Fall In Florida

 

 

 

 

So, this is what Fall looks like in Florida.

Rather than my usual posts of walking through the woods as the pretty leaves swirl around, my fall days have become some of the best beach days we've experienced so far. With all the kids back in school, vacationers here, but few and snowbirds not yet arrived, even the most popular beaches are less crowded. The weather is still beautifully warm and the best part is knowing that back in Michigan, the weather was a rainy, 52 degree day. We feel incredibly lucky, blessed and know moving to Florida was the right decision for us.

Yes, there are days I miss a chilly and crisp autumn morning, with the scent of falling leaves in the air. But, I had that all my life and change and getting out of your comfort zone with new experiences can be good. I feel like I am experiencing something new every day and the best part is that if I really crave a Midwestern fall, I can fly there very easily.

In fact, I will be heading to Michigan this weekend for wedding dress shopping (so excited) and plan to get my fill of pretty trees, comfy sweaters and maybe a visit to the apple orchard for cider and doughnuts. Then, it's back to palm trees, endless sunshine and fall beach days.

Happy Thursday!

 

3 Things

 

 

 

So, I went to a new book club last night at my neighborhood's clubhouse. I didn't have high hopes that it could even be close to the same experience I am used to with my former book club, but I was hoping for the best. It was fine, just very different. Everyone was very welcoming and I'm sure over time I will get to know these ladies better and that will help. Since it meets in the clubhouse, it feels completely different than being at someone's home (even though our clubhouse is extremely nice). It was definately more about the book discussion, rather than socializing and if you can believe this - there was no wine! I'm going to have to see if I can change that :-)

 

 

I went to a garden center to replace some plants that I lost during Irma, and was really surprised to see all the mums. It seems like it would be way too hot here in Florida, but since they were very inexpensive, I decided to buy one and give it a try. So far, so good, since it's in the shade on my porch and I've been generous with the water. It's a little hard to get in the fall spirit here, but I do love a pretty mum in October.

 

 

This photo is circa 2011 and it really makes me feel nostalgic seeing my then college and high school aged daughters in our old home. But, it's a favorite and since it's rivalry week in Michigan, it's worth another post. The University of Michigan (Megan and her fiance's alma mater) is playing Michigan State (alma mater for me, my hubby and Melissa) on Saturday night, under the lights in a nationally televised game. The hatred is real between the two fan bases, but in our family, we have fun with it and all rivalry comments are done with love.

Have a wonderful weekend and Go Green! (Sorry Meg!)

 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Dinner

 

 

 

 

With everything that is happening in our world; all the chaos, turmoil and pain people are going through, I think we all are clinging a little tighter to the comfort of home. For me, that means staying in touch with loved ones, as well as keeping to my daily routine. My daughter leaves for Las Vegas on a week long work trip this Friday, and needless to say, that doesn't do much to calm the nerves.

I have always used cooking as a love language, making many dozens of cookies for my husband when we were dating. Any time I make what I consider comfort food, it falls into that love language. What is more comforting than a Pot Roast Dinner on a Sunday afternoon?

This recipe is probably the most successful pot roast dinner I have ever made. When I prepare pot roast in the oven, it tends to be dry, no matter what method I use. I'm not sure why I have never used a slow cooker for this classic dish, but I guess old habits die hard. My mother always made pot roast in the oven, so that's what I did too. This recipe had wonderful flavor, the beef is fall apart, tender and the juice made a delicious gravy. I think the surprising addition of two chopped tomatoes was the secret. If you could use some comfort food too, give this recipe a try.

 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Dinner

2 T olive oil

2-3 lb. rump roast

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

3/4 cup beef broth

1 T balsamic vinegar

6 large to medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

6 large carrots, peeled and cut into thirds, then halved

1 large onion, cut into chunks

2 large tomatoes, cut into large chunks

4 cloves minced garlic

1 T dried basil

1 T dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup water

1. Heat olive oil in skillet. Combine sugar, paprika, garlic powder and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the roast on all sides with the seasoning mixture. Place roast in skillet and sear all sides.

2. Pour beef broth and balsamic in a slow cooker and stir together. Add roast and surround with potatoes, onions and carrots.

3. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper and water. Pour over the top of the other ingredients in the slow cooker.

4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, then turn to low for last 2 hours.

5. Remove to a serving platter and if desired, transfer juices to a pan and make gravy by bringing juices to a boil adding a mixture of flour and water and whisking until smooth and thickened.

 

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