columbia

Fall Activities

You know when you have plans and life goes “Haha, nice try!” right in your face? This month has been a whirlwind – two work trips, a long weekend in Michigan to visit family, Halloween/birthday party planning, with a bad cough/cold in between… Whew! I’m looking forward to a level-set in November, but right now I’m focused on enjoying this last week of October.

While I had planned on doing a few more fall-themed posts this month, I decided to not stress about the missed days and highlight “what could have been” – it will be great to come back to these ideas next year!

Franklin Cider Mill

  • Cider Mills: During our trip to Michigan we were able to visit the Franklin Cider Mill – you haven’t enjoyed a donut until you’ve had one from a cider mill! Warm, cinnamon-y, and delicious! Here’s a link to find a cider mill near you.
  • Apple Orchards: If you’re looking for more than just good cider and donuts, try an apple orchard! You might get lucky and find one with family hayrides, corn mazes, and even an on-site restaurant. You can find one in your state by visiting this website.
  • Pumpkin Carving Party: As a kid, I really hated carving pumpkins. You’d always find me dry-heaving in a corner somewhere, grossed out by the smell and texture of pumpkin innards (gross). I was only a little bit dramatic, I swear. So of all my big ideas, this was the one I was most looking forward to – I want to get over my pumpkin guts phobia… but no one wants to plan/host a party when you’re sick, so I’m putting this on my October 2015 bucket list. Martha has you covered if you still have time to plan one of your own.
  • Fall Picnic: I’m blessed to live in an area full of beautiful parks. Once the leaves start to change next fall, I’m planning an easy menu for a lunch near the lake at Centennial Park.
  • Haunted Houses: Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll make it to a haunted house this season. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing, but back in Michigan there were so many fantastic choices… We’ve yet to find a good, local haunt spot. A couple of years ago we visited the Eastern State Penitentiary which was pretty spooky (if you could get over the hundreds of other people who were walking through the halls of the haunted prison).
  • Horror Movies: Luckily, being sick hasn’t prevented us from enjoying some gruesome horror films. I’ve gone from tolerating to actually enjoying most of the horror movies my husband has exposed me to – I prefer more psychological, mind-twisting stories over the standard blood-and-guts variety. One of my recent favorites is “Maniac” with Elijah Wood (super creepy!)… but maybe I’ll muster up the courage to finally watch “Saw” on its 10-year anniversary.
  • Costume Party: Instead of a house party this year, we’re taking our Halloween/Alex’s Birthday celebrations down to Fell’s Point in Baltimore. It’s great for the people-watching and bar-hopping prospects – check out these pictures from just a couple of years ago. I’m pretty excited about my homemade costume this year, I’m sure I’ll share a couple before and after pics on Instagram 🙂

What fun fall activities did you get into this season? And what exciting plans do you have for Halloween? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Introducing Ashley // MMD Contributor

I’m so excited to introduce you to my BFF (and favorite travel/adventure buddy) – Ashley! She will be sharing posts on some of her interests, like cooking and staying fit. Ashley has been a huge inspiration to me (also, isn’t she the prettiest!?) and I’m excited for her to share some of her favorite recipes and fitness challenges!

Meet-Ashley-MMD-Contributor

I am a food addict. I’m actually eating right now as I type this at 12:52 am. It’s an apple though. With maple almond butter. Healthy, right? I figured it was better than the three peanut butter cups I had before it.  I’m Ashley. Misty is my BFF. I’m honored that she asked me to guest post for MMD. It’s hard to decide what things are the most important to share with you, but here’s what I’ve got:

  • I pick up everything with my toes. Everything. The other day, I picked up a slice of cucumber that rolled off my salad with my toes.
  • I began fostering kittens for the Maryland SPCA this year. It’s one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life.
  • Cheese is my biggest weakness. Or chocolate. No, cheese. Dang it, I want another peanut butter cup.
  • I’m training for a half marathon next month in San Francisco. I use the term “training” loosely, as I’m really just occasionally walking or jogging and I’m going to do it regardless of how well I train. I will probably also regret that decision.
  • When I was 21, I resolved to travel to at least one new place each year. I’ve been to multiple countries in Europe and am planning a trip to Australia next year with Misty.
  • Hozier is my current obsession. Have you heard his music? If not, I highly recommend listening to “Take Me to Church” at the very least.
  • Maybe I have two obsessions right now. Have you played HearthStone? It’s an addicting online game to which I’ve devoted many hours. I also enjoy Last Night on Earth, Settlers of Catan, and many other board games.
  • Every time I have played “Two Truths and a Lie” with new people, one of my truths was that I was born with a tooth.
  • I dip my fries in mayonnaise. Everyone should dip their fries in mayonnaise.
  • I like making bulleted lists.

I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. I love to talk – especially about food. I already have a few recipes I plan to share in the coming months. Those things seem more interesting than knowing that: I’m about to be 30, I’ve lived in Columbia, MD since I was 11, and I’m a Business Manager at a marketing company. I’m fortunate to be where I am in life and I’m looking forward to sharing a part of my journey with you.