Eat & Drink in Westchester County: Pumpkin Edition

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Fall is here and that means it’s time for all things pumpkin! I know I’m not the only one obsessed, am I?! Check out this first, pumpkin themed edition of Eat & Drink in Westchester County. See where you can enjoy all the pumpkin treats and drinks in Westchester County! But hurry, because all of these seasonal treats and drinks won’t be available for long!

EAT:

Sweet Treats:

Baked By Susan (Croton-on-Hudson) This bakery in Croton-on-Hudson sells pumpkin scones, pumpkin bread, pumpkin whoopie pies and more!

Baked to Perfection (Online/White Plains) Pumpkin S’mores Cupcake. Also has a Pumpkin Cream Cheese cupcake. You can order cupcakes online or purchase at Roosters Market at 48 Gedney Way in White Plains.

The Brazen Fox (White Plains) The Brazen Fox is a craft beer bar and American Restaurant in downtown White Plains. They are serving a pumpkin bread pudding with a pumpkin vanilla sauce drizzle this month.

Flour Power (Pelham Manor) Stop by Flour Power in Pelham Manor to pick up Pumpkin Sticky Buns or Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes.

Jane Street Sweets (online) Sold by the dozen, get an order of these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from Jane Street Sweets ($36 for 12).

Longford’s (Rye) Longford’s in Rye has some fall themed ice cream flavors and treats including pumpkin ice cream.

Moderne Barn (Armonk) has a pumpkin cheesecake ($11) on the dessert menu. It has a ginger graham cracker crust and topped with vanilla crème fraiche, cranberry compote, pumpkin seeds and caramel.

Root 2 Rise (Pleasantville)- These Pumpkin Spice Muffins with a walnut crumble are vegan and gluten-free ($5).

Walter’s Hot Dogs (White Plains) During the month of October Walter’s is serving a pumpkin spice milkshake ($5.50) and a pumpkin spice cowboy ($6.25).

Savory:

Southern Table (Pleasantville) The Duck and Pumpkin Risotto is a dinner special that may not be served daily.

Prepared Foods:

Auntie Liana’s (Yorktown Heights) Auntie Liana’s is located inside the Jefferson Valley Mall and can also be found at the Let It Shine farmers market in Verplanck on Sundays. They are selling Pumpkin Spice hot cocoa jars and pumpkin spice hot cocoa bombs.

DeCicco & Sons (locations in Ardsley, Armonk, Brewster, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Millwood, Pelham and Somers) This family-run grocery store sells a variety of pumpkin flavored items including Pumpkin Gouda and Pumpkin Cheesecake!

Trotta Foods (Thornwood) You can pick up Pumpkin Vodka Sauce and Spiced Pumpkin Ravioli at Trotta Foods.

DRINK:

The Brazen Fox (White Plains) Pumpkin Spice Sangria 

Double Barrel Coffee Roasters (online) You can get Double Barrel Coffee Roasters pumpkin spice coffee in decaf or regular and whole bean, fine grind, or auto grind (starting at $15).

North End Tavern (New Rochelle) Although the Pumpkin Mule ($12) was a daily drink special earlier this month, I believe they can make this drink for you all fall long!

Peekskill Brewery (Peekskill) Heads Will Roll is a beer collaboration between Peekskill Brewery and Horsefeathers in Sleepy Hollow. This is a pumpkin IPA that has, “big bold pumpkin flavor, but with a strong hoppy profile.”

Salsa Verde (Somers) Salsa Verde has added this Pumpkin Martini to their fall cocktail lineup.

Wolf & Warrior Brewing Company (White Plains) – Wolf & Warrior have introduced Horseman’s Pumpkin Ale to their fall beer lineup.

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Five on Friday {10-15-21}

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Happy Friday! It’s been a sad week around here.  Over the weekend we attended the wake for one of our son’s friend’s older sister.  Tuesday we also attended the wake and funeral for my husband’s aunt.  It was nice to have a 3 day weekend though. This weekend is homecoming weekend with the big football game tonight. The homecoming dance, which is being held outside on the football field, got moved to Sunday evening because of rain in the forecast for Saturday night. Here are five from this week:

1. Field Hockey – this is how I’ve been spending most of my afternoons/evenings.  While the kids’ sports keep us super busy, I will miss this when it’s over for the season!

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2. Reading – This week I finished The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. This was a good thriller that lived up to all the hype.

3. Cooking – Monday I had the day off and my husband and I ended up baking a batch of soft pretzels.

And we made a big batch of naan to restock our freezer supply.

I made Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon for dinner. These were super quick and easy and tasty! Even though I probably didn’t use as much pepper as I was supposed to. 

Jung Ho-yeon, right, in "Squid Game" on Netflix.
Photo credit: Youngkyu Park / Netflix

4. Watching – We finished Squid Game this weekend. While I can see the draw of the show, I’m not into all the violence. As I mentioned last week, I really enjoyed spending the time with our son since he, my husband and I all watched the show together. We’ve been super busy otherwise that I haven’t watched anything else this week!

5. Cleaner – I bought this Mrs. Meyer’s cleaner in the apple cider limited edition scent. Is it crazy to say that using this makes me happy when I clean since it smells like fall?!

6. Eating –  This weekend my husband and I had another lunch date.  That seems to be the extent of our alone time recently since we are so busy driving the kids everywhere! We went to El Coyote, a new to us Mexican restaurant. They had a variety of vegetarian options so we shared vegetarian chimichangas and a combo platter that included a vegetarian burrito, tostada and enchilada.  It was way too much food and we discovered that leftovers don’t reheat very well.

