How To Treat Yourself This Fall

I know everyone’s lives get so busy this time of year, but you cannot forget to take time for yourself! Here are a few ideas on how to treat yourself this fall! Take time out of your busy day to do something for yourself!

Eat Sweets, Like Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies

Ok hear me out, marshmallows + pumpkin + chocolate chips = the perfect fall cookie! This recipe is SO easy and was so fun to make after a long day of work. My family LOVED these and so did I! I was hesitant about the recipe and worried it was gonna be way too sweet. But thank goodness I tried it anyway! This recipe was inspired by A Latte Food.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 5 Tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp cloves
  • 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 6-7 large marshmallows cut in half

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Cream butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Next, add in sugars to creamed butter until combined.
  4. Add in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix.
  5. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  6. Mix with wet ingredients.
  7. Once combined, add in chips. Stir.
  8. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
  9. Take about 2 Tbsp of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Stick a half marshmallow in the center, and fold the cookie dough around the marshmallows, forming it into a ball. Make sure the marshmallow is completely covered by the dough.
  10. Place evenly on a cookie sheet, and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Stroll Around OTO

Picture from Old Towne Preservation Association

I think fresh air is the best cure for a stressful day! Luckily the streets of Old Towne Orange are so charming! While you’re out this fall, check out Old Towne Preservation Association’s winners of their annual Halloween decorating contest. You cannot miss the 300 block of E. Palmyra Ave which won the Creepy Street award! Click here to see the other winners and a few honorable mentions from this year’s spooky contest.

A Seasonal Dinner in OTO

Picture from @gabbis_kitchen from Instagram

We can’t get over Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen’s fall menu! You’ll find this dish on the menu as Cordero Estofadochile. It features puya braised lamb, escabeche, chile Quemado, and house flour tortillas. Another fave on their fall menu is the Pescado! The Pescado is prepared with crispy pan-seared redfish, chorizo-chile broth, cannellini beans, cherry tomato, and pepita pesto.

Warm Boozy Apple Cider

This picture is from Delish.com

I am a sucker for apple cider! This boozy recipe is so yummy! It’s perfect to make for you and your friends. Turning the apples into cups was a big task, so I’d suggest drinking from a normal glass. But, if you want to take some cute pics, definitely try making the apple cups! This recipe is from Delish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup Fireball
  • 1/2 cup caramel
  • 1-gallon apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks and more garnish
  • 8 apples

Directions:

  1. In a Crock-Pot, combine apple cider, whiskey, cinnamon sticks, and caramel. Cook on low until warmed through, about 2 hours.
  2. Make apple cups: Slice off the top of each apple. Use an apple corer to remove the inside of the apple until you’re about 1/2″ from the bottom of the apple. Squeeze lemon juice inside the apple cups to prevent apples from browning.
  3. Ladle hot cider into apple cups. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, and serve immediately.

Stream a Spooky Movie/Show

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

If you’re in the mood to stream a show or movie to get you in the Halloween spirit (and make you feel like a proud OTO resident) check out the seventh season of American Horror Story. In the first episode of that season, there are scenes that were filmed in Old Towne Orange! It’s so fun to see our towne on TV! 

Get Your Nails Done

Picture form @lollipopnailstudio on Instagram

Lollipop Nails Studio is a non-toxic nail salon! Definitely call ahead and book an appointment to ensure a seat in this cozy nail studio. They have an array of colors but they can also do custom nails. Show them a picture of your desired design or explain what you want and Lollipop will get to work! They’re incredibly friendly over there. When I treat myself and get my nails done here I also stop by Impact Juice Bar next door and enjoy an acai bowl. It’s the perfect afternoon.

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Last Updated on February 6, 2020 by