My Cozy and Crafty Fall Favorites
A dinner cobbler, sweater-weather bucket list, and leftover Halloween candy hacks.
Happy Sunday, friends! Grab your coffee and get comfy — it’s time to gather together at The Brunch Club! Here’s a little secret: this newsletter was actually supposed to launch back in July. But you know what I always say, “We plan, and God laughs,” and boy, was that true with this! It’s a great reminder, even for me, that it’s okay when our plans don’t always work out the way we expect. So, let’s embrace the twists and turns together!
Can you believe Halloween is just four days away? It always feels like the official start of fall and kicks things off in the best way. Driving around town and seeing all the creative outdoor decorations is a sign that the festive season is upon us. Once Halloween rolls around, you know it’s time for apple picking, sweater weather, and everything pumpkin! What a perfect way to start thinking about the holidays, but also a reminder to press pause on that to-do list and soak in the season.
And speaking of making the most of the season, I’ve included a fun Fall Bucket List in this week’s issue! From classic activities like pumpkin carving to simple joys like a crisp evening walk, it’s full of ideas to help you enjoy some of the best things that fall has to offer. So, print it out and hang it on your refridge and we can check it off together!
This Week’s Menu:
We’ve got floors and tiles and stairs! If you haven’t heard, my husband, Mr. Babs, and I have been renovating a historical home we’ve lovingly named “The Basket House,” as it was a basket shop in the 1800s. I’m so excited to share photos of the latest progress. It’s starting to feel like we’re finally in the home stretch! (Pun absolutely intended. 😉)
Get ready for a one-pot wonder! Cobbler for dinner? You betcha! This Skillet BBQ Chicken Cobbler is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to make, perfect for easy cleanup after your next gathering!
Dive into a giant pile of leaves with my Fall Bucket List! Let’s make the most of the season and cherish every delightful moment!
Buzz Babs: I was so touched to receive so many messages from you; it was hard to pick just one! This week, I talk about having fun creating a beauty routine at any age and share some of my favorite products.
To say that my kids looked forward to Halloween every year is an understatement. They were already planning their costumes on the first day of September! It wasn’t long before they ditched the cute little plastic pumpkins to collect their goodies into something more substantial: pillowcases. They would not stop trick-or-treating until their cotton sacks were full and sometimes would head home to deposit their loot before hitting the trail again. It was such a blessing to live in a neighborhood filled with kids. The dads would often walk along with the younger ones with an adult beverage, but as the kids got older, they traveled the treat trail with their neighborhood friends. When our porch lights were turned off at the end of the evening, candy was counted down to the last Hershey’s Kiss because my kids were very competitive. Another Halloween had ended. Now came the task of dealing with all that candy!
Whether your kids are trick-or-treating, handing out sweets to mini ghosts and goblins (or both!), you now have more goodies than a chocolate factory. Your Fairy Grandmother is here to help Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo all that extra sweet stuff.
Here are some easy ways to make leftover Halloween candy magically disappear:
“If you can’t beat’em, join them…together!” That’s the idea behind my easy and delicious candy bar brownie hack. Your kids will love picking their favorite treats and pressing them in between two layers of store-bought brownie batter. Bake in the oven using the brownie box instructions and presto! You’ve got delicious brownies with a gooey layer of candy in the middle. The trick to this treat is they’ll be too busy being little chefs to notice if some of their candy goes missing. 🤫 (If you want to get an idea of what this looks like, check out a similar brownie recipe I did using Symphony bars.)
It may be the preschool teacher in me, but I say “yes” to kids playing with their food … as a supervised activity, of course! Ask them to build a witch’s house, a spider, or a favorite animal out of candy and toothpicks to let their imaginations run wild — and don’t forget the glitter and glue!
Why not kick off the season of giving in October? You can drop off candy at a local food pantry or donate a portion to organizations like Soldiers’ Angels, which sends treats to our troops. Check out their site to find a candy collection site near you.
Life is too short to be a Scrooge about Halloween candy. It’s not all about the treats but the anticipation and excitement of the holiday itself. So, let them enjoy their hard-earned loot! After all, it’s just one day.
Don’t just throw it away! Folks like firefighters, work colleagues, delivery people, and postal workers would be thrilled to have some sweet treats.
Flannels, S’mores, and Pumpkins, Oh My! Babs’ Fall Bucket List
Here in New England, fall dazzles us with its vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. That’s what made us plant our roots in this area. Mr. Babs and I love this season because it reminds us to slow down and reflect on what matters the most — sharing the gift of this beautiful season with family and friends and making our home feel like an extra-warm hug. I’ve been waiting to share my fall bucket list with you which has a little bit of something for everyone!
1. Fall in love with a good book: Autumn is the perfect time to visit your local library or bookstore to find a good read to curl up with at night. Right now, I’ve got Good Energy by Casey Means, M.D. on my nightstand, while Mr. Babs has his nose in The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson.
2. Go on a hayride: Dress up in your favorite flannel plaid shirt and corduroy pants, and visit a pumpkin patch or farm for an old-fashioned hayride.
3. Watch a scary movie! As the nights get longer and darker, there’s no better time to pop popcorn and watch spooky films, if you dare! Mix up classics like Frankenstein with more kid-friendly picks like A Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus.
4. Bring fall scents into the home: Are you a cinnamon spice or rustic leaves person? Investing in a seasonal candle or two is a nice, affordable way to fill your home with the warm fragrances of fall.
