Oh Sweet Basil's Tips for Creating Fall Family Moments

Yesterday I was driving our oldest daughter home from another soccer practice (does anyone else live the taxi mom life?), and a super popular singer from my childhood came on. She piped right up, asking who the singer was and I said, “Oh, she was one of the biggest female stars from like the 80’s, and 90’s!” Immediately, and in a totally nice way she said, “So she’s really ancient now?”

What?! Are you kidding me? I WAS BORN IN THE 80’s!!! We might be getting older but we aren’t that old! Haha. Nothing like suddenly being hit with the reality that you’re not a spring chicken anymore.

I don’t even know who says that. Does anyone? Your Grandma? Perfect, I’m old again.

The conversation did in fact change, which was her saving grace; “Mom, fall is my absolute favorite season. It’s the perfect temperature, the air smells different, warm boots and sweaters come out, and you can literally hear fall; the leaves, the wind, all of it.”

I’m so totally on board with fall as well. As we pulled into the garage another song came on, one all about “The Good Ol’ Days” and maybe it’s this old thing, but I suddenly found myself feeling incredibly nostalgic.

When I was younger I was set on growing up, doing things on my own, getting a job and doing a million things a minute. But that’s all changing. I don’t want to pack things in, I want to create experiences that will one day make up the memories.

That’s exactly what our family is doing, creating moments together.

To celebrate the crisp days of fall, spend more quality time together as a family and make memories, we’ve been choosing an activity once a week for “Fun Friday.” I’ll be honest, sometimes the kids choose things that are a bit out of our comfort zone, but as long as it is doable, we’ve chosen to jump in with both feet.

We are so excited to share our 3 favorite ideas with you, but as we still have a few months to go, we’d love to hear your ideas because our think tanks are starting to run on empty. Just remember, no scary houses, we’ve got a toddler and momma needs sleep at night. ;)

Capital One’s Savor card looks to reward you for all of these memorable dining-in or entertainment moments, shared with your sweet family. It feels good to spend valuable family time together, but it feels even better when it’s a moment Savor can reward you for!

1. Create a Fall Inspired Recipe Together

You’d be surprised how good kids are with recipes. Take everyone to the grocery store (a place you get rewarded for shopping at with the Savor Card. Yes, you heard right, with this card you can be rewarded for both the everyday stuff AND the bigger nights out!) and let the kids get inspired about fall flavors.

Pick out a flavor like ours did and create a fun treat to enjoy together. We had two big opinions, maple and apples, so we chose to make a recipe with both and guess what, it’s seriously the best thing I’ve eaten all month. These Maple Apple Bombs taste like a mix between an apple fritter and a donut. YUM.

2. Halloween Bowling

Listen, I know what you’re thinking, but the kids loved this and silly activities like these help them feel love and happiness, helping us grow closer with our kids so we can guide them in the bigger things when they are older.

Head to your local consignment clothing store or Halloween shop and pick things out for Halloween Bowling. Snag some snacks at the bowling alley and settle in for a night of silly names on the score sheets and silly outfits to boot.  

3. Find a Local Spot for Fun, New Food and Experiences

We’ve often gone to restaurants with the family but lately we’ve been looking for spots that are more about experiences than just filling tummies.

Recently I discovered this spot called Last Course, an over-the-top dessert spot close to our home in Utah. It is so good, and we have so much fun there as a family! We don’t just order dessert, we totally make it into a challenge. Each person gets to order something and then we all sample everyone’s dish, and best dessert/person wins!!!

It’s so ridiculous how into it everyone gets, but I LOVE it! It’s so much fun to try to out-order the person next to you. And best of all, because it’s a dining experience, you can get rewarded for this special family experience if you use the Savor Card.

There’s never enough time, but one day, these will be the good ol’ days, and until then we’ll be making the most of every minute, and every dollar.

• 1 Package Crescent Roll Dough-- 8 ounces, separated into triangles.
• 1 Large Apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• 1/3 Cup Cinnamon Sugar
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Maple Extract
• Heavy Cream or milk as needed, about 1 tablespoon

Heat the oven to 375.

Spray a pie tin with nonstick spray.

Flatten each triangle.

Mix the apples, cinnamon sugar and flour.

Place a spoonful in the center of each dough and pinch the sides up around the apples to seal it completely.

Melt the butter in one bowl and pour the 1/3 cup cinnamon sugar into another bowl.

Roll each apple bundle in butter and then cinnamon sugar and place in the pie tin.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.

Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple extract and cream.

Drizzle the maple glaze over the apple bombs and serve immediately.