The best things about this Season

As the crisp air rolls in, leaves begin to fall, and pumpkins pop up on doorsteps, it’s clear: 

Fall is officially here! 

Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or just love the cozy vibes this season brings, there’s much to enjoy. From seasonal recipes to must-read books and outdoor activities perfect for the whole family, here’s how to embrace the best of autumn.

Delicious Halloween and Fall Recipes

Fall is all about warm, comforting foods that make you feel wrapped in a cozy blanket. Here are two recipes that will make your home smell amazing and are perfect for Halloween festivities!

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting 

Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice, and these cupcakes are the ultimate treat for the season. Soft, moist, and filled with the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, these cupcakes are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tray with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
3. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients and combine with the dry.
4. Pour the batter into the liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
5. Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies

Whoopie pies are a classic fall treat, and with a pumpkin spice twist, they become irresistible. Soft pumpkin cakes sandwiched with a fluffy cream cheese filling—what could be better for fall?

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, and mix until well combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
6. While the cakes cool, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
7. Spread or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one pumpkin cake and sandwich it with another.

Must-Read Fall Book for Adults: All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

As the crisp fall air settles in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a suspenseful thriller to match the season’s eerie vibes. All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers is a perfect choice for your fall reading list, especially if you enjoy twisty mysteries that keep you on the edge.

The story follows Margot Davies, a journalist who returns to her quiet hometown of Wakarusa, Indiana, still haunted by an unsolved murder from her childhood. The chilling case of her childhood friend, January Jacobs, who was brutally killed, never left Margot’s mind. Now, decades later, another young girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances. As Margot begins to investigate, she’s drawn into the town’s dark secrets, discovering that not everything is as it seems.

All Good People Here masterfully weaves past and present together, creating a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere. The novel explores themes of trauma, secrets, and small-town dynamics, making it the perfect companion for long autumn nights. If you’re looking for a gripping, emotionally charged mystery to dive into this fall, All Good People Here should be at the top of your list.

How to Make a Boo Basket for Your Kids

Creating a Boo Basket is a fun way to surprise your kids during the Halloween season. Filled with spooky treats and festive goodies, these baskets are a great way to get them excited about the holiday. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect Boo Basket using fun and practical items.

Step 1: Start with the Basket

Begin with a sturdy and festive organizer for your Boo Basket. The Boo Basket Cube Organizer Bins are perfect for this. They measure 10x14x8 inches, making them spacious enough to hold all the goodies. Plus, the dual handles make them easy to carry and repurpose for other uses later, like toy storage or organizing their Halloween candy haul.

Step 2: Toss in Some Sweet Treats

Fill the basket with some classic Halloween candy like Brach’s Candy Corn, made with real honey. This 20-ounce bag will satisfy their sweet tooth and keep the Halloween spirit alive. You can also add other favorite candies or chocolates for variety.

Step 3: Add a Festive Drink

A fun and unique touch is to include Halloween Boo Ghost Cups—spooky 16 oz glass tumblers with lids and straws. These cups not only fit the Halloween theme but also make for a great reusable drink option for your kids to enjoy hot chocolate or other festive drinks throughout the season.

Step 4: Include a Bath Time Treat

Make bath time extra fun by adding a Halloween Bath Bomb for Kids with Surprise Toys Inside. These large pumpkin bath bombs are a fun surprise, and the hidden Halloween toy inside will give your little ones something to look forward to during their spooky bath. This bath bomb set by Two Sisters is made in the USA, ensuring quality and fun.

Step 5: Spooky Basket Stuffers

Lastly, add in some smaller spooky-themed items like stickers, mini toys, or even Halloween-themed socks as fun Boo Basket Stuffers. This final touch brings the whole basket together and adds extra excitement for the kids as they dig through their Halloween surprises.

You can personalize the Boo Basket with a name tag, Halloween ribbon, or even a handwritten note wishing them a “Happy Boo Day!” Whether you’re preparing it as a fun activity or to surprise your kids on Halloween morning, this basket is sure to bring smiles and get them into the spooky spirit.

Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania: A Family-Friendly Destination

If you’re looking for a fall getaway, look no further than the Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania. This family-friendly resort has something for everyone, from indoor waterparks to adventure-packed activities like mini-golf and bowling. The lodge also offers seasonal events like Halloween-themed activities, making it an excellent place to celebrate the spooky season with the whole family. Great Wolf Lodge is where the cozy accommodations and plenty of entertainment for the family happens.  It’s the perfect spot to create unforgettable fall memories. The annual Howl-O-Ween is the best opportunity to get dressed up, Wolf Out at the Monster’s Bash dance party, water park and while enjoying the delicious trick or treat trail.  

Did you know that this year Brach’s candy and Great Wolf Lodge partnered to create a once in a lifetime experience of fun and yum at Great Wolf Lodge?

Apple Picking and Pumpkin Picking Adventures

Fall isn’t complete without a pumpkin patch or apple orchard trip. These farms offer fun outdoor activities that are perfect for the season. Whether searching for the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern or looking to pick fresh apples for baking, these locations will not disappoint!

Pumpkin Picking Locations:

1. Green Meadows Farm Brooklyn – Perfect for pumpkin picking in the heart of Brooklyn with family-friendly activities.
2. Conklin U-Pick – Known for its wide variety of pumpkins, this farm also offers hayrides and a corn maze for a full fall experience.
3. Sisson’s Pumpkin Patch – A great spot in Wisconsin with pumpkin picking, fresh cider, and kid-friendly activities.
4. White Post Farms – A favorite on Long Island, with tons of pumpkins, petting zoos, and carnival rides for the kids.

So, grab your flannel shirts, scarves, and hot cider and dive into the best this season offers! Whether savoring delicious fall recipes, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying time with your family at a pumpkin patch or Great Wolf Lodge, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this magical season. With that a recent Behavior Plan reset helped me gain within my work /life balance and I highly recommend you giving a reset a try. If you’re feeling stuck. Behavior Plan Assessment for Women

Happy Fall!