We also picked up cider doughnuts from Vera’s Marketplace.  This was where we got doughnuts from last year and we liked them a lot. They have four different varieties to choose from (plain, cinnamon sugar, white powder, cinnamon powder).

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I shared my September Reads.

Sharing with Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!

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September 2021 Reads

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This post contains affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for additional info.

With the kids back at school last month and their sports and activities in full swing, I’ve had very little reading time. I somehow still managed to read five books but I know that my reading will continue to slow in this busy season. Here are my September reads that I’m sharing with Steph and Jana’s monthly Show Us Your Books link-up. What was your favorite September read?

3 stars:

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Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena (Thriller, July 2021) Three three siblings attend Easter dinner at their parents’ house. Their very wealthy parents, who are found murdered the next day. Each sibling has secrets and their own motive to kill them. I wasn’t a fan of this book and didn’t like the ending. I have to stop reading Lapena’s books because I’ve read a lot of them and have been disappointed in most of them.

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We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry – (fantasy/historical fiction, March 2020) Set in Danvers, MA (which in 1692 was Salem Village) this story is about a field hockey team that believes they are channeling the powers of witchcraft to help rid themselves of their losing streak and take them to the state championship. I originally got this book for my daughter to read since she plays field hockey. She tried it but gave up after a few chapters. So I decided to give it a try. Overall it was an okay story, but was a slow read.

4 stars:

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The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Contemporary Romance, January 2021) Two employees at a radio station end up fake dating for a radio show they are hosting but end up actually falling for each other. This was fun, light read.

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The Guncle by Steven Rowley – (Contemporary Fiction, May 2021) Gay Uncle Patrick ends up taking care of his niece and nephew after their mother passes away and their dad goes to rehab. Having no experience with kids, he learns that parenting is no joke, but that he is capable. While the cover of the book makes it look like a light read, there was actually some depth to this story. There were even some LOL moments for me. While I read this book, I pictured Robert Brotherton, from the Netflix series My Unorthodox Life, as GUP!

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One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston – (Romance/Science Fiction) August Landry moves to NYC knowing no one. She finds some eccentric roommates and gets a job at a 24-hour pancake diner while also going to school. But then one day on the Q train she meets Jane. She falls for Jane fast but discovers that Jane is displaced from the 1970’s and stuck on the Q train. Through the course of the book August finds herself and her tribe in NYC. With the help of her new friends, August will try everything to help Jane. I didn’t really know anything about this book before reading it and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

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Five on Friday {10-8-21}

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This post contains affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for more info.

Hello Friday! I hope everyone had a great week. The weekdays have this routine of picking the kids up from their sports practices and/or attending field hockey and soccer games. Then we rush home to get everyone fed and make sure homework gets done. I’m looking forward to a three day weekend. Here are five from this week:

  1. Fall Things – Saturday we went to DuBois Farms for some cider doughnuts. We are trying to sample as many different cider doughnuts as we can this season!
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2. Reading – This week I finished The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms. I enjoyed this Freaky Friday type story that addresses the still present mommy wars argument.

3. Cooking – My husband made this delicious sandwich for dinner Sunday night and we bought enough ingredients so that we could enjoy it for lunches the next day. It had roasted eggplant, sautéed broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella and some balsamic vinegar. It was so good!

I also made One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta this week but used fresh mozzarella instead of Burrata.

A large piggy bank above several people
  1. Watching – My daughter has binge watched the entire season of Squid Games, which has become THE show amongst the teen aged crowd. So I of course had to see what all the hype is about. My husband, son and I ended up watching the first episode and it’s now become our nightly thing. Honestly, I just love that the three of us have this bonding experience.

Other than that my husband and I have been continuing to watch Top Chef Kentucky and Ted Lasso and the new weekly episodes of Only Murders in Building and The Great British Baking Show.

  1. Eating – Besides cider doughnuts we enjoyed an apple crisp sundae from Tantillo’s Farm.

And we had this apple cider slushie from Hurds Family Farm.

My husband and I also enjoyed a lunch date over the weekend at Raga Indian. I’ve been craving Indian food and haven’t had it in so long! I miss the lunch buffets that all the Indian restaurants near us have stopped because of COVID. I love sampling lots of different dishes since we don’t eat Indian very often. We enjoyed a mixed appetizer and a veggie korma with naan.

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I shared 5 Family Friendly Hudson Valley Loop Hikes.

Wednesday I shared an updated post on Halloween Fun in the Hudson Valley.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Halloween Fun in the Hudson Valley {Updated 2021}

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Fall has officially begun and that means Halloween will be here before we know it. Even with COVID, there is still a lot of Halloween fun in the Hudson Valley to be had. Here are some of the Halloween events taking place to help you plan your October Halloween fun. Please note, I did not add Trunk or Treat events, as there are so many taking place throughout Westchester County.

Barley on the Hudson Haunting on the Hudson season finale party – Although currently closed for the season, Barley on the Hudson is reopening on October 30th only for the season finale Hudson Haunting party. Wear you costume for the competition, dance to the live DJ, participate in the Cornhole Tournament and more. Open bar 7-8 PM, free appetizers. 21+

Location: 236 Green Street
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Date: October 30, 7 PM – 12 AM

Tickets: $25/person


Boo & Brew – Enjoy food trucks, live music, a haunted hay ride, arts & crafts, face painting, bouncy houses and more.

Location: Jefferson Valley Mall (in front of PB Pizza & Beer)
650 Lee Boulevard
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Date: October 29, 5 PM – 10 PM

Tickets: Free admission, food and activities have costs

Photo Credit: Bronx Zoo

Boo at the Zoo – The Bronx Zoo is continuing its annual Halloween celebration. Children can come in costume and enjoy pumpkin carving demonstrations, the candy trail, the pumpkin trail, a scavenger hunt and more.

