Sunday Inspiration #20

It's a matter of perspective. 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. 

Fall Seasonal Goals

I'm a long time reader of Life According to Steph, and I'm excited to participate in her seasonal goals linkup. Finally! It's about time. 

Here are my seasonal goals for the Fall. 

1. Book travel and accommodations for the Women in Travel Summit (WITS'17). 
2. Plan and go on our annual fall weekend in New York. 
3. Find a new chunky sweater to wear with jeans and tall boots. 
4. Attend one seasonal festival.
5. Yoga at least three times per week. 
6. Participate in a fall 5 or 10k. 
7. Attend a theatrical event. 
8. Reorganize clothes...donate what summer clothes I didn't wear all season and purge what doesn't fit right and what I don't LOVE. 
9. Read a new personal development book. 
10. Try six new recipes: two vegetarian, two crockpot, one fish/seafood, and one baked dessert or casserole recipe.  

Are you a goal getter? Please share what's on your list of goals to accomplish this season. 

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From Kelly's Kitchen: An Easy Weeknight Dinner: Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin

For some, an oven roast is a nostalgic comfort food, and in the fall. the time is right for all things roasted. 

One of our favorite oven roasts is a pork tenderloin. It's perfect for a Sunday supper or even a busy weeknight dinner. 

Here's what I do.

Weeknight Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
1 or 2 pork tenderloins (fresh, not marinated)
Apricot preserves, all-fruit, if possible. 
Butter
Fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 
• Salt and pepper the pork on all sides to taste. 
• In an oiled skillet on medium high to high heat, sear the tenderloin on all sides. 
• In the microwave, heat 1/2-3/4 of a cup of apricot preserves with 1-2 tablespoons of butter and fresh thyme that you have removed from 2 or 3 stems. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. You're really only trying to cook down the preserves to more of a glaze. 
• Once the pork is seared, but not cooked, place it in an oven safe dish. 
• Spoon the apricot thyme mixture onto the pork and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, depending on the girth of the pork. You may spoon the glaze from the dish over the pork about halfway through cooking. 
• It is done when your meat thermometer reaches 140-145 degrees, about 20 minutes in total. Let it rest about 10 minutes. 

That night, we served ours with roasted veggies. 

This is one of our go-to fall favorites. It's quick, it's easy, and it's delicious. What are your favorite go-to dinners?

Weekending

It seems that lately our weekends have passed and we are left wondering what we did. Occasionally, we have quiet weekends at home, but with my husband teaching on Saturdays and me catching up with classes laden with busy work and monthly live sessions, it seems like there is little time for play. 

This weekend, however, being a long weekend, it seems like we did sneak in a bit of time for ourselves. 

My brother and his girlfriend flew in for the long weekend. It was nice to catch up. We don't get to see each other that often, since he lives in Florida, so this was a treat. 

This weekend was also my niece's first Homecoming. She and her friends clean up well. 

I also explored my new cookbook, Against All Grain, and tried out a couple of recipes, like this bread. It was a pleasant surprise. And it's fabulous toasted. 

These chocolate chip cookies, also from the cookbook, were fabulous!

So, so good!

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying fall. The colors have not yet "popped" here in my corner of the state, but the yellows and greens were lovely, nonetheless. 

Pumpkins, cider, and gourds. Oh my!

Lastly, I love John Oliver. Often, in my opinion, he is right on point, and so funny. I was mentioning to my husband this weekend that I wondered how Columbus Day is still even a thing, forgetting that John Oliver did his own take on this day last year. My husband said that in South America, it is celebrated as something like a Discovery Day. 

Ok...fine...discovering a continent while you're convinced that the world is flat...fine. 

But Columbus Day? How is this even a thing? ~Courtesy of John Oliver. 

Hope you had a great weekend. What did you do?

Take One: My First Attempt at Paleo Pumpkin Walnut Pancakes

I love pumpkin, and I love pancakes. Pumpkin pancakes on a chilly weekend morning sounded like a lovely idea. 

Because of what's best for my body and no other reason, I am trying to eat less grains. As a result, I have been experimenting with different ingredients and how I can make some of my favorite things, minus the grains. 

This paleo pumpkin pancake recipe came about as a result. 

The final cooked texture of the pancake is dense; but perhaps this is due more to my impatience and sizing of the pancakes than the recipe itself, which generated from a survey of various paleo pancake recipes. 

This particular recipe makes 10-12 pancakes. 

Paleo Pumpkin Walnut* Pancakes

4 large eggs, beaten
1 can of pumpkin 
2 tablespoons raw honey
1.5 cups of almond meal/flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
1/3-1/2 cups walnuts, chopped (optional)

Coconut oil for greasing your skillet

Mix the wet ingredients. Add to the dry ingredients.

