September Delights: A Look Beyond the Kitchen & Fall Adventures

Welcome back to another edition of “Out of the Kitchen,” where we pull back the curtain and share a glimpse into our lives beyond the recipes and culinary creations. September was a whirlwind of delightful moments, personal growth, and exciting adventures. From indulging in sweet treats and exploring local treasures to cherished family visits and embracing the changing seasons, this month truly offered a rich tapestry of experiences. Join us as we recount the highlights, share behind-the-scenes peeks, and reflect on the memories made during this beautiful autumn month.

Culinary Creations & Sweet Indulgences

September kicked off with a truly memorable culinary experiment thanks to Ryan. He surprised me by whipping up our very first batch of banana walnut rum crepes. The experience of making crepes for the first time was surprisingly fun, and the results were absolutely divine. We decided to enjoy these delicate, flavorful crepes not for breakfast, but as a decadent 10 pm Friday night snack – a truly perfect end to a busy week. They were so incredibly delicious, infused with the rich sweetness of banana, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and a subtle hint of rum. I still dream about them and wish we had made a double batch so I could have savored them again for breakfast the following morning. It’s moments like these that remind me of the simple joys of homemade treats and shared culinary adventures.

Speaking of sweet treats, September was also a celebration of all things apple. You might recall my post about those delectable apple and maple butter pop tarts. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creation! This past month, our kitchen was a hub of apple-based recipe development, culminating in a special “Apple Week” right here on the blog. We explored a diverse range of apple recipes, from comforting bakes to innovative desserts, truly embracing the crisp, sweet flavors of fall. If you missed any of those autumnal delights, you can easily catch up on all our apple recipes here.

Life Beyond the Kitchen: Nanny Adventures & Festival Fun

Many of you know that alongside my blogging endeavors, I work as a nanny. This role fills my days with vibrant creativity, endless imagination, and, of course, lots of play-doh! It’s a wonderful contrast to the structured world of blogging and recipe testing. During September, I found myself captivated by the artistic possibilities of play-doh, practicing making intricate play-doh roses and, naturally, miniature food creations. It’s a surprisingly therapeutic and fun way to engage with the kids, and I often find inspiration for real-life food art, even if on a much smaller scale. These little artistic exercises often spark my own creativity, bringing a fresh perspective back into the kitchen.

Another highlight of the month was our visit to the annual corn festival. It’s a cherished local tradition that brings the community together for food, fun, and festivities. Ryan, ever the enthusiast for fairground indulgences, proudly showed off his deep-fried Oreos. Oh, the temptation! Despite knowing that glutenous deep-fried Oreos would inevitably leave me feeling unwell for days, their golden-brown perfection and sugary allure were almost impossible to resist. While I had to admire them from afar, they certainly looked incredible. Unfortunately, we arrived a little too late to snag any fresh corn, as all the vendors had completely sold out. But not to worry, we quickly pivoted to the next best thing: a generous bag of warm, perfectly seasoned kettle corn, which proved to be a delightful consolation prize and a perfect treat to share as we walked through the bustling festival grounds, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the last vestiges of summer fun.

Treasures Found: Exploring Local Vintage & Home Decor

Can you believe it? After living in this area for years, I finally made my very first visit to our local vintage store this September! I honestly don’t know what took me so long, but I’m incredibly glad I finally did. Stepping inside was like entering a treasure trove – the store is absolutely amazing and wonderfully huge, sprawling with aisles of unique finds and forgotten gems. It felt like an adventure just browsing through all the different sections. The sheer volume and variety of items were astounding, from antique furniture to quirky collectibles, each piece telling its own story.

