Falling Back

Homemade vanilla extract

I took the vanilla beans that had been steeping in vodka for vanilla extract and let them dry out a bit. 

I then added them to my sugar and let them sit in there for a few weeks. Now I have vanilla sugar that I can use in baked goods.

I don't have anything inspirational to say today, but just thought I'd share a random happenings post. 

Fall has always been my favorite season. I love the colors, scents and food. I love the cooler temperatures and falling leaves and I love the holidays that are coming up soon. 

This past weekend we had a fall festival at our church for the community and it was a lot of fun. We ended up with a good turnout and the children who came enjoyed playing the different games, the crafts, face-painting and food. They got to take a goody bag home with them. I think the thing I liked the best was that it was a team effort and we had many helpers.

The temperatures have dipped below freezing the past couple of nights and we've had frost. I've been bringing my mums and potted plants into the garage overnight and putting them back out in the morning. However, I know that the time for them is coming to an end.

I've been busier in the kitchen as the cooler temperatures put me in the mood to make some family favorites. I definitely have to stay away from making sweets as those are the things that cause me to slip up. I made some pumpkin cookies and brownies for this past weekend for our church event but then Dan took the leftovers for the students he teaches at the college. I knew that if they were in the house I'd want to eat them. 

I've been getting out to walk and soak in the beauty while I can. Soon it will be cold and snowy. I really struggle with the lack of sunshine in the winter months so am trying to enjoy the sunshine while I can. 

I'm entering into a quieter season with my speaking engagements and conferences done for a bit so am getting back to doing some sewing. I love creating so it's a good outlet for me. I'm recognizing that I need to add some creativity back into my life. 

We get our hour back this weekend as we put the clocks back on Saturday night. We will be trading the darkness in the morning for it getting darker earlier in the evening, but I'll take it.

It's been a beautiful fall! I'll leave you with this.