I am turning 31

Oh my it is September. September is my favorite month. I look forward to this time of year every year. But in all honesty it really took me by surprise. How is it September already?  Besides the obvious favorites of apple and pumpkin goodies, hooded sweatshirts and colorful leaves Septembers marks my birthday month. 

I am turning 31 next week. Do I feel old? Yes and no. I will always look forward to birthdays, mine and everyone else's. Life definitely changed this year with the arrival of Olivia. And although I struggled sometimes with these changes (like a night of no sleep followed by a long day at work) I truly enjoy the direction my life has taken. 30 was a great year and I am looking forward to what I and my family are going to experience this next year. 

As part of my celebrating I intend to treat myself to a few goodies. My birthday and Christmas lists are ongoing. I add to them throughout the year in anticipation of these big events. You know, I want to be helpful in case family members need some ideas.  I don't think I will ever be too old for gifts. So for those of you who might want to treat me to something special next week, here are a few recent favorites.



Cookbooks! I have my eye on two this year. Dinner for Two by Julie Wampler and Grandbaby Cakes by Jocelyn Adams.



I have been holding out on a spiralizer for months.  OXO just came out with this small handheld version. 



Zoodles here I come. 

And this marble slab from Sur la Table. I see it fitting in perfectly with our new kitchen.



I also want about a bizillion things for the house. But a new couch probably isn't going to happen for my birthday. 

Now I just need to decide on a birthday cake.  

Happy Birthday to Me! ALMOST

In exactly 40 days I am going to be turning the big 3-0.  I am a huge fan of birthdays and typically celebrate all month long. This one being such a milestone and all I kind of thought that maybe, maybe it wouldn't be as fun.  But heck, it seems I am just as excited for this one as I have been for all other 29 years of my life. 

Now, I already have some big plans. I am going to make myself a cake but I have also set up a cake for the hubby to pick up on the actual day. Sure, this might seem overboard but I was happy to do it.  I like cake!

Normally my only other request for the day itself besides cake is that I do not do dishes. This pretty much means we go out or get take out. Either way works for me and we never do anything too special or fancy. 

As for gifts, well I am not expecting too much. Its more of the idea of a day being about me than the actually presents.  But of course, that mindset has not stopped me from eyeing some pretty things here and there. I wouldn't be too upset if a few ended up in my possession come September 10th. 

So here we go...a few of my favorite wants right now!

Mosaic Triangles Jewelry Box

My jewelry box is from the 1980's. No joke. Now I have a big girl house, and a few big girl jewelry pieces I kind of think it is fitting to get a big girl jewelry box. 

Tieks

I live in ballet flats. I think I own one pair of heals and I am not  even sure if they still fit. I heard these are the best of the best. I want some!

Seriously Delish

One of my favorite blogs is coming out with a cookbook. I have been trying to cutback on the whole cookbook purchasing but this is one I am definitely owning a copy of....

Speaking of which I want this one too!

Dishtowels...I want this one

and this one 

and

this one.

And last but not least this little sugar pot.

Happy Birthday to Me....ALMOST!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

OK so this post is a tad bit late. My Dad's birthday was way back on December 4th. Things were a bit hectic then and although I had every intention of typing something on the 4th it just didn't happen.  Actual phones calls took precedent on the big day.

Besides it seems only fitting that I post something later in the month.  My dad is not big on birthdays. My mom and I are.  We started celebrating on November 11th and we joked with him that we were going to continue right through Christmas time. 

This year was a big year for my Dad. It was one of those round number years that means everyone is getting older. Since my Dad is not big on parties having a huge surprise celebration was out of the question. Instead I, with the help of my mom and brother, sneakily rounded up a bunch of friends and family to write letters and cards for my dad.  Even my 15 month old nephew got in on the fun.  Over Thanksgiving weekend we handed over a big old stack of letters from people old and new, far and close.  It was quite the party in a quiet, touching way.

If you are ever looking for a gift idea for someone special in your life I highly recommended putting something like this together.  It is so meaningful when tons of people write how special and wonderful someone in your life is to them.  Not that I ever had any doubt.

Here's to you Dad! Another Happy Birthday!!

salted caramel apple crisp {Happy Birthday}

Happy Birthday Mr. J!!

For one month I am officially older than Mr. J.  For the other eleven months of the year we are the same age.

Fun fact about us.  My birthday is 9/10. His birthday is 10/9.  I think that means we were made for each other. 

Sadly he got a cold yesterday.  We will save the big time celebrating for later this weekend but I couldn't let the day pass without giving him a little something special. 

He doesn't like cake. Typically birthdays mean apple pie. This year he said he didn't need a pie but would take whatever apple dessert I concocted.  

This week has been busy for both of us so not having to make pie was music to my ears.  Apple crisp seemed appropriate enough but to jazz it up a bit for a birthday I added salted caramel on top.  Apples. Caramel sauce. Crumb topping.  Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Happy Birthday Hubby!!

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

Adapted slightly from Mother Thyme

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients (serves 8)

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter cut into to small cubes
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Filling

• 3 pounds apples, peeled and sliced ( I used Gala, they need to be crisp apples)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

For the Topping

In a large mixing bowl add butter cubes, flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon and salt. Using a pastry cutter, chop up the butter until mixture is crumbly.

For the Filling

Toss apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and toss to coat.

In a large oven safe skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and cook, stirring occasionally until just tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Use 1/4 cup of store bought caramel sauce to pour on top of apples. Evenly sprinkle with crumb mixture.

Transfer skillet to oven and bake for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serve with vanilla ice cream and remaining caramel sauce.

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