Location: Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays
October 2 – October 31, and October 11
10 AM – 5:30 PM (weekends and holidays)

Tickets: $39.95/adults (13+)
$34.95/seniors (65+)
$29.95/children (3-12)
*Advanced ticket purchases are required

Parking: $17

Photo Credit: White Plains Performing Arts Center

Broadway Fright Night (White Plains) October 30: The White Plains Performing Arts Center will showcase a celebration of songs from Broadway and off-Broadway musicals with supernatural, horror and sci-fi themes.

Location: White Plains Performing Arts Center
11 City Place, 3rd Floor
White Plains, NY 10601

Dates: October 30 at 8 PM

Tickets: $35-$55

Claude’s Halloween – This is a free, small neighborhood Halloween display at a house in Newburgh. You can park your car and take pictures of your children with the decorations. Or, you can just drive by in your car to admire the festive display.

Location: 206 Coldenhill Road
Newburgh, NY

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays in October: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Sundays in October: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Dark House – This is an immersive sensory experience. “As the story goes, you and a team of your “friends” aim to disprove emphatically that there is no such thing as ghosts by spending the night in a long rumoured haunted house.  The story is told to you through your audio headset as you navigate the space by following the “umbillicals.” You will hear, taste, smell and touch the world around you as your “guides” activate tactile elements at key inflection points in the audio to make it all come to horrifying life.” Ages 14+ For technical reasons, this experience is completed as a group of 4.

Location: Philipstown Depot Theatre
10 Garrisons Landing
Garrison, NY 10524

Dates: Wednesday – Sunday, October 7- 31
October 7 – 21, and October 24, 27, 28: 6 PM – 9 PM – $30/ticket
October 22-23, 29-31: 5 PM – 9 PM – $35/ticket
*Advanced tickets only

Photo Credit: Teatown

Enchanted Forest at Teatown – Enjoy a guided adventure walk, “featuring a cast of whimsical characters and familiar forest friends.” Tickets include a 30-minute guided walk, parking, a treat for children and a visit with the Teatown animal ambassadors. For families. Costumes encouraged, but optional.

Location: Teatown
1600 Spring Valley Road
Ossining, NY 10562

Dates: October 23, 24, 30, 31
11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM

Tickets: Members: $13/child, $8/adult, Non-members: $16/child, $10/adult

Ghost Tours of the Music Hall – Enjoy a special 45 minute “balcony to backstage” guided ghost tour to learn more about the secrets of the Tarrytown Music Hall theater, it’s intriguing history and the ghostly guests. Flashlights will be provided for all attendees compliments of sponsor Key Bank.

Location: Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Dates & Times: October 24: 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM, 5 PM
October 27 & 28: 4 PM, 5:30 PM, 7 PM, 8:30 PM, 10 PM

Tickets: $25/ticket
Please arrive 15 before scheduled tour time – No late entry will be permitted. 

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – This is the Hudson Valley’s most famous fall event. Enjoy seeing thousands of hand-carved, illuminated jack o’lanterns in amazing displays of artistry. Tickets are very limited for this attraction and are almost sold out!

Location: Van Cortlandt Manor
525 South Riverside
Croton on Hudson, NY 10520

Dates:
Select Dates September 17-November 21

Tickets: $48/adults
$40/children 3-17
*Advance reservations required, no tickets are sold onsite

*Free Parking

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The Greekish Nyack’s Halloween Party – Party with the Greekish Nyack. Festivities include a costume party, food and drink specials and a DJ.

Location: 8 North Broadway
Nyack, NY 10960

Date: October 28 – 8:00 PM

Dare to Ride the Horseman's Trail
Photo Credit: Headless Horseman

Headless Horseman Drive-Thru Haunted Experience & Haunted House – This year, the Headless Horseman award winning attraction is replacing its Haunted Hayride with a Haunted Walking Trail plus 9 additional attractions. T

Location: 778 Broadway, Route 9W
Ulster Park, NY 12487

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, 7 PM – 9 PM timed entry, every 15 minutes

Tickets:
$47.95/person plus service charge and tax) in advance: General Admission on October 1-2, 9, 15, 17, 24, 28
$57.95/person + tax onsite


$57.95/person plus service charge and tax) in advance: High Demand Nights on October 8,9,10, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31
$67.95/person + tax onsite

*This event is not recommended for children under the age of 13
*Children 8 or younger will not be admitted
*Children 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult
*No refunds

Special Children’s Days: Younger guests get to experience a daytime I Spy Drive Thru game experience and then get to walk through the Magic Moon Maze Haunted Gardens, Witch Hazel’s Halloween House and more.
Saturday October 9th and Saturday October 23rd
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
$14.95/person plus service charge and tax in advance
$19.95/person + tax onsite

Hudson Grille Halloween Party: Put your costume on and enjoy a night of dancing at the Hudson Grille. Prizes for best costume and giveaways all night.

Location: 165 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601

Date: October 30 – starting at 9 PM

Tickets: $15 includes 1 drink (select beer, wine or well cocktail)

Irving’s Legend (Irvington) Performed under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, enjoy seeing the classical tale performed by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Tickets:

Location: 3 W. Sunnyside Lane
Irvington, NY 10533

Dates: October 1 – 31- Friday-Sunday only, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM

Tickets: $40/adult, $34/children (3-17)
Advance tickets required

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion – This is the 45th year of the Haunted Mansion. This year, they are presenting a double feature: “The Procedure” and “The Wicked Woods.” Guests will walk an almost one mile trail of Halloween horrors.

