 Not the prettiest apple pie I've ever made, but it was eaten so fast it didn't matter!
We went to pick apples here and had an excess of sweet, tasty apples that were begging to be cooked. I have tried a few recipes and most are full of unnecessary sugar. This simple recipe will make a delicious pie and doesn't require extra sugar or take all day to make. I also bought a vegan pie crust and to make it even simpler. I used a large 10.5 deep dish pie plate, but you can adjust this simple recipe to fit your needs. Simple Vegan Apple Pie 2 Prepared vegan pie crusts 2 pounds apples 2 cups natural vegan apple sauce (unsweetened) 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon nutmeg Vegan butter Preheat oven to 350' (read the instructions on your pie crust) Place one pie crust in the bottom of your pie pan. Peel and cut your apples into thin slices. Transfer apples into a medium bowl, sprinkle in spices and stir to coat. Place coated apples in pie crust, add apple sauce till almost full and place the top pie crust over the apples. Seal the edges, and cut small steam slices in top crust and gently brush with vegan butter. Bake for for 50-60 minutes or until the apples are tender. Allow to sit for 20+ minutes before cutting. Enjoy!  Time to get busy-  Hello new seedlings! For the last few years we let the raised beds rest, but now its time to plant. I've germinated seeds in trays with mixed luck, but a few hardly babies have made it.  With all the rain lately in the Southwest this should be an amazing year to grow our own veggies. Stay tuned... 
This post contains affiliate links.
It's almost SPRING!
The official date for Spring, in the Northern Hemisphere is March 20, 2018, and I can't wait. I enjoy winter, but I'm looking forward to spring this year. I love flowers and of course all the fresh vegetables. I plan on planting another garden and expand my kitchen herb collection. 
Lately I seem to be obsessed with succulents...
But look at these little babies! How can you not love them?
And look!
Many people have cactus plants in their yards and gardens in New Mexico. I really love these. It amazes me how they last through the winter temps and snow.
(Last year we had a good crop of Yuccas, too.)
So I have already started looking for pots, seeds and any/all tools to get a jump on the growing season. I found this 3 Tier Stackable Garden - for indoor/outdoor use. I like the fact that it is self watering and I can expand the number of fresh herbs I can grow NOW and I don't have to wait for warmer weather. It's not too big so you can use it in the kitchen or on the patio. Best part it's under $25USD on Amazon!
​Also by growing in my kitchen I have the fresh herbs handy when I need them, plus I keep bugs and critters out of the pots.  Remember last year I had help from the neighbors in my herb pots?
It should also help keep the locals out of my pots. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a toad in the yard on or the patio, but not so much in the oregano.
Garden Buddy :D
 I love all the blooming plants in the neighborhood too. You would think he could find somewhere else to play?
I also really like this Earth Box kit. (It has wheels! How smart is that?) Plus it comes with everything you need- I know I hate driving into town for fertilizer or planting mix. Each trip I find more things I "need" and end up spending $50 when I went in for a $5 item. This kit is a little bit more pricey at $57 but I figure it paid for itself by eliminating all those extra trips into town. You can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers on windowsills, on your deck or even the balcony, or take it inside - with our unpredictable weather I like that I can easily bring the box inside quickly. Plus container gardening means no weeding!
And if you are just starting out gardening and are unsure about which supplies or tools you need this kit has got it all including non gmo seeds. It comes complete with:
I'm ordering one for each of my nieces and nephews so they can start gardening, too. Have you started planting yet? Nothing beats a early Spring garden full of fresh, homegrown vegetables. MMMMM I'm already looking forward to being over run with squash and strawberries!
I will update you on the garden process over the next few weeks and also don't forget I'm planning that BIG Pacific trip - so any advice on where to go/stay/see/avoid would be appreciated. Speak soon~ ​ 
Okay only a little behind on this one!
When it comes to shopping I admit some months I shop more than others. September was a busy month between work, traveling and all the normal day to day stuff. Autumn usually is, though as we begin preparing for winter and everyone starts thinking about the holidays. ​ Somehow, I managed to finish up some personal projects, (yeah me!) and try some new products and I still found time to read! #WIN I have another 20 books I need to write a review on.... Meanwhile, here are a few of my loves for September: ​ (Note: I do have affiliate links, for some of the products. But I bought and LOVE all of these items or I would not waste my time talking about them.) 
How did I live without this bamboo bath tub shelf?
I was actually killing time surfing Youtube when I saw this shelf. There are quite a few out there, so I looked carefully at a number of the top sellers before choosing this one. It expands to fit my oversized tub, and the price was right. Now I can extend my already longish bath time, plus have room for a book and a drink! Another win!
(I will insert a link if you want to check them out.) 
I actually use this every night!