5. Take a nature walk and make a wreath with your found treasures: Take advantage of autumn’s sweater weather with a peaceful walk on a nature trail or park. Clear your mind by focusing on all the leaves, twigs, and berries on your path. Collect your favorites and use those found treasures to decorate a fall wreath.
6. Have a slumber party: Nothing says fall like snuggling into cozy flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers! Make a hot cocoa station with marshmallows and other festive toppings, pull out some classic board games, and settle in for a fun stay-at-home night of storytelling and laughter.
7. Visit a farmer’s market: Grab your tote bags and stock up on locally grown seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, maple syrup, cheeses, handmade crafts, and flowers at a nearby farmer’s market. Then bake up an apple, pear, or pumpkin pie for the family or gift it to a neighbor.
8. Bundle up and stargaze with a cup of hot cider: Before temperatures get downright frightful, lay a few blankets on the lawn on a clear, cool night to take in the stars with a mug of hot cider.
9. Bonfire night with friends: Whether you have a fire pit in your backyard or visit a park or beach, invite your friends and family to an evening bonfire night. Don’t forget to pack warm blankets, mugs, and ingredients for s’mores and hot cocoa.
10. Take a scenic drive: Admire the fall foliage by getting behind the wheel for a leisurely daytime drive off the beaten path. Bonus points for turning off your GPS and getting lost for a little while!
Even if this list isn’t your cup of tea, I hope it inspires you to Carpe Diem. Seize not only the day but the entire season to create your own memories before the last leaves fall from the branches. My number one tip is to keep it simple. Planning too much can be overwhelming when we already have so much on our plates. Remember, it’s all about breathing in some crisp fall air and enjoying quality time with loved ones!
Skillet BBQ Chicken Cornbread Cobbler
As we swap our sundresses for sweaters, hearty dishes are essential for autumn suppers. This week, I’m sharing something a little unexpected for dinner: a cobbler! Who says cobblers are just for dessert?? My Skillet BBQ Chicken Cornbread Cobbler recipe is one of my cozy weather favorites! This one-pot dish is a cinch to make and is loved by everyone, from Mr. Babs to my grandkids. The cornbread mix is a sweet reminder to savor the change of seasons and holiday season ahead!
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
This is a meal that has veggies, chicken, sauce, and cornbread biscuits all in one skillet.
Can use 4 cups of another leftover cooked protein, like pulled pork, brisket, beans, or turkey.
For more of a kick, use pepper jack cheese and/or add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken mixture.
Make it easy and use your favorite store-bought bbq sauce here.
Can use fresh corn instead of frozen if you like.
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup barbecue sauce
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen corn (no need to thaw)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (8 1/2-ounce) box cornbread mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
4 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar (about 1 cup)
1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add the scallion whites and bell pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the broth and barbecue sauce, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken and corn. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornbread mix according to package instructions, then fold in half of the cheddar and scallion greens. Dollop heaping spoonfuls of the cornbread batter over the top of the chicken mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar. Bake until the cornbread is firm and just starting to brown, and the filling is bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve topped with remaining scallion greens.
Wipe your feet on our (virtual) welcome mat, and come have a look at what’s been brewing at the Basket House! New windows have been installed, stairs have been built, and flooring has been laid down. And would you look at all that kitchen counter space we’ll have to create everyday and special occasion dishes?
What are your favorite details of Basket House renovations so far? Tell me what you think in the comments below!
Dear Babs,
I am now 71 & always playing with eye makeup & lipstick & unable to find what's nice for me. Everything is catered for the "young" & they don't realize we are totally "young" too & love skincare & makeup suited for our style. You are just beautiful & classic & I wonder what is that beautiful lipstick color & if you have a favorite eyeshadow, & skin care. I saw in one video the Night Repair Serum a staple my mom, my Aunt, & myself have used.
Thank you so much,
God Bless All The Best!
Patty from New Jersey
Dear Patty,
Thank you for the kind words! I love that you’re experimenting with new beauty products and your skin care routine at 71 years young. We are beautiful and can try new things at any age! However, I hear you about skincare brands advertising focused on “age-defying” instead of “age-amazing” products. My advice is to ignore all of that and have fun finding the right beauty essentials that work for you. If you see a shade of lipstick you love, try it! Most cosmetic stores, pharmacies, and online shops have generous return policies, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
I never ever ever go to sleep without washing my face and using a serum and moisturizer. I actually don’t stick to one particular brand. My feeling is that after using the same products over a long period of time, sometimes your skin stops benefiting from them. So, I switch things up to avoid this.
Here’s what’s currently in my makeup bag:
Estée Lauder Pure Color Hi Lustre Lipstick in #223 Candy
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb “FUSSY 02”
MAC Eye Shadow in Yogurt
bareMinerals Maximist Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara in Black
Skin Care Routine
In the morning, I wash my face with Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser, pat dry, then apply Thayers Toner. Afterward, I use fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum and fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream Moisturizer.
Before bedtime, I use the same cleanser and toner, then mix a few drops of LaLena’s Black Seed Oil and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum into my face and neck before applying a thin layer of Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme.
Got a burning question for me about food, entertaining, or life in general? Just type “Buzzing Babs” in the comments section for next week.
Loved this newsletter! Thanks, Babs
Your staircase is absolutely gorgeous!