Location: 38 Sheafe Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Dates: October 1 -31:
Fridays: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturdays: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sundays: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Tickets: Fridays and Sundays $25/person
Saturdays: $28/person
Plus online ticketing fee and sales tax
*reservations are required
*No refunds

*Free parking
*This event is not recommended for young children

May be an image of 5 people, people standing and text that says 'BUILDER EAT'
Photo Credit: Legoland Discovery Center (Westchester)

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick-or-Treat  October 1 – November 7: Get into the Halloween spirt with fun activities including brick-or-treating around the attraction, a MINILAND scavenger hunt, character meet and greets, monster training and more.

Location: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
Ridge Hill Shopping Center
39 Fitzgerald Street
Yonkers, NY 10710

Dates: October 1 – November 7
Weekdays: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
Weekends: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Tickets: $19.99/one day, $23.99/admission plus collectible

Monster Cookie Decorating Workshop – Enjoy some sweet treats by decorating cookies to look like monsters!

Location: Auntie Liana’s at the Jefferson Valley Mall
650 Lee Boulevard
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Date: October 30 – 3 sessions starting at 1 PM

Tickets: $10/child


Nightmare Circus -Nightmare Circus is a family operated haunted house.

Location: 24 Sycamore Road
Mahopac, NY 10541

Dates: October 30th 7 PM – 10 PM
October 31st, 7 PM – 9 PM

Admission: Free

*Recommended for teens and adults only.

Pure Terror Scream Park – Pure Terror Scream Park is the Guinness World Record holder for “longest haunted house scream park in the world.” Guests walk through 10 different themed haunted houses filled with characters and special effects.

Location: 1010 State Route 17M
Monroe, NY 10950

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October:
Fridays – 7 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturdays – 7 PM – 10:30 PM
Sundays – 7 PM – 9:30 PM, except Halloween 7 PM – 10 PM

Tickets: – Limited online timed tickets
General Admission – $57.95 + online service fee + NY sales tax
$65 onsite – cash only

*No refunds – all sales are final.

River Outpost Brewing Halloween Party – Put on your costume and enjoy a Halloween DJ dance party. There’s a costume contest and drink specials.

Location: 5 John Walsh Boulevard
Peekskill, NY 10566

Date: October 30

Spooky Sweets and Succulents – Auntie Liana’s Kitchen and Vintage & Vine are hosting a Witchy Tea Party. Plant a succulent, enjoy a tea party. Costumes are encouraged. 4 sessions starting at 12 PM.

Location: Jefferson Valley Mall
650 Lee Boulevard
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Date: October 23

Tickets: $20/child



5 Family-Friendly Hudson Valley Loop Hikes

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The weather is cooler and it will soon be prime leaf-peeping time! There’s no better time to get outside for a family hike! While I do love a hike with scenic river views or waterfalls, not all of these types of hikes are kid-friendly. They can often be steep and lengthy to get to those scenic views. Below are five Hudson Valley family-friendly loop hikes. Each of these hikes is around a pond or lake and also 1.5 miles or less . You will enjoy scenic water views and colorful fall foliage! Since all of these hikes are near bodies of water, you may want to pack bug spray. Please note, these are popular family hiking destinations. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early!

Little Stony Point (Putnam County) Little Stony Point is part of Hudson Highlands State Park in Cold Spring. This park has over 70 miles of trails. However, Little Stony Point is an easy one-mile loop trail. While it doesn’t entirely loop around a body of water, it hugs the Hudson River for 2/3 of the trail. If up for it, hike up to the cliffs for some spectacular scenic views! Free parking.

Pelton Pond – (Putnam County) Pelton Pond is part of Fahnestock State Park. This trail is conveniently located off the Taconic Parkway in Putnam Valley. While Fahnestock State Park consists of over 14,000 acres, Pelton Pond is a short, family-friendly hike. The 1.5 mile Yellow trail loops around Pelton Pond. The pond is home to beavers, which you may see on your hike. There are picnic tables near the pavilion if you want to bring lunch or a snack.  Free parking. 

Rockefeller State Park – (Westchester County) Rockefeller State Park is home to over 20 hiking trails.  Brothers’ Path is the 1.1 mile loop that takes you around the 22-acre Swan Lake.  Stop in the Preserve Gallery to view rotating art exhibits. There is a $6 parking fee. 

Teatown Lake Reservation – (Westchester County) Teatown is a 1,000-acre nature preserve located in Ossining.  Teatown maintains 14 hiking trails.  The 1.5 mile Lakeside Loop takes you around Teatown Lake. There is a $5 non-member parking fee. 

Bear Mountain State Park – (Rockland County/Orange County) There are over 10 hiking trails at Bear Mountain State Park. Hessian Lake is a 1.4 mile paved loop. While visiting the park you can visit the Trailside Museum and Zoo and take a ride on the Merry-Go-Round. There is a $10 parking fee. Parking is free for Empire (New York State Parks) Pass holders. 

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Five on Friday {10-1-21}

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Hello Friday! It’s hard to believe that it’s already October 1st! I hope everyone had a great week. It’s been a super busy week. My daughter was sick Monday with a temperature. She missed two days of school and we took her for a COVID test, which was fortunately negative. We had multiple sport games this week, including both a soccer and field hockey game taking place yesterday afternoon…..which also happened to be my daughter’s high school back-to-school night. It was a LONG day for me! I believe it’s supposed to be a nice weekend. At this point though, I have no idea what we are doing! Here are five from this week:

1.  Homecoming dress shopping – My daughter’s first Homecoming dance is coming up. She missed out last year due to COVID so she’s very excited about it. This weekend was all about dress shopping.  She went shopping with her friends Saturday and didn’t find a dress that she liked in her size.  When she went online to buy the dress she wanted, it was sold out.  So Sunday was all about finding her a dress.  We lucked out at Windsor at the Palisades Center. The store has affordable special occasion dresses and I’m glad that my daughter found one that she liked in her size! It was funny seeing all of the moms and daughters shopping for Homecoming dresses! I don’t remember Homecoming being such a big deal when I was in school.

