Vanilla Bean Latte, a great copycat of Starbucks Vanilla Latte, and healthier for you too!

I spent my day walking around a gigantic mall, attempting to finish up my holiday shopping before the masses get turned loose into the public. One thing about gigantic malls is that they are filled with multiple Starbucks and a Teavana thrown in for good measure. While not a fan of over-priced, high calorie drinks, I ♥LOVE♥ the smell of coffee. It's just magical.

I resisted the urge to stop in and buy one of those crazy expensive drinks, but now that I am home and am breaking out the Starbucks coffee grounds (reserved around here for limited occasions as I am not a fan but once in a while you need that super strong coffee to make a perfect drink!)

Apple Cider Oatmeal

A beautiful Saturday here in my house. Yesterday I couldn't resist getting some apple cider while I was out and about. I was craving this wonderful Mulled Apple Cider. It embodies everything that is fall from my childhood.

This morning I decided to add a little of that cider into my breakfast oatmeal for a little change. It was delicious. A perfect fall breakfast. (And it takes less than 10 minutes to make!)

TGIF! Let's Celebrate

Here in NC, the fall weather has finally decided to come and stay. This week was the end of the 70 degree temperatures, and I am excited to break out my winter coats, fuzzy-lined gloves, and beautiful scarves.

My parents have experienced their first snowfall of the season and I must admit that I am a little anxious to return to Ohio. I recently purchased over 60 acres of land and am currently waiting (rather impatiently I might add) until spring so that I can begin building my dream home, complete with huge kitchen.

Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa Bake

It is definitely November. Facebook is flooded with the daily thankful posts. The major stores took down the Halloween items and replaced them with Christmas. Somewhere, I think, they are hiding the Thanksgiving items. Maybe. Or did I just miss an entire holiday? 

I just find it sad that the entire Thanksgiving holiday is being pushed to the side so that people can make even more money. But I digress... 

I want to tell you about this delicious dinner that I made. Simple. Quick. Flavorful. All wonderful things to be thankful. 

TGIF! Let's Celebrate!

The holiday season is officially upon us. Tuesday was election day and now there are just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving. I have been busily planning my Thanksgiving Dinner menu, finding so many delicious recipes that I cannot wait to try and share with you!

Chicken & Dumplings

The unpredictable weather, that is refusing to say good bye to summer, has taken a plunge today. For me it's the perfect excuse to stand over the stove, watching the windows and patio doors in the kitchen steaming up as I cook a delicious, old fashioned comfort meal.

Dumplings can mean different things to different parts of the country. For me, the "dumplings" are little balls of dough, steamed on the top of a thick soup. For others dumplings refer to thick noodles cooked in the broth. For me those are just noodles. If you prefer the noodle version, simply add them instead of my version of dumplings.

Caramel French Toast

I am a firm believer in starting every day with a hot, filling breakfast. While my pantry does have a collection of cereal, in my world, it serves the purpose of a late night snack. There is something so satisfying about getting up, frying up some breakfast meats, and cooking. It makes me feel accomplished when I've made a delicious breakfast and enjoyed it sitting at the table reading the news or a new book. Starting the day with that type of accomplishment just seems to set the mood for a productive day.

You should start your day with this delicious Caramel French Toast and tell me that you don't feel amazing afterwards!