Apple Pie Dump Cake

I had never heard of a "dump cake" until a bunch of them showed up in my feed on Pinterest and thought I'd give one a try.  Such an easy dessert to whip together at the last minute for your family (I halved the recipe below) or to bring to a family gathering or potluck.  It seems there are SO many versions of these dump cakes.  The one that I chose and adapted is very simple.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things, summer edition!

HOME:

I did a "how I clean" series on my Instagram stories and shared some of the things I used and many of you had questions about the vacuum I was using.

Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright-$149.99

My vacuum.  I used to have a Dyson and loved it but it broke.  I bought a cheaper vacuum and it is an actual improvement on the Dyson.  I love that all the pieces and parts can come and part and be cleaned.  There are a couple of filters for dust that can be washed in soap and water, all the hose attachments can be removed and this vacuum sucks the living daylights out of my carpets.

I have tried the more expensive version of this Navigator (it's called a Lift Away-I garbage picked it) and I didn't like it as much as this older model.

Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths-$10.99

These clothes will last a lifetime and are worth it.  I also LOVE these microfibers.  I have the ultra cheap ones but always reach for these because they are thicker and just work better.

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

I love this bread-a special treat, so delicious.

This recipe makes six mini-loaves.  Perfect for sharing.

Banana Bread Muffins and Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Two simple muffin recipes that are quick and easy for guests or hungry kids that must be fed.

Thinking, Playing, Reading

Thinking:

I usually link to a good essay or enlightening post from the internet in my "thinking" section but I've chosen to spend this summer just focusing hard on what I know to be true and quieting the outside world even more.  Not that it's "bad" at all-so many intelligent opinions and shared experiences and knowledge but sometimes I feel it's good to take a break and listen to our souls-what we already know is true, and what we have already learned - and to trust in our own experiences and those face to face serendipitous conversations with real people.

Dear Mothers, Love Sarah

Dear Mothers of Newborns, and Babies and Maybe Even Toddlers-

When I look back at my 26 years of parenting I have a few regrets.  Not regrets that keep me up at night, but things I would do differently if I could do it all over again.  I wrote a post about it here and I have more to say so here we go.

Blueberry or Raspberry Lemon Muffins

These muffins are easy and delicious.  If you don't have lemon extract, use vanilla, and if you don't have half-and-half cream use milk.  I almost always put all the dry ingredients and wet ingredients into my mixer at once to make it easier, but add fruit last and just mix gently. They will still be delicious!

Joy

Have you ever made a list of the things that bring you joy?  That make you feel good?  Or the things you want right now to happen in your life?

I recently did this and came up with a list of about twelve things, everything from very difficult things that will take time and help from others to work through, and little things that will take discipline, and other things that just take me carving out time.