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2. Reading – This week I finished Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena.  I was a bit disappointed with this thriller. I’ve read almost all of her books and I’ve found most of them to just be okay. I have to move on and not keep reading her books! There are just too many other books on my want to read list!

3. Cooking – This week my two “cooking” dinners included Mediterranean Braised Chickpea Rice Bowls.

And Spicy Peanut Udon Noodle Bowls (that I served on a plate, rather than a bowl!). Plus we had Tortellini Alfredo with garlic bread and salad and “Chick’n” sandwiches with fries one night.

4.  Watching – This week my husband and I started watching a new, old season of Top Chef, season 16 Kentucky. We also watched the first episode of the new season of the Great British Baking Show, the newest episode of Only Murders in the Building and another episode of Ted Lasso.

5. Eating –  Can you spend a day shopping at the mall and not get a pretzel?! We got pretzel bites to share and some pretty awful peach lemonade twister the kids picked out.

My husband is the only one in the family that eats vegan, non-dairy ice cream. I have to say Ben & Jerry’s makes really good non-dairy ice cream!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted October Events in Westchester County.

Sharing with Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!

October Events in Westchester County

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Here is your calendar of October Events in Westchester County. I’ve included events taking place in the surrounding area that look to be worth checking out! Hope you enjoy a month filled with fall fun!

Comedy:

Levity Live (Palisade Center – West Nyack) Enjoy a comedy show at Levity Live in October. Upcoming shows include Chris Kattan (October 1-3), Aries Spears (October 8-10), Brad Williams (October 15-17), Arnez J (October 22-24) and Liza Treyger (October 28-30).

Jay Mohr (Paramount Hudson Valley – Peekskill) October 2: 8 PM, see Jay Mohr live at the Paramount Hudson Valley in Peekskill. Tickets: $27.50-$42.50

Anthony Rodia (Paramount Hudson Valley – Peekskill) October 15: 8 PM, see Italian-American comedian Anthony Rodia live at the Paramount Hudson Valley in Peekskill. Tickets: $25-$35

Date Night/Girls Night Out:

VR After Dark Dance Party (Yorktown Heights) October 9 and October 23: Imagine VR Studios 8 PM – close, dance to hip hop, EDM, Latin, Reggae and more.  Tickets: $25 includes 1 hour of VR, $10 without VR

Rocky Horror Picture Show with Apoca-Lips Shadow Cast (Paramount Hudson Valley – Peekskill) October 30: Come experience the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rated R – children under 17 not permitted without parent. Tickets: $10

Eat & Drink:

Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo Classes (restaurants throughout Westchester County) enjoy cooking demos from local chefs and then sample their creations.  October classes include:  October 2: Chutney Masala Indian Bistro (Irvington), October 5: Southern Table Kitchen & Bar (Pleasantville), October 6: GoSu Meats & Noodles (Irvington), October 12: Sonora (Port Chester), October 13: El Barrio (Scarsdale), October 18: Meraki Taverna (Armonk), October 19: Wood. Fire. Wood (Yorktown Heights), October 26: AJ’s (New Rochelle), October 28: The Horse & Hound Inn (South Salem)

More Than a Meal (Bethel) October 3, 15, 16, 17: Enjoy this unique dining experience at Bethel Woods in the Market Sheds. 5 PM, Chef Jasper Alivia serves a family-style, prix-fixe meal at your private, reserved table. Specialty cocktails and conversation with Neal Hitch, Senior Curator at the Museum of Bethel Woods. Tickets: $55/person

The Big Sip (Bethel) October 9 & 10: Enjoy a day of sampling wines and craft beverages, an eclectic food court, and live music. 1 PM – 5 PM, 21+ Tickets: Saturday: $45/general admission, $25/designated driver, Sunday: $40/general admission, $20/designated driver. VIP tickets that include early admission, multi-course dining experience and admission to the Museum at Bethel Woods Saturday: $85, Sunday: $80 *ticket prices increase by $5 the day of the event

Peekskill Brewery’s 13th Anniversary Block Party (Peekskill) October 16: Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer tents, games and more to help celebrate Peekskill Brewery’s 13th Anniversary.

Night Market at Decadent Ales (Mamaroneck) October 30: Beginning at 3 PM enjoy food and drinks from several different vendors.

Fairs & Festivals:

Croton-on-Hudson Fall Festival (Croton-on-Hudson) October 2: 12-6 PM first ever fall festival at Vassallo Park. Music performances, food trucks, children’s activities 

Yorktown Festival & Street Fair (Yorktown) October 10: 11 AM – 5 PM, enjoy a day filled with food, music, activities for the kids and more. Taking place at Jack DeVito Veteran’s Memorial Field.

New Rochelle ArtsFest (New Rochelle & Pelham) October 15-17: Enjoy gallery shows, live music, films, dance performances and more. Highlights will include artists’ open studios and activities at dozens of public and private venues. 

Greenburgh Nature Center Fall Festival (Scarsdale) October 23 & 24: 10 AM – 3 PM Dress in your Halloween costumes and enjoy games, vendors, live music, a pumpkin and scarecrow walk and more. Admission: $5/members, $8/nonmembers. Pre-registration required.

Oktoberfests:

Oktoberfest at the Jefferson Valley Mall (Yorktown Heights) October 1: 6 PM – 11 PM, celebrate the grand opening of the new beer garden outside Peekskill Brewery Pizza & Beer. Enjoy craft beer, pretzels, bratwurst, food trucks, games and more.