Grease your skillet with coconut oil.
Add a dollop of batter
Cook over medium low heat. This is where I became impatient. They will flip easier if you're patient and wait until they solidify a bit more. 

I ate my pancakes drizzled with real maple syrup, and they were delicious! My husband liked the flavor, but he agreed that they were dense. Better for keeping us full, I said. 

I will be making these again. If you make them, please let me know what you think. 

Move over PSL...there's a new pumpkin in town

I would not describe myself as being on the cutting edge of anything. So, if you have already had this, I apologize. 

Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything. 

But pumpkin spiced coffee? I just can't. 

Until now. 

Sunday was my mother-in-law's 83rd birthday. We gathered at my brother-in-law's for an impromptu get together and she partied like a teenager. 

Just kidding...she drank some tea. 

It's always fun to see and chat with my nieces and nephews. And as teenagers, they are on the cutting edge of everything. 

So, thanks to my niece, Vivian, I have found a new fall favorite. 

Behold the Iced Pumpkin Mocha.  

Per Vivian, for a medium, you should order it iced, with cream and one melted sugar. I think this may mean liquid sugar, but I'm assuming those in the know will know what that means. 

The iced pumpkin mocha is a game changer. 

While other coffee shops may offer the same, I can only vouch for Dunkin' Donuts. And thanks, by the way, to Dunks, for the free coffee after a Patriots win. Maybe your local Dunks has a similar promotion for your home team. 

It makes for a very happy Monday morning. 

This fall, I will be running on Dunkin's iced pumpkin mocha; no pumpkin spice latte for me. 

Thanks anyway, Starbucks. 

20 Lovely Things to Try this Fall

These days, it seems like September is the new January. This idea may stem from the fresh start that comes with the new school year. Perhaps it's the cooler temperatures that bring closure to the long, sunny days of summer as people ready themselves for new projects, beloved traditions, and the upcoming holiday season. 

If you like to set seasonal goals or if you are looking to create new traditions, here are a few ideas you can add to your list. 

1. Make some hot spiced or mulled cider, or try an apple sangria. 
2. Sign up for a fall road race to run or walk, or organize a team with your friends and do a charity walk.
3. Dig out your crockpot and experiment with some new recipes. 
4. Go to an agricultural or fall county fair. You can search for one near you here. 
5. Go apple picking and pumpkin picking. Apple crisp and roasted pumpkin seeds for all.
6. Host a chili cook-off or a pumpkin decorating party capped by a cozy fall fire. 
7. Organize a fall food drive or a winter coat drive. 
8. Try a share in a fall or winter CSA. 
9. Go on a full moon hike or go for a walk in the woods. 
10. Plan for a weekend away in case you hit the winter blues. 
11. Host a football party or a football widows' party. 
12. Take a seasonal cooking class. 
13. Visit a small town bed and breakfast and wander its town's main streets and back roads.
14. Read a classic book you never read in high school or college. 
15. Try a ghost tour or haunted attraction. Check Groupon or Goldstar for deals.
16. Plant bulbs now for a pretty spring landscape. 
17. Learn how to roast vegetables. 
18. Host a Friendsgiving bash. 
19. Learn how to knit. 
20. Start a gratitude practice.

Fall can be as much of a time of renewal as the New Year. How do you mark the transition from summer to fall? Share your favorite fall traditions. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Paris. 

Wising you all a wonderful day filled with love and laughter. 

Bon appétit!

Packing for Paris

Good morning! Happy Tuesday. 

It's fly day for us. We are packed and off for a mini-vacation in Paris. 

Packing for a vacation is a true exercise in want versus need. And when you travel in colder weather, it gets even trickier.

We're only taking carry-on luggage, so every item counts. 

For me, here is what is making the cut. 

The Bag
When it comes to carry-on luggage, it has to be soft sided spinner. I like having pockets for putting in last minute items and because it's always with me, I don't have to worry about it getting tossed. And it makes for a faster airport exit. 

What I Packed
Because I am frequently cold, staying warm is a concern. But I also want to be able to move. No one wants to be this kid...

Luckily, I think I have found the perfect coat. It's a Land's End lightweight packable down 3/4 length coat. It has a hood and, even better, it has a belt to avoid the sleeping bag look of a normal puffer.  I have had it for about a month now and so far, so good. It's warm and roomy, allowing for thicker layers underneath.

Because Paris in November can be rainy, I am also bringing my Totes Bubble, thanks to a tip from Steph at Life According to Steph. I have had this for a few weeks as well, and it works great! And yes, you can bring it on-board the cabin. 

When it comes to the actual packing, I opted to try out packing cubes. I read about others who had used them, so I decided to give e-bags a try, and I'm glad I did. They made a huge difference. Everything is organized and I still have room in my carry-on. My husband was skeptical, but I am definitely going to get him a set as well. 

