From Flip-Flops to Flannels
THE BRINE TIMES
October Edition
Well, it's officially October.
And while I'll always be a summer girl, I have to admit there's something pretty wonderful about trading flip-flops for flannels, opening the windows, and getting back into some of our favorite fall routines.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not racing to order my first pumpkin spice latte.
But a crisp morning? A walk through the woods? Something delicious simmering on the stove all day?
Okay, fall. You've got my attention.
Making Mondays Something to Look Forward To
One of the first things I get excited about when the weather starts cooling down is breaking out the crockpot.
I know. Wild stuff over here.
But hear me out.
There's something magical about turning an ordinary Monday night into a meal that feels like Sunday dinner.
Randy and I love having an early dinner on Sundays. Afterward, we'll spend a little time getting organized and prepping for the week before settling in to watch whatever show we're currently enjoying.
Lately, it's Ted Lasso, which has us rolling!
And while we're getting ready for Monday, we'll throw together one of my favorite fall dinners: a good old-fashioned pot roast.
Nothing complicated.
Carrots. Celery. Onion. A beautiful pot roast. Our favorite seasonings.
Everything goes into the crockpot insert, which we cover and refrigerate overnight.
Monday morning, I pop it into the crockpot, turn it on, and let it do its thing.
Since I work from home, I get to enjoy the smell filling the house all day long.
By dinnertime, the house smells amazing, dinner is practically done, and an ordinary Monday suddenly feels like the best night of the week.
All because we spent a little time getting ready on Sunday.
Into the Woods We Go (And a Birthday Boy!)
Of course, fall isn't all about staying inside.
One of our favorite family outings this time of year is heading into the woods for a good hike.
The smell of the trees.
The changing colors.
The sound of leaves under your feet.
And then there's Rowdy.
If you read our August blog, you've already met our mischievous little Potcake from Antigua.
Well, put that dog on a trail and he's in his glory.
And October is extra special around here because it's Rowdy's birthday!
Our little rascal is turning SEVEN this year. How that happened so quickly, I have absolutely no idea.
Watching him light up as he explores the woods is half the fun. His nose is working overtime, there's something exciting around every corner, and he reminds us that sometimes the best way to spend an afternoon is simply getting outside together.
Birthdays have a funny way of reminding us just how quickly time passes, especially when it comes to our four-legged family members.
It's a little reminder to take the extra walk, explore the new trail, linger outside a little longer, and make the most of every moment we get together.
A little fresh air, a good trail, and our favorite birthday boy.
That's our kind of fall outing.
Happy 7th Birthday, Rowdy!
Randy's Outdoor Kitchen Is Officially Open
While I may be excited about my crockpot, Randy has a slightly different approach to fall cooking.
His involves building a fire.
And breaking out the cast iron.
If you've been following along, you already know Randy loves his smoker and pretty much any opportunity to cook outdoors.
But when the weather cools down, his cast iron pot over the open fire really starts getting a workout.
And let me tell you...
The man makes a mean chili.
There's nothing quite like spending a fall Sunday outside while a big pot of Randy's chili cooks slowly over the fire all day.
It's one of those meals where the anticipation is almost as good as the meal itself.
Almost.
A cozy flannel, a crackling fire, and a big bowl of homemade chili?
Now we're talking.
Pumpkin Spice? Not So Fast.
We're not exactly the type to start counting down to pumpkin spice season in July.
But I do have a soft spot for a really good pumpkin bread.
And when it comes to baking, Martha Stewart is the queen.
I love using one of her pumpkin bread recipes as my starting point, but I have a little trick that makes it extra special.
Before baking, I top the batter with:
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Toasted pumpkin seeds
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A little brown sugar
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A sprinkle of sea salt
It creates this delicious sweet-and-salty crust that takes an already wonderful pumpkin bread to another level.
It's perfect with morning coffee, as an afternoon treat, or, let's be serious, standing at the kitchen counter cutting yourself just one more little slice.
You know the one.
The slice that doesn't count because you didn't put it on a plate.
Relish the Facts
A little Sunday prep can make a big difference in your week.
One of our favorite kitchen habits has nothing to do with complicated meal planning.
It's simply taking a few minutes on Sunday to think about what we'd like to eat during the week.
Maybe it's prepping vegetables for Monday's pot roast, making a big batch of soup, or planning how to use leftovers for another meal.
A little preparation means less scrambling when life gets busy.
And if it means coming home to a delicious dinner on a Monday night?
Even better.
What's Cookin' in the Backyard?
This month's kitchen lineup is all about comfort.
On the crockpot: Monday pot roast with carrots, celery, and onions.
Over the fire: Randy's slow-cooked Sunday chili.
In the oven: Pumpkin bread with toasted pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, and sea salt.
On our fall agenda: More hiking, more outdoor cooking, and finding a few new recipes to try before the holiday season sneaks up on us.
And if you've got a favorite crockpot recipe that makes your week a little easier, send it our way!
We're always looking for something new to add to our Sunday prep routine.
A Backyard Note
I think what I'm learning to appreciate about fall is that it brings a different kind of joy than summer.
Summer is spontaneous.
Beach days. Concerts. Backyard gatherings that stretch long past sunset.
Fall feels a little more like coming home.
It's Sunday afternoons spent cooking together.
A pot roast waiting for us on Monday.
Watching Rowdy discover a new trail and remembering to enjoy every adventure together, big or small.
A big pot of chili bubbling over an open fire.
And settling in on the couch at the end of a busy day with someone you love.
So while I may never be the first person to trade my beach towel for a flannel...
I have to admit, October has its perks.
Here's to making the most of the season, finding joy in the little routines, and remembering that even a Monday night can feel pretty special.
Happy fall from our backyard to yours!
— Cori & Randy