#Thursday13 - Autumn Date Ideas

I love FALL.  Everything about the season is wonderful! Acorn squash smothered with butter and brown sugar cooks in the stove while a hot apple pie cools. Burning leaves and then enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Here are a few ideas for you and your honey to have some time to yourselves.

1. Visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch.

2. Go apple picking then make caramel apples.

3. Bake an apple or pumpkin pie together then eat it before it gets cold. Have fun with the left over whipping cream. Enjoy a glass of local wine or brew.

4. Find your inner child and go on a corn maze and hayride. Rake leaves into a pile and jump in!

5. Make Apple Cider Floats and snuggle in front of a fire.

Apple Cider Float

1 cup of real apple cider

½ cup ginger ale

1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or a seasonal flavor such as cinnamon or apple pie

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

1-2 TBSP caramel sauce

Pour apple cider and ginger ale into a glass. Add vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle on nutmeg and cinnamon to taste and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve with straw and spoon.

 

6. If you are in a warmer climate, take your lap top and a bowl of popcorn to the backyard and watch a movie.

7. Have a thermos picnic at the park. Pack soup and hot cocoa.

8. Go on a Fall Foliage Drive. Pick up some pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy the ride.

9. Visit a local book store. Many offer special autumn displays and events.

10. Hop in the car and go for a drive to find a coffee shop or a local pub to visit.

11. Go on a Sunset Date. Grab a thermos of cocoa and a blanket then head off to a park to watch the sunset. If a park isn't in the cards, simply step onto your porch or back deck.  Weather permitting, do some star gazing too. Super romantic!

12. Have a “Power Outage” Date. Turn all the lights off, light some candles and have some fun.

13. Try a Spa Night. Take a bath together, give each other massages and put on your comfy-cozies.

What word do you use to describe this season? Autumn or Fall?

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Tasty Tuesday - Spiked Mulled Cider

Many of you know I'm a Football Mom. My boys are Youth Football, High School Football and College Football. That's sitting outside weekday for pracitce plus games on the weekend. I've learned to dress in a kazillion layers but once the cold creeps into my bones there is no getting rid of it.

However...

I discovered a shot of Hot Damn schnapps in some mulled cider works wonders. 
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When making mulled cider use a hand held sieve to eliminate consuming the spices.

Single serving Spiked Mulled Cider:

Pour apple cider into a pot and simmer over low heat. Add clove, cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Float orange slices. Pour a shot of Hot Damn Schnapps into a mug before filling with the warm cider.

I found prepared mulling spices at my local market. After adding some to a pan, I add a few cups of cider and simmer over low heat. The longer you simmer the richer the flavor. Add a shot of Hot Damn or favorite fall schnapps to the mug before filling with the warm cider.

Easy Spiked Crockpot Cider for a crowd:

1/2 gallon apple cider

4 whole cinnamon sticks

8 whole Allspice Berries or Cloves

Orange peel or slices from 1 orange

(add lemon peel from one lemon during cold season)

 3/4 cup spiced rum

 1/2 cup Hot Damn

 1/2 cup Buttershots

Cook on high for one hour then switch to warm and serve.

For the best benifits 

this hot beverage should be read while reading a steamy romance book 

next to a cozy fire.

Thursday 13 - Tips for Autumn Romance

Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Michigan. I love the incredible palate of colorful trees and shrubbery. Nature’s pure fragrance of leaves and earth as well as the temptations of pumpkin pie, baked apples, and hot mulled cider create a wonderful setting. This time of year is also the time to pull out the winter woolies and time for some old fashion cuddling. It is a time for Autumn Romance.

Here are a few tips to help you leap into romance!

1.       Get football fever. As many of you know, I am a Football Mom to three boys and spend countless hours at their games.  Being at a game snuggled up to my honey under a stadium blanket while sharing hot cocoa helps us capture a bit of romance.  When I look around during the game, I see we are not the only couple using the opportunity.

2.       Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Make a special breakfast. Pack it into a picnic basket and eat outside or visit your local cider mill and enjoy some cider and doughnuts.

3.       Enjoy the patio at night. Or build a bonfire for two. Curl up together under a blanket and sip a cup of hot apple cider.

4.       Rake leaves. This is something the whole family can do. Rake a pile of leaves and yes…. Jump in!  It’s not just for kids.  Let your hair down and play!  Laughing is great foreplay.

5.       Hit the trails. Go for a walk holding hands or a nice bike ride. Stop periodically to enjoy the view. This is a great way to stay in shape and relieve tension as well as giving you a chance to talk.  However, if you come to a hill… I dare you to roll down it!

6.       Go camping. Try it in your own backyard.  Cook outside on a grill or over a bonfire.  Enjoy the fresh air and each other.

7.       Visit a carnival, county fair or craft show. Wander around holding hands and nibbling on Elephant Ears.

8.       Have a fireside picnic. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

9.       Go on a hayride. Many apple orchards offer hay rides through November. Night time hay rides are very romantic. Enjoy a scenic tour while sitting close to each other and holding hands like a couple of teenagers. 

10.   Visit a local vineyard.  Many offer tours through December. Take advantage of their sampling room and select a bottle to take home.

11.   Take a train ride.  In Michigan we have the Snow Train that runs only during the winter. However, many areas offer special color tours and dinners. Check with your local railroads for more information.

12.   Go apple picking. Whether it’s at an orchard or your own backyard, pick some apples together then head into the kitchen for some fun. Make an apple pie and crack open some whipped cream. Just make sure to leave enough whipped cream to have on the pie! *wink, wink*

13.   Go for a stroll in a park. Take time to let your inner child out. Play hopscotch or push each other on the swings.

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