Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, allowing parchment or foil to extend over the sides of the pan; set aside, heat the honey, peanut butter and 1/4 cup of the chocolate morsels in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth, stirring often.
* Meanwhile, combine the cereal, oats, peanuts and 2 tablespoons of the coconut in a large bowl. Stir in the warm honey mixture with a wooden spoon until well combined. Press evenly and firmly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with salt, then remaining 1/4 cup chocolate morsels and 2 tbls coconut, pressing in gently. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until firm. Use the parchment to lift the bars out of the pan; cut into 2 inch squares. ENJOY!

Fall is around the corner and that means cooler weather!! Yea!! I have to say I cant think of anything I don't love about fall. One of my many favorite fall recipes is PUMPKIN BREAD. I love it right out of the oven with a dollop of whip cream and  a cold glass of milk. Yummy, I think I might have to make some today.
                                                    Pumpkin Bread Made Easy
                           
                                                    2 Cups all purpose flour
                                                    1/2 tsp Salt
                                                    1/2 tsp baking powder
                                                    1 tsp baking soda
                                                    1 tsp ground cloves
                                                    1 tsp ground cinnamon
                                                    1 tsp nutmeg
                                                    2 cups of sugar
                                                    3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter,softened
                                                    2 large eggs
                                                    1 (15oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease two 8 1/2 x 41/2 loaf pans
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda and spices; set aside
  3. Beat butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well
      after each addition.  Continue beating until very light and fluffy, a few minutes beat in pumpkin.
  4. At low speed, beat in the flour mixture until combined.
  5. Turn the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly, and bake for 65 -75 minutes, or until a
      cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. ( You can use a butter knife also)  Let the    
      loafs cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

*Come sit a spell, share some stories and enjoy! My front porch is always open!