Oktoberfest 2021 at Putnam Golf Course (Mahopac) October 1: 6:30 PM, featuring The Amish Outlaws. Enjoy a traditional German menu of bangers, knockwurst, kielbasa and more. Cash bar and beer tent onsite. Tickets: $29/person in advance, $35/person at event, free/children 7 and under, children 8-12, half price

Oktoberfest in the Park (South Salem) October 16: 2 PM in Lewisboro Town Park

Halloween:

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson) September 17-November 21: The Historic Hudson Valley’s famous fall event is back. 18th century Van Cortlandt Manor is decorated with 7,000 hand carved jack o’lanterns. Entry is by pre-purchased timed tickets only. No tickets are sold at the event. Tickets: $40/adult, seniors (65+) and students (18-25 w/ID), $32/children (ages 3-17)

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick-or-Treat (Yonkers) October 1 – November 7: Get into the Halloween spirt with fun activities including brick-or-treating around the attraction, a MINILAND scavenger hunt, character meet and greets, monster training and more. Tickets: $19.99/one day, $23.99/admission plus collectible

Irving’s Legend (Irvington) October 1 – 31: Friday-Sunday only, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM. Advance tickets required. Performed under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, enjoy seeing the classical tale performed by master storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Tickets: $40/adult, $34/children (3-17)

HallowGlow Nights at Boundless Adventures (Purchase) October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Saturday evenings in October): Wear your Halloween costume while you climb. Creepy music will be playing and there will be candy for trick-or-treaters. 6 PM – 11 PM, $50/person for a 2 hour session

The Dark House (Garrison) Oct. 7 – 31: This is an immersive sensory experience. “As the story goes, you and a team of your “friends” aim to disprove emphatically that there is no such thing as ghosts by spending the night in a long rumoured haunted house.  The story is told to you through your audio headset as you navigate the space by following the “umbillicals.” You will hear, taste, smell and touch the world around you as your “guides” activate tactile elements at key inflection points in the audio to make it all come to horrifying life.” Ages 14+ The Philipstown Depot Theatre. Tickets: $30-$35/ticket, advanced tickets only.

Halloween Craft Time (Ossining) October 9: Create some Halloween themed craft critters. 11 AM – 12:30 PM, $3/members, $8 non-members. Limited to 12 participants.

Peace Love and Pumpkins (Bethel) October 15-31: This is a walk-through experience on the historic Bethel Woods grounds. See hand-carved jack-o-lanterns, glowing pumpkin art and more. 6:30 – 10 PM, Tickets: $20/adults, $10/youth (3-17)

Cross County Shopping Center Trunk or Treat (Yonkers) October 23: Available in 1-hour time slots (10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm).Free, but tickets must be reserved in advance, available on a first come, first serve basis.

Spooky Sweets and Succulents (Yorktown Heights) October 23: Auntie Liana’s Kitchen and Vintage & Vine are hosting a Witchy Tea Party. Plant a succulent, enjoy a tea party. Costumes are encouraged. 4 sessions starting at 12 PM. $20/child.

Enchanted Forest at Teatown (Ossining) October 23, 24, 30, 31: Enjoy a guided adventure walk, “featuring a cast of whimsical characters and familiar forest friends.” Tickets include a 30-minute guided walk, parking, a treat for children and a visit with the Teatown animal ambassadors. For families. Costumes encouraged, but optional. Tickets: Members: $13/child, $8/adult, Non-members: $16/child, $10/adult

Ghost Tours of the Music Hall (Tarrytown) October 24, 27 & 28: Enjoy a special “balcony to backstage” guided ghost tour to learn more about the secrets of the Tarrytown Music Hall theater, it’s intriguing history and the ghostly guests. Flashlights will be provided for all attendees compliments of sponsor Key Bank. Tickets: $25 – Please arrive 15 before scheduled tour time – No late entry will be permitted. 

Halloween Party at the Greekish Nyack (Nyack) October 28: Party with the Greekish Nyack. Festivities include a costume party, food and drink specials and a DJ. Party starts at 8 PM.

Jefferson Valley Mall Trunk or Treat (Yorktown Heights) October 29: Get the kids in their costumes and enjoy a candy crawl from 5-7 PM in the Macy’s parking lot.

Boo & Brew (Yorktown Heights) October 29: Enjoy food trucks, live music, a haunted hay ride, arts & crafts, face painting, bouncy houses and more. Taking place in front of PB Pizza & Beer at the Jefferson Valley Mall. 5PM – 10 PM

Broadway Fright Night (White Plains) October 30: The White Plains Performing Arts Center will showcase a celebration of songs from Broadway and off-Broadway musicals with supernatural, horror and sci-fi themes. 8 PM, Tickets $35-$55

Halloween Party at Hudson Grille (White Plains) October 30: Put your costume on and enjoy a night of dancing at the Hudson Grille. Prizes for best costume and giveaways all night. Party starts at 9 PM. $15/ticket includes 1 drink (select beer, wine or well cocktail)

Kids:

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (Chappaqua) October 2: 10 AM – 4 PM. Meet authors and illustrators of some of your favorite children’s books. Enjoy live storytimes, author talks, food trucks, a family fun zone and more. Free.

Movie Night at Lasdon Park (Katonah) October 2: Watch “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.” Gates open at 6 PM, movie starts at 7 PM. Arrive early and stroll the gardens. Food available for purchase from Walter’s Famous Hot Dogs. Tickets: $5-$10

Imagination Movers (Paramount Hudson Valley – Peekskill) October 9: 11 AM. The New Orleans-based alternative rock band for preschoolers is coming to the Paramount.

