Welcome Autumn!

 It's here!  It's finally here!  After what has seemed to be the longest, morst stress inducing Spring and Summer in recent history - we have at long last come to the first day of Autumn.  I know some of you are out there lamenting the end of Summer.  But that's not me!  Fall is always my favorite time of the year.  And that goes extra for this year.

I have been decorating for the season.  Putting out all my pumpkins, autumn leaves and scented candles. I'm especially pleased with the Autumn look for my coffee center in the kitchen/dining room.  

The Man of the House and I took advantage of the last weekend of Summer to drive up to Paint Rock. The rock sits just outside of Hot Springs, North Carolina where Paint Creek meets the French Broad River.  It's a beautiful spot.  And the area holds special meaning for us, since in his genealogical research the Man of the House found evidence that his family lived in this area in the late 1800 and early 1900s.  

It was a perfect day for getting outdoors.  Cool, but not chilly.  A nice mix of sun and clouds.  And the area was not crowded at all, so we didn't have to worry about social distancing or wearing our masks or anything.  It was lovely to get out and feel completely normal for a few hours. 

Even little Max enjoyed the adventure.  I was nervous how he would do around the river, but he was quite curious about exploring.  That has me looking forward to do some light hiking and nature walks as the leaves begin to change colors for the fall. 

Do you have plans for this Autumn?  What are your favorite fall activities?

This and That and a Few Other Things

Ever feel like you have a LOT to say, then when the time comes to actually say it...  crickets... ? 

No?  Just me?  C'mon now.  I know I can't be the only one.  Well, whether I'm one in a million - or not - that's me recently.  I always think I have so very much to write about until I sit down at the computer with a blank post screen in front of me.

We've been doing a hike pretty much every Saturday this month.  And I'm loving it!

Weekend before last we went up to Max Patch.  The Male Offspring even went with us!  If you've never been, let me just warn you - it is quite a climb up to the top!  And this ol' asthmatic gal was huffing and puffing most of the way.  Be prepared.  I can assure you, however - that it is WELL worth the work!  It is amazingly beautiful!  They said we would have 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.  We were not disappointed!  Words simply do not do it justice.

Afterward, because it was the Man of the House's birthday weekend - we went to listen to some live music, eat dinner and relax for a while at Sierra Nevada Brewing.  (hint: try the Hop and Sour!)Followed by dessert at Baked Pie Company.

This past weekend the Man of the House and I stayed a little closer to home.  We started at the Hard Times Loop Trail head, walked down the NC Arboretum property, down Bent Creek Trail and back.  That's a nice easy hike if you're looking for one in the area.

In other news...

We got a new fridge.  The old one was about 24 years old.  I know!!  Can you believe it?  But it just kept chugging along.  Recently it started freezing a lot of items in the fridge area, so when we saw a good deal on one in the Lowe's clearance area we snapped it up.

I made a cute little no-sew valance for my dining room using Pioneer Woman napkins I picked up at the Walmart.

And my mantel is finally FALLified  (sure, that's a word)

I think  that's about all I have to say for now.  Although I'll probably think of about a dozen more things once I shut down the computer. 

How's life been treating you so far this month?

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Autumn

As I mentioned in my post from Monday, I have been doing a little Autumn decorating around the house.  Fall is my favorite season.  I think because it's such a cozy season. And I love adding all the comforting accents of rich reds, oranges, and browns.  Along with the spicy pumpkin and apple scents in my wax burners.

I thought today I could give y'all a brief tour...

This has been my go to porch decoration for the past few years.  Now, to be completely honest I haven't actually created it yet this year; but it should be happening by the end of the weekend.  I also have a little wire basket I plan to fill with some little gourds.

In the entry way you'll find a cute wooden pumpkin and some candles on the small cabinet where keys are (supposed to be) kept.  And these pillows I picked up last year in the dollar spot at Target rest on the storage bench.

The mantle is pumpkin and candle central!  Lots of fun pumpkin finds over the years from Michael's.  My new yummy smelling jar candle from Kirklands.  And the Give Thanks box I picked up the night my youngest sister and I were thrown out of a Hobby Lobby.  (not really - we were asked politely to leave because we didn't realize they had closed 10 minutes ago.  But we like to make it sound dramatic and exciting.  LOL)

The kitchen table scape displays a simple runner (this year's Target dollar spot find), a red wooden tray from Kirklands, my napkin holder, a set of adorable  pumpkin salt and pepper shakers, a pretty thrift store find pitcher with some artificial flowers and berries, and a pair of candles.

There you have it.  Simple, but it all makes me happy.

It's Fall, Y'all!

Fall is my very favorite season of them all! 

Football, changing leaves, cooler weather, the sweaters and boots are back, the Man of the House and I both celebrate birthdays, apples, pumpkins, and Halloween.  What's not to like?

 And decorating for autumn makes me happy!

 

Autumn Hanging Basket

Autumn table scape

Front entry dressed for fall