Source

As for clothes, I am bringing anchor pieces that work together in neutral colors, like dark jeans, black trousers, neutral blouses, a black wrap dress, a black cardigan, a neutral scarf, tall black boots, and a pair of walking shoes. 

Because of the restriction limiting liquids to three ounces and a one-quart bag, I am a minimalist with my cosmetics...wait...who am I kidding? I am a minimalist with cosmetics anyway. Nevertheless, mascara, concealer, eye liner and a lip gloss  share space with my moisturizer, eye drops, and deodorant.

Throw in our camera, my vitamins, my iPad and assorted chargers and that's about it, minus the obvious delicates.  

My cross-body purse holds my passport, my wallet with my ID and Euros, my phone in its charging case and a protein bar...just in case. 

I like options, but I also know that it's silly to over-pack. 

No one wants this...

I am so excited to be heading back to Paris. It is one of my favorite places on earth. And what's better is that this week is about meandering hand-in-hand...there is no need to run around a sight see, since we've been there before. Paris is our forever city of love. 


How do you pack for a cold winter getaway when you have limited space available? What are your non-negotiables?

Saint John...a Weekend in New Brunswick

We had such a good time on our weekend to New Brunswick. Our home base was in Saint John, the largest city in New Brunswick and the second largest city after Halifax, in the Maritime provinces. Saint John is also the only city on the Bay of Fundy.

Saint John has a fun, vibrant uptown, peppered with street art that makes for fun photo ops. 

Saint John City Market
The City Market is the oldest continuing farmers' market in Canada, dating back to the late 1700s.  The current building, completed in 1876, has a roof that resembles an inverted ship's keel. Made of wooden trusses, the structure was reportedly built by unemployed ship carpenters of the day.

Over 440 painted butterflies were done by students in 32 area schools. 

They will be sold and proceeds donated to local food banks.

Market Square
Market Square, on the waterfront, is the home the New Brunswick Museum, the largest library in the region, and a number of popular restaurants and pubs, like the Saint John Ale House, where my husband continued his quest for the perfect beer. 

Reversing Falls
Another place to visit in Saint John is the Reversing Falls, a series of rapids on the Saint John River, in which the river runs through a gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. The rapids, or "falls", are created by a series of underwater ledges which roll the water in either direction.

There are seasonal jet boat rides on the river and various lookout points; however, the boats do not operate through roughest patches, which can see a ten foot drop in some areas. It is recommended that visitors see the rapids at both high tide and at low tide. 

King's Square
Saint John has cute uptown parks and outdoor spaces, like this one at King's Square. 

Saint John was a fun destination for a long weekend getaway. It's proximity to Moncton and the Bay of Fundy National Park make it an ideal location. 

Have you ever been to Saint John? Where are your favorite spots?

Ahora 6: November

November! Already! Where did this year go? 

Ahora, meaning Now in Spanish, is a monthly series that gives you 

the highlights of what's going on in my life each month. See where it started with this post. 

Here in New England, Mother Nature is still offering us her best; but it's now November, so if the leaves aren't completely off the trees when this goes live, I am sure they will be soon.

Even this little guy is decked out in his fall best. 

It's getting colder and I've begun my winter hibernation nesting. 

There is much to look forward to this month.

Here's what's trending in my world. 

What I'm reading...

• Seven Letters from Paris...a love story in seven letters. Love the love!

Here's the book trailer. 

What I'm watching

• How to Get Away with Murder. First, there was Grey's Anatomy. Then I joined #TeamFitz with Scandal. And now, Shonda Rimes, has, once again, made Thursday nights "Must-See-TV" with How to Get Away with Murder. Viola Davis is amazing. The multi-layered story arcs twist and turn and leave you wondering what just happened. It's a fun escape. And it's free on Hulu. 

What I'm listening to

• Want to get happy? Go to your local music source now, and get yourself Jason Mraz's Yes. I am swooning. 

No doubt, this is my favorite cut...A World With You

What I'm eating

• The cool weather hibernation nesting has begun. Stews, hot apple cider, homemade pizza, chocolate chip cookies and red wine...yup...that's about right. Don't let my trainer know.

What I'm drinking

• French wine. And when in Paris, vin chaud...hot wine. A delicious, adapted recipe is coming. Stay tuned...

 

Why I'm smiling

• Happy Blogging Anniversary to me! November 1st marked two years for my lovely space on the web. And what a gift it has been! I am so grateful for the support I have received from other bloggers and the opportunities that have come my way. Here's to year three!

• I taught my first How to Start a Blog class in a local adult continuing-ed school. What fun! 

• Paris. I smile just thinking about it. We will be spending Thanksgiving in the City of Light and Love. There's less pressure to sightsee, since we have been there before. This trip is about meandering, exploring new corners, and soaking in the love. 

And there you have it...that is what is trending Ahora in my world. 

Your turn...what is happening in your world these days?