Oh my! Apple pie

Since I picked a ton of apples during my adventure to Battleview Orchards, I knew the first thing I was doing with these fresh picked specimens.  APPLE PIE.  It is my favorite. 

I have a simple recipe for you:

You will need:

4-6 Apples (depending on size) I use red and delicious, but you can use any kind you like
Pre-made pie crust *room temperature* (I cannot taste the difference, which is why I do not make my own)
3/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
a few slices of butter

So, this is how I make apple pie:

1. Peel and slice your apples. I tend to cut them on the thinner side.
2. Put cut apples in a large bowl.  Add the sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
3. Cover the mixture and put in the fridge overnight to let the apples marinate.  (I think this is my 'secret' to apple pie, since I've never seen it in a recipe before)
4. Stir apples occasionally

The next day...or hours later:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Lay pie crust in dish and fill with apple mixture
3. Cut a few pieces of butter (4-5) and place on top of apple mixture
4. Lay second pie crust on top of the pie and cut a few slits in the top.
5. Bake pie for approximately 30 minutes
6. ENJOY!

This recipe is easy and delicious! Even if baking isn't your 'thing'!  

Picking a winner

I've wanted to go apple picking for quite some time now.  For some reason the timing was never right, but I finally made it! *cheers and applause*  Now I'm certain it will be an annual tradition. The place we went to was called Battleview Orchards, which is located in Freehold, NJ.

This place was adorable.  They had FRESH HOT HOMEMADE donuts.  Should I even continue with this blog post?  Seriously, nothing short of magical.

Steven and I took the liberty of climbing the trees instead of renting a stick-thing (that is the technical term) that you could just grab the apples from the top with.  What is the fun in that anyway?? I'm also proud to say that I did not fall off the tree...AND no one tried to pick me when I was up there thinking I was a red and delicious apple.  That was a victory in itself.   Also, note the last picture: There really aren't words to describe how good those baked goods looked.

If you've never gone apple picking before I highly suggest it and recommend it.  Even if you don't like apples (if that is even possible) there are many other things available like baked goods.  I can't wait to go again next year :)

**Apple pie post to come :)

7 Little Things

To say that I was thrilled when Chestnut Mocha tagged me in a post this week is a little bit of an understatement.   Ben and Katie were kind enough to tag me in a post  and gave me a "Tell me about yourself Award"! Of course, I could not take a permanent smile off of my face when I got this.  Thanks guys...you can now add the label of "day maker" to your resume, if it wasn't already on there!

So, anyway, here are the rules:
1. Say "thank you" with a linking post
2. Write 7 things about yourself
3. Give the award to 15 other blogs
4. Inform them about it!

{extra!extra! read all about it: I love traveling. Especially with my friend Katie}

1. I play hide-and-go-seek with my cat. 
2. I'm currently getting my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling
3. I am serious about 3% of the time. 
4. I do not have cable or internet in my apartment, so keeping up on current events, prime time TV, and blog posts is sometimes difficult.
5. I try to take pictures of nearly everything.  My Iphone has helped me do this with ease and poise... or so I'd like to think ;)
6. I love to shop. For anything. Seriously (food shopping even becomes a fun alternative).  Sales are an extra thing that gets my adrenaline pumping. Yard sales and thrift store make my knees go weak.
7. One of the events that had the most impact on my life was my volunteer trip to the Dominican Republic.

{In the Dominican Republic}

I'd love to know more about YOU:


Ashley  of Serendipitous Monments
Marina of Time of your Life
Dale of Savvy Spice
Anna of Embrace the Sunshine
Lindsay of Just us
Ariel of A Dreamer's Daze
Jane of In the Pink and Green
Tessa of Totally Tessa
Lara of Simply Irresistable
Veronika of Girl and Closet
Koltunovskaya of Koltunovskaya
Alycia of Crowley Party
Amber of Novels and Nonsense
Sara of House of Shoes
Melissa from Simply Melissa Ashley
Stephanie of Blonde Highlights
Crystal of Trust in Turbulence

I love reading all of your blogs.  Ladies: Please do not feel obligated to repost.  If nothing else, hopefully this will help others read your fantastic blogs <3 And if you do: I cannot wait to read your 7 things :)

What is everyone up to this weekend?  It's supposed to be a rainy one...at least in my area.  Hope it's a good one <3