Teen Night at VR Studios (Jefferson Valley Mall – Yorktown) October 15: 6-8 PM, $30/ticket includes unlimited access to all standard and premium VR experiences, voucher for ticket and pizza. Ages 9 -15.

Westchester County Parks Screening Under the Stars: (Valhalla) October 15: Watch the movie Goosebumps at the Kensico Dam.  $25/car, movie starts after dark 

Westchester County Parks Screening Under the Stars: (Croton-on-Hudson) October 22: Watch the movie Hocus Pocus at Croton Point Park.  $25/car, movie starts after dark 

Muscoot Movies: (Katonah) October 30: Enjoy a family movie night at Muscoot Farm. The Mummy will be showing at 6 PM. Bring a blanket or chairs. $20/family, pre-registration is required.

Live Music & Performances:

Tunes & Brews (Yorktown Heights) – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: PB Pizza & Beer and the Jefferson Valley Mall bring live music, craft beer and food trucks every Friday night from 7-10 PM.

ArtsBash Benefit Concert with Ravi Coltrane (White Plains) October 7: This is ArtsWestchester outdoor fundraiser, previously postponed. Enjoy an evening of jazz music under the stars with Ravi Coltrane. Enjoy cocktails, live music and hors d’oeuvres, 6 PM – 9 PM. Tickets: $100/individual, $85/ArtsWestchester members

Masquerade (White Plains) October 8-24: This show features stories and songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s remarkable life and celebrated work. Performed at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. Performances are at 2 PM and 8 PM on select dates (please check calendar). Tickets $39-$61.

One, Two, Heart You! Music Festival (Peekskill) October 9: Enjoy live music from 10 different bands from 12 PM – 10 PM. Taking place on Esther Street in Peekskill.

Concerts at Bethel Woods (Bethel) A little further to travel but some great musicians worth checking out play here. In October you can see: The Outlaws (October 3), New Power Generation (NPG):Featuring the Music of Prince (October 15), Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes (October 16), Marty Stuart (October 17).

Capitol Theatre (Port Chester) October’s lineup includes: Blues Traveler (October 7), Phil Lesh & Friends (October 9-11, October 18-20, October 29-31), Elvis Costello & the Imposters (October 25 -26), The Greatest Hits of Foreigner (October 27) *Check the site for the full lineup.

Emelin Theatre (Mamaroneck) October’s lineup includes Bria Skonberg (October 2), Lisa Loeb (October 14), Leo Kottke (October 17) and more *Check the site for the full lineup

Paramount Hudson Valley (Peekskill) Music is back at the Paramount. October’s lineup includes: Stella Blue’s Band (October 1), Motherland featuring Eva Sita (October 9), Destination Motown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers (October 16), Almost Queen (October 22), No Quarter: a Tribute to the Led Zeppelin Legacy (October 23), Orleans (October 29)

Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown) October’s lineup includes: Toad the Wet Sprocket (October 1), The High Kings (October 2), The Monkees Farewell Tour (October 20) *Check the site for the full lineup

Shopping:

Westchester County Parks Spraing Ridge Ultimate Garage Sale (Yonkers) October 2: 9 AM – 3 PM, Sprain Brook Park

Westchester Craft Crawl: Fall Tour (Croton and Ossining) October 2-3: Visit four different tour stops to shop from 48 professional craft artists,10 AM – 5 PM. Pick up your passport, visit all four stops and have them stamped and be eligible to win one of 25 prizes.

Hudson Valley Farm + Flea (Monroe, NY) October 9: 10 AM – 4 PM, Shop makers of farm fresh foods, vintage collectors, home & garden, mixologists, jewelry, art, bath & body & much more. Music and food. Entry fee $5.00, children 12 and under free

October Moon Faire (White Plains) October 17: Hosted by The Healing Collective NY and Wild Rabbit Apothecary. 12 PM – 4 PM, Shop local makers of hand made and eco-friendly products, psychic readings, energy healers and more. There will be a collection for SNARR Northeast. Bring a bag of dog food or roll of paper towels and receive a free cup or cold brew or spiced cider. Free admission.

Music Hall Vinyl Record Sale (Tarrytown) October 30 & 31: 10 AM – 4 PM, Tarrytown Music Hall is holding their Vinyl Record sale with all proceeds benefiting the Tarrytown Music Hall.

Other Fun:

Jewish Film Festival 2021 (Pleasantville) September 30 – October 14: The Jacob Burns Film Center is featuring 24 different films from Israel, the US and other countries around the world. Live virtual Q&A sessions will be held for several of the films. Check out the schedule for films and times. Tickets per film: $11 members, $16 non-members

Taco Trot 5K (Yorktown Heights) October 10: 9:45 AM, Run or walk the 5K and then enjoy complimentary tacos. rain or shine $35/participant

Westchester Park Bicycle Sundays: (Bronx River Parkway) October 17, 24 and 31: 10 AM – 2 PM,  Bronx River Parkway

The Sound For All Foundation Sound Bath (Peekskill) October 21: Participate in a sound bath at Lile & Rose Collective Wellness Center in Peekskill. 7 PM, $20/person. Limited space so reserve your spot hello@lileboutiquespa.com. There will be tea, snacks and a 10% discount on retail items in the boutique.

