Lorelei Cabins

I'm not sure when it happened, but there was this magical day where my brother and I went from being arch nemesis to best friends... I'm really glad too, he's a lot of fun. 

This summer, he and my sweet, attempted a surprise for me and my sister-in-law by planning a weekend away in a cute little log cabin. The secret got out (I'm a pest when it comes to secrets) and the weekend was phenomenal. 

These darling little wooden cabins are tucked away in the hills of eastern Iowa, just outside Dubuque. Although it was a little more difficult than I'd expected to find the cabin itself, it was well worth the hunt. It was so peaceful and wonderful. Just opening the door, you're greeted by the scent of fresh cedar. The cabin is fully stocked... even with four full length bath robes! 

If you're looking for a peaceful getaway to rest and rejuvenate. I suggest at least looking into these. 

We spent our downtime in the hot tub, (that's right, as if peaceful cabin outside of town wasn't good enough... but wait, there's more!) paddle-boating on the pond, shopped the farmer's market in Dubuque, we visited the casino, had lunch at a local winery, grilled steaks for dinner, and watched a movie. 

Although it didn't seem quite long enough, it was a wonderful weekend and probably should happen more often. :) 

rest

There is just something about this time of year that just makes me so nostalgic. 

It's been getting chillier and all I've been wanting to do is snuggle up with a blanket, cup of tea, and a good book... not to say that this is much different than most of the rest of the year, but lately, the urge has been something I can't subside. 

I found all the ingredients in my cupboard to make a chai latte, only one of my very favorite things. :)

There were additional bonuses too though! My house smelled AMAZING by the time it was brewing!!

What you'll need:

-Black Tea, I use Republic of Tea's English Breakfast

-cinnamon sticks

-cardamom pods

-nutmeg

-sugar

-coconut milk

I took about two cups of water and brought it to a boil. I then lowered the heat to a simmer and put two tea bags in the water. I let them steep for about 15 minutes with the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. (So wonderful to be running around the house doing laundry and such, knowing that at the end of that I'd have THIS to sit and enjoy.) Once I had all my laundry and household things to a point where I didn't need to tend to it anymore, I added enough coconut milk to create the light brown color I like best for my lattes - yours might be lighter or darker and that's just fine!) Add sugar to taste. Collect your book and blanket. Snuggle up and enjoy.