Slices of Life

 Oh boy did I struggle with this week's prompts for the I Spy photography challenge!  We had a really miserable, rainy week and I don't think I got out of the house at all so that just added to my challenge as I'm not usually motivated to take photos around the house.   – scary -- Our hike on Friday was a bit scary; it was steep and the rocks and leaves were slippery with all the rain we've been having – mend -- I've been meaning to mend this yo-yo blanket that my great grandmother made.  – starts with G -- A bowl of grapes. – spiral -- We topped the chocolate cake we made this week with chocolate spirals.  – your choice

 It was such a rainy week that we hardly got outside at all this week so my list of favorites is a very short one!   Friday, Evan and I met up with our friends at the Audubon and went hiking.  Unfortunately one of  the trails we picked to hike was flooded and we had to turn around and backtrack.  It was such a beautiful day to be outside though! We were having a very belated birthday party for Evan on Saturday and Alec and I worked together to make him a really delicious chocolate/ raspberry cake.  It's the same cake I had on my birthday but we cut the two layers in half to make a 4 layer cake so there was extra raspberry filling in it ( recipe here ).  YUM! I got some new nail wraps in and am loving these blue stars!  Late sunrises cause some moody mornings on the lake.   Linking up with: On the Edge, 

With Halloween here in the United States this weekend I thought it only fitting that my features from last week's party all fit the Halloween theme.  We don't celebrate anymore now that my boys are older and no longer go trick or treating but we have turned it into a family movie night complete with snacks.  Do you celebrate Halloween at all? And Now, It's Time for This Week's Encouraging Hearts & Home Blog Hop!     Join your Encouraging Hearts & Home Co-Hosts each week for encouragement and support for your heart & your home . We hope to provide a space that builds each other up and lends a helping hand along the way. With all the negativity in the world, let's shine a positive light! The Posts with the most views from last week: Ageless Style & Cozy Cardigans by ME! (Slices of Life) Some of my favorites from last week: Five Little Ghosties by The Apple Street Cottage My Spooky Halloween House by Shelbee on the Edge Halloween Tree in the D

 It's the last Thursday of the month and time for Monthly Musings with Patty & Holly.  This month we're talking all about our fall traditions and memories. 1. What are your Halloween traditions? When the boys were little we took them Trick- or- Treating each year but the last few years they've decided they're too old for for dressing up so we've turned Halloween into a family movie night.  The first year we watched Hocus Pocus, the second year we watched Addams Family, and this year it sounds like we're going to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas.  2.  Favorite fall activities?  Hiking for sure! I also enjoy trips to the apple orchard and baking up some yummy fall treats.  3. Favorite fall recipe? This is a tough one... I really love apple crisp 4. What beverage makes you think of fall? Apple cider; fresh from the orchard.  5. Favorite fall fashion staple? My boots and my sweaters!  6. Do you decorate for fall? Halloween? Or both? I decorate for fall only