I Am Thankful For:
Finally getting a skin check
Iced coffee
New rugs for the kitchen
Lunch with my husband
Beautiful weather
Starting a book I have wanted to read for a while
Picking out trim for the kitchen
My husband making breakfast for me
A heating pad
Pulled pork
A chat with a neighbor
My sister making me laugh
Talking on the phone with my grandson
My husband's birthday
I Am Thankful For:
Finally feeling better
A decent night's sleep
Planning a new creative project
Changing leaves
Lunch with my dad
Family movie night
A simmering pot of chili
Finishing a good book
Getting back to my usual routine
Rainy fall days
The beginning of October
As September comes to an end, I always feel a subtle shift—not just in the weather, but in my mindset. I find myself lingering in the quiet moments a little longer. This time of year always seems to me as if the world is gently encouraging me to slow down for a moment before the rush of the holidays begins.
It's too close to call as to which post on the blog was your favorite this month - Cozy September or Shopping My Closet: Transitional Fall Style. I also shared what I love about Fall in Welcoming Autumn.
September was a month of long awaited accomplishment. Our countertops were installed. We were thrilled at how quickly this happened. We had originally been told it could take 6 to 8 weeks. As it turned out - once we approved the slabs, the installation took place 10 days later! They are so beautiful. There's still work to be done. For example: tiling the back splash, putting up all the trim, and figuring out window treatments. But we once again have a functioning kitchen and I love how it is coming together!
Our new deck passed final inspection. And we have been enjoying as much time out there as possible! We bought a giant cantilever umbrella to provide shade even when the sun is past the trees and beats down on that side of the house. And we've already hosted a small family get together on it.
No one seems to be happier about the deck than the family dogs. Ziggy would spend every waking second out there if I let him! Although he has tried to squeeze through the gate and make an escape once already. We need to figure a way to prevent that from happening!
Mid-month I was sick for over a week with what must have been a nasty cold. The day it started, I thought it was just some fall allergies. But by the next morning I felt terrible and there was no doubt that I was really and truly sick. I felt bad enough to test for Covid and the flu. Fortunately, all results were negative. And by the end of the week I was starting to feel a little better. Although, I still haven't completely gotten rid of the cough.
This month I read "Lightning Strike" by William Kent Krueger for book club. I also read "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan and "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due. I am currently reading "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V. E. Schwab. The man of the house and I finished reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett. Any suggestions for what we should read next?
Some of my favorite things from September included: mornings and evenings out on the new deck, iced coffee, the subtle changes in the weather, and the man of the house grilling every weekend.
How was your September?
I Am Thankful For:
A little treat
Negative Covid and Flu tests
An afternoon of rest
Cold medicine
Starting feel a little better
No damage from the hail storm
The new moon
Panthers win!
Pretzel bites
The first day of Autumn
Watching the sunset from our deck
Shepherd's pie
Fall nail polish colors
Watching the falling leaves
Getting my yearly fall vaccines
Houseplants
A morning with my youngest grandson
A rainy afternoon
There’s something almost magical about the arrival of autumn. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and the world begins to shift into a palette of warm, golden hues. For me, autumn is a season of both change and comfort.
There is something special about the sky on a clear fall day. It’s as if the blue deepens, becoming richer and more vibrant. That brighter shade of blue feels like nature’s way of saying, “Slow down. Take it in.”
Fall also brings football season. I love cheering for my favorite team and gathering with family on game day. It's an extra special experience when the man of the house and I can visit a stadium and catch a game in person.
Crisp fall mornings are another favorite. There’s something refreshing about stepping outside and feeling that cool air on your face. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out cozy sweaters, sip something warm, and savor the slower pace of the season
Of course, the changing leaves are the stars of the season. Watching the trees transform into reds, oranges, and yellows never gets old. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, and that nature always knows how to put on a show.
And let’s not forget the unofficial mascot of autumn: pumpkin everything. From lattes and pies to candles and decor, pumpkins are everywhere, and I'm here for all of it! They are cute, comforting, festive, and delicious—what more could you ask for?
So here’s to autumn—the season of vibrant skies, football cheers, colorful leaves, brisk mornings, and all things pumpkin. May it bring you joy, peace, and plenty of moments to savor.
Welcome back, fall. You’ve been missed!🍂
I Am Thankful For:
No bad news at the Orthopedist
A bright blue fall sky
Comfort foods
A colorful sunset
Our beautiful new deck
Trip to the warehouse club with my husband
A small family cookout
The funny things my grandson says
Grilled rice ribeyes
A lazy Sunday
Fall nail polish colors
Buffalo wings
When my hold at the library is finally available
Hot tea with honey
Cough drops
Sleeping the morning away
As soon as the temperatures start to dip and the first signs of fall appear, I find myself craving a wardrobe refresh. I’m dreaming of cozy sweaters and stylish boots—but the weather here isn’t quite ready for all that yet. So in the meantime, I’m shopping my closet for outfits that work for this in-between season.
Look One: Casual Comfort in Overalls
These overalls have been a staple in my wardrobe since last fall. They’re incredibly comfortable—like wearing pajamas—but they look much more polished. And let’s be honest, the compliments I get when I wear them don’t hurt either! For warm early fall days, I’m pairing them with a cheerful yellow scoop-neck tee and layering on beaded necklaces, including a faux pearl pendant for a touch of elegance.
Look Two: Light Layers with a Pop of Turquoise
I love the classic combo of jeans, a tee, and a cardigan for fall. But since it’s still warm out, I’m adapting the look with straight-leg jeans, a turquoise tank, and a short-sleeved knit cardigan. I kept the jewelry simple with my favorite bee pendant necklace featuring a toggle clasp—just enough detail without feeling heavy.
Look Three: Summer Dresses, Reimagined
You may have noticed that I paired each of these looks with my Tieks in Sunset Stripe. The colorful stripes are perfect for both summer and fall, and they go with just about everything. Tieks’ flexible design, cushioned back and insole, and thick non-skid sole keep my midlife knees and feet happy—no matter where the day takes me.
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| Tieks in Sunset Stripe |
As we ease into fall, I’m finding joy in rediscovering pieces I already own and styling them in fresh, transitional ways. Each of these outfits blends comfort with personality—and my Tieks in Sunset Stripe are the perfect finishing touch. Their vibrant colors complement both summer and fall palettes, and the comfort they offer keeps me moving with ease and confidence. Whether I’m running errands or heading out for a weekend adventure, Tieks help me step into the season in style.
What's your favorite summer-to-fall transitional look?
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary pair of Tieks by Gavrieli in exchange for this post. https://tieks.com/reviews
I Am Thankful For:
New countertops are installed
The start of football season
Planning a family dinner
Fridays
Trips to the home improvement store
Butterflies
Football Sundays
Lasagna soup
The full moon
Good book club discussions
Chilly mornings
Book recommendations
The new deck passed final inspection
Early morning phone calls from my daughter and grandson
Huge new deck umbrella
Dinner outside
Slowly getting things back together