I left with some fantastic finds that I’m already putting to good use. Among my prized possessions were a couple of old cast iron skillets. There’s something so satisfying about cooking with cast iron, and these vintage pieces have an incredible charm and durability that modern pans often lack. They’re not just for cooking; they also make fantastic props for my food photography, adding a rustic, authentic touch to my shots. I also picked up a beautiful tin plate, perfect for serving up pies or displaying baked goods, and a collection of stunning vintage utensils. Their intricate designs and classic feel are simply captivating, and they add so much character to any table setting or food styling arrangement. This first visit was such a success that I’ve already earmarked a return trip. I’m excited to explore even more of its nooks and crannies, and I promise to snap plenty more pictures to share with you all next time!

Behind the Lens: Photography & Indulgences

A peek behind the scenes of my food photography setup! In September, I made a significant improvement to my home studio by hanging a simple white sheet to help soften my backlight. This seemingly small change has made a dramatic difference in the quality and diffusion of light in my shots, resulting in more professional and visually appealing food images. For those of you who dabble in food photography, mastering natural light is key, and finding ways to manipulate it effectively, even with DIY solutions, can elevate your work tremendously. Now that I primarily shoot with backlight and have cleverly covered my porch door, I no longer have to worry about my neighbors getting an awkward view of me precariously perched on kitchen chairs, hovering over my table, trying to capture that perfect shot of a freshly baked cake or a vibrant salad. It’s certainly made my photo sessions much more comfortable and less prone to accidental audience participation, as depicted in some of my earlier, more adventurous attempts!

After a productive photography session or just a busy day, there’s nothing quite like a little treat, and our Dairy Queen dates are always a highlight. This month, we indulged in our classic DQ ritual. My go-to order is always a Reese’s Blizzard, but with a crucial modification: extra Reese’s! That combination of creamy vanilla soft-serve blended with abundant peanut butter cups is pure bliss. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that consistently hits the spot and brings a smile to my face. It got me wondering, what’s your ultimate Dairy Queen go-to? Do you stick to a classic, or do you have a secret menu hack that makes your Blizzard extra special? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

Morning Serenity & Exciting Deliveries

September brought with it some truly breathtaking sunrises, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Starting my day with the quiet peace of a beautiful sunrise, often accompanied by some bible study, is a profound way to set a positive tone for whatever lies ahead. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude that helps ground me before the busyness of the day takes over, offering a sense of calm and perspective that I cherish deeply. These quiet mornings are vital for my well-being and fuel my creativity, ensuring I approach my work and personal life with renewed energy.

Adding to the excitement of the month was the arrival of a large package filled with goodies from OXO and The Container Store! For a food blogger, this is like Christmas morning. I’m incredibly excited about an upcoming post in October where I’ll be sharing all the details of these fantastic products. This delivery signifies the beginning of a much-needed pantry makeover, a project I’ve been eager to tackle for a while. Our pantry, as many home cooks can relate, was in desperate need of some organizational magic, and these tools are just what I need to transform it into an efficient, beautiful space. Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation and my favorite organizational hacks! On a lighter note, you might also spot some rather interesting tan lines on my feet in the picture – a quirky memento from wearing my beloved Toms all summer long. It’s a subtle reminder of the warmer months fading and the cozy autumn days settling in.

Unique Experiences: Local Bites & High-Tech Tours

Ryan and I discovered a hidden gem this September – a local restaurant that people have been raving about, and for good reason! We stopped in for a casual meal, and I was absolutely thrilled with my choice: a massive, vibrant salad that not only looked incredible but tasted even better. The most astonishing part? That entire plate of fresh, delicious goodness cost us only $2! It’s rare to find such high quality and generous portions at such an unbeatable price, making it an instant favorite on our list of local eats. It just goes to show that you don’t always have to spend a fortune to enjoy a fantastic meal out, and we’re already planning our next visit to explore more of their menu.

