If I stuck my left hand right up under your nostrils. . .RIGHT NOW. . . and said "sniff. Go ahead. Smell it."
And you actually did smell it, it would smell like Autumn leaves, and apples, and cream and ummm. . .cinnamon. With a a little hint of onion and cumin from our enchilada skillet dinner. But I would tell you to ignore that part, and just try to sniff up the Autumn aromas.
My house also smells that way.
All over my house.
In the past few days my whole spirit has been filled with the need to make my hearth cozy and lovely for winter, despite the fact that its 89 degrees outside.
I'm trying to pump myself up for October. Glorious October.
My anniversary month. 13 lucky years this Oct. 9th.
The month my first beloved child who thinks I'm an idiot was born. Oh sweet miracle of my loins.
And. . and. . .and. . .the month of All Hallows Eve. The Glorious Day of spooky, kooky, and all things goopy.
Usually by now, I'm knee deep in Halloween crafts.
Spiders, webs, and creepy things. You know the type.
But this year, I feel like I'm on the cusp of something.
Something big.
Life changing.
I'm mellowing out a bit.
And everyday I'm having moments where I'm so overcome with joy that I want to burst. Like at any given moment I'm so filled up with love that I understand something primal, something innate, something key.
But as quick as it comes. . .
It goes.
And I'm left with the gnawing reminder that I'm doing something. . .perhaps. . everything. . .wrong. . . because I can't remember why I was flippin' with joy two seconds ago.
Maybe I'm just nuts.
Maybe.
But all the same, I think it has something to do with this season of falling leaves.
Last night at soccer practice I felt a cool wind brush up against my face and swirl around my head and I shivered.
A change is coming.
Soon our nights will be longer.
Our fires will burn brighter.
We will snuggle and pour over big kettles of hot steaming liquids filled with the goodness of the earth.
And that is why my house smells like Autumn, and cinnamon, and cream, and apples.
Because I don't think I would remember it otherwise.
Remember that change is coming.
That life is getting better.
THAT LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ALWAYS.
Colors changing are beautiful.
Toys on the steps, and in my bedroom, and on the floor EVERYWHERE are beautiful too.
Halloween costumes of super heroes homemade or store bought are wonderful, magical things.
Candy corn and big fat butts are beautiful. gorgeous. divine.
And ugly witches with warts and green skin are super model-ly somehow.
Yes.
Life is good, this time of year.
Life is good. Always.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Look.
This is what's making my house smell divine.
In the Foyer, Scentsy. Pumpkin Spice.
In the kitchen, Glade scented candle. Autumn Harvest.
By the fireplace. Bath & Body Works Home Fragrance Oils. Leaves.
And now, of course, I want that smell all up in my tummy. Minus the leaves.
Creamy Apple Cider (Hot or Iced). . . . . tastes just like it came from Starbucks
Apparently this is the Starbucks recipe per bloggers who have blogs and worked at Starbucks and now have law degrees. I don't know. I just googled it. So have at it. It's delish.
Ingredients:
Apple Juice (100%)
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup* (you can buy it at Starbucks)
Whipped Cream
Caramel Sauce (whatever you like at your grocer)
* Want to make your own syrup and skip a trip to Starbucks? Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tsp vanilla to a sauce pan. Bring to boil and cook for 10 minutes or until it coats the back of a spoon.
Directions:
1. In a microwave safe mug, heat apple juice in the microwave for 2 minutes.
2. Add 3 TB of Cinnamon Syrup and stir.
3. Top with Whipped Cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
4. For a cool beverage, place about 10 oz. of cold apple juice in a glass, add cinnamon syrup and stir. Add ice, then top with whipped cream and caramel. It's good.