Bedford Playhouse Splendor In The Grass: Hollywood Green (Bedford) October 23: Attend the 23rd Annual Bedford Playhouse Gala. 6:30 PM cocktails, 7:30 PM dinner and dancing. Attire is Old Hollywood Glamour, black tie optional. Tickets: $250-$1,000

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Five on Friday {Welcome Fall!}

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com
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Happy Friday!  I am so excited that fall is officially here! It’s my favorite season an I love everything about it – pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, fall foliage, the cooler weather. It’s been a rude awakening adjusting to the kids’ crazy schedules these past couple of weeks. By Friday, I’m dragging! But we are surviving! Here are five from this week:

1.  Supper Club – Saturday night we had a supper club gathering, the first one since before the pandemic.  We went with a salad and sandwich theme (one of each per couple) and ate outdoors.  It was a delicious evening! I made this Peach Mango Caprese Salad and my husband made a vegetarian Muffuletta.  I bought the peaches and tomatoes for the salad from the Peekskill Farmers Market. The peaches were perfectly ripe and this salad was such a great end of summer treat. We ate so much food and we were so stuffed! 

2.  NYC  – Sunday my husband and I went into NYC for the first time in almost two years.  We went to see Curtain Up! Broadway is Back – a celebration of the reopening of Broadway.  We got to see numbers from many of the shows that are reopening or will start previews. The top of my to-see list includes Wicked, Dear Evan Hanson and Six. Do you have a favorite Broadway musical?

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3. Reading – This week I finished The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon. It was a fun contemporary romance about two co-workers who host a dating show.

4. Cooking – Cooking is not too exciting as I try to find quick and easy dinners.  With two kids in two different sports, weeknights are busy!  Just in time for fall we enjoyed these pumpkin pancakes.  I didn’t add the ginger or allspice, since I’m not a fan of those spices. Breakfast for dinner is always a hit with the kids and these were a perfect way to celebrate fall.  I also made Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps and Sheet Pan Cauliflower Fajitas.

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5.  Watching – This week my husband and I binged the first season of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.  I now know why this show won so many awards. It is SO good….and I’m not a big football (soccer) fan! I want to savor the second season, which I know we will watch a lot of this weekend.  It’s been renewed for a third season, so there is something to look forward to.  

6. Eating –  Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Did you know you get a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme when you show your vaccination card?! If you have never had a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme doughnut, you must!

I had a free birthday pastry reward from Panera Bread so I got this Chocolate Croissant this week. I had never had one from the before and it was very good!

Sharing with Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!

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Five on Friday {Happy Birthday to Me}

Posted on by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday and happy birthday to me!  Thursday was my birthday and I had the day off of work for Yom Kippur! I’ve never made a huge deal about my birthday, and especially so as an adult. However, this year, my husband and I went away for a one night getaway to the Roxbury Motel.  We had not been away for a night by ourselves since my birthday two years ago! It’s good that we got in some quiet relaxation time, because this weekend is going to be a busy one! Here are five from this week:

1.  The Roxbury Motel – We first visited the Roxbury Motel two years ago for our anniversary.  Each room in the motel has a different theme. Last time we stayed in Maryann’s Coconut Cream Pie room.  This time, we stayed in the Flintstone room.  I felt like we were in the Flinstones!  Rooms book up here so far in advance and this was a pretty last minute trip so I’m glad we got a theme room at all.  The amount of detail that the owners, Greg and Joe, put into each room is unbelievable. Pictures don’t do it justice and I will hopefully have some Instagram reels coming soon.

2. Spa Time – Due to COVID The Roxbury isn’t offering spa services, like massages, which we got on our anniversary trip.  They have two small spas, one at the Roxbury and one at their newest property, the Roxbury at Stratton Falls, a couple of miles up the street.  For $20/person per stay, you can have access to both of the spas.  During COVID, they make you reserve the spa rooms, which you get all to yourself!  Sadly, we only stayed for one night, but we made the most of our spa passes.  We enjoyed hot tubs, saunas, the steam room and the heated pool. We also had this beautiful relaxation room to ourselves where I got to get in some reading time.

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3. Reading – This week I finished The Guncle by Steven Rowley. It was a great read and was more serious than the cover lets on.  

4. Cooking – Some of this week’s dinners included Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini and Vegan Swedish Meatballs over egg noodles, using Impossible Ground Burger crumbles.

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5.  Watching – My husband and I started watching Only Murders in the Building.  It’s a dark mystery-comedy series on Hulu that we’ve been enjoying. I don’t like how Hulu presents their original series by releasing 3 episodes in the beginning and then only releasing one new episode a week. You can’t binge watch!!

6. Dog Walking –  Sunday our family walked dogs with A Good Dog Rescue.  They are always looking for volunteers to come out and join the Pack Walk on Sundays at 10 AM.  Volunteers walk a dog on a 1 ½ – 2 hour walk (with a big rest stop!).  All the dogs that are walked are adoptable. Since we are not getting a dog, no matter how much my kids ask, this is a great alternative. We all had a great time.  This is me with Jasper, who was active, but such a mush.

7. Hike – The Roxbury at Stratton Falls has its own little hiking path for hotel guests only that leads to Stratton Falls. I LOVE waterfalls and this was a good one!

8. Eating – My husband and I shared a Goat Cheese Salad and this White Shrimp Pizza from Chappie’s. This restaurant is within walking distance to the Roxbury, so we opted to dine here and the food is pretty good.

We stopped at Maeve’e Coffee Shop on our way home for a quick bite to eat. We weren’t super hungry so we shared this fried platter that had fried green beans, fried avocado, french fries and fried cheese curds served with a sriracha dipping sauce. It was really good!

9. Drinking – When I saw that Maeve’s Coffee Shop had chai milkshakes I had to get one!

Since my husband let them know our stay was to celebrate my birthday, the Roxbury left us a split of champagne in the room fridge. We ended up using it in the morning to make mimosas to enjoy with our breakfast!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I shared my August Reads.

Sharing with Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!