In a completely different vein, I had the fascinating opportunity to visit what I like to call “the orange room.” This incredibly unique space is part of a brand-new building on a local campus, dedicated to the intricate process of building computer chips. The most striking feature of this facility is the absolute necessity for a completely dust-free environment. Before you can even enter the sterile “orange room” itself, you undergo a thorough decontamination process: a powerful vacuum system literally sucks all the dust off your clothes, followed by donning a full-body protective suit and a hairnet. It’s an immersive experience that highlights the meticulous precision required in advanced technology manufacturing. Walking through that sterile, pristine environment made me incredibly grateful that I pursued a path in food blogging rather than engineering. No offense, Dad, but the thought of needing to be that immaculate for work every day just isn’t for me!

Family Ties & Home Transformations

September was made even more special by a wonderful visit from Ryan’s family. We always cherish their visits, and this time was no exception. We filled their stay with quintessentially fall activities, starting with a trip to our local farmer’s market, where we browsed seasonal produce and artisanal goods. A highlight was our excursion to an apple orchard, where we enjoyed the crisp autumn air and the simple pleasure of picking fresh apples right from the trees. It’s a perfect fall tradition that everyone always enjoys. In the evenings, we introduced them to our favorite dice game, Farkel – a fast-paced, exciting game that quickly became a hit, leading to lots of laughter and friendly competition around the kitchen table. These shared moments of good food, outdoor fun, and engaging games truly make family visits unforgettable.

Their visit also coincided with a significant change in our tiny home: we finally managed to get rid of our old, swirly pastel couch. This couch had a sentimental history, having belonged to Ryan’s family way back in the day before it found its way to our living room. While it held memories, it was definitely time for an upgrade. We were thrilled to give it a new life by offering it to some excited individuals who were overjoyed to receive it for free. Their enthusiasm made the process even more rewarding! Currently, our living room is enjoying a wonderful period of extra floor space, which, in our tiny house, feels like an absolute luxury. We haven’t quite settled on a new couch yet, but we’re certainly appreciating the open area and brainstorming ideas for how to best utilize this newfound space. It’s an exciting opportunity to rethink our living room layout and potentially invest in something that perfectly suits our evolving style and needs.

Baking Fails & Future Treats

Yes, that’s right, I am unceremoniously tossing an entire pan of cinnamon rolls directly into the garbage. It’s a moment that every baker dreads, but it happens to the best of us, even food bloggers! This past month, I attempted to make coffee cinnamon rolls, and let me tell you, they were an absolute disaster. The texture was dense, and they were incredibly dry, making them practically inedible. It was a tough decision to throw them out, but sometimes a recipe just doesn’t work out, no matter how much effort you put in. It serves as a humbling reminder that even with years of experience, baking can still present challenges. I honestly think I need to enroll in private lessons to master the art of cinnamon rolls; I always seem to make a fundamental error somewhere along the way. But hey, it’s all part of the learning process, right?

While some baking attempts ended in failure, others are building up to incredible success! Here’s an exciting sneak peek and a little behind-the-scenes shot of a project I’ve been working on: the Candy Bar Cake. This is going to be the ultimate solution for anyone wondering what to do with all that leftover Halloween candy come October. Instead of letting it linger in a bowl, imagine transforming it into a spectacular, decadent cake! The recipe is currently in development and will be hitting the blog just in time for you to put those Halloween spoils to delicious use. Get ready to turn your candy haul into a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love. It promises to be a fantastic way to extend the holiday fun and indulge your sweet tooth!

Reflecting on September & Looking Ahead

As we wrap up our September recap, it’s clear that the month was a vibrant mix of culinary experiments, personal growth, family connections, and exciting discoveries. From the comforting warmth of homemade crepes and the vibrant buzz of a corn festival to the quiet joy of a sunrise and the thrill of vintage hunting, each moment added a unique flavor to our journey. We love sharing these “Out of the Kitchen” updates as they allow us to connect with you on a more personal level, showing the real-life inspirations behind the recipes you see on the blog.

Now, we turn it over to you! What was your favorite thing you did, experienced, or created during the month of September? Share your highlights in the comments below – we always love hearing about your adventures and what made your month special as the beautiful autumn season truly begins to unfold.