Ochs Orchard l Warwick, NY

Yesterday was the perfect fall day in New York. The sun was shining, the temperature was cool and the air was crisp. We decided to spend the day apple picking at a lovely orchard called Ochs Orchard in Warwick, NY. 

This orchard is chock full of every type of apple you can imagine and the view is to die for. Tucked in the quaint town of Warwick, this orchard is a must see for us every fall. 

My shirt and vest are Ralph Lauren (both old but similar here and here). My sunglasses are Dior, my boots are LL Bean Bean Boots and my leggings are LOFT. 

Along with apple picking, you can explore the orchard's adjacent shop which is chock full of fresh produce, the most delicious apple cider donuts, and even some furry friends. 

Happy Fall and chat soon!

Heirloom Tomato Tuna Melt with Fall Harvest Side Salad and Honey Mustard Dressing

Tuna melts are quite possibly my favorite food. Over the years, my love affair with this easy-to-make, versatile dish has evolved and I slowly developed my own recipe with a few twists. The first of these twists is that I prefer my sandwich open-faced. The next, is that I always need to include tomatoes - either cherry, grape or heriloom. The final twist is in the tuna. I never use your standard run of the mill canned tuna. Instead, I opt for the BEST canned tuna ever - Genova Tonno Solid Light Tuna in Olive Oil.   While pricier than standard canned tuna, this little 5 oz. wonder seriously makes all the difference in an OK sandwich and an EXCELLENT sandwich that you'll want over and over again. Without further ado, here we go!

Ingredients

• Trader Joe's Tuscan Pane Bread
• 1 can of tuna
• 1 handful of cherry tomatoes or 1 medium tomato
• Olive oil
• Cheddar cheese
• Mesclun salad mix
• 2 tbs toasted sunflower seeds
• 1 carrot shaved
• Finely sliced cabbage (optional)
• Honey mustard dressing 

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
• Place 4 slices of Tuscan Pain on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil
• Evenly distribute a spoonful of tuna onto each slice, then add either halved cherry tomatoes or tomato slices
• Next, slice the cheddar into even chunks and place over the tuna and tomatoes
• Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool before slicing each piece of bread in half
• While the sandwiches cool, mix the mesclun mix, sunflower seeds, carrot and cabbage. Add a few tablespoons of your favorite honey mustard dressing. Toss and enjoy!

The BEST Skinny Jeans And 40% Off Everything At LOFT

I recently popped into my local LOFT  and was blown away. Not only were the clothes well-made and functional but they were CUTE! In fact, I was so blown away that I ended up snatching up a few things including the BEST skinny jeans!  Not only are these jeans super comfortable and flattering, but they are also the perfect length for me. At 5'4" I'm normally somewhere between petites and regular sizes but the petite length on these is perfect and hits me right at the ankle.

I also picked up some basic t-shirts that are the perfect layering pieces and the most perfect black skirt. 

As if all of this wasn't enough, through this weekend everything at LOFT is 40% OFF!  That's right, the perfect fall cardigan, this crazy chic tie-neck blouse, this printed dress and so much more is on super sale so you can stock up on all your fall and early winter essentials. 

Happy Shopping!!

Pumpkin Walnut Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that fall is finally here (AHHH!!!!) I couldn't wait to whip up this Pumpkin Walnut Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is perfectly fall-themed with notes of pumpkin and spice running throughout it. Plus, it's pretty simple to make and will leave your house smelling delicious! Before we jump into the recipe, I want to call out that I borrowed and modified this recipe from the ever perfect Martha Stewart. Am I the only one who can't help but read every Martha Stewart cook book, craft book and holiday entertaining book available this time of year?!? Anyway, get your aprons and mixing bowls ready and lets do this.

Cake Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup buttermilk 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs and 1 egg white 
• 1 cup pumpkin puree 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-2-inch round cake pan. Rub a stick of butter along the sides and bottom of the pan until completely covered. Coat the pan with flour and gently tap to remove the excess.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Place the mixture to the side.

3. Next, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes with the aid of an electric mixer. Add the eggs and egg white and beat they are combined. Now, add the pumpkin puree and buttermilk and beat until everything is combined. Slowly add the flour mixture and walnuts, and mix gently until the batter is smooth.

4. Pour the batter into the buttered pan, and bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool and let it rest for about 20 minutes while you make the frosting.

5. To make the frosting simply mix all of the ingredients listed above until smooth. 

6. Delicately frost the cake as desired and enjoy with tea or coffee.