While we are talking about bath time, lol...Working so much I often just want to soak in the tub, then fall into bed! So I upped my bath tub game with Galaxy bath bombs.
The water is black/purple! The scent is Black Amber and smells really nice!
 But wait, there's more bath stuff!
I'm starting to think I was bath obsessed in September, WTF? And my obsession with Acure products continues too! I hoarded up a ton of Acure products for the win! I so love this vegan brand! I have been so happy with their facial scrub and body wash that I added Shampoo/conditioner, body lotion and cleansing towelettes to my collection. I also bought more body wash to stock the guest bath. 
Also another MUST HAVE for traveling.
 I love, love, LOVE! This Vegan brand!
Okay enough bath stuff....I am still obsessed withCliff bars and packed my briefcase full before heading to the airport, like always. One of my die hard vegan friends told me that not every flavor is vegan. Hmmmm, when I did a search it looks like ALL the US flavors are. So I'm going to keep enjoying these delicious snack bars.
I love how filling they are and if you don't purchase at the airport ($5.USD) they are affordable, lol
I have so many old posts to clear that I'm considering either: A. A Super long 200+ picture post, B. Marathon multiple post a day blogging, or C. Forgetting all the old stuff and just starting new from here. #FML
​Do you have any suggestions? I should have been writing all week long, instead I'm unpacking the Halloween decorations and getting into the spirit of Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING! lol 
I love the candy corn table cloth, but it doesn't go with ANYTHING in my house!
Meanwhile the weather is already changing.
Even though I should post another 3,000 entries tonight, I'm going to enjoy this wonderful rainy weather with a good book and nice cup of tea. (In the bath tub, but you already guessed that!)
Catch you later! ​  I have been subscribed to VeganCuts monthly Snack box for years, (see?) But this was my 1st Beauty Box.    :D      Love it!  Am I the only one suddenly obsessed with succulents? I mean I'm a plant person, so I like just about ALL types of Flora, but suddenly I'm obsessed with this tiny treasures! Aren't they amazing>  One of my friends is building fairy gardens and they are...wow! As soon as I get back from NYC I will start mine. Heavy on the succulents, of course. Do you have a favorite type?  Another friend has successfully grown and harvested pineapples! And she doesn't even have a green thumb! I think I better take a closer look at my compost pile and see if I have a crop.
Catch you later-  Looks good doesn't it? Happy 2016 I'm starting off the year trying to eat better..so here are the results from the latest Fruit/Veggie buying haul. (I'm still in South Texas and we are blessed with lost of fresh produce.) Bought the Shit outta all kinda goodness.  Full box of banana! #Heaven  I'm not sure what Halos are...I bought for Ms. H who loves them..I figure I can trade for extra bananas. I had hopes of showing off the latest raw carrot cake I made, but my family ate it faster than I could food process carrots. (And that's pretty damn fast!) I'm still so amazed that everyone likes the raw food. So that 2 BIG raw food myths busted: 1. It's tasteless 2. It's so much hard work. It's been my experience all the raw food is very tasty and super easy to make. IDK - whoever says otherwise has probably never actually tried it. Just more silly meat #propaganda or some such shite. Now I'm off to make a big bunch of Nice Cream -- hopefully pictures to follow soon.  The weather turned off colder, but I'm still making Nice Cream.  Catch you later-  You know its going to be a good week when the flowers bloom inside. :D  :) Seems like a good day to explore a bit more. We headed back to Penrith. (See map below.) The weather was still much cooler than I am used to, making it a fun experiences, instead of the miserable 100+ temps we are used to in South Texas. I can't believe I'm wearing a coat in June!  How cute is this?  You had me with books - but add scones and HEDGEHOGS?? #HEAVEN  And did a bit Fruiting-  I love all the hanging baskets of flowers.   Glimpsed this down an alley-- Don't know what it was, but take photo for all my "Once Upon A Time" peeps.  Center of City.  Its a BANK!  wow- I guess your money would be safe inside? Like a fortress.. Finished up errands there and then off to see the ducks!  This is just a few miles out of town..  Welcoming Committee (Quack!)   (My new iPhone does take better picts, doesn't it?)   Mum and babies arrived :)  Its amazing to watch them move so fast! I have no idea how she keeps up with them all. We counted 10 ducklings!  Then back home to enjoy the sunset! #GoodDay I have 2 weeks to get my house in order before company arrives from New Orleans. Once she gets here we are out exploring every day. (So excited!)
So look for upcoming posts on Scotland, The Lakes and of course cleaning, lol. Catch you at the airport-  *Warning* Picture Heavy Post We continued our "Texas Road Trip 2015 Tour" by spending a week in Big Bend State Park. If you want to read about were we stayed and some of the other adventures click here and here. The trip was over 6 weeks long and I'm still sorting pictures! "There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend."- http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm  Yep, you can't argue with the Gov. Web site. It is a magical place. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.  We jumped out at the entrance and started exploring. The land is so rugged and different from my part of Texas. If you want proper info on the park - check out the state web site here.   Visitors can hike, mountain-bike, backpack, paddle, ride horses or explore by vehicle (the park has two- and four-wheel-drive roads). This is Texas’ biggest state park, so there’s a lot to explore!   Lots of the plants were still blooming.   Yuccas-   The park has 238 miles of multiuse trails (for hiking, biking and horseback riding). Visitors can explore 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads in high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles.     
    
 Our rental car.    Big Bend Ranch State Park is Texas’ largest state park, at over 300,000 acres.      More than 500 prehistoric campsites and shelters, cooking areas and rock art sites dot the park. Many of these are near drainages, springs or tinajas, but some sites are on upland areas away from obvious water sources.     We stopped for Lunch one day in Terlingua. These are pictures taken over several days spent in the park. The sky was always changing and the vistas were so awesome. We will definitely return.   You need to prepare before you go to the park as water is very limited. There are quite a few camp sits and lodges, but they book up fast. Also there were signs to watch out for bears (we didn't see any) and bobcats.     There are so many different shapes and sized mountains in the park. Its a very rugged, but pretty place.     It was warming up and we were glad for the clouds and a slight breeze.    This area had once been thick forests, but was logged in the 1930-40's. The trees are slowly coming back.   We drove for hours without seeing anyone. If you want to explore an area without a lot of tourists, then Big Bend is the place.   At one of the visitors centers,   A few cars and people were about.    Back on the road.     Auto to show scale & because I am too lazy to edit. None of these picts were edited. The park really is that awesome!  We stopped (Still in the park) to see some fossils.        Part of this hiking trail is wheel chair accessible.    The view of from on top of the small hill.    I'm actually not sure where I took this...      Another days adventure..    Can you spot the baby Jack Rabbit?         :O  More Jack Rabbits!     We parked and began to explore. But we were always on the look out for snakes. :x        People from Mexico leaving things for sale on the Texas side.    We parked and followed the hiking trail.     We walked further down.  Rio Grande River, looking towards Mexico.     It was odd to be at the river after spending all day in the high desert.   You are not supposed to take any rocks or anything else out of the park.    The river was calm and serene.     The rock outcropping looks somewhat like a ship.    The area was well worth exploring.   The sun was beginning to set so we walked back up to the car. Everything looked different in the changing light.    Inside the building- It had been a store and trading post.  Back on the road to catch the sunset-      A over look area to catch the sunset. :D  Computer/site is on over load from all the pictures- Sunset pictures to begin next blog post.
See you at the airport-  We just returned from a week in Alpine, Texas. Warning: This is another picture heavy post. I have been wanting to return to Big Bend and the Alpine area for a few years, but there has never been enough time. This area of Texas is very different from my home in central Texas. There are mountains, deserts, different wild life and also the temps vary greatly. May is not a tourist month as the temps are already getting in to the high 90's F. But it was the only time we could fit a trip in. We took our time and drove out, this allowed more time to explore the area. Yeah, #Roadtrip!  It looks very different from the San Antonio - Austin area.  I just love the big, blue open sky.  The town itself is approx 6,000 people.  "The town has an elevation of 4,475 feet, and the surrounding mountain peaks are over a mile high. It sits on a high plateau, in the Chihuahua Desert, with the Davis Mountains to the north and the Chisos Mountains to the south. Outcrops of ancient volcanic rocks spread to the northwest. Other layers of rocks have been exposed over time as the mountains were forced up and then eroded. The high altitude cools the desert air in the evenings. Alpine is located on U.S. Route 90 about 26 miles (42 km) east of Marfa and 31 miles west of Marathon".- from WIKI We explored Marfa, Fort Davis, Big Bend, Marathon and attended a star party at the observatory. I took a few pictures, so this will be a few posts, lol.   Most of the Yucca were blooming as we arrived.  And a different type of yucca.       We stayed at a lovely holiday house complete with a hot tub for late night star gazing!   Yeah! :D  Inside was cute, too.        "Cowgirls Don't call 911" lol  But back to the hot tub, lol.  And Patio-  Fire pit, too.  View from the back window, lol   (Found at the Snack Shack)  Also found while out shopping.   Next post on the Star Party and exploring Marfa.
See you at the airport! |
Author Welcome to my (I'm excited to travel again) blog, my healthy Vegan lifestyle blog and my life! It's a lot, but it's my passions and I just love to write about it. Visit the "About Me Page" to learn more. 
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