Oct 6, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Y’all may have picked up on this month’s theme: Autumn. Go figure. But, for realz. What, I’m gonna blog about the Easter Bunny? Nah. Not for at least six weeks.
As soon as the calendar turns to October, I turn to Fall. Even in the SoCal desert with it’s almost-80-degree temperatures and you-call-that-a-yard?-dirt, there’s something quite lovely about it all. Scarves come out, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are everywhere. It’s as if the Pumpkin Grinch himself dusted everything with pumpkin seed glitter.
The Pumpkin Grinch
I could go on and on, but since this is just a five item post, let me share my top reasons for loving October:
- It’s at most eleven weeks away from Christmas. For me, the first of October kind of jump starts the holidays. I’ll be lacing the car stereo with my Harry Connick, Jr Christmas CDs this weekend. #truestory. And in a few weeks the family will start to get cryptic texts like “For ransom: Doo Dads. Send money now.” [Note to self: Coupons are awesome. Start clipping.] Pretty soon the decor will come out of storage, the evenings will get longer. It’s one of my favorite times of year.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Holiday Doo Dads
- Baseball. Yup. That’s right. ‘Tis the season for my Yankees to bring it on home. And to watch Field of Dreams. And to eat Cracker Jacks. All these wonderful things are the zenith of my baseball watching experience. And I love it. Every. Single. Year. Does it matter that Jeter’s no longer on the team? Nah. We’re doing okay with Aaron Judge.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : If You Build It, They Will Come
- Pumpkin everything. I know, know. Y’all see it everywhere and are burnt out. This Girl say whaat?! How can you be burnt out of pumpkin? Pumpkin Spice Latte, pumpkin soup, pumpkin flavored Belvita crackers, pumpkin carving, pumpkin seeds. Did I mention Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Hello, PSL
- Autumn TV/Movies. This time of year is a guarantee you’ll find me watching The West Wing, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the aforementioned Field of Dreams, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Autumn in New York, The Godfather, and of course, Nightmare Before Christmas. I’m a sucker for all things autumn, New York, crispy leaves, and Disney. But I think all y’all already knew that, yes?
Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Bread and the Nightmare Before Christmas
- Cat Cuddles. Like I could leave my furfamily out of this. They’re the best part of this time of year. This year, in Lizzie’s absence, Little has already taken to sleeping on the pillow, and Iris is always by my side. Berry is always with me, and Sparkles has even warmed up to being in my general presence without argument.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Lizzie Cat
There are so many more things I love about October, but these are the best. My bonus reason is it’s my mom’s favorite time of year, too, and when she’s happy, I’m happy. [Hey, Mom. Let’s go Christmas shopping this weekend, okay?]
TWEET THIS: What are your favorite reasons for October? @RealMojo68 #fivethingsfriday
With an orange scarf and pumpkin latte,
Happy Autumn, y’all!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Oct 8, 2012 |
October is “Clean Out The Fridge” Month… at least it is at Bedford Manor.
The busyness of the holidays is almost upon us. And for me, well, it’s already begun: craft projects, product reviews, new recipes to create…
I look forward to cooking, shopping, decorating, cleaning, and spending time with Out-Of-Towners. In November, Dot will turn 18. I recently re-enrolled (again!) at Institute of Children’s Literature. I’ve been actively working on a big writing project as well as preparing for The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition.
Yeah. There’s a lot on our plates.
But we’re not special. Ask around, and everyone’s gearing up for the year-end expenses. Gift giving. Party attending.Traveling. And feeding family and friends. It can get pretty costly to put food on the table!
So this month, I’ve decided to low-key it in the kitchen. I’ve taken stock of what I have in my fridge, freezer, and pantries; and I’m working my menu around it. Granted, there will be days that call for that extra touch or a Little Caesar Meal Deal. I know I’ll have to buy foods like milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. But overall, I’ve got a plan and I’m sticking to it!
We’ve enjoyed putting together a meal, instead of reheating something from the frozen dinner selections. We sit at the table and talk with each other. Of course, the best moments are Dot saying, “Can I help with that?” and “Mom! This is really good!”
Because there’s just the two of us, it’s easier to plan “meals”. And with my Aroma Rice Cooker, I haven’t had to heat up the oven as often. I also enjoy my toaster oven. It’s the perfect size for a Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza, garlic toast, or even small roasted potatoes.
It’s been fun on the wallet, too. One box of Shake n’ Bake Chicken to go with the frozen chicken already in the freezer, and a side of baked potato or a can of vegetables? Delicious. And with leftovers.
Last night we steamed salmon over rice, and enjoyed a cup of yogurt for dessert. Today, I put together a great chicken and bean soup using the stock and frozen meat from my Stock Recipe. Dot chopped up the vegetables. It was a delectable blend.
The best part for us? Having my Mom come over to enjoy it with us, and having leftovers enough for all of us!
So it’s not dinner at the Ritz-Carlton. It’s dinner at Bedford Manor. And I can afford that.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 4, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
1. It’s okay if the Yankees don’t win now and then.
2. The Yankees are, by far, the greatest team in Baseball.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is still a great movie.
4. There are “friends” who use you and manipulate you, friends who need you more than you need them, friends who know what you need, and Friends who take care of you.
5. I try to be a Friend to my friends; but I know I sometimes fail.
6. Income is not the same as a job; and work is not the same as a career.
7. God is bigger than the Boogie Man (Veggie Tales!), and He’s bigger than anything I can think of.
8. The world is incredibly old; there is no original idea left. What was once science fiction is history. What is the future was once someone’s dream. What is now is now. All I have that’s unique is perspective.
9. God will give me the desires of my heart… as long as I delight in Him (Psalm 37:4).
10. I like double-speak for creative writing. I hate it in politicians.
11. Life is not hopeless.
12. Everything is temporary.
13. The colder the weather, the snugglier the cat.
14. October changes people.
15. It’s easier to heal with good foods than bad medicine.
16. Dental work doesn’t always hurt.
17. Complacency is brain-atrophy ~ never a good thing.
18. Biographies can be fun.
19. Forgiveness is important. Guidance is important. Understanding and compassion are important. Love is most important.
20. Flashpoint is still the best show on TV, no matter what network it’s on.
21. Flashpoint peeps are still the best no matter how we connect.
22. Facebook and twitter secretly hate each other.
23. Hockey is not boring, but is sure is hard to follow!
24. Bunco is worth it. No matter what.
25. Christmas is one day. The Christmas spirit should be eternal. Commercialism should be killed.
26. My mom and dad did know more than me when I was a teen. I should have listened more.
27. Someday I’m going to be a famous writer… preferably while I’m young enough to enjoy spoiling my family and securing their futures.
28. God loves me. No matter what. No. Matter. What.
Sep 29, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Since October is nearly upon us with its crisp cool weather and fun holiday gatherings about to start, I thought I’d share my own cider recipe. It’s been a hit at family gatherings for years, and stores nicely in the fridge for up to a week … if it lasts that long!
I love the versatility of this great party drink. You can serve it hot or cold, by itself or mixed with a citrus soda or even light champagne. Even cider-haters like this beverage, right, Matt? ;)
INGREDIENTS:
1 orange, zested, sliced
1 gallon apple cider (non-sparkling)
6 cinnamon sticks, broken.
Zest the orange, set aside. Slice orange, cut slices into halves.
In slow cooker, combine cider, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.
Heat on low for two hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve according to taste.
