Sober October?

 Sober October...

 ever heard of it? I'm familiar with Dry January, but a Sober October was news to me until I started seeing it popping up on my social media feeds.

Apparently the concept has been around for a few years; two publications that I follow have current articles on the subject - Delish  and Refinery29. This new-to-me information came close on the heels of articles about increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Everyone from the New York Times, Chicago Tribune to the BBC were sounding alarms about many of us turning to drink to cope with the chaos and lockdowns during the last few months.

 Most of us don't have a problem, but some of us may have been using our confinement as an excuse to drink just a tad too much. Like Dry January, it's an opportunity to assess  and perhaps regain control of our drinking.

 

Enter Sober October

I learned that Macmillan Cancer Support out of Britain began this movement asking people to give up alcohol for the month to raise money for cancer research. Not a bad idea no? Since then other charities have hopped on the bandwagon with their own challenges and fundraisers. Novel idea, no?

A huge burgeoning Alcohol Free drink market. 

If you decide to do a Sober October you don't have to miss out. During my research I learned that the "AF" craft beer, wine and distilled spirits industries are exploding. There's so much more out there than O'Douls beer and Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. Major beer companies are offering AF versions of their products - Heineken 00, Coors, Bud & Pabst Blue Ribbon are just a few. I think Heineken00 tastes just like its boozy sister and guess what - 69 calories (2 Weight Watcher points).   Craft Beer companies are creating interesting recipes too. 

 

  

You may be like me...I'm not a huge drinker, but I love Chardonnay, G&Ts, and Margaritas and found myself having a drink almost every night.  But a few months ago I decided to give myself a break, and challenged myself to not drinking any alcohol for a month.  Wow, what a difference it made.

Here's what I found - I slept better 

Living in Denim

 I don't know about you, but I live in denim. Being a child of the 60s, I grew up wearing jeans. I bought my first pair at the Army/Navy store for $6. They were straight leg, unisex - actually men's I believe - and came in various waist and inseam measurements. I wore those puppies every day, styling them with basic t-shirts or embroidered gauze tops.

Now that fall is here and temperatures are dropping a bit, it's time to break out the denim again. On cooler days I've begun to wear my jeans with an embroidered top, a linen popover shirt, or a selection from my collection of chambray shirts. On warmer days sleeveless chambray and embroidered linen do the trick.

This top is quickly becoming a favorite!

Denim is roaring back this season, and I couldn't be happier. It can be dressed up or down, so instead of looking at my poor selfies, let's go to some of my favorite style bloggers. They wear it so well and have some great ideas for styling denim. Here are a couple of examples. 

Classic from head to toe 

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Chambray at its finest - mix it with black denim.

source

Creative but doable looks. 

I especially like the wrap and blazer. Take special note of how Cindy styles the shirt under the blazer - that broach!

source

Jennifer wears another version of blazer, chambray and broach. I'm loving this look and I know just the broach I'm going to use!

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Channeling Ralph Lauren - for the cooler climes and mountain vibes...I'm loving the hat and blanket sweater.

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 How are you wearing your denim this fall? Or are you?

Until next time...

Cyndi

Easy Individual Peach Pies

These are so darn good!!!!!

 

And so darn easy....

Using simple ingredients 

4 medium ripe peaches

1/4 C brown sugar

2Tbsp butter

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1 package refrigerated pie crust

1 large egg

1T water

Stir Brown sugar, butter and cinnamon together until thoroughly blended

cut peaches in half & remove pit

add a spoon full of mixture to center

Roll out the prepared pie crust

cut into 1 1/2 inch strips

lay strips in an x pattern

place peach in center

cut two bottom strips in half lengthwise

wrap strips over the top of peach in a lattice pattern

pinch together at bottom

cut off excess pie crust 

whisk together egg & water

brush tops

Place on parchment lined baking sheet 

Bake in preheated 400 degree oven until golden brown

(about 12-20 minutes)

Let stand 4 minutes

serve alone or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

That's it guys...

How simple is that?????

And let me tell you - They are were amazing!

If you want the original recipe with a short "how-to" 

video go here.

So, if you're wondering what to do with those last of the summer peaches, here's your answer!

Until